News & Updates

February 27, 2025

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Greetings Lake South District!

I am so excited about all that we are doing on our district. I salute the diligent work done by all of our clergy and laity on behalf of Christ and His Kingdom. As we enter into the Lenten Season, remembering Christ’s sacrifice and triumph on our behalf, may we recommit ourselves anew to Christ and to God’s service.

Please remember to attend our monthly zoom meetings for training for revitalizing ourselves and our churches to be disciples of Jesus Christ who make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Dr. Audrea F. Nanabray

Lake South District Superintendent

Lake South District Monthly Go Team Trainings

Declaration: We will all know the Lord our God from the youngest of us to the oldest of us. God’s words are in our minds and on our hearts. We hunger and thirst for God’s Words and we are filled. We consume, study, meditate, believe and follow God’s words. They take root and bear fruit in our lives. We live and grow by God’s words. We make Christ known everywhere we go. We love all on God’s behalf. God doesn’t want anyone to perish, but all to come to repentance. We are ambassadors for Christ, restoring people to Christ because God loves them. God is for us and in us doing this work so nothing and no one can successfully stand against us. At the name of Jesus, every knee bows of those in heaven, of those on earth and of those under the earth and every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God.

Join us Online Via Zoom on the First Saturday of the month.

PASTORS ONLY 9 – 10 a.m.

EVERYONE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND - 10:30 a.m. – noon

Zoom link

Meeting ID: 964 1732 9893 Passcode: 081053

Next meeting: March 1.

We request your prayers for Bishop Tracy Smith Malone and her husband, Derrick Malone, who recently suffered a stroke. We will share more details as they come available.

Midwest Mission - Right People, Right Donation, Right Time

With help from a volunteer team from New Lenox UMC and Ray, God orchestrated a perfect moment at Midwest Mission. A donated trailer filled with tools arrived just in time to meet the needs of Cookson Hills Ministry Center, which had recently been robbed of its equipment. Tools were gathered and packed for Cookson Hills, including a generator, after a prayerful conversation. This seamless connection of donations and timing highlights God’s provision and impact. Read more.

March/April Reporter Available Online

Catch up on the most recent news and photos from the conference. Read about Our Saviour's helping to feed the hungry, how your building maintenance sustains your ministry, and opportunities for Small Town/Rural Church grants. Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer reminds us that diversity enriches us. Rev. Danita R. Anderson inspires us to experience grace by extending hospitality. Rev. Christian Coon encourages us to reach out for conversation. Co-Lay Leader Eugene Williams talks about keeping our focus.

Check out the issue online and read the news stories here.

Our Connectional Generosity is Rising

The 2024 apportionment contributions have been totaled! Our churches have contributed $4,110,820 for the Northern Illinois Conference apportionment and $814,994 for the General Church apportionment. We collected 79 percent of the total apportionment for conference ministries. For the General Church we collected 46 percent of the total apportionment. Read more.

Thank you to our Lake South Churches that paid 100% of NIC and General Church apportionments!

Alsip: Christ
Chicago: Chicago Lawn
Chicago: Clair Christian
Chicago: House of Praise
Chicago: First (Temple)
Chicago: Hartzell Memorial

Chicago: Hyde Park Korean
Chicago: Ingleside Whitfield
Chicago: Morgan Park
Chicago: Resurrection
Chicago: Union Avenue
Evergreen Park: First

Green Garden
Lansing: First
Lemont
New Lenox
Oak Lawn: First
Orland Park: First Korean
Palos
Riverside: Woodside
Tinley Park

See the full list of church apportionment payments here.

Mission Links Change the World

The Northern Illinois Conference and the Conference Global Board of Ministries celebrate the churches that went the extra mile as 100% Mission Links supporters. In 2024, NIC churches contributed over $440,000 in second-mile giving and more than $70,000 in Special Sunday offerings, supporting mission projects worldwide. Through Mission Links, churches empower communities by funding missionaries, disaster relief, education, health services, and more, demonstrating the United Methodist commitment to transformative ministry. Read more.

