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‘Small Group Ministers’ pledge
to nurture others for ministry

(May 25) The first graduates of the Northern Illinois Conference (NIC) Small Group Ministry Institute pledged to “nurture persons for ministry in daily life.” More than 120 persons made this vow at Sycamore UMC on May 12 after completing their fifth day-long training session on small group ministries during a 1½-year period.

Another 100 were expected to make the same pledge on May 19 at Glenview UMC after the second presentation on “Mission and Outreach through Small Group Ministry,” led by Bishop Hee-Soo Jung.

The Rev. Oscar Carrasco, NIC director of Connectional Ministries and head of the institute, projected that more than 200 persons will be certified as “Small Group Ministers” at the 168th meeting of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference June 9-12 at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. The certification will be on Sunday, June 9, at 1:30 p.m. Another 30 or so persons will be certified as graduates of the NIC Hispanic/Latino Academy, according to him.

‘Small Group Ministers’

Bishop Jung emphasized in his workshop that participants would be certified as “Small Group Ministers,” not small group leaders. He exhorted them to “claim the pastoral role.” He said the goal of the institute is to encourage lay ministry, to create partnerships among pastors and laity. He told his audience that they are called to do ministry.

“All persons become pastors,” Jung said. “Pastors are not the only ones who care about pastoral care. I want to ask pastors how many other pastors are serving with you. Together you can expand mission outreach.”

Jung led his session under a backdrop that declared the future of the church is in small groups. “I hope 2,000 people can be sent out in this conference as small group ministers,” he said. “You will recruit more people to become new leaders. The small group is the center for leadership development. It is the kind of thing that can transform the church.”

Assimilation of new members and constant evangelism are the keys to small group ministry, according to the bishop. “Small groups are not worried about church matters,” he said. “They’re really focused on people.”

Proven mechanism

Jung said the small group is a proven mechanism in the scriptures and in the early history of the Methodist movement itself. “We do not have that kind of mechanism today,” he declared. “We as United Methodists are always focusing on corporate worship. You are going to be a community watcher instead.”

Small groups are not limited by facilities, the bishop pointed out. “We are bogged down with building. You can move beyond the building,” he said. “You have a home. You don’t need to expand your building. You can start where you are. You don’t need to do it at 10 o’clock on Sunday morning. You can do it at 7 on Saturday evening.”

The small group is geographically expanding any congregation’s reach, according to Bishop Jung. The group is Christ-centered. Members pray together, study the Bible together and do mission together. “Everyone is a child of God,” he said. “There are no race or income issues. Everyone is the same. Everyone is at peace with one another. Members serve one another in love and encourage one another.”

Most effective evangelism tool

The small group is the most effective evangelism tool, according to the bishop. He said small groups are the way to offer inactive members a way to rejoin. “We are here to serve you and are missing you so much,” he explained.

Jung encouraged his audience to support planting churches. He said planting churches is the “Great Commission” at its best. “New churches grow faster than old churches,” he said. “That’s a reality.”

The bishop said God is saying that money is not the issue. Spirit is the issue, leadership is the issue. “If you sit by persons with contagious witness, you will be changed,” he said.

“You have a high hill to climb,” Bishop Jung conceded. “You are called to do ministry. Don’t underestimate your power. You are empowered leaders. You are going to make a difference. Don’t doubt it and be serous about that.”

New round of training

Carrasco explained that after the certification, the conference will notify each Small Group Minister’s pastor, arrange their names by clusters for deployment, and create new training. “They will be required to attend the training to retain certification,” he said.

A new round of training for more Small Group Ministers will begin next year, as well, he added. Jean Bush, NIC director of Program and Leadership Development, will take over the institute after Carrasco becomes Elgin District Superintendent July 1.

In addition to the pledge to nurture persons for ministry, the participants also vowed to host a small group ministry and cultivate their own spiritual disciplines by the means of grace.

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Youths invited on Plumbline Tour

(May 25) Plumbline Tour ’07, a youth seminar connecting Christian faith and social justice, will be held Monday to Thursday, June 25 to 28, at the Church Center – United Nations in New York City. United Methodist high school youths are invited to take part and learn how to develop and reflect on international issues from a Christian perspective and to deepen their faith, civic and social justice commitments.

This year’s tour theme is “Nothing But Nets.” Participants will learn about the safety nets in our society that are meant to help those living on the margins: like the mentally ill, the homeless, those without health insurance and the working poor. Participants will also learn about the “Nothing But Nets” project that provides nets to prevent malaria in Africa. The United Methodist Church, along with the United Nations and Sports Illustrated, is a founding member of the project.

Participants will also discuss the roles money, power, faith and politics play in making sure everyone has health care, homes and fullness of life.

Participating youths will receive recommended reading material in preparation for the seminar. They may be asked to share their experiences in various church and community settings upon their return from New York.

The tour is sponsored by the Northern Illinois Conference (NIC) Office of Outreach Ministries and the Conference Council on Youth Ministries.

Cost of $700 includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, all meals and other program costs. Scholarships are available. Preference will be given to applications received by June 4.

To apply, send an application with a refundable $50 fee to Natarsha Gardner, NIC Program Office, 217 Division St., Elgin, IL 60120, (847) 931-0710, ext. 16, or send e-mail to ngardner@umcnic.org.

For more information, contact Lonnie Chafin, NIC treasurer and director of Administrative Services, (312) 346-9766, ext. 122, or lchafin@umcnic.org.

Chafin will be a leader of the tour along with the Rev. Chris Pierson, NIC director of Outreach and Witness Ministries, the Rev. Lisl Heymans from First UMC, Palatine, and the Rev. Jacques Conway from Neighborhood UMC, Maywood.

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Mutti to speak on AIDS, churches
urged to raise $1 per member

(May 25) Local congregations are being challenged by the Northern Illinois Conference to raise $1 per member for the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund. The AIDS Fund was established at the 2004 General Conference to raise $8 million by 2008, or approximately $1 per member. Funds will support programs offering HIV and AIDS education, prevention, treatment and care services in the U.S. and around the world.

Bishop Fritz Mutti (retired), who lost two sons to complications from HIV, will be a featured speaker at the 168th Northern Illinois Annual Conference on Sunday, June 9, at the Pheasant Run Resort Mega Center in St. Charles. Bishop Mutti will speak at 11:30 a.m. during the Conference Board of Global Ministries report.

