News & Updates

Sept. 10, 2026

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Hello Prairie Central,

When Rev. Tex Evans founded the home repair ministry Appalachia Service Project, way back in 1969, he emphasized: “accepting people right where they are and just the way they are.” His words have shaped a ministry that changed my life– through my service with ASP during high school, two summers on ASP staff in college, and many years of serving as pastor and leader with groups of teenagers and adults. ASP is just one of many mission opportunities our Prairie Central District churches have engaged with over the summer–the photos below bear witness to the kind of acceptance, relationship-building, and learning that has happened through YOU! In this article from resourceumc.org, some of the complexity of short-term mission trips is lifted up, with the invitation to focus on “doing no harm,” to lean into acceptance without judgment, and to create long-term partnerships with those being served. The author suggests that volunteers and teams might change their vocabulary, for example, saying, “It’s not a trip. It’s a journey.” "This shift in perspective allows us to go from seeing these projects as a there-and-back event to an experience that encompasses dialogue, respect, and relationship.” The article might be a good read for your planning team, as you prepare for your next mission trip–or rather–journey!

Thank you, Prairie Central, for your service in Christ’s name. Thank you for accepting others as Christ accepts us! Thank you for practicing hope, in your own community, across the country, and around the world!

Every Blessing,

DS Rev. Wendy Hardin Hermann

Prairie Central District Superintendent

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 Prairie Central Mission stories:

First Church Crystal Lake offered two mission opportunities for youth. During Serve Week, youth stayed closer to home, completing a different service project each day at the church or with local nonprofits, including painting fences at the Hooved Animal Human Society. The youth also traveled to Harlan, Ky., with Appalachia Service Project, where they helped repair the flooring and stairs of a home, giving them an opportunity to serve a family in need.

Journey of Hope members from Elgin and Bartlett traveled to North Dakota for its annual mission trip to the Spirit Lake Ministry Center on the Spirit Lake Nation reservation. A group of 13 spent the week working around the ministry center and reservation neighborhood. They helped with a VBS program for local kids, gardnening, and minor construction projects including dismantling the old bath house in preparation for the new Lindstrom Family Cabin. They also attending the regional Powwow and learning more about the Lakota community and its traditions.

Grace UMC in Naperville, joined by friends from Antioch UMC, traveled to Omaha, Nebraska, for a mission experience serving with Habitat for Humanity, HomeWoven and Santa’s Camp & Wonderland. The team of high school and college students and adults built and refurbished homes, beautified properties, and constructed glamping pads for families with neurodivergent children and children in hospice. Along the way, participants built relationships, shared worship, played games, and experienced plenty of laughter and tears.

Our Saviour’s UMC in Schaumburg's annual youth mission trip took place in Detroit, giving students an opportunity to step outside their everyday lives and serve with compassion, humility, and purpose. Working alongside local organizations and meeting people from different backgrounds, students explored how mission is not simply about completing a project but about building relationships and personal transformation.

Gary UMC in Wheaton’s high school students traveled to Leslie County, Ky., for a mission trip with Appalachia Service Project. Volunteers helped build a staircase and repair a roof, combining hands-on home repair with an opportunity to serve families in Appalachia.

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.

Vacation Bible School Updates

Journey of Hope campuses in Elgin and Bartlett partnered with Community UMC in South Elgin to host Cokesbury’s “Snowball Mountain Challenge” VBS in South Elgin. Through games, stories, crafts, worship and songs, children learned about God’s love and discovered they could overcome every challenge on their journey.

Grace UMC in Naperville brought a little winter magic to summer with its July Vacation Bible Camp, “Snowball Mountain Challenge” by Cokesbury. Children, youth and adults joined in the wintry-themed fun and activities. The camp also included a service component, with participants collecting school supplies for RAO 25, a nonprofit serving the Chicago community.

Prairie Central District Zoom Gatherings

Next Gathering Sept. 10

Clergy (Zoom Link) 9 a.m.

Laity (Zoom Link) 7 p.m.

Questions? Message DS Rev. Wendy Hardin Hermann

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.

