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

2026 Pc Leadership Culture Shift

Cultivating Healthy Congregations

The Prairie Central District Shepherding Team is bringing Rev. Jim Ozier back to Northern Illinois for Culture Shift: Cultivating Healthy Congregations, a one-day experience focused on helping…

Sympathynoticeflowers

In Sympathy: Donald Keck

Rev. Donald C Keck, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025. 

Rev Hannah Offering Communion Cmyk

With Warm Faith, Pastors Seek to Counter ICE

United Methodists are striving to lead courageously as their cities face threats of militarization and an onslaught of masked federal agents. In both the Northern Illinois (and othe…

Jesus Wouldnt Do This Sign At Protest Cmyk

The Connectionalism of Rapid Response

Trained and ready, church members have quickly mobilized to assist those affected by ICE raids and detentions. Their response is a part of the Chicagoland United Methodist Rapid Response n…

Print