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"Young people are not and should not be considered only the future of the church; they are also the today of the church," says Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, NIC's director of connectional ministries. "Ministries with young people are a vital part of The United Methodist Church." She highlights some of the youth ministries that groups across the conference organize and offer to all interested young people. (Pictured: Vacation Bible school at Christ UMC, Rockford.)
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Choose Love Over Fear
As Easter People, we do not operate from a base of fear; rather, that of love and positivity, says Eugene Williams, NIC’s co-lay leader. "With the ability to extend love being such an abundant commodity, why is it so difficult to share it?” he asks. He describes some of the significant obstacles that we can overcome.
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Plan to attend the UMC School of Congregational Development, Aug. 4-7, in Schaumburg. Learn how to start new faith communities that will interest others and how to motivate your congregation to revive its neighborhood ministry. Register here. Demonstrate Northern Illinois hospitality to participants by volunteering to greet them, help them find rooms at the venue, and more.
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Scholarship for Women Pursuing Church Vocations
NIC's United Women in Faith offers a scholarship for women pursuing a church-related vocation, whether in ordained or lay ministry. Applicants must be accepted by an accredited graduate school, reside in the NIC, demonstrate financial need, and supply a copy of their school transcript. Applications are due Sept. 15. Download the application.
Change Happens. How Do You Talk About It?
Churches often adjust in big and small ways in order to serve and equip people for a changing world. Therefore, how we communicate change to our members really does matter. The UM Communications course "Communicating with Your Church About Change" helps leaders establish a robust foundation for change communication, garner congregational buy-in, respond gracefully to opposition, and maintain communication throughout the change process. There is no fee; churches that give through apportionments make this available to you.
Register here
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Members of the Zimbabwe East Conference’s Mubvuwi we UMC are turning to income-generating projects for sustainability — to fund their own programs and support the church. The Zimbabwe East Conference men’s organization recently added business projects to its strategic plan for the current quadrennium. | |
In late January, the church and ZB Financial Holdings, a major Zimbabwean banking and financial services company, drafted an agreement to offer The United Methodist Church Cash Funeral Plan, a funeral-assurance product specifically tailored for church members.
A portion of the money raised by Mubvuwi we UMC will go to the church in Zimbabwe’s common pool to ensure all pastors receive the same salary from the episcopal area treasury, regardless of their place of appointment.
The organization’s new focus resonates with current conversations on the African continent regarding decolonizing the church, a goal achievable only through financial sustainability.
In Zimbabwe, the church’s mission centers own vast tracts of land for farming. Some areas are believed to be rich in gold and other mineral deposits, as well as professional human resources.
Among planned short-term projects are poultry farming and a piggery. Long-term ventures include forming strategic partnerships with major corporations, mining and establishing a private school. Some of the income-generating projects fund activities and support local churches.
Zimbabwe’s former central bank governor, John P. Mangudya (pictured), chairs the Common Market for East and Southern Africa central bank governors.
“We need to do more,” he said. Citing business opportunities in Zimbabwe, Mangudya added, “We are too rich to be poor.”
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Around the Conference
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JOY Camp, June 23-29, Camp Reynoldswood, Dixon, IL. For fifth graders through high-school seniors.
Around the Connection
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PAUMCS certification class, June 1. The Professional Administrators of the UM Connectional Structure offers this self-paced curriculum with a few live sessions. The national chapter is offering ten scholarships of $150 each. Register here.
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Juneteenth, June 19. (The anniversary of the 1865 date when U.S. federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and ensure all African Americans were freed.)
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CRCC Madang, Aug. 12-16, UMC of the Incarnation, Arlington Heights.
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Best Practices for Clergy Transitions
This is the season for transitions in the ministry of churches and clergy. Here are some resources that may provide helpful guidance.
“Right Start: Beginning Ministry in a New Setting--Pastor's Version,” DVD/CD-ROM video-based training resource
Changeover Zone: Successful Pastoral Transitions, by Jim Ozier and Jim Griffith
Graceful Exit: A Pastor's Journey from Good-bye to Hello, by Mary Lindberg
Your Best Move: Effective Leadership Transition for the Local Church, by Robert Kaylor
List of selected resources
Online catalog
Contact the center
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