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Beyond Hispanic Heritage Month
In her latest column, Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer reflects on Hispanic Heritage Month and the contributions of the Northern Illinois Conference’s Hispanic/Latinx ministries and pastors.
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Following the Oct. 17 Hispanic/Latinx Celebration, Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer calls on the church to carry that spirit of celebration and connection throughout the year. “The church must be a community where people know they are not alone, where compassion overcomes indifference, where courage challenges injustice, and where love is stronger than fear,” she writes, urging United Methodists to stand alongside Hispanic/Latinx neighbors facing fear, uncertainty and persecution. She emphasizes that “our solidarity must be visible in our relationships and our actions,” encouraging congregations to build communities where everyone is valued, treated with dignity and supported through meaningful acts of solidarity. More.
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Choosing Connection Over Division
United Methodists and Muslim neighbors gathered Oct. 13 at Barrington United Methodist Church for the annual Methodist-Muslim Dinner, themed “Hope in Action: Standing Together Against Hate and Division.” Speakers called for continued interfaith dialogue, shared service and relationships rooted in compassion and respect. More
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Equitable Comp Applications For Final 2026 Disbursement and 2027 Now Open
The NIC is accepting Equitable Compensation applications for the final 2026 disbursement and the 2027 grant cycle to support churches and charges with full-time pastors experiencing financial hardship. Applications for 2026 are due Oct. 31, and applications for 2027 are due Nov. 30. Learn about eligibility requirements and apply online. More
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Christian Unity Registration Support
Financial assistance is available for NIC clergy, laity, and seminary students attending the National Workshop on Christian Unity, Nov. 17 to 19. Reimbursement is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bishop Dan Schwerin will deliver the keynote address on Tues. evening, Nov. 17, and the UMEIT Network will meet Tues. afternoon. Those unable to attend the full time are welcome to participate on Tuesday. More
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North Central College to Become North Central University Naperville
North Central College’s Board of Trustees has voted to rename the institution North Central University Naperville, effective July 1, 2027. The change reflects the school’s expanding undergraduate and graduate programs while preserving its historic identity and highlighting its Naperville location. More
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Changes with Meta One and Facebook may limit church business pages to sharing just two external links per month without a paid subscription. This could affect how churches share event registrations, ministry resources, and website links. Learn practical strategies for adapting, including using memorable vanity links, updating your Facebook bio and website, and sharing information across multiple communication channels. The MyCom Podcast also offers tips for navigating these changes in Episode 124. More.
Support Your Pastor’s Well-Being
Looking for meaningful ways to show appreciation for your pastor during Pastor Appreciation Month and year-round? The Duke Clergy Health Collaborative offers Loved and Cared For: A Handy Guide for P/SPRCs Who Want to Support Their Pastor Well, with practical ideas for helping clergy feel heard, valued and supported. Explore the guide and discover additional resources to nurture clergy well-being. More
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The Church is a Source of Hope in Disaster-affected Communities
United Methodists in the Philippines have provided relief and recovery assistance to communities affected by earthquakes, typhoons, and flooding throughout 2025 and 2026.
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Through the Davao Episcopal Area Disaster Management Office and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), at least 14 communities received food, hygiene supplies, shelter assistance, clean water access and solar lighting. These efforts supported hundreds of families and helped improve safety in disaster-affected areas. More
Photo: Supplies and food are distributed in the Philippines after consecutive disasters led to a multi-faceted relief effort in 2025 and 2026. Photo from UMNews.
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Around the Conference
UWFaith NIC 2026 Annual Celebration, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., First UMC in Downers Grove.
Preventing the Most Common Liability Insurance Claims Webinar, Oct. 27, 7 to 8 p.m., online.
Capacitación de Líderes/Spanish Leadership Training, Oct. 31, 9 a.m. to noon, First UMC in Franklin Park
Tuesday Teaching, Nov. 3, 11 a.m., online. Matt Miofsky of The Gathering Church in St. Louis will share about creating a culture of generosity in your church.
Town and Rural Festival, Nov. 7. Hear from active town and rural churches.
United Voices for Children 5th Sunday Appeal, Nov. 29. Support UVC’s affiliated agencies with a collection
Around the Connection
Native American Heritage Month, November
All Saints' Sunday, Nov. 1
Exploration 2026, Nov. 6-8, Orlando, FL. For young adults to discern God's call into ordained ministry.
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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The UMRC offers books and DVDs to support Advent learning and faith formation for children and youth. Explore resources to incorporate into Sunday school, youth group gatherings and seasonal church activities. Suggested titles:
- “Bedbug Bible Gang: Christmas Show!” – three segments on DVD for use with preschool to early elementary children (about 9 min. each)
- “Jesus Storybook Bible: Volume 3” – three holiday stories on DVD for preschool to early elementary children (about 5 min. each)
- “Story of Advent: Speed Sketch Bible Stories” – four stories on DVD appropriate for all ages (about 5 min. each)
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Children’s Dramas for the Church Year: Reproducible Dramas for Advent and Christmas – book by Linda Ray Miller with skits, readings, poems, and simple songs
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Christmas Is Coming! But Waiting Is Hard! – book by Karen Whiting with family activities and devotions for Advent
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Messy Christmas – book by Lucy Moore and Jane Leadbetter with ideas for intergenerational groups
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Mission: Christmas: Youth Programs and Ideas for Advent – programs and ideas for a variety of settings throughout the Advent season
List of resources
Online catalog
Contact the center
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