Location: Oak Lawn: First UMC, 10000 Central Ave., Oak Lawn

 

Saturday, January 24
9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Oak Lawn: First UMC, 10000 Central Ave., Oak Lawn

Online registration 
Registration closes on 1/16/26

Cost: $10 per person, includes lunch and dinner

Download the flyer
 

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Schedule:

• 8:30 a.m.    Check In/Gathering/Coffee
• 9:30 a.m.    Worship Service (Go Team)
• 10:30 a.m.  Morning Workshop
• Noon            Lunch
• 1:30 p.m.    Afternoon Workshop
• 3 p.m.            Dinner
• 4:30 p.m.      Revival Service – They Wont Know, If We Don’t GO!

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Classes:

• Morning Workshops (Please select one)
  • Music & Theology for Youth Ages 5-18 (2026) - Rev. Michael Mitchell Sr.
    Calling all you ages 5-18! Join us as we help youth explore the spiritual and theological depth of worship music—both traditional and contemporary—and understand how music can be a form of ministry and personal expression of faith.
  • Finance Committee - Elaine Moy, NIC Treasurer
    This workshop provides a step-by-step explanation of the purpose and responsibilities of the ministry of the committee on finance. In addition, the workshop provides guidelines and examples of how to perform the duties of the committee on finance as well as reference materials that can be used by the committee. Members of the church finance committee should take the Workshop on the Ministry of the Committee on Finance to learn what their responsibilities are and how to accomplish the mission of the committee.
  • Staff Parish Relations Committee - Rev. Danita R. Anderson, NIC Assistant to the Bishop
    How do you care for and manage the staff of your congregation?  What happens if you are caring for and managing a clergy person in a cross racial/cross cultural appointment?  What really does go on when there is an appointment change?  How do you end well?  The first 90 days of a new appointment. 
  • Trustees - Bob Wood, Chair LSD DBCLB
    “Stewardship of Church Buildings & Property” New and returning Trustees will learn a few things from the best practices shared in this workshop. Preparedness, problem solving, and keeping the team and the church members happy are a few of the topics covered.
  • Lay Leaders - Eugene Williams, NIC Co-Lay Leader
    The lay leader serves as primary advocate for and representative of the laity in the congregation.  The lay leader’s responsibilities touch the entire breadth of the congregation’s life.  Join us as we learn together how to work effectively in our ministry settings to make disciples for Christ for the transformation of the world.
  • Reporting/Charge Conference Forms - Debbie Rogers, NIC District Admin
• Afternoon Workshops (Please select one)
  • Ministering with Compassion: Supporting Congregants Facing Immigration Challenges - Rev. Danita R. Anderson, NIC Assistant to the Bishop
  • Evangelism and Discipleship - Dr. Audrea Nanabray, Lake South District Superintendent
    Every church desires to grow. The workshop on Evangelism and Discipleship Through Life Group Ministry will give effective methods for how to grow our church, strengthen member relationships, and joyfully fulfill our individual purpose as a Christian. You don’t want to miss this.
  • Visiting and Care Ministries (Pastoral Care) - Rev. Dr. Michelle Taylor Sanders
    This workshop will help clergy and laity be better prepared to support people who are facing the end of their lives. We will discuss the importance of talking about this difficult topic; making end of life decisions, completing paper work, etc. You will get a better understanding about hospice and the help they can provide. As Christians, we should face death with courage, faith and love.  This workshop will make that easier.
  • Mental Health and Faith for Youth Ages 5-18 – Pastor Ed Bickham
    Calling all young people!  This workshop is especially designed for those under age 19. You are a gift to the body of Christ.  We want you to understand the privilege and honor it is to serve Christ and His Church and to know that you have a place to serve among everyone else in your local church. And we want you to have fun doing it.  So come on out and enjoy the day with us.
  • One Board Model – The Simplified Accountability Structure - Kay L. Kotan, PCC & TQ Certified Coach
    The Simplified Accountability Structure (SAS), is a governance model designed to streamline church leadership and enhance missional effectiveness. This training will explain how to consolidate the responsibilities and authority of traditional administrative committees—such as Finance, Trustees, Staff-Parish Relations, and the Church Council/Administrative Board—into a single, unified Leadership Board.
  • Introducing UMC Media - Lisa Smith, NIC Communications Specialist
    Learn about the communications resources offered by the Northern Illinois Conference and The United Methodist Church. This session will also share practical tools, best practices, and tips to strengthen your church’s messaging and outreach. It’s a great starting point for anyone looking to learn more about the UMC and NIC, as well as enhance their church’s communication efforts.

Questions?  Rev G Morris K. Jarkloh Jr. (773-807-5092, email) or La'Kendreia Gibson-Webster (708-941-5219, email)