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Bishop Schwerin on Hope and Beloved Community
"How is authority rooted in God’s character needed now? In this moment when some populations are feeling more vulnerable, what does it mean to practically love our neighbors?" ask Bishop Dan Schwerin in his column "A Year of Practicing Hope: Building Beloved Community."
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Quoting the Council of Bishops' book Building Beloved Community, he notes that "biblical authority heals, liberates, feeds the hungry, and includes the marginalized. God’s authority is always tempered by love and is therefore fundamentally different from the authoritarianism we see in political movements today."
Read more of his reflections on how Lent can be tempered by love and authority given to building beloved community. More
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Christ UMC, Rockford, Endures Fire
A fire started in the church organ on Monday night, resulting in some damage to the sanctuary. The quick reaction of the organist, who was practicing at the time, limited the amount of damage. Fortunately, few people were in the building and there were no injuries. Temple Beth-El offered their space to Christ UMC for Sunday worship. More
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Humboldt Park to House Neighbors
A good home can be a sanctuary. Humboldt Park UMC believes that a sanctuary can be a good home. The people are moving into a smaller space, but wanted the valuable, 98-year-old building—which has 12 apartments—to continue to bless its neighbors. Lucha, an organization that provides affordable housing development, is now transforming it into affordable housing. More
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Springfield Advocacy Day, April 15
The NIC Committee on Religion and Race is leading a trip to Springfield, where participants will talk with state legislators about racism and public policy, especially as it relates to environmental justice, immigration, and education. Register for a chance to meet with your legislator and see some historical sites along the way. More
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Youth Interfaith Bus Trip, April 18
Save the date for the "Who Is My Neighbor? Interfaith Bus Trip," April 18. The NIC Council on Young People’s Ministry will guide youth from across the conference to four houses of worship of different faiths. Middle- and high-school students will learn more about what our neighbors believe and how they worship, and build relationships with other UM youth. More
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Be a Sister Church Across Cultures
The CCORR Immigration Subcommittee is matching sister churches between congregations that are culturally different to learn and grow together through mutual support and encouragement. There are currently two churches in Chicago with primarily immigrant congregants interested in partnering with another church. Interested? Contact Lisa Rogers. More
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Candler Theology Youth Academy
Do you know youth now in ninth through eleventh grades who are curious about theology and eager to explore the role they’re called to play in the world? Candler School of Theology is recruiting for its Youth Theological Initiative Summer Academy, July 12-25, at Emory University in Atlanta. Nominate someone by March 1. More
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Black History Month Movies
Some ways to enrich your understanding of Black history: Watch a film by and about Black lives and heritage, such as “Antwone Fisher,” “Malcolm X,” “If Beale Street Could Talk,” and “Hidden Figures." Suggested documentaries: “Eyes on the Prize” and “The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song.” More
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In Sympathy: Diane D. Sprague
With sadness we announce the passing of Mrs. Diane D. Sprague, spouse of retired Bishop C. Joseph Sprague (in NIC for the 1996-2000 quadrennium), on Feb. 22, 2026. A memorial service takes place March 14 at North Broadway UMC, 48 E. North Broadway St., Columbus, Ohio. Make memorial gifts to the Mark Sprague Memorial Scholarship Fund at MTSO, 3081 Columbus Pike, Delaware, OH 43015. More
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Fund Balance Reports are due Feb. 28.
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Muslim-Methodist Iftar (breaking the Ramadan fast), March 3; registration closes on Thursday, Feb. 26, 11:59 p.m.
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Lay Convocation takes place March 21 at First UMC in Glen Ellyn and speakers are webcast to three satellite locations. Registration now!
