Frequently Asked Questions
What is NAFAUM?
Founded in 1984, the National Association of Filipino-American United Methodists, or NAFAUM for short, is a group that aims to engage with the the growing Filipino community in the United States, together with the United Methodist Church.
What is a NAFAUM Convocation?
Every two years, NAFAUM members and friends gather for a Convocation. The Convocation is an opportunity for Filipino-American United Methodists to learn more about engaging and revitalizing congregations, and gain insight into our community’s place in the United Methodist Church and the world. Convocation 2015 is the 15th biennial gathering of NAFAUM.
Where is Convocation 2015 being held?
Convocation 2015 will take place at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, embedded in the campus of the prestigious Northwestern University. Garrett is situated on the shore of Lake Michigan in Evanston, Illinois, about 15 miles north of downtown Chicago.
When is Convocation 2015?
Convocation 2015 will start the evening of Thursday, July 9 and end Sunday, July 12.
What’s this year’s theme?
Convocation 2015’s theme is “Acts and the City."
What can I expect during the Convocation? What's the schedule like?
In general, during the daytime, Convocation participants can attend morning Bible study, plenary sessions, and workshops. Each night, there will be special worship services featuring keynote speakers and performances from a variety of musical groups. We’ll also have special events, like a Service Project and Barrio Fiesta on Thursday, and joining the worship service at First United Methodist Church in downtown Chicago on Sunday.
Are there special programs and activities for children and youth?
Yes. There are special breakout sessions and activities just for children and youth, with special discounted registration fees. Parents can also express their desire for a daycare option in the registration form.
Will there be free time during Convocation?
While Friday and Saturday are full conference days, we encourage visitors to enjoy Evanston and the city of Chicago on Thursday and Sunday. And of course, you can come to Chicago earlier or extend your stay to experience the Windy City!
How do I register?
Click the ‘Registration’ button on nafaum2015.weebly.com.
What does the registration fee cover?
The registration fee includes many things: lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday, conference and program activities, a print souvenir program, and membership dues to NAFAUM. The membership dues are required if you plan to vote during the election process and on action items presented during plenary sessions.
Are there special rates?
Children and youth have discounted registration fees. Limited scholarships are available for youth, youth ministers and seniors.
For more scholarship information, please email [email protected]. Additional meal tickets for non-registered guests are also available.
Are there any hotel accommodations?
We have reserved rooms at area hotels. Please visit nafaum2015.weebly.com for more information.
Is there parking at Garrett?
Parking will be available for $8 per day on Thursday and Friday in partnership with Garrett and Northwestern University. The parking lots are free after 4 p.m. in most lots Monday to Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday. Send an email to [email protected] to get on the Visitor Parking Pass list, and indicate how many days are needed if you plan on being at Garrett Thursday before 4 p.m. and Friday before 4 p.m.
What's the weather like in Chicago during the summer?
You’ve probably heard of our infamous cold winters, but don’t fret about our summers. Typical high temperatures in July reach well into the 80s (about 29 degrees Celsius).
Is there a souvenir program? How do I advertise in it?
Yes, the print souvenir program will be handed out at registration. To advertise in the program, fill out an advertising form online at nafaum2015.weebly.com.
I have another question. Who do I talk to?
Feel free to send an email to [email protected].
What is the significance and importance of NAFAUM?
• Unique opportunity for the Filipino-American United Methodist community to gather, only happens every two years
• Variety of workshops and speakers to provide perspectives on how we as Filipino-American United Methodists can engage in our communities and revitalize our congregations
What are the highlights at Convocation?
• Special appearances from United Methodist leaders, including Bishop Sally Dyck of the Northern Illinois Conference
• Special worship services at night, including a youth praise band and concert by the Velasco Clan
Why do you want to visit our convocation venue and host city?
• Visit one of the best seminaries, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, in one of America’s top universities, Northwestern University
• Chicago’s significance to Filipino-Americans: Illinois is home to the third-largest Filipino-American population in the U.S., only behind Hawaii and California
• Visit Chicago
• Third largest city in the United States
• Tourism phrases: “Windy City,” “the most American of the American cities,” “City of Big Shoulders,” “The Third Coast”
• What else is in Chicago? Millennium Park, hot dogs, deep dish pizza, the Bulls, Lake Michigan, Willis Tower, Obama, Oprah, etc.
