|
|
||||||||||
| Home | Events | People | In Care | Churches | Resources | Employment | About CMA | Links | ||
CMA Web Archives |
Items Previously Posted on This Site |
Other Links |
| * |
Archived Events and News Previously Posted on the CMA WebsiteCMA Seeks Office SpaceThe decision has been made to move the Chicago Metropolitan Association offices from its current location on Michigan Avenue. This decision was based on available space and cost proposed to us by Community Renewal Society which, like many of our local churches and organizations, has found themselves in a place where financial constraints have compelled them to make difficult choices. We now must locate appropriate office space and invite you to submit a proposal to us for consideration by June 30, 2009. We are looking at a move date of August 1, 2009 and the space must meet the following criteria:If your church/organization has space which you would like us to consider, please send a description of the space (including sq footage) to Rev. Dr. Rita Root at ritaroot@cmaucc.org no later than 4p on June 30, 2009. This Palestinian Life - June 23Stories of Palestinian Nonviolent Resistance - A film by Philip RizkIn THIS PALESTINIAN LIFE, director Philip Rizk uses an oral history approach to highlight the stories and perspectives of Palestinian villagers and Bedouin. This method avoids using "experts" to interpret the broader Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Rather, the film's anthropological and ethnographic method portrays the daily life of Palestinian communities in order to explore, in greater depth, how Palestinian life is being undermined by the pressure of Israeli occupation. Upon viewing the film, we will hear from the film's director, Philip Rizk (via Skype) and Kathy Kelly, Voices for Creative Non-VIolence, who visited Gaza in January of this year. Questions and comments from the audience will be moderated by Rabbi Brant Rosen, spiritual leader of the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation in Evanston. Co-Sponsored by: 8th Day Center for Justice, American Friends Service Committee, Amnesty International, Arab American Action Network, Christian Peacemaker Teams-Chicago, Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, Eco-Justice Collaborative, Francis of Assisi Catholic Worker House, Kairos Community, The Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation Peace Dialogue, Palestine Solidarity Group, Palestinian Childrens’ Relief Fund, Viatorian Community, Voices for Creative Non-Violence, Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ, West Suburban Faith-Based PEACE Coalition, Women’s Resource Center. Visit www.waucc.org for more information and to download a flier. Questions? Contact Pam Richart at: 773-556-3418 or prichart@ecojusticecollaborative.org. Advocate UCC Begins Services June 21Advocate UCC, a new church organized by Rev. Malcolm Griffith, will hold its first church service on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 11:00 am at 315 E. 161st Place in South Holland, IL 60473. This new church is encouraged by CMA and the Illinois Conference. For more information contact Rev Griffith at 708-955-1271.(Posted 12/03/08 - 6/1/09) PASTOR, Edgebrook Community Church, Chicago HOLD ON PROFILES Edgebrook Community Church is seeking a full time pastor for this small vibrant church that wishes to grow in its northwest side neighborhood of Chicago. The pastor will be expected to help the congregation grow spiritually as well as to partner with them in their community endeavors. For more information visit our church website at www.edgebrookcc.org or contact CMA Interim Association Co-Minister The Rev. Dr. Rita Root at 312-939-5918 or ritaroot@cmaucc.org Rev. Otis Moss III Installation at Trinity UCC - May 31Rev. Otis Moss III will be Installed as Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago on Sunday, May 31, 2009 during an all day celebration at the church at 400 West 95th Street, Chicago 60628; 773-962-5650; http://www.tucc.org/index.phpThe formal installation service begins at 6:00 pm. (Posted 12/10/08 - 5/29/09) ASSOCIATE PASTOR, First United Church, Oak Park First United Church in Oak Park, IL, is looking for an Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry and Adult Education First United is a 145-year-old joint UCC/PCUSA congregation that welcomes ALL in the vibrant Oak Park suburb of Chicago. We seek an Associate Pastor who has a strong faith, is a good team player, and is a self-starter with skills and drive to build youth groups now attracting 100 students weekly (Grades 6-12) and a challenging and engaging adult education program that offers 2-3 concurrent options each Sunday. Position also includes worship leadership, some preaching and pastoral care. $49,000-$55,000 (total for salary & housing) Profile deadline Feb. 28, 2009. For more information visit our church website at www.firstunitedoakpark.com or contact CMA Interim Association Co-Minister The Rev. Dr. Rita Root at 312-939-5918 or ritaroot@cmaucc.org ATiiM Special Event with Mark Lau Branson - May 19The Illinois ATiiM presents Mark Lau Branson, Author of Memories, Hopes, and Conversations: Appreciative Inquiry and Congregational ChangeTuesday, May 19, 2009 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Lunch included