Thank you to our Lake South Churches that are 100% Mission Links givers!

Chicago: Morgan Park
Lemont

Join NIC CCORR's Advocacy Partners on May 7 for Lobby Day

Help to represent a United Methodist presence in Springfield when you join NIC's Advocacy Partners Lobby Day in Springfield, May 7. The group will arrive in Springfield by mid-morning for a tour of the state capitol followed by pre-arranged meetings with our state legislators. There is an option to take a small bus from one church, carpool with others, or possibly stay overnight the night before (at your own cost). Before the trip there are two online meetings. One is a training session (March 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m.) and the other is an orientation session (April 26, 9 to 10:30 a.m.). Attendance is preferred but there will be recordings available. Read more

Meet our Speakers:

Celebration of Ministry Preacher: Bishop Karen Oliveto is a bishop, pilgrim, pastor, activist, and scholar. The Celebration of Ministry will be in the evening of June 9.

Bible Study Leader: Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount is a Murray H. Leiffer Associate Professor of Formation, Leadership, and Culture and director of the Center for the Church and the Black Experience, both at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. The Bible Study will be in the mornings of June 10 and 11.

Submissions opened for the following:

Display Table Registration - Due May 1.
Legislation & Historical Reports - Due April 1.
Mass Choir: To sing during the Celebration of Ministry Service on Monday, June 9, at 7 p.m.
Presentation and Video Requests - Due April 15.
Purchase a Program Booklet Ad (Guidelines) - Due May 1.
Volunteers - Due May 5.

Visit the AC2025 Website

There are other opportunities for Lay Academies. Feel free to choose the one that works for your schedule and needs.

Prairie Central - March 9, 16, 23, & 30
Prairie North - March 22 & 23
Prairie South - March 29 & April 5

Statistical reports due

The 2024 Statistics Reports for local churches are due on Friday, February 28. Thank you to those who have already started and to those who have submitted their data. If you have yet to start, 2024 statistics can be entered at stats.gcfa.org. For resources and more information, click here. If you have questions, contact David W. Quinn at dquinn@umcnic.org.

HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

Planting Seeds of Change

The Northern Illinois Conference’s HEAL Well initiative is an innovative project addressing food insecurity and environmental sustainability through faith and action. In the growing season, HEAL Well hopes to engage with and develop a core group of at least 25 high-school students and at least 25 United Methodist volunteers to work at community gardens. During the off-season, HEAL Well will focus on knowledge and relationship-building with nonprofit organizations and the communities the group hopes to serve. They are seeking church partners, individual volunteers, and leaders for partnership development, youth engagement, and tree planting. Learn more.

All NIC men are welcome to attend the March 22 gathering at New Lenox UMC. You'll meet other men of faith from around the conference, learn about the organization's hunger-relief ministries, and more. Arrive at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast and stay for the meeting and inspiring worship.

Learn more.

Informational Meeting for India Pilgrimage

You are invited to a Pilgrimage to India in November 2025 for an experience of faith, culture, and connection. Participants will explore sacred religious sites, experience India's rich spiritual heritage, and deepen their understanding of faith in a new and profound way. A virtual Information Meeting will be held on Sunday, March 16th, at 5 p.m. to share more details and answer questions. Learn more.

Walk to Emmaus: A Journey for Deeper Understanding

Have you been thinking of attending Walk to Emmaus?It is a spiritual retreat designed to deepen faith, strengthen one’s relationship with Christ, and build a supportive Christian community. Many participants describe it as a life-changing experience, offering renewal, growth, and a deeper understanding of God’s grace. The Northern Illinois Emmaus community invites individuals to consider attending a retreat in 2025, with both spring and fall weekends available for men and women. The spring walks for 2025 are March 27-30 (Men’s Walk) and April 3-6 (Women’s Walk) at Wesley Woods in Williams Bay, WI. Learn more.

