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The NIC Committee on Discipleship and Spiritual Formation is inviting individuals and congregations to read the entire Bible using a daily guide organized in what is believed to be chronological order. Monthly online support groups will offer encouragement and space for reflection. There will be an orientation on Dec. 17 from 6 to 7 p.m. online. Learn more.
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How to Assist Immigrants in Your Area
The Northern Illinois Conference Commission on Religion and Race Immigration Committee has been working hard to help our NIC churches find ways to support immigrants in their communities. There are several initiatives to participate in, and share with your congregation and community.
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Explore the newly released 2025 Photo Directory and 2025-2026 Directory
You can access both directories or order a printed copy. The Photo Directory provides a visual guide to clergy and laity photographed at Annual Conference, while the Annual Directory offers updated conference, clergy, laity, and church information. The page has also been updated with links to a searchable church directory, an interactive Google map, and links to the UMC's Find-A-Church. Learn more.
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Join us as we honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through prayers, testimonies, music, and a powerful message from our guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Charles Woolery, Sr. On Saturday, January 18 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity UMC in Mt. Prospect we will lift up prayers, testimonies, and music that remind us how the voices of those who came before us continue to guide our work for justice, peace, and beloved community. A light supper will follow the service, offering a time for fellowship and reflection. Read more.
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Tues., Dec. 16
7 - 8 p.m.
Online Via Zoom
This webinar is intended to help churches prepare for statistical reporting and the new apportionment formula. Learn more.
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Tue, Jan. 13
7 p.m.
Online Via Zoom
Join us for an informative webinar to learn about changes to Prosper billing and how to make the most of the NIC Billing System. Learn more.
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Tue, Jan. 20
7 p.m.
Online Via Zoom
Learn about church finances; how to best manage it and how you can invest your church's funds for greater impact.
Learn more.
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J.O.Y. Camp Winter Weekend
Winter Weekend provides campers with all of the best aspects of JOY Camp, with a wintery twist. Winter Weekend will be held from Jan. 2 to 4, 2026. The weekend is open to current 4th graders through current high school seniors.The registration fee is $70. Learn more.
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The Prairie Central District Shepherding Team is bringing Rev. Jim Ozier back to Northern Illinois for Culture Shift: Cultivating Healthy Congregations, on Jan. 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Grace UMC in Naperville. The one-day experience focused on helping pastors and lay leaders assess, shift, and shape their church culture toward vitality and growth. The event is open to church leaders from any district. Learn more.
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Update your Find-a-Church profile
Is your church's Find-a-Church information up to date? Developed by United Methodist Communications, Find-A-Church is the official online directory of United Methodist churches. It is one of the most visited sections of UMC.org, averaging more than 1,000 page views a day and helps you to connect with busy people in your community on their terms, on their time, and in their comfort zone. It also serves as a companion to your church’s existing website — giving you twice the local visibility online.
During this outreach season, update your worship schedule and contact information. Learn how by clicking here.
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Running the day-to-day administration of a local church or ministry often stretches both time and budget. Thankfully, there are several high-quality free ministry (or nonprofit-discounted) tools available to help ministry leaders with design, accounting, presentations, communication, and overall administration. GCFA has provided a roundup of some of the most useful tools that can help your ministry run more smoothly. Read more.
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Scholarships for United Methodist Students
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation invites churches to join their popular UM Dollars for Scholars program. Each church scholarship can grow to a possible total of $4,000 per student through partner matches! Applications open January 1 for the 2026-2027 school year. Learn more about this and other scholarship opportunities for Methodist students.
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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.
| | | | Copyright © 2025 Northern Illinois Conference | | |
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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