News & Updates

July 24, 2025

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Dear Prairie North,

Greetings in Christ!

I hope your summer is going well! I know many of you are engaged in VBS, Youth Mission Trip, Adult Mission Trip, and other special summer events. (Don't forget to share them with Lisa!)I pray that all your hard work will lead to spreading the powerful love of Christ in our communities.

I recently finished leading a Mission U course with United Women in Faith. The course title was “Practicing Hope.” I truly enjoyed being with UWFaith the whole weekend and engaging in the reflections on hope. What was clear to me was that hope is not merely an aspiration but an action. I believe what we are doing together as the Body of Christ is practicing God’s hope in our everyday life and ministry.

Our district will offer a merger workshop in collaboration with the Office of Congregational Development. It will take place on Sat., Aug. 2, from 9 a.m. to noon. We are in a new era for church ministry, and I believe this workshop will align with our Bishop’s focus on innovation in ministry.

Thank you so much for your faithfulness and leadership! If you have any questions or comments on any topic, please feel free to contact me.

Peace,

DS Hwa-Young Chong

Prairie North District Superintendent

Providing Safe Spaces with Safe Sanctuaries^®

Safe Sanctuaries® is our church’s commitment to creating safe spaces where children, youth, and elders can experience God’s love and community. This training reflects our responsibility to protect the vulnerable and ensure a safer future.

Safe Sanctuaries is not about distrust—it’s about equipping volunteers to care well, prevent harm, and respond appropriately when needed. We are proud of the many volunteers and pastors who have completed this training and serve as trusted adults in our ministries.

Many completed training in 2022, and certifications are valid for 3 years. If you haven’t been trained or need to renew, we have several options available:

Upcoming 2025 NIC Trainings

Cost $15, includes class instruction and background check

Online Via Zoom
Sat., Aug. 23, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 24, 3 to 6 p.m.
Spanish Offering
Sat., Sept. 13, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Franklin Park: First UMC

Safe Gatherings Online Resource

Cost $39, includes background check and self-guided online course

Is your Church interested in hosting an in-person group Safe Sanctuaries training?

Contact Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer for more information.

From our Bishop:

Love Each Other Like Members of Your Family

Bishop Schwerin calls on United Methodists to reclaim the deep Christian call to love our neighbors—especially those who are suffering. Reflecting on lessons of empathy from parenting, he urges compassion for immigrants detained in inhumane conditions and challenges the Church to respond with mercy, not fear. He urges faithful action—through prayer, protest, advocacy, and mercy—as a witness to Christ. Read more.

Nominations open for 2025 UVC Child Advocate Awards

United Voices for Children (UVC) is inviting nominations for its three annual awards. These awards honor extraordinary volunteer service or advocacy efforts on behalf of children, youth and/or families throughout the Northern Illinois Conference. All United Methodists are encouraged to recognize who is doing this good work in your church or community, then nominate a deserving individual or a group. Read more.

Tues., Aug. 26, 7 - 8 p.m.

Online Via Zoom

This webinar is intended to help churches understand the NIC Church Property Insurance. Learn more.

This training is offered by the NIC Finance Team to support local churches. Recordings of past sessions from the Finance and Administration Team are available here.

Is your church looking to connect with new people in your community? Join Prairie North clergy and laity for a year-long group coaching program designed to help your church grow its outreach, welcome new faces, and strengthen community connections! Each session includes insights, group discussions, and hands-on tools you can apply immediately. Meetings will be online, except for the first gathering. The first meeting will be in-person on Sat., Sept. 13, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Freeport: Faith. Learn more.

Looking to Share Expenses for Leadership Institute?

If you're going to Leadership Institute in Kansas City, Oct. 1-3, and would like to cut expenses by sharing lodging and/or transportation, please contact Doc Newcomb at Doc@MarengoUMC.org. Their church has one male (Doc) and one female who are attending.

HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

Help us celebrate the vibrant ministry happening in our district!

Mission Trips and Vacation Bible School (VBS) programs are among our most cherished summer stories, and we would like to feature yours in the NIC District eNews later this summer. If your church is hosted/is hosting a VBS or sent/is sending a mission team, we’d love to see it. Let’s inspire one another by sharing how God is at work in our communities. Please send any photos and short descriptions to lsmith@umcnic.org.

