Disaster Response Team ‘Lumberjacks’ Helped Clear Hurricane-Hit Town
More people of Valdosta, GA, can repair their homes after Northern Illinois Conference’s early response volunteers removed fallen trees in that area.
Location: Barrington UMC (98 Algonquin Rd., Barrington, Il.)
Saturday, January 27
Barrington UMC (98 Algonquin Rd., Barrington, Il.)
Registration Fee: $15 Box lunch included
Schedule:
- 8:00 a.m. Registration
- 9:00 a.m. Worship and time with the Bishop
- 10:45 a.m. Break
- 11:00 a.m. Class 1
- 12:30 p.m. Lunch
- 1:30 p.m. Class 2
- 3:00 p.m. Closing Session
Classes: Choose topic one per session
- Session 1 (11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.)
- Theology: Faithful Witness: Reclaiming the Testimony of Peter - led by Rev. Dr. Gene Green
The New Testament centers Peter as the “Rock” upon which Jesus builds his church (Matt. 16:18) and as one of the three “Pillars” of the Christian community (Gal. 2:9). Peter led the church to embrace the universal reach of the gospel, stood as the apostle for the whole church, and “should be given the place of honour at the beginning of all Christian theology” (Oscar Cullmann). How can Peter’s testimony help contemporary churches live the joy of our common, open table and seek the welfare of the city? - Theology: Talking/Thinking About God Matters - led by Rev. Joe Johnson and Rev. Dr. Felicia Laboy
Everything we do reflects our beliefs about God, God's relationship with us, and how God expects us to behave toward ourselves, others, and our world. Yet, we never really consider what we do, we just do it out of habit --whether inside or outside of our churches. During this workshop, participants learn how early Methodists aligned their beliefs and behaviors to spark both personal revival and social revolution. - Evangelism 101: How to Tell Your Story and Reach Your Community - led by Rev. DS Jeffry Bross
Most churches to very creative and fun programming but unlike years past, there is much more competition for people’s time. New Disciples do not just show up at your doors waiting to get in. Come and learn current trends to make new disciples and learn how other churches are finding success. - Stewardship 101: Connecting Money to Mission - led by Rev. Tammy Scott, chair of CCFA
Together we will think about how giving is a spiritual discipline AND about practical ways for the church to communicate how money is connected to the mission of the church. - Communications: Getting the Word Out - led by Rev. Victoria Rebeck, NIC Director of Communication
Your church is providing some good ministry with its community. How can you make sure others learn about it so they can participate—and get to know people in your church? This workshop will teach you skills in choosing media channels and wording information so that it will be more likely to be published—and will attract attention.
- Theology: Faithful Witness: Reclaiming the Testimony of Peter - led by Rev. Dr. Gene Green
- Session 2 (1:30 - 3:00 p.m.)
- Theology: Faithful Disciple: Picturing Peter in Christian Art - led by Rev. Dr. Daniel Cochran
Peter’s prominence in Christian art underscores his important place in the development of church theology and practice. From antiquity to the present day, Christians have pictured the apostle in catacombs and cathedrals where his faithful witness teaches, challenges, and inspires discipleship. Come and see Peter leaving his nets to follow Jesus, professing his faith in the Messiah, and defying an empire in Rome. In this session, we will explore how “Picturing Peter” helps us engage with and grow in our faith as we consider the cost of discipleship, the inclusivity of the universal church, and the good news of God’s abundant grace. - Theology: Talking/Thinking About God Matters - led by Rev. Joe Johnson and Rev. Dr. Felicia Laboy
(same class as Session 1)
Everything we do reflects our beliefs about God, God's relationship with us, and how God expects us to behave toward ourselves, others, and our world. Yet, we never really consider what we do, we just do it out of habit --whether inside or outside of our churches. During this workshop, participants learn how early Methodists aligned their beliefs and behaviors to spark both personal revival and social revolution. - Evangelism 201: Secret Worshipper - led by Rev. DS Jeffry Bross
Ever wonder what people really think about your church? Are you really as friendly as you believe you are? Churches are invited to send 1-2 persons to be trained to be a secret worshipper for another church and in turn will receive some to help review their own. This workshop will train persons to attend a worship service secretly and be able to provide the experience back to the church leadership.
Prerequisites: 1. The pastor and lay leader must sign off to allow a secret worshipper to attend. 2. The secret worshiper will attend a workshop and then meet with pastor and leadership on a day following the worship to share insights and experiences. 3. A church will only receive a secret worshipper if they provide someone to do the same for another church. - Stewardship 201: Legacy Giving - led by Rev. Tammy Scott, chair of CCFA
Do you wonder about how to sustain the life of the church beyond the life of the current members? Together we will learn about Legacy Gifts and share opportunities to introduce Legacy Giving to your congregation. - Communications: Getting the Word Out - led by Rev. Victoria Rebeck, NIC Director of Communication
(same class as Session 1)
Your church is providing some good ministry with its community. How can you make sure others learn about it so they can participate—and get to know people in your church? This workshop will teach you skills in choosing media channels and wording information so that it will be more likely to be published—and will attract attention.
- Theology: Faithful Disciple: Picturing Peter in Christian Art - led by Rev. Dr. Daniel Cochran