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Endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
and hope does not put us to shame (Rom. 3:4, 5)
Childcare, Volunteers, #BeUMC Awards,
and Hotel Reservations
Childcare: This year, children ages 1 through 17 may spend time at the childcare location at Our Saviour's UMC, Schaumburg (in conjunction with Our Redeemer's UMC). Also new for 2026, children can remain in care over scheduled breaks and meals. Registration opens April 1. More
Volunteers: We'll need check-in table and information desk help, ushers, guides, and others to provide hospitality and assist the Annual Conference staff so the event runs smoothly and efficiently. We'll take volunteers for part of a day through the run of the conference. More
#BeUMC Awards: We are thrilled that people are starting to nominate individuals. We can use nominations of churches! Submit names by April 15. More
Hotel reservations: The link to make online reservations is now live. You can also reserve by telephone. If you are thinking of staying over the Saturday night before conference starts, make your reservation NOW because the number rooms available that night are limited. More
Keep watching this space for regular updates
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Archives/History Grants and Scholarships Available
Grants and awards focused on UM history, particularly as it relates to youth, women, ethnic groups, and archival science, are available from the UM General Commission on Archives and History for qualifying graduate-level students, educators, researchers, and M.Div. students. Awards include the
$10,000 Josephine Forman Scholarship for minority grad students pursuing study in archival science (Feb. 28 deadline); the $1,000 Racial/Ethnic History Research Grant to promote excellence in research and writing in the history of four groups (Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native American) in the UMC or its antecedents (March 17 deadline); the $1,000 Ken E. Rowe Memorial Research Grant for LGBTQ+ Methodist History to support projects related to LGBTQ+ Methodist History (March 17 deadline); the UM History for Children and Youth Grant to provide seed money to create curriculum (March 17 deadline); and others. More
Grants for Mental Health Initiatives for the Underserved
The UM Commission on Religion and Race is now accepting grant applications for the 2026 CORR Action Fund. This year's awards are dedicated to expanding mental health support for historically underserved communities. This twelve-month grant seeks initiatives that enable communities to overcome these barriers through the provision of education, life skills, and tools to cope more effectively. The initiative must incorporate trauma-informed and culturally appropriate processes that continue to promote a justice-oriented mindset. More
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The project is supported by a $200,000 grant from the Yambasu Agriculture Initiative, a UM Board of Global Ministries program honoring the legacy of the late Bishop John K. Yambasu. The farm is more than a commercial venture; it is an integrated model for community empowerment and evangelism.
In addition to being a self-sustaining service to the community, the farm helps support ministry.
“I believe that the farm shall support the church ministerial work, social witness programs, and community development works,” said Kephus Mtambo, farm project coordinator. “The farm is a social witness of the UMC ministry, for it is also helping people to come to Christ. In doing so, the church is growing, and there is great hope that the church will earn more members.” More
Pictured: Kephus Mtambo, farm project coordinator, walks through a barn
under construction. Photo by Francis Nkhoma, UM News.
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Around the Conference
Tuesday Teaching, March 3, 11 a.m. to noon, online. Discover the possibilities of the cooperative parish model.
Muslim-Methodist Iftar (breaking the Ramadan fast), March 3, 5:30 p.m., Islamic Center of Wheaton. Register now; reservations are filling up quickly.
NIC UM Men Annual Meeting and Worship, March 7, 8 to 11:30 a.m., First UMC, Crystal Lake.
District Training Events on March 7: Prairie South, Oregon UMC;
9 a.m. to noon. Prairie North District Training, Grace UMC, Rockford (new location); 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Order of Elders Gathering, March 17, 9 a.m. to noon, Barrington UMC.
"Moving Forward with Hope" Laity Convocation, March 21, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at First UMC of Glen Ellyn and webcast to three satellite sites. Make new friends, meet up existing ones, and hear inspiring speakers.
Academia de Siervos Laicos/Lay Servant Academy in Spanish, March 28 and April 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., First UMC, Franklin Park. Registration is now open.
United Voices for Children Fifth Sunday Appeal, March 30
Proposed legislation and reports for Annual Conference due April 1
Springfield Advocacy Day, April 15. Travel with UMs to meet with state legislators about issues related to racial justice.
Nominate individuals and churches for the #BeUMC awards by April 15.
Interfaith Bus Trip for Youth, April 18, (save the date). Youth will visit houses of worship of other faiths.
Around the Connection
Black History Month, February
Scout Sunday, a Sunday of your church's choice in February or March
Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem update and virtual prayer meetings, second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at noon. Next meetings: March 10 and 24. Send an email to the MLO office to request log-in information.
Women's History Month, March
UM Committee on Relief Sunday, March 15
Bishops' Vision Statement Seminar, "Wesleyan Leadership: Lead Courageously," March 21, 9 to 10:30 a.m., online
Palm Sunday, March 29
Easter, April 5
Native American Ministries Sunday, April 19
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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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More Books on Women's History
50 Women Every Christian Should Know, by Michelle DeRusha
Her Story: Women In Christian Tradition, by Barbara MacHaffie
Nurse: The Story of One Woman’s Effort to Succeed, by Margaritte Ivory-Bertram
Women On War: An International Anthology of Writings from Antiquity to the Present, edited by Daniela Gioseffia
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 (now with shopping-cart feature)
Contact the center
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