News & Updates

Sept. 10, 2026

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Welcome, Rev. Deidre Hines, to Lake South!

Lake South District welcomes Rev. Deidre Hines as its new district administrative assistant. Rev. Hines began Sept. 1 and will be working at the district office Mondays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m. The district office is now located at Faith Community UMC, 335 W 75th Street in Chicago, providing a new home base for the District Superintendent and district administrative support and connection.

“I am so blessed to welcome Rev. Deidre Hines as our new District Administrative Assistant,” says DS Audrea Nanabray, District Superintendent of the Lake South. “She is a no-nonsense, get-the-job-done type of person with a phenomenal work ethic. She is exactly what our very active district needs. We are very grateful to have her as a part of our team.”

Rev. Deidre Hines can be reached at by email at dhines@umcnic.org or by phone at 872-810-0896.

Putting Faith Into Action:

Serving Near and Far

Across the Conference, our churches found creative ways to turn faith into action through summer mission experiences. From local service projects to weeklong trips in other states, youth and adults stepped outside their routines to serve others, build relationships, and discover what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ. A common thread among the experiences was a focus on people, not just projects. Participants repaired homes, packed food, served seniors, supported community organizations, and welcomed new neighbors. Read more.

Read the shared Lake South Mission story:

First UMC in LaGrange sent 95 people to Clay County, W.V., with Appalachia Service Project. Volunteers spent a week replacing flooring, building porches, repairing walls, installing trim, underpinning homes, and completing siding work while embracing ASP’s summer theme of loving their neighbors.

If your church is missing, please share your story and photos with Lisa Smith (LSmith@UMCNIC.org), and we will continue updating the story as more information is received.

Task Force Moves into Feasibility Study

The Bishop’s Camp and Retreat Ministry Task Force has begun the next phase of its work following direction from the 2026 Northern Illinois Annual Conference. The Task Force is focused not on making property decisions, but on discerning what a faithful, vibrant, and sustainable camp and retreat ministry should look like for future generations. An independent feasibility study will explore the ministry, programming, facilities, staffing, and financial sustainability needed for a vibrant, year-round camp and retreat ministry. Read more.

Woodside UMC is taking prayer beyond its walls through “Prayers at the Peak,” a monthly gathering where church members meet neighbors along the sidewalk to offer prayer, conversation and connection. With a simple invitation—“What can we pray for together today?”—the congregation has shared prayers, stories, celebrations and even a few encounters with local pets and wildlife. Read more.

Enduring Legacy Workshop

Three classes offered in multiple locations across the Lake South District.

Wed., Sept. 23, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m
First UMC, 1032 Maple Ave, Downers Grove
Sat., Sept. 26, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m
Wesley UMC, 201 E 95th St, Chicago
Mon., Sept. 28, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m
Crete UMC, 1321 Main St, Crete

Cost: $10 (lunch included)

This workshop explores the theme, “How can I align my legacy with my financial plan?” The workshop will help participants consider how their financial resources can reflect their spiritual values, provide for loved ones, and create an enduring legacy of generosity. Learn more.

Conference-Wide Faithful Action Day: Sept. 13

There’s still time to join a Faithful Action Day event on Sunday, Sept. 13. Check the list of churches and communities already planning actions to find an event near you—or, if your church hasn’t made plans yet, there’s still time to organize your own. Find an event or learn how to plan an action.

View and discuss My Omaha

This September, NIC and Collective Action to Build Community (CA2BC) are hosting multiple free screenings of My Omaha from Sept. 14–20. My Omaha explores a son’s search for truth and common ground with his father while examining racial divisions between Omaha’s Black and white communities. Learn more.

Lake South Viewing Options:

Tues., Sept. 15 at 1:30 p.m.
Pizza and Social Justice Inc.
Frigo Hall at Mayslake Village, 1789 35th St. Oak Brook, IL
Wed., Sept. 16 at 6 p.m.
First UMC at the Chicago Temple
77 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL
Fri., Sept. 18 at 6 p.m.
La Grange Public Library
10 W. Cossitt Ave., La Grange, IL
Co-sponsors: CommUNITY Diversity Group, First UMC of La Grange, St. Francis Xavier, The Kind Exchange
An at-home individual streaming option is also available during this time period, with a private viewing link emailed to participants.
Click here for a list of all screenings.

Plus, don’t miss a special live Zoom conversation with film director, Nick Beaulieu, and community activist, Leo Louis II. on Sun., Sept. 20, at 3 p.m.

Click here to learn more and register.

Learn more here. Register here.

Learn more and order potatoes here.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with Your Church

Explore ways your congregation can honor Hispanic Heritage Month by learning from and celebrating the cultures, stories and contributions of Hispanic communities. Find ideas for worship, education and community engagement that can help your church make observance a meaningful part of its ministry. Read more.

Other Lay Academies offered around the conference:

Prairie South: Oct. 10 & 17, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Mt. Morris: Disciples, 102 N. Maple Ave.
Prairie Central: Nov. 7 & 14, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Lombard: First UMC, 155 S. Main St.
Prairie North: Nov. 7, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and Nov. 8, 1–4:30 p.m., Roscoe UMC, 10816 Main St., Roscoe
Lake North: Nov. 7 & 14, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m., Oak Park: Euclid Avenue UMC, 405 S. Euclid Ave.

HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

Sat., Sept. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Rockford: Grace

Join Rev. Dr. Michael Beck, director of Fresh Expressions for The United Methodist Church, for a day of creative learning, hands-on activities, and practical tools for reaching new people in new ways. Hosted by Prairie North, open to all clergy and laity across the Conference; $10 per person or $25 per church, including lunch. Learn more.

Safe Sanctuaries Fall Online Training

Help create safe, trusting spaces where children, youth, elders, and all people can experience God’s love and fellowship. Join the Training on Sat., Sept. 26, from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. via Zoom. The $20 registration fee includes class instruction and a background check. Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bethany of Fox Valley UMC in Aurora

Learn more.

The NIC Finance and Administration Office is continuing to offer free webinars to help pastors, treasurers, finance committees, and other church leaders navigate essential financial, administrative and leadership responsibilities. Webinars are recorded and available for later viewing.

2027 Budget Information, Sept. 15, 7 p.m.
Protecting Your Church: Preventing the Most Common Property Insurance Claims, Sept. 22, 6:30 p.m.
Benefits Enrollment, Sept. 23, 11:30 a.m.
Charge Conference Forms, Sept. 29. 7 p.m.
Benefits Conversation, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.
Leadership Essentials, Oct. 15, 11:30 a.m.
Protecting Your Church, Preventing the Most Common Liability Insurance Claims, Oct. 27, 7 p.m.
Statistical Reporting, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.
Statistical Reporting – Questions and Answers, Jan. 12, 7 p.m.

View the full upcoming schedule and browse webinar recordings here.

Other Upcoming Events

Sept 11-13: UMMen Spiritual Congress
Sept. 24: UVC Raising Our Voices. Annual advocacy & awards event for United Voices for Children
Sept. 29-Oct. 1: School for Leadership
Sept. 30: Blessed Are the Peacemakers Prayer Service Prayer, Scripture, music, and reflection
Oct. 4: World Communion Sunday
Oct. 5-8: NCJ Commission on Archives & History Convocation Opportunity for supporting others and sharing ideas and resources.
Oct. 11: ILJNI Fundraising Dinner Net profits raised from the dinner will go directly to support clients with high-quality free immigration legal services and much-needed resources.
Oct. 13: Methodists-Muslim Dinner Gathering, dinner, speakers, and table conversations
Oct. 14: KAA Celebration Dinner Showcasing the stories of youth whose lives have been transformed through Kids Above All’s services

Save the Date

Oct. 17: NIC Hispanic/Laine Celebration
Oct. 24: UW Faith NIC Annual Meeting
Nov. 6-8: Exploration 2026. For young adults to explore God’s call to ordained ministry through worship, fellowship, theological reflection, and practical workshops.
Nov. 12-14: Do No Harm 2026. A virtual conference equipping the Church to prevent sexual harm and foster trauma-informed care.
Nov. 17-19: National Workshop for Christian Unity

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

Suicide Prevention Awareness Resources

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Global Ministries offers ready-to-use resources to help churches and faith leaders respond with compassion and hope, including a Suicide Prevention for Faith Leaders and Faith Communities training video, promotional materials, bulletin inserts, social media graphics, flyers, and a quick-reference guide. Churches are encouraged to share these resources or host a training for clergy, lay leaders and others. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Read more.

6-Week LEAD Academy Offered

Are you ready to lead with greater clarity and confidence? The 6-Week LEAD (Leadership Equipping and Discernment) Academy invites clergy and lay leaders to take a deep, guided look at their leadership style, strengths, and growth areas. The academy equips leaders to think missionally in a post-Christendom context, helping congregations and new ministries reach people in fresh ways, with a particular emphasis on church planting while also sharpening leadership in current ministries. Sessions will be held online and begin in early October. If you’re interested, contact Christian Coon.

Connectional Giving Update

Churches across the Conference continue to make great progress in Connectional Giving, building on the faithful support shown throughout 2026. Every contribution helps sustain 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.

Prayer Partner Project Returns This Fall

Sponsored by Discipleship Ministries, the Prayer Partner Project is more than an event. It’s a spiritual practice that helps individuals deepen their faith through intentional prayer partnerships. Rooted in trust, accountability, and love, the project strengthens the foundation of Christian discipleship. Starting Oct. 10. Read more.

Local Church Non-Traditional Revenue Toolkit

For a church, non-traditional revenue comes from sources other than the offering plate, pledges, capital campaigns, dedicated gifts from church members, and the traditional stewardship season. This resource describes the theological overview of fundraising, the development and cultivation of ministry partnerships, best practices, event ideas, legal considerations, and how to market your event. Read 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. Audrea Nanabray

Lake South District Superintendent

ananabray@umcnic.org

District Office at Chicago: Faith Community UMC

335 W. 75th Street, Chicago, IL 60620

872-810-0894

Rev. Deidre Hines

Administrative Assistant

dhines@umcnic.org

872-810-0896.

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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