Congregations will have four years to fulfill the challenge, but are being asked to bring a first fruits offering to the 7 p.m. “Celebration of Our Global Connection.”

The United Methodist Global AIDS Fund will assist congregations and annual conferences in identifying and creating global partnerships for mutual HIV/AIDS ministry; provide support for projects sponsored by local congregations or organizations related to the United Methodist Church, autonomous Methodist churches, and churches of other denominations; advocate for increased governmental and non-governmental AIDS funding; explore partnerships with government funding initiatives as well as the Global Fund for AIDS, TB, and Malaria; and develop appropriate promotional materials and funding guidelines.

The fund is a General Advance Special, #982345, of the United Methodist Church.

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Bishop Sprague to speak at 45th RUM dinner

(May 25) Bishop C. Joseph Sprague, episcopal leader of the Northern Illinois Conference from 1996 to 2004, now retired, will be guest speaker at Rockford Urban Ministries’ 45th Annual Dinner on Friday, June 22, at Christ UMC, 4509 Highcrest Rd., Rockford. The dinner will be at 6 p.m. The program will follow at 7.

Rockford Urban Ministries (RUM) is the outreach of 26 churches in the Rockford area. It was founded in 1962 by the Rockford District Superintendent of the United Methodist Church and provides mission programs, a work camp experience, and a way for congregations to get involved in ministry.

Bishop Sprague is known for combining biblical scholarship, personal piety, preaching and teaching with social justice ministries and commitment. He emphasizes both spiritual nurturing and justice seeking as vehicles for congregational renewal. Widely sought as a preacher and teacher, he is a voice for peace, an inclusive church, racial justice and gender equality.

Sprague is the recipient of the AFSC Courage of Conviction Award, the Rainbow Push Civil Rights/Peace Award, and the William Sloan Coffin Award for Justice and Peace. He is co-author of a chapter in the seminary textbook, Pastor as Educator. Abington Press published his book, Affirmations of a Dissenter, in December 2002. Bishop Sprague currently resides in Ohio with his wife, Diane.

Dinner reservations are $20 per person, $30 for “angels” who wish to contribute more. Vegetarian dinners are available on request, and all persons are welcome.

The program at 7 p.m. is free and open to the public.

Reservations should be sent by June 18 to Rockford Urban Ministries’ Annual Dinner, c/o Leigh Lakey, 301 Dawn Ave., Rockford, IL 61107.

For more information, call Rockford Urban Ministries at (815) 964-7111.

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Aly’s Camp offered free to youngsters
who have not experienced camping

(May 25) Northern Illinois Conference (NIC) Outdoor and Retreat Ministries (ORM) is offering a free summer camp experience to campers from more than half the churches in the NIC this coming summer.

Those churches who have not participated in the ORM camping and retreat ministry in the past three years have been sent a personal invitation to send two youngsters to camp this summer for free.

ORM is offering a two-night retreat for youngsters entering grades 4 through 7 in the fall. These retreats are being offered at Reynoldswood Christian Camp and Retreat Center in Dixon, Thursday to Saturday, June 28-30, and at Wesley Woods Conference Center in Williams Bay, Wis., Sunday through Tuesday, July 1-3.

Aly’s Camp is named for Aly Dallner, a student at North Central College in Naperville who has spent the past 11 summers at camp.

“Aly began as a camper here at Wesley Woods. She became a Counselor in Training, and has been hired here at camp as a lifeguard,” said Jeff Fry, Wesley Woods site director. “She is now serving as our waterfront director for the third year.”

Life-changing experiences

Because Dallner’s experience at camp was and is so important to her she wanted to find a way for kids to know the same life-changing experiences, according to Fry. “Aly says she has met some of the most important people in her life at camp,” he said. “Aly says she has come to understand God in a new capacity and found support during the hard times in her life.”

Dallner was looking for a way to share these wonderful experiences of camp with others, in hope that they will find the same benefits ORM’s ministries offer. As a result, Aly’s Camp is a program for campers who have not been involved in ORM ministries.

Dallner is creator and director of this new camp. She presented the idea of a free program to the Board of Outdoor and Retreat Ministries last fall. Her camp concept was supported by the board, which offered ORM’s leadership team support to create and implement this new ministry.

Recruiting classmates

Dallner is recruiting classmates at North Central College to volunteer a week of their time to serve as counselors so this program can be offered free to these new campers. She is working with Claudia Moore, ORM’s program director, to train these volunteers for their counseling role and in Safe Sanctuary policies.

The Northern Illinois Conference United Methodist Foundation has provided a grant to defray the cost of this program.

Persons interested in joining Aly and the Foundation to help further defay costs may do so by sending donations to Aly’s Camp, c/o ORM, 200 Stam St., Williams Bay, WI 53191 or call in a pledge to (800) NIC-CAMP.

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ORM works with Lions to help hearing,
visually impaired enjoy camping

(May 25) Helen Keller was a person who overcame life’s biggest hurdles despite being a member of the deaf/blind community. The tradition of Helen Keller lives on at Reynoldswood Christian Camp and Retreat Center in Dixon every summer as Northern Illinois Conference Outdoor and Retreat Ministries (ORM) co-hosts a week of camp for 30 adults who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing and or Blind/Visually Impaired. Campers come from all over Illinois with the Lions of Illinois Foundation.

This week of adult camp is followed by six weeks including Camp Lions Adventure Wilderness School (CLAWS) and Counselor in Training (CIT) of youth programming in Dixon, East Bay Camp in Hudson near Bloomington and Camp DuBois, near Mount Vernon.

ORM has developed a partnership with the Lions of Illinois Foundation to provide six weeks of camping experience for adults and youths who require a special program and staff. Bruce Nelson, ORM executive director, hires and trains a staff of 18 young adults to implement a program to figuratively open the eyes and ears of these adults and youths while attending this camp experience.

Lions of Illinois Foundation is the statewide organization of the Lions Clubs International, the largest service club organization in the world. Individual Lions Clubs are located in most communities around the state where they raise funds to serve their local community.

Camp Lions staff are college-age young men and women who have a passion for working with Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Blind/Visually Impaired persons in the camp setting. “They have learned sign language and have the desire to share the camping experience with participants in a very special way,” Nelson said. “These counselors are future teachers of the deaf, sign language interpreters, and social workers who commit their summer to pouring out their heart and soul every week so these participants can have an experience that will create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Nelson said the Camp Lions program is not intended to develop a Christian faith, nor does it offer regular worship and morning devotions, which is typical in church camp ministries.

