|
Make Your Neighborhood Your Parish
UMs like to quote John Wesley's phrase, "The world is my parish."
| |
"What effect would it have if our churches said things like, 'the block is our parish!' or 'the township is our parish!' or 'the zip code is our parish!'?," asks Rev. Christian Coon. "Now things get more personal."
He suggests that before looking at a globe as a metaphor for your parish, look at a map of your town. "Pray over each of the blocks and use as a constant part of that prayer, 'This community is my parish.'" How would that shape your church's ministry? Read more
| | |
MLK Celebration: 'Dangerous Religion'
Over 300 people gathered at Trinity UMC in Mount Prospect on Jan. 18 for the NIC’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. Rev. Dr. Charles Woolery Sr. showed how King’s life and words are still relevant to our Christian witness today. Our times are dangerous, he observes, and this requires a dangerous religion. Read more
| |
Why I'm Going to the Minneapolis Protest
Rev. Dr. Larry D. Pickens, an NIC elder, is traveling to Minneapolis this week to take part in an interfaith clergy protest of ICE violence there. "I need to stand with Somali people and other immigrants to send a message that it is not the actions of bad people that are most damaging; it is the silence of good people." Read more
| |
Move Forward in Hope
"Given the unprecedented events that we have experienced during 2025, let us lean into 2026 with a radical abundance of hope," says Eugene Williams, NIC lay leader. He adds, "Courage and strength in difficult times require hope, which is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness." Read more
| |
IGNITE, an NCJ Calling Discernment Event
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 beginning to sense God’s call, whether toward lay, licensed, or ordained ministry in the UMC. Those who are exploring a call but are not ready to begin candidacy are invited. Read more
| |
Bishops Want Your View on Future UMC
The UM Council of Bishops is organizing a Leadership Gathering in October, which will bring together three leaders from each episcopal area and all the bishops. Participants will discern a future UMC after disaffiliations. The seek all UMs' input through a survey and participation in webinars that elaborate on the three aspects of the UMC Vision. Read more
| |
|
Group Explores Work, Number of Bishops
A focus on missional needs replaced the. mathematical formula when assigning U.S. bishops, by 2024 General Conference action. Some questions about the change are heading to the Judicial Council. In the meantime, a task force is studying the nature of the bishops’ work and expects to make recommendations for U.S. episcopal leadership by mid-2026. Read more
| |
|
Gain Skills at a District Training
Here's the schedule of 2026 District Trainings. These provide helpful information and skills for lay and clergy. You're welcome to attend trainings in any district.
Lake South, Jan. 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., First UMC, Oak Lawn
Prairie North, Jan. 24, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Christ UMC, Rockford
Prairie Central, Jan. 31, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Grace UMC, Naperville; "Culture Shift: Cultivating Healthy Congregations."
Lake North, Feb. 7, 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.; UMC of Libertyville; "Lead Your Church in Changing Times."
Prairie South, March 7, Oregon UMC; 9 a.m. to noon
| |
In Case You Missed It
Clergy Days Apart with the Bishop: Spend a morning with Bishop Schwerin and your colleagues for reflection, conversation, and sharing. Attend either Feb. 16 (Hinsdale UMC) or Feb. 17 (Sycamore UMC), 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Read more
Fund Balance Reports are due Feb. 28.
Interested in an Interfaith Bus Tour for Youth? Contact Sharon Rice by Feb. 8.
| | |
'Love Your Neighbor' Newsletter For Immigration Ministry
The NIC Commission on Religion and Race now produces a monthly newsletter, Love Your Neighbor. It features suggestions for prayer, actions to take, and information to share with others. Find it linked on the Immigration Resources page sidebar.
United Methodist Lent Devotional Options
Studies and devotional resources are available from Abingdon Press, the Upper Room, the Society of St. Andrew, and other UM-related publishers to help people experience Lent as a season of reflection and attentiveness. Many of the books are available to order in bulk or come with leader kits. Most are appropriate for individual use and for Sunday school/small group or congregation-wide studies. Resourceumc has put together an overview. Read more
| | |
For the first time, the UMC in Rwanda organized the commemoration in full partnership with local government authorities, bringing together faith leaders, health professionals, and community members to raise awareness. In previous years, UMs in Rwanda held small, church-based trainings for pastors, spouses, and youth leaders, focused mainly on HIV prevention.
The Inclusive Mission for Health and Hope, a UM ministry, organized the large roadside observance for communities in the Mukamira Sector of Rwanda’s Nyabihu District. The event drew more than 150 registered participants, while hundreds more paused near the bus station to listen to speeches, music, and HIV-prevention messages. Read more
Photo: Janat Twahirwa distributes condoms to participants during a World AIDS Day event on Dec. 1 in the Mukamira Sector of Rwanda’s Nyabihu District. Photo by Samuel Iraguha Shema/UMNS.
| | |
Around the Conference
Ecumenical Day of Prayer Service, Jan. 24, 2 to 4 p.m., St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, 6700 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago. Participating churches will sign joint statements of action toward creation care and drinking-water safety. All are welcome.
Fund Balance Report Webinar, Jan. 27, 7 p.m. Learn what information is required in the Fund Balance report and how to submit your church's completed report. (Reports are due Feb. 28.)
Pastoral Transitions 101 Webinar, Feb. 3, 7 to 8 p.m., online. For SPRCs and interested church members. Learn the basics of itineracy and the appointment system, how to welcome and support a new pastor, and what to expect when a pastor retires.
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. Attend on the day you prefer.
Order of Elders Gathering, March 17. Save the date; more information to come.
See above for District Leadership Training events
Around the Connection
Week of Prayer of Christian Unity, Jan. 18-25
Bishops' Vision Statement Seminar, "Wesleyan Theology: Love Boldly," Jan. 24, 9 to 10:30 a.m., online
Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem update and virtual prayer meetings, second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at noon. Next meetings: Jan. 28 and Feb. 11. Send an email to the MLO office to request log-in information.
Team Leader Training for Volunteers in Mission: Feb. 3, 10, 17, and 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m. online. Prepares leaders with mission theology, how to find a project, budgeting, recruiting, safety, cultural awareness, and more.
Scout Sunday, Feb. 8
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
| | |
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.
| | |
Lenten DVD and Book Studies
"Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner's Guide to Holy Week," with Amy-Jill Levine (6 sessions)
“Last Supper on the Moon: The Ocean of Space, the Mystery of Grace, and the Life Jesus Died for You to Have,” with Levi Lusko (5 sessions)
“Savior: What the Bible Says about the Cross,” with Magrey deVega (6 sessions)
“Seven Words: Listening to Christ from the Cross,” with Susan Robb (6 sessions)
“Witness at the Cross: A Beginner's Guide to Holy Friday,” with Amy-Jill Levine (6 sessions)
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
| | Please note: Unsubscribing from this eNews list will remove you from all notices from the Northern Illinois Conference, including messages from the bishop, appointment announcements, and sympathy notices. | | | | |
