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Urban Ministries

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Urbanstrategy

The Chicago Urban Strategy Summit was convened by the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church under the leadership of Bishop Sally Dyck on Saturday, May 18, 2013. The summit was held at South Shore International College Preparatory High School, a public school on Chicago’s south side. This date also coincided with “Change the World” weekend and Pentecost Sunday was the next day.

It is prayerfully anticipated that Pentecost winds of change will continue to stir the hearts and minds of United Methodists into a cohesive movement that will sweep across the City of Chicago long after the Chicago Urban Strategy Summit.

In March 2013 some 30 leaders from across the Northern Illinois Conference met to discuss ways in which United Methodist churches in Chicago and the Chicagoland area might be in ministry with the people of the city of Chicago. The consensus of this meeting was that if as United Methodists we are going to “seek the salvation of the city” and have the greatest positive influence in transforming Chicago, a strategic focus targeting the four areas whose underlying cause is poverty was needed.

These four strategic areas include Community Safety, Education & Literacy, Restorative Justice and Food Security. It was also agreed that a “Chicago Urban Strategy Summit” calling United Methodists throughout the City of Chicago and surrounding Chicagoland area to come together to address challenges facing residents of Chicago and to begin the development of an urban strategy for the United Methodist Church in Chicago.

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News & Announcements

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From the Bishop: Pay Attention to Your Neighbor

With the presence of aggressive federal agents, many immigrants are afraid to go to work, visit food pantries, or take their kids to school. Missing work means losing pay. Help b…

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From Bishop Schwerin: Children Under Threat

Beginning Oct. 3, Immigration and Customs Enforcement launched an operation, reportedly named “Freaky Friday,” targeting unaccompanied children aged 14 and older of all nationalities…

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United Voices for Children Recognize NIC Child Advocates

Six Northern Illinois United Methodists received awards for their outstanding ministry with children and youth. Their recognition was celebrated at United Voices for Chi…

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Neighbors and Conference Friends Mourn ICE Victim

About 120 people gathered at First United Methodist Church in Franklin Park/Movement in the City on Sept. 19 to mourn the death of Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, who was killed by…

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