How Apportionments Help Us Change the World

"As a pastor and a parent, I love hearing stories that connect my church and my kids to a bigger world," says Michael Mann, incoming chair of NIC's Council on Finance and Administration. "I want them to see that we are never alone, but that we are part of something greater."

A range of ministries, from the work of missionaries around the world to district-organized seminars that help us address our church culture, show how our life together is vibrant, he observes: "As United Methodists, we have as one of our values a shared communal life together, and one of the ways we express that is through our apportionment support." Our shared giving strengthens our churches and makes us part of changing lives around the world. More

Endurance produces character, and character produces hope,

and hope does not put us to shame (Rom. 3:4, 5)

Only 11 days until Annual Conference!

• Preconference briefings take place online on June 8, 7 to 9 p.m., and June 9, 10 a.m. to noon. 
  
• Faithful Action: Love Your Neighbor Demonstration: Continuing many UMs' concerns for the treatment of immigrants, NIC members and friends will march in solidarity along North Meacham Road near Thoreau Drive in Schaumburg on June 15 at approximately 5:30 p.m. Drawing on Jesus’s teaching to love our neighbors, this optional event will begin shortly after Annual Conference adjourns for its second day. Learn how to participate.

• Orientation video: Are you a new member of Annual Conference session this year? Or want to refresh your understanding of the event? Watch this brief video. 
  
• Legislative sections and legislation are posted. Find out which section you will serve on and its legislation (and all the legislation facing Annual Conference) here. 
  
• Social media hashtags are #practicinggrace and #NICAC26.

Keep checking this space for updates

Who Has Voice or Vote at Church Meetings?

Ask the UMC often receives this question: Who has voice and vote at church meetings? What does it mean to have "voice?" When can those without vote but with voice address the body? May observers address the body? Rev. Taylor Burton-Edwards explains the categories and the rights and responsibilities that accompany them. More

Build Relational Bridges in Your Community

Ken Willard, author of Beacon of Hope, recommends practical strategies for churches to connect authentically with their communities, especially in an era of rising skepticism towards institutions. In this MyCom podcast episode, Ryan Dunn talks with Willard about relational evangelism, community listening, bridge events, and the importance of adaptive communication. More

Church and Community Workers Serve US Ministries

Church and Community Workers (CCWs), UM missionaries serving throughout the US, connect the church with underserved communities, leading programs that drive positive change. They come from a wide variety of backgrounds, training, and life experiences.

“Our work seeks to love like Jesus at the places of community need,” says Randy Hildebrant, a CCW and director of God’s Country Community Ministries in Michigan. He has also served in Appalachia and in Nebraska.

“We run feeding programs for children and the poor. We provide showers, laundry service, and shelter for the homeless. We have a free clothing store and work with area school systems to address identified needs for children,” explains Hildebrant.

Emerging ministries, evolving needs, and retirements are all factors that draw people to consider a vocation as a CCW.

Those interested in learning more may visit the UM Board of Global Ministries website to find an overview of the program, expectations, and the application process. More

Around the Conference

Preconference briefings, June 8, 7 to 9 p.m., and June 9, 10 a.m. to noon, online.

Northern Illinois Annual Conference, June 14-16, Schaumburg Renaissance Conference Center.

JOY Camp, June 21-27, Camp Reynoldswood, Dixon.

Northern Illinois/Illinois Great Rivers Conferences Illinois Pilgrimage, June 25-28. Participants will explore sites related to significant racial justice events. Orientation takes place online on June 2, 7 p.m. Registration deadline is May 31.

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.

Around the Connection

Suicide Prevention Training for Faith Leaders, June 4, 5 p.m., online. Faith leaders are often the first people individuals turn to in times of deep distress. This training ensures you are prepared to respond with compassion, skill, and hope. Provided by UM Men. General Board of Higher Education and Ministry offers a video course as well.

Kids Above All Comedy Night Fundraiser, June 11, 7 to 9:30 p.m., at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee, Chicago.

NIC offices are closed June 17, 18, and 19.

Juneteenth, June 19

North Central Jurisdiction Youth Mission Trip to Motown Mission in Detroit, June 21-27

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.

Books for Children

The United Media Resource Center has books for children to lend. Among them:

#820162  Big Book of Superpowers, by Susanna Isern 

#818091  Do Nice, Be Kind, Spread Happy: Acts of Kindness for Kids, by Bernadette Russell 

#817180  Gospel’s Story, by Gary Best 

#807202 If You’d Been There in Bible Times, by Stephanie Jeffs 

#822044  Signs of God’s Love: Baptism and Communion, by Jeanne Fogle 

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

Find It Fast

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.