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As Suicide Prevention Awareness Month comes to a close, the call to notice, listen and create communities where people feel safe asking for help continues throughout the year.
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“Faith communities cannot solve the suicide crisis on their own. But they can help ensure that fewer people suffer in silence,” write Roland Fernandes and Dr. Anne Mathews-Younes in a recent UM News commentary. Faith communities can respond with compassion, and connect people with professional support. A second resource by Rev. Dr. Rick Vance, UMMen General Secretary, highlights suicide prevention among men and the importance of creating supportive spaces where men can talk about their struggles and seek help.
Together, we can reduce stigma, strengthen connections, and equip clergy and lay leaders to recognize when someone may need support and help connect them with professional care. More
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Rev. Christian Coon reflects on the importance of making space in our churches for both doubt and belief. While churches should welcome those who question, seek and wrestle with faith, Christian reminds us not to overlook the power of believing that God is actively at work. Trust that the Spirit is moving and to be ready to participate in what God is doing. More
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Prepare for Laity Sunday
Celebrate Laity Sunday on Oct. 18, “Together by Grace: Be Grounded in Love,” based on Ephesians 3:17. This year’s observance celebrates all God’s people as they grow in grace, are grounded in God’s love, and share that love through lives of blessing, service and witness. Find graphics and worship resources created by Discipleship Ministries. More
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More Than a Month: Hispanic Heritage and the Call to Accompany
For churches, Hispanic Heritage Month offers an opportunity to recognize the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. The celebration can mean much more than a cultural event, it can be an opportunity to learn history, listen to voices that have been overlooked, and build relationships that continue throughout the year. More
Make plans to attend the NIC Hispanic/Latinx Celebration on Oct. 17 at North Northfield UMC in Northbrook.
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People and Churches
Rita L. Smith, member of Resurrection UMC in Chicago, was elected the President of the North America Area World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women. The election took place in Auckland, New Zealand in August at the 15th World Assembly.
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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.
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When stress feels overwhelming, you don’t have to face it alone. God’s presence offers comfort, strength and peace, and simple faith-filled practices can help you move through difficult moments with greater hope. Discover seven practical ways to ease stress from naming your worries and practicing gratitude to serving others, turning to Scripture and prayer, trusting God’s guidance and caring for your body. As you explore these practices, may you find encouragement and renewed well-being. More
As year-end and holiday giving approaches, churches can review their procedures for receiving, documenting and acknowledging charitable gifts. This GCFA resource outlines key guidelines for designated gifts, benevolence, love offerings, non-cash donations and donor receipts, along with a practical fall readiness checklist to help churches communicate clearly and maintain accurate records. More
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A new report from Wesleyan Impact Partners highlights the distinctive strengths of small United Methodist churches and the significant impact they can have in their communities. The report profiles nine congregations across the United States, most averaging 50 or fewer people in worship, that are thriving in both rural and urban settings through strong relationships, clear identities and community engagement. “What if the smallness of so many churches in United Methodism isn’t a problem, but an asset?” asks Rev. Kathleen McShane, who led the study. The report suggests that flourishing does not always mean getting bigger, but can mean cultivating deep faith, belonging and meaningful connections with the wider community. More
Photo: The Rev. Anjie Peek Rivers officiates at a baptism Aug. 9 for the Nichols family at Atlanta’s Eastside Church, one of nine small, thriving United Methodist congregations featured in a new report by Wesleyan Impact Partners. Photo by Karina Aragon-Buchanan, Eastside Church.
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Around the Conference
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/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.
Around the Connection
Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15
World Communion Sunday, Oct. 4
NCJ Archives & History Convocation, Oct. 5-8
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
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Planning for the fall holidays? The Resource Center has resources available to rent to help churches prepare for worship, learning and outreach throughout the season. Explore materials for Halloween, All Saints’ Day, Thanksgiving and other fall observances to support your congregation’s ministry and celebration. Suggested titles:
- "How Can I Celebrate Halloween?" – a 23-minute DVD for children
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Faith at Home: A Handbook for Cautiously Christian Parents by Wendy Claire Barrie
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Faithful Celebrations: Making Time for God In Autumn by Sharon Ely Pearson
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Sacred Holidays: Less Chaos, More Jesus by Becky Kiser
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Seasonal Specials for Children’s Ministry by Group
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Teaching & Celebrating the Christian Seasons by Delia Halverson
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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