“Our campers come from many faith communities, nationalities and cultures,” Nelson said. “And, International Lions Club is a worldwide organization without religious affiliation.”

Nelson finds that his counselor recruits invariably “walk a Christian walk and lead by showing their campers the love of Christ in their own daily lives.” Every afternoon while campers take a short rest period in their cabins, counselors do their daily devotions, according to Nelson. He said the counselors lead by example and share their faith when asked.

The Lions Camp campers come for a week-long experience of fun, fellowship and learning in the outdoors. If you know of persons, age 7 to adult, who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing and or Blind/Visually Impaired, tell them about the opportunity that awaits them at Helen Keller Camp or Camp Lions.

For additional information, contact Nelson at (800) 642-2267 or the Lions of Illinois Foundation (815) 756-5633 V, (815) 748-9088 TTY.

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43 persons from 8 churches take part
in return VIM trip to Mississippi

By Laura Widstrom, Christ UMC, Rockford

(May 25) During the first week of March, a team of 43 adults representing eight Northern Illinois Conference (NIC) churches traveled to Ocean Springs, Miss., as Volunteers in Mission (VIM) to continue assistance in hurricane disaster rebuilding.

Volunteers on the trip came from Christ UMC, Rockford; Community UMC, Naperville; Grace UMC, LaSalle; Geneva UMC; Christ UMC, Deerfield; First UMC, Belvidere; Hanover UMC; and Plattville UMC.

Ocean Springs had been our destination a year prior, so it was interesting to compare the sights with our memories of the landscape. There have been changes, particularly in business areas, but in the neighborhoods, the gap still remains.

We volunteered with an UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) project located on the campus of St. Paul UMC. This is one of five UMCOR sites along the Mississippi coast.

Camp St. Paul

At Camp St. Paul, UMCOR has constructed a semi-permanent building originally built as an army barracks. The structure offers housing with bunks, showers, restrooms and a common room for 100 volunteers. Meals are cooked and served in the church a few hundred yards away.

Each week, teams from across the country and beyond descend on camps like this one offering willing hearts and hands. There is no shortage of work. The estimate is that the coastal area recovers at 1% a month, and sometimes working through permit red tape slows progress.

We mixed and matched members of our team to form crews that worked at drywalling, tiling, trim, roofing, a final punch list for a home and electrical work. We also supplied the cook team at base camp.

How to help

During orientation, we were particularly encouraged to think about how to help residents feel like they had a home beyond the physical structure of a house. Many persons have been displaced for more than 18 months now. This was particularly true at my work site, the home of Ethel Smith, an 81-year-old woman recovering from her ninth surgery.

Our crew was assigned to remove a damaged carport, tear off and re-shingle her house, and make repairs on the wheelchair ramp. The carport and ramp repairs proved to be manageable, and we progressed at a good pace.

The roof, however, was a different story. The pitch of the roof was unusually steep for Mississippi. With a great measure of creativity, our crew built some roofing jacks that functioned fairly well and allowed mobility on the steep pitch.

Some spots were only reached by means of hanging from a rope that had been secured at the peak of the roof, though. To “Tarzan” something became a verb at our site.

During the week, we lost one member of our team to illness and another had to leave early for a family funeral. Although our crew was willing, the magnitude of the task seemed to mount. As the end of the week neared, I began preparing myself for the truth that we might not finish the task.

Another member of my group led the ground crew. Uncomfortable on the roof, she led the brigade to clean up the debris we threw down and to toss up tools we forgot.

Gaps at times

It was a necessary job, but at times there were gaps in her tasks. In those moments, she looked beyond the assigned list and imagined what might help Miss Ethel feel more at home. A few trips to the store and a transformation began to occur at the base of our home. White lattice replaced the tar paper that wrapped the bottom of the home. Perennial flowers and plants filled the previously empty flower beds.

On Friday, we raced. I have never shingled with such fervor, and with God’s blessing, the roof was finished exactly at noon when we were to leave our site.

When we brought Miss Ethel out to see her house, she saw the flowers and immediately began crying. She explained that her husband had been the family gardener, and he had died shortly before the hurricane. It had simply been too sad for her to return to the garden, but seeing everything in place and in bloom gave something to her beyond a repaired home.

As we drove home

As we drove home, I realized that Miss Ethel had never once looked at the roof or even commented on its completion. In part, this may have been due to the stiff collar she was wearing following her spinal surgery, or it may have been for other reasons. In theory, it was a good thing to know that the home would be dry during the next rain, but what mattered to the soul of Miss Ethel happened in those flower beds. Her house had become her home again.

Mississippi was a wonderful experience for our team, and we appreciate the prayers and support of those in our home congregations. We built friendships between the members of the various churches, laughed a lot, soaked in the Mississippi sunshine as the flurries still flew in northern Illinois, and repeated experiences like this one at each of the sites served. Work camp enables participants to share the love of Jesus Christ in ways they may have never expected and to have that love reciprocated in ways they may have never experienced.

Conversation has begun for Mississippi trip #4 next spring. You are invited. For more details, call me at (815) 399-5910.

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Palm Sunday extravaganza at North
Shore in Glencoe one to remember

By Ed Goodale, North Shore UMC, Glencoe

(May 25) This year’s Palm Sunday extravaganza was one we’ll be talking about for years to come.

About six or seven years ago, our previous pastor, the Rev. Carol Ann Brown, came up with an idea to make Palm Sunday more meaningful. She proposed renting a donkey to help symbolize the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

The first year, we kept the donkey outside during worship. We advertised its presence to our village, telling people they could come and take photos of their kids with the donkey.

As the years progressed, we were emboldened by our successes and expanded the event from simply having the donkey stand outside to include a procession between the Glencoe train station and our church, about two blocks.

Welcomed donkey into sanctuary

We also extended the procession by welcoming the donkey into our sanctuary in a palm-waving processional to open the service. He and his handler followed the choir and children down the center aisle. The donkey stood for a short time in front of the congregation before walking back down the aisle to our front entrance to wait outdoors for the conclusion of the service. After the service the donkey was available for photos.

Precautions were always taken: a Certificate of Insurance was dutifully requested and filed with our village; a Special Event permit was acquired; and the carpet and tile floors were protected against hooves and other donkey-generated dilemmas.

Despite the expense, this occasion has become a popular part of our Lenten observance. There was even a small article with accompanying photos printed in our local newspaper several years ago.

