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On Sunday, Sept. 13, more than 18 United Methodist churches across the Conference turned faith into action through gatherings that expressed support for immigrants and affirmed their dignity, worth, and rights.
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Churches found many different ways to offer a public witness, from prayer, song, and reflection to marches, vigils, rallies, story walks, and creative installations. Across the Conference, communities large and small carried that message into their neighborhoods, demonstrating the strength of a connectional church when people come together around shared values. While each gathering looked different, they offered a common reminder: our faith calls us not only to speak about what we believe, but to live it out through compassion, courage and action. More
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Bishop Dan Schwerin offers a word of encouragement amid the division, fear, and uncertainty of this moment. Reminding us that God is with us for good, he invites us to notice the simple signs of wonder and providence around us, share those moments with one another, and continue practicing hope together. More
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In his latest column, NIC Co-Lay Leader Eugene Williams reflects on the many challenges and uncertainties of this summer and the temptation to lose hope. He celebrates the “peculiar people” who continue to live out Christ’s mission through love, compassion, service, justice, and care for neighbors near and far. He encourages us to remain faithful, plant seeds for those who will come after us, and complete the mission. More
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NIC Serves Near and Far
Across the Northern Illinois Conference, churches put faith into action through summer mission experiences, serving locally and in communities beyond their own. From repairing homes and packing food to supporting community organizations and welcoming new neighbors, these experiences helped participants build relationships and discover what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ. More
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After 10 years of faithful leadership, the NIC gives thanks to Peggy Hansen for her contributions to Lay Servant Ministries. Kim Emery now takes on leadership of the Conference Committee on Lay Servant Ministries. Fall 2026 District Lay Academies offer laity a variety of training opportunities, allowing them to choose from different dates, locations, and classes. More
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NIC Hosts Cross-Racial/Cross-Cultural Clergy Cohort
Clergy from across the Conference have begun a nine-month Cross-Racial/Cross-Cultural Clergy Cohort designed to strengthen leadership and create a community of belonging. Through reflection, conversation and shared learning, participants are exploring the unique challenges and gifts of serving across racial, cultural and linguistic differences. More
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In Case You Missed It
6-Week LEAD Academy for clergy and lay leaders to take a deep, guided look at their leadership style, strengths, and growth areas. Starting Oct. 10. Click here for more information.
Finance & Admin How-To Webinars, NIC's finance and administration office is offering online workshops to help churches and leaders throughout fall.
Executive Assistant Position Open, Application deadline is Sept. 21.
Disability Education Summit, Learn best practices for ministry alongside people with disabilities, Sat. Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Bethany of Fox Valley UMC in Aurora.
Safe Sanctuary Training, offered via Zoom for anyone who needs to be trained or needs a refresher Sat., Sept. 26
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2026 Preliminary Journal Now Available
The NIC 2026 Preliminary Journal is now available, reflecting changes to the Standing Rules approved at the 2026 Annual Conference. The Preliminary Journal can be downloaded from the NIC website. The final 2026 Journal, including the complete business of the Annual Conference, will be available later this fall in both print and digital formats. More
Prayer Partner Project Returns This Fall
Sponsored by Discipleship Ministries, the Prayer Partner Project is more than an event. It’s a spiritual practice that helps individuals deepen their faith through intentional prayer partnerships. Rooted in trust, accountability, and love, the project strengthens the foundation of Christian discipleship. Starting Oct. 10. More
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The UMC’s United Kingdom District offers a powerful witness to how faith travels with people and creates community far from home.
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What began more than two decades ago as small gatherings of Zimbabwean Methodists seeking to worship in their own language has grown into a vibrant district with more than 4,000 members and 12 pastors. Through Shona worship, cultural traditions, mutual support and a deep sense of connection, the district provides a spiritual home for Zimbabweans across the United Kingdom. Its growth reflects the strength of the worldwide United Methodist connection and the ways communities can preserve their heritage while nurturing faith across generations. More
Photo: Worshippers sing traditional Shona hymns during a revival.
Photo by Priscilla Muzerengwa, UM News.
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Around the Conference
Interview with Nick Beaulieu, director of My Omaha film (see above), and Leo Louis II, a community activist, Sept. 20, 3 p.m., online.
Preventing the Most Common Property Insurance Claims webinar, Sept. 22, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., online.
Benefits Enrollment webinar, Sept. 23, 11:30 a.m., online.
Enduring Legacy Workshops, Sept. 23, 26, and 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sponsored by the Midwest Methodist Foundation, focus will be on how one can align their legacy with financial planning.
United Voices for Children's Raising Our Voices Advocacy and Awards event, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Grace UMC, Rockford. Focus will be on youth mental health and anti-bullying.
NIC Youth Retreat, Sept. 25-27, Camp Timber-lee, East Troy, Wis. For sixth through twelfth graders.
Safe Sanctuaries® Training, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to noon, online.
Disability Education Summit, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bethany of Fox Valley UMC, Aurora. Accessible worship, workshops, and panel discussion.
Charge Conference Forms informational webinar, Sept. 29, 7 to
8 p.m., online.
School of Leadership, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Green Lake, Wis.
District Lay Academies
Participants may attend an academy in any district
LEAD Academy, starts Oct. 5, 6 to 7 p.m., online. Six-week discernment and leadership-development experience
Tuesday Teaching, Oct. 6, 11 a.m., online. Guest presenter will present on facing resistance and sabotage in leadership
ILJNI Fall Fundraiser, Oct. 11, 4 to 7 p.m., Two Brothers Restaurant, Aurora. Net profits raised from the dinner will go directly to support client needs.
Methodist-Muslim Dinner, Oct. 13, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Barrington UMC. Gathering, Dinner, Speakers, and Table Conversations.
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/Latine Celebration, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., North Northfield UMC, Northbrook. Worship, music and food celebrating Hispanic/Latine culture.
Around the Connection
Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15
“Blessed Are the Peacemakers” ecumenical prayer service, Sept. 30, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Fourth Presbyterian Church,126 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. A peace walk will follow.
World Communion Sunday, Oct. 4
NCJ Archives & History Convocation, Oct. 5-8
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Explore More Youth Ministry Resources
Looking for new ideas and inspiration for your youth ministry? The UMRC offers a selection of youth ministry books available to rent, with practical guidance and fresh perspectives for churches and youth leaders. Explore suggested titles:
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3 Big Questions That Change Every Teenager: Making the Most of Your Conversations and Connections by Kara Powell and Brad Griffin
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Cultivating Teen Faith: Insights From the Confirmation Project edited by Richard Osmer and Katherine Douglass
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Faith of Their Own: A Theological Field Guide for Youth Ministry by Nathan Wheeler
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Organic Student Ministry: Trash the Pre-Packaged Programs and Transform Your Youth Group by Stephen Ingram
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Smaller Church Youth Ministry: No Staff, No Money, No Problem by Brad Fiscus and Stephanie Caro
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. Borrow a resource of your own interest as well. Check their online catalog.
List of resources
Online catalog
Contact the center
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