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Monthly Clergy Zoom Gathering
Thurs., Sept. 17, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Main Topic: Church Conference – What’s New and Best Practices
Zoom Link (Use the same link each time)
Meeting ID: 859 7408 5298, Passcode: Clergy
This is our opportunity to check in with each other and hear about any upcoming events. Each month, we will have a focus topic. In September, we will talk about what’s new about this year’s church conference and the practices of the church conference. The upcoming meeting dates (all at 10:30 a.m.): Wed., Oct. 14, Thurs., Nov. 17 and Wed., Jan. 13 (No meeting in December) Hope you can join us!
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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.
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Rockton UMC is Growing Community in a Garden
Rockton UMC and the Roscoe Gardening Club are growing more than vegetables through their shared garden. The harvest goes to a local food pantry, while the partnership has blossomed into joint events, new friendships and even a new church member. The experience shows how churches can build community by noticing who is already serving nearby and finding ways to join their efforts. Read more
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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 an engaging day of creative learning, hands-on activities, and practical tools to help your church connect with new people in new ways.
Prairie North is hosting this special opportunity, and we want you there! Gather with clergy and laity from across the Conference to explore fresh ways to build relationships, engage your community, and cultivate new expressions of church.
$10 per person or $25 per church, including lunch.
Come ready to imagine what’s possible—and leave with ideas you can put into practice. Learn more.
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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.
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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. There is also an at-home individual streaming option available during this time period, with a private viewing link emailed to participants. Learn more.
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.
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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.
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Other Lay Academies offered around the conference:
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Lake South: Oct. 3 & 10, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Location: TBD
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Prairie South: Oct. 10 & 17, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Mt. Morris: Disciples, 102 N. Maple Ave.
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Prairie Central: Nov. 7 & 14, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Lombard: First UMC, 155 S. Main St.
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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 | |
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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.
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Saturday, Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bethany of Fox Valley UMC in Aurora
Learn more.
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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.
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2027 Budget Information, Sept. 15, 7 p.m.
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Protecting Your Church: Preventing the Most Common Property Insurance Claims, Sept. 22, 6:30 p.m.
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Benefits Enrollment, Sept. 23, 11:30 a.m.
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Charge Conference Forms, Sept. 29. 7 p.m.
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Benefits Conversation, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.
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Leadership Essentials, Oct. 15, 11:30 a.m.
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Protecting Your Church, Preventing the Most Common Liability Insurance Claims, Oct. 27, 7 p.m.
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Statistical Reporting, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.
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Statistical Reporting – Questions and Answers, Jan. 12, 7 p.m.
View the full upcoming schedule and browse webinar recordings here.
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Enduring Legacy Workshop
Three classes offered in multiple locations
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Wed., Sept. 23, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m
- First UMC, 1032 Maple Ave, Downers Grove
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Sat., Sept. 26, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m
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Wesley UMC, 201 E 95th St, Chicago
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Mon., Sept. 28, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Other Resources
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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.
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UMC Giving Resources—Mission Moments, Special Sunday Info, Leader Kits, Pew Cards, and more.
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United Media Resource Center—Lending library of Christian materials for local churches, small groups, pastors, children, and individuals.
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Like Us on Facebook: Prairie North District
Rev. Hwa-Young Chong
Prairie North District Superintendent
hychong@umcnic.org
Prairie North District Office at Rockford: Christ UMC
4509 Highcrest Road, Trinity Building, Rockford, IL 61107
872-810-0857
Debra Rogers
Administrative Assistant
Working from the Chicago Office
303 E. Wacker Dr., Suite 2020, Chicago, IL 60601
drogers@umcnic.org
872-810-0901
| | Copyright © 2026 Northern Illinois Conference | | |
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Check out our Submit News page for more details.
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