This year Palm Sunday dawned with bright skies and no sign of the forecasted thunderstorms. Our deacon, the Rev. Barbara Javore, gathered with children at the train station parking lot before the procession to our church. Once there, Jed the donkey took up his position at the top of our handicapped entrance ramp to our building.

Favorite donkey

Jed is our favorite donkey. We have come to appreciate him after experience with his brothers who don’t have his disposition to stand still while small children pat, poke and generally investigate his head and face while adults get their cameras out.

After posing for several photos this year, Jed did something we have not seen him do. He responded to nature’s call at the top of the concrete ramp. Member Scott Javore, an architect, noted with a wry smile that it was fortunate that the ramp was sloped for good drainage.

The doors to the church were open, and within minutes it became evident in the narthex that our guest of honor was outside.

The service began

The service began. The choir made its entry, followed by Jed and his handler, Alan, and the children. Everything progressed well for the first few minutes of the service. Jed, as tranquil as ever, stood at the head of the center aisle facing the congregation.

Following acknowledgment of their presence, Alan walked Jed out. A few minutes later, they returned to their “front and center” position in the main aisle as the choir arose for its second anthem of the morning, “The Palms,” a majestic composition with piano accompaniment that celebrates the Palm Sunday spirit.

About halfway through the anthem, Jed lifted his tail and let fly — something we had never witnessed in all the previous years. And, buoyed by a number of uneventful Palm Sunday processions, this year we decided to forego the exertion of protecting the sanctuary floors — yup, not a piece of plastic in sight.

The kids who had accompanied Jed down the aisle were still seated in the front pew. Their reaction, while predictable, was priceless, and was amplified by the reaction of accompanist Aaron Nee, who was having great difficulty not falling backward off the piano bench as he played.

Choir didn’t miss a beat

The choir didn’t miss a beat. Our focus on choir director Ed Kemp was complete. We all instinctively knew that if we looked at each other, melodious sounds would be the last thing to come out of our mouths.

All went as well as could be expected until the last page and a half of the anthem when the aroma of Jed’s donation hit the choir full force. Taking large breaths is a given when singing, and this was the first time I had ever contemplated trying to sing 24 bars of music on a single breath. Couldn’t do it, though. And the smell actually seemed to get progressively worse!

Upon completion of the anthem, the choir was given an ovation by the congregation, and Ed commented to the assembly that our donkey friend was “not only an actor, but a critic.”

‘Toxic spill

Alan, after quickly securing Jed outside, proceeded to tackle the cleanup, assisted by Scott Javore.

The “Time with Young Christians,” which followed the anthem, was slightly relocated because Jed’s “toxic spill” was located right where the children normally gather.

Our pastor, the Rev. Duk Kwon, observed with great mirth as he began his sermon that all this had occurred on April Fools Day. This was truly a church service to remember.

Anybody have suggestions for removal of tough stains from carpeting?

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After 1½ years you won’t believe
what you’ll see on the Gulf Coast

By Kim Thompson, First UMC, Glen Ellyn

(May 25) More than 1½ years after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, homes remain untouched and families remain displaced.

In January, a group of 22 people from First UMCs of Glen Ellyn and LaGrange went to New Orleans to help on three teams doing recovery work.

We couldn’t believe what we saw. Whole neighborhoods are still deserted. Flood lines along rooftops. Stores and restaurants empty.

The feeling we get from giving is truly our gift. Whether you are a master carpenter, plumber or electrician, whether you can push a wheelbarrow or hold a paint can, whether you can put up drywall or put up with sleeping on an air mattress, your help is needed!

As our response center director said: If a person’s house burns down, that person has lost material things, but still has family, friends, doctors, teachers, etc. With Katrina victims, persons have truly lost everything and have been dispersed throughout the U.S. to restart their lives. Please help up bring back one thing we want them not to lose: hope. Volunteer to help fulfill the expectation for restoration.

If you want to volunteer or lead a team to give hope, contact Northern Illinois Conference Coordinator for Volunteers in Mission, Jack Lucas, at (847) 885-2279. He can provide details on creating and training a team as well as scheduling.

For information on disaster sites that are scheduling volunteers, call the Volunteer Hotline, (800) 918-3100.

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Zone youths to conduct May
22 Environmental Summit

(May 25) On Tuesday, May 22, at 7 p.m., the youths of The Zone will hold a communitywide Environmental Summit. The goal is to educate business and community leaders around issues of environmental significance ranging from the importance of conducting annual energy audits, recycling, energy and water conservation.

The youths will urge area grocers to discourage use of plastic bags, which take up to 20,000 years to decompose, by promoting the use of cloth tote bags instead.

The youths will also challenge area churches and businesses alike not to use styrofoam products, which do not decompose.

The youths will interact with several elected officials who will be present. They will encourage the officials to consider legislation to promote the environmental health of the community.

The summit will kick-off a weekly Youth Recycling Program throughout the community.

The Environmental Summit is a program of the Youth Environmental Initiative of The Zone, which is a community center of East Side UMC. All are welcome.

For more information, call the Rev. Zaki L. Zaki at (773) 497-4141.

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Vision files petition with U.S.
Supreme Court to appeal ruling

(May 18) Vision UMC, a 25-year-old Korean-American congregation currently worshiping in Mundelein, filed a petition on May 10 with the U.S. Supreme Court to hear its appeal of a decision in the Seventh Circuit Court that upheld the Village of Long Grove in its severe restrictions that have prevented the congregation from building there.

Vision UMC is being assisted in its appeal of this land use case by the Northern Illinois Conference (NIC) and the denomination’s General Council on Finance and Administration, which has provided grant assistance.

Vision UMC’s petition asserts that the Seventh Circuit Court ignored proper legal standards and failed to deal correctly with the hostile and aggressive resistance that the Village of Long Grove imposed on this project.

The church’s legal team of John Mauck of Mauck & Baker, Chicago, and NIC Chancellor Sam Witwer of Witwer and Waldron, Evanston, announced that nationally prominent First Amendment attorney Gene Schaerr has agreed to lead the Supreme Court effort.

Other religious communities throughout the country are expected to add their support of Vision’s appeal through Amicus Curiae briefs.

“The loss of our freedom to build a church and freely conduct worship not only threatens the future of Vision UMC, but also the ability of every religious organization to practice their faith under the principles of the First Amendment,” said Bishop Hee-Soo Jung. “We cannot shrink from our duty to work toward seeking justice for the church, so we have taken this final step available in our court system trusting that Vision United Methodist Church’s journey will help pave the way for others.”

