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Listening Group Opportunity
The theme of this year’s Annual Conference was “Grace is Sufficient.” In his Episcopal Address, Bishop Schwerin stressed the urgency of being the body of Christ in the storm of uncertain times and declining church attendance in this post-Christendom world. According to Barna, people still ask questions like “How can I find hope?” and “Where do you experience God?” Bishop encouraged creative thinking similar to the use of civilian boats that saved Allied forces at Dunkirk. Our goal is equipping local churches to carry out ¶601 of The Book of Discipline of the UMC: Making disciples/apprentices of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. One small Dunkirk-like boat is “Whispers of Grace.”
You are invited to this district-wide listening group experience at DeKalb First UMC on Thursday nights September 4 through November 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.. Contact Karen Bonnell at LKBonnell@gmail.com with questions and to register by August 15. Learn more.
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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.
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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.
Recordings include: Church Property Taxes, Prosper, Brick River, Human Resources and Finances and more.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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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