Advanced courses are developed by Discipleship Ministries. Advanced courses provide at least 10 hours of instruction. Advanced courses use a required text and will involve pre-course assignments.
Lay Servant Ministries courses are open to ALL, whether or not an enrollee applies to serve as a Lay Servant.
To receive continuing education credit for an Alternative Advanced Course, you must:
Prior permission is NOT required to take a regular Advanced Course outside of your home District.
Opportunity #1
Title: Walking with Jesus in the Wesleyan Spirit
Dates: Aug. 23-24, Oct. 5, and Nov. 16, 2019 (all dates required)
Time: 7:00-8:45 pm, Aug. 23; all other dates, 9:00 AM-4:45 PM
Location: Rochester UMC, 555 S Walnut St, Rochester, IL 62563
Cost: $170.00-early registration; $200, regular registration. Child care is available for an additional fee.
Registration deadline: Early registration by July 12,, 2019; regular registration by Aug. 9, 2019. Register here.
Instructors: Rabbi Chava Bahle, Susan Carrigan, and Rev. Scott Kisker
Contact: Beth Fender, 217-529-2611 or bfender@igrc.org; Jana Waite, 217-351-9386 or jlwaite@sbcglobal.net
Required text: Five Means of Grace by Elaine Heath and Five Marks of a Methodist by Steve Harper. texts will be provided at the first session.
Title: Lay Pastoral Care Giving
Dates: Friday, Nov. 15, and Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019 (both dates required) (bring a sack lunch)
Time: Friday, 6:00-8:00 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Location: Marion Aldersgate UMC, 1201 N. Fair St., Marion, IL 62959
Cost: $35.00
Registration deadline: Oct. 25, 2019
Instructor: TBA
Contact: Roberta DePuy, 573-201-6650; happyfish27@hotmail.com; PO Box 96, Marion, IL 62959
Required text: Lay Pastoral Care Giving by Tim Farabaugh (ISBN 978-0-88177-554-9). Individuals are expected to purchase, read, and study this book prior to first class. Available through Upper Room, Amazon, and Cokesbury.
Title: Life Together in the United Methodist Connection (UM Polity) (counts toward Certified Lay Speaker track)
Dates: Saturday, October 12, 2019 (Please note: THIS IS A NEW DATE)
Times: 7:30 AM-5:30 PM
Location: Dayspring UMC, 201 N. Norwood Place, East Peoria, IL 61611
Cost: $30.00 (includes breakfast, lunch & snacks)
Instructors: Larry Frank and Gabe Wanck
Contact: Kim Wade, kamwade@hotmail.com or 309-825-7237 (call or text)
Required text: The Method of Our Mission by Laceye C. Warner (978-1-42676-717-3) Individuals are expected to purchase the text and read it prior to the first class. Available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Cokesbury. Available for Kindle.
#1
Title: Called to Preach! (counts toward Certified Lay Speaker track)
Date: Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019
Time: 8:00 AM-7:00 PM. Registration begins at 7:45 AM.
Location: Champaign First UMC, 210 W. Church St., Champaign, IL 61820
Cost: $30 (includes lunch/snacks and certificate)
Registration deadline: Sept. 3, 2019. Advanced registration is required. Register on-line. See www.igrc.org/iroquois_layservant
Instructor: Rev. Bob Freeman
Contact: Teresa Pratt, teresa.pratt25@gmail.com
Required text: From Pew to Pulpit by Clifton F. Guthrie (ISBN 978-0-68706-660-5). Individuals should order and read this text prior to the class. Please bring a prepared 5 minute message to deliver with outline and a worship program/bulletin from your local church. Text is available through Cokesbury (paperback or eBook), Amazon (paperback or kindle), and Upper Room. Please allow at least two weeks for delivery PLUS time to complete assignments prior to class.
#2
Title: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts (counts toward Certified Lay Speaker track)
Date: Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019
Time: 8:00 AM-7:00 PM. Registration begins at 7:45 AM.
Location: Champaign First UMC, 210 W. Church St., Champaign, IL 61820
Cost: $30 (includes lunch/snacks and certificate)
Registration deadline: Sept. 3, 2019. Advanced registration is required. Register on-line. See www.igrc.org/iroquois_layservant
Instructor: Rev. Gary Ford
Contact: Teresa Pratt, teresa.pratt25@gmail.com
Required text: Each One A Minister by William J. Carter (ISBN 978-0-88177-375-0). Individuals are required to order, read, and complete exercises in this text prior to the class. Available through Cokesbury, Upper Room, or Amazon. Also available as E-Pub (Upper Room), Kindle (Upper Room & Amazon). Please allow at least two weeks for delivery PLUS time to complete assignments prior to class.
