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A group of Hispanic/Latino United Methodists made a pilgrimage to key sites in the lives of John and Charles Wesley, visiting Bristol, Epworth, Oxford and London. Members of the group connected with their Wesleyan roots and came away renewed in their commitment to embody love, grace and action, writes the Rev. Dr. Tércio B. Junker, pastor of Poplar Grove United Methodist Church. Read more.
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Prairie North UMM Spring
Communion Service
March 1
8:15 a.m. Gathering
9:30 a.m. Worship/Communion
Freeport: Harmony UMC, 2600 W. Pearl City Rd.
Guest Speaker: Pastor Eddie Eddy
Special Music: Alleluia Quartet
Cost: $10, includes breakfast
Join UMM from across the district for worship and renewal. The morning will include breakfast and an offering taken for the Society of St. Andrews Meals for Millions. For more reservations contact Bob Garvens (815) 238-1356 or email. Learn more.
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- Alden
- Argo Fay
- Blaine
- Burlington
- Cherry Valley
- Dakota Rock Grove
- Davis: Calvary
- Forreston
- Freeport: Harmony
- Galena
- Hampshire: Zion
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- Hanover
- Hickory Grove
- Hunter
- Lanark
- Leaf River
- Machesney Park: Evans
- Machesney Park: Harlem
- Marengo
- Mount Carroll
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- Orangeville
- Pearl City: First
- Pecatonica
- Poplar Grove
- Rockford: Christ
- Rockford: Grace
- Shannon: Bethel
- Shirland
- Stockton: Wesley
- Thomson
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See the full list of church apportionment payments here. | |
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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 Prairie North Churches that are 100% Mission Links givers!
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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
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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:
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There are other opportunities for Lay Academies. Feel free to choose the one that works for your schedule and needs.
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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.
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HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE | |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Are you a small town or rural church, meaning a church outside urban and suburban areas? Have you been dreaming of a creative ministry opportunity in your community, but need a little financial help? The Northern Illinois Conference awards two grants for rural ministry each year — the PACK (Planned Act of Christian Kindness) Grant and the Keagy Grant — to empower small-town and rural churches in their community outreach. The grant applications can be found online and the deadline is March 31. If you have any questions about the grants or the grant process, please contact Rev. Libby Rutherford. Learn more.
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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!
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.
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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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#BeUMC Resources -Tool Kits, Social Media Kits, Graphics, and more.
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Social Media Shareables - Free graphics for social media for different events, months, and ministries. (Through Outreach, log-in is needed, but resources are free)
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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.
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Copyright © 2025 Northern Illinois Conference | |
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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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