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: Stockton: Wesley UMC, 127 E. Benton, Stockton, IL
Spring Lay Academy Dates: April 14 - 15, 2018
Times:
April 14, 7:30 – 8:00 am registration / day ending at 4:45 pm
April 15, 1:00 – 4:30 pm
Cost: $40 by Saturday, March 31 / $45 after the 31st
No refunds made after 3/31
BASIC COURSE:
- Lay Servant Ministries + *
Learn the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders,
remaining rooted in spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members
accountable in discipleship.
ADVANCED COURSES:
- Living as a United Methodist (UM Heritage) + *
This course will explore the special gifts of theology, witness, and organization that TheUnited 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.
- Leading Public Prayer *
Prayer is something we learn; it is something that can be taught. For many, however, the
only teaching about prayer they ever receive is modeled in Sunday worship. This course
may challenge some of your assumptions, test some of your preconceived ideas, stretch
your thinking and enrich your prayer life. It will, at the very least, present you with an
opportunity to grow in the discipline of leading public prayer.
- Leading Worship *
This course focuses on the ministry of the Lay Servant who either regularly or occasionally
leads a group or congregation in worship. THE FOLLOW UP CLASS: “PLANNING
WORSHIP” WILL BE OFFERED AT THE FALL ACADEMY.
- Lay Pastoral Care Giving
This course opens a new world for many lay servants who have not had professional
training in biblical interpretation. It reminds us as United Methodists that Bible study
and biblical interpretation are a core part of our spiritual journey.
+ Required course for Certified Lay Servant
* Required course for Certified Lay Speaker
Sponsored by Rockford District Committee on Lay Servant Ministry
For more information contact: Leslie Stanford, Lay Academy Chair
815.713.7786 jptmom8@gmail.com