News & Updates

August 14, 2025

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Dear Friends,

Last Sunday, the Prairie North District clergy and their family members gathered for a joyful time of worship, friendship, and table fellowship. The planning team considered canceling it due to heavy rain, but we were able to move the picnic indoors – and God’s Spirit filled the room with laughter, music, and connection. My heartfelt thanks to the planning team (Chair Pastor Leslie Stanford), Faith UMC in Freeport (Pastor Joel McClellan), the amazing Hayag band, and all who brought food and hospitality! It was such a blessing to see everyone, and especially to watch our children make new friendships while renewing old ones.

Earlier this month, we hosted a merger workshop at Christ UMC in Rockford. About 100 people signed up for the workshop, and it was a day filled with rich insights and practical ideas. We were delighted by a surprise visit from Bishop Dan Schwerin as well. Bishop continues to encourage us to keep imagining and creating innovative ministry. As we seek new ways of ministry, if a merger is in your church’s conversation, please let me know. I would be happy to share resources from this inspiring day.

As many of you now finish up the summer season and prepare for the fall, I’m grateful for the ways God is already at work among us. May we step into the new season of ministry with hearts open to the Spirit’s leading, trusting God will give us everything we need for faithful service.

Peace in Christ,

DS Hwa-Young

Prairie North District

VBS Adventures Inspire Faith and Community

This summer, churches across the conference brought vacation Bible school to life, each one putting its own unique spin on the beloved tradition. From creative scheduling and special projects to new formats and fresh themes, these diverse programs showed how innovation and faith can come together to engage kids and families in meaningful, fun ways.

Read the shared Prairie North VBS stories:

Apple River UMC’s VBS explored Creation and Creativity through Bible stories, fun kids’ books, art projects, games, and field trips. Their art projects included creative sculptures with collected on a nature items, superpower self portraits, and a fashion show with “clothes” made of recycled materials. They took a field trip to a local farm on the animals day and ate some vegetables from the community garden.

First UMC of Belviderefound their True North at VBS. They had 32 attendees and many volunteers that made the week special. The campers and their families collected snacks for the local schools.

Participants from Cherry Valley UMC were joined by kids from Centennial UMC in Rockford in an amazing undersea adventure at Anchored VBS “Deepening Faith in God”. The weekend VBS, that took place on Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Sunday worship, included bible learning experiences, team-building games, cool bible songs and multi-sensory adventures. They made care kits for children in crisis at the Rockford Rescue Mission, introducing the children to community service. The theme was supported by a giant anchor that was the centerpiece of the float in the village parade and that dominated the sanctuary during the weekend.

Faith UMC in Freeport has been hosting Wacky Wednesdays in summer for a few years. They incorporate crafts, singing, games, stories and worship into five Wednesdays through out the summer. Gardening is a highlight of the day where they can see how their produce has grown, share their bounty, and enjoy the flowers in the Children’s Garden.

At Roscoe UMC, VBS was CAMP RUMC – Live It Out. They had 104 campers and over 60 volunteers who talked the about different ways we can show the love of Jesus to the people around us: like loving each other, being kind, forgiving, serving and praying for one another. Each day they played games, made crafts, and sang songs to be reminded to live it out and love like Jesus.

Scales Mound UMC held its Road Trip VBS during the first week of June. They averaged 66 kids per day with 25 volunteers helping out. They gave 160 pounds of food to a local food pantry in addition to raising about $500 for a local helping fund at the school. But best of all they, earned that Jesus is with us always.

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

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

Called to be God's Peacemakers

Celebration Worship and Reflection on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Korea’s Liberation

Fri., Aug. 15, 3 to 8:30 p.m.

Wheeling: First Korean UMC, 655 E. Hintz Rd.

The gathering offers a powerful opportunity to celebrate freedom, honor our shared history, and highlight Korean-American identity and contributions to the US and the UMC. A panel discussion featuring United Methodist thinkers and leaders begins at 3 and worship takes place at 7 p.m., with Rev. Hwa-Young Chong, superintendent of the Prairie North District preaching. All are invited to gather to envision God’s call for all of us to be peacemakers for our world today and reflect on how peace is at the heart of who we are as Jesus’s followers. Learn more.

