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Under the theme “Emboldened by the Spirit: Imagining a Church Yet to Be,” participants explored challenges facing the denomination and developed recommendations focused on discipleship, leadership, stewardship, accountability and mission. Reflecting on the gathering, Rev. Violet Johnicker said, “the Holy Spirit is, right now, empowering United Methodists around the world to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.” NIC Co-Lay Leader Eugene Williams celebrated the connectional spirit of the gathering, describing “the joy of fellowship and brainstorming with siblings from around the world.”
Watch a short video featuring reflections from the four participants and Bishop Schwerin, and read the full reflections from Johnicker and Williams. Additional articles, recordings, and resources are also available. More.
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What Would John Wesley Do:
Advice to Voters
While voting looked different in John Wesley’s day, the core elements of politics remain unchanged. Wesley urged voters to vote their conscious and to behave like believers in the public square, especially when it came to political opponents. Wesley scholar Rev. Dr. Hal Knight shares more on Wesley’s advice and how it applies today. More
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Highlighting UMC Ministry and Mission
New 2025 statistical data show encouraging trends across the UMC, including more than 34.5 million instances of community service, 857,000 clergy and laity engaged in mission, and a 5.66% increase in professions of faith. Churches also expanded community ministries and small groups while reducing building debt by more than $106 million. Despite declines in participation measures, the data highlights the continued impact of UM ministries in communities across the United States. More
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School Supplies to Honduras
A recent shipment from Midwest Mission to Honduras included used school supplies collected, sorted, and packaged for classrooms. The supplies will help students access essential classroom materials while keeping usable items out of landfills. Thank you to all NIC churches and members who contributed to this effort, helping expand educational opportunities and support children and teachers in Honduras. More
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Two Upcoming Learning Opportunities
Border Afterlives: Homicide by Policy, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. via Zoom
A webinar sponsored by multiple UM organizations examining border enforcement practices, environmental exposure, and deaths linked to U.S. Border Patrol actions. Registration is required.
Recognizing and Interrupting Microaggressions, Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. via Zoom
An interactive webinar by GCORR and GCSRW exploring racial and gender bias in professional settings, as well as strategies for interrupting microaggressions. Registration is required.
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Managing up in ministry means carrying out responsibilities with integrity while honoring church leadership and speaking truth when needed. GCFA offers guidance on how clear roles, accountability, and humble conversations can build trust and help churches navigate challenging situations with grace. More.
Clergy HealthFlex Annual Elections Needed by Nov. 12
Clergy, take time to review your medical, dental, vision and health account options for 2027, whether your needs have changed or stayed the same. Use the Precision Benefits tool to compare plans, watch helpful videos and explore personalized recommendations that may help you find the right coverage and save money. Review your options and make your elections by Nov. 12. More.
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Motorcycles Strengthen Ministry in Rural Nigeria
Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel presented 48 motorcycles to district superintendents across the five annual conferences in the Nigeria Episcopal Area.
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The motorcycles will help clergy reach rural communities with rugged terrain and villages often inaccessible by conventional vehicles. District superintendents welcomed the support, noting that improved transportation will ease travel burdens and make it easier to connect with congregations and expand ministry in underserved areas. Bishop Emmanuel urged the DSs to view the motorcycles not merely as a personal aid but as a missionary tool entrusted to them to reach communities, plant churches, win souls and advance the work of the UMC. More
Photo: Bishop Ande I. Emmanuel (second from left) and other episcopal leaders try out the newly acquired motorcycles at a handover ceremony in Jalingo, Nigeria. Photo by Joseph Dauda Idris Balasa, UM News.
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Around the Conference
Social Reform Grant Applications Due, Oct. 30
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, 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.
United Voices for Children 5th Sunday Appeal, Nov. 29. Support UVC’s affiliated agencies with a collection
Around the Connection
Border Afterlives: Homicide by Policy, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. via Zoom
Native American Heritage Month, November
All Saints' Sunday, Nov. 1
Recognizing and Interrupting Microaggressions, Nov. 3, at 6 p.m. via Zoom
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, online. Interactive session with UWFaith
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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Looking for a fresh way to experience Advent? The UMRC offers books for adults to help you explore the season through Scripture, reflection, and spiritual practice. Borrow a book to inspire your daily devotions, enrich your small group, or bring new meaning to your Christmas preparations. Suggested titles:
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Blue Christmas: Devotions of Light In a Season of Darkness by Todd Outcalt
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Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus: Advent and Christmas with Charles Wesley by Paul Wesley Chilcote
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Keeping Christmas: 25 Advent Reflections on A Christmas Carol by Allison Pittman
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Silent Night: The Stories Behind 40 Beloved Christmas Carols by David McLaughlin
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Women of Christmas: Experience the Season Afresh with Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna by Liz Curtis Higgs
List of resources
Online catalog
Contact the center
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