|
Bishop Names 2026 A Year of Practicing Hope
Bishop Dan Schwerin observes that in this contentious time in our nation, many people are experiencing fear and anxiety. To offer a gospel response, he has named 2026 a year of practicing hope. This will be the theme of our annual conference session.
| |
"For this moment, we need to be clear to the world about the hope we have in Christ," he says.
"I believe hope is an outpouring of God’s creative freedom at play in each moment," he adds. "I believe hope knows the present is held with a comma, and that God’s word is always breaking in for the common good." Read more
| | |
Register for MLK Celebration, Jan. 18
Register now for NIC's Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Jan. 18, 2 p.m., at Trinity UMC, Mt. Prospect. The service will include music, testimony, and prayer. Rev. Dr. Charles Woolery Sr. will preach. A light supper will follow. Transportation will be provided from two locations; find the reservation link on the calendar page. Read more and register now.
| |
Learn From Community Organizer, Jan. 20
The office of Congregational Development will explore community relationships at its Tuesday Teaching, Jan. 20, 11 a.m. to noon. Rev. Stacy Walker, an Episcopal priest and local organizer, will share tools to help church leaders deepen their knowledge of their communities and build relationships with residents who might otherwise go nameless. Read more
| |
Apply for Rural Ministry Grants
Applications for PACK (Planned Act of Christian Kindness) Grants and Keagy Grants for Rural and Small-Town Churches are being accepted now. They help support small-town and rural churches' community outreach ministries. Apply by March 31. Read more
| |
|
Stats Reports and Apportionments Due
It’s that time of year for churches to report their 2025 attendance, ministries, and financial records to the conference office. The information is crucial for developing an accurate picture of conference and denominational health--and informs apportionment levels. Also, the deadline for mailing check payments for 2025 giving is Jan. 9. Read more
| |
|
Attend Day of Prayer & Action, Jan. 24
As the U.S. government prepares to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change effective Jan. 27, leaders of 14 area Christian denominations will gather on Jan. 24, 2 to 4 p.m., for worship and to call the government to heed this international treaty. All are welcome to attend the event at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, 6700 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago. Read more
| |
|
Conference Will Focus on Hope
Under the theme “Practicing Hope,” clergy and elected lay members will gather for NIC’s 187th Annual Conference session, June 14-16, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center in Schaumburg. The theme invites participants to explore how hope shapes ministry, mission, and the future of the church. 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
| |
There is Still Time to Donate to the Emergency Solidarity Fund: Donations will assist Hispanic/Latine and other immigrants, who are increasingly vulnerable. Beneficiaries are those with whom our churches directly minister and those in our towns and neighborhoods. Read more
| | |
Planning Worship for All Ages
Is your congregation seeking to create worship services that truly engage children, youth, and adults together? Wesley Seminary's Children of Faith Virtual Cohort equips church teams with expert coaching, proven frameworks, and $1,000 in funding to design intergenerational worship that nurtures lifelong faith. This free 11-month program (February-December 2026) includes virtual sessions, personalized coaching sessions, and a nationwide community of faith leaders (re)imagining ministry with young people. Church team of six to eight participants will learn intergenerational worship design, change theory, and values-based practices, tailored to your congregation's context. Registration is limited to 35 church teams and closes Jan. 15. Read more
Help For Your Church's Website
Your church's web ministry is not only a great way to share information with church members; it's also an effective way to reach newcomers. Your "digital front door" welcomes visitors and serves as one of your best marketing tools. United Methodist Communications can help you with your website. Your apportionment sharing makes this available to you. Read more
| | |
“Attendees come seeking spiritual growth. We teach how to live a life of prayer in the face of obstacles, trials, and tribulations,” said the Rev. Togara Bobo, St. Peter’s pastor in charge.
The popular services, which often draw 500 or more people, are the brainchild of Bobo. He introduced the concept in 2010, while serving at Chakohwa UMC.
St. Peter’s associate pastor, the Rev. Cecilia Matengambiri, said participants come from as far as Harare, almost 185 miles away.
The lunch service, open to everyone regardless of church association, has evolved and given rise to other programs. These include a back-to-school service for students and all-night prayer on the last Friday of each month.
It has also drawn several people into Christian faith and church membership.
Read more
Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News
| | |
Around the Conference
UW Faith Mission u, Jan. 11-15. Opening worship on Jan. 11, 3 p.m.; and closing worship on Jan. 25, 3 p.m. Between those dates, each study consists of two two-hour classes each week. Check the calendar entry for times and fee. Register by Jan. 5.
Read the Bible in a Year support groups meet, Jan. 14, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. There is still room to join.
2026 Santuario Seguro® Capacitacion En-Persona/
2026 Safe Sanctuaries® In-Person Training in Spanish, Jan. 17,
9 a.m. to noon, First UMC, Franklin Park.
Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Jan. 18, 2:30 p.m., Trinity UMC, Mt. Prospect. Speaker: Rev. Charles Woolery Sr.
What Is Your Money Doing? webinar, Jan 20, 7 p.m. Learn about church finances, how to best manage them, and how to invest church funds for greater impact.
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.
See above for District Leadership Training Events
Around the Connection
Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem update and virtual prayer meetings, second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at noon. Next meetings: Jan. 14 and 28. Send an email to the MLO office to request log-in information.
Week of Prayer of Christian Unity, Jan. 18-25
| | |
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.
| | |
DVD Studies for Adults
#108074 "Hebrews: Grace and Gratitude," a six-session study with David deSilva
#112111 "Listen, Love, Repeat: Other-Centered Living In a Self-Centered World," a six-session study with Karen Ehman
#123051 "Walking With God In the Desert," a seven-session study with Ray Vander Laan
#123105 "Which Way, Lord? Exploring Your Life’s Purpose In the Journeys of Paul," a six-session study with Rob Fuquay
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. | | | | |
