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June 5, 2025

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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

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.

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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