In Sympathy: Mrs. June Porter
Mrs. June Porter, surviving spouse of the late Rev. John Porter of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Dec. 4, 2025.
Location: Dakota Rock Grove UMC, 120 S Church St Dakota, IL 61018
Dates: April 6 & 7, 2019
Lay Servant Ministries Classes
“Helping to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
Academy Schedule
Saturday, April 6, 2019
7:30 - 8:00am Registration 8:00 - 8:30am Opening
8:30 - 4:45pm Class - including 2 breaks & lunch.
Saturday, April 7, 2019
9:30 am Worship at host church
1:00 - 4:15 pm Class time
4:15 - 4:30pm Certificates & Closing
10 hours of classroom instruction are required for completion.
All Laity Are Welcome!
You do not need to participate in the Lay Servant Program to attend. These courses will help you grow in your role as a layperson, developing and nurturing your spiritual gifts for the ministry of the church.
BASIC COURSES
Lay Servant Basic Course +*
Participants are invited to consider 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 discipleship.
Youth Lay Servant Basic Course
This course is equivalent to the course above but geared for Middle & High School youth. There is no charge for this course, but pre-registration is required.
ADVANCED COURSES
Living as a United Methodist (UM Heritage) +*
This advanced course is required to become a certified lay servant. Participants gain an understanding of the distinctive traditions and emphases of the United Methodist Church.
Transforming Evangelism
This course leads participants to learn from John Wesley how to practice relational evangelism. They will discover that evangelism involves not only sharing our faith with others but also welcoming people into a community where they can grow in faith.
Leading Bible Study
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.
Dancing with Words
Dancing with Words Participants in the course will learn what constitutes a good story, discover storytelling styles, learn the techniques of effective storytelling, and practice creating stories from their experiences.
+ required for Lay Speaker certification.
* required for Lay Servant certification.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Online registration coming soon...
For help, contact: Betsy Smith 815.561.8285 Fee is $45 by March 23, 2019 - $50 after March 23.
No refunds made after March 23.
Course materials will be mailed to you if the fee is paid at the time of registration. If you pay at the door, you will receive your material then.