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The Northern Illinois Conference is creating new opportunities for connection and support through dedicated district offices and administrative staff serving churches, clergy, and district leaders across the Conference.
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These staff and office spaces provide clear points of connection while supporting district leadership, administrative needs, and relationship-building. “The cabinet is deeply grateful that the changes to our district offices will greatly enhance our ministry together,” said Rev. Dr. Hwa-Young Chong, Dean of the NIC Cabinet. “This structure will strengthen our connectional life while helping us better meet the unique needs of each district.” The new structure reflects the Conference’s commitment to strengthening connectional ministry and creating more opportunities for conversation, collaboration, and shared ministry. More
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Welcoming Our New CBO
The NIC welcomes Sheryl Hatcher as its new Conference Benefits Officer, beginning Sept. 28. With more than 25 years of experience in financial and health care fields, including seven years at Wespath, Sheryl will support clergy and retirees with benefits questions and resources, especially as annual open enrollment approaches. More
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Sharing a Meal, Building Relationships
You are invited to come together for an evening of fellowship, conversation and shared hope with our Muslim neighbors at the Methodist-Muslim Dinner. On Tues., Oct. 13 in Barrington, enjoy a meal, learn from one another’s faith traditions, build new relationships, and celebrate the values we share. More
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Sacred Voting: 2026 Midterm Election Resources
The General Board of Church and Society offers resources to help United Methodists participate faithfully in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, with resources focused on voter education, engagement, and protection. Explore the collection to learn more about voting and ways to participate in civic life. 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.
Safe Sanctuary Training, offered via Zoom for anyone who needs to be trained or needs a refresher Sat., Sept. 26. Registration closes at midnight, Sept. 23.
The NIC 2026 Preliminary Journal is now available for download.
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NCJ Bring Your Own Book Study
Join laity and clergy from across the North Central Jurisdiction for a Bring Your Own Book Study on Tues., Oct. 13, from 6:30 to 8 p.m via Zoom, hosted by the Conference Secretaries of Global Ministries. Choose a book from the suggested list, or bring your own, and come ready to share, listen, and learn. No time to read? You’re welcome to join anyway. More
NIC clergy appointed to a local United Methodist church are invited to participate in Financial Leadership for Congregations from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Spring 2027. The course equips leaders with practical financial tools and knowledge to strengthen financial wisdom, integrity, and credibility while growing congregational financial capacity and ministry. The Midwest Methodist Foundation will reimburse the full $500 registration fee to the participant’s church for the first 20 NIC clergy who register. More.
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Standing in solidarity with Indigenous peoples
The United Methodist Church in the Philippines continues to stand in solidarity with Indigenous peoples, including the Aetas, as they defend their ancestral lands, rights and cultural traditions.
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At Aeta Day 2026, Indigenous communities and their allies gathered to raise awareness of threats including militarization, land grabbing and potential displacement. Cultural activities, storytelling and messages of solidarity highlighted the importance of preserving Aeta heritage and their connection to the land. Church leaders are calling United Methodists to move beyond symbolic support by listening to Indigenous communities, amplifying their voices and working for justice, dignity and environmental protection. More
Photo: Attendees participate in Aeta Day 2026, a gathering of Filipino Indigenous
peoples and their allies. Photo via UMNews
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Around the Conference
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 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
Cyber Threats webinar, Oct. 6, 7 to 8 p.m., online.
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/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
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.
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Explore Church Hospitality and Welcoming DVD Resources
Explore practical ways to strengthen hospitality and create a more welcoming church community with DVD resources available to rent from the United Methodist Resource Center. Designed for churches and ministry teams, it offers ideas and inspiration for helping guests and members feel noticed, valued, and connected. Explore suggested titles:
- “Art of Hospitality: A Practical Guide for a Ministry of Radical Welcome”
7 DVD segments
- “Connect With Your Neighbors”
DVD/CDROM resource includes three DVD presentations, four PowerPoint presentations, and printable handouts
- “Fear of the Other: No Fear In Love”
5 DVD segments
- “Welcoming Ministry Training Manual and Planning Handbook”
a handbook and DVD set with plans for 14 training sessions
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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