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Since joining the Conference in 2019, Amania has helped advance discipleship and anti-racism initiatives, supported Conference committees and strengthened connections across the denomination. “Her commitment has made a lasting contribution to the life of our Conference, and the relationships, ministries, and connections she helped nurture will continue to bear fruit,” said Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, Director of Connectional Ministries. Amania reflected that her years with the NIC have been filled with opportunities for “learning, growing, and serving with my siblings in Christ.” Join us in expressing gratitude for Amania’s faithful partnership and celebrating the new ministry opportunities ahead. More.
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Helping Youth Grow in Faith and Friendship
Youth from five NIC churches gathered for the 2026 Fall Youth Retreat, “Love Does!” to build friendships, deepen their faith and explore what it means to do good, do no harm and stay in love with God. Help youth in your church experience this opportunity for connection and spiritual growth. Save the date for Oct. 1-3, 2027, at East Bay Camp in Hudson! More
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ILJNI Fundraiser Supports Free Immigration Legal Services
More than 160 people gathered in Aurora this fall to support Immigration Law and Justice of Northern Illinois, which provides free legal services to immigrants seeking legal status in the United States. The event raised $40,500 toward a $60,000 goal. Help close the gap by making a donation, volunteering, or inviting ILJNI to share its ministry with your church. More
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Plan Ahead for End-of-Year Giving
Nearly one-third of annual church giving arrives in the final weeks of the year, making now a good time to plan for year-end generosity. This step-by-step guide offers practical ideas to help churches strengthen connections, grow in ministry, and express gratitude for all their congregations have contributed throughout the year. More
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Rediscovering John Wesley’s works in Spanish
This year marks the 25th anniversary of a special Bristol, England, consultation focused on “Las Obras de Juan Wesley,” the Spanish translation of John Wesley’s works. Scholars are celebrating that milestone by publishing 14 volumes of “Las Obras”. They are fully digitized and available for free download. More
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Save the Date: Upcoming Advent Celebrations
Mark your calendars for two opportunities to celebrate the Advent season with Northern Illinois United Methodists.
The NIC Fellowship of Asian Americans will host its Advent Gathering on Dec. 12 at Our Saviour’s UMC in Schaumburg, featuring a workshop on aging well, a Blue Christmas worship service, and fellowship. More.
The Filipino-American United Methodists will also host three Simbang Gabi gatherings on Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and 13, celebrating the Filipino tradition of faith, family and community as we prepare for Christmas. All are welcome! More.
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Calling All Local Church Communicators: UMAC 2027
Registration is open for the United Methodist Association of Communicators Conference, Feb. 25–26 in Austin, Texas. With a special rate of just $250 for local church communicators, this is an opportunity to connect with communicators across the denomination, share ideas, and discover new ways to strengthen your church’s communications. This year’s theme, “Side x Side,” celebrates collaboration in amplifying the mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church, and NIC’s own Rev. Lindsey Joyce will share insights on building community. Can't attend the conference? Membership for UMAC is free and offers many great communication insights. More
Weekly Lectionary-based Small-Group Resources
Did you know that Discipleship Ministries offers a free weekly small-group resource on our website that aligns with the Worship Resources lectionary-based materials? Consider using the small-group materials in your ministry setting or to study the Bible on your own. You can find it by clicking on the Worship Planning tab on their website and then clicking on the “Small Groups” section listed in the left column of any individual worship resource. More.
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Computer Training Empowers South Sudanese Refugees
A $5,500 grant from the UMC’s Holston Foundation funded a seven-month Youth Digital Literacy Project, providing 50 South Sudanese young people living in refugee settlements in Uganda with hands-on computer training.
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Using eight computers and a mobile training model, the project brought digital skills education to three refugee settlements, helping participants build skills for communication, education and future employment. East Africa Bishop Daniel Wandabula said the initiative is about more than technology, calling it a way of “restoring hope, developing confidence and helping young people recognize that God has given them gifts and abilities.” He hopes the project will serve as a model for other communities, with participants sharing their new knowledge with their families, churches and neighbors. More
Photo: Students and instructor Hakim Erezenious Kwenyo (right) work on laptops during a Youth Digital Literacy Project session at Ariaze United Methodist Church’s women’s training center in the Rhino Camp Settlement of Uganda. Photo by the Rev. Samuel Kulito Alestsa, UM News.
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Around the Conference
Notes of Rest Retreat for Clergy Women of Color, Nov. 14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. North Northfield UMC.
Thanksgiving, NIC office closed Nov. 26 & 27
United Voices for Children 5th Sunday Appeal, Nov. 29. Support UVC’s affiliated agencies with a collection
NIC Simbang Gabi Celebrations, Nov. 29 (Friendship UMC in Bolingbrook), Dec. 6 (Our Redeemer's UMC in Schaumburg), Dec. 13 (Good Samaritan UMC in Addison), 4 to 5:30 p.m. Three special holiday gatherings hosted by the Northern Illinois Filipino-American United Methodists.
Equitable Comp 2027 Applications Due, Nov. 30.
FAA Advent Gathering, Dec. 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Our Saviour's UMC in Schaumburg. Gather for learning, a Blue Christmas Worship, lunch and fellowship.
Statistical Reporting Webinar, Dec. 15, 7 p.m., online
Christmas, NIC Office closed Dec. 24 & 25
Around the Connection
Do No Harm, Nov. 12-14, online. Virtual Conference to equip individuals and the Church to prevent sexual harm and foster trauma-informed care.
National Workshop on Christian Unity, Nov. 17-19, ELCA Headquarters, Chicago. (UMEIT gathering on Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Advent Starts, Nov. 29
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Amid the busy preparations of the holiday season, Advent invites us to slow down and rediscover the wonder of Christ’s coming. The UMRC has adult Advent books available to borrow, offering opportunities for thoughtful reflection, spiritual growth and renewed anticipation. Find a resource to guide you through the season and help you focus on what matters most. Suggested titles:
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Behold! Cultivating Attentiveness In the Season of Advent by Pamela Hawkins
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Characters of Christmas: The Unlikely People Caught Up In the Story of Jesus by Daniel Darling
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Christmas Carol Book and Bible Study Guide by Charles Dickens and Alan Vermilye
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Dinner by Candlelight: Comfort and Joy for Advent by Kevin Louise Schaner
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Wondrous Mystery various authors
List of resources
Online catalog
Contact the center
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