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The May/June issue of The Reporter highlights meaningful stories of ministry, connection, and hope across the Northern Illinois Conference. From youth exploring faith to advocacy efforts and growing generosity, this issue reflects a church in motion. Read Bishop Schwerin’s signs of hope, the CCFA Chair's parting thoughts, and Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer's focus on holy conferencing. Rev. Christian Coon reminds us to focus on the faithful few, while Co-Lay Leader Eugene Williams encourages us to keep hope alive.
Read the full issue online and read the individual news stories here.
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Last Words from the NIC Reporter
The Northern Illinois Conference has decided to discontinue The NIC Reporter. Survey feedback, declining readership, and budget constraints made it necessary to shift resources toward more widely used communication platforms. Readers are encouraged to stay connected through weekly and district eNews, social media, and a new, more user-friendly website launching soon. Read more.
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NIC Youth Learn Who Are Their Neighbors of Other Faiths
About 40 youth and adults from across Northern Illinois took part in the “Who Is My Neighbor?” interfaith bus tour on April 18, visiting several places of worship in the western suburbs of Chicago. Throughout the day, participants engaged in meaningful learning experiences and conversations that broadened their perspectives. Many youth shared that the experience was eye-opening and ultimately strengthened their own faith. Read more.
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Honor Faithful Older Adults
As we celebrate Golden Cross Sunday, on May 3, we recognize the contributions of Older Adults and give thanks for their presence in our faith communities. Joann Melad remembers Bob and Nancy, whose quiet dedication reflects the heart of ministry in our churches. Congregations are invited to support the Golden Cross Offering, which funds Northern Illinois Conference ministries with older adults, including scholarships for caregivers and training opportunities for those serving in older adult ministry. HOW TO GIVE: Write a check to your local church and write, “Golden Cross Sunday” in the memo line. Churches can give through the NIC Apportionment process. Read more
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Mission Link Highlight: United Methodist Student Sunday, educating a new generation of principled Christian leaders
United Methodist Student Sunday is celebrated on any Sunday in May, often churches choose to coordinate it with graduation.
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United Methodist Student Day highlights the power of collective generosity in supporting students on their educational journeys. Through our collective giving, we provide scholarships and grants to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue higher education. These young leaders are shaping the future of our church and our world. Join in empowering the next generation.Learn more.
HOW TO GIVE: Write a check to your local church and write, “United Methodist Student Sunday” in the memo line. Churches can give through the NIC Apportionment process.
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Hear from Missionary Dr. Forbes
Meet Dr. Belinda Forbes, a dentist and missionary supported by the NIC, on May 7, 11 a.m. to noon. This #StillinMission online gathering features Dr. Forbes as she provides updates from her missionary placement with AMOS Health and Hope, which is located next to the city dump in Villa Guadalupe, Nicaragua. The Zoom call lasts for one hour. Read More.
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Meals and Celebrations
Back by popular demand, the Lunch-and-Learn sessions offer a chance to enjoy a meal while connecting with others around meaningful topics in mission and ministry.
During lunch on Monday, June 15, all registered participants will receive a box lunch and choose a session highlighting a particular ministry area or emerging topic within the conference. Learn more.
Lunch-and-Learn options:
- Practicing Hope, Living Mission
- Practicing Hope as an Anti-Racist Christian
- Practicing Hope with Discipleship
- Roots, Resilience, and the Road Ahead
- Fresh Expressions, Sharing the Gift of Community in a Lonely World
- Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
Annual Conference is a sacred time for worship, discernment, and connection, and it is also an opportunity to honor the important anniversaries and milestones that shape the life of The United Methodist Church.
This year, we will have celebrations for the following anniversaries:
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Opportunities to Participate and Make an Impact
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Registration is open for voting members, guests and childcare. Find all the registration information here.
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Support Education for Central Conferences through the Bishop’s Appeal.
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Collect the most-needed items for Midwest Mission's home care and personal dignity kits for the Mission Challenge.
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Sign up to Volunteer.
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Sing in the Mass choir.
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Submit a name of a clergy member or lay member to annual conference for the Memorial Service.
| | HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE | |
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The Inhabit Conference is a top-notch gathering for those looking to enhance their connections to their communities. This is late notice, but we have nine free registrations for this conference. Reach out to Rev. Christian Coon for more information.
Learn more.
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JOY Camp Registration Open
JOY Camp is a week-long overnight camp open to incoming 5th Grade students through newly graduated high school seniors, hosted at Camp Reynoldswood. The camp runs from June 21st to June 27th and has a total cost of $655 with discounts available for early registration (prior to June 1st), and siblings. Learn more.
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Grant and Scholarship Deadlines Approaching
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Uplifting Young Methodists Scholarship from Midwest Mthodist Foundation empower students to continue their education by providing financial assistance. This scholarship is designed to assist minority United Methodist students to attend a non-profit trade school, community college, college, or university. Deadline: April 30
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Equitable Compensation grants were established to provide economic support for Churches/Charges with a full-time pastor experiencing financial hardship to help ensure that all clergy are paid equitably. Deadline: May 15
- The NIC Creative Ministries Grant aims to encourage creative, collaborative ministry programs throughout the conference. Deadline: May 15
Grants with applications reviewed on a rolling basis
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Explore Faith and Justice with the New & Updated Youth Lectionary Curriculum!
Introducing the Connecting Faith and Justice: Youth Lectionary Curriculum, an updated resource designed to help young people explore the intersection of faith and justice. Now available for download, this curriculum is rooted in scripture, connecting biblical teachings to the world around us and with the 2025–2028 Social Principles. It offers engaging lessons that encourage students to actively reflect on how their faith calls them to take action in the world. Learn more.
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Other Resources
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ResourceUMC - your online destination for United Methodist Church leaders. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical information, this site is your go-to resource. Check back often for fresh ideas and insights to empower your leadership across our connection.
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UMC Giving Resources - Mission Moments, Special Sunday Info, Leader Kits, Pew Cards, and more.
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United Media Resource Center - Lending library of Christian materials for local churches, small groups, pastors, children, and individuals.
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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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