News & Updates

October 23, 2025

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Nov./Dec. Reporter Available Online

Catch up on the most recent news and photos from the conference. This issue highlights stories of connection, faith, and community, from rapid response, to Facing the Future gathering, and youth exploring the meaning of Sabbath. Bishop Schwerin calls us to pay attention to our neighbors, while Rev. Danita R. Anderson invites us to lean into a new reality. Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer reflects on the challenges of living in connectionalism, Co-Lay Leader Eugene Williams reminds us that hope reigns eternal, Rev. Christian Coon encourages us to consider how welcoming our churches are, and Rev. Dr. Tércio shares insights on being a reconciling congregation.

You can check out the issue online and read the news stories here.

With Warm Faith, Pastors Seek to Counter ICE

About 40 Chicago-area clergy, including United Methodists, gathered outside the ICE Broadview Processing Center to lead a communion service and bring a message of hope and solidarity to detained immigrants. The Rev. Abby Holcombe and other UMC clergy sought to extend communion to those inside. United Methodists across the Chicago area are offering support to immigrant neighbors—providing food, walking children to school, and standing as witnesses against injustice. Read more.

The Northern Illinois Conference has established an Emergency Solidarity Fund to provide food and other essentials for immigrants now fearful of leaving their homes. We have added new resources including a video from the Bishop, bulletin inserts and a worship slide. This fund will be collecting funds through Jan. 16, 2026. The goal is for the first round of funds to be distributed in early November 2025. Learn more.

Pilgrim People Gather for the Hispanic/Latine Celebration

Though separated by distance, participants of the Hispanic/Latine Celebration experienced deep connection through worship, prayer, and reflection. Bishop Dan Schwerin spoke on Psalm 133, calling the community to live in unity and shared well-being. The event also featured a presentation from Justice for Our Neighbors’ Claudia Marchan and a heartfelt tribute to the late Rev. Fernando Siaba, honoring his legacy of faith and advocacy. Read more.

Sat., Nov. 8 at 9 a.m.

Dixon: Grace, 921 E Chamberlin, Dixon

Do you want some fabulous ministry ideas?

You will hear from numerous churches who were awarded PACK (Planned Act of Christian Kindness) and Keagy grants for their creative ministries. The NIC awarded over $46,000 in combined PACK and Keagy grants in 2025. Learn more.

HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

Sat., Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Elgin: Journey of Hope, 37W040 Highland Ave. Elgin

Cost: Free

Designed specifically for church settings, offering practical strategies to protect your congregation and staff. Learn more.

Other Upcoming Events:

Oct. 23-25: SCD 2025 Laity Bootcamp: Presented by UMC Discipleship Ministries. This gathering will provide you with practical ministry tools to enhance your faith journey and foster connections with fellow leaders.
Oct. 28: Clergy of Color Retreat: One-day retreat for NIC clergy of color. The theme is "Rest as Resistance: Sabbath for Body, Mind, and Spirit."
Nov. 4: Tuesday Teaching: Reclaiming Evangelism with Holly Adams of the British Methodist Church.
Nov. 5: Benefits Lunch and Learn: COMPASS and HealthFlex - last chance to ask questions
Nov. 6: Kids Above All Celebration Dinner: Those recognized will be Kevin Doyle & NTIVA, Michael Ward & Mandel Metals, and Cassaundra Rouse, executive director of the Illinois Tollway for their commitment to helping young people who have experienced poverty, violence, and injustice to build better lives.
Nov. 30: United Voices for Children Sunday Supporting United Voices for Children’s affiliated agencies—Kids Above All, MYSI and Rosecrance. Through this collaborative giving effort, United Methodist congregations of all sizes can make a real difference in the lives of at-risk children, youth and families.

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

Connectional Giving Update

Currently, as of the end of September 2025, our collection rates are as follows:

NIC and General Church Apportionments - 71%
Property Insurance - 55%
Health and Pension - 85%
Clergy Health Responsibility - 71%

** Note: The chart style has changed. Each individual area now has its own line showing the difference in the amount invoiced (red) and the amount received (green).

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.

Equitable Compensation Applications Open Through November 15th

Churches/Charges may now apply to NIC's Equitable Compensation Committee for funds to supplement their base compensation. Twice per year funds will be distributed to churches in need to fulfill the mission of compensating full-time clergy equitably. Churches may apply once per year. The deadline for applications for the January disbursement is Nov. 15. Read more.

Grants Available to Extend God’s Grace Through Justice Ministries

Social Reform Grants, coordinated by the Conference Board of Church and Society, financially empower churches to enact a plan for addressing a specific social justice-related concern. The funds can be used for both domestic and international social-justice work and must address the root causes of the injustice while extending God’s grace and mercy to all people. Apply by Oct. 30. 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.

Other Resources

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.
UMC Giving Resources - Mission Moments, Special Sunday Info, Leader Kits, Pew Cards, and more.
United Media Resource Center - Lending library of Christian materials for local churches, small groups, pastors, children, and individuals.

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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