To show active concern for their neighbors, particularly those who are targets of Immigration and Customs Enforcement but are denied due process, a group of NIC United Methodists began preparing for how they would resist the governmental overreach and keep each other safe. | |
The group has formed a Chicagoland United Methodist Rapid Response communication channel, where they share information, needs, events, and skill-building and training opportunities.
"This is the heart of Wesleyan theology after all: that we are people so haunted by God’s grace in our lives that we cannot help but be grace in our communities," says Rev. Lindsey Joyce, pastor of Grace UMC of Logan Square, Chicago, and leader of the Rapid Response effort.
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Explaining the Constitutional Amendments
The Council of Bishops announced that all constitutional amendments that were approved by General Conference last year have been ratified and are now in effect. To help church leaders explain the news and interpret the amendments' significance, UM Communications has prepared talking points (in English, French, and Portuguese).
News Release
Talking Points and Resources
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Spirit Visits Hispanic/Latine Gathering
Given the unpredictability of Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity, this year’s Hispanic/Latinx celebration on Oct. 18 took place virtually to protect participants' safety. They missed the hugs, shared meals, and in-person fellowship, yet a sense of community and inspiration emanated through the computer screens. The Spirit of God moved among the group, uniting hearts even from a distance.
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Online Giving Can Boost Generosity
This webinar, "Strengthening Generosity Through Online Giving," shows how the Vanco online giving platform can help churches that are considering a digital giving option and those that want to optimize their existing program. Join the online session on Nov. 11, 11 a.m., to learn practical, faith-based strategies.
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Benefits Lunch & Learn: Nov. 12
Hear a brief overview of benefits, along with some reminders, at this month's Benefits Lunch and Learn, Nov. 12 at 11:30 a.m. Time for a Q and A session will follow, so bring your questions about any benefits-related concern. (This meeting is rescheduled from Nov. 5.)
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Malone Calls Bishops to Moral Witness
At a time of rising threats to basic human rights, Council of Bishops President Tracy S. Malone challenged her fellow bishops to “embody the radical love of Jesus.” She added, “The Church exists to embody God’s kingdom, not human systems of power. . . . Bold, Spirit-led leadership transforms lives, dismantles injustice and reveals to the world who Christ really is.”
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Churches: Start an UMHEF Scholarship
The UM Higher Education Foundation invites churches to join their popular UM Dollars for Scholars program. Each church scholarship can grow to a possible total of $4,000 per student through partner matches! (Applications open Jan. 1 for the 2026-2027 school year.)
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The Emergency Solidarity Fund will soon disburse gifts to some of the churches that requested help with direct assistance to those affected by the ICE raids. The fund still needs donations, which will be accepted until Jan. 16. Read more
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People & Churches
Rev. Chris Pierson (retired) and the surviving family of Rev. Fernando Siaba received Champions of Justice awards from Immigration Law and Justice of Northern Illinois (formerly Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors).
Libertyville UMC was featured by UM News Service for members' donations of Walmart gift cards, each valued at $20, to active-duty military personnel and their families at the nearby Naval Station Great Lakes. So far, the church has raised more than $1,100 for the effort.
The NIC communications staff won two awards from the United Methodist Association of Communicators last week. The NIC Reporter won third place in the Print Publications: Newspaper and Magazines category. Lisa Smith earned third place in the Visual Design: Artwork category for her Annual Conference 2025 logo family.
