News & Updates

August 28, 2025

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Summer Mission Trips:

Serving Near and Far

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 South Mission Trip stories:

The youth of First UMC in Hinckley spent a weekend serving locally at Wayside Cross Ministries, the Northern Illinois Food Bank, and with neighbors in Hinckley. Twelve youth and six adult leaders put their faith into action through hands-on service, building relationships, and deepening their discipleship along the way.

Seventeen missionaries from Minooka UMC traveled to Jackson, Ky., through the Appalachian Service Project. They split into three work teams and helped three families make their homes warmer, safer, and dryer.

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

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

Vacation Bible School Updates

Erie UMC spent a week "underwater" at Scuba VBS: Diving Into Friendship With God. They had a total of 28 children participating. They raised over $400 for Living Lands & Waters to help their river cleanup efforts.

Kaneville UMC, joined by Sugar Grove UMC hosted 85 children at SonSpark Labs VBS in a week-long, 3-hour hybrid indoor/outdoor model. Continuing this summer, the local childcare center (a KUMC mission) helps staff VBS and brings over all of their preschool-6th grade students. The Friday noon program was attended by over 60 parents and grandparents. For their VBS Mission project, they collected a carload of non-perishables for the local food pantry and were able to donate an additional $100 to the community ministry.

Squeezing in to the last week before school started (August 4-8), First UMC of Ottawa hosted its first Vacation Bible School since 2018 using Cokesbury’s Camp Firelight theme. With volunteers, support, and kids from each of the three Ottawa area United Methodist Churches it’s another example of the power of our connectional identity. Many kids participating came from the wider community, demonstrating the opportunity that VBS presents to spread the gospel of Christ’s love.

Steward UMC welcomed 26 children to their Outback Rock VBS this year. Our theme was “Outback Rock”, and our key Bible verse was Matthew 28:20 — “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Throughout the week, they were reminded daily that our good God is always with us, giving us the courage to take each step of faith. Through lively songs and dances, they laughed, moved, and experienced the joy of worship. Through the truth of God’s Word and the Bible stories, they deepened our roots of faith in Him. Fun games, creative crafts, and delicious snacks refreshed them and made their time together even more joyful and grace-filled.

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

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

Chana UMC 150th

Anniversary Celebration

Chana United Methodist Church will be celebrating their 150th Anniversary as a chartered church on Sept. 7. The regular church service will start at 10:30 a.m. with Rally Sunday, the beginning of another year for Sunday School and honoring Grandparents Day. A special sermon is planned for the children. At noon, a meal will be served in the fellowship hall, displays of memorabilia, a slide show. The afternoon program will begin at 1:30 p.m. with more heritage and special music, featuring Billy Paul, as well as guest speakers from former pastors and friends. Questions, contact the church.

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

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. Brian Gilbert

Prairie South District Superintendent

bgilbert@umcnic.org

872-810-0864

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.

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