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First Korean UMC Holds Prayer Vigil for Minnesotans
As a sign of its commitment to stand alongside immigrant communities and serving as a protective umbrella for those facing uncertainty and hardship, First Korean UMC in Wheeling held a prayer vigil on Feb. 7 in solidarity with the people of Minnesota.
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As immigrants living as gers (Hebrew for foreigner or sojourner) in this country, participants found it impossible to ignore the heartbreaking realities of recent months. Yet rather than yielding to fear, the community discerned that this was precisely the moment to respond faithfully as followers of Christ.
Through this vigil, the church embodied its calling to be a community of compassion and courageous faith. Even amid fear and uncertainty, the witness of remembrance, lament, and hope declares that violence and exclusion do not have the final word, says Rev. Juyeon Jeon, the church's associate pastor. More
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Methodists & Muslims Cross Barriers
United Methodists and Muslims broke bread and barriers at the Muslim-Methodist Iftar (ending the daily Ramadan fast), March 3 at the Islamic Center of Wheaton. “Part of Ramadan is fasting from indifference,” said Dr. Muhammad Abdulghany Hamadeh, chairman of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago. More
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VIMs Repair Bahamas Methodist Camp
A mission camp on Eleuthera in the Bahamas is in better shape thanks to UM Volunteers in Mission from Northern Illinois and Iowa. A team from seven congregations traveled on Jan. 18 for Camp Symonette on the island of Eleuthera. The team completed much-needed cleaning and repairs and led community activities, including vacation Bible school and classes. More
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Clergy: It's Ministry Review Time
All clergy (elders, deacons, and local pastors) and supply pastors appointed to NIC congregations are required to undergo a ministry review process led by the Staff-Parish Relations Committee. Clergy and SPRCs: begin the process now because it must be completed by May 31. More
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What Our Churches Have Given So Far
Find out how much was collected from our churches so far this year toward apportionments, property insurance, and benefit remittances. Apportionment giving supports our shared ministries, outreach programs, employees, and daily operations, which support church ministries and other essential work. More
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Register for Laity Convocation, March 21
Register now for Laity Convocation. Speaking will be Bishop Dan Schwerin; Rev. Hope Chernich, NIC Rapid Response Team member; and young people from across the conference. The event takes place at First UMC, Glen Ellyn, and satellite locations First UMC, Princeton; Faith UMC, Freeport; and Faith UMC, Orland Park. More
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Address Youth Mental Health, March 30
This virtual meeting hosted by United Voices for Children will focus on youth mental health advocacy efforts and teach adults how to talk with children and youth. Experts at Rosecrance, NAMI, and Children’s Advocates for Change will share best practices and resources on how to be better advocates. Join them on March 30, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. More
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Be a School-Supplies Drop-Off Site
Volunteer your church to be a drop-off site for Midwest Mission's collection of new and gently used school supplies from local schools at the year's end. The donations will benefit Honduran students and teachers. Strengthen your church's relationships with its partner schools and with the community and provide essential learning tools for students abroad. More
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Pastors Who Walk a Political Tightrope
Many churches are made of people of widely differing political views. When conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot to death Sept. 10 in Utah, the Rev. Lisa Kruse-Safford of First UMC in Crystal Lake had to decide what to say about it in worship the following Sunday. She mentioned it briefly and encouraged people of differing views to dialogue to hear other views. More
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Jareena Lee: Black Methodist Preacher
Jarena Lee, who lived during the early nineteenth century, was the first Black woman preacher in America and the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Born into a free Black family in New Jersey, Lee asked Rev. Richard Allen if she could become a preacher. Although Allen initially refused, after hearing her preach in 1819, Allen approved. Learn more about this trailblazing woman during Women's History Month. More
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Lay Convocation takes place March 21 at First UMC in Glen Ellyn and speakers will be webcast to three satellite locations. Lay people: register now and invite other laypeople to join you.
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Bishop's Appeal/Miracle Sunday is May 17. (You may take the offering when it is convenient for your church.) Find a flyer, bulletin insert, and short videos in English and Spanish (Korean coming soon) here.
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Endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
and hope does not put us to shame (Rom. 3:4, 5)
Latest Information
Mission Challenge: Once again, we'll be filling the Midwest Mission truck with its most needed items for those in need, recovering from disaster, and more.
Donations will be accepted at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center east parking lot on Sunday, June 14,10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Monday, June 15, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn more
Memorial service: The Memorial Service will take place in the early afternoon of June 15. Rev. Dr. Brian Gilbert will preach. Guests are encouraged to register. Names of those remembered at the Memorial Service are gathered from clergy records; however, we encourage you to submit names to be sure no one is missed. Submit names here
Legislative proposals and historical documents are due April 1. Use the forms linked from this page.
