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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 the Northern Illinois Conference’s annual PACK (Planned Act of Christian Kindness) Grant and Keagy Grant. Awards range from $500 to $5000. These grants support innovative outreach efforts to empower small-town and rural churches outside of metropolitan and suburban areas. 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 Annual Conference Shepherding Team, these grants support creative, collaborative projects that help fulfill the church’s mission of transforming the world. The grant invites churches to try bold, new approaches to ministry and community impact. 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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On the Sunday before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, Jan. 18, we celebrate and take up a special offering to help bring his vision of a “beloved community” to life. Together we can foster healthier relationships and support community and youth outreach. Your gifts support important programs like Community Developers, United Methodist Voluntary Services, and Youth Offender Rehabilitation.
HOW TO GIVE: Write a check to your local church and write, “Human Relations Day offering” in the memo line. Churches can give through the NIC Apportionment process. Read more.
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Join others in the Northern Illinois Conference in reading the Bible in one year! A monthly conference-wide support group will meet via Zoom on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., the first meeting will be on Jan. 14. Facilitated by members of the CDSF, these gatherings offer encouragement, space to reflect on your experience, and opportunities to share insights with others. Please note that this is a support group—not a Bible study. Facilitators will guide conversation around what participants are learning, what is challenging, and how the practice is shaping their faith.
Participants may join the group at any time during the year-long reading process. Registration is recommended as additional information and resources are shared with registered participants. Learn more and register.
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Tue, Jan. 13
7 p.m.
Online Via Zoom
Join us for an informative webinar to learn about changes to Prosper billing and how to make the most of the NIC Billing System. Learn more.
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Tue, Jan. 20
7 p.m.
Online Via Zoom
Learn about church finances; how to best manage it and how you can invest your church's funds for greater impact. Learn more.
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Tue, Feb. 3
7 p.m.
Online Via Zoom
A practical and informative webinar designed for SPRC members and anyone who wants to better understand pastoral transitions. Learn more.
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Save the Date for 2026 Events with CCORR
The CCORR Legislative Action Team is leading the third annual trip to Springfield. They will meet with state legislators to address racial justice concerns important to United Methodists, particularly in environmental justice, immigration, and education. Learn more.
Join the NIC CORR Pilgrimage Committee for a three-day, two-night tour through Illinois, where we will embark on a spiritual pilgrimage that confronts the deep-seated ironies of Illinois history. Learn more.
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The Neighborhood
Is My Parish:
Using Tools To Know Your Community More Deeply
The Congregational Development's Tuesday Teaching on January 20 at 11 a.m. will feature Rev. Stacy Walker, an Episcopal priest and organizer with DuPage County United. She will share tools that church leaders can use to go deeper in their knowledge of their communities and build relationships with residents who might otherwise go nameless. You can join the 60 minute webinar using this link on the event page. Learn more.
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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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Ensure Your 2025 Giving Counts
The final day to make check payments for 2025 apportionments and second mile giving is Fri., Jan. 9, 2026. All checks must be postmarked by this date. Any check not received in our office by Fri., Jan. 16, 2026, will be applied to 2026 giving. By that date, we will have closed out the 2025 year and will be unable to apply payments to it. The address to mail checks is: Northern Illinois Conference, PO Box 5646, Carol Stream, IL 60197-5646. If you have questions, contact David W. Quinn.
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Update Your Find-a-Church Profile
Is your church's Find-a-Church information up to date? Developed by United Methodist Communications, Find-A-Church is the official online directory of United Methodist churches. It is one of the most visited sections of UMC.org, averaging more than 1,000 page views a day and helps you to connect with busy people in your community on their terms, on their time, and in their comfort zone. It also serves as a companion to your church’s existing website — giving you twice the local visibility online. 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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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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