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Last Few Days to Apply for a Creative Ministries Grant

NIC's Creative Ministries Grant encourages creative, collaborative ministry programs throughout the conference. The grants support new, risk-taking initiatives to help your community and fulfill the church's mission to transform the world. Apply by May 15. Read more

Did Your Church Take a Risk and It Didn't Work Out? Earn a Turtle Award!

Has your church tried something new in ministry--but it didn’t work out the way you hoped? If your church learned a few things in the process to inform a future new project, it might earn a Turtle Award! Churches that, like turtles, stick their necks out to move forward may qualify for a $500 grant/award. Read more

20th Annual Garden Bazaar (and Bake Sale) at Court Street UMC

Friday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Shop a wide variety of beautiful plants—annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, hanging baskets, and more—along with a delicious bake sale featuring homemade treats. Proceeds support the church’s ongoing ministries, so come rain or shine and help grow something good!

Learn more.

Clergy and lay members to annual conference: register now. Registration includes accessibility needs, optional meals (including Lunch-and-Learn choices), and Laity or Clergy Session.

Guests and volunteers must also register. There is no cost for guests or volunteers for worship services and plenary sessions, except on Tuesday, when registration is $25 for those who choose the box lunch.

Registration will close on May 23. There will be NO on-site registration.

Bishop's Appeal

Churches can no longer passively wait for new people to show up. They must imagine and try creative approaches to nurture, outreach, and witness. This year's Bishop's Appeal will support churches' efforts to leave the church walls and reach neighbors in new ways. Learn more and watch the video.

Mission Challenge

The Board of Global Ministries invites churches and individuals to contribute needed supplies for Midwest Mission. Urgently needed items include components for Home Care and Personal Dignity Kits, such as liquid household cleaner, dish soap, laundry detergent, hand towels, washcloths, toothbrushes, bars of soap, shampoo, deodorant, lotion, and gallon resealable plastic bags. Drop off will happen on Monday and Tuesday of Annual Conference. Learn more.

Other important Annual Conference Information:

• Educate yourself about ratifying the Constitutional Amendments approved at General Conference. Voting will take place in the afternoon of June 10.
• For those on the conference health plan, sign up for Blueprint for Wellness Health Screenings through your Wespath account.
• Join the mass choir at the Celebration of Ministry Service.
• Submit names and photos of AC lay members who have passed since May 2024 - email acmedia@umcnic.org - Due May 9.
• Save the Date for the online Pre-Conference Briefings, June 4, 7 p.m. or June 5, 10 a.m.

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.

Proposed New Apportionment Formula

The NIC Council on Finance and Administration is recommending to Annual Conference this year a new apportionment formula. It's simple and timely: percentages are based on the church's income as drawn from its most recently submitted statistical report.  Read more

Currently, as of the end of April 2025, our collection rates are as follows:

• NIC and General Church Apportionments - 63%
• Health and Pension - 75%
• Clergy Responsibility - 65%
• Property Insurance - 47%

Every contribution makes a difference in sustaining our conference’s mission and impact in the community. If you are not sure where your church stands on their contributions, please reach out to your pastor or church treasurer. Learn more.

HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

Mindful tips for celebrating Mother's and Father's Days

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.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In May, we honor our Asian American and Pacific Islander brothers and sisters. We recognize the contributions they have made in our society. Not only have our Asian American and Pacific Islander brothers and sisters made life better and richer in the United States, but also they have enriched the quality of life in The United Methodist Church, sharing with us their cultural values of strong family relationships and a communal approach to living. Learn ways to celebrate in worship.

When was the last time you updated your church's profile?

One way your local community can find your church is through Find-A-Church. It's up to you to make sure your church's profile is up-to-date each year, or any time a significant change needs noting. United Methodist Communications can walk you through the steps. 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.

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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