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Sat., Nov. 7
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Pecatonica UMC, 528 Washington St., Pecatonica
Celebrate creative rural ministry at the Town and Rural Festival. Hear from churches awarded Planned Act of Christian Kindness (PACK) and Keagy grants as they share how these funds support innovative ministries in their communities. Participants are invited to stay for lunch following the program. Learn more.
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Other Lay Academies offered around the conference:
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Prairie Central: Nov. 7 & 14, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Lombard: First UMC, 155 S. Main St.
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Lake North: Nov. 7 & 14, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Oak Park: Euclid Avenue UMC, 405 S. Euclid Ave.
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UVC Celebrates Children Advocates
United Voices for Children gathered with church leaders, advocates and community partners for its annual Raising Our Voices event, highlighting youth mental health, bullying prevention and the importance of safe, supportive communities for children. Three were honored for their commitment to children and youth, and congregations are invited to join the ongoing work through prayer, giving and advocacy. Read more.
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Congratulations to two Prairie North award recipients: Jon and Beth Boettner, and Pastor Leslie Stanford.
The Margaret Ann Williams Service Award was presented to Aldersgate UMC members Jon and Beth Boettner for their faithfulness in bringing joy to children near and far through the Toy Car Ministry.
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Pastor Leslie Stanford of Dakota Grove UMC received the Katherine B. Greene Child Worker award for her vibrant Kids Club ministry and overall commitment to creating safe places of belonging for children in her community to learn about God and build confidence.
Start preparing for UVC's next 5th Sunday Appeal, Nov. 29.
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Freeport Churches Celebrate First Blessing of the Animals
Harmony UMC and First UMC in Freeport celebrated a Blessing of the Animals on Oct. 4, the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi. Rev. Tiffany Garcea and Rev. Joey Garcea, assisted by Harmony member Peggy Richard, blessed 11 dogs, five cats and one bunny. The event included pet treats, prize giveaways and an opportunity to celebrate God’s creatures and connect with the community. The churches hope to continue the tradition and explore future partnerships with local animal organizations and churches.
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Harlem UMC Celebrates 180 Years with Service
Harlem UMC is celebrating 180 years of ministry by continuing to serve its community through Joy Jar Ministries. Most recently, the congregation donated funds to support the preschool program at Roosevelt School, delivered by Pastor Joy Hayag. Through giving, donations, and hands-on service, Harlem UMC continues its legacy of sharing God’s love and responding to community needs.
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Beyond Hispanic Heritage Month
In her latest column, Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer reflects on the Northern Illinois Conference’s Hispanic/Latinx ministries and the importance of celebrating and supporting these communities beyond Hispanic Heritage Month. She calls on United Methodists to move beyond words of appreciation through meaningful acts of solidarity, compassion and advocacy for neighbors facing fear and uncertainty. Read more.
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Bishop's Appeal Update: Advancing Educational Opportunities Around the World
The 2026 Bishop’s Appeal: Education for the Central Conferences raised $32,247.40 to expand educational opportunities in Tanzania and support theological education in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. With construction underway at Global Mission Secondary School and additional gifts through Miracle Sunday, Northern Illinois United Methodists are helping prepare future students and church leaders for service in their communities and around the world. Read more.
| | HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE | |
Be prepared and confident for 2026 statistical reporting with two upcoming webinars from the NIC Finance team. On Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., learn about the reporting process and how clergy and church administrative and finance teams can prepare accurate, timely reports. Then, on Jan. 12 at 7 p.m., bring your questions to a Q&A session for guidance on completing the process. Learn more. | | | | |
Changes with Meta One and Facebook may limit church business pages to sharing just two external links per month without a paid subscription. This could affect how churches share event registrations, ministry resources, and website links. Learn practical strategies for adapting, including using memorable vanity links, updating your Facebook bio and website, and sharing information across multiple communication channels. The MyCom Podcast also offers tips for navigating these changes in Episode 124. Learn 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. Learn more.
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The NIC Board on Church and Society’s Social Reform Grant provides $500–$1,000 to churches proposing projects that address the root causes of social justice concerns while extending God’s grace and mercy. Priority is given to projects that build partnerships among different ministries and may support both domestic and international work. Applications are due Oct. 30. Learn more.
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an opportunity for churches to recognize the reality of domestic violence and consider how we can help create communities of safety, dignity and healing. Talking openly about domestic violence in our churches is an important place to start. Read more
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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.
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Other Resources
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ResourceUMC—your online destination for United Methodist Church leaders. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical information, this site is your go-to resource. Check back often for fresh ideas and insights to empower your leadership across our connection.
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UMC Giving Resources—Mission Moments, Special Sunday Info, Leader Kits, Pew Cards, and more.
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United Media Resource Center—Lending library of Christian materials for local churches, small groups, pastors, children, and individuals.
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Like Us on Facebook: Prairie North District
Rev. Hwa-Young Chong
Prairie North District Superintendent
hychong@umcnic.org
Prairie North District Office at Rockford: Christ UMC
4509 Highcrest Road, Trinity Building, Rockford, IL 61107
872-810-0857
Debra Rogers
Administrative Assistant
Working from the Chicago Office
303 E. Wacker Dr., Suite 2020, Chicago, IL 60601
drogers@umcnic.org
872-810-0901
| | Copyright © 2026 Northern Illinois Conference | | |
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