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What's Next for Outdoor and Retreat Ministries?
At this year’s Annual Conference (June 14-16), members passed legislation that directs a task force to conduct feasibility studies to evaluate the current outdoor and retreat ministry and explore steps toward strengthening it.
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The conversation about this legislation was honest and heartfelt. Many speakers testified to the ways camp has shaped faith, formed leaders, and created life-changing encounters with Christ.
It also became clear that some confusion remained about what the legislation actually approved. Read what was decided and what the next steps are toward determining a vital outdoor and retreat ministry. More
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Global Ministries at Annual Conference
The NIC Board of Global Ministries showcased at Annual Conference (June 14-16) the ways that Northern Illinois UMs support ministries that bring hope around the world. They welcomed two engaging speakers to their Lunch and Learn session and honored Hope UMC (Joliet) and Kingwood UMC (Buffalo Grove and Deerfield) for their exemplary mission support. More
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KAA Back to School Backpack Drive
Back-to-school season is right around the corner. For some kids, it can provoke anxiety. Something as simple as not having a backpack or the supplies they need can make school stressful. Each year, Kids Above All invites churches to donate school supplies and backpacks for the 1,500 school-aged kids in their programs. The backpack drive runs now through Aug. 20. More
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Order Your NIC Merchandise
Purchase NIC-branded merchandise online. Available are water bottles, windbreakers, hoodies, shirts, backpacks, notepads, and more, all displaying the conference logo. They can be great conversation starters to help you tell others what you appreciate about the UMC. More
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Asbury Seminary Loses Approval
The UM University Senate has dropped Asbury Seminary from its list of schools approved to prepare UM clergy. Asbury’s ethos statement is not compatible with the Social Principles and does not have a full-time UM faculty member who consistently teaches required UM history, doctrine, and polity, according to the Senate. More
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How Four Agencies Propose Uniting
Four UMC general agencies— Discipleship Ministries, Global Ministries, Higher Education and Ministry, and UM Communications — are proposing to unite as one agency. They've developed a web page that provides information and resources to explain the proposal. More information will appear when legislation is submitted to General Conference. More
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Reminder About Phishing Scams
There is another fraudulent email being sent out claiming to be from Bishop Schwerin. Please remember that the bishop will never ask for gift cards or funds for any purpose that you cannot donate to through your church. Delete any message that seems suspicious and alert the conference office.
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Grants Available for Local Church Racial/Ethnic Ministries
Racial Ethnic Local Church Concerns grants of up to $10,000 will be available this fall from Discipleship Ministries to strengthen leadership training, small groups, worship, stewardship, and spiritual formation in ethnic UM churches. The application deadline is Aug. 17. More
Read a Chapter a Day Plan for Bible Engagement
Discipleship Ministries’ Read a Chapter a Day plan offers an easy and meaningful way to stay rooted in Scripture, one chapter at a time. This initiative will introduce several practices of engaging scripture that will involve the heart, mind, and even body with daily readings. A weekly Bible study component offers deeper reflection and group discussions. This simple practice can help people grow closer to God and stay connected to the larger faith community. More
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Born from UM Parkview Kitengela Circuit in Nairobi, No Girl No Cry responds to the urgent needs of young women living in vulnerable environments.
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Currently supporting 26 participants, the program blends spiritual guidance with training in life skills, health education, and vocational opportunities. Its mission is simple: No girl need cry in despair when hope and empowerment are within reach.
Rev. Anthony Maiga, Nairobi District superintendent, said the initiative was started after church leaders at Parkview Kitengela UMC noticed many young people living around a nearby garbage dumpsite, where families survive by collecting scrap materials for sale.
“We noticed girls being abused and their rights violated. That painful reality prompted us to seek a solution to save the girl child,” he said.
“We give girls a platform for self‑esteem and realization through counseling, psychosocial therapy, prayers, Scripture reading, and reflection on God’s love,” Maiga said. “They are trained in self-defense and artisan skills for economic self‑reliance, including beadwork, tailoring, and hairdressing.” More
Photo: Faith Mueni practices her computer skills at Parkview Kitengela UMC. Photo by Jackline Mwende.
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Around the Conference
Mission u: July 10-12 at Stronghold Camp, Conference, and Retreat Center in Oregon, Ill. (in English); July 25, Korean Language Day at Woori Naperville Korean UMC; and Aug. 8 at Euclid Avenue UMC, Oak Park. UWFaith offers these events. Registration is now open.
Revolutionize Your Ministry, July 17-18, Woori Naperville Korean UMC, Naperville. Jason Moore will advise on using artificial intelligence in church ministry and strengthening hybrid services for in-person and online worshipers.
Christmas Institute in July for Youth, July 19-21, Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest, for all youth ages 12 through 25; sponsored by the NIC Filipino American UMs and the NIC Council on Young People's Ministries.
Immigration 101 training: Aug. 8, 9 a.m. to noon, UMC of Libertyville. Gain a deeper understanding of immigration issues and practical ways to support immigrant communities.
Around the Connection
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Sunday: observe in July or August.
SCD 2026, "Rise Up: Love, Serve, and Lead," Aug. 2-5, Columbus, Ohio. Gain practical tools, processes, and frameworks for discipleship formation; hear hands-on insights from episcopal leaders, ministry cultivators, and practitioners across the worldwide UM connection; and get to know ministry leaders, share experiences, and build lasting relationships.
AI & Church Summit, August 24-27, online. Hosted by Discipleship Ministries and UM Communications, this year's summit is planned by representatives from multiple mainline denominations and will focus on “Human Agency in the Age of AI.” It will examine preserving human dignity, moral responsibility, faithful discernment, and meaningful human participation in a world increasingly shaped by automated systems.
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Explore UMRC Resources #2
The United Media Resource Center has many kinds of resources for group and individual study. Here are two DVDs and two books of interest:
“God’s Messy Family: Finding Your Place When Life Isn’t Perfect:" six-session DVD study
“How Happiness Happens:" six-session DVD study
Don’t Look Down: Answering Jesus’ Call to Walk on the Water, by Rosario Picardo
Synergy: A Leadership Guide for Church Staff and Volunteers, by Ann Michel
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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