#1
Title: Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (UM heritage) (counts toward Certified Lay Speaker track)
Dates: Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019
Times: Saturday, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM
Location: Cornerstone UMC, 736 S Poplar St, Centralia, IL 62801
Cost: $30
Registration deadline: Sept. 23, 2019
Instructor: RC Merten, CLM
Contact: RC Merten, 618-918-0124, rcmjr608@charter.net
Required text: Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way by Kenneth L. Carder (ISBN 978-0-88177-571-6). Individuals are expected to purchase the text and read it prior to the first class. Available through Amazon, Upper Room, and Cokesbury. Available for Kindle and EPub.
#2
Title: From Your Heart to Theirs: Delivering an Effective Sermon (Preaching) (counts toward Certified Lay Speaker track)
Date: Saturdays, Nov. 2 and 9, 2019 (both dates required)
Time: 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Beulah UMC, 1040 Beulah Ln, Sumner, IL 62466
Cost: $30
Registration deadline: Oct. 21, 2019
Instructor: Rev. Mike Rucker
Contact: Nancy Myers, 618-553-2645, nmyers941@gmail.com
Required Text: From Your Heart to Theirs: Delivering an Effective Sermon by Tony Franks and David Carroll (ISBN 978-0-88177-536-5). Registrant must order, read, and study text prior to class. Available from Amazon, Cokesbury, and Barnes & Noble.
#3
Title: God’s Mission…Our Journey
Date: Saturdays, Nov. 2 and 9, 2019 (both dates required)
Time: 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Beulah UMC, 1040 Beulah Ln, Sumner, IL 62466
Cost: $30
Registration deadline: Oct. 21, 2019
Instructor: Nancy Myers, CLM
Contact: Nancy Myers, 618-553-2645, nmyers941@gmail.com
Required Text: A Mission Journey: A Handbook for Volunteers (ISBN 978-0-8358-1786-8). Registrant must order, read, and study text prior to class. Available at Upper Room and Amazon. Available for Kindle.
Title: Life Together in the UM Connection (UM Polity) (counts toward Certified Lay Speaker track)
Date: Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019
Time: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM (lunch provided)
Location: Pittsfield UMC, 222 N Monroe St, Pittsfield, IL 62363
Cost: $50
Registration deadline: Aug. 10, 2019
Instructors: Pastors Floyd and Bobbi Blackard
Contact: Peg Ratliff, 217-883-0137
Title: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts
Dates: Saturday, Aug. 24 and 31, 2019 (both days required)
Time: 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Location: Christ Church, 339 Frank Scott Parkway, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
Cost: $30
Registration deadline: August 10 (must be at least 5 registered by this date for the class to be taught)
Instructor: Shelley Loring
Contact: Jeremy Volkmar via mrdlayservantministries@gmail.com
Required text: Each One a Minister by William J. Carter (ISBN 978-0-88177—375-0). Individuals are expected to purchase the text and read it prior to the first class. Available through Amazon, Upper Room, and Cokesbury. Available for Kindle.
#1
Title: Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (UM heritage) (counts toward Certified Lay Speaker track)
Dates: Saturday, Nov. 2, and Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 (both dates required)
Times: Saturday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM and Sunday, 2:00-5:00 PM
Location: Argenta UMC, 520 W Elm St, Argenta, IL 62501; 217-795-4722
Cost: $30 (Checks payable to IGRC and send with registration form)
Registration deadline: Oct. 27, 2019. Advanced registration is required. Download form. Make sure you mark class you plan to attend.
Instructor: Rev. Donn Stephens
Contact: Bobbi Blackard at floyd.bobbi.blackard@gmail.com or 217-825-7303 (text or call)
Required text: Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way by Kenneth L. Carder (ISBN 978-0-88177-571-6). Individuals are expected to purchase the text and read it prior to the first class. Available through Amazon, Upper Room, and Cokesbury. Available for Kindle and EPub.
#2
Title: Lay Servants Lead in Conflict Resolution
Dates: Saturday, Nov. 2, and Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 (both dates required)
Times: Saturday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM and Sunday, 2:00-5:00 PM
Location: Argenta UMC, 520 W Elm St, Argenta, IL 62501; 217-795-4722
Cost: $30 (Checks payable to IGRC and send with registration form)
Registration deadline: Oct. 27, 2019. Advanced registration is required. Download form. Make sure you mark class you plan to attend.
Instructor: Rev. Floyd Blackard
Contact: Bobbi Blackard at floyd.bobbi.blackard@gmail.com or 217-825-7303 (text or call)
Required text: The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation by Thomas Porter (ISBN 978-0-8358-1026-1). Individuals are expected to purchase the text and read it prior to the first class. Available through Amazon, Upper Room, and Cokesbury.
#3
Title: Life Together in the United Methodist Connection (UM polity) (counts toward Certified Lay Speaker track)
Dates: Saturday, Nov. 2, and Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 (both dates required)
Times: Saturday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM and Sunday, 2:00-5:00 PM
Location: Argenta UMC, 520 W Elm St, Argenta, IL 62501; 217-795-4722
Cost: $30 (Checks payable to IGRC and send with registration.)
