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Her points were well taken. Further, then-Pastor Schwerin noticed that when she wanted to engage in serious conversation with him or others, she preferred to sit down beside that person: "Not opposite. Not face to face. Not adversarial. Alongside." This led him to think about how God interacts with us. "I like to think of the triune God as the one who is for us, the one alongside us, and the one within us," he says. More
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Turn-Around Help in Plain Sight
Rev. Christian Coon, NIC’s director of congregational development, notes that he’s learned a lot in this role and recalls a mistaken belief he held as a pastor: that there is a yet-to-be-discovered program or resource that will help the church turn its fortunes around. "We already have historical traditions that are sometimes hiding in plain sight,” he observes. More
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Annual Conference Summary Report
Read a summary of what happened at Annual Conference this year in a report shared with UM News Service. In addition to highlights, it includes a data section that describes where Northern Illinois congregations stand collectively on membership, worship, church-school and small-group attendance, professions of faith, and mission engagement. More
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Watch and Download AC Videos
Several recordings of special Annual Conference events, such as the Celebration of Ministry, the youth/young adult panel laity session, and the memorial service, are available on Vimeo. Review them and share with those who couldn’t attend. More videos are being added frequently. Photos are also available for viewing and downloading on Flickr.
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Giving Achievements at Conference
Churches donated $30,960 to the Bishop's Appeal, which will benefit the building of a high school in Tanzania and the Endowment Fund for Theological Education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. (Donations will still be accepted until Sept. 30.) The Celebration of Ministry offering received $2,561 for the Ministerial Education Fund. The Missions Challenge collected some 7,000 pounds of goods, filling almost two trucks.
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UWFaith Scholarship Available
NIC's United Women in Faith offers a scholarship for women pursuing a church-related vocation, whether in ordained or lay ministry. Applicants must be accepted by an accredited graduate school, reside in the NIC, demonstrate financial need, and supply a copy of their school transcript. More
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Revolutionize Your Ministry
Wondering how artificial intelligence fits into ministry? On July 17, learn from Jason Moore, a seasoned tech advocate for churches, about what AI is and why it matters for ministry. On July 18, he'll explain how to create engaging worship experiences for both in-person and online audiences. The event takes place at Woori Naperville Korean UMC, Naperville. More
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Clergy Ethics Training Due June 30
All clergy under appointment must complete mandatory clergy ethics training by June 30. It is valid for four years. (This is in addition to Safe Sanctuaries (R) training, also mandatory, which is valid for three years.) Visit Safe Gathering's Clergy Ethics page to begin. If you have any questions, contact Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, director of connectional ministries. More
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People and Churches
Rev. Robert N. Sathuri (First UMC, Palatine) was honored as one of the top 20 Asian Americans for Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, nominated by Rep. Jonathan L. Jackson.
Jane Rubietta (district superintendent supply, Joyful Spirit UMC, Ingleside) recently published Merge: The Road After Trauma Meets Faith.
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Start Strong as a New Pastor or Church Leader
Whether you're a lay leader, clergy person, or discerning a call to ministry, Starting Strong from UM Discipleship Ministries provides resources, encouragement, and practical guidance for the road ahead. Designed to support ministry leaders at every stage, these tools can help you build a strong foundation for effective leadership and faithful service. Visit our website and discover how you can start strong and continue growing in your ministry journey. More
Tips for Receiving the Leadership of a Young Pastor
Your church is blessed if it is receiving a young pastor this season. However, there can be unintended misunderstandings. Download this tip sheet to be prepared to collaborate well and respect the leadership and gifts of a young pastor. More
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African Methodists Pledge to Speak Against Injustice
Heads of Methodist denominations in Africa celebrated their churches’ impact on healthcare, education infrastructure, and spiritual and ecclesiastical development while committing to speak against social vices that threaten people’s dignity.
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In a statement, 55 leaders who attended the historic Africa Methodist Council heads of conferences meeting May 14-18 in Lome, Togo, pledged to speak out on issues affecting the continent. “The Gospel of Jesus Christ calls the church not only to preach salvation but also to stand prophetically for justice, peace, truth and holistic human dignity,” the statement said.
The summit deliberations centered on youth unemployment, migration issues and the underutilization of technology for mission and service, which pose significant challenges to Africa’s socioeconomic development. They also addressed the growing realities of poverty, corruption, armed conflict, unconstitutional changes of government, insecurity, religious extremism, environmental degradation, gender injustice, moral decline, and the widening gap between the rich and the poor. More
Photo: Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel of the UMC of Nigeria contributes to deliberations. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UM News.
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Around the Conference
Mission u: July 10-12 in English at Stronghold Camp, Conference, and Retreat Center in Oregon, Ill.; 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 #1
The United Media Resource Center has many kinds of resources for group and individual study. Here are a few to explore:
“Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi:" six-session DVD study
“You Lost Me: Starting Conversations Between Generations:" seven-session DVD study
All-In-One Bible Fun for Preschool Children: Stories of Jesus, by Daphna Flegal
Life-Shaping Prayer: 52 Meditations in the Wesleyan Spirit, by Paul Wesley Chilcote
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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