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Clergy Sign-up for School of Leadership
Registration is now open for the School of Leadership: Innovating for Our Future, Sept. 29–Oct. 1 at the Green Lake Conference Center in Green Lake, Wis. Featuring lead speaker Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean, this gathering will offer opportunities for renewal, learning, and conversation on innovative ministry leadership in a changing church. Registration is $100 (after subsidy) and includes meals; lodging is separate. NIC clergy should use code NIC for the reduced rate when registering. Learn more.
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Shop, Support Missions, and Enjoy a Classic Car Show
July 23-25 at Cary UMC
Find great bargains while supporting mission work at the UWFaith Annual Rummage Sale. Browse a wide variety of items throughout the sale, including popular brown bag sale specials, with all proceeds benefiting mission giving.
On Sat, July 25, bring the whole family for the UMM Car Show featuring free vehicle registration, a local DJ, kids’ prizes, and lunch available for purchase from the local Boy Scout troop.
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Prairie Central District Zoom Gatherings
Paused for June and July
Our next Zoom gathering will be on Sept. 10, and after that we will meet quarterly.
Questions? Message DS Rev. Wendy Hardin Hermann
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For 50 years, United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) has equipped volunteers to put Christian love into action through hands-on service around the world. As the official short-term volunteer sending agency of The United Methodist Church, UMVIM has engaged thousands of volunteers in projects ranging from building churches and improving housing to teaching, supporting medical clinics, and expanding access to clean water. Through these diverse ministries, UMVIM continues to bring hope, help, and Christ’s love to communities in need while living out the church’s mission of serving others.
HOW TO GIVE: Write a check or donate online to your local church and note, “Volunteers in Mission Sunday”. Churches can give through the regular NIC Apportionment process.
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Help children, youth, and young adults start the school year ready to learn by supporting Kids Above All’s annual Back-to-School Backpack Drive. Donate new backpacks, school supplies, gift cards, or purchase items through the Amazon Wish List to make a meaningful difference for the children and families they serve. Contact Catherine Inserra, with questions. View the list and learn more.
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Sat., Aug. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon
UMC of Libertyville (429 Brainerd Ave.)
Explore the realities of immigration, provide a biblical and theological foundation for welcoming the stranger, and highlight ways churches and individuals can respond with compassion. Learn more.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP: Conference-Wide Faithful Action Day, Sept. 13. Put faith into action through local outreach and advocacy in support of our immigrant neighbors. For more information, attend an information session Mon., July 27, at 20 a.m. via this Zoom link. Contact Lisa Rogers if you have questions or would like support.
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Join Youth from Across Northern Illinois This Fall
Experience a weekend of faith, friendship, and adventure at the Northern Illinois Conference Youth Fall Retreat, Sept. 25-27, at Camp Timber-lee in East Troy, Wis. Connect with youth (grades 6-12) from across the conference through inspiring worship, small groups, campfires, and exciting outdoor activities, including zip-lining, fishing, axe throwing, and more. Registration is now open—don’t miss this opportunity to grow in faith, make new friends, and create lasting memories. Learn more and register today. Learn more.
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Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bethany of Fox Valley UMC in Aurora
This free event features accessible worship, four workshop sessions, lunch with a panel discussion (optional $10 lunch fee), and practical tools to help churches become more welcoming and accessible to people of all abilities. Workshop topics include disability awareness, accessible worship, neurodiversity, advocacy, technology, and creating inclusive ministries on any budget. Learn more.
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Back-to-School Resources for Your Church
As a new school year begins, ResourceUMC offers a collection of free tools to help your congregation welcome students, teachers, and families back to church and school. Resources include backpack blessings, worship liturgies, prayers, outreach ideas, social media graphics, school supply drive suggestions, and creative kickoff event ideas to help churches connect with their communities. Explore these practical resources and start the school year with encouragement, hospitality, and faith. Learn more.
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Since 2024, Discipleship Ministries has been inviting people to join us in reading a chapter of scripture every day for a season. This year, they are continuing with the previous readings that ended in 2 Corinthians and moving through the New Testament to read more of the apostle Paul's letters. We will start in Galatians and read through Philemon taking forty-two days, or six weeks. The reading plan is designed for everyone—both new and mature believers—who wants to engage with scripture daily. A weekly Bible study component offers deeper reflection and group discussions. Read 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.
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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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