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About forty adults and youth from across Northern Illinois learned about a few of these faiths during the Who Is My Neighbor? NIC Youth Interfaith Bus Tour on April 18. They visited a Hindu mandir (worship and learning site), a Jain temple, a Buddhist temple, and a Sikh house of worship, all in the western suburbs of Chicago.
One young participant said, “Seeing how people view God and their history was a lightbulb moment. It developed my own Christianity.” More
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May Day and Methodist Tradition
May Day, May 1, is internationally recognized as a day to raise our voices for labor rights. Born with John Wesley’s care for coal miners and oppressed workers, Methodists fought against child labor in the early 1900s and for fair wages in the civil rights movement in the 1950s. This year, some UMs will join others in Union Park in Chicago to continue the tradition. More
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NIC United Methodists Meet Legislators
About 40 people of faith from across Illinois traveled to the state Capitol on April 15 to advocate for public policy that aligns with the UM Social Principles. This event included people from NIC and Illinois Great Rivers Conference. Participants met with their elected officials to discuss legislation that addresses environmental and food justice, support for immigrants, and youth education and empowerment. More
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Uplifting Young Methodists Scholarship
Encourage a young person of color to apply for an Uplifting Young Methodists Scholarship from the Midwest Methodist Foundation. Four students will receive $2,500 for 2026-27. One will receive an additional $1,000 as the Carolyn J. Cook Scholar. These help minority UM students attend trade school, community college, college, or university. Applications are due April 30. More
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Caring Congregations Workshop, May 8-9
This two-day training at Kingswood UMC on May 8, 1 to 7 p.m., and May 9, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., led by a team related to Resurrection: A UMC in Leawood, Kan., will teach theological grounding, healthy boundaries, confidentiality, care teams, home visits, death and dying, hospice, hospital visits, and overall pastoral issues to help churches care for members and others in helpful and safe ways. Register now. More
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NIC UMs Start Year Giving Faithfully
First quarter giving in 2026 is off to a strong start across the conference, with significant gains in every area compared to 2025. Apportionment giving has reached 75% of statement amounts (up from 60% this time last year), with more than $1 million already received. Health and pension contributions stand at 91% (compared to 69%). Clergy responsibility for pension benefits has risen to 88% (up from 74%). More
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General Conference Will be Shorter
The Commission on the General Conference voted April 18 to shorten the next legislative assembly by two days. That means the international gathering is now scheduled May 8-16, 2028. Minneapolis will still be the host city, but the commission is exploring adding a possible second site in Canada for delegates unable to secure a visa to the US. More
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Last Words from The Reporter
In the coming days, you will receive the last issue of The NIC Reporter newspaper. A recent survey found that readership has waned in favor of other media. Limits in the communications program budget make using other media more effective. Continue to follow us online, in conference and district eNews, in social media, and emerging media. More
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Endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
and hope does not put us to shame (Rom. 3:4, 5)
This Week's Reminders
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Public Demonstration: After adjournment at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 15, the Conference Commission on Religion and Race will lead all who are interested to take part in an optional public demonstration, “Faithful Action: Love Your Neighbor.” Participants will gather outside, where signs will be provided, and then walk to Meacham Road as a visible expression of our shared commitment to loving our neighbors. This peaceful demonstration offers a meaningful opportunity to witness to our values in the broader community. The demonstration will conclude by 6:15 p.m., allowing ample time for participants to attend any evening events hosted by other groups.
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Blueprint for Wellness screening: Have a simple blood draw taken for screening for health issues. If you are enrolled in Healthflex, you can make an appointment for Tuesday, June 16. Sign up ASAP on your Personify app or call the conference benefits office at (608) 478-4609 for help in making an appointment. We need at least 30 participants to offer this helpful service onsite.
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Prepare to take an offering for the Bishop's Appeal on Miracle Sunday, May 17. This year's Bishop's Appeal benefits theological education in the Central Conferences (now among the regional conferences): Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. The funds will go toward the Endowment for Theological Education in the Central Conferences and the construction of a high school in Tanzania, under the leadership of missionary Rev. Young Seon Kim (Christina), an NIC clergy member. Find a bulletin insert, brief video, and flyer here to help you communicate the importance of the offering.
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What Does 'Ex Officio' Mean in Decision-Making Bodies?