Vision UMC purchased nearly 30 acres of vacant land at the corner of Gilmer (Route 83) and North Kruger roads in Long Grove in 1999 with the intention of building a facility for its growing membership. The village’s planning board requested dozens of special conditions and concessions to the church’s plans and ultimately refused to approve the project.

When the Korean-American congregation applied to Lake County in 2001 for permission to build on its property, which was in an unincorporated area, the Village of Long Grove quickly annexed the site. The village then passed an Assemblies Ordinance that effectively prevented the congregation from moving forward on its second attempt to get permission to build.

Vision then filed a lawsuit in federal district court against the Village of Long Grove, alleging among other things violations of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act and the Equal Protection clause of the 14th Amendment.

The district court ruled in favor of the village. Vision then appealed to the Seventh Circuit Court, which rejected the church’s claim as well, ruling that the church had no cause of action unless the village’s requirements rendered religious practice virtually impossible.

The petition to the U.S. Supreme Court will not likely be ruled upon until the court’s next term, which runs for a period of months after October 2007.

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Rosecrance using Foundation grant to provide DVD to educate parents to ‘Take Time’ to talk with youths

(May 18) The United Methodist Foundation of the Northern Illinois Conference gave a grant to the Rosecrance Foundation in Rockford to help educate parents about the importance of maintaining good communication with their children in dealing with drug abuse.

“Take the Time,” a 14-minute prevention video, was developed by Rosecrance in collaboration with Lake County School Districts #113 and #117 and SolidLine Media to educate parents about current drug trends in northern Illinois.

The video shows the effects of addiction on an adolescent and his family and talks about the influence parents have on decisions made by youths.

“Parents don’t realize the influence they have on their kid’s decision to use drugs or alcohol; but, in fact, parents are the single biggest factor in a teenager’s life,” said Thomas Wright, M.D., adolescent medical director for Rosecrance. “Teenagers may say their family doesn’t matter, but parents, siblings and extended family do matter to them.”

“Take the Time” addresses the fact that parents often know little about how drugs and alcohol have infested their teenagers’ worlds. The DVD asserts that parents too often are failing to provide limits needed around illegal alcohol and other drugs. But the message is clear: Parents need to have good communication with their kids, set expectations of no use of alcohol and other drugs and remember to be a parent, not their friend.

The “Take the Time” video is being mailed to each United Methodist church in the Northern Illinois Conference with suggestions on ways youth leaders and pastors can work together with parents of teens to begin a conversation about the importance of parents being aware of and educated about teen alcohol and drug abuse and communicating this information to their children.

“This DVD is quite powerful, and we hope that all churches will find a way to use it to engage parents in conversation,” said Lynne Vass, CFRE, vice president of Development for Rosecrance.

Rosecrance Health Network is a leading provider of substance abuse treatment services, delivering a full continuum of care. Rosecrance is affiliated with the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church.

For more information, contact Vass at (815) 997-5602 or vassl@rosecrance.net.

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Children invited to design Rainbow Covenant cover

(May 18) All Northern Illinois Conference elementary school children are invited to enter the art contest to design the cover of the 2008 Rainbow Covenant Book of worldwide mission Advance Specials. This year’s theme is “Surrounding God’s World with Love.”

Contest entries should be submitted on 8½- by 11-inch paper with the width being 8½ inches.

On the back of the artwork, put the artist’s name, age, address, phone number, church and district.

Entries should be mailed by June 1 to Emmy Lou John, 1541 Kenilworth Pl., Aurora, IL 60506.

The entries will be voted on by persons attending the Rainbow Covenant luncheon at Northern Illinois Annual Conference on Monday, June 11, at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. Cost of the luncheon is $16. Reservations for lunch should be made through Outdoor and Retreat Ministries, (800) 642-2267.

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Accessible Faith Grants available

(May 18) The Retirement Research Foundation has Accessible Faith Grants for Chicago-area houses of worship for accessibility improvements to their facilities. Such improvements should allow increased participation of elderly persons and people with disabilities in the programs, services and activities of the facilities.

A total of $300,000 in Accessible Faith Grants will be available from the Foundation in 2007. Grants will be awarded for up to 50% of a project’s total cost. The maximum grant amount is $30,000.

To be eligible for an Accessible Faith Grant, the facility and congregation must meet the following criteria: be registered as a certified 501(c)(3) religious organization; be located within Cook, Lake or DuPage counties; provide or host programs and activities beyond worship services that benefit elderly persons; demonstrate a need for financial assistance to carry out the accessibility project; demonstrate the ability to raise sufficient funds to complete the project if awarded a grant; and own the facility where improvements would be made.

Grant deadline is June 29.

For a full description of the program, application forms and tips for completing the form, visit the RRF Web site: http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10005737/rrf.

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CWS kits to be collected at Annual Conference

(May 18) United Methodist congregations are being asked to reach out to those in need by assembling Church World Service (CWS) kits and bringing them to the June 9-12 session of Northern Illinois Annual Conference at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles. Drop off boxes and a truck will be at Pheasant Run to collect the kits during the first two days of the annual meeting.

The collection of health kits, school kits, baby kits and kids’ kits is sponsored by CWS as part of its disaster relief efforts.

“Kits are ways to be with people during difficult times,” said Julia Jones, assistant regional director of CWS. “Materials such as soap, toothpaste, bandages, paper, pencils and diapers seem small, but they make a huge difference in an ongoing development program or when disaster strikes. Assembling kits also builds mission awareness within congregations and provides a tangible way for people of all ages to respond. School kits and baby kits are especially needed right now.

Jones said kits are a great way to respond. “They are a sign that someone cares, even in the midst of disaster,” she said, adding that kits have been provided to victims of Hurricane Katrina, survivors of the tsunami, and many others. She said a recent distribution of more than 2,000 Health Kits and more than 1,000 School Kits went to Bolivia in support of boarding schools run by the Methodist Church.

Jones encouraged congregations, women’s groups, youth groups and others to choose the kinds of kits they would like to make, collect items, assemble the kits and bring them to Annual Conference. A list of the exact contents of each kit will be included in the pre-conference mailing sent to every Lay and Clergy Member of Annual Conference.

Descriptions of the kits can also be obtained on the Web at www.churchworldservice.org/kits, or by calling the CWS regional office at (888) 297-2767.

