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'Miracle Sunday' for Bishop's Appeal is May 17
You may have heard Bishop Schwerin talk about Miracle Sunday, May 17. On this day UM churches across the connection will take an offering for the Endowment for Theological Education in the Central Conferences [Africa, Europe, and the Philippines].
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NIC is contributing to the endowment via the Bishop's Appeal. Gifts to the appeal will benefit equally two recipients: the endowment fund and the construction of a high school in Tanzania, led by missionary and NIC member Rev. Young Seon (Christina) Kim. Consider taking your offering for the Bishop's Appeal on May 17. (You may designate a different day if that is not practical.)
Find bulletin inserts and a flyer on the Bishop's Appeal page. Also posted there are two videos (one three minutes long and the other five) that you can show in worship, meetings, and group gatherings to help interpret the appeal. More
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Movement in the City Suffers Fire
A fire briefly burned in Movement in the City’s (new faith community) Melrose Park campus on Feb. 26. Firefighters, who rushed from a nearby station, quickly extinguished the blaze at this building once known as the Little White Church. No one was injured. A short circuit caused the fire in the children’s ministry room in the basement. More
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Share Your 'Why' Story with Us
Rev. Christian Coon, NIC's director of congregational development, reflects on an early experience that continues to shape his faith. He urges clergy and laity to move beyond the “how” of evangelism and first reclaim the “why” by naming their own Jesus stories and the hope that anchors them. Think about your story and read how to share it with Christian. More
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Repair the Harm Goal Completed
NIC completed its portion ($754,348) of a settled lawsuit brought by survivors of abuse that took place in Boy Scout troops. Thanks to all who contributed toward meeting this goal. You have demonstrated that you care about the well-being of children. The UMC has chartered BSA troops or packs over the years and were assessed
$30 million to be paid over three years. More
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Springfield Advocacy Day, April 15
The NIC Committee on Religion and Race is leading a trip to Springfield, where participants will talk with state legislators about racism and public policy, especially as it relates to environmental justice, immigration, and education. Register for a chance to meet with your legislators and inform them about the UMC teachings that relate to public policy. More
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Lucy Rider Meyer, Love & Justice Leader
Lucy Rider Meyer (1849-1922), a social worker and educator, was an early leader in the deaconess movement in the Methodist church. She opened the Chicago Training School for City, Home, and Foreign Mission in 1885 and established the Methodist Deaconess Orphanage (now known as Kids Above All) in 1894. Learn about her this Women's History Month. More
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The Council of Bishops disseminated a pastoral letter addressing the war in Iran, "urging leaders on every side to turn from the escalation of violence and seek paths toward justice, reconciliation, and lasting peace."
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Lay Convocation takes place March 21 at First UMC in Glen Ellyn and speakers are webcast to three satellite locations. Registration now!
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Endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
and hope does not put us to shame (Rom. 3:4, 5)
Upcoming Deadlines
Legislative proposals and historical documents are due April 1. Use the forms linked from this page.
#BeUMC Awards: There's room for more church nominations for this award, which recognizes individuals and congregations who embody our shared UM vision to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. You may nominate your own church! Submit names by April 15. More
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.
Mass choir: Singers from as many churches as possible will participate in the Sunday (June 14) Celebration of Ministry service. Interested in being part of this mass choir? Visit this page and scroll down to Celebration of Ministry.
Also of note . . .
Young Adults & Youth at Conference
Young adults and youth will be active at Annual Conference again this year. Two young people, one aged 12 to 17 and another aged 17 to 30, will come from each district. Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, NIC's director of connectional ministries, affirms that young voices matter at our conference! More
Keep watching this space for updates
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How Are Maundy Thursday through Easter Sunday 3 Days?
Christians celebrate the saving events of Jesus Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection over a period we call the Great Three Days ("Triduum"). This entails the Last Supper, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter. How do we figure these as three days? This short video explains how the timing of the Great Three Days is determined. More
When Silence Becomes Sin: Condemning Sexual Abuse
Last week, the UM General Commission on the Status and Role of Women released a statement of support and blessing, "When Silence Becomes Sin: Solidarity in the Age of Epstein." It's a response to renewed public attention on sexual abuse, exploitation, and the enduring harm experienced by survivors. This resource was crafted as both a pastoral offering and a prophetic call grounded in our Wesleyan commitment to do no harm, do good, and attend upon the ordinances of God. Public moments such as these can reopen wounds, and it is our sacred responsibility to respond with compassion, theological clarity, and tangible trauma-informed care. The statement also advises on how to convert concern into action. More
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Serve as a Mission Volunteer
Mission Volunteers are individuals or couples (ages 18 and up) who seek long-term partnerships with communities around the world and fund themselves. Opportunities include working with children and youth to serving as a teacher or health-care professional. The length of service ranges from two months to more than two years. Apply now and plan to attend one of two trainings offered in 2026: May 4-7 or Oct. 26-29. Learn more
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Around the Conference
NIC UM Men Annual Meeting and Worship, March 7, 8 to 11:30 a.m., First UMC, Crystal Lake.
District Training Events on March 7: Prairie South, Oregon UMC;
9 a.m. to noon. Prairie North District Training, Grace UMC, Rockford (new location); 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Order of Elders Gathering, March 17, 9 a.m. to noon, Barrington UMC.
"Moving Forward with Hope" Laity Convocation, 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 existing ones, and hear inspiring speakers.
Academia de Siervos Laicos/Lay Servant Academy in Spanish, March 28 and April 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., First UMC, Franklin Park. Registration is now open.
United Voices for Children Fifth Sunday Appeal, March 30
Proposed legislation and reports for Annual Conference due April 1
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.
Interfaith Bus Trip for Youth, April 18, (save the date). Youth will visit houses of worship of other faiths.
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.
Around the Connection
Women's History Month, March
Scout Sunday, a Sunday of your church's choice this month
Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem update and virtual prayer meetings, second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at noon. Next meetings: March 10 and 24. Send an email to the MLO office to request log-in information.
UM Committee on Relief Sunday, March 15
Bishops' Vision Statement Seminar, "Wesleyan Leadership: Lead Courageously," March 21, 9 to 10:30 a.m., online
Palm Sunday, March 29
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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Strengthen Your Small-Membership Church Ministry
The United Media Resource Center has several books for pastors and leaders at small membership churches that offer helpful insight.
#820049 Rural Church Rescue: A Call to Restore Healthy Churches to Rural North America, by Jon Sanders
#820124 Rural Church Turnaround: Real Life Experiences of Rural Pastors and Lay-Leaders, by Danny Davis
#818016 Small Church Checkup, by Kay Kotan and Phil Schroeder
#817110 Small On Purpose: Life In a Significant Church, by Lewis Parks
#805271 Spiritual Leadership In the Small Membership Church, by David Canada
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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