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Judith brings more than 10 years of experience supporting senior-level executives, coordinating events and managing complex administrative and financial processes. Bishop Dan Schwerin said her values and commitment to integrity stood out during the interview process. “I appreciate her commitment that all persons experience respect and great support from the Episcopal Office,” he said. Judith will support Bishop Schwerin and Rev. Danita R. Anderson while helping strengthen communication and collaboration across the Northern Illinois Conference. More.
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Disability Education Summit Promotes Inclusion and Justice
The NIC Committee on Accessibility hosted its first Disability Education Summit Sept. 26, welcoming church leaders from 13 congregations for a day of learning, worship and connection. Participants explored theology, accessibility, disabled leadership and neurodivergent justice while sharing resources and ideas to strengthen disability inclusion in their ministries. More
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Two Locations to Host GC 2028
For the first time in United Methodist history, the 2028 General Conference will meet in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Harare, Zimbabwe, to expand access for delegates unable to travel to the United States. The Commission on the General Conference approved the second location Oct. 27 to promote equity, inclusion and global representation. Delegates will work together in real time from both sites. More
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Amplify Your Voice: Public Narrative Training
United Women in Faith invites you to an interactive online training on Tues., Nov. 10, from 12 to 2 p.m. to learn how storytelling can strengthen advocacy and social justice efforts. Participants will explore public narrative techniques, learn to frame actionable calls to action and have an opportunity to develop and practice their own stories. More
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Notes of Rest Retreat Offers Renewal for Clergy Women of Color
Clergy women of color are invited to Notes of Rest, a sacred time of rest and renewal on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at North Northfield UMC in Northbrook. Through music, prayer, meditation, reflection, and a sound bath led by guest facilitators Julian Davis Reid and Nova Zaii, participants will have an opportunity to step away from the demands of ministry and reconnect with God. More
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Every Local Church Benefits from an Annual Audit
For many congregations, the word “audit” can sound intimidating, but audits are an important act of stewardship. GCFA has released the fifth edition of its Local Church Audit Guide, offering practical tools, procedures and internal control recommendations to strengthen financial accountability and protect church resources. The updated guide includes guidance on electronic payments, restricted funds and audit procedures to help pastors, treasurers and finance committees approach their responsibilities with greater confidence. More
Every person deserves to feel safe, welcomed, and valued in their faith community. Safe Sanctuaries is about more than policies and procedures; it’s part of how we build trust, care for one another, and create spaces where everyone can belong. Discipleship Ministries explores why safety is essential to a truly welcoming church. More.
Learn more about Safe Sanctuary work in the NIC here.
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Young People Establish Global Kitchen Project in Angola
Young adults in the UMC’s Luanda Ecclesiastical District in Angola launched the Global Kitchen Project to combat hunger and support vulnerable families through food donations and community care.
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The initiative gathered more than 2,000 pounds of food, including rice, pasta, beans and cooking oil, for distribution to families facing hardship. “The Church’s mission does not end inside the sanctuary. It continues in homes, in communities, and alongside families facing hardship today,” said project coordinator Mauro de Oliveira. The project combines practical assistance with spiritual support, demonstrating how faith can inspire service and bring hope to neighbors in need. More
Photo: Mauro de Oliveira, project coordinator and District Director for Young Adults in the Luanda District, presents a basic food kit to the coordinator of the Intendancy for distribution among the most vulnerable. Photo from UM News.
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Around the Conference
Town and Rural Festival, Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pecatonica UMC. Hear from active town and rural churches.
Enduring Legacy Workshop, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wesley UMC in Chicago. Explore charitable giving options.
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.
Around the Connection
Exploration 2026, Nov. 6-8, Orlando, FL. For young adults to discern God's call into ordained ministry.
Amplify Your Voice: Public Narrative Training, Nov. 10, Noon to 2 p.m., online
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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Make space for reflection, hope and spiritual renewal this Advent season with resources from the UMRC. Explore books for adults that offer meaningful ways to deepen your faith, reflect on the coming of Christ and prepare your heart for Christmas. These resources are available to borrow for your personal or small-group Advent journey. Suggested titles:
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Advent Jesse Tree by Dean Meador Lambert
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Christmas Strawberry and Other Stories by Beth Lindsay Templeton
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Living Nativity: Preparing for Christmas with Saint Francis by Larry Peacock
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Roads from Bethlehem - Christmas Literature from Writers Ancient and Modern edited by Pegram Johnson and Edna Troiano
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Songs for the Waiting: Devotions Inspired by the Hymns of Advent by Magrey deVega
List of resources
Online catalog
Contact the center
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