Hotel reservations: The link to make online reservations is now live. If you would like to stay over the Saturday before the conference starts, register early. Saturday rooms are limited.
Keep watching this space for updates
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Download the New UMC Handbook
The Handbook of the UMC, a digital, print-ready resource, helps United Methodists understand who we are, how we are connected, and how we live out our shared mission together. Updated for the current quadrennium, this resource offers clear explanations, helpful visuals, and trusted information for learning, teaching, and leading in the UMC. The downloadable PDF is formatted for local printing, whether for personal use, small groups, new member classes, or leadership training. Included is a conversation guide for inquiring and new church members. More
Immigration and Staff Rights & Responsibilties Resources
As immigration policies shift across the U.S., it’s important for churches and ministries to stay informed about their responsibilities and rights as employers and their rights when navigating complex situations. The UM General Council on Finance and Administration offers practical resources to help ministries understand and comply with employment verification requirements, including the updated Form I-9, and to protect their staff and communities. More
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Churches Train Young People to Promote Peace
As eastern Congo continues to heal the wounds caused by the ongoing war in the region and decades of armed conflict and aggression, the UMC is working to promote and restore peace.
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In Uvira, more than 30 youth leaders recently received intensive training focused on combating juvenile delinquency. The initiative, supported by the UM Board of Church and Society, aims to curb delinquency in a region where insecurity pushes many minors into marginalization.
For the Rev. Dumas Balegamire, superintendent of the Tanganyika District and initiator of the program, the stability of the region depends on the supervision of young people.
“To build a healthy society, we must combat anti-values one by one,” Balegamire said. “This is only a first step. We plan to reach other districts, because juvenile delinquency often fuels local insecurity.” More
Photo: A group of UM youth leaders exchange ideas during peace training
in Uvira, Congo. Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News.
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Around the Conference
Fresh Expressions Monthly Gathering, March 12, 7:30 p.m., online. Michael Beck (the UMC's director of Fresh Expressions) continues to lead a monthly cohort for folks who are interested in starting small ministries in out-of-the-way places using outside-the-box strategies. Join them even if you have only a seed of an idea.
Order of Elders Gathering, March 17, 9 a.m. to noon, Barrington UMC.
Laity Convocation: "Moving Forward with Hope," March 21, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at First UMC of Glen Ellyn and webcast to three satellite sites. Make new friends, meet up with existing ones, and hear inspiring speakers.
Academia de Siervos Laicos/Lay Servant Academy in Spanish, March 28 and April 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., First UMC, Franklin Park. Registration is now open.
Proposed legislation and reports for Annual Conference due April 1
Fresh Expressions Monthly Gathering, April 9, 7:30 p.m., online. Michael Beck (the UMC's director of Fresh Expressions) leads the discussion.
Springfield Advocacy Day, April 15. Travel with UMs to meet with state legislators about issues related to racial justice.
Nominate individuals and churches for the #BeUMC awards by April 15. You may nominate your own church!
Interfaith Bus Trip for Youth, April 18. Youth will visit houses of worship of other faiths. Online registration coming soon.
Safe Sanctuaries Training, April 25, 9 a.m. to noon, online. Learn practices to keep children, youth, and vulnerable adults safe in church activities. You'll want your vacation Bible school leaders to take this training if they have not already. The $20 fee includes instruction and background check.
United Voices for Children Fifth Sunday Appeal, March 29
Around the Connection
Women's History Month, March
Scout Sunday, a Sunday of your church's choice this month
UM Committee on Relief Sunday, March 15
Bishops' Vision Statement Seminar, "Wesleyan Leadership: Lead Courageously," March 21, 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 meeting: March 25. Send an email to the MLO office to request log-in information.
Palm Sunday, March 29
Addressing Youth Mental Health, a UVC virtual gathering, March 30, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.
Easter, April 5
Native American Ministries Sunday, April 19
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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.
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Resources for Late Spring and Summer
The United Media Resource Center has guides for late spring and summer holidays and activities. Here are a few:
#807236 Ants Work Best Together: 31 Object Lessons from Nature, by Joy Gee
#815171 Arts Camp: A Creative, Customizable Alternative to Vacation Bible School and Beyond, by Christina Clark
#817037 Best VBS Workbook Ever! by Lisa Brown
#818127 Every Step a Prayer: Walking as Spiritual Practice, by Thomas Hawkins
#819091 Faithful Celebrations: Making Time with Family and Friends, by Sharon Ely Pearson
#812072 Worship Feast: Outdoors, by Jenny Youngman
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 (now with shopping-cart feature)
Contact the center
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