News & Updates

Aug. 27, 2026

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Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good.

–Romans 12:13 (CEB)

Hello Prairie Central District,

As I was preparing to write this note to you, the news of singer-songwriter Dolly Parton’s death flashed across my phone screen. “She was a wonderful human being,” a dear friend texted in a group chat. Another friend responded, “We’ve lost another good one.”

Dolly lived and loved unpretentiously; in the face of scoffers and skeptics, she showed us what it looks like to live out the apostle Paul’s instruction for Christian living: “hate evil and hold on to what is good.”

Back in 2012, she wrote:

"I make a point to appreciate all the little things in my life. I go out and smell the air after a good, hard rain. These small actions help remind me that there are so many great, glorious pieces of good in the world."

Hold on to what is good, dear clergy and laity of Prairie Central! Dolly showed us how to do that. But most importantly, she showed us how Jesus did it. I hope the same will be said of you and me!

Every Blessing,

DS Rev. Wendy Hardin Hermann

Prairie Central District Superintendent

Rethinking Vacation Bible School: Faith Formation Beyond the Traditional Model

Vacation Bible School is evolving across Northern Illinois, as churches rethink summer faith formation through community partnerships, multigenerational experiences, youth leadership, creative programs and service. From original curricula and bilingual programs to camps held outside church walls, NIC congregations are finding new ways to help children, families and neighbors encounter God and build relationships. Read how churches are stretching the traditional VBS model to create meaningful summer faith experiences.

Read the shared Prairie Central VBS stories:

After a one-year hiatus, Bethany of Fox Valley in Aurora revived its VBS with Group Publishing’s “Rainforest Falls”, welcoming children ages six through twelve from Bethany and its space-sharing sister churches, Hope United Church of Christ and Tabernaculo de Luz. Children participated in music, Bible stories, games, science experiments, snacks, and faith-in-action activities while families contributed “Change for Change” to support local missions.

Wesley UMC in Aurora, UMC of Geneva, and Batavia UMC joined The Neighbor Project in Aurora and the surrounding community for “Compassion Camp” VBS created by Illustrated Faith. The Neighbor Project hosted the gatherings. Children, youth, and adults explored compassion through Bible stories, music, yoga, crafts and service activities, learning that compassion is “love in motion” and discovering ways to care for themselves, their neighbors and the wider world.

First Church in Crystal Lake welcomed more than 100 children from the congregation and surrounding community for four days of Group Publishing’s “Rainforest Falls” VBS in June. The program brought children together for a week of faith, fun, and fellowship.

ChristFirst in Elmhurt’s homegrown VBS experience, “Youth United Summer Camp”, provided a free summer camp experience for children ages four through eleven, proposed by a ninth-grade youth group member, to provide the opportunity for children who might not otherwise be able to afford the summer camp experience. Meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout June, campers participated in academics, arts and crafts, recreation, service projects and exploration, while a lemonade and treat sale raised more than $500 to purchase toys for an immigrant community.

Community UMC of Naperville hosted its third annual Creative Arts Camp, welcoming children from kindergarten through eighth grade to learn how to put on a musical. Campers prepared and performed Happily Forever After, a fairytale retelling of the parable of the house built on the sand, while also participating in crafts, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities, games, Bible stories, and mission projects such as planting flowers for homebound members and assembling Midwest Mission cleanup buckets.

Our Saviour’s UMC in Schaumburg took children on a journey through Ireland during its “Emerald Crossing” VBS, created by Answers in Genesis. Through hands-on activities and the story of David, children explored Psalm 23 and discovered God as their Shepherd, Guide, Comforter, Provider and King.

At Baker Memorial UMC in St. Charles, the “Camp Hope” VBS’s custom program welcomed a multi-age group of children from the Fox Valley region for four days of Bible stories, crafts, games, singing, and snacks focused on God’s gift of hope. Volunteers created an original curriculum and transformed the church with elaborate camp decorations, and the week concluded with a child-led worship service that included a special folk song band.

At Gary UMC in Wheaton, VBS at Group Publishing’s “Rainforest Falls” helped children discover that God knows them and promises to love them forever—even through fun, ocelot-shaped cookies! Older students in “BLAST Camp” by Grow Curriculum (5-8 grade) focused on serving others, creating goodie bags for Kids Above All’s Camp Sheilah and painting a Fourth of July parade float for the Mersades Ann Foundation.

If your church is missing, please share your story and photos with Lisa Smith (LSmith@UMCNIC.org), and we will continue updating the story as more information is received.

Prairie Central District Zoom Gatherings

Next Gathering Sept. 10

Clergy (Zoom Link) 9 a.m.

Laity (Zoom Link) 7 p.m.

Questions? Message DS Rev. Wendy Hardin Hermann

Conference-Wide Faithful Action Day: Sept. 13

There’s still time to join a Faithful Action Day event on Sunday, Sept. 13. Check the list of churches and communities already planning actions to find an event near you—or, if your church hasn’t made plans yet, there’s still time to organize your own. Find an event or learn how to plan an action.