To support church leaders in essential areas, the NIC Finance and Administration office is offering a series of webinars. These sessions will equip pastors, treasurers, finance committees, and other leaders with practical tools, best practices, and up-to-date guidance to help their ministries thrive. All webinars are free and will be recorded for later viewing. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to David W. Quinn, NIC Administrative Manager.

Charge Conference Reporting Webinar: Aug. 19
Church Property Insurance 101: Aug. 26
Budgeting 101 (Building a Church Budget from Scratch): Sept. 8
Signs of Struggle in your church (and what you can do about it): Sept. 16
2026 Budget Information (Helping churches create their 2026 budget with the new apportionment formula and changes in clergy pension and healthcare): Sept. 23
COMPASS Retirement Plan (for Clergy and Church Leaders): Sept. 30
Local Church Board of Trustees 101: Oct. 14
COMPASS Retirement Plan (for Clergy and Church Leaders): Oct. 21
Statistical Reporting and the New Apportionment Formula: Dec. 16

Recordings of previous webinars can be found in the Finance and Administration Showcase on Vimeo.

Recordings include: Church Property Taxes, Prosper, Brick River, Human Resources and Finances and more.

Is your church looking to connect with new people in your community? Join Prairie North clergy and laity for a year-long group coaching program designed to help your church grow its outreach, welcome new faces, and strengthen community connections! Each session includes insights, group discussions, and hands-on tools you can apply immediately. Meetings will be online, except for the first gathering. The first meeting will be in-person on Sat., Sept. 13, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Freeport: Faith. Learn more.

Looking to Share Expenses for Leadership Institute?

If you're going to Leadership Institute in Kansas City, Oct. 1-3, and would like to cut expenses by sharing lodging and/or transportation, please contact Doc Newcomb at Doc@MarengoUMC.org. Their church has one male (Doc) and one female who are attending.

A Binding Truth Screenings Across the Area

Collective Action to Build Community (CA2BC)—a collaboration of more than 15 faith-related institutions, libraries, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and community organizations—is offering multiple free options for viewing A Binding Truth between Wed., Sept. 10 and Tues., Sept. 16 across Northern Illinois.

We have the honor of premiering this 90-minute film to the public before a shorter version is hosted by North Carolina PBS on October 1. We will also have a Zoom interview on Sun., Sept. 28, at 3 p.m. with those in A Binding Truth.

Click here to learn more and register.

Muslims & UMs Demand Ceasefire in Gaza

On July 30, the Council of Islamic Organizations in Chicago and the Northern Illinois–Wisconsin Episcopal Area of the UMC held a press conference at First UMC Chicago Temple, urging an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. Panelists shared personal stories of hunger, destruction, and suffering, calling for full humanitarian aid, accountability for violations of international law, and for people of faith to press decision-makers to act for justice. Read more.

HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

2025 NIC Safe Sanctuary® Trainings

Join us for upcoming trainings to help ensure your congregation is a place of trust where children, youth, and elders can experience God’s love in safety and community. The cost is $15, which includes class instruction and a background check. Reach out to Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer with any questions.

Online Via Zoom
Sat., Aug. 23, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 24, 3 to 6 p.m.
Spanish Offering
Sat., Sept. 13, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Franklin Park: First UMC

Safe Gatherings Online Resource

For those who can not attend the above classes, there is a self-guided online course option. The cost is $39, which includes a background check.

NIC UMM Spiritual Congress

Sept. 12-14

Conference Point Center, Williams Bay, WI

Your are invited to join the conference United Methodist Men at their retreat with the theme “Forged by Grace.” It provides the men in our conference the opportunity to get to know each other and learn about the ways grace has forged our lives. Activities include viewing and discussing the movie The Forge; prayer and worship; the annual UMM awards ceremony; updates on local, conference, and denominational UMM initiatives; a service project with Midwest Mission Distribution Center; an update on Scouting; excellent food; and time for camaraderie on the shores of Lake Geneva. Learn more.

Missionary Visit: Guillermo “Willie” Berman

Guillermo “Willie” Berman, a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, will be visiting our Conference from September 6 to 14.

