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Congratulations First UMC in Evanston!

The One Matters Discipleship Award highlights churches who have in recent years moved from zero baptisms and zero professions of faith into positive numbers. First UMC in Evanston is the 2026 winner for Lake North. Read their story. Learn more about the One Matters Award Winners here.

Congratulations Kingswood UMC!

Kingswood United Methodist Church in Buffalo Grove and Deerfield is the recipient of the Philip Otterbein Mission Links Award. Kingswood UMC donated $25,580 in Mission Links dollars. Mission Links churches have given 100% of their apportionments and supported projects in each of the 7 giving areas. Thank you for living out the Beatitudes and being a blessing for projects around the block and around the world. Learn more.

Almost 200 March for Justice for Immigrants

Members of the NIC AC took part in the public demonstration on Mon., June 15, marching to show support for immigrants, refugees, and all those facing discrimination and unjust treatment. Participants sang, prayed, carried signs, and heard messages from church leaders, including Bishop Schwerin, who reminded marchers that “neighbors are not metaphors” but beloved members of God’s kin-dom. Read more.

Find ways your congregation can continue this work through prayer, advocacy, relationship-building, and support for immigrants in your own neighborhood.

• 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.

Rev. Robert Sathuri Receives Recognition at U.S. Capitol

Rev. Robert N. Sathuri of First United Methodist Church in Palatine was recognized by Global Eye Magazine as one of 20 distinguished Asian Americans honored during a May 19, ceremony at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C. Nominated by Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson, Sathuri was recognized during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month for his leadership, service, and contributions to the community. Read more.

Reclaiming Caring Ministries

Laypeople are recovering their ministry of caring for those facing health and wellness challenges, thanks to The Caring Congregation training held at Kingswood United Methodist Church in Buffalo Grove, May 8-9. “People have discerned their call to this ministry,” says Rev. James Preston, lead pastor of Kingswood and Buffalo Grove campus pastor. “Lay people are gifted for this.” Read more.

NIC Students Earn UM Higher Education Scholarships

Thirty-four Northern Illinois Conference students received United Methodist scholarships from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) in 2025, totaling $82,522 in support for their educational journeys. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students, with GBHEM awarding approximately $4 million annually to students across the connection. Learn more. 
Congratulations to the following Lake North recipients:

• Crystal Kang from Skokie: Jesus Love Korean UMC attending Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary for a Doctorate
• Ivy Kuruvila from Evanston: First UMC Evanston attending Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary for a Master of Divinity
• Tae Yoon Kim from Skokie: Central UMC attending Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary for a Master of Divinity
• Hanuri Park from Mount Prospect: Trinity UMC attending Boston University for a Bachelor of Science
• Owusu Peprah from Chicago: African Community UMC attending Syracuse University for a Doctorate of Education
• Hazel Joyce Salatan from Oak Park: St. Johns UMC attending Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary for a Doctorate
• John Shaw from Waukegan: First UMC attending DePauw University for a Bachelor of Arts
• Olivier Sundika from Evanston: First UMC attending Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary for a Master of Arts

 HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

Wear Your Faith: 

Shop NIC-Branded Apparel and Gifts

Purchase NIC-branded merchandise online. Available are water bottles, windbreakers, hoodies, shirts, backpacks, notepads, and more, all displaying the conference logo. They can be great conversation starters to help you tell others what you appreciate about the UMC. Read more.

What's changing on social media, and what it means for your church

Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms have rolled out some notable updates recently - and a few of them are worth paying attention to if you manage your church's social media. UMComm breaks down what's new and what it means for your congregation. Read more.

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

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.

Rev. Victor Melad, Jr.

Lake North District Superintendent

vmelad@umcnic.org

872-810-0876

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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