Creating Space for Community

After more than 20 years of planning, Batavia UMC is moving forward with the removal of a neighboring building and the creation of new green space for ministry and community use. The project reflects the congregation’s commitment to faithful stewardship while preserving the historic church and creating a welcoming space for worship, gathering, reflection and service. Read more.

Christians Against Christian Nationalism Group Forming

Gary UMC in Wheaton’s Church & Society team is helping form an ecumenical group focused on educating congregations and communities about Christian nationalism and its impact in local public schools, including the use of LifeWise Academy programs. The group hopes to host educational events and develop resources for use across Christian denominations. Area congregations are invited to send representatives to the next meeting: Wed., Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. at Gary UMC, 224 N. Main St., Wheaton. Contact Rev. Daniel Cochran with questions. Learn more.

Bargains and Community: Two PC Rummage Sales

First UMC in Glen Ellyn Helps Community Youth

Rummage Sale:

Sat., Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Donation Drop-off Dates

Sun., Sept. 20, noon to 5 p.m.

Mon. to Fri., Sept. 20-24,

3 to 7 p.m.

Local youth groups and sports teams are invited to help with the sale. In turn, their organization earns some of the proceeds! Learn more.

92nd Annual Sale at Barringon UMC

Fri., Oct. 2, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sat., Oct. 3, 9 a.m. to noon

Featuring clothing, toys, household goods, jewelry, sporting and garden items, tools, antiques and collectibles, including the popular “French Room.” The sale offers half-price shopping Friday at 3 p.m. and a Saturday bag sale, with proceeds supporting United Women in Faith and organizations serving women, children and youth throughout the local and Chicago communities. Learn more.

Opening Doors to Thank the Community

Elgin: First UMC invites the community to celebrate its rebuilding journey following the March 2025 storm and to thank all who prayed, supported, opened doors and walked alongside the congregation. The celebration begins Sat., Sept. 19, at 11 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting and presentations, followed by an open house, free food, and family activities. The celebration continues Sunday starting at 10 a.m with worship, a blessing of the church and a community brunch. Everyone is invited to be part of this special weekend of gratitude and celebration. 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.

Prairie Central Events:

Antioch — Gathering outside the church for prayer, singing, reading the names of those killed by ICE, and reflection.
Aurora: Wesley — Sharing an outdoor story walk beginning September 13 and remaining available for neighbors for about a week. It includes posters placed along the property line that will share the stories of immigrant families and highlight immigrant experiences.
Bolingbrook: Friendship — A worship service focused on standing with immigrants, followed by a rally with signs outside the church. A prayer circle may be held before the rally for congregation members who cannot attend.
Elmhurst: ChristFirst — Gathering at a central location with area faith communities and immigrant advocacy organizations for a vigil and protest featuring chants and songs.
Glen Ellyn: First — Gathering outside the church to reflect on immigrant journeys, share Social Principles, participate in a litany, and sing a hymn.
Naperville: Community and Hope Indian NFC — Marching 8-blocks through the Community UMC neighborhood after worship.

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.

Prairie Central Viewing Options:

Mon., Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
393 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn, IL
Thurs., Sept. 17 at 5:30 p.m.
Naperville Baha’i Community at the Naperville Public Library
3015 Cedar Glade Dr., Naperville, IL
Sun., Sept. 20 at 2 p.m.
Illinois Citizens for Race Amity
First Church of Lombard (UCC), Fellowship Hall, 220 S. Main St., Lombard, IL
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.

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:

Lake South: Oct. 3 & 10, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Location: TBD
Prairie South: Oct. 10 & 17, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Mt. Morris: Disciples, 102 N. Maple Ave.
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.

Enduring Legacy Workshop

Three classes offered in multiple locations

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.

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.

Like Us on Facebook: Prairie Central District

Rev. Wendy Hardin Hermann

Prairie Central District Superintendent

whardinhermann@umcnic.org

Prairie Central District Office at Barrington UMC

98 Algonquin Road, Barrington, IL 60010

872-810-0873

Do you have news to share?

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Check out our Submit News page for more details.

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