News & Updates

August 22, 2024

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Summer Mission Trips Serving Communities in Need

First UMC in Morris spent week in a work trip with ASP in Harlin Harlin County, Kentucky. The group included 16 church youth, along with 10 adults. They fixed homes and provided all kinds of construction needs for families who had depleted homes.

Grace UMC in Dixon participated in a Volunteer in Mission (VIM) trip to the Red Bird Mission in Kentucky during the first week of June. Trained by a VIM trainer earlier in the spring, the team prepared for this mission trip with a focus on God's mission everywhere. Throughout the trip, they experienced God's special hospitality and grace through their mission work and the people they met, strengthening their faith and commitment to service.

Oregon UMC’s Dangerous Hope Mission Team consisted of 28 teens and 8 adults. They traveled with Youthworks to the Lake Traverse Reservation in Sisseton, SD. The team served alongside indigenous organizations striving to meet the needs of the residents. They also had the opportunity to learn the rich history and unique challenges of the community.

Wesley UMC in Sterling joined in a day volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in Dixon, IL. The 9 members spent the day working on a new home, performing tasks such as painting, carpentry, and landscaping. This effort not only fostered teamwork and strengthened family bonds but also highlighted their dedication to community service.

We would love to hear your stories and see your photos.

Share with us by sending information and photos to LSmith@UMCNIC.org.

Vacation Bible School Update

First UMC in Morris hosted a very colorful, exciting and engaging community VBS and an Art Camp. The VBS theme was “Camp Firelight" based on Psalm 56:3 "Whenever I am afraid, I trust in you." The children were very sad when it ended on Friday. Their Art Camp was in its second year. The art projects were based around God's creative power in creation.

Oregon UMC partnered with the Lutheran church in townfor a week-long “SCUBA” themed VBS. The theme was SCUBA and it ran daily from 8:30am -11:30am. The kids learned that God is their friend and they dove deep into an amazing undersea adventure where they experienced the ever-flowing, never-ending love of God. For their offering they partnered with the Oregon Fire Protection District to collect water bottles for the first responders!, Fire Chief Knoup brought in a different vehicle morning for the kids to explore.

We would love to hear your stories and see your photos.

Share with us by sending information and photos to LSmith@UMCNIC.org .

Braver Angels Discussion: Building Community & Talking Across Divides

Neighbors exploring ways to depolarize communities and the nation. This event is co-sponsored by the NIC Advocacy Partners (Part of the ARTF) and Braver Angels of Illinois.

Free event

Thursday, August 29, 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Garrett’s Restaurant & Bar, 1631 N Bell School Rd., Rockford

Join us to socialize and share your concerns and hopes for your community and the nation with neighbors from the area.

Learn more .

Rev. Arlene Christopherson's Ministry to be Celebrated

Join us in celebrating Arlene’s impactful ministry on Sept. 8 in Downer's Grove. This special event will honor her years of dedicated service as she heads into retirement on Sept. 1. All are welcome to attend and express their gratitude for her leadership and commitment to our community. For those who are not able to make it to the celebration, we encourage you to share your words of appreciation here.

Lay Academies are being offered in other districts. You are welcome to attend the academy that works for your needs.

Spanish Lay Servant Academy - Aug. 31 & Oct. 26
Lake North Lay Academy - Sept. 21 & 28
Lake South Lay Academy - Oct. 5 & 12
Prairie North Lay Academy - Oct. 12 & 13
Prairie Central Lay Academy - Nov. 2 & 9

September/October Reporter Available Online

Catch up on the most recent news and photos from creative activities this summer including VBS, mission trips, and ca mps. Bishop Dan Schwerin shares about resisting injustice through grace and love. Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer reminds us to create safe spaces (and celebrates those who have met a high level of commitment). Rev. Fabiola also shares about the radical hospitality provided at SCD. Co-Lay Leader Eugene Williams encourages us to be transformed and transforming with Love. Rev. Christian Coon, Director of Congregational Development, starts his new column with a unique story about measuring vitality. Rev. Chris Walters challenges us to be made in the image of God as a giver.

Check out the issue online and read the news stories here.

Have you made your contribution?

In an effort to be more transparent, the Finance and Administration office is going to be consistently sharing where we are as a conference are in regards to the giving versus what is needed for us to continue our impact. This giving supports our ministries, outreach programs, employees and daily operations.

Currently, as of the end of July 2024, our collection rates are as follows:

NIC Apportionments - 70%
General Church Apportionments - 39%
Health and Pension - 79%
Property Insurance - 72%

Every contribution makes a difference in sustaining our conference’s mission and impact in the community. If you are not sure where your church stands on their contributions, please reach out to your pastor or church treasurer. Read more.

NIC ARTF Continues Advocacy Work

The Anti-Racism Task Force (ARTF) of Northern Illinois is continuing its advocacy work for justice and equity through our connection with the conference and the denomination. We encourage members and our local congregations to stay informed, connected and engaged. Learn more.

CPRES 2024 Retreat Postponed

Our work on anti-racism is important work, and we strive to offer events that are deeply meaningful and transformative. Sometimes, there are things that keep us from holding certain events. Unfortunately, we need to postpone our Clergy Peer Reflection and Engagement Retreat for this fall, as we look forward to offering an improved experience in the spring. If you have paid for the retreat, please let us know if you would like a refund or would like to apply this toward the Spring Retreat. A date for the Spring Retreat has not been set yet. Again, this is important work and we want to be sure that we give our full attention to the planning and implementation of CPRES 2025. Learn more.

HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

Saturday, September 7

9 a.m. to Noon

United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton St, Geneva

Free event hosted by NIC Net-Nero Taskforce

Join us for an inspiring event focused on the journey towards Net Zero emissions in our churches! Learn more.

Origin Film Screening

Origin , produced by Ava DuVernay, based on Isabel Wilkerson's book, Caste: the Origins of our Discontents , will be showing at multiple locations around the Chicagoland area and downstate Illinois from Oct 2 - 7. These film screenings are sponsored by various non-profit, faith-based, academic institutions and community partners, including the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force Advocacy Partners. Attendance is free but registration is required to attend. There will also be a special presentation on Oct. 6 by Dr. Suraj Yengde, who played himself in the movie. Learn more.

Other Upcoming Conference Events:

2 ^nd & 4 ^th Wednesday at noon: Weekly Methodist Liaison Office update and virtual prayer meeting. Participants will hear from a Palestinian speaker and meet in small groups for prayer. Methodists and others from around the world participate. Read more.
Sept. 14: Installation of DS Wendy Hardin Hermann
Sept. 15: Installation of DS Victor Melad Jr.
Sept. 21, 22, or 23: General Conference Debriefings: A time of debriefing, conversation, and Q&A about the recent General Conference with the delegates and NIC Cabinet. Read more.
Sept. 25 & Oct. 23: Benefits Lunch and Learn: Conference Benefits officer, Cheryl Weaver, will be hosting a monthly “Lunch and Learn”. Each month we will spend some time learning about the different benefits that are available to clergy and lay employees of the Conference. Read more.
Sept 27 - 29: NIC Fall 2024 Youth Retreat: For all 6th-12th grade youth and chaperones. It was created to inspire and challenge youth to live more intentionally in their deepest identity and purpose. Read more.
Sept. 29: Chicago Temple 100th Anniversary Commemorative Worship and Centennial Concert: Help Chicago Temple (First UMC) celebrate the important milestone of their building.
Oct. 13: Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors Fall Fundraising Dinner
Oct. 19: Hispanic/Latine Celebration 2024 Celebration of Hispanic/Latine ministry in Northern Illinois. Worship followed by lunch and music. Read more.
Oct. 24: 35th Anniversary Center for Changing Lives Fundraising Gala "A Night of Legacy & Transformation"
Oct. 26: NIC UWFaith Annual Celebration: The annual event of the conference UWFaith includes a worship, business meeting, lunch, and leadership training. Read more

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

NIC Program Ministry Grants Open

Looking to make a difference in your community? The Northern Illinois Conference offers a variety of grants to support your ministry’s outreach and service projects. Whether you’re focusing on social justice, community engagement, or church revitalization, there’s a grant opportunity for you. Don’t miss out on the chance to receive financial support and amplify your impact. Some of the deadlines are approaching, so visit the grants web page now in order to plan ahead.

Learn more.

Call for Child Advocate Award Nominations

During the Annual Conference, UVC presented Bishop Dan Schwerin with an honorary Bishop Jesse R. DeWitt Child Advocate Award. Nominations are now open for the 2024 Child Advocate Awards. These awards honor extraordinary service or advocacy efforts on behalf of children, youth, and/or families throughout the NIC. Nominations due Aug. 30.

Learn more.

Social Principles Resources

Church and Society has refreshed its online resources in support of the United Methodist Social Principles as approved by General Conference Charlotte, 2024. These guiding principles reflect our commitment to justice, compassion, and living out our faith in today’s world. They will take effect on January 1, 2025 and will be printed in 2025. Given the numerous requests for information and study materials on United Methodist Social Principles, Church and Society’s online content offers resources for immediate use.

Access the Refreshed Social Principles Online Webpage to view and download:

Social Principles Background and History Page Summaries
Social Principles Booklet and Translations
Social Principles Mission and Ministry Cards

Learn more.

Suicide Hotline available

For those contemplating suicide or who just desperately need someone with whom to talk. It is confidential and free. Just call 988. The service has also been expanded for Spanish-speaking persons and deaf or hard-of-hearing persons, including those who use American Sign Language.

Other Resources

#BeUMC Resources -Tool Kits, Social Media Kits, Graphics, and more.
Social Media Shareables - Free graphics for social media for different events, months, and ministries. (Through Outreach, log-in is needed, but resources are free)
UMC Giving Resources - Mission Moments, Special Sunday Info, Leader Kits, Pew Cards, and more.
United Media Resource Center - Lending library of Christian materials for local churches, small groups, pastors, children, and individuals.

Rev. Brian Gilbert

Prairie South District Superintendent

bgilbert@umcnic.org

872-810-0864

Leola Tucker

Administrative Assistant

ltucker@umcnic.org

872-810-0913

Do you have news to share?

We are always looking for stories of what is happening in your church. We welcome articles from churches highlighting ministries, outreach, and missions that tell the story of being vital Christians. Events considered should be of conference-wide appeal and United Methodist-related.

District eNews are sent out the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Please submit stories and events by end of business on the 2nd and 4th Mondays. Space is limited. Stories of fewer than 250 words are preferred. Submissions will be edited at the discretion of Communications staff. Information can be emailed to communications@umcnic.org.

Check out our Submit News page for more details.

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