Time to Submit Your Church Statistics and Final Apportionment Payments
It’s that time of year for churches to report their 2025 attendance, ministries, and financial records to the conference office. Reports are due Jan. 31. A…
Location: First UMC Freeport 503 N Lily Creek Road Freeport IL
First UMC Freeport
503 N Lily Creek Road, Freeport
Registration is $25.00
Box lunch (Saturday only), snacks, water and coffee will be provided
Books may be purchased at your favorite bookseller.
Class Options (Choose 1)
- Living as a United Methodist (UM Heritage)
This advanced course is required to become a certified lay servant. 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.
Student Book: Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way by Kenneth L. Carder - For the Common Good: Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts (NEW)
This course offers a scriptural understanding of spiritual gifts as always given “for the common good.” By helping participants identify and link their gifts, abilities, and sense of calling, laity will learn the powerful connection between spiritual gifts and vocational discernment in the context of the mission of their local church. They will also learn how to make spiritual gifts discernment a part of their congregation’s culture and commitment to equip mission-focused leaders who make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Student book: For the Common Good: Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts by Christine Harman - Embracing Personal Prayer
At the end of this course, you will be able to establish a daily practice for communicating with God and listening for God's answers. You will find ways to come to the Lord in prayer (singing, fasting, praying the Scriptures, praying for others, and using intercessory prayer). You will explore the many names of Jesus and God you can use for adoration in your prayer. You will identify your need to overcome the barriers you may now be experiencing in your prayer life. Finally, you will be provided useful tools for structuring your prayer life and focusing on the Lord.
Student book: Lord, Teach Us to Pray: A Study to Personal Prayer by Margie Burger - Justice in Everyday Life
This advanced course, takes an in-depth look at the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church — the church's attempt to speak on contemporary issues with which it is confronted today. The book covers topics such as the following: Natural World, Social Community, Economic Community, Political Community, Biblical Foundations of the Social Principles, and Teaching the Social Principles. It is not only for Lay Servants but is for anyone interested in studying the Social Principles in greater detail.
Student book: Social Principles of The United Methodist Church 2017-2020 by United Methodist Church - Lay Servants as Christian Transformational Leaders
This course will guide lay servants to be more empowered to lead their congregations toward vitality.
Student Book: Lay Servants as Christian: Participant's Book by Marc Brown, Kathy Merry, John Briggs - Aging & Ministry in the 21st Century
This is a practical guide for building ministry for older adults. While a popular perception is that the aged are needy and infirmed, Gentzler affirms that the majority of older adults have plenty to give. The church needs to tap into their wisdom, energy, experience and talents. Gentzler stresses that older adult ministries need to be and with elders as well as for them, since participants will represent all stages of retirement and activity levels.
Student Book: Aging and Ministry in the 21st Century: An Inquiry Approach by Richard H. Gentzler, Richard H Gentzler Jr.
Questions?
Contact Kim Emery