Prairie Central Events:

Antioch — Gathering outside the church for prayer, singing, reading the names of those killed by ICE, and reflection.
Aurora: Wesley — Sharing an outdoor story walk beginning September 13 and remaining available for neighbors for about a week. It includes posters placed along the property line that will share the stories of immigrant families and highlight immigrant experiences.
Bolingbrook: Friendship — A worship service focused on standing with immigrants, followed by a rally with signs outside the church. A prayer circle may be held before the rally for congregation members who cannot attend.
Elmhurst: ChristFirst — Gathering at a central location with area faith communities and immigrant advocacy organizations for a vigil and protest featuring chants and songs.
Glen Ellyn: First — Gathering outside the church to reflect on immigrant journeys, share Social Principles, participate in a litany, and sing a hymn.
Naperville: Community and Hope Indian NFC — Marching 8-blocks through the Community UMC neighborhood after worship.

The NIC Finance and Administration Office is continuing to offer free webinars to help pastors, treasurers, finance committees, and other church leaders navigate essential financial, administrative and leadership responsibilities. Webinars are recorded and available for later viewing.

2027 Budget Information, Sept. 15, 7 p.m.
Prepare your church’s 2027 budget with an overview of apportionments, clergy pension and health care changes, clergy flat rate and property insurance, with SPRC and Finance Committee members especially encouraged to attend.
Protecting Your Church: Preventing the Most Common Property Insurance Claims, Sept. 22, 6:30 p.m.
Learn from real-world restoration examples about common property losses and practical steps your church can take to prevent and reduce damage.
Benefits Enrollment, Sept. 23, 11:30 a.m.
Get an overview of 2027 benefits plan changes before Open Enrollment begins in late October.
Charge Conference Forms, Sept. 29. 7 p.m.
Get everything you need to prepare for this year’s Charge Conference, including an overview of required forms, reporting in BrickRiver and best practices for completing the process.

View the full upcoming schedule and browse previous webinar recordings.

View and discuss My Omaha

This September, NIC and Collective Action to Build Community (CA2BC) are hosting multiple free screenings of My Omaha from Sept. 14–20. My Omaha explores a son’s search for truth and common ground with his father while examining racial divisions between Omaha’s Black and white communities. Learn more.

Prairie Central Viewing Options:

Mon., Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
393 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn, IL
Thurs., Sept. 17 at 5:30 p.m.
Naperville Baha’i Community at the Naperville Public Library
3015 Cedar Glade Dr., Naperville, IL
Sun., Sept. 20 at 2 p.m.
Illinois Citizens for Race Amity
First Church of Lombard (UCC), Fellowship Hall, 220 S. Main St., Lombard, IL
An at-home individual streaming option is also available during this time period, with a private viewing link emailed to participants.
Click here for a list of all screenings.

Plus, don’t miss a special live Zoom conversation with film director, Nick Beaulieu, and community activist, Leo Louis II. on Sun., Sept. 20, at 3 p.m.

Click here to learn more and register.

Rummage Sale at First UMC in Glenview Helps Community Youth

Rummage Sale:

Sat., Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Donation Drop-off Dates

Sun., Sept. 20, noon to 5 p.m.

Mon. to Fri., Sept. 20-24,

3 to 7 p.m.

Local youth groups and sports teams are invited to help with the sale. In turn, their organization earns some of the proceeds! Learn more.

Christians Against Christian Nationalism Group Forming

Gary UMC in Wheaton’s Church & Society team is helping form an ecumenical group focused on educating congregations and communities about Christian nationalism and its impact in local public schools, including the use of LifeWise Academy programs. The group hopes to host educational events and develop resources for use across Christian denominations.

Area congregations are invited to send representatives to the next meeting: Wed., Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. at Gary UMC, 224 N. Main St., Wheaton. Contact Rev. Daniel Cochran with questions.
Learn more.

Executive Assistant Position Open

The NIC is seeking an executive administrative assistant. The person in this role will provide comprehensive administrative and executive support to the bishop and assistant to the bishop, including managing complex scheduling, communications, travel, events, financial processes, and special projects. Application deadline is Sept. 21. Learn More.

Other Lay Academies offered around the conference:

Lake South: Oct. 3 & 10, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Location: TBD
Prairie South: Oct. 10 & 17, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Mt. Morris: Disciples, 102 N. Maple Ave.
Prairie North: Nov. 7, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and Nov. 8, 1–4:30 p.m., Roscoe UMC, 10816 Main St., Roscoe
Lake North: Nov. 7 & 14, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Oak Park: Euclid Avenue UMC, 405 S. Euclid Ave.

HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

UMM Walk Each Day with Hope

Join Northern Illinois Conference United Methodist Men for the Annual Spiritual Congress, Sept. 11–13, at Conference Point Center in Williams Bay, Wis. This annual retreat offers men a weekend of renewal through worship, learning, fellowship, prayer, service, and relaxation. Enjoy inspiring speakers, music, a service project, UMM awards, a Christian movie, and time together along the shores of Lake Geneva. Come for one, two, or all three days, with overnight accommodations available. All men are welcome! Learn more.

