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Congratulations Christ UMC in Rockford!

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

Durand UMC Honored with #BeUMC Award

New for 2026, the #BeUMC Awards recognize individuals and congregations who embody our shared calling to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously as part of The United Methodist Church's mission. Learn more. At this year’s Annual Conference, the #BeUMC Congregation Award was presented to Durand UMC in recognition of their serving their community. This congregation consistently goes above and beyond to meet both spiritual and practical needs, demonstrating Christ’s love through meaningful action. Read their story.

Click here for more information and to register

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.

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 Prairie North recipients:

• Debraruth Hayag from Rockford: Christ UMC attending Illinois State University for a degree in Bachelor of Science
• TK Lee from Rockford: Christ UMC attending Liberty University for a degree in Doctorate of Education

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.

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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