Faithful. Fruitful. Financially Wise Conference

Aug. 8-9,

Pine Lake UMC Camp, Westfield, WI

The Wisconsin UM Foundation invites NIC clergy and lay leaders to participate in two days of inspiration, learning, and practical tools for building faithful, fruitful, and financially wise churches. Tailored workshops for both clergy and lay leaders will teach how to develop dynamic stewardship practices that sustain vibrant ministry. Learn more.

Other Upcoming Conference Events:

2 ^nd & 4 ^th Wednesday at noon: Weekly Methodist Liaison Office update and virtual prayer meeting. Participants will hear from a Palestinian speaker and meet in small groups for prayer. Methodists and others from around the world participate. Learn more.
July 24-27: Reconciling Ministries Network Convocation 2025: Gathering in Madison for those who are a part of the RMN network or who are interested in their work. Learn more.
July 25: Illinois Supreme Court Visit: The Conference Committee on Religion and Race Advocacy Partners will join a discussion with Illinois Supreme Court Justice P. Scott Neville, receive a guided tour of the Illinois Supreme Court Building, and have the opportunity to ask questions. Learn more.
Aug. 1-3: MARCHA Assembly: Meeting of the national Hispanic/Latino caucus in Arlington Heights.
Aug. 8-9: Faithful. Fruitful. Financially Wise Stewardship Conference: Join United Methodist clergy and lay leaders for two days of inspiration, learning, and practical tools for building faithful, fruitful, and financially wise churches. Hosted by Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation. Learn more.
Aug. 19: Charge Conference Reporting Webinar
Sept. 12-14: NIC UM Men's Spiritual Congress
Sept 14: 700th Anniversary of Nicaea: Ecumenical Commemoration: A reflection on unity, faith, and the enduring impact of that momentous council hosted by the Illinois Council of Churches.
Sept 18: 2025 Raising Our Voices: The UVC event will focus on Youth Mental Health with a special performance from About Face Theatre. They will also present the annual Child Advocate Awards and hear updates from Children’s Advocate for Change. Learn more.
Sept. 26-28: "In Rhythm:" NIC Youth Retreat: For youth in sixth through twelfth grades within the Conference. All are welcome. Registration closes Sept. 10. Learn more.
Oct. 1-3: Leadership Institute: Find the inspiration, practical tools, and supportive community you need to rise together with fellow leaders committed to strengthening the Church in Kansas City and online.
Oct. 7-9: Facing The Future: The UM General Commission on Religion and Race has organized this time for renewal to equip clergy with the tools and encouragement needed for sustainable and dynamic ministry.
Oct. 23-25: SCD 2025 Laity Bootcamp: Presented by UMC Discipleship Ministries. This gathering will provide you with practical ministry tools to enhance your faith journey and foster connections with fellow leaders. Learn more.

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

Church and Society Statement on IRS Church Endorsement Ruling

In a July 7 federal court filing, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service said houses of worship can endorse political candidates without risking their tax-exempt status. In response, the United Methodist Board of Church and Society clarified that the Social Principles encourage churches to speak out boldly on social issues but not affiliate with any political party. Read more.

Mission Links Highlight

Volunteers in Mission Sunday

NIC Churches traditionally observe Volunteers in Mission Sunday on any Sunday in July or August to connect with when churches may be hosting Mission Trips. The basic purpose of UMVIM Awareness Sunday is for every local church to honor their volunteers who engage in mission.

United Methodist Volunteers in Mission is the official short-term volunteer sending agency of the United Methodist Church. UMVIM equips volunteers to put Christian love into action through hands-on service around the world. Since 1976, UMVIM has engaged people in mission work ranging from building churches and improving housing to teaching, supporting medical clinics, and ensuring access to clean water. Their diverse work brings hope and help to communities in need, sharing our mission and commitment to 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.

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.

Other Resources

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.
UMC Giving Resources - Mission Moments, Special Sunday Info, Leader Kits, Pew Cards, and more.
United Media Resource Center - Lending library of Christian materials for local churches, small groups, pastors, children, and individuals.

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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