|
Two causes will benefit equally from this year's appeal. Half will help support the construction of a high school in Tanzania, overseen by NIC elder and missionary Rev. Young Seon (Christina) Kim. As a connectional church and following the priorities of the early Methodists, we believe that every child deserves an education. The school will include four classrooms, a well-organized computer laboratory, separate dormitories for boys and girls, a multipurpose hall, athletic facilities, and more.
The other half will benefit the Endowment for Theological Education in the Central Conferences (the regional conferences in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines). Fewer than 5 percent of clergy outside the US hold a master’s-level theological degree, and their ministry contexts need educated and gifted leaders. Gifts for the endowment taken across the denomination on Miracle Sunday will help permanently endow scholarships for 500 students each year to prepare for ministry.
Find a video, flyer, and bulletin inserts to help interpret the appeal to your congregation. More
| | |
Kim Emery Reflects on CFA Leadership
Kim Emery, outgoing chairperson of the NIC Council on Finance and Administration, reflects on her time in leadership, describing it as a meaningful learning experience shaped by collaboration, change, and faithful service. She also thanks churches for their continued support of shared ministry through apportionments. (See the latest on apportionment giving here.) More
| |
| |
Faith & History on Illinois Pilgrimage
Bringing together faith, history, and a shared commitment to justice, United Methodists from across Illinois will take part in a four-day pilgrimage (June 25-28) to deepen understanding and build community. Participants will explore significant cultural and historical sites, fostering reflection, learning, and connection across regions. Registration closes May 31; there are still some spaces available. More
| |
|
Don't Miss These Grant Opportunities
The deadline is this Friday, May 15, for Creative Ministry Grant and Equitable Compensation Grant applications. Creative Ministry Grants assist new, risk-taking initiatives to impact your community. Equitable Compensation Grants help smaller churches pay for their clergy leaders. Click here for Creative Ministries Grants information. Click here for the Equitable Compensation Grants application.
| |
|
|
Mission u Registration is Open Now
UM Women in Faith's Mission u is coming up: July 10-12 in English at Stronghold Camp, Conference, and Retreat Center; Korean Language Day on July 25 at Woori Naperville Korean UMC; and a one-day event at Euclid Avenue UMC, Oak Park, on Aug. 8. The theme is "Experiencing Emmanuel": exploring when God's people experienced Emmanuel, or "God with us." All are invited. More
| |
|
Christmas Institute for Youth, July 19-21
This event for youth ages 12 through 25 is sponsored by the NIC Filipino American UMs and the NIC Council on Young People's Ministries and is open to all. The theme is "Safe in God's Arms; Together in God's Heart." The retreat takes place at Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest and includes learning, building relationships, and other activities. Fee is only $50. More
| |
|
Revolutionize Your Ministry, July 17-18
Jason Moore is leading this event. Day one focuses on using artificial intelligence in church ministry, looking at ethical and theological issues as well as best practices. Day two looks at "both/and": how to strengthen your hybrid services for in-person and online worshipers. The event takes place at Woori Naperville Korean UMC in Naperville. More
| |
|
October Leadership Gathering Topics
The bishops’ Leadership Gathering in October now has three priorities to help the UMC move in a new direction in Christ. During the gathering, some 300 participants—selected by the bishops —will consider ways the international church can engage more youth and young people, improve disciple formation, and strengthen global connectedness. More
| |
| |
Endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
and hope does not put us to shame (Rom. 3:4, 5)
-
Collect items needed by Midwest Mission for the "Fill the Truck" Missions Challenge. Donations will be accepted on Sunday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday, June 15, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. See the list of most-needed items, including gently used school supplies.
-
Hotel reservations are available for a discounted price at the Schaumburg Renaissance Convention Center Hotel. Rooms may be reserved from Saturday, June 13, through Monday, June 15, evenings. Register online or by telephone: 866-204-0549 (ask for the Northern Illinois Conference special group rate). Deadline: May 25, 5 p.m.
| | Keep checking this space for updates | | |
Antiracism and the Church Mini-Course from GETS
Race and racism shape, form, and affect every aspect of life in the US, including the histories, structures, and ethos of US churches. Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is offering a class that explores the practices of antiracism and resistance to white supremacy. Fee for this asychronous (take at your own pace) mini-course is $150. More
Suicide Prevention Training for Faith Leaders
This virtual training, offered by the General Commission on United Methodist Men, equips faith leaders with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to prevent suicide, respond to crises, and support individuals and families affected by suicide loss. Developed by the E. Stanley Jones Foundation, in partnership with the UMC General Boards of Higher Education & Ministry and Global Ministries, and narrated by Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, this course offers theological grounding alongside practical, life-saving guidance. The course takes place June 4 at 5 p.m. More
| | |
Church High School Launches Uniform Factory
The UMC’s Murewa High School in Zimbabwe has taken a bold step toward innovation and self‑sustainability with the launch of a uniform factory.
| |
The fully mechanized factory produces school uniforms, work suits, and other protective clothing. Profits are reinvested into infrastructure development under the UMC, while also supporting teacher retention, underprivileged learners, and church programs. It reduces reliance on school fees and strengthens the school’s financial base.
The equipment, purchased for $25,000, was funded through proceeds generated from the school’s piggery and vegetable garden projects.
The project is closely aligned with Zimbabwe’s Heritage‑Based Curriculum, which emphasizes practical skills and entrepreneurship. The work experience prepares students for future careers. More
Pictured: Ruvarashe Chinya receives assistance on an edge-stitching machine from teacher-in-charge Memory Maibheka. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.
| | |
Around the Conference
Creative Ministries Grant Applications due May 15.
Equitable Compensation Applications due May 15.
Miracle Sunday, May 17. Collect your church's offering for this year's Bishop's Appeal.
Registration for Annual Conference and childcare closes May 22.
Volunteering for Annual Conference sign-up closes May 22.
Mass-choir participation sign-up (look under "Celebration of Ministry") closes May 22.
Reservations for discounted rooms at the Schaumburg Renaissance Conference Center Hotel during Annual Conference close May 25. Reserve online or call 866-204-0549 and ask for the Northern Illinois Conference special group rate.
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.
Around the Connection
Kids Above All's Healthy Babies Drive, April 1-May 15. Collecting essential health and safety items, like diapers, wipes, baby gates, protective stove knob covers, and baby bottles, for the young children and parents in KAA programs.
United Methodist Student Day, any Sunday in May
UWFaith Assembly 2026, May 15-17, Indianapolis, Ind. Gathering of United Women in Faith from around the world.
Heritage Sunday, May 17. This year's emphasis: women in ministry, past, present, and future.
Two-Year Academy for Spiritual Formation Information Session, May 19, 3 p.m.
Pentecost, May 24
Peace with Justice Sunday, May 31
Juneteenth, June 19
North Central Jurisdiction Youth Mission Trip to Motown Mission in Detroit, June 21-27
JOY Camp, June 21-27, Camp Reynoldswood, Dixon.
| | |
Books on Games
The United Media Resource Center has books on games to lend. Among them:
#820060 101 Great Games for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers, by Jolene Roehlkepartain
#805223 Big Book of Bible Games, edited by Christy Weir
#808009 Great Group Games, by Susan Ragsdale and Ann Saylor
#805108 Making Fun Out of Nothing at All: 101 Great Games That Need No Props, by Anthony and Mike Burcher
#818152 Super-Sized Book of Bible Games, by Lindsey Whitney
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
| | 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. | | | | |
