View as Webpage

** Note ** You are receiving the district eNews because your name is in our Lay Leadership Database as a leader in your local church. If you are no longer interested in receiving the District eNews, please click the Update Profile link at the bottom of the email. (Clicking UnSubscribe means you will not receive ANY emails from the conference including appointment announcements, sympathy notices and weekly eNews)

Click here for more information and to register

Bringing Hope at the Oakdale Tabernacle 

For the third year in a row, churches in the Freeport area gathered in the Oakdale Tabernacle to worship together. Sixteen churches planned the event together with multiple choirs and pastors taking part in the service. The service was focused on the NIC’s 2026 theme, “Practicing Hope.”

See the photo story.

Now Hiring: District Administrative Assistants

The NIC is seeking qualified candidates for three part-time District Administrative Assistant positions serving the Lake South, Prairie Central, and Prairie South districts. These key roles provide administrative and secretarial support that helps strengthen district ministries, conference initiatives, and the work of local churches. Applications will be accepted internally from June 12–23, 2026, and externally from June 19–23, 2026. Links to individual district job postings and applications will be available beginning June 12 at 9 a.m. Learn more.

Stand with Our Immigrant Neighbors This Summer

Join United Methodists across the Northern Illinois Conference as we learn, advocate, and take faithful action in support of our immigrant neighbors.

This summer offers several opportunities to engage:

• Public Demonstration at Annual Conference – Participate in this public witness for justice on Mon., June 15, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.
• DIY Faithful Action: Loving Our Neighbor Community Engagement Event The DIY (Do-it-yourself) format encourages each congregation to organize an event that works for their church while bearing witness to God’s commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself.” CCORR created a checklist to assist churches with planning an event that acknowledges the humanity and dignity of our immigrant siblings.
• Conference-Wide Day of Action – On Sept. 13, churches across the conference are invited to participate in a coordinated day of public witness to demonstrate large-scale support for our immigrant brothers and sisters.
• Immigration 101 Training – Gain a deeper understanding of immigration issues and practical ways to support immigrant communities at this training on Aug. 8 at Libertyville.

Our Shared Story: 

How Apportionments Make Ministry Possible

Rev. Michael Mann, incoming CCFA chair, reflects on the power of connectional giving and the impact apportionments have had on his own faith journey. From supporting global ministries and leadership development to funding vital ministries around the world, he shares how United Methodists accomplish together what no congregation could do alone. Read more.

Connectional Giving Update

Every contribution makes a difference in sustaining our conference’s mission and impact in the community. Currently, as of the end of May 2026, our collection rates are as follows:

• Apportionments - 75%
• Property Insurance - 99%
• Health and Pension - 96%
• Clergy Health Responsibility - 94%

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

How to Promote Vacation Bible School on a Small Budget

In this new article from ResourceUMC, learn how churches can effectively promote VBS on a small budget, including through word-of-mouth, using exciting curriculum that interests children and families, and making sign-up simple. Learn more.

Don't forget to share your VBS Stories with us for an end-of-the-summer recap! Share your photos and stories with us, email Lisa Smith.

Faithfully Celebrating Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a powerful reminder that God calls the church to pursue justice, liberation, and dignity for all people. As we remember the delayed freedom of enslaved Black Americans, we are invited to recommit ourselves to confronting racism, standing with the oppressed, and living out God’s call to “let justice roll down like waters”. The General Commission on Religion and Race provides worship resources and videos as well as suggestions on how white people can observe Juneteenth. Read more.

Equipping Faith Leaders for Suicide Prevention

Faith leaders are invited to participate in a virtual suicide prevention course available online anytime. It provides practical tools for recognizing warning signs, responding to crises, and supporting individuals and families impacted by suicide. Offered by the General Commission on United Methodist Men and developed in partnership with several United Methodist agencies, the training combines theological reflection with life-saving guidance and is narrated by Bishop Gregory V. Palmer. Read 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. 

Keep Up To Date With All Conference Events

in the Weekly Email!

If you would like to receive the weekly Conference eNews and other important announcements, including sympathy notices and appointment announcements, please sign up online or click the Update Profile button at the bottom of this email.



NOTE - Clicking UNSUBSCRIBE below means you will be unsubscribing from ALL Constant Contact emails from the NIC (Appointment Announcements, Sympathy Notices, etc). If you want to stop receiving one newsletter, please click "Update Profile" below.