Mark Lau Branson is the Homer L. Goddard Associate Professor of Ministry of the Laity at Fuller Theological Seminary. Known for his skillful weaving of biblical theology, theory and practice for the purpose of congregational formation, he has published Memories, Hopes and Conversations: Appreciative Inquiry and Congregational Change as well as Conflict and Context: Hermeneutics in the Americas. "The thesis of Appreciative Inquiry is that an organization, such as a church, can be recreated by its conversations. And if that new creation is to feature the most life-giving forces and forms possible, then the conversations must be shaped by appreciative questions. A church's leaders make decisions about what to talk about, what questions to ask, what metaphors to use - and every such initiative shapes the present and the future. I believe Appreciative Inquiry offers a remarkable way to hone those conversations and questions." Event Location: Grizzley Jack's Grand Bear Resort 2643 North Illinois Route 178, Utica, Illinois Adjacent to Starved Rock State Park From I-80 - exit 81 south on Rt. 178 From I-39 - exit 54 to Oglesby to Rt. 71 east to Rt. 178 All inclusive cost: $75 if postmarked by May 1st; $85 if postmarked after May 1st. Download flyer and registration form. For further information, call 309-685-5929 or email ilwestucc@aol.com Wholistic Excellence in Leadership - May 6-7Leadership during challenging times:Helping build resiliency for ministry in a struggling world Serving in ministry can be highly rewarding! But during challenging times it is easy to focus on managing the work load from day to day at the expense of leadership precisely when it is most crucial. Clergy are increasingly under a great deal of stress due to isolation, diverse demands on their time and growing challenges in leading today’s changing church. Balancing all aspects of the work while maintaining a sense of wholeness is becoming increasingly difficult. As a result clergy are experiencing a rise in physical and mental health complications and are burning out and even dropping out of ministry at an increasing rate. Wholistic Excellence in Leadership is a process that uses a variety of tools; such as music therapy, leadership styles and strategies, stress management techniques and strategic goal setting to build resiliency for leadership. Our goal is to help you thrive in the work that God has called you to do for the long term. Beginning with an intensive 2 day workshop, we explore and teach what it takes to thrive and live with personal wellness in your life. The workshop will help you develop a coaching plan to help you focus on vitality for ministry. Participants will test and implement ideas and strategies during the 6 months following the workshop to meet their personal goals. Follow-up Coaching Dates for this work are June 25, August 20, September 24 and October 29. The WEL workshop will be held at Good Samaritan Hospital, Wellness Center, Downers Grove, Illinois, May 6-7, 2009. Registration and further information are available by contacting Nancy Sayer, LCPC of Samaritan Consulting Services of Naperville Ph 630-373-6742 x28. Cost for the workshop and the following coaching sessions is $175. Overnight accommodations are available at a reduced rate at the Marriot Hotel. Participants will have full access to the Wellness Center during the conference days. Download Flyer Download Registration Form CMA Spring Meeting was held May 2The Chicago Metropolitan Association Annual Spring Meeting was held on May 2, 2009 at Christ Church of Chicago with the theme: Empowering Congregations. The Rev. Paulo França was our host pastor.Over 200 people attended and over 60 CMA congregations were represented. The Rev. Phil Hart, Interim Conference Minister of the Illinois Conference was the guest preacher in a worship service designed by our host church. The service was followed by a panel presenting resources for the local church, including: The business meeting included: Our host church provided us with wonderful hospitality and care, including a fine lunch, and thoughtful attention to all of the meeting details. You can download some of the meeting materials here: CMA Spring Meeting - May 2The Chicago Metropolitan Association Annual Spring Meeting will be held this year on Saturday, May 2, 2009 at Christ Church of Chicago, 6047 N. Rockwell, Chicago, IL 60659. Registration and continental breakfast begins at 8 am; the meeting concludes after lunch.2009 Theme: Empowering Congregations All CMA clergy, laity, congregations, and UCC related community, health and educational institutions are encouraged to attend. The Rev. Paulo França is our host pastor. The meeting will begin with worship at 8:30 am. The Rev. Phil Hart, Interim Conference Minister of the Illinois Cofnerence will be the guest preacher. Worship will be followed by a talk back program led by Rev. Hart and a panel of persons presenting resources for the local church, including: The business meeting will follow and will include For the business session, each CMA church may have two voting lay delegates and one youth delegate (age 14-22). All ordained, commissioned and licensed ministers with CMA standing may vote. Download meeting materials and registration forms here: Early registration will be appreciated. Registration