Churches use "ex officio" to refer to some people who are part of a decision-making body, such as a committee or conference. However, understanding of the phrase varies. Ask the UMC explains that ex officio is a Latin phrase that means “on the basis of office.” As it applies to leadership roles, it means that someone is a member of a committee or council or other decision-making body because of a particular office that person holds at the time. Ex officio members of leadership bodies are full members of these bodies. Being a full member of a body means one has voice and vote on all matters properly before that body unless the Discipline specifies otherwise. More
Resources for Putting Faith into Action
Rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the prophets, United Methodism has a long history of speaking out against injustice. Our Wesleyan heritage of “practical divinity,” church teachings, and the UMC’s mission statement call us to transform the world because we are disciples of Jesus Christ. Your conference Board of Church and Society has put together a number of resources on various subjects to help you explore timely issues from a scriptural and Methodist standpoint. More
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Behind Prison Walls, Expectant Mothers Encounter Grace
A young woman cradles her rounded abdomen as if to protect her unborn baby from the tense environment around her. She is one of 10 expectant mothers housed at Chikurubi Female Prison, a stone’s throw from Zimbabwe’s largest maximum-security correctional facility.
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Recently, she received baby welcome packs comprising a bathtub, a bucket, diapers, vests, bodysuits, towels, blankets, tracksuits, toiletries, and socks from by the Rev. Susan Manyange of Chitungwiza United Methodist Church with support from Isaiah 58, a group of Zimbabwean Christians who reside in Australia.
Sigauke’s face lit up as she received the wrapped gifts. “I am grateful for the love shown by The United Methodist Church and their partners,” she said. More
Photo and story by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News
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Around the Conference
Safe Sanctuaries Training, April 25, 9 a.m. to noon, online. Learn practices to keep children, youth, and vulnerable adults safe in church activities. The $20 fee includes instruction and a background check. REGISTRATION CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT ON APRIL 22.
Creation Care Summit, May 2, 9 a.m. to noon, First UMC, Arlington Heights. Hear from Grace Hubbard, climate care coordinator of the New England Conference; learn practical ways churches can become more eco-friendly; and more.
Transition Workshop, May 2, 9 a,m. to 3:30 p.m., Our Saviour's UMC, Schaumburg. Helps churches and pastors with appointment transitions.
Culture Shift Part 2: Creating Healthy Congregations, May 3, 2 to 5:30 p.m., Barrington UMC. This builds on part 1, a Jan. 31 Zoom gathering.
Tuesday Teaching, May 5, 11 a.m. to noon, online. Rebuilding in-person worship.
Caring Congregations Workshop, May 8-9, Kingswood UMC, Buffalo Grove. This two-day training offered by a team related to Resurrection: A UMC in Leawood, Kan., teaches healthy caring practices for lay and clergy.
Creative Ministries Grant Applications Due May 15.
Equitable Compensation Applications Due May 15.
Miracle Sunday, May 17. This is a good day to collect your church's offering for this year's Bishop's Appeal.
Around the Connection
Kids Above All's Healthy Babies Drive, April 1-May 15. Collecting essential health and safety items, like diapers, wipes, baby gates, protective stove knob covers, and baby bottles, for the young children and parents in KAA programs.
United Methodist Student Day, any Sunday in May
Golden Cross Sunday, May 3
Joint Christian Advocacy Summit on Israel/Palestine, May 5-7, Washington D.C.
#StillinMission with Dr. Belinda Forbes, May 7, 11 a.m. to noon, online. Dr. Forbes, a dentist and missionary supported by the NIC, will talk about her crucial missionary placement with AMOS Health and Hope, which is located next to the city dump in Villa Guadalupe, Nicaragua.
Rosecrance Foundation Benefit, May 12, 5 p.m., Hard Rock Live, Rockford. This UM-related organization provides life-saving mental health and substance use treatment.
UWFaith Assembly 2026, May 15-17, Indianapolis, Ind. Gathering of United Women in Faith from around the world.
Heritage Sunday, May 17. This year's emphasis: women in ministry, past, present, and future.
Peace with Justice Sunday, May 31
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Reminder: The NIC cabinet and bishop observe a weekly sabbath from Thursday evening to Friday noon. During that time, they will refrain from using electronic devices. Barring an emergency, they will not respond to phone calls, emails, or texts.
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Books on Leading Retreats for Adults and Youth
The United Media Resource Center has books on retreat leadership to lend. Some examples:
#804385 Go Deeper Retreats: 12 Life-Changing Weekends for Youth Ministry, edited by Kelli Trujillo
#806172 Great Tween Getaways: 8 Retreats for Tweens, by Marcey Balcolb
#818162 Invitation to Retreat: The Gift and Necessity of Time Away with God, by Ruth Haley Barton
#807056 Retreat Leader’s Manual, by Nancy Ferguson and Kevin Witt
#826960 River In the Desert: 12 Retreats for Women’s Groups, by Ellen Shepard
The United Media Resource Center has books, DVDs, and more to lend to your church's Christian education, faith formation, and book club ministries for children, youth, and adults. Borrow a resource of your own interest as well. Check their online catalog.
List of resources
Online catalog
Contact the center
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