Showing Appreciation for Pastors

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, a time to give thanks for the pastors and clergy who serve our churches and communities. From writing a personal note and praying for your pastor to sharing ministry responsibilities and encouraging rest, discover meaningful ways to show appreciation throughout the month.

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Countdown to the Leadership Gathering

The Leadership Gathering is approaching soon. The Council of Bishops will bring together about 300 United Methodists on Oct. 20-24 in Calgary, Canada to help reimagine the denomination’s future. In the meantime, organizers are providing ways for all United Methodists to engage in the work including podcasts, devotions, and livestreams of the services. More.

Funding Available for Social Justice Ministries

The NIC Board on Church and Society’s Social Reform Grant provides $500–$1,000 to churches proposing projects that address the root causes of social justice concerns while extending God’s grace and mercy. Priority is given to projects that build partnerships among different ministries and may support both domestic and international work. Applications are due Oct. 30. More.

Domestic Violence Awareness: The Church Has a Role

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an opportunity for churches to recognize the reality of domestic violence and consider how we can help create communities of safety, dignity and healing. Talking openly about domestic violence in our churches is an important place to start. More

11-site VBS event welcomes 2,500 kids in Burundi

For one week in August, churches across Burundi became classrooms, sanctuaries, and gathering places as 2,500 children and youth came together to discover the Christian faith.

More than 870 teachers and staff members led the Burundi Annual Conference’s 2026 national Vacation Bible School (VBS), which had the theme "Growing in God's Grace." The program took place in eleven parishes and was financed by the Burundi Annual Conference, parents, and Discipleship Ministries. Attendees experienced Bible teaching, worship, games, fellowship, and discipleship. They learned the Scriptures, made friends, and reflected on what it means to live out one's faith every day. More

Photo: Children participate in learning activities during a weeklong national VBS program in Burundi.
Photo by UM News.

Around the Conference

ILJNI Fall Fundraiser, Oct. 11, 4 to 7 p.m., Two Brothers Restaurant, Aurora. Net profits from the dinner will go directly toward supporting client needs.

Methodist-Muslim Dinner, Oct. 13, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Barrington UMC. Gathering, Dinner, Speakers, and Table Conversations.

NIC Retired Clergy Association's Fall Program, Oct. 13. 10 a.m., Bethany of Fox Valley UMC, Aurora.

Benefits Conversation webinar, Oct. 13, 7 to 8 p.m., online.

Kids Above All Celebration Dinner, Oct. 14, 6 p.m., Four Seasons, Chicago. Dinner and program showcasing lives transformed by KAA

Leadership Essentials webinar, Oct. 15, 11:30 a.m., online.

Hispanic/Latinx Celebration, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., North Northfield UMC, Northbrook. Worship, music and food celebrating Hispanic/Latinx culture.

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.

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.

Around the Connection

Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15

NCJ BMCR Annual Meeting, Oct. 8-10

NCJ Bring Your Own Book Study, Oct. 13, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., online. Choose a book from the suggested list, or bring your own, and come ready to share, listen and learn.

Laity Sunday, Oct. 18

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.

Explore Hospitality and Welcoming Books

Looking for ways to strengthen hospitality and welcome in your congregation? The UMRC has a selection of books available to borrow on hospitality, welcoming practices, and creating more inclusive church communities. Explore the collection and find resources to support conversations, training, and ministry in your church. Suggested titles:

• Clip In: Risking Hospitality In Your Church by Jim Ozier and Fiona Haworth
• Come Back Effect: How Hospitality Can Compel Your Church’s Guests to Return by Jason Young and Jonathan Malm
• Fusion: Turning First-Time Guests Into Fully-Engaged Members of Your Church by Nelson Searcy
• Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition by Christine Pohl
• See, Know & Serve the People Within Your Reach by Thomas Bandy

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.

List of resources

Online catalog

Contact the center

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