deadline is April 21st. Visit the host church web site at: www.christchurchchicago.net UCC History & Polity Offered at SynodThe United Church of Christ, in cooperation with Chicago Theological Seminary, will offer UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST HISTORY, THEOLOGY AND POLITY in connection with General Synod 27 meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 22 through July 3, 2009 This course will explore the history, polity and theology of the United Church of Christ. As a result of this course, students will be faithful, critical and enthusiastic interpreters of the United Church of Christ, more fully equipped to provide authorized leadership in its congregations and ministries. Registration Deadline is May 1, 2009. A flyer and registration form can be downloaded HERE, Annual CMA In Care Meeting - March 21Theme: Moving Towards OrdinationThis meeting is for you if you are: This year's CMA In Care meeting will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2009, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at Pilgrim Congregational Church UCC, 460 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL. The program begins with a Worship Service at 9:00 am sharp. Come early at 8:30 am for Registration and Continental Breakfast Parking is available at the church. There is no fee for this event, but we need to know you are coming. Download the flyer and registration form HERE and return it to the CMA office to reserve your place. UCC History & Polity Course OfferedThe Illinois Conference will offer HISTORY AND POLITY OF THE UCC over 3 weekends at Pilgrim Park Camp and Conference Center: Feb 27-28, Mar 27-28 and May 8-9, 2009.This course will explore the history, polity and theology of the United Church of Christ. As a result of this course, students will be faithful, critical and enthusiastic interpreters of the United Church of Christ, more fully equipped to provide authorized leadership in its congregations and ministries. This study of UCC History and Polity satisfies requirements of the Associations of the Illinois Conference. Registration Deadline is February 10, 2009. A flyer and registration form can be downloaded here: Polity at Pilgrim Park CMA Fall Meeting - October 18The Chicago Metropolitan Association Annual Fall Meeting will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2008, at The Congregational Church of Park Manor 7000 South King Drive, Chicago, IL 60637 (773-224-4700). Registration Opens at 8 am. This year's theme: Claiming and Celebrating our Identity as a Multi-Racial, Multi-Cultural Church All CMA clergy, laity, and related community, health and educational institutions are encouraged to attend this time of worship, fellowship, learning and faith-sharing. Our preacher will be The Rev. Luther Holland who is also our host pastor. Schedule of the Meeting 8:00 am - Registration 8:30 - Worship 9:45 - Break 10:00 - Workshop Session # 1 10:45 - Break 11:00 - Workshop Session #2 12:00 noon - Plenary Session - Announcements 12:30 pm - Lunch Workshops Please review the list of workshops and be prepared to sign up for two when you check in at the meeting before worship. (Note: Workshop # 2 is a double session, so only sign up for that one, if that is your choice) 1. The Rehearsal: Embodying the Good News Presenters: Tiffany Trent and Rachel Bahr Meets in the Gymnasium Maximum enrollment 35 each session This workshop presents Augusto Boal's Theater of the Oppressed, and its techniques for awareness, storytelling, agency, and liberation to explore scripture, story, language, culture, and learning styles. Tiffany Trent is Director of Performing Arts at God Can Ministries UCC & Associate Pastor for Drama Ministry at Trinity UCC. Rachel Bahr is Director of Youth Ministry at First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn. While studying at CTS they found they had common roots in Theater of the Oppressed techniques and have used them to explore scripture, story, language, culture, and learning styles. 2. Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick? Presenters: Dr. Shirley Fleming and Richard Sewell Meets in Faulkner Room Maximum enrollment 30 in one double session for a total of 90 minutes. The workshop will explore the: 1) racial and socioeconomic inequities that produce health inequalities; and 2) call for new approaches to improving the health of God's people. It will include the video When the Bough Breaks, a 30 minute segment of the documentary Unnatural Causes; reflection, exploration of ways that our faith calls us to respond and sharing of information regarding resources & opportunities for addressing health inequities. Richard Sewell, a Deacon for Trinity United Church of Christ, is an instructor for health policy at the University of Illinois School of Public Health. Dr. Shirley Fleming was First Deputy Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Health when she was authorized for an In-Care relationship with the CMA. She is member of Trinity United Church of Christ and a member of Trinity's Healthcare Corporation. 