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MLK Celebration: Dangerous Times Call for Dangerous Religion
More than 300 people gathered at Trinity UMC in Mount Prospect for our annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, where Rev. Dr. Charles Woolery Sr. called Christians to practice a “dangerous religion” rooted in justice, love, and transformation. The celebration featured diverse cultural expressions, including a youth reader’s theatre, music from the Filipino-American Choir, and Trinity’s choir. Read more.
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The 2026 Council of Bishops Leadership Gathering represents a pivotal moment for The United Methodist Church, and your participation is essential to its success. The Leadership Design Team has created multiple pathways for every United Methodist to contribute to this discernment process:
- A denomination-wide survey open to ALL United Methodist Clergy and Laity (available in six languages). It asks what you hope for, what you envision, and what message you want gathering participants to carry forward. It is open until February 15. Take the survey.
- Three Saturday webinar sessions will feature diverse theological voices from across our global connection. All webinars will be recorded for later viewing.
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Jan. 24, 9 to 10:30 a.m., Wesleyan Theology “Love Boldly.”
Learn more and register.
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Feb. 21, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wesleyan Mission, “Serve Joyfully”
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March 21, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wesleyan Leadership, “Lead Courageously”
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Prepare for AC 2026
Under the theme “Practicing Hope,” clergy and lay members will gather for the Northern Illinois Conference’s 187th Annual Conference session, June 14–16 in Schaumburg. Key information is beginning to be shared.
Special Observances:
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Celebration of Ministry: Sunday evening, June 14
The mass choir will return for the Celebration of Ministry, with more information coming soon.
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Memorial Service: Monday early afternoon, June 15
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Retirement Service: Tuesday morning, June 16
Lunch-and-Learn sessions and childcare will again be offered. The 2026 Bishop’s Appeal is for Education for Central Conferences, supporting two key initiatives: a high school in Tanzania led by NIC missionary Christina Kim, and broader theological education efforts identified by the Council of Bishops. Visit the AC26 webpage for updates.
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"Who is My Neighbor?" NIC Youth Bus Trip
Are you interested in joining the NIC Council on Young People's Ministry as they gather with youth from across our conference and travel by bus to visit 4 different houses of worship?
Talk with your youth in middle and high school. Then let the council know your church name, the youth leader’s name, and whether you prefer April 18 or April 25. Send an email to Sharon Rice by Feb. 8 and stay tuned for more information.
| | HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE | |
Tues., Jan. 27
7 p.m.
Online
The UM Discipline requires that every church submit an annual report declaring the church's financial assets from the annual audit of its financial records. The Fund Balance Report is compiled and submitted in January/February for the previous year of ministry. The final deadline to submit your 2025 report is Feb. 28, 2026. Join the webinar to learn about the Fund Balance Report and how to submit it. Learn more.
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Clergy Day Apart with the Bishop
Feb. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
at Hinsdale UMC
or
Feb. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
at Sycamore UMC
Clergy are warmly invited to spend a meaningful morning with Bishop Schwerin for reflection, conversation, and sharing. This will be a sacred opportunity to pause, listen to one another, and be renewed in spirit and hope. Learn more and register.
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You’re invited to IGNITE: The NCJ Discernment Event
March 13–15 at Wespath in Glenview
It is designed for people of all ages who are beginning to sense God’s call to lay, licensed, or ordained ministry. IGNITE offers worship, learning, and conversation with NCJ bishops and conference leaders. Worship will be led by The Many, with plenaries and workshops exploring paths of ministry and ordination. Registration is $99 and closes February 15. Learn more and register.
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2025 Statistical Reports Due
It’s that time of year again when each local church gathers its attendance, program, and financial records and submits its statistical report to the Conference. The NIC office uses the statistics you report to assess how your church is doing, to report to the larger denomination, and to calculate apportionments for your church. It’s very important that we have accurate, up-to-date information. 2025 statistics can be entered at stats.gcfa.org. The deadline is January 31, 2026. For resources and more information, click here. If you have questions, contact David W. Quinn. Click here to get started.
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Discover a range of opportunities available through United Methodist organizations to support students in their educational and ministry journeys. Explore the options below for eligibility details, award amounts, and application deadlines, and share them with students who may benefit.
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To better support churches, this year’s grant applications have been simplified. Applications are now open for the following grants:
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Town and Rural Grants
Small-town and rural congregations with a vision for new or expanded ministry are encouraged to apply for NIC PACK (Planned Act of Christian Kindness) Grant and Keagy Grants. Awards range from $500 to $5000. Applications are available online, with a deadline of March 31. For additional information, please contact Rev. Libby Rutherford.
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Creative Ministry Grants
Coordinated by the ACST, these grants support creative, collaborative projects that help fulfill the church’s mission of transforming the world. Awards range from $500 to $1,000. Applications are available online, with a deadline of May 15. For additional information, please contact Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer.
Learn more about NIC Grants.
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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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ResourceUMC - your online destination for United Methodist Church leaders. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical information, this site is your go-to resource. Check back often for fresh ideas and insights to empower your leadership across our connection.
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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 © 2026 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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