In Sympathy: James Wilson
Rev. James M. Wilson, a member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025.
Location: Sycamore UMC, 160 Johnson Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178
Laity Convocation 2020: "Unpacking Racism"
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
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).