Registration deadline: Oct. 27, 2019. Advanced registration is required. Download form. Make sure you mark class you plan to attend.
Instructor: Beth Fender
Contact: Bobbi Blackard at floyd.bobbi.blackard@gmail.com or 217-825-7303 (text or call)
Required text: The Method of Our Mission by Laceye C. Warner (ISBN 978-1-42676-717-3). Individuals are expected to purchase the text and read it prior to the first class. Available through Amazon, Abingdon Press, and Cokesbury. Available as Kindle and e-Book.
#4
Title: Called to Preach (counts toward Certified Lay Speaker track)
Dates: Saturday, Nov. 2, and Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 (both dates required)
Times: Saturday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM and Sunday, 2:00-5:00 PM
Location: Argenta UMC, 520 W Elm St, Argenta, IL 62501; 217-795-4722
Cost: $30 (Checks payable to IGRC and send with registration form)
Registration deadline: Oct. 27, 2019. Advanced registration is required. Download form. Make sure you mark class you plan to attend.
Instructor: Rev. Sylvester Weatherall
Contact: Bobbi Blackard at floyd.bobbi.blackard@gmail.com or 217-825-7303 (text or call)
Required text: From Pew to Pulpit by Clifton F. Guthrie (ISBN 978-0-68706-660-5). Individuals are expected to purchase the text and read it prior to the first class. Available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Cokesbury. Available for Kindle.
#1
Title: Leading Worship (counts toward Certified Lay Speaker track)
Date: Saturday, July 13, 2019
COMPLETED.
#2
Title: Public Prayer (counts toward Certified Lay Speaker track)
Date: Saturday, July 13, 2019
COMPLETED.
#3
Title: Called to Preach! (counts toward Certified Lay Speaker track)
Date: Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019
Time: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM
Location: Altona UMC, 212 N Depot St, Altona, IL 61414
Cost: $20 (includes lunch and snacks) Participant required to purchase own book, From Pew to Pulpit by Clifton F. Guthrie from Cokesbury or from Amazon.
Registration deadline: August 17, 2019. Register at cemken@mymctc.net
Instructor: Pastor David Pyell, Elmwood UMC
Contact: Claudia Emken, cemken@mymctc.net
#4
Title: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts (counts toward Certified Lay Speaker track)
Dates: Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019
Times: 8:00 AM-6:00PM
Location: Altona UMC, 212 N Depot St, Altona, IL 61414
Cost: $20 (includes lunch and snacks)
Registration deadline: August 17, 2019. Register at cemken@mymctc.net
Instructor: Pastor Lisa Unger
Contact: Claudia Emken, cemken@mymctc.net
Required text: Each One a Minister by William J. Carter (978-0-88177—375-0). Individuals are expected to purchase the text and read it prior to class. Available through Amazon, Upper Room, and Cokesbury. Available for Kindle.
#5
Title: God’s Mission…Our Journey
Date: Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019
Time: 8:00 AM-6:30 PM
Location: Christ United UMC, 3801 7th St, East Moline, IL 61244-3506
Cost: $20 (includes lunch and snacks).
Registration deadline: Oct. 2, 2019. Register at cemken@mymctc.net
Instructor: Jozett McCoy
Contact: Claudia Emken, cemken@mymctc.net
Required Text: A Mission Journey: A Handbook for Volunteers (ISBN 978-0-8358-1786-8). Available at Upper Room and Amazon. Individuals are expected to purchase the text and read it prior to class. Available for Kindle.
#6
Title: Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (UM heritage) (counts toward Certified Lay Speaker track)
Date: Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019
Time: 8:00 AM-6:30 PM
Location: Christ United UMC, 3801 7th St, East Moline, IL 61244-3506
Cost: $20 (includes lunch and snacks).
Registration deadline: Oct. 2, 2019. Register at cemken@mymctc.net
Instructor: Christine Harper
Contact: Claudia Emken, cemken@mymctc.net
Required text: Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way by Kenneth L. Carder (ISBN 978-0-88177-571-6). Individuals are expected to purchase the text and read it prior to class. Available through Amazon, Upper Room, and Cokesbury. Available for Kindle and as ePub.
#1
Title: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts (counts toward Certified Lay Speaker track)
Date: Saturday, July 13, 2019
COMPLETED.
#2
Title: Life Together in the United Methodist Connection (UM Polity) (counts toward Certified Lay Speaker track)
Date: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019
Time: 7:30 AM-6:00 PM
Location: Streator First UMC, 201 S Monroe St.
Cost: $40
Registration deadline: Sept. 14, 2019. Register here
Instructor: Rev. Julie Smith
Contact: Amy L Smith; SmithAmyL678@gmail.com
Required text: The Method of Our Mission by Laceye C. Warner (978-1-42676-717-3) Individuals are expected to purchase the text and read it prior to the first class. Available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Cokesbury. Available for Kindle.