Church World Service is a relief and humanitarian organization consisting of 35 member denominations, including the United Methodist Church. For decades Church World Service and United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) have worked together to respond to disasters across the globe.

For more information, contact the regional office of CWS atjjones@churchworldservice.org or (888) 297-2767.

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Adalberto UMC serves as staging
site for immigrant march on May 1

(May 11) Adalberto Memorial UMC, 2716 W. Division St. in Chicago, was a staging point on May 1 for persons to march to Grant Park in support of immigration law reform. More than 150,000 persons were estimated to have taken part in the International Workers Day protest in Chicago.

Adalberto UMC has been providing sanctuary to its lay leader, Elvira Arellano, since last August in protest of her pending deportation as an illegal alien. The church had invited United Methodists to gather at its storefront location in the Humboldt Park neighborhood before marching to Grant Park for the rally. Humboldt Park and the Pilsen neighborhoods each served as staging points for marchers.

Those marchers who gathered in Humboldt Park, a couple of blocks from Adalberto UMC, also stopped at the church before proceeding downtown.

Arellano drew nationwide attention for declaring sanctuary and moving into the church to keep from being separated from her 7-year-old son, Saul, a U.S. citizen. She prayed over the marchers from a second-floor window in the church where she resides.

Beti Guevara, assistant pastor at Adalberto UMC, stood with Arellano in the window. She also helped coordinate marchers.

Guevara has been active in La Familia Latina Unida, an outreach of Adalberto UMC that helps families separated or on the verge of being separated by U.S. immigration laws.

United Methodist flag and bullhorn

The Rev. Orlando Moller, pastor of Bethany, El Buen Pastor UMC, arrived at Adalberto UMC with a contingent of his congregation. One member was waving a United Methodist flag. Moller was carrying a bullhorn that he promptly put to use leading the growing crowd in chants of protest and affirmation.

The Rev. Oscar Carrasco, Northern Illinois Conference director of Connectional Ministries, stood with his hands on Arellano in the second-floor window while she prayed. Also laying hands on her was the Rev. Im Jung, wife of Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, who was accompanied to the march by two members of Grace UMC in Naperville.

The Rev. Michael Mann, pastor of Hinckley UMC, said he came to march because he’s been an immigrant in two countries, India and Nicaragua. “I realize that we’re all divided on this issue of immigration reform,” he said, “but people must have a fair opportunity to be a part of this country.

“All of us are God’s children no matter where we originated. There has to be some way for long-term residents to become legal citizens.”

Mexican, East Indian, Korean

Nadia and Ruben Kannai-Zamora accompanied Jung to the march. Roger is of Mexican heritage and Nadia of East Indian. Jung is of Korean heritage.

“My family were migrant workers,” said Ruben, who ran in 2004 against Dennis Hastert, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. “I lost in the primary, but my issue was immigration reform.”

Kannai-Zamora said it bothers him to see “my people” blamed for everything that’s going wrong in this country. “It is a dishonor to my people and my nation, the U.S.,” he said. “We’re all immigrants. We’re all in this together. It affects everyone of us, Polish, Mexican, Chinese, Korean. Is this what we want as our identity as a nation, to oppress immigrants, or do we do God’s will and welcome all people?”

The Rev. B.J. Birkhan-Rommelfanger, pastor of First UMC, Waukegan, said she was in attendance because she wants to sup-port keeping families together in this country. “We have lots of immigrant families in Waukegan. This is their home,” she said. “We want to help make this a home for everybody. The U.S. needs to open its doors to its neighbors.”

The Rev. Roger Zavala, pastor of Nuevo Amanecer UMC in Des Plaines, said the march is one of the best ways for Hispanic people to express their feelings of frustration. “The Christian church has a responsibility to support people who are suffering,” he said. “It’s a shame we don’t have more churches who are taking part in this.”

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2nd Interfaith Dinner attempts to build respect

(May 11) About 120 persons gathered at North Central College in Naperville on April 26 to partake of the 2nd Annual United Methodist and Muslim Interfaith Dinner.

Last year’s event at a mosque in Villa Park focused on signing of a “Declaration of Relationship” between the Northern Illinois Conference and the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC). The document stated it is imperative that people of faith commit to a spirit of peace and cooperation. This year’s event aimed at fostering conversation among members of the two faith groups to build respect.

Dr. Shakir Moiduddin set the tone for the evening by reciting the Surah Fatihah, the prayer at the beginning of the Koran that encourages seeking guidance from God (Allah). He also prayed: “Give us courage to speak against injustice to anyone, Christian or Muslim, regardless of race, creed, sex, nationality. Help us to work together for peace and justice for all.”

The Interfaith Dinner is a “witness to the world that we are behaving together,” said Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, episcopal leader of the Northern Illinois Conference. “It is hope to the world when we come together and care deeply for the common good.”

Mixture of success and failure

Jung said there has been a mixture of success and failure in building loving communities in the world. “But since we have come together through our declaration last year, our community has marveled at how transformation can occur,” he said. “I believe our living together in this way will truly make a difference. When we encounter others with open minds, we may have to give up positions, but we gain new insights and relationships.”

The bishop declared that a better world can only be made through respect. “Our Muslim friends have been a gift to us,” he said.

Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOCG), who signed the Declaration of Relationship with the bishop, said there is a lot of work to do. “There are many walls to be demolished,” he said. “Five hundred thousand Muslims have been interviewed since 9/11. An irresponsible media created a wall between neighbors.”

A long way to go

There is a long way to go, Mujahid emphasized, but added, “We are with you for that walk.”

The Rev. Edgar Hiestand, Northern Illinois Conference ecumenical officer, echoed Bishop Jung’s remark about building respect. “We’ve got to get to the trust level to build respect,” he said. “The organizers of the dinner asked ourselves how we could get to know each other personally as human beings.”

One of the techniques employed at the dinner was to intermingle Muslims, Christians and North Central College students at tables. Every diner’s seat had a document that listed more than 20 “United Methodist-Muslim Bridges Built in 2006-2007,” and another that suggested questions for diners to discuss.

“As I went about the room, people had really gotten into the conversation around the tables,” Hiestand said. “We’ll see where it goes in connections.”

Highlight of evening

A highlight of the evening was attendees posting notes on the wall giving suggestions as to where the relationship should go in the next couple of years. Even the bishop and Mujahid posted ideas, according to Hiestand, who said the responses will be listed on the Northern Illinois Conference Ecumenical Interreligious Web page, www.gbgm-umc.org/interrelig.

