News & Updates

August 28, 2025

** Note ** You are receiving the district eNews because your name is in our Lay Leadership Database as a leader in your local church. If you are no longer interested in receiving the District eNews, please click the Update Profile link at the bottom of the email. (Clicking UnSubscribe means you will not receive ANY emails from the conference including appointment announcements, sympathy notices and weekly eNews)

Super UMM To The Rescue!

We have modern day Super Men among us hidden in our United Methodist Men. I am so grateful for UMM from New Lenox and Chicago who answered my call for help. When two of our church buildings were placed on the market for sale, I did not know how I would get help to move some of the goods from those buildings to be reused in some of our other facilities. I put out the call, and these awesome men not only responded, but came back again, and again, and again and again until everything that we could salvage was moved. They brought trucks, equipment, willing hands, hearts of gold and passion for Christ and just kept giving themselves.

I want to thank Jim Speicher, Jim Glazebrook, Del Schad, Al Haring, Bill Krohn, Michael Johnston and Bill Christiansen all from New Lenox; along with our Chicago crew: Verner Geddis and Robert Massey from Wesley, Will Denton and Don Burse from House of Praise and Ronnie Lindsay from New Gresham. I also want to thank their Wonder Women—their wonderful wives. These acts of love and faithful service are a true demonstration of the power of our connection and how together we impact countless lives for the cause of Christ.

May God bless you all,

Dr. Audrea Nanabray

Lake South District Superintendent

Summer Mission Trips

This summer, churches across Northern Illinois lived out their faith through mission trips near and far—serving neighbors in local communities, repairing homes in Appalachia, and supporting ministries in other states. From building ramps and painting homes to packing meals and partnering with other congregations, volunteers of all ages shared God’s love through hands-on service. These experiences not only met practical needs but also built lasting relationships and unity in Christ. Read more.

First UMC of LaGrange sent a team of 86 to Clay County, W.V., for a week of service with the Appalachia Service Project. While there, high school students and adult leaders practiced “Being the Light” by building relationships and doing home repair work alongside families of central Appalachia. The temps were hot, but their hearts were full of joy while laughing and sweating together with neighbors and friends.

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

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

Lake South District

September 6

Join Online Via Zoom

PASTORS ONLY 9-10 a.m.

EVERYONE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND - 10:30 a.m.-noon

Zoom link

Meeting ID: 964 1732 9893 Passcode: 081053

Ingleside Whitfield UMC in Chicago hosted its Annual Back to School Community Festival on August 10th.They had over 100 bookbags filled with CPS-required School supplies. In addition, attendees enjoyed bratwurst, polishes, hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, Snow Cones, Popcorn, and drinks. All were entertained (kids and adults alike) with a Bouncy House, Lady on Stilts, Face Painter, Water Games, and other entertainment.

Late addition welcome, contact Hasel Crest Community UMC.

View and Discuss 'A Binding Truth'

This September, NIC and Collective Action to Build Community (CA2BC) are hosting multiple free screenings of A Binding Truth from Sept. 10–16.

The film follows Jimmie, the first Black football star at an affluent Charlotte high school in 1965, and De, a white classmate who witnessed the civil rights struggles of that era. Decades later, a shocking discovery uncovers hidden truths in church records—leading both men into a journey of reckoning, healing, and hope for bridging America’s racial divide.

Lake South Screenings:

Fri., Sept. 12, 6 p.m.: The CommUNITY Diversity Group of La Grange Area, the La Grange Public Library, First United Methodist Church of La Grange and The Kind Exchange are partnering to host a film screening at the library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave., La Grange
Sat., Sept. 13, Noon: Reparation Generation, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave., Chicago
Tues., Sept. 16, 2:30 p.m.: Dominican University, 4904 S. Lake Park Avenue, Chicago
Tues., Sept. 16, 7 p.m.: League of Women Voters of Downers Grove/Woodridge/Lisle at Benedictine University, Goodwin Hall, Rm. 321, 5700 College Rd., Lisle
Click here for a list of all screenings.

We’re honored to share this powerful 90-minute film with the public before its PBS debut in North Carolina on Oct. 1. Plus, don’t miss a special live Zoom conversation with those featured in the film on Sun., Sept. 28, at 3 p.m.