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Reach Your Community This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving offers churches a meaningful opportunity to act on gratitude. While many people associate the season with family meals and holiday preparation, it is also a time to reach beyond the walls of the church and serve neighbors with compassion. Acts of service are most meaningful when they grow from genuine relationships. Before planning a Thanksgiving outreach, take time to listen to your community. What are the local needs this season? Which schools, shelters, or agencies already serve vulnerable families? Forming partnerships allows churches to join God’s work already happening in the community instead of starting from scratch. Read more
4 Ways for Visitors to Find Your Church Online
Whether your church has a full website or none at all, there are simple ways to create a meaningful online presence. This UM Communications webinar, "Four Ways to Be Found: Building Your Church’s Online Presence," on Nov. 12, 1 p.m., will help UM churches and ministries looking to improve or establish how they’re represented online. The webinar will look at leveraging the UMC’s Find-A-Church tool, using Facebook as your church's primary site, partnering with third-party church platforms, and building on platforms like Wix or WordPress. Discover which option fits your church’s needs, tech comfort level, and budget.
Read more
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Grants for Church Food Ministries and Pantries
The UM Board of Global Ministries announced Oct. 30 that it is introducing Feeding Our Neighbors grants, offering up to $2,000 in emergency funding for UM congregations' food ministries and pantries.
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The grants are coming at a time of growing urgency, as some 42 million Americans lost federal food benefits as of Nov. 1 and holidays are just weeks away.
In addition to microgrants for churches, Global Ministries is working on a large grant to support Feeding America, the largest hunger-relief organization in the U.S. Once finalized and approved by the board of directors, the grant will support Feeding America’s Regional Food Sourcing Initiative, which recovers and redistributes surplus produce, protein, and dairy.
UM churches that are seeking to participate in the Feeding Our Neighbors program should apply by Dec. 15. Up to 50 grants are available. Global Ministries will distribute each grant within three weeks of approval.
Read more
Photo: Ola Williams sorts through donated produce at the Willow Community Food Pantry in Willow, Alaska. 2023 file photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.
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Around the Conference
Kids Above All 2025 Celebration Dinner, Nov. 6, 6 p.m., Four Seasons Hotel, 120 E. Delaware Pl., Chicago. Tickets were still available at publication time.
Town and Rural Festival, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Grace UMC, Dixon. Hear from churches that were awarded PACK (Planned Act of Christian Kindness) and Keagy grants for their creative ministries. Lunch follows.
Methodist-Muslim Dinner: United in Solidarity and Peace, Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m., Journey of Hope UMC, Elgin.
"Strengthening Generosity Through Online Giving," Nov. 11,
11 a.m., online. Learn practical, faith-based strategies for using digital platforms as a giving option.
Kids Above All Holiday Gift Drive, Nov. 17 to Dec. 12. Gifts are requested for the children, youth, and young adults in the agency's programs, all of whom have experienced trauma. Volunteers are also welcome.
Benefits Lunch and Learn, Nov. 12, 11:30 a.m., online. Brief presentation and a Q and A on any benefits topic. (Rescheduled from Nov. 5).
Active Shooter Preparedness Training, Nov 15, 10 a.m. to
12:30 p.m., Journey of Hope UMC, Elgin. This session will be led by experienced professionals and is designed specifically for church settings.
Deadline for churches and clergy to apply for Equitable Compensation funds: Nov. 15. Read more
United Voices for Children Fifth Sunday Appeal, Nov. 30.
Benefits Lunch-and-Learn, Dec. 10, 11:30 a.m., online.
Statistical Reporting and the New Apportionment Formula webinar, Dec. 16, 7 to 8 p.m., online.
Around the Connection
Native American Heritage Month, Nov. 1-30
Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem update and virtual prayer meetings, second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at noon. Next meetings: Nov. 12 and 26. Send an email to the MLO office to receive log-in information.
Thanksgiving, Nov. 27
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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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Books on Prayer Ministry
#823002 Power of Group Prayer: How Intercession Transforms Us and the World, by Carolyn Carney
#804083 Praying Together: Forming Prayer Ministries In Your Congregation, by Martha Graybeal Rowlett
#814070 Quiet Pentecost: Inviting the Spirit Into Congregational Life, by Dwight Judy
#807191 Serving In Your Church Prayer Ministry, by Charles Lawless
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. Check their online catalog.
List of resources
Online catalog
Contact the center
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