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Nominate Someone for #BeUMC Award
The #BeUMC Awards are a new opportunity to honor and celebrate outstanding faithfulness across our conference, provided by the NIC in partnership with United Methodist Communications. A church, layperson, and clergyperson who best personifies the UMC mission and vision are eligible for nomination. We'll celebrate the winners at Annual Conference this year. Learn about the award; nominations are due April 15. Read more
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Special Observances:
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Clergy Session: Sunday, June 14, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
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Laity Session: Sunday, June 14, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
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Celebration of Ministry: Sunday, June 14 evening
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Bible Study: June 15 & 16, mornings
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Lunch and Learn sessions: Monday, June 15, lunch
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Memorial service: Monday, June 15, early afternoon
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Retirement celebration: Tuesday, June 16, midmorning
Other things to note:
Visit the AC26 webpage for updates.
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Education for Central Conferences
This year, the Bishop's Appeal will benefit two recipients: the construction of a high school in Tanzania, at a mission site led by NIC clergy member Rev. Young Seon Kim (known as Christina); and The Endowment Fund for Theological Education in the Central Conferences (which comprise Africa, Europe, and the Philippines). Gifts will be distributed equally to these projects. Read more.
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2026 Laity Convocation
Sat., March 21
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
With the theme Moving Forward with Hope, the Board of Laity invites you to a meaningful morning of learning, connection, and encouragement. Gather in person at First UMC in Glen Ellyn or watch the live-stream at one of our satellite locations at Princeton: First UMC, Freeport: Faith UMC, or Orland Park: Faith as we reflect, grow, and look ahead together. Registration is now open. Learn more.
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A Year of Practicing Hope Devotionals
The NIC on Discipleship and Spiritual Formation has released A Year of Practicing Hope, a new devotional booklet created for 2026. You'll receive this year's devotional at an upcoming gathering for lay or clergy. Clergy and laypeople from the Northern Illinois and Wisconsin conferences contributed entries. Rather than presenting hope as an abstract idea, it invites readers to experience it as a lived, faithful life. It's also downloadable and useful for group studies. Read more.
| | HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE | |
Tues., March 3
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Islamic Center of Wheaton,
900 E Geneva Rd.
Join us at CIOGC's Muslim Methodist Iftar for a night of breaking fast with delicious food and meaningful discussions with our religious neighbors. Read more.
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NIC UMM Annual Meeting
Sat., March 7
8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Crystal Lake: First UMC
236 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake
All men are invited to attend the NIC United Methodist Men Annual Meeting, beginning with breakfast at 8:30 a.m., followed by the meeting, message, and communion. Please RSVP to the church by March 4 via email or by calling (815) 459-0785, and let them know how many men from your church will attend for breakfast. Be sure to note that your response is for the United Methodist Men’s event.
| Click here for more information. | |
Council of Bishops' Webinars
The COB's Webinars continue with the "Serve Joyfully" Webinar on Missiology on Sat., Feb. 21 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. This webinar examines Wesleyan approaches to mission, with attention to mutuality, formation, and decolonial perspectives. Learn more.
- Watch a recording of the "Love Boldly" Webinar on Theology here.
- Take the 2026 Leadership Gathering survey here.
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Other Upcoming Events
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Feb. 15: Immigration 101: Welcoming the Stranger: A joint program between people of faith and the Northern Illinois Conference Advocacy Partners Immigration committee to clarify the facts surrounding immigration and to get a theological grounding of our call to action.
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Feb. 16 or Feb. 17: Clergy Day Apart with the Bishop: Clergy are warmly invited to spend a meaningful morning with Bishop Schwerin for reflection, conversation, and sharing. This will be a sacred opportunity to pause, listen to one another, and be renewed in spirit and hope.
- Feb. 28: Fund Balance Reports due.
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March 13-15: IGNIGHT: NC Discernment Event: Designed for people of all ages who are beginning to sense God’s call to lay, licensed, or ordained ministry. Registration is $99 and closes February 15.
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March 17: Order of Elders Gathering: Crowded Table: Designed as a space to pause, reconnect, and share the table with colleagues. Gathering will be around tables for conversation, Scripture, silence, Holy Communion, and unhurried fellowship.
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It's Black History Month. The NIC offers you a variety of resources to observe this part of American history through worship, learning, and action. Find it here.
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The Garret Collective Launched: Theological Education for All
Created by the Garrett Seminary team, it offers the world’s most comprehensive, attractive, and intuitive digital platform for free and low-cost theological education resources. There are prayers and liturgies that you can immediately use in your ministry, as well as opportunities to connect with other learners in webinars, cohorts, and micro courses. Watch the Launch Video. Learn more.
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Discover a range of opportunities available through United Methodist organizations to support students in their educational and ministry journeys. Explore the options below for eligibility details, award amounts, and application deadlines, and share them with students who may benefit.
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To better support churches, this year’s grant applications have been simplified. Applications are now open for the following grants:
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Town and Rural Grants
Small-town and rural congregations with a vision for new or expanded ministry are encouraged to apply for NIC PACK (Planned Act of Christian Kindness) Grant and Keagy Grants. Awards range from $500 to $5000. Applications are available online, with a deadline of March 31. For additional information, please contact Rev. Libby Rutherford.
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Creative Ministry Grants
Coordinated by the ACST, these grants support creative, collaborative projects that help fulfill the church’s mission of transforming the world. Awards range from $500 to $1,000. Applications are available online, with a deadline of May 15. For additional information, please contact Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer.
Learn more about NIC Grants.
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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 © 2026 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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