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Your Generosity Reached a Milestone!
In 2025, you gave $5,056,797--that is, 80 percent of our budgeted goal--to support missions and ministries. This is the highest percentage we have achieved since 2016.
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We also remitted 81 percent of our general church apportionment. The increase is impressive: in 2024, we kept our denominational covenant by only 41 percent.
Because of this exemplary generosity, people around the world receive better access to medical care, food, and education. Our churches receive theologically trained clergy, support for planning worship and preaching, leadership training for laypeople, spiritual formation resources, grants for ministries with neighbors, useful webinars, and more. Check out the 2025 financial report and learn about more of our shared achievements in generosity. Read more
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Order of Elders Meets on March 17
Elders: set aside March 17 to gather from 9 a.m. to noon at Barrington UMC to pause and reconnect over a table with colleagues. On those tables, you'll be sharing pie as well. If you like, contribute a pie--homemade, store-bought, beautiful or imperfect--to the selection. And pick up your copy of the new "Practicing Hope" devotional. Read more
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Appeal for Central Conference Education
This year, the Bishop's Appeal will benefit two recipients: the construction of a high school in Tanzania, at a mission site led by NIC clergy member Rev. Christina Kim; and The Endowment Fund for Theological Education in the Central Conferences (which comprise Africa, Europe, and the Philippines). Gifts will be distributed equally to these projects. Read more
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Dine with Muslim Neighbors on March 3
Join United Methodists and people of the Council of Islamic Organizations in Greater Chicago for an iftar--breaking the Ramadan fast--on March 3 at 5:30 p.m. at the Islamic Center of Wheaton. Speakers will comment on "Confronting Displacement and Dehumanization of Our Neighbors." It is a great opportunity to make new friends hear other perspectives. Read more
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Black History Lesson for Today's Church
"The Black church is an inherent part of Black history and a vital part of our Methodist history. There we see a theology of grace undergirding the moral compass and accomplishments of a church," says Rev. Kevin Kosh Jr. "Black Methodist history is a powerful testament to the pursuit of justice and the commitment to discipleship." Read more
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Compass Webinars in Korean, English
The denomination's new clergy benefits plan, Compass, began this year. If you are still struggling to understand its implications for you, attend an upcoming webinar. Both take place on Feb. 12 at 11 a.m.; one is in Korean and English for people who prefer to speak Korean, and the other is in English only. For Korean and English, register here. For English only, register here.
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UM Witness for Justice for Immigrants
Some UMC agencies —Church and Society, Religion and Race, and UM Committee on Relief —are participating in an ecumenical, interfaith worship service and march on Feb. 25 at the U.S. Capitol, calling for the humane treatment of immigrants. Organizers say the event aims to show solidarity for immigrants and urge Christians to live out Christ’s call in Matthew 25 to “welcome the stranger.” Read more
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Faith-Filled Demonstrators' Playlist
The music accompanying groups in Minneapolis who are peacefully protesting ICE violence has drawn on easily recognizable religious songs used during other social movements, like “Amazing Grace,” “We Shall Overcome," and “This Little Light of Mine.” What is the enduring appeal of these older songs that come out of the church? Read more
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In Case You Missed It
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Interested in an interfaith bus tour for youth? Contact Sharon Rice by Feb. 8.
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IGNITE, North Central Jurisdiction's ministry discernment event, takes place March 13-15 at Wespath in Glenview. It's for people of all ages who are sensing a call to lay or ordained ministry. Register by Feb. 15.
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Short Videos on What United Methodists Believe
Our United Methodist beliefs are the building blocks of our faith. These short videos are perfect for small groups and confirmation classes that are studying United Methodism. You can watch them in advance to see if they would be useful for your group. Read more
Parking Lots Can Help Fund Ministry
For many churches, parking lots are underused assets that, when managed with care, can provide vital funding for community ministries. Park Thrive, a ministry partner vetted by the UM Council on Finance and Administration, assists congregations across the country in modernizing their parking operations, ensuring that their physical resources are being stewarded as effectively as possible. Read more
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Mobile Medical Ministry Heals Spiritually and Physically
More than a decade ago, Esmeralda Maciela struggled giving birth to twins. Today the children, Joana and Paulo Buque, lead the youth of a United Methodist church in the Mabumbuza area and are completing high school. Fernando Eduardo Tique nearly died of a stomach infection but was healed. Local leader Francisco Savanguane was saved from brain malaria.
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Maciela, Tique, and Savanguane are especially enthusiastic about the UM Mobile Clinic based in Chicuque Mission in Mozambique. Launched in 2022 and covering remote areas of the Morrumbene and Massinga districts, the clinic is related to the local Methodist Hospital, founded in 1913 by Methodist missionary Charles John Stauffacher.
The clinic covers remote areas of the Morrumbene and Massinga districts.
The focus is on children under five and pregnant women, said the Rev. Maria Matsinhe.
Along with physical healing, communities receive spiritual nourishment. The fieldwork begins with prayer and devotions, followed by health education and health care.
The mobile clinic is supported by the Mozambique Initiative, a project of the Missouri and Mozambique annual conferences. Read more
Photo: The Rev. Maria Matsinhe, a nurse and health coordinator for the UMC in Mozambique, heads the church’s mobile clinic, which set up at a school to conduct health screenings. Photo by Antonio Wilson, UM News.
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Around the Conference
Lake North District Training, "Lead Your Church in Changing Times, Feb. 7, 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.; UMC of Libertyville.
Tuesday Teaching: Refreshing Your Church’s Website, Feb. 10,
11 a.m. Learn tools for streamlining and simplifying your church website.
Immigration 101: Welcoming the Stranger, Feb. 15, 12:30 to 3 p.m., at Our Saviour's UMC, Schaumburg. The NIC Advocacy Partners' Immigration Committee is hosting this event, which will clarify the facts surrounding immigration and provide a theological grounding of our call to action.
Clergy Days Apart with the Bishop, Feb. 16 (Hinsdale UMC) and 17 (Sycamore UMC), 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register now for your preferred date.
Muslim-Methodist Iftar (breaking the Ramadan fast), March 3, 5:30 p.m., Islamic Center of Wheaton. Register now; seating is limited.
Prairie South District Training, March 7, Oregon UMC; 9 a.m. to noon.
Prairie North District Training, March 7, Christ UMC, Rockford; 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.
United Voices for Children Fifth Sunday Appeal, March 30.
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: Feb. 11 and 25. Send an email to the MLO office to request log-in information.
Ash Wednesday/First Day of Lent, Feb. 18
Bishops' Vision Statement Seminar, "Wesleyan Mission: Serve Joyfully," Feb. 21, 9 to 10:30 a.m., online
A Public Witness for Immigration Justice, Feb. 25, Washington, D.C. Several UMC agencies are sponsors. Join ecumenical and interfaith leaders and communities for a public witness grounded in worship, moral courage, and solidarity with our neighbors.
Bishops' Vision Statement Seminar, "Wesleyan Leadership: Lead Courageously," March 21, 9 to 10:30 a.m., online
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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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Lent and Easter Books
Bedrock of Christianity: The Unalterable Facts of Jesus' Death and Resurrection, by Justin Bass
Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ, by Fleming Rutledge
Dancing in The Desert: Prayers And Reflections For Lent, by Sally Foster-Fulton
Faithful Celebrations: Making Time for God from Mardi Gras through Pentecost, by Sharon Ely Pearson
Forgiveness: A Lenten Study, by Marjorie Thompson
Lent in Plain Sight: A Devotion Through Ten Objects, by Jill Duffield
Why the Cross? by Donald Senior
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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