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Clergy Family Summer Picnic

Sun., Aug. 10, 4 to 6 p.m.

Freeport: Faith UMC (1440 S Walnut Dr.)

Please bring salad, dessert, or a side dish to share. Meat will be provided.

All ages are welcome! There will be simple games and goodie bags for children.

Let’s get together to welcome new pastors and share our lives together! We hope that you will join us for this great time of family fellowship and fun. Questions? Contact Leslie Stanford.

“How To Reach New People” Cohort With Coach Paul Nickerson

Is your church looking to connect with new people in your community? Join us for a year-long group coaching program designed to help your church grow its outreach, welcome new faces, and strengthen community connections! Each session includes insights, group discussions, and hands-on tools you can apply immediately. Paul Nickerson, an experienced outreach coach, will guide you every step of the way!

Meetings will be online, except the first gathering. The first meeting will be in-person on Sat., September 13, 9 am – 3 pm at Freeport: Faith UMC in Freeport (1440 S Walnut Dr). Please fill out this form if you are interested. 

Elizabeth Stahl Named New Risk Manager

The NIC is pleased to introduce Elizabeth Stahl, the conference's new risk manager. She began work on June 2. "Beth has over 20 years of insurance experience," said Elaine Moy, conference treasurer and administrative services director. "She has the knowledge and skills of insurance, and a heart for this ministry." Read more

Four Prairie North Churches Joined Together to Pack Rice Meals

On April 26, 2025, Argo Fay, Mt. Carroll, Savanna, and Thomson joined together for their fourth rice meal packing event, exceeding their goal by packing 2,000 kits with the help of 55 dedicated volunteers. This powerful day of service fostered community connection and spiritual fulfillment while supporting global hunger relief through Midwest Mission. In addition to meal packing, these congregations are actively involved in ongoing mission efforts, including sewing school bags, hygiene kits, clothing, and sleeping mats, showing what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world. Read more.

Savanna: First receives a Grant from Foundation for Evangelism

First UMC, in Savanna will receive a grant from the organization. They participated in the inaugural round of the Thriving Congregations Local Church cohorts held last fall. The awards of $2,500 per church help fund proposals that demonstrate a holistic approach to evangelism, addressing both physical and spiritual needs in their local communities.

Read about the Thriving Congregations Local Church Cohorts 

Bishop Schwerin Featured in Pentecost People Resource

The Council of Bishops has released an eight-week Bible study titled “Pentecost “Pentecost People.”.” The resource — designed for use in the weeks following Pentecost Sunday on June 8 — aims to help the whole denomination move forward with a renewed sense of shared mission and a new vision. Bishop Schwerin presents the video for the first study. He preaches on the need to move away from "a dominance mindset" to one more in line with the concept of "ubuntu," a Zulu word referring to mutuality. Read more.

Mission Links Highlight

Peace With Justice Sunday

United Methodist Churches traditionally observe Peace with Justice Sunday on the first Sunday after Pentecost. This year that occurs on June 15.

Peace with Justice Sunday is day to speak out for peace and justice. Our Social Principles call us to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as peacemakers in resolving conflict. Contributions support programs that witness to God’s demands for a faithful, just, disarmed, and secure world. (50% of the donations stay within the NIC Conference and 50% support national and international peacemaking ministries and grants. Last year, over $160,000 was raised to support these vital ministries through the Peace with Justice offering. Learn more.

HOW TO GIVE: Write a check or donate online to your local church and note, “Peace with Justice Sunday”. Churches can give through the regular NIC Apportionment process.

Summer 2025 Challenge:

Read a Chapter a Day

Reading the Bible is one of the essential spiritual practices of disciples. Join 2,000 people worldwide in reading and reflecting on the same chapter each day, starting the day after Pentecost (June 9) and concluding on July 26. The plan is designed for everyone—both new and mature believers—who want to engage with scripture daily. This challenge is an opportunity for us to grow together in faith, wisdom, and community. Learn more.

HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

Letting Go of This Pastor and Preparing for the Next

Church consultant Susan Beaumont shares four leadership practices that can help a congregation prepare when their pastor is getting ready to leave. Approaching the situation honestly and communicating openly can help a church understand that times of loss, experienced openly and fully, lead into times of promise. Learn more.

Mindful tips for celebrating Father's Day

From those who have experienced the loss of a parent to families struggling with infertility or distance from loved ones, it's crucial to be sensitive to these sensitivities and offer outreach opportunities to show that you care. Find 4 tips here.

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.

Like Us on Facebook: Prairie North District

Rev. Hwa-Young Chong

Prairie North District Superintendent

hychong@umcnic.org

872-810-0857

Debra Rogers

Administrative Assistant

drogers@umcnic.org

872-810-0901

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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