St. John retreat          Send a link to a friend

[APRIL 20, 2006]  A full day of activities is on the agenda for a retreat planned for Sunday by St. John United Church of Christ in Lincoln. Led by the Rev. Dr. Robert D. Schieler, founder and director of the Church Vitality Center in Woodridge, the local congregation will meet to consider the future of their church.

The day's activities include a coffee hour, worship service and lunch as well as the retreat itself and run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the St. John Fellowship Hall.

The Church Vitality Center is dedicated to aiding mainline Protestant congregations in revisualizing, revitalizing and transforming themselves to minister more effectively in their communities. In the past six years Schieler has consulted with approximately 150 churches throughout the country. Prior to that he served as associate conference minister of the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ for six years and as senior minister of First Congregational UCC in Downers Grove for 17 years. While at Downers Grove he welcomed 1,300 new members into the congregation, quadrupled the budget and grew the endowment fund to over $2 million.

Schieler has published one book, "Revive Your Mainline Congregation: Prescriptions for Vital Church Life," and several articles. In his consulting he works with congregations "on their turf," guiding them in setting specific goals and timetables.

"What are we passionate about?" and "Together what do we want to be?" are among the questions to be considered by the local church. Aaron Johnson of Latham, church council president, expressed enthusiasm about the process, saying it "has the potential to bring new life to St. John as we look to the future."

[News release]

Annual Christian Women's Conference, 'A Vessel of Honor,' registration opens          Send a link to a friend

[APRIL 8, 2006]  Lincoln Christian College and Seminary will host the annual Christian Women's Conference on April 26. The conference is open to the public and 1,500 guests are expected. All activities will be in the Earl Hargrove Chapel and the Laughlin (athletic) Center.

Theme: "A Vessel of Honor"

Key speakers:

• Marilyn Laszlo, speaking on "Mission Possible"

• Yvonne Howard Chapman, speaking on "I Need a Giant Trust"

• Ellie Lofaro, speaking on "Leaving a Godly Legacy"

• Kathy Slamp, speaking on "A Vessel of Honor"

Registration begins at 8 a.m., along with coffee hour in Henderson Hall, and the first session begins at 9. The event ends at 4 p.m., with book signings from 4 to 4:30.

A noon-hour option includes Cambric Garden as they present the story of two pioneer women searching for new lives west of the Mississippi. Be inspired by the beautiful vocal music and the use of early Celtic and ancient musical instruments, bringing to life the struggles and faith of these two pioneer women.

The other noon option includes free time to visit the campus bookstore, the Starbucks coffee shop and book tables, or to tour campus.

The registration fee is $25 if received by April 19. This includes all sessions, a continental breakfast in the cafeteria from 8 to 9 a.m., and lunch. After April 19, the fee is $30. Guests may register online at www.lccs.edu. Click on the "events" link to access the Web page for the conference.

[Lincoln Christian College and Seminary news release]