Skip to Main Content

Prairie North Lay Academy Spring 23

Location: Belvidere: First UMC , 610 Bonus Ave, Belvidere IL

2023 Pn Spring Lay Academy Banner


Sat., April 29 th -  8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sun., April 30 th -  1:00 pm - 4:30 pm

10 hours of classroom participation needed for course completion.

Cost $25

Box lunch (Saturday only), snacks, water and coffee will be provided.

Belvidere: First UMC  - 610 Bonus Ave, Belvidere IL

Online Registration

Classes offered:

All class times must be attended to receive course credit.

  1. Basic Course: The Basic Course is the foundation for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries.Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and toconsider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices and being part of a group that holds members accountable in their discipleship.
    Book: Basic Course-Lay Servant Ministries: Participant's Book by Sandy Zeigler Jackson & Brian Jackson
  2. From Your Heart to Theirs, Delivering an Effective Sermon: This course moves beyond the basics of public speaking and the foundations necessary for preparing an engaging sermon. It also includes types of sermons—from exegetical to topical to children’s sermons—as well as how to find a story, how to use the hymnal, and how to move from communication on paper to beyond the paper.
    Book: From Your Heart to Theirs Participants Book by David Carroll & Tony Franks
  3. Justice in Everyday Life: A Look at the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church: This advanced course takes an in-depth look at the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church — the church's attempt to speak on contemporary issues with which it is confronted today. The book covers topics such as the following: Natural World, Social Community, Economic Community, Political Community, Biblical Foundations of the Social Principles, and Teaching the Social Principles. It is for Lay Servants and anyone interested in studying the Social Principles.
    Book: Social Principles of The United Methodist Church 2017-2020 by United Methodist Church
  4. Lay Servants Lead In Conflict Resolution: Every church deals with conflict, both healthy and unhealthy. And lay servants can be equipped and empowered to help lead through those times of conflict as a time of transformation. This course will guide lay servants seeking to be more empowered to lead their congregations toward vitality.
    Book: The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation by Thomas Porter

All books may be purchased at your favorite bookseller.

Online Registration

Download the Flyer

QUESTIONS? Contact Kim Emery - kkim0104@aol.com

News & Announcements

Sydneyrae On Upsplash

From our Bishop: Celebrating Hispanic/Latine Heritage and Praying for National Unity on Race

In his reflection for Hispanic Heritage Month, Bishop Daniel Schwerin calls United Methodists to celebrate the faith, resilience and…

Img 3765 Sm

Cross-Pollination: Church and Garden Club Grow Together

Rockton UMC and the Roscoe Gardening Club are growing more than vegetables in the church parking lot. Now in its second year, their partnership transforms unused space in…

Administratorsm

Fall 2026 Webinars on Church Finance and Administration

Just as last year, the conference finance and administration office is offering a host of webinars to help churches with finance and administration. Topics include 2027 b…

Rockford Christ Vbs Foam Smaller

Rethinking Vacation Bible School: Faith Formation Beyond the Traditional Model

Vacation Bible school has long been a summer tradition in United Methodist churches, bringing children together for Bible stories, music, crafts, g…

Print