Willie has worked with Volunteers in Mission (VIM) teams from U.S. annual conferences for over 20 years, helping start ministries like sewing classes, medical clinics, scholarship programs, and community development projects along the U.S.-Mexico border. He also plays a key role in immigrant ministries and the Methodist Border Mission Network.

Note: Willie is bilingual and can give talks in Spanish or English.

If your church is interested in hosting Willie, please contact Rev. Shirley Pulgar Hughes.

Want to Change Your Community?

SCD: Laity Boot Camp 2025, offered by UM Discipleship Ministries, convenes Oct. 23-25 in Kenosha, Wis., to rekindle laypeople's passion to influence their church and community. Take part in a high-energy, vision-driven kickoff session; guidance for making an action plan; and labs for creative thinking and skill-building. You'll meet people and share ideas. Learn more

Other Upcoming Conference Events:

Aug. 17-21: The Religious Nationalisms Project: Countering the Rising Scourge of Religious Nationalisms Learning opportunities at various locations in the greater Chicago area.
Aug. 20:Kids Above All Backpack Drive ends
Aug. 20: Benefits Lunch and Learn, Getting Ready for Charge Conference from a Benefits Perspective
Aug. 23: UMVIM Team Leader Refresher For leaders planning a VIM trip.
Aug. 30: Spanish Lay Servant Academy
Sept. 8-10: National Workshop on Christian Unity and UMEIT: There is also an aditional five-hour workshop on Monday, Sept. 8, about the ecumenical movement in the UMC will give participants a chance to interact with the denomination's ecumenical staff. Learn more.
Sept 14: 700th Anniversary of Nicaea: Ecumenical Commemoration: A reflection on unity, faith, and the enduring impact of that momentous council hosted by the Illinois Council of Churches.
Sept. 17: Benefits Lunch and Learn, COMPASS Presentation for Clergy
Sept 18: 2025 Raising Our Voices: The UVC event will focus on Youth Mental Health with a special performance from About Face Theatre. They will also present the annual Child Advocate Awards and hear updates from Children’s Advocate for Change. Learn more.
Sept. 26-28: "In Rhythm:" NIC Youth Retreat: For youth in sixth through twelfth grades within the Conference. All are welcome. Registration closes Sept. 10. Learn more.
Oct. 1-3: Leadership Institute: Find the inspiration, practical tools, and supportive community you need to rise together with fellow leaders committed to strengthening the Church in Kansas City and online.
Oct. 7-9: Facing The Future: The UM General Commission on Religion and Race has organized this time for renewal to equip clergy with the tools and encouragement needed for sustainable and dynamic ministry.
Oct. 23-25: SCD 2025 Laity Bootcamp: Presented by UMC Discipleship Ministries. This gathering will provide you with practical ministry tools to enhance your faith journey and foster connections with fellow leaders. Learn more.

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

Apply Now for a Midwest Methodist Foundation Grant

Midwest Methodist Foundation is again offering Ministry Grants to provide seed money that can help NIC churches create or expand their ministries. Applications are now being accepted. Priority will be given to proposals focused on community outreach and service. The Foundation will award up to $5,000 each to two churches in each of the five districts in the conference. Apply by Sept. 30. Recipients will be notified in December. Read more

Help for Planning Stewardship & Cultivating Generosity

Discover resources to help your congregation plan effective stewardship and pledging campaigns while nurturing generosity as a Christian virtue. These tools will guide leaders in inspiring joyful giving, supporting church ministries, and making a lasting impact. Read more.

Looking to Rent/Share the Parsonage?

Your church may be seeking to rent or share parsonage space for additional income. An attorney has advised the conference that renting or sharing entails some benefits but also some possible risks, including losing the federal income-tax exemption or the state property tax exemption and incurring federal Unrelated Business Income Tax. The linked memo explains more. Read the attorney's memo

Connectional Giving Update

Currently, as of the end of July 2025, our collection rates are as follows:

NIC and General Church Apportionments - 63%
Health and Pension - 93%
Clergy Responsibility - 96%
Property Insurance - 97%

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. 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

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.
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.

Like Us on Facebook: Prairie North District

Rev. Hwa-Young Chong

Prairie North District Superintendent

hychong@umcnic.org

872-810-0857

Debra Rogers

Administrative Assistant

drogers@umcnic.org

872-810-0901

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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