Click here to learn more and register.

Mission Link Highlight:

Midwest Mission has shown God’s love in practical ways

through the distribution of education, health, micro-business and disaster relief supplies meeting basic human needs around the world and around the corner. They distribute their kits, resources and supplies after receiving a request.

Midwest Mission helps in Milwaukee Flooding

In early August, Milwaukee and surrounding areas were hit with over nine inches of rain in just 24 hours, causing severe flooding, overwhelming sewer systems, and prompting a countywide state of emergency. Thanks to pre-staged supplies, Midwest Mission quickly responded, delivering over 1,300 Hygiene Kits and 864 Cleaning Kits to the Salvation Army to support families who lost homes and belongings. Read more.

Now, Midwest Mission's disaster relief supplies need replenishing, so they are ready for the next disaster.

There are two ways to help:

First, the quickest way to replenish relief is to send monetary donations, allowing them to purchase supplies in bulk quickly. One Cleaning Kit costs $75 to build, so every dollar matters. To Give: Write a check to your local church and write, “Midwest Mission” in the memo line. Churches can give through the NIC Apportionment process.
Secondly, you can make Cleaning Kits at home or with your community. Then, bring the completed Kits (or Kit items) to a NIC Permanent Collection Site near you. Click here to see the list of items.

HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

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.

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.

Other Upcoming Events:

Aug. 30: Spanish Lay Servant Academy
Sept. 8-10: National Workshop on Christian Unity and UMEIT: There is also an additional 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.
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.
Sept. 23: Tuesday Teaching: Are Our Buildings Bad or Beneficial? Representatives from Foundry will teach how to be good stewards of your building and how to make decisions about your building's future.
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.
Sept. 30 and Oct. 21: COMPASS Retirement Plan Webinar: Training on the new retirement plan for both church leaders and clergy.
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. 4: Greenhouse Day: A Fresh Expressions Training Event: A day-long training about Fresh Expressions, led by Dr. Michael Beck.
Oct. 5: World Communion Sunday
Oct. 7: Tuesday Teaching: Advent Outreach: Share ideas as you start planning for Advent and Christmas
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 7-9: AAPI Clergywomen Conference: Conference for Asian American and Pacific Islander clergywomen and seminarians.
Oct. 14: Local Church Board of Trustees 101: To help the local church Board of Trustees understand their responsibilities.
Oct. 18: Hispanic/Latine Celebration
Oct. 21: Tuesday Teaching: Contemporary Black Church: Dr. Jason Shelton will share his perspectives and learnings about the Black church in the 21st century.
Oct. 22: HealthFlex Lunch and Learn
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.
Oct. 25: UWFaith NIC Annual Meeting
Oct. 28: Clergy of Color Retreat: One-day retreat for NIC clergy of color. The theme is "Rest as Resistance: Sabbath for Body, Mind, and Spirit."

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

The Importance of Sending Church Newsletters and What to Include

A church newsletter is more than a collection of dates and reminders. It is a ministry tool that connects people, deepens discipleship, and invites new participation. United Methodist Communications shares tips and a good example for you. Learn more.

Simple Questions to Help Your Church’s Brand Pop

A strong brand isn’t about flashy graphics; it’s about clarity and consistency. When a church asks the right questions, regardless of size or resources, it establishes a clear visual identity that reflects its essence and invites others in. United Methodist Communications gives some simple (and free) options to help. Read more.

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

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.

Rev. Audrea Nanabray

Lake South District Superintendent

ananabray@umcnic.org

872-810-0894

Leola Tucker

Administrative Assistant

ltucker@umcnic.org

872-810-0913

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.

Keep Up to Date With All Conference Events and News in the Weekly Email!

If you would like to receive the weekly Conference eNews and other important announcements, including sympathy notices and appointment announcements, please sign up online or click the Update Profile button at the bottom of this email.

NOTE - Clicking UNSUBSCRIBE below means you will be unsubscribing from ALL Constant Contact emails from the NIC (Appointment Announcements, Sympathy Notices, etc). If you want to stop receiving one newsletter, please click "Update Profile" below.