Founded in 1984, the National Association of Filipino-American United Methodists, or NAFAUM for short, is a group that aims to engage with the the growing Filipino community in the United States, together with the United Methodist Church.
What is a NAFAUM Convocation?
Every two years, NAFAUM members and friends gather for a Convocation. The Convocation is an opportunity for Filipino-American United Methodists to learn more about engaging and revitalizing congregations, and gain insight into our community’s place in the United Methodist Church and the world. Convocation 2015 is the 15th biennial gathering of NAFAUM.
Where is Convocation 2015 being held?
Convocation 2015 will take place at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, embedded in the campus of the prestigious Northwestern University. Garrett is situated on the shore of Lake Michigan in Evanston, Illinois, about 15 miles north of downtown Chicago.
When is Convocation 2015?
Convocation 2015 will start the evening of Thursday, July 9 and end Sunday, July 12.
What’s this year’s theme?
Convocation 2015’s theme is “Acts and the City."
What can I expect during the Convocation? What's the schedule like?
In general, during the daytime, Convocation participants can attend morning Bible study, plenary sessions, and workshops. Each night, there will be special worship services featuring keynote speakers and performances from a variety of musical groups. We’ll also have special events, like a Service Project and Barrio Fiesta on Thursday, and joining the worship service at First United Methodist Church in downtown Chicago on Sunday.
Are there special programs and activities for children and youth?
Yes. There are special breakout sessions and activities just for children and youth, with special discounted registration fees. Parents can also express their desire for a daycare option in the registration form.
Will there be free time during Convocation?
While Friday and Saturday are full conference days, we encourage visitors to enjoy Evanston and the city of Chicago on Thursday and Sunday. And of course, you can come to Chicago earlier or extend your stay to experience the Windy City!
How do I register?
Click the ‘Registration’ button on nafaum2015.weebly.com.
What does the registration fee cover?
The registration fee includes many things: lunch and dinner on Friday and Saturday, conference and program activities, a print souvenir program, and membership dues to NAFAUM. The membership dues are required if you plan to vote during the election process and on action items presented during plenary sessions.
Are there special rates?
Children and youth have discounted registration fees. Limited scholarships are available for youth, youth ministers and seniors.
For more scholarship information, please email [email protected]. Additional meal tickets for non-registered guests are also available.
Are there any hotel accommodations?
We have reserved rooms at area hotels. Please visit nafaum2015.weebly.com for more information.
Is there parking at Garrett?
Parking will be available for $8 per day on Thursday and Friday in partnership with Garrett and Northwestern University. The parking lots are free after 4 p.m. in most lots Monday to Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday. Send an email to [email protected] to get on the Visitor Parking Pass list, and indicate how many days are needed if you plan on being at Garrett Thursday before 4 p.m. and Friday before 4 p.m.
What's the weather like in Chicago during the summer?
You’ve probably heard of our infamous cold winters, but don’t fret about our summers. Typical high temperatures in July reach well into the 80s (about 29 degrees Celsius).
Is there a souvenir program? How do I advertise in it?
Yes, the print souvenir program will be handed out at registration. To advertise in the program, fill out an advertising form online at nafaum2015.weebly.com.
I have another question. Who do I talk to?
Feel free to send an email to [email protected].
What is the significance and importance of NAFAUM?
• Unique opportunity for the Filipino-American United Methodist community to gather, only happens every two years
• Variety of workshops and speakers to provide perspectives on how we as Filipino-American United Methodists can engage in our communities and revitalize our congregations
What are the highlights at Convocation?
• Special appearances from United Methodist leaders, including Bishop Sally Dyck of the Northern Illinois Conference
• Special worship services at night, including a youth praise band and concert by the Velasco Clan
Why do you want to visit our convocation venue and host city?
• Visit one of the best seminaries, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, in one of America’s top universities, Northwestern University
• Chicago’s significance to Filipino-Americans: Illinois is home to the third-largest Filipino-American population in the U.S., only behind Hawaii and California
• Visit Chicago
• Third largest city in the United States
• Tourism phrases: “Windy City,” “the most American of the American cities,” “City of Big Shoulders,” “The Third Coast”
• What else is in Chicago? Millennium Park, hot dogs, deep dish pizza, the Bulls, Lake Michigan, Willis Tower, Obama, Oprah, etc.