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March 12, 2026

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Share Your 'Why' Story

Rev. Christian Coon, NIC's director of congregational development, reflects on an early experience that continues to shape his faith. He urges clergy and laity to move beyond the “how” of evangelism and first reclaim the “why” by naming their own Jesus stories and the hope that anchors them. He invites clergy and lay leaders across the conference to share their own “Jesus stories,” asking why they first said yes to Christ. Read More

Join the NIC Council on Young People’s Ministry on Sat., April 18, as youth from across the conference travel together by bus to visit four different houses of worship. This interfaith experience is designed to foster learning, curiosity, and faithful conversation while building community among middle school and high school youth.The trip costs $20 which includes breakfast, lunch and transportation. Space is limited. Learn more.

Bishop's Appeal: Education for Central Conferences

The 2026 Bishop’s Appeal will benefit Education for Central Conferences, supporting two key initiatives: construction of a high school in Tanzania, led by NIC missionary Rev. Young Seon Kim (known as Christina), and the Endowment for Theological Education in the Central Conferences. This year’s appeal invites us to invest not only in classrooms and curriculum, but in futures, in young people’s discovering their gifts and in pastors and leaders who are equipped to guide communities with wisdom, compassion, and courage. 

Click here for bulletin inserts, videos and more.

Mission Collection

The NIC Board of Global Ministries is coordinating with Midwest Mission to organize its annual conference collection drive for Midwest Mission’s Most Needed Items: supplies from the home care kits and personal dignity kits. Donations will be accepted on Sunday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Monday morning, June 15, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Click here for a full list of items and bulletin inserts.

Another Way to Help Midwest Mission: 

Become a School Supply Drop-Off Site

Midwest Mission is inviting churches to serve as local sites for our School Supply Drive. By partnering with nearby schools, your congregation can help collect gently used (and new) school supplies and ensure they reach children who need them most. Learn more.

Young Adults & Youth at Conference

Young adults and youth will be active at Annual Conference again this year. Two young people, one aged 12 to 17 and another aged 17 to 30, will come from each district. Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, NIC's director of connectional ministries, affirms that young voices matter at our conference! Read more

For full details about the 2026 Annual Conference Session, including special observances, registration, awards, document deadlines, and more, visit the AC26 webpage for updates.

Connectional Giving Update

Every contribution makes a difference in sustaining our conference’s mission and impact in the community. If you are not sure where your church stands on their contributions, please reach out to your pastor or church treasurer. Learn more.

UMCOR Sunday, March 15

UMCOR Sunday seeks to increase awareness and support for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Gifts given on UMCOR Sunday play a vital role in enhancing the church's global humanitarian response because these funds cover UMCOR's administrative costs. This support ensures that 100% of donations given to UMCOR throughout the year can be directed toward on-the-ground relief and recovery efforts, allowing UMCOR to effectively respond to crises and provide assistance where it's needed most.

HOW TO GIVE: Write a check to your local church and write, “United Methodist UMCOR Sunday offering” in the memo line. Churches can give through the NIC Apportionment process. Learn more.

 HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

NIC Grants Open With Simplified Applications

To better support churches, this year’s grant applications have been simplified. Applications are now open for the following grants:

• Town and Rural Grants 
  Small-town and rural congregations with a vision for new or expanded ministry are encouraged to apply for NIC PACK (Planned Act of Christian Kindness) Grant and Keagy Grants. Awards range from $500 to $5000. Applications are available online, with a deadline of March 31. For additional information, please contact Rev. Libby Rutherford.
• Creative Ministry Grants
  Coordinated by the ACST, these grants support creative, collaborative projects that help fulfill the church’s mission of transforming the world. Awards range from $500 to $1,000. Applications are available online, with a deadline of May 15. For additional information, please contact Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer.

Learn more about NIC Grants.

Other Grant Opportunities:

• General Commission on Religion and Race CORR Action Fund Grants support bold, creative, and justice-rooted ministries that advance equity, reconciliation, and intercultural competency within The United Methodist Church. Deadline: May 15
• UMCOR’s Mustard Seed Migration Grant program encourages U.S.-based United Methodist churches to engage in community-based ministries with migrants and refugees in their midst. Applications will be reviewed and approved on a rolling basis within 30 days of submission.

New Digital Edition of the UMC Handbook is Now Available 

United Methodist Communications has just published the 2025 - 2028 edition of The United Methodist Church handbook. The handbook is a digital, print-ready resource designed to help you understand who we are, how we are connected, and how we live out our shared mission together. It, along with the new member companion guide, is available in a digital-first format. 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.

Rev. Brian Gilbert

Prairie South District Superintendent

bgilbert@umcnic.org

872-810-0864

Leola Tucker

Administrative Assistant

ltucker@umcnic.org

872-810-0913

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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