General Conference 2020 (2024) Updates
The UMC General Conference (postponed from 2020) came to order on the morning of April 23. Follow daily reports focusing on topics of interest to Northern Illinois Conference readers.
Location: Belvidere: First UMC , 610 Bonus Ave, Belvidere IL
Sat., April 29 th - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sun., April 30 th - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
10 hours of classroom participation needed for course completion.
Cost $25
Box lunch (Saturday only), snacks, water and coffee will be provided.
Belvidere: First UMC - 610 Bonus Ave, Belvidere IL
Classes offered:
All class times must be attended to receive course credit.
- Basic Course: The Basic Course is the foundation for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries.Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and toconsider 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.
Book: Basic Course-Lay Servant Ministries: Participant's Book by Sandy Zeigler Jackson & Brian Jackson - From Your Heart to Theirs, Delivering an Effective Sermon: This course moves beyond the basics of public speaking and the foundations necessary for preparing an engaging sermon. It also includes types of sermons—from exegetical to topical to children’s sermons—as well as how to find a story, how to use the hymnal, and how to move from communication on paper to beyond the paper.
Book: From Your Heart to Theirs Participants Book by David Carroll & Tony Franks - Justice in Everyday Life: A Look at the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church: 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 for Lay Servants and anyone interested in studying the Social Principles.
Book: Social Principles of The United Methodist Church 2017-2020 by United Methodist Church - Lay Servants Lead In Conflict Resolution: Every church deals with conflict, both healthy and unhealthy. And lay servants can be equipped and empowered to help lead through those times of conflict as a time of transformation. This course will guide lay servants seeking to be more empowered to lead their congregations toward vitality.
Book: The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation by Thomas Porter
All books may be purchased at your favorite bookseller.
QUESTIONS? Contact Kim Emery - kkim0104@aol.com