News & Updates

August 28, 2025

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Dear all,

As summer gives way to fall, we’re reminded of God’s faithfulness in every season—through Rally Day, choirs returning, and the joyful start of Sunday School. This is also a time to look ahead with hope, as a new cohort begins its work of reaching new people and sharing God’s love in fresh ways. I offer gratitude for the faithfulness of our pastors and offer a prayer for every congregation, household, and ministry.

Click here to read the full message and prayer.

Peace in Christ,

DS Hwa-Young

Prairie North District

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.

Read the Prairie North Mission Trip stories:

Both youth and adult members from First UMC in Belvidere participated in a mission trip with Appalachia Service Project. They traveled to Kentucky and assisted with a home that had damage from the tornados that had gone through the area in the past.

A team of eight members of Lanark UMC spent a week at Henderson Settlement in southern Kentucky. They worked on building a 12’ x 12’ shed for a man to store his lawnmower and tools. Each day started with devotions with the beautiful view of the valley and three crosses at Henderson Settlement.

Christ UMC in Rockford hosted their annual local Workcamp with the theme “Heroes of Faith” (Hebrews 11). Youth and adult volunteers from Christ UMC, Grace UMC, and Centennial UMC served in multiple locations across the Rockford area—painting, cleaning, organizing, repairing decks, engaging in community outreach, and more—all with hearts to serve God and others. They had over 100 people in 6 crews that worked on 12 projects across 9 work sites. Each evening, they gathered for worship, testimonies, and messages that highlighted how faith becomes visible when lived out through love and action.

This year Roscoe UMC partnered with Group Mission Trips for their youth mission trip to Westfield,Ind. Fourteen youth and four adults helped many residents in Hamilton County. Their projects included painting, building stairs, wheelchair ramps, and installing skirting walls where they met the floor. They served with 300 other campers from all over the U.S. Each day, they attended 2 programs where they worshiped and explored what it meant to be equipped by Jesus.

the conference.

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

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

NIC Leads and Participates at the 18th NAFAUM Convocation

Several NIC lay and clergy helped lead the 18th National Association of Filipino American United Methodists Convocation, July 31-Aug. 2 in Clovis, Calif. District Superintendent Rev. Victor Melad facilitated important conversations. Pastor Arnel served as presider, Deaconess Joan Melad and Rev. Melad served communion during the closing worship, and Pastor Rolland Hayag helped with music and reporting. The NIC attenders made up the worship team, led by Deaconess Joy Hayag. The group also had a beautiful Cultural Walk, wearing their tribal attire, making it a joyful celebration of their heritage and community.

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.

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.

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.

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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