|
Barrington UMC Feeds Neighbors From Church Gardens
As winter’s grip loosens into spring, Barrington UMC members recall that their Christian faith calls them to feed the hungry. That faith also brings hope—hope that spring will arrive and, with it, renewed opportunities to serve their neighbors in meaningful, practical ways.
| | |
Since its inception, the BUMC Congregational Garden has produced more than 290,000 pounds of vegetables, all distributed to seven local food banks. Anticipating growing needs in the coming months, members of the garden team have already begun preparing for a successful season.
Throughout the growing season, members and friends of the church will work together to plant, weed, water, and ultimately harvest the crops.They pray that with God’s help, this effort will once again yield thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables for distribution to neighbors through local food pantries. More
| | |
Cal-Pac Calls for Prayer After Shooting
California-Pacific Annual Conference Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank asks UMs to pray "for our siblings at the Islamic Center of San Diego where there was an active shooter incident [on May 18]. Pray for those who lost their lives, those injured, and all who need holy healing from this traumatic event. Pray for a world where everyone is safe to gather for worship and education." More
| |
| |
Leading the Laity: Keep Hope Alive
"Let us pause to consider how blessed we are and what our task is: to keep hope alive!" says NIC co-lay leader Eugene Williams in his latest column. "We can move forward with hope, and we can practice a year of hope because Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Seated there on the throne is the one who is, always was, and who is still to come." More
| |
| |
Short Video Recalls Central Jurisdiction
From 1939 to 1968, the Methodist Church maintained a racially segregated structure called the Central Jurisdiction--which encompassed all Black congregations regardless of location. A seven-minute documentary amplifies the voices of those who navigated the pain of institutional segregation while sustaining a community of faith that wouldn't be diminished. More
| |
|
|
Get Ready for Vacation Bible School
If you haven't started planning for vacation Bible school, or you are seeking some ideas to boost it, you can get help from ResourceUMC. You'll find links to suggestions on how to get the word out, recommendations on effective use of puppets, a link to Cokesbury's curriculum, and some fun and flexible summer ministry ideas. 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 of racial justice in the state's history and build community. Participants will explore significant cultural and historical sites, fostering reflection, learning, and connection. Registration closes May 31. More
| |
|
What's Annual Conference Anyway?
The annual conference is not “those people out there” who make decisions that affect "us people here.” It's the basic body of the church, made of people you have sent, all working together as one body. If you have never attended, the annual gathering may seem mysterious to you. If you have attended, you may want to know more about its responsibilities. More
| |
| Revolutionize Your Ministry, July 17-18: Jason Moore is leading this event on using artificial intelligence in church ministry 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 | |
| Christmas Institute for Youth, July 19-21: This event for all 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. It takes place at Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest. More | |
| |
Endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
and hope does not put us to shame (Rom. 3:4, 5)
- We'll be celebrating the following milestones:
-
Blueprint for Wellness screening: Sign up by June 2 to have a simple blood draw taken for screening for health issues on Tuesday, June 16. If you are enrolled in Healthflex, you can make an appointment on your Personify app or call the conference benefits office at (608) 478-4609 for help in making an appointment. We need at least 30 participants to offer this helpful service on site.
-
Hotel reservations are available for a discounted price at the Schaumburg Renaissance Convention Center Hotel. 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 | | |
Navigating the Pre-Transition Space in New Appointments
Over the next couple of months, some clergy and congregations will be preparing for new clergy leadership. Some strategic actions in the coming months can shape future positive outcomes for individuals and communities in transition. The Lewis Center's Jonathan Page offers advice on how to finish well, make space, and "keep the main thing the main thing" and what these mean for the different stakeholders in a transitional space. More
How to Be an Effective Church Treasurer
One of the offices every United Methodist charge is required to have is a church treasurer. The treasurer is responsible for the proper handling and distribution of all funds received into the church’s treasury through tithes and special gifts. However, their work goes beyond maintaining accounts and paying bills; it enables the church to live out its mission in worship, outreach, evangelism, and spiritual formation. Through faithful stewardship, treasurers help ensure that the generosity of the congregation is translated into meaningful ministry. ResourceUMC has provided some resources and elaboration on how to be effective in this role. More
| | |
Mission School Plants Hope for Climate Justice
In the dusty heart of Hanwa, Zimbabwe, where the rhythm of daily life often collides with the pressing realities of climate change, a quiet revolution is taking root
| |
At the UMC's Hanwa Mission Secondary School, learners, parents, teachers, and church leaders have come together to plant trees--not just saplings, but seeds of hope, resilience, and justice.
The initiative, funded by the UM Board of Church and Society, is more than an environmental project. It is a living classroom, a spiritual statement, and a community movement. Each tree planted carries with it a story of faith, stewardship, and the determination to leave behind a greener, healthier world.
“We planted a diverse range of fruit trees to ensure that future generations benefit from shade, nutrition, and a greener ecosystem. To further enhance the school’s atmosphere, we also planted ornamental trees, creating a vibrant and welcoming environment that reflects the beauty of nature," Tendai Rebecca Gurupira, who coordinates UM ministry with women, children, and youth in Zimbabwe, explained. More
Photo: Students at Hanwa Mission Secondary School in Hanwa, Zimbabwe, show off a guava tree they planted at the school. Photo by
Kudzai Chingwe, UM News
| | |
Around the Conference
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.
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.
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 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
United Methodist Student Day, any Sunday in May
Pentecost, May 24
Peace with Justice Sunday, May 31
Kids Above All Comedy Night Fundraiser, June 11, 7 to 9:30 p.m., at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee, Chicago.
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.
| | |
Resources on Clergy Transitions
The United Media Resource Center has resources for clergy and churches that are receiving new appointments. Among them:
“Right Start: Beginning Ministry in a New Setting, Pastor's Version," a DVD/CD-ROM video-based training resource from the Lewis Center
Changeover Zone: Successful Pastoral Transitions, by Jim Ozier and Jim Griffith
Graceful Exit: A Pastor's Journey from Good-bye to Hello, by Mary Lindberg
Your Best Move: Effective Leadership Transition for the Local Church, by Robert Kaylor
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. | | | | |
