The Bishop’s Camp and Retreat Ministry Task Force is entering a new season of discernment following the direction of the 2026 Northern Illinois Annual Conference. The Task Force is grateful for the many clergy, laity, families, and others who have shared stories, memories, questions, ideas, and hopes about the ministry that has shaped generations across the Conference. | |
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An independent feasibility study will help explore what a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable year-round camp and retreat ministry might look like for the future. The Task Force is beginning with questions about ministry—not decisions about Wesley Woods, Reynoldswood, or the disposition of either property. A report from the feasibility study is expected in November and will help inform the Conference’s ongoing discernment. Throughout the process, there will be opportunities for people across the Conference to listen, share their perspectives, and prayerfully consider where God may be leading this ministry. More
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Welcoming Our New Annual Conference Secretary
After six years of service as Annual Conference Secretary, Randy Hayes is stepping down from the role due to health concerns. We give thanks for Randy’s faithful leadership and welcome Rev. Dr. Paul Lee, who will serve as interim Annual Conference Secretary until the next regular Annual Conference Session. More
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New Name, Same Commitment to Justice
Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors has officially rebranded as Immigration Law and Justice of Northern Illinois, marking a new chapter in its 15-year history of providing free immigration legal services, education, advocacy, and community support. While the name has changed, the mission and vision remain rooted in welcoming, supporting, and accompanying immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees. Support ILJNI and its vital work by joining its Fall Fundraiser on Sun., Oct. 11, from 4–7 p.m. More
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Creating Safe Spaces for All
Help create safe, trusting spaces where children, youth, elders, and all people can experience God’s love and fellowship. Join the Safe Sanctuaries Fall Online Training on Sat., Sept. 26, from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. via Zoom for practical guidance and resources to strengthen your church’s safety practices. Safe Gatherings training is also available online for those unable to attend. More.
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Creating Space for Community in Batavia
After more than 20 years of planning, Batavia UMC is moving forward with the removal of a neighboring building and the creation of new green space for ministry and community use. The project reflects the congregation’s commitment to faithful stewardship while preserving the historic church and creating a welcoming space for worship, gathering, reflection and service. More
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In Case You Missed It
Conference-Wide Faithful Action: Love Your Neighbor Day, Sept. 13. Join NIC churches stepping out of their sanctuaries to march, pray, and sing in a large-scale show of support for our immigrant brothers and sisters.
View and discuss My Omaha Join in one of the multiple free screenings of My Omaha from Sept. 14–20 with an at-home individual streaming option available. Additional special live Zoom conversation with film director, Nick Beaulieu, and community activist, Leo Louis II.
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. Contact Christian Coon.
Finance & Admin How-To Webinars, NIC's finance and administration office is offering online workshops to help churches and leaders, starting Sept. 15.
Executive Assistant Position Open, Application deadline is Sept. 21.
Disability Education Summit, Learn best practices for ministry alongside people with disabilities, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Bethany of Fox Valley UMC in Aurora.
NIC Youth Fall Retreat, Sept. 25-27: Youth can look forward to modern worship, teaching sessions, small-group discussions, devotional time, campfires, and recreation at Camp Timber-Lee in East Troy, Wis.
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Leading Your Church Faithfully Through Elections
When discipleship extends into public life, what does faithful Christian leadership look like? Kendal McBroom equips leaders with practical resources and practices to build spiritually grounded communities that engage civic life with courage, humility, and a commitment to the common good. More
Starting or Reviving Children's Sunday School
Starting or restarting a children’s Sunday school program doesn’t have to be daunting, especially for small or revitalizing congregations. ResourceUMC offers practical guidance on building a program around the children you already have, recruiting leaders, choosing curriculum, creating safe spaces, and connecting children more fully with the life of the church. More
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Ministry Serves Migrant Workers in Hong Kong
Since 1980, The United Methodist Church in the Philippines and Methodist International Church in Hong Kong have partnered to serve overseas Filipino workers.
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What began as a humble fellowship has grown into a sanctuary and community of faith offering spiritual support, 24-hour refuge, legal assistance, mental health debriefing and counseling for workers facing difficult circumstances. By walking alongside Filipino migrants during challenging seasons, the ministry reminds them that they are not alone. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to care for and empower Filipinos wherever they may be. Today, the churches continue to build a welcoming community that protects, supports and journeys with Filipino migrants. Watch the video to learn more
Photo: Screenshot of the video created by UMNews
about the church and their ministry with migrants.
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Around the Conference
UM Men Spiritual Congress, Sept. 11-13, Conference Point Center, Williams Bay, Wis.
Conference-Wide Faithful Action: Love Your Neighbor Day, Sept. 13. NIC churches will step out of their sanctuaries to march, pray, and sing in a large-scale show of support for our immigrant brothers and sisters.
My Omaha screenings, Sept. 14-20. This documentary traces the search for truth and common ground that has been playing out for decades between Omaha’s African Americans and the larger, dominant white community. Organized by Collective Action to Build Community, of which NIC's Committee on Religion and Race is a member.
2027 Budget Information webinar, Sept. 15, 7 to 8 p.m.
Fresh Expressions Greenhouse Day, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Grace UMC, Rockford. This Prairie North event is available to all NIC lay and clergy. Explore how to cultivate new faith communities alongside existing churches.
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.
Benefits Enrollment webinar, Sept. 23, 11:30 a.m.
Enduring Legacy Workshops, Sept. 23, 26, and 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sponsored by the Midwest Methodist Foundation, focus ill be on how one can align their legacy with finaincial 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.
NIC Disability Education Summit, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bethany of Fox Valley UMC, Aurora. Accessible worship, workshops, and panel discussion. Free event with optional $10 lunch. Hosted by the NIC Committee on Accessibility.
Charge Conference Forms informational webinar, Sept. 29, 7 to
8 p.m.
School of Leadership, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, Green Lake, Wis. Learn from Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean about innovation in ministry. NIC clergy are eligible for a $100 registration subsidy.
Around the Connection
Christian Education Sunday, Sept. 13
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
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Explore Youth Ministry Resources
Looking for fresh resources for your youth ministry? UMRC offers a collection of youth ministry books available to rent, offering practical ideas, inspiration, and guidance for churches and youth leaders. Suggested titles:
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Engaging Generation Z: Raising the Bar for Youth Ministry by Tim McKnight
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Godbearing Life: The Art of Soul Tending for Youth Ministry – Revised Edition by Kenda Creasy Dean, Ron Foster, and Megan DeWald
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Inter-Generational Youth Ministry by Mel Walker
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Liberating Youth from Adolescence by Jeremy Paul Myers
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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