News & Updates

February 27, 2025

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Hello Prairie Central District!

Lent is just around the corner, with Ash Wednesday as the invitation into 40 days of returning to the way of Jesus. It is the year of grace in our Northern Illinois Conference, and Lent is the perfect time to call your congregation to return to Wesley’s “means of grace.” The means of grace are a part of Wesley’s general rules: 1. Do no harm 2. Do good 3. Stay in love with God (practice the means of grace). In these unsettling times, many of us are disoriented. Some of us, along with our neighbors, feel unsafe, and all of us are experiencing a pace of change that is unprecedented. What can we do? How about getting back to our roots as followers of Jesus by practicing the means of grace?

A few years ago, this article from United Methodist Communications helped me understand the power of these practices– not just for individuals– but for congregations to practice together! Being a Christian, after all, is not something we can or should do alone! More than ever, in these disorienting times, we need one another. I love this particular paragraph from the article:

“Courageous and forward-leaning mission congregations practice spiritual disciplines. Our vital work is a spiritual adventure based in John Wesley's means of grace. John Wesley taught that God's grace is unearned and that we were not to be idle waiting to experience grace but we are to engage in the means of grace.

Need some resources on how to practice these “means of grace”? You likely already have your Lenten series and studies planned, but you might look ahead

to “after Easter” and plan to offer a congregation wide study of Elaine Heath’s Five Means of Grace: Experience God's Love The Wesleyan Way or Unrelenting Grace: A United Methodist Way of Life, by Bishop Ken Carter. Or–maybe your summer worship series could be based on movies that contain the theme of grace (Inside Out 2 has universal appeal) and could easily tie into a theme of grace using a scripture like the one we are using for Annual Conference, I Cor 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Combine that with an outdoor movie series on your church lawn, and you’ve got your summer outreach and evangelism planned!

May practicing the means of grace help us grow in love of God and neighbor, making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!

In Christ,

DS Wendy Hardin Herman

Prairie Central District Superintendent

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.

Our Saviour’s feeds the hungry

Our Saviour’s UMC in Schaumburg expanded its gift card program from a small pilot to a church-wide effort, raising $9,730 in 2024 to support individuals and families in need. Gift cards were distributed across multiple communities, food programs, and crisis centers, bringing joy and relief to recipients. Alongside this initiative, the church continues its long-standing support for local and global hunger relief through food drives and volunteer efforts. Read more.

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 Prairie Central Churches that paid 100% of NIC and General Church apportionments!

Antioch
Aurora: Nueva Vida
Bensenville: First
Bolingbrook: Friendship
Carol Stream: St. Andrew
Cary

Elgin: Journey of Hope
Elmhurst: Christ
Hebron
Joliet: Grace
Joliet: Hope
Naperville: Community

Oswego: Good Shepherd
Oswego: Wellspring
Roselle
South Elgin: Community
West Dundee: First

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 Good Shepherd in Oswego as a 100% Mission Links giver!

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.

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

Join Grace UMC on their Youth Mission Trip this summer

Naperville: Grace UMC extends an invitation to all to attend an informational meeting on Sun., March 2 at 12 p.m. in Room 234 at 300 E. Gartner Rd, for the upcoming Youth Summer Mission Trip opportunity. Come learn what it means to serve with Side x Side, a week long away trip for those who have completed 8th grade, high school and college students, young adults, and “seasoned” adults. Attendance at the meeting does not obligate you to attend the trip, and you don't have to be a member of Grace UMC to join us. Friends and neighbors are welcome too! Questions? Please contact Gaye Lynn Loufek, Director of Youth Ministries and Missions. Learn more.

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

Lake South - March 1 & 8
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 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.

Like Us on Facebook: Prairie Central District

Rev. Wendy Hardin-Hermann

Prairie Central District Superintendent

whardinhermann@umcnic.org

872-810-0873

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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