“Last year we worked around the Declaration,” Hiestand said. “This year we worked on engagement through prompting conversations.” He added that he was pleased to see the college students in attendance.

“Interfaith relations is an important part of what we do in campus ministry and the college,” said the Rev. Lynn Pries, North Central College chaplain. “International Studies has eight classes that have some aspect of Islamic studies, history, world religion, art. If this event didn’t benefit students, we wouldn’t want to host it because there is no payoff.”

Pries pointed out that this is not the first time that North Central has stepped forward to offer its facilities to host events on controversial issues. He cited the Northern Illinois Conference “conversation” several years ago on homosexuality.

Opportunity to come to campus

“It’s also an opportunity to have clergy and lay leaders come to campus,” Pries said, “and it’s a chance for Muslims to learn that religious tolerance is important on this campus.”

One of the evenings’s most important aspects, which was praised by both Muslims and United Methodists, was prayer room with carpet that Pries had arranged on the northeast corner of White Activity Center, where the dinner was held. Muslims were able to leave, make their evening prayers and then return for the program.

Faiz Ahmed, a member of CIOCG ’s Interfaith Committee, worked with North Central and the Northern Illinois Conference to arrange the dinner. He has been involved in interfaith dialogues for many years. He described the event at North Central as a “wonderful evening.”

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350 persons take part in ORM ski weekend retreats

By Claudia Moore, Outdoor and Retreat Ministries Program Director

(May 11) Northern Illinois Conference Outdoor and Retreat Ministries (ORM) enjoyed the snow this past winter. During January and February, 350 youths and adults from 19 different United Methodist churches from across the Northern Illinois Conference spent a day skiing and boarding on the slopes at Alpine Valley Resort near Wesley Woods Conference Center.

Special thanks to Frankfort UMC youths for providing music for worship during one weekend. Jenna Burris, youth leader, and three of her youths were eager to participate with us in this new venture. ORM was delighted to provide an opportunity for youths to be in ministry with one another.

Other highlights of the weekends included a Bible trivia game with youth leaders being the game pieces; a Christian concert by Rufus Tree; and each youth group acting out a parable as though it took place on the ski hill. You would be amazed and thrilled to see how creative your youths can be.

With the snow and ski retreats behind us, ORM now looks forward to fun, frolic and laughter as we head into summer camp. Summer camp provides a giant step in faith formation. Encourage the children and youths in your church to participate with ORM this summer.

Pick up a camp brochure at your church or check ORM out on the Web at www.niccamp.org.

If you have any questions, call me at (815) 494-0444 or the ORM office at 1-800-NIC-CAMP.

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Pierson appointed Director
of Connectional Ministries

(May 4) Bishop Hee-Soo Jung has announced that the Rev. Chris Pierson has been appointed Northern Illinois Conference (NIC) Director of Connectional Ministries, effective July 1. Pierson, who has served seven years as NIC Director of Outreach and Witness Ministries, replaces the Rev. Oscar Carrasco, who will become Elgin District Superintendent.

In making the announcement, Bishop Jung said Pierson has demonstrated excellent leadership for the conference and its ministry.

“I see him rooted in faith and offering himself for building a healthy discipleship system,” Jung said. “His gifts work effectively with various groups to address pressing challenges, and there has been continuing evidence of his effectiveness in ministry.”

Partner with Program Council

The bishop said that as Director of Connectional Ministries Pierson will lead conference ministry in partnership with the Program Council. “I expect him to deliver creative, imaginative and mutual accountability,” Jung said, adding that Pierson will also provide oversight in working with the bishop’s Harvest 2020 vision for the NIC’s future.

“I am confident that we can grow actively with Chris’ leadership,” Jung said.

Pierson’s appointment is a redeployment of resources within the Connectional Ministries Program Office, according to the bishop. A full-time Director of Communications is being sought by the conference to join the Program Office.

The bishop emphasized that the Northern Illinois Conference’s commitment to social justice ministries will not be diminished by the redeployment and reorganization. He said six new volunteer District Coordinators of Outreach and Witness will work in cooperation with the extended Cabinet, the Program Council and its Nurture, Outreach, Witness and Advocacy teams.

“The many relationships with elected officials that have been developed through the office of Outreach and Witness will be maintained,” Pierson added.

13 years as a pastor

Prior to serving as Director of Outreach and Witness Ministries, Pierson, a former member of the African Methodist Episcopal denomination, served 13 years as a pastor in urban and suburban congregations. In 1988 he was appointed full-time as pastor of Julia Gay UMC in Chicago. He subsequently served as associate at Wesley UMC in Aurora, and as pastor at Roselle UMC. He received his Elder’s orders in 1994.

Pierson has served on several conferencewide and district boards, committees and task forces including the Bishop’s Task Force on the Urban Crisis, NIC Priorities Task Force, Board of Ordained Ministry registrar, Shalom Ministries coordinator, and NIC Peace with Justice Coordinator.

“As an extension of these ministries, I have helped establish several non-profit organizations,” Pierson said, “and have worked with congregations to develop new ministries that witness to the transforming love of God revealed in Christ.”

Pierson has experience and training in the areas of community organizing, non-profit development and management, diversity and anti-racism. He has become known within the United Methodist connection and in the larger community for his work within the peace and justice community, faith-based legislative advocacy and interfaith relations.

Strong commitment to connection

“Through my work in the NIC and experiences and travels, particularly to Africa and the Middle-East,” Pierson said, “I have developed a strong commitment to and appreciation of the United Methodist connection and the global Church.”

Through his experiences as Director of Outreach and Witness ministry, Pierson said he has become acutely aware of the deep spiritual hunger in the lives of both the powerless and the powerful. “In our society there is a strong, yet often unarticulated and unrealized, desire for intimacy, community and communion with God,” he said. “As our faith communities embody with authenticity Jesus’ love ethic our Christian witness will transform lives and communities. Integrating discipleship and witness are important components to the bishop’s Harvest 2020 vision.”

Pierson said that one of the roles of the Director of Connectional Ministries is to serve as a leader of the continuous process of transformation and renewal necessary for the annual conference to be faithful to its Christian identity in a changing world, in partnership with the bishop, cabinet, and the elected leadership of the conference. “I believe prayer and discernment will be essential if we are to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world,” he stressed. “It will be important to learn from the effective models in ministry and to encourage creativity and risk-taking as we work to establish new faith communities.”

