News & Updates

February 12, 2026

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In 2025, you gave $5,056,797 - 80 percent of our budgeted goal - to support missions and ministries. This is the highest percentage we have achieved since 2016.

Because of this exemplary generosity, people around the world receive better access to medical care, food, and education. Our churches receive theologically trained clergy, support for planning worship and preaching, leadership training for laypeople, spiritual formation resources, grants for ministries with neighbors, useful webinars, and more. Check out the 2025 financial report and learn about more of our shared achievements in generosity. Read more.

Lent begins in ashes.

We hear the words, “Remember that you are dust,” and we feel the weight of confession, repentance, and mortality. Yet in the Wesleyan tradition, even ashes are not the end of the story. In the theology of the United Methodist Church, repentance is never about shame for its own sake; it is about grace that moves us somewhere new.

Lent is not a season of despair. It is a season of hopeful transformation.

John Wesley spoke of grace as something active and alive—prevenient grace that goes before us, justifying grace that restores us, and sanctifying grace that continues to shape us. Lent is a time when we intentionally lean into that sanctifying grace. We examine our lives not to punish ourselves, but to ask: Where is God still at work in me? Where is Christ calling me deeper into love?

In a world that can feel fractured and heavy, Lent reminds us that hope is not naïve optimism. It is disciplined trust. Hope is fasting from what numbs us so we can feel again. Hope is praying when answers are not immediate. Hope is giving of ourselves generously when fear tells us to hold back. Hope is believing that the Spirit is still forming us—personally and collectively—into a people of holy love.

For United Methodists, this hope is never private. Our theology insists on social holiness. As we repent, we also repair. As we confess, we also commit—to works of mercy, to justice, to compassion. Lent invites us to confront the ordinary ways we participate in brokenness and to imagine how grace might make us agents of healing.

We walk these forty days toward the cross, but we do not walk toward defeat. We walk toward resurrection.

And that is our hope: that the God who meets us in ashes is already preparing new life.

I wish you all a blessed Lent,

Rev. Dr. Brian Gilbert

Prairie South District Superintendent

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

Special Observances:

Clergy Session: Sunday, June 14, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Laity Session: Sunday, June 14, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Celebration of Ministry: Sunday, June 14 evening
Bible Study: June 15 & 16, mornings
Lunch and Learn sessions: Monday, June 15, lunch
Memorial service: Monday, June 15, early afternoon
Retirement celebration: Tuesday, June 16, midmorning

Other things to note:

Registration for guests and members begins April 1.
Documents: The deadline for proposed legislation and historical documents is April 1. The submission forms are open here.
Display Tables: Display tables will be in the ballroom foyer and hallway. Read the guidelines. Register here.
Presentations: Requests for presentations need to be submitted by April 15. Submit here.
Sponsor an Ad: Space for advertising UMC- and NIC-related organizations is available for the Program Booklet. Learn more.

Visit the AC26 webpage for updates.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Other Upcoming Events

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.
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.
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.
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.

Save the Date

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

Observe Scouting Ministries Sunday

In the NIC, Scouting Ministries Sunday can be celebated any Sunday in February or March. The special Sunday, led by UM Men, which promotes Scouting ministries. "We invite youth and their families to grow," the agency says. "We live our relationship with God in front of others, keeping Christ at the center." Available is a sample worship service and a special patch for the occasion. Read some ideas on how to observe the day.

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.

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.

UMC Student Scholarship and Internship Opportunities

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.

UMHEF Scholarships: Help make it financially possible for qualifying students to obtain higher education, especially those attending UM-related institutions. Scholarships include Endowed, HBCU, and Specialty Scholarships. Deadline: March 1. Learn more.
United Methodist Dollars for Scholars: The UMDFS program involves matching support from a student’s church, UMHEF, as well as participating United Methodist-related schools and UM Foundations. Awards may total up to $4,000! Deadline: March 1. Learn more.
GBHEM Scholarships: Offers financial aid to United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in both U.S. Based and Global Institutions. Deadline: March 6. Learn more.
Communications Ministry: United Methodist Communications offers two scholarships for those interested in religious communications. Deadline: March 15. Learn more.
2026 Ethnic Young Adult Internship: An eight-week program during the summer with Church and Society for young justice seekers willing to unpack their faith and identity. Deadline: March 20. Learn more.
Uplifting Young Methodists Scholarship: Midwest Methodist Foundation scholarship is designed to assist minority United Methodist students. Application to open soon. Deadline: April 30. Learn more.

NIC Grants Open With Simplified Applications

To better support churches, this year’s grant applications have been simplified. Applications are now open for the following grants:

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.
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.

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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News & Updates

In 2025, you gave $5,056,797 - 80 percent of our budgeted goal - to support missions and ministries. This is the highest percentage we have achieved since 2016.

Tues., March 3﻿

﻿5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Islamic Center of Wheaton, ﻿

﻿900 E Geneva Rd.