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Tues., Oct. 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Schaumburg: Salem Korean UMC

No charge

This sacred time apart will be an opportunity to pause, breathe, and be renewed in community with fellow clergy of color. Come and experience rest, reflection, and restoration for your whole self. Learn more.

First Korean in Wheeling Marks 102 Years by Hosting Refugees

First Korean United Methodist Church in Wheeling marked its 102nd anniversary by opening its doors wide to welcome some of the city’s newest and most vulnerable neighbors. The Sept. 13 event brought together approximately 120 refugees and over 170 volunteers for a day of worship, fellowship, and practical support. The celebration featured music, performances, and family activities, along with free haircuts, medical checkups, immigration counseling, and scholarships for refugee children—embodying the message, “Serve refugees as if serving Jesus.” Read more.

Laity Sunday 2025: Together By Grace

Laity Sunday celebrates the people of God and the Spirit working through all of us. As God’s people grow in grace, we gather with others and connect with the saving love of Jesus Christ. So, on Laity Sunday (October 19, 2025), we continue to lift up God’s call to follow the way of Jesus and lead others to him – especially, as we consider what it means to be Spirit-strong, connectional disciples, ligament leaders who “cover” the LORD’s song together. Find Laity Sunday resources here.

Click here to learn more about the classes and to register.

Other Lay Academies offered around the conference:

• Prairie South: Oct. 11 and 18, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Rochelle UMC, 709 Fourth Ave., Rochelle.
• Prairie Central: Nov. 1 and 8, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Woodridge UMC, 2700 75th Street, Woodridge.

HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

Plan Now to Support College Students 

Churches whose students plan to attend a United Methodist-related college, university or seminary next year are encouraged to start thinking now about sponsoring them at $1,000 each for larger matching scholarships. Through the UM Dollars for Scholars program, the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation provides matches from the foundation, as well as partnering schools and UM conference foundations, for up to a $4,000 scholarship. The foundation offers tips for supporting college-bound students. Learn more.

Why It Matters to Take Complaints Seriously

Tyler Schwaller, Director of Sexual Ethics for the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women, reflects on how complaints—especially from survivors of sexual abuse—are expressions of pain and courage rather than mere grievances. He emphasizes that when someone shares an experience of harm, our first response should not be to question or analyze but to listen, believe, and ask what they need. True accountability, he reminds us, begins with compassion, responsibility, and the shared work of making things right. Read more.

Can Church Visitors Find You? Update Your Find-A-Church Directory Entry

Find-A-Church is an online directory where church seekers can sort through thousands of United Methodist churches and find one to visit. Is your church's entry out of date? You can add a recent church photo, include contact info and your church's website, update worship times, list languages spoken, and more! Now is a great time to update your entry before the busy Advent season. Search for your church on Find-A-Church. Find updating instructions here.

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.

Like Us on Facebook: Prairie North District

Rev. Hwa-Young Chong

Prairie North District Superintendent

hychong@umcnic.org

872-810-0857

Debra Rogers

Administrative Assistant

drogers@umcnic.org

872-810-0901

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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