Skip to Main Content

Laity Convocation 2020

Location: Sycamore UMC, 160 Johnson Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178

Saturday, February 8, 9 am to 12:30pm
Doors open at 7:45am

Laity Convocation 2020: "Unpacking Racism"
 

Click on the title to download handouts provided at convocation: 

Recommended Reading and Viewing 
Antiracism Task Force Document
Why It's Hard to Talk About Racism
Deconstructing White Privilege: A Discussion Guide
From Talk About White Privilege to Action: Next Steps
Meaningful Conversations on Race: A Discussion Guide
 

Online registration is closed. Walk-ins are welcome.

Cost: $10/person or $40/church. Childcare reservations are closed.

Registration closed at 12 noon, Wednesday, Feb. 5.

Optional boxed lunch available for an additional $10. If you are ordering lunch, please register by 12 midnight, Thursday, Jan. 30 

Download event flyer

Click here for an image that can be used for PowerPoint slides.

The church is called to lead by our example within our own lives, our institutions and by prophetic witness in society.  One of the  adopted strategic goals of our Annual Conference is “To Live Out the Conviction that Racism is  Incompatible with Christian Teaching.”      

We will begin our day with worship, followed by a Bible study led by NIC Bishop Sally Dyck. A panel of lay and clergy will help us examine the topic of racism through stories, question-and-answer sessions, and brainstorming ideas for how individuals and churches can become leaders in pursuing equity in society.

We will learn about the impact of racism, the concept of  unconscious bias, how race shapes one’s place and understanding of society, and the idea of privilege. 

During our time together, we will collect an offering for offering for UMCOR - Disaster Relief for Puerto Rico.  

We will finish our day with Closing Worship (with communion). 

News & Announcements

Sympathy625x400 2a417

In Sympathy: Charlotte (Char) Hoffman

Rev. Charlotte (Char) Hoffman, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2025.

Sandbarcr

Signs of Hope

"Mutual benefit is breaking out and ubuntu steps are among us each day," says Bishop Dan Schwerin. In this article he includes some tanka, a form of poetry that comes from Japan. These keep an eye on the small as…

Giving Image

Celebrating Growth: 2026 Giving Off to a Remarkable Start

First quarter giving in 2026 is off to a strong and encouraging start across the Northern Illinois Conference, with significant gains in every area compared to 2025. Th…

Nic Collections End July 2024 Cmyk

Have you made your contribution?

In an effort to be more transparent, the Finance and Administration office is going to be consistently sharing where we are as a conference are in regards to the giving versus what is needed fo…

Print