3. Building Multi-racial, Multi-cultural Coalitions for Justice Presenters: The Rev. Randall Doubet King and Mike Underhill Meets in the Sanctuary Maximum enrollment 40 each session An interactive exploration of the value, complexity, and needed skills for building effective multi-racial, multi-cultural coalitions for justice. Rev. Randall Doubet King is a retired clergyperson with standing in CMA. He serves on a variety of boards and committees of M&M organizations working for justice. Mike Underhill, as of November 1, will be pastor of Nexus UCC in southwest Ohio. He is a May 2008 graduate of CTS and is currently In Care with CMA. 4. Day Laborers - It's Reality Presenters: Dennis McFarlane and Rachel Lovis Meets in Hargett Hall Maximum enrollment 15 each session This workshop will discuss the issues that are faced everyday in the life of day laborers who work through temporary staffing agencies. We will discuss the outsourcing of jobs and companies that avoid responsibility to treat workers fairly. Dennis McFarlane and Rachel Lovis are from the San Lucas Workers Center in Chicago. 5. Tithing and Testimony: A conversation across cultures about the character of Christian generosity Presenters: Gwendolyn Kirkland and The Rev. Rob Leveridge Meets in Choir Loft Maximum enrollment 12 each sessiom As a racially and culturally diverse church living through fearful economic times, we must stand together and learn from one another about the responsibilities and joys that shape our financial commitments to our churches. In this workshop we will challenge one another to examine the strengths and weaknesses different cultures have in their attitudes about money, and we will dream together about the possibilities that exist in ministry when money concerns are not holding us back. Gwendolyn Kirkland is Minister of Discipleship and Stewardship Development at Covenant United Church of Christ. Rob Leveridge is Minister for Seminary Relations at Chicago Theological Seminary. 6. The Diversities of Diversity Presenter: Cecil Curtwright Meets in Choir Room Maximum enrollment 15 each session The word "diversity" has broad currency in modern society. In many of our societal institutions, diversity is often touted as a strength - something to be recognized, appreciated and oftentimes celebrated. But what does diversity mean? How does it differ from pluralism, multiculturalism or cosmopolitanism? What is its historical relationship to race, ethnicity, immigration, equal opportunity and affirmative action? Does the concept itself have diverse, and perhaps, contradictory meanings? This workshop will explore the history of this concept and how it has evolved to occupy such a prominent place in contemporary society. Cecil Curtwright is Associate Vice-Provost of the University of Illinois at Chicago 7. Operation CeaseFire Presenter: Tio Hardiman Meets in Reuben A. Sheares Fellowship House Maximum enrollment 15 each session Operation CeaseFire is an evidence-based public health approach to reducing shootings and killings. Operation CeaseFire's methods for reversing the violence epidemic uses highly trained violence interrupters and outreach staff, public education campaigns and community mobilization. www.ceasefirechicago.org Tio Hardiman grew up in Chicago's Henry Horner projects and the Avalon Park community. Although he enrolled at Hirsch High School, family hardships compelled him to become a dropout. He later earned his GED, Associate and Bachelor Degrees in Liberal Arts and then a Master's Degree from Northeastern University. Working for The Chicago Alliance for Neighborhood Safety, Tio organized over 50 block clubs and facilitated problem solving sessions for crime ridden communities. Promoted to lead trainer, Tio worked for Bethel New Life and Mayor Daley's CAPS Program. In 1999 Tio joined The Chicago Project for Violence Prevention to work with Dr. Gary Slutkin, a world-renowned epidemiologist working to reduce the homicide rate in Chicago. The neighborhoods in which Tio works in have experienced 40%-50% reductions in shootings since the implementation of Ceasefire. 8. Putting Faith into Action Presenters: John Marchese and Carmen Flores-Rance Meets in Hargett Hall Maximum enrollment 15 each session Conversation about federal and state legislation and policies that impact individuals and families who are low income or living in poverty. The program will include information that churches can use to help end hunger & poverty. John Marchese is a Food Stamp Policy Analyst at the Illinois Hunger Coalition After working in corporate purchasing, John volunteered for two years in Chicago's Back of the Yards neighborhood working both at Casa Catalina Food Pantry and as Executive Director of Su Casa Catholic Worker, a shelter and soup kitchen. He also serves on the Boards of Directors for Su Casa Catholic Worker and Dignity-Chicago. Carmen Flores-Rance works for the State of Illinois Bureau of Child & Adolescent Health and a member of San Lucas UCC in Chicago. 9. Christian-Muslim Dialog Presenter: B J Anderson, Dean of Cluster 2 Meets in Reuben A. Sheares Fellowship House Maximum enrollment 20 each session Meet the Niagara Foundation: We begin with registration and continental breakfast at 8:00 am and end after lunch. The registration fee of $15 ($5 for those In Care with CMA) includes breakfast, snacks and lunch. You may register at the door. |
* |
| Home | Events | People | In Care | Churches | Resources | Employment | About CMA | Links |
| Return to Top |
Contact us at
cma@cmaucc.org |
Last Modified
|