Skip to Main Content

Gun Violence Assembly

Posted: March 13 2019 at 07:49 PM

Gun violence affects everyone! Whether you live in an urban, suburban or a rural community gun violence directly or indirectly affects you and those you serve. The question is not “WILL” but “HOW" does the faith community respond to this epidemic and maintain the integrity of its calling?

Northern Illinois Conference Bishop Sally Dyck has said, “In the swirl of national and church news, it’s easy to overlook and even forget the ongoing injustices in our communities, especially Chicago.”

According to Indiana Bishop Julius C. Trimble, "Fear and hatred have exploded through gun violence and continue to cause ripples in our lives and communities. It is time for us to pray, preach, and denounce hatred. Let us love one another since love comes from God."
 
“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!” has been designed as an interconference, faith-rooted Teach-in and Café Conversation sponsored by the Indiana and Northern Illinois Conferences of The United Methodist Church.

This half-day assembly is designed to equip and engage participants in principles and practices to effectively implement congregation and community-based gun violence prevention strategies. The teach-in portion of the day will feature concurrent workshops led by experienced gun violence prevention practitioners in the areas of public health, public policy and urban ministry. The Café Conversation will encourage participants to share ways to harness the energy of the moment and harvest ideas for next steps.

In the words of Bishop Dyck, “Enough is Enough” is the opportunity to focus and refocus with our neighbors in Indiana on preventing gun violence.  Education, motivation and collaboration are needed if we’re going to make a difference.”
 
“Enough is Enough” will be held on Saturday, April 13 (9 am to 12:30 pm) at East Side United Methodist Church (11000 S Ewing Avenue, Chicago). The cost is $5 per person. There is no charge for groups of 5 or more registering together.

ONLINE REGISTRATION
 
Collaborators for this event include: Live FREE Chicago, Illinois Gun Violence Prevention Coalition, the Center for Faith and Community Public Health Transformation, North Central Jurisdiction Black Methodists for Church Renewal, Ten Points Coalition – Indianapolis, United Voices for Children.

News & Announcements

Delegation At Beumc Merged30percent

Bishop Schwerin's Reflections on General Conference 2024

Bishop Dan Schwerin offers some reflections after listening to how news of The United Methodist General Conference is being received in Northern Illinois.

Cheryl Weaver Web Image

Cheryl Weaver Named Chief Benefits Officer for NIC and Wisconsin

Rev. Cheryl Weaver, Wisconsin Conference’s benefits officer, will also serve Northern Illinois Conference in this capacity, beginning June 1.

Openingworshipgc202umnssq

General Conference 2020 (2024) Updates

The UMC General Conference (postponed from 2020) came to order on the morning of April 23. Follow daily reports focusing on topics of interest to Northern Illinois Conference readers.

Nic At Gc 1 Smaller

Northern Illinois United Methodists Working and Helping at General Conference

General Conference takes thousands of people to help the event run smoothly and do its work. United Methodists from across Northern Illinois partici…

Print