Other Upcoming Conference Events:

2 ^nd & 4 ^th Wednesday at noon: Weekly Methodist Liaison Office update and virtual prayer meeting. Participants will hear from a Palestinian speaker and meet in small groups for prayer. Methodists and others from around the world participate. Read more.
March 11: Muslim-Methodist Iftar, "Seeking Peace through Caring and Sharing," Organized by the Council of Islamic Organizations in Greater Chicago and the NIC. Read more.
March 11, April 1: Teaching Tuesdays: Join Rev. Christian Coon on select Tuesdays at 11 a.m. for learning opportunities. Read more.
March 19: Benefits Lunch & Learn: Take a short Lenten Retreat with Cheryl Weaver, Conference Benefits officer. Read more.
March 25: Order of Elders Gathering 2025: Gathering for Elders,event includes fellowship, fail-a-bration contest, word cafe and fun activities. Read more.
March 30: UMCOR Sunday: A special offering to support the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), an organization that acts on our behalf when there is a crisis. Read more.
March 30: United Voices for Children 5th Sunday Appeal: Set aside the offering on 5th Sundays for UVC's affiliated agencies. Read more.

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

Creative Ministry Grants Now Open

In order to help support churches with creative programs in the summer, the Creative Ministry Grants team has moved the deadline from October to May. Coordinated by the program ministry members of the Annual Conference Shepherding Team, this grant aims to encourage creative, collaborative ministry programs throughout the conference. The grants support new, risk-taking initiatives to impact your community, freeing your church to explore new ways for your community to learn and be transformed. NEW Application deadline: May 15. Learn more.

The 2024 NIC Journal is now published!

The journal includes the daily proceedings of the 186th annual conference session, resolutions, historical reports, 2023 statistics, and more. View online or download a free PDF version here. You may also purchase a paperback version from amazon.com.

Learn more.

Lent photo-a-day: Do you generally give something up during Lent? Would you consider adding in a practice? United Methodists are invited to join a photo-a-day challenge throughout this important season. Each day, there is a one-word prompt. Take a photo that captures how you perceive that word, and share it on your social media using the hashtag #LentPhotoADay. Learn more.

Women's History Month

During March, the United Methodist Church celebrates Women’s History Month by honoring women who have shaped our denomination. These women are clergy, laity, missionaries, and more. Resource UMC offers materials for your church to learn about and celebrate the contributions of women to the United Methodist Church. Learn more.

WARNING: You May Receive a Fraudulent Email

We have seen an increase in email scams from senders pretending to be the bishop or district superintendents. If you receive emails from the conference that are not from email addresses that end in @umcnic.org, do NOT respond to them. They are not from the conference office. Those messages are spam and fraudulent. The conference will NOT contact you or solicit anything via generic email. All financial gifts must be sent only through the conference's regular collections process. If you ever get an email or phone call that seems strange or odd, do not respond to it. First, contact your district administrative assistant for verification.

UM Scholarship Opportunities

There are multiple opportunities for scholarships for students who are members of The United Methodist Church. Last year over 30 students from NIC received scholarships through these programs!

United Methodist Higher Education Foundation Scholarship applications are open until April 1, 2025. To learn more and apply, click here.
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) Scholarship applications are open until March 31, 2025.To learn more and apply, click here.
Midwest Methodist Foundation Scholarship applications are open until April 30. To learn more and apply, click here.

Considering higher education? - The School Showcase is a great place to start. This powerful tool helps students learn about schools, seminaries, colleges, universities and other institutions serving United Methodists. Learn 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

#BeUMC Resources -Tool Kits, Social Media Kits, Graphics, and more.
Social Media Shareables - Free graphics for social media for different events, months, and ministries. (Through Outreach, log-in is needed, but resources are free)
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. Audrea Nanabray

Lake South District Superintendent

ananabray@umcnic.org

872-810-0894

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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