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November 13, 2025

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Methodist-Muslim Gathering Encourages Action for Peace

On November 11, United Methodists and Muslims gathered at Journey of Hope UMC in Elgin for the bi-annual Methodist-Muslim Dinner, themed “United in Solidarity and Peace.” The evening featured shared meals, interfaith dialogue, and prayer, highlighting the resilience of immigrant communities and strengthening bonds across faith traditions. Read more.

How to Assist Immigrants in Your Area

As our immigrant brothers and sisters continue to be targeted and live in fear, we are called to help our immigrant neighbors, but you may wonder what you can do. Learn how you can help in your area with a list from the Immigration Team subcommittee of our CORR, while the Rapid Response continues their work. Learn more.

Amendments to UMC Constitution Adopted by Wide Margin 

The proposed constitutional amendments to the UMC Book of Discipline voted on last June at the Minnesota Annual Conference and across the denomination have been ratified. All four amendments to the United Methodist constitution have passed with approximately 92% of the total votes from annual and central conferences of the UMC. Ratification required a 2/3 majority.

Read more on the new ratified structure (regionalization).

Read more on the other amendments.

Download talking points and other resources.

Updated Mission Links Booklet

The newly released Mission Links booklet features updated projects and missionaries, contact information, and other details. Gifts should be directed only to the funds and projects listed in the updated booklet. Churches can give through the regular NIC apportionment process, noting the specific Mission Links fund when submitting payments. Individuals may give through their local church, making sure to indicate the fund or project they wish to support. Please note that credit toward a church’s Mission Links giving is applied only when donations are submitted through the Conference office. 

Download the new booklet or learn more. 

Paying Our Blessings Forward

As the holiday season approaches, Thomas Newby, CCFA lay member, invites us to pause amid the busyness to reflect on our blessings and the needs of those facing hardship. He reminds us that faith and action work together and calls us to practice sacrificial giving as an expression of gratitude and trust in God’s provision. May this season renew our faith and inspire us to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. Read more. 

The chart at the left shows our collection rates as of the end of October 2025.

Every contribution makes a difference in sustaining our conference’s mission and impact in the community. If you are not sure where your church stands on their contributions, please reach out to your pastor or church treasurer. Learn more.

 HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

Honoring Native American Heritage Month: A call to listen, learn, and build relationships

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to reflect on the rich gifts and stories of the Indigenous peoples who have shaped the land on which we live, work, and gather for worship. Many of us may not know that our church buildings stand on land that once was inhabited by diverse tribal nations, each with a particular language, culture, and traditional practices. This month offers the church an opportunity to listen, learn, and humbly build relationships grounded in mutual respect, allyship, and support. Read more.

Sand Creek Massacre Webinar

Provided by Church and Society, a two-part webinar in November will tell the story of the Sand Creek Massacre, a deadly attack on a peaceful Native American community by a military leader who was a Methodist minister. “The Sand Creek Massacre Remembered: Truth-Telling as a Path to Healing” will be broadcast from 3 to 4:15 p.m. Eastern time Nov. 18 and 20. Participants must register in advance. Learn more.

Scholarships for United Methodist Students

The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation invites churches to join their popular UM Dollars for Scholars program. Each church scholarship can grow to a possible total of $4,000 per student through partner matches! Applications open January 1 for the 2026-2027 school year. Learn more about this and other scholarship opportunities for Methodist students.

The Why Church? Campaign Available for All

Created by Church of the Resurrection, The Why Church? campaign is designed to highlight the importance of Church and the community, care, and service that happen in churches. The message is that the church offers what people need in their lives, and the call to action is for those who are unchurched to give it a try. These downloadable resources are tools any church can use to share this campaign in their community. They have provided resources that can be customized via Share Church. Share Church offers practical tools that equip clergy, staff, and volunteers with the support they need to save time, increase efficiency, and maximize their ministry. Learn more.

Suicide Hotline available

For those contemplating suicide or who just desperately need someone with whom to talk. It is confidential and free. Just call 988. The service has also been expanded for Spanish-speaking persons and deaf or hard-of-hearing persons, including those who use American Sign Language.

Rev. Brian Gilbert

Prairie South District Superintendent

bgilbert@umcnic.org

872-810-0864

Leola Tucker

Administrative Assistant

ltucker@umcnic.org

872-810-0913

Do you have news to share?

We are always looking for stories of what is happening in your church.  We welcome articles from churches highlighting ministries, outreach, and missions that tell the story of being vital Christians. Events considered should be of conference-wide appeal and United Methodist-related. 

District eNews are sent out the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. Please submit stories and events by end of business on the 2nd and 4th Mondays. Space is limited. Stories of fewer than 250 words are preferred. Submissions will be edited at the discretion of Communications staff. Information can be emailed to communications@umcnic.org.

Check out our Submit News page for more details. 

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