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New Beginnings workshop to help
clergy prepare for new appointment

(May 4) ”New Beginnings: A Dangerous Opportunity” is a training event to assist clergy who are preparing for a new appointment. The event will be Thursday, May 31, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First UMC, 1032 Maple Ave., Downers Grove.

The workshop, sponsored by the Northern Illinois Conference Cabinet and the Board of Ordained Ministry is based on Roy Oswald’s book, New Beginnings.

Because of the importance of beginning well, the Cabinet is requiring those clergy making a change in appointment in the local church to participate.

Facilitators of the event will be the Rev. Deborah Fisher, chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry, and the Rev. Larry Hilkemann, DeKalb District superintendent.

Pre-registration is required. Contact the Rockford/DeKalb Regional Office, (815) 561-8285.

Upon registration, a copy of Oswald’s book will be sent to each participant to read in advance of the workshop and to bring to the session.

Sign in begins at 9 a.m.

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CCFA sets 2007 apportionment
appeals deadline of June 15

(May 4) Northern Illinois Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CCFA) has extended the appeal deadline on 2007 local church apportionments to June 15.

The extension is because the new system under which all churches are apportioned by the same formula is less than two years old, according to the Rev. David Davies, chair of CCFA’s Finance Subcommittee. He expressed concern that the appeals process may still not be well understood. He said CCFA wants to be sure everyone is accommodated fairly.

Davies emphasized that appeals will be accepted on 2008 apportionments until Nov. 1, the specified deadline to appeal a local church apportionment for the following year,

Total adjustments for any church may not exceed 5% of the disputed apportionment. Total adjustments for all appeals by congregations may not result in a total of more than 1% of the conference apportionment to local churches for the year in question.

Criteria to base an appeal on in the apportionment formula, which has a 9% cap built into it, are as follows:

The appealing congregation must bring all relevant reports to be examined. The congregation may be represented at the appeal by no more than five people, chosen from among Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Finance chair, Stewardship chair, pastor, Administrative Board or Council chair, and the District superintendent.

Appeals are handled by CCFA’s Finance subcommittee.

Requests for appeals should be directed in writing to Davies at P.O. Box 115, Chadwick, IL 61014-0115, who will set a date to hear the appeal.

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Hispanic Plan Committee meets
with Martinez to discuss past, future

(May 4) The Northern Illinois Conference (NIC) Committee to Implement the National Hispanic Plan met recently with Bishop Joel Martinez of the San Antonio Episcopal Area, which includes the Rio Grande and Southwest Texas Conferences, to hear suggestions for establishing and strengthening Hispanic/Latino ministries here. The meeting took place at Cosmopolitan UMC in Melrose Park.

During the meeting Martinez shared his many years of experience in Hispanic/Latino ministry. He helped present the National Plan for Hispanic Ministries to the denomination’s 2000 General Conference in Cleveland.

Martinez also participated in a dialogue with committee members, three district superintendents and Bishop Hee-Soo Jung about strategies to broaden Latino/ Hispanic ministries in northern Illinois.

The Rev. Oscar Carrasco, NIC director of Connectional Ministries and the NIC Latino/Hispanic Center in Chicago, said the Committee to Implement the National Hispanic Plan has five major projects underway. These are conducting citizenship classes at the recently established Latino/Hispanic Center, 2056 N. Tripp, Chicago; opening a storefront Hispanic ministry in a southern suburb of Chicago to reach the unchurched and provide social services as needed; strengthening the Hispanic ministry at Amor de Dios in Chicago; cooperating with Zion UMC in Mendota to establish a new Hispanic ministry; and supporting the pastor who leads the Hispanic ministry at Trinity UMC, Joliet.

In addition, the committee will continue to participate in the ministry conducted at the NIC Latino/Hispanic Ministry Center.

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Keagy grants $26,000 to 6 rural ministries

(May 4) The Keagy Bequest Grant Committee has awarded more than $26,000 to six rural ministries.

Recipients, their project and grant amount are as follows: Apple River UMC, multimedia system, $3,450; Crete UMC, before- and after-school program, $10,000; Franklin Grove UMC, sign interpreter for deaf, $1,200; Hebron UMC, exterior church maintenance, $5,000; Leland UMC, Kids Klub, $ 4,000; and DeKalb Connectional Table, “Created by God Project,” $2,375.

Martin Keagy left a sizeable gift in support of rural parishes. Intent of the bequest is to enhance existing ministries, develop new ministries in response to the changing rural environment, enable and enhance a vision of rural ministry and the quality of life founded upon a direct relationship to the land and its resources that are God’s creation.

The Keagy Grant Committee meets each spring to review requests received. A member of the committee will contact the pastor of the local church and coordinate a date to present the award to the congregation during a Sunday morning worship service.

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Rockford District to offer
local churches mini Lay Academy

(May 4) The Rockford District Lay Academy would like to offer mini-lay academies to those churches that have five or more persons interested in becoming Local Lay Speakers.

To become a Local Lay Speaker a person is required to complete a 10-hour “Basic Course” and be recommended by his or her pastor.

“If you have enough interested laity in your church, we are willing to come to you,” said Karen Hewitson, director of the Rockford District Lay Academy. “We will accommodate your time requirements as long as the course meets the 10-hour class time commitment and other requirements.”

Hewitson suggested combining with another nearby United Methodist church to take advantage of this opportunity.

There is also a special “Basic Course for Youth” available to local churches. It could be made into a weekend retreat or be part of regular youth programming. “What a great opportunity to certify your youths as Local Lay Speakers,” Hewitson said.

For more information or to schedule a basic course for adults or youths, contact Hewitson at (815) 493-2005 or heweyone@internetni.com.

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UVC seeks nominees for annual awards

(May 4) Each year the Board of Directors of United Voices for Children selects individuals and a group or organization to receive the Bishop Jesse R. DeWitt Advocacy Award and the Katherine B. Greene Child Worker Award.

These awards honor extraordinary volunteer service or advocacy efforts on behalf of children, youths and/or families throughout northern Illinois.

The awards will be presented this year at the United Voices for Children’s Breakfast on Monday, June 11, at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles during the Northern Illinois Annual Conference.

Call Judy Grote, UVC administrative assistant, at (630) 668-3100 to obtain nomination forms. You should support your nomination with a letter from the pastor of the church. Two other letters of support are also requested.

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