Sat., Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rockford: Grace

Join Rev. Dr. Michael Beck, director of Fresh Expressions for The United Methodist Church, for a day of creative learning, hands-on activities, and practical tools for reaching new people in new ways. Hosted by Prairie North, open to all clergy and laity across the Conference; $10 per person or $25 per church, including lunch. Learn more.

Join Youth from Across Northern Illinois This Fall

Experience a weekend of faith, friendship, and adventure at the Northern Illinois Conference Youth Fall Retreat, Sept. 25-27, at Camp Timber-lee in East Troy, Wis. Connect with youth (grades 6-12) from across the conference through inspiring worship, small groups, campfires, and exciting outdoor activities, including zip-lining, fishing, axe throwing, and more. Registration is now open—don’t miss this opportunity to grow in faith, make new friends, and create lasting memories. Learn more and register today. Learn more.

Safe Sanctuaries Fall Online Training

Help create safe, trusting spaces where children, youth, elders, and all people can experience God’s love and fellowship. Join the Training on Sat., Sept. 26, from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. via Zoom. The $20 registration fee includes class instruction and a background check. Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bethany of Fox Valley UMC in Aurora

This free event features accessible worship, four workshop sessions, lunch with a panel discussion (optional $10 lunch fee), and practical tools to help churches become more welcoming and accessible to people of all abilities. Workshop topics include disability awareness, accessible worship, neurodiversity, advocacy, technology, and creating inclusive ministries on any budget. Learn more.

Clergy: Innovate for Our Future

Clergy are invited to the School of Leadership, Sept. 29–Oct. 1 at Green Lake Conference Center in Wis. Featuring Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean, the gathering offers renewal, learning, and conversation on innovative ministry leadership. Registration is $100 (after subsidy), including meals; lodging is separate. Use code NIC for the reduced rate. Learn more.

Other Upcoming Events

Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24: Online VIM Team Leader Training. For mission leaders, whether you’re leading for the first time, have led teams in the past, or have completed the training previously and are looking for updated information.
Sept. 13: Conference-Wide Faithful Action Day. A day for NIC churches to step out of their sanctuaries to march, pray, and sing in a large-scale show of support for our immigrant brothers and sisters.
Sept. 24: UVC Raising Our Voices. Annual advocacy & awards event for United Voices for Children

Save the Date

Oct. 5-8: NCJ Commission on Archives & History Convocation Opportunity for supporting others and sharing ideas and resources.
Oct. 24: UW Faith NIC Annual Meeting
Nov. 6-8: Exploration 2026 For young adults to explore God’s call to ordained ministry through worship, fellowship, theological reflection, and practical workshops.
Nov. 12-14: Do No Harm 2026 A virtual conference equipping the Church to prevent sexual harm and foster trauma-informed care.
Nov. 17-19: National Workshop for Christian Unity

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

Ministry with the Aging and Caregivers

The US is growing older at an unprecedented rate. Millions of older adults want to remain in their homes, connected to their churches, families, and communities. Yet many require assistance with transportation, meals, medications, bathing, or simply companionship. Both aging people and their caregivers can use support and care, a retired UM pastor says. Read More.

Help Shape How We Tell Our Story

United Methodist Communications is gathering input from leaders, clergy, and members across the connection to help shape messaging for The United Methodist Church’s next season of renewal. Share your perspectives on faith, community and what makes The UMC unique through this anonymous 15-minute survey, open through Sept. 4. Take the Survey.

Children can also participate through the “What I Love About Church” activity sheet, sharing what their church means to them.

Is Your Church Still Using Microsoft Publisher?

If your church uses Microsoft Publisher for bulletins or weekly newsletters, now is the time to start planning for a replacement. Publisher is scheduled to retire in October 2026, and several alternatives are available at free, low-cost and paid levels. UMComm offers advice and tools for practical Publisher alternatives, along with Canva training to help churches and ministries create common communications materials—from setting up an account to designing content you use every day. Read More.

Grants & Scholarships:

Fall Opportunities

Several grants and scholarships are available this fall to support local churches and leaders.

GBCS Grants: The General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) awards grants to United Methodist congregations and groups related to The United Methodist Church in three categories: Peace with Justice, Ethnic Local Church and Human Relations Day. Deadline: Aug. 31 at 5 p.m. EDT
Midwest Methodist Foundation: Up to $5,000 will be awarded to two churches in each NIC district for new or expanded programs, with priority given to community outreach and service. Deadline: Sept. 30.
NIC UWFaith Scholarship: The NIC Chapter of United Women in Faith offers a scholarship for women pursuing ordained or lay church vocations. The guidelines can be found here. Deadline: Sept. 15

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 Central District

Rev. Wendy Hardin-Hermann

Prairie Central District Superintendent

whardinhermann@umcnic.org

Prairie Central District Office at Barrington UMC

98 Algonquin Road, Barrington, IL 60010

872-810-0873

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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