News & Updates

October 9, 2025

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The Prairie South District Shepherding Team, co-chaired by Karen Newby and Pastor Seamus Enright, connects churches with Northern Illinois Conference resources and offers training for lay leaders and church committees. The team is spotlighting churches finding creative ways to serve their communities! This month, discover how First UMC in Princeton connected with local families through a simple act of sponsorship and hospitality. Read more and find out how your church can share its own “outside the box” story.

Supporting our Neighbors

In these challenging times, many of our Hispanic/Latine neighbors face growing risks simply by leaving their homes. To offer support, Bishop Schwerin has established the Emergency Solidarity Fund to assist vulnerable Hispanic/Latine individuals and other immigrants. In his message, Bishop Schwerin calls us to embody the command to “love your neighbor” through prayer, generosity, and connection—by supporting this new fund, building genuine relationships, and strengthening our shared ministry. Learn more and donate. Learn more and donate.

HOPE House Opened

The First United Methodist Church in Morris officially blessed and dedicated our newest community outreach project, The HOPE House.

It is a peaceful, calming meeting place for people who are going through difficult times and experiences in their lives, such as grief, loss, divorce, illness, etc. No one should have to struggle alone; there is support and hope. The HOPE House features several different-sized meeting spaces for community support groups. Learn more.

Channahon UMC Serving Free Food to Needy Families

Channahon UMC had used funds from a North Central Jurisdiction Grant to host the Northern Illinois Food Bank Truck. They served 56 cars in total of 97 people with fresh & frozen food. The Confirmation class and volunteers of Channahon UMC were joined by Pastor Dave and the Confirmation class from Minooka UMC to distribute the food.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.

The Day in Rural Illinois has been postponed until spring. Please watch the district eNews and conference calendar for the new date. If you have any questions, contact Rev. Sharon Rice.

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.

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.

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

Other Lay Academies offered around the conference:

Prairie Central: Nov. 1 and 8, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Woodridge UMC, 2700 75th Street, Woodridge
Prairie North: Nov. 15 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and 16 (1 to 4:30 p.m.), Grace UMC, 3555 McFarland Rd., Rockford

HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

Other Upcoming Events:

Oct. 14: Local Board of Trustees 101: To help local trustees understand their responsibilities.
Oct. 21: Tuesday Teaching: Contemporary Black Church: Dr. Jason Shelton will share his perspectives and learnings about the Black church in the 21st century.
Oct. 21: COMPASS Retirement Plan Webinar: Training on the new retirement plan for both church leaders and clergy.
Oct. 22: HealthFlex Lunch and Learn
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. 2: NIJFON Fall Fundraising Dinner: Net profits raised directly support clients with high-quality free immigration legal services and much-needed resources.
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. 15: Active Shooter Preparedness Training: Designed specifically for church settings, offering practical strategies to protect your congregation and staff.
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

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.

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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