Skip to Main Content

Lake North Lay Academy Fall 2024

Location: Wilmette: Trinity UMC, 1024 Lake St., Wilmette

2024 Fall Ln Lay Academy Banner

Saturdays, September 21 & 28
8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wilmette: Trinity UMC, 1024 Lake St., Wilmette

Cost $25
Includes box lunches, snacks, and beverages.

Online Registration 


Class Options: (one course per academy)

  1. Basic Lay Servant Ministries: The Basic Course focuses on the three primary aspects of Lay Servant Ministry: Leading, Caring, and Communicating.
    Instructor: Kris Aves, CLM, and Ellen Feliciano, CLS
    Book: Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Participant's Guide by Sandy Zeigler Jackson & Brian Jackson.
  2. Basic Lay Servant Ministries - Youth: Same course as the Basic Course with a focus for youth.
    Instructors: Joann Melad and Amy Reimer, Deaconesses
    Book: Lay Servant Ministries Basic Course Participant's Guide by Sandy Zeigler Jackson & Brian Jackson.
  3. (Spanish) From Your Heart to Theirs: Delivering an Effective Sermon/De tu corazón al de ellos: Moving beyond the basics of public speaking and the foundations necessary for preparing an engaging sermon. Class will be given in Spanish.
    Instructor: Rev. Miguel Nieves
    Book: From Your Heart to Theirs, Participant's Guide by David Carroll
    For those interested in a Spanish-speaking Basic Lay Servant Ministry class - click here. Class is  August 31 and October 21.
  4. Called to Preach: This class is designed for those who have not had any formal preaching training. It will help those who are occasionally called upon to share the Word.
    Instructor: Greg Alonso
    Book: Called To Preach Study Guide by Dawn Chesser
  5. Sacraments: Means of Grace: This advanced course with a leader’s guide by Rev. Beth Galbreath gives a deeper experience of the sacraments and many ideas for deepening congregations' sacramental practice of Baptism and Holy Communion.
    Instructor: James Hagedorn
    Book: This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion - Participant’s Book by Gayle Carlton Felton
  6.  Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (United Methodist Heritage): This course will explore the special gifts of theology, witness, and organization that The United Methodist Church brings to the church universal, how we got where we are today, and how our distinctive emphases are still needed in the 21st-century church.
    Instructor: Peggy Hansen, CLM
    Book: Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way by Kenneth L. Carder

All books may be purchased at your favorite bookseller.
All class times must be attended to receive course credit.

Download the Flyer

QUESTIONS? 
Chester Lacy - Chester.Lacy@everbridge.com
Ellen Feliciano - felinet@ameritech.net


Lay Academies are being offered in other districts. You are welcome to attend the academy that works for your needs.

News & Announcements

Celebrating Amania 2

Seven Years of Connection, Service and Ministry: Celebrating Amania Drane

Amania Drane will transition out of her role as Project Manager with the Northern Illinois Conference in January 2027 to pursue a personal calling relat…

Nic Cabinet Fall Fundraiser 101126

Immigration Law and Justice Offers Hope

Immigration Law and Justice of Northern Illinois recently gathered more than 160 supporters at its annual fundraising event in Aurora, raising $40,500 toward a $60,000 goal to provide fr…

1000005944

2027 NIC Youth Retreat: Love Does!

Youth from five NIC churches gathered in September for the 2026 Fall Youth Retreat, themed “Love Does!” Through worship, small-group discussions, outdoor activities and time together, partici…

Judith Jean Mitchel Headshot

NIC Welcomes Judith Jean Michel to Episcopal Office

Judith Jean Michel will join the Northern Illinois Conference on Nov. 4 as Executive Administrative Assistant to the Bishop and the Assistant to the Bishop. With more than 10…

Print