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Registration closes tomorrow at noon!
Registration for voting members will close and there are no-registrations available on-site. All guests should register. There is no cost to register as a guest. However, guest registration enables us to make sure we have the correct seating for both special services and plenary sessions. Registration also closes for childcare. Learn more.
Last chance to sign up for the NIC Mass Choir singing at the Celebration of Ministry service.
Do you have a gift for singing? This year, during the service, we are inviting churches to send 4-5 members from their church choirs to join in a large UMCNIC Mass Choir. The anthem is Praise His Holy Name by Keith Hampton. Those interested in the Mass Choir should fill out the following form by the end of day tomorrow, 5/23. Learn more.
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Constitutional Amendments Balloting
Annual Conference voting members will consider four constitutional amendments approved by General Conference. These amendments seek to promote equity and inclusion across the denomination by establishing equal regional governance worldwide, explicitly affirming membership eligibility regardless of gender or ability, reinforcing a strong stance against racism and white supremacy, and clarifying clergy voting rights based on education. Together, these changes aim to shape a more just and globally connected United Methodist Church. Learn more.
| | Phishing Alert: We’ve been made aware of a phishing email circulating that falsely offers contact details of Annual Conference attendees for sale. Please be assured that the Northern Illinois Conference has not been hacked and we have not shared this information. We remain committed to protecting your privacy. | | |
Mission Links Highlight
United Methodist Student Day
United Methodist Churches are encouraged to observe United Methodist Student Day on any Sunday in May to align with graduation ceremonies. Traditionally observed on the last Sunday of November, this Special Sunday was moved to May by the 2024 General Conference. However, congregations are welcome to choose a date that best fits their schedule.
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United Methodist Student Day is observed to
emphasize the value of education. Contributions received through this Special Sunday support scholarships for United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Thanks to your generosity, over $200,000 was raised last year to fund scholarships for United Methodist students. Every dollar collected on United Methodist Student Day goes directly toward these scholarships. In 2024, 23 students from Northern Illinois received scholarships, totaling $53,000.
HOW TO GIVE: Write a check to your local church and write, “United Methodist Student Day” in the memo line. Churches can give through the NIC Apportionment process.
Learn more.
| | HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE | |
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Join Kids Above All's comedy night with four of the most talented comedians around as our performers. They are: Patti Vasquez, Top Chicago Comedian & Host, WCPT 820, Chris Barnes, Dangerfield’s in New York, Kimberly “KB” Marion, Planet Hollywood Vegas, and Paul Farahvar, Laugh Factory, Chicago.
Tickets are $75, and include beer, wine and appetizers. The event will also feature a raffle; raffle tickets are 1/$10 and 3/$25. Proceeds from the evening benefit the young people and families in Kids Above All’s programs. Learn more.
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October 23-25, 2025
Kenosha First United Methodist Church (Kenosha, WI)
Learn more.
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How AI can help your local church
Artificial Intelligence (AI) might sound like something out of science fiction. Still, it's becoming an increasingly practical tool for churches of all sizes. United Methodist Communications explores various ways it can assist your local church or ministry. Learn more.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
| | | | Copyright © 2025 Northern Illinois Conference | |
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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