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Native American Ministries Sunday invites United Methodists to deepen our understanding of Native American life and culture while honoring the sacredness of Indigenous peoples—their languages, identities, and contributions to the church and the world. Gifts support Native ministries, new programs, and seminary scholarships, with half remaining in the local conference to strengthen community-based ministries. Together, our generosity uplifts Native voices, supports leadership, and strengthens the whole church. If you would like a speaker to come to your church or obtain informational materials, contact Rev. Dr. Michelle Oberwise Lacock, chair of NIC’s Committee on Native American Ministries.
HOW TO GIVE: Write a check to your local church and write, “Native American Ministries Sunday” in the memo line. Churches can give through the NIC Apportionment process.
| | The Celebration of Ministry will take place on Sunday, June 14, at 7 p.m., and will include ordination and commissioning, recognition of local pastors, and conclude with gluten-free communion. Bishop Dan Schwerin will preach and the NIC Mass Choir will return. | | |
The Bible study, led by Sally Vonner, general secretary/CEO of United Women in Faith, will be held the mornings of Monday, June 15, and Tuesday, June 16. Sally brings extensive experience across The United Methodist Church, including leading women’s retreats, serving as a jurisdictional conference delegate, and engaging in immigration reform, community development, and dismantling racism initiatives.
The Retirement Sevice will take place on Tuesday, June 16, at 11 a.m., giving members of the retiring class of 2026 an opportunity to speak.
Clergy and Laity Sessions will take place simultaneously on Sunday, June 14, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
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The Memorial Service will take place Monday, June 15, at 1:45 p.m. with family members provided special seating. Rev. Dr. Brian Gilbert, superintendent of the Prairie South District, will preach. A self-described “Methodist nerd,” Brian is passionate about United Methodist polity and theology and empowering local churches to make disciples.
Back by popular demand, the Lunch-and-Learn sessions on Monday, June 15, will provide an opportunity to enjoy a meal while connecting with others around valuable topics in mission and ministry.
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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.
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Devotional Now on Amazon
Individual copies of A Year of Practicing Hope are now available to order on Amazon, making it easier than ever to share this resource. Many readers have been enjoying the daily reflections, and several churches have already requested additional copies for group use. The devotional is also still available for download and works well for both personal devotion and small group study. Order here.
| | HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE | |
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Spring 2026 Safe Sanctuary Training
Join us for an excellent opportunity to prepare and train volunteers ahead of summer ministries, including Vacation Bible School. We will offer an online Safe Sanctuaries® training on Saturday, April 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. via Zoom. The cost is $20 and includes both instruction and a background check. Reminder: Safe Gatherings is another option for training volunteers online at their own pace. Learn more.
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Continue the Conversation with Culture Shift Part 2
Sun., May 3,
2 to 5:30 p.m.
Barrington UMC
Free Event
This follow-up in-person workshop with Jim Ozier, builds on the January 31 Zoom gathering, offering space for reflection, discussion, and shared learning. Participants are encouraged to attend and continue this important work of helping our churches become healthier and more vital together. 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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Equitable Comp Applications Due May 15
Equitable Compensation grants assist churches or charges that have a full-time pastor experiencing financial hardship and ensure that all clergy are paid equitably across the conference. Grants apply per clergy, not church, so if a clergy serves a multi-point charge, only one grant will be given and only one application is needed. Learn more.
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Your Thoughts Needed About NIC Communications
The conference is undergoing a communications audit in order to provide churches and people with the information they seek, as well as how they want to receive it. Your opinion is valuable! The survey is online, but a paper survey will be mailed to churches for those who are not online. Anyone interested may participate. Learn more.
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2025 Journal Published
Download or order a print copy of the 2025 Journal. Find a link to the free PDF document here. You can also order a printed version for $11.50. Order from Amazon here. For the current and previous journals and information on how to obtain them, visit the journal website.
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Free VBS Curriculum from Midwest Mission
Investigate the Hive. This free, five-session Midwest Mission vacation Bible school curriculum was created in partnership with pastors to equip churches to help kids discover their God-given role in bringing hope and healing to a broken world. Rooted in the belief that God loves and cares for all people, this curriculum empowers children to act on that love through kind words, generous giving, and a heart for service. Learn more.
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Vital Conversations on Immigration Study
The NIC Committee on Religion and Race’s Immigration Team recommends this five-week study from the General Commission on Religion and Race to all churches interested in learning more about immigration. The course seeks to cultivate a culture of caring for the well-being of migrants and to promote opposition to policies that encourage hostility to and mistreatment of migrants. It is not formulated for immigration activists; rather, it strives to ground the outlook of the participants on the immigration issue in scriptural teaching and United Methodist principles. Learn more.
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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.
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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.
| | | | Copyright © 2026 Northern Illinois Conference | |
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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