In Sympathy: Mrs. June Porter
Mrs. June Porter, surviving spouse of the late Rev. John Porter of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Dec. 4, 2025.
Location: St. Matthew UMC, 1000 N. Orleans St., Chicago IL 60610
Discipleship training for everyone... be sure to encourage your youth and children, too!
March 16 & 23
8 am- 3 pm
COURSES OFFERED:
Lay Servant Basic Course: This course is offered Children, Youth, Adults in English, and Adults in Spanish. The Basic Course is foundational for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries. Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and to consider 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.
- Lay Servant Basic Children (under 12) (Cherie Asante, Catherine Inserra and Karen Syverson)
- Lay Servant Basic Youth (over 12) (Dawn Gardner & Courtney Gardner)
- Lay Servant Basic Course – English (Dr. Ligaya Marasigan-LaBao & Rev. Victor Melad Jr.)
- Lay Servant Basic Course - Spanish (Sandy Moller)
Devotional Life in the Wesleyan Tradition - English (Rev. Brian Smith)
Structured around Wesley’s "means of grace," this study covers, among other topics, prayer, Scripture, the Lord’s Supper, and fasting – major features in John Wesley’s devotional life. Participants will learn how they can apply Wesley’s ministry to their own life.
Life Together in the United Methodist Connection – English (Rev. Norval I. Brown)
This course gives participants an overview of the structure and organization of The United Methodist Church. A copy of the 2016 Book of Discipline is recommended for both the online and text version of this course.
Call to Preach - Spanish (Arnold Rivera)
Called to Preach is designed for those who have not completed formal preaching training, for pastors seeking a basic refresher course, and for others who are called upon to preach in a pastor’s absence. Called to Preach is the required preaching course in the Lay Speaker Track of study.
CHILDCARE REGISTRATION is required by March 10
Early registrations are strongly encouraged.
Walk-ins are always welcome, but class sizes are limited. Local churches are encouraged to sponsor any children, youth or adults from their congregation. District scholarships may be available.
Certified Lay Servants must complete accredited certified hours of training every 3 years.
CLASS FEES:
Adults (early registration by March 10)......................... $30
Adults (register after March 10)........................................$35
Youth (12- 17 yrs)....................................................................$15
Children (6- 11 yrs).................................................................$10
ONLINE REGISTRATION: may pay by cash or check at the door.
MAIL-IN REGISTRATION: may pay by cash or check at the door.
Complete form and mail with or without check to:
Chicago Metro Regional Office
Attn: Debbie Rogers
77 W. Washington Street, Suite 1820
Chicago, IL 60602
Write Checks Payable to: “Northern Illinois Conference”
Contact the following with questions about Lay Academy, Course, Scholarships:
Selena Roberts asroberts48@gmail.com (773) 213-2853
Chester Lacey clacey@redskytech.com (312) 432-4304
Questions about Online Registration:
Laura Lopez llopez@umcnic.org (312) 346-9766 ext. 724
Questions about Mail-In Registration:
Debbie Rogers drogers@umcnic.org (312) 334-0732