Building Faith and Friendships at JOY Camp
JOY Camp 2026 brought together 61 campers and 27 volunteer counselors for a week of faith, friendship, and outdoor fun at Camp Reynoldswood in Dixon, Ill., June 21-27. Centered on the…
Location: Rockford: Christ UMC, 4509 Highcrest Rd.
Sponsored by the Prairie North District
Sat., Aug. 2, 9 a.m. to Noon
Rockford: Christ UMC, 4509 Highcrest Rd.
Schedule:
- 9 a.m.: Gathering
- 9:15 a.m.: Welcome from DS Hwa-Young Chong and Rev. Christian Coon
- 9:30 a.m.: Merger experience between Lombard: First UMC and Villa Park: Calvary UMC (Tom Price and video from Rev. Michael Mann)
- 10:15 a.m.: Break
- 10:30 a.m.: Adoption merger experience with Rev. James Preston of Kingswood UMC
- 11:15 a.m.: Introduction to cooperative parish model with Rev. Lindsey Joyce of Northside Cooperative Parish and NIC Cooperative Parish Strategist
All are welcome to this great opportunity to learn more about merger options.
Hear from those who have had successful experiences of merger and share your questions! Also, there will be an opportunity to learn more about the cooperative parish model. Pastors are encouraged to bring their church leaders. Christ UMC hosts this event in Rockford, but it is not limited to churches in Rockford. All are welcome. To help us better prepare the space and snacks, please sign up here.