News & Updates

September 11, 2025

** Note ** You are receiving the district eNews because your name is in our Lay Leadership Database as a leader in your local church. If you are no longer interested in receiving the District eNews, please click the Update Profile link at the bottom of the email. (Clicking UnSubscribe means you will not receive ANY emails from the conference including appointment announcements, sympathy notices and weekly eNews)

Sept./Oct. Reporter Available Online

This issue highlights churches experimenting in new ways this summer, Kids Above All honoring its partners, and powerful gatherings like J.O.Y. Camp, the IL Supreme Court visit, the Korean peacemaking event, and MARCHA's national gathering. You’ll also find a financial update, upcoming training opportunities, and reflections from our leaders—Bishop Schwerin on 2026 as a year of hope, Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer on mission outside our walls, Rev. Christian Coon on actively working, Rev. Danita Anderson on fall as renewal, and Co-Lay Leader Eugene Williams on celebrating our children.

You can check out the full issue online or read the individual news stories.

From the Bishop: Lead Us Not Into Temptation

As the nation's president talks about sending the National Guard and Immigration and Customs Enforcement troops to Chicago, Bishop Dan Schwerin urges United Methodists to return often to the Lord's Prayer and its plea to bring in God's kingdom. Read more.

Mission Trip Updates

First UMC in Park Ridge sent a group of youth and leaders on a "Week of Hope Mission Trip" to Kenosha, Wis. They served at Shalom, a local food pantry and homeless shelter, where they stocked shelves, organized supplies, and helped fill baskets of food for families in need. Through this experience, they gained a deeper understanding of what it means to live out their faith through acts of service and compassion as they walked alongside underprivileged communities.

the conference.

We would love to hear your stories and see your photos.

Share with us by sending information and photos to LSmith@UMCNIC.org .

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

Other Lay Academies offered around the conference:

Lake South: Oct. 4 and 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Faith UMC, 15015 Grant St., Dolton
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, 2799 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

Deaconess Barbara Sutton will be the presenter and the program will include the installation of LND Leadership Team.

Registration deadline is Sept. 20. Click here to learn more and register.

Chicago: Broadway UMC Hosts an

In-Person Watch Party

for Robin Wall Kimmerer

Tues., Sept. 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

As part of Faith in Place’s Annual Environmental and Spirituality Summit, Broadway is hosting a watch Party for Robin Wall Kimmerer- renowned author, scientist, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Contact Richard Alton with questions. Learn more.

October 4 - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Elgin: Journey of Hope UMC, 37W040 Highland Ave.

Join us for a day-long training and learning about Fresh Expressions, a creative way for laity and clergy to reach out to their communities and reach out to new people in new places in new ways. Learn more.

View and discuss 'A Binding Truth'

This September, NIC and Collective Action to Build Community (CA2BC) are hosting multiple free screenings of A Binding Truth from Sept. 10–16. There is also an option for viewing the film online.

Lake North Screenings:

Thurs., Sept. 11, 7 p.m.:
Racial Awareness in the North Shore & Chicagoland Coming To The Table at the Northbrook Public Library, 1225 Cedar Lane, Northbrook
Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation Community Center, 1019 South Blvd., Oak Park
Sat., Sept. 13, 1:45 p.m.: Together is Better Alliance at Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park, in the Veterans Room
Sun., Sept. 14, 4 p.m.: United Methodist Church of Libertyville, 429 Brainerd, Libertyville
Tues., Sept. 16, 6:30 p.m.: Immanuel Lutheran Church, 616 Lake St., Evanston
Click here for a list of all screenings.

Plus, don’t miss a special live Zoom conversation with those featured in the film on Sun., Sept. 28, at 3 p.m. Click here to learn more and register.

To support church leaders in essential areas, the NIC Finance and Administration office is offering a series of webinars. These sessions will equip pastors, treasurers, finance committees, and other leaders with practical tools, best practices, and up-to-date guidance to help their ministries thrive. All webinars are free and will be recorded for later viewing. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to David W. Quinn, NIC Administrative Manager.

Signs of Struggle in Your Church (and what you can do about it): Sept. 16
2026 Budget Information (Helping churches create their 2026 budget with the new apportionment formula and changes in clergy pension and healthcare): Sept. 23
COMPASS Retirement Plan (for Clergy and Church Leaders): Sept. 30
Local Church Board of Trustees 101: Oct. 14
COMPASS Retirement Plan (for Clergy and Church Leaders): Oct. 21
Active Shooter Preparedness Training (In-person): Nov. 15
Statistical Reporting and the New Apportionment Formula: Dec. 16

Recordings of previous webinars can be found in the Finance and Administration Showcase on Vimeo.

Recordings include: Church Property Taxes, Prosper, Brick River, Human Resources and Finances and more.

HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

Registration extended until Sept. 15

for NIC Fall Youth Retreat!

for Middle School and High School students (6th to 12th grade)

Sept. 26-28

Lutherdale Camp and Conference Center, Elkhorn, WI

Learn more.

The UVC event will focus on Youth Mental Health and highlight a special performance of Life Out Loud with Federal and State Legislation Updates from Children’s Advocate for Change. The annual Child Advocate Awards will also be presented by Rev. Wendy Hardin Hermann, Prairie Central District Superintendent. Learn more.

Hispanic Heritage Month Resources

In the U.S. Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. This period highlights the diversity of Hispanic/Latino communities and their contributions to society and faith communities. Resources are available for congregations that are predominantly Anglo, African American, or other non-Hispanic/Latino groups to observe Hispanic Heritage Month. Learn more.

Other Upcoming Events:

Sept 14: 700th Anniversary of Nicaea: Ecumenical Commemoration: A reflection on unity, faith, and the enduring impact of that momentous council hosted by the Illinois Council of Churches.
Sept. 17: Benefits Lunch and Learn, COMPASS Presentation for Clergy
Sept. 23: Tuesday Teaching: Are Our Buildings Bad or Beneficial? Representatives from Foundry will teach how to be good stewards of your building and how to make decisions about your building's future.
Sept. 30 and Oct. 21: COMPASS Retirement Plan Webinar: Training on the new retirement plan for both church leaders and clergy.
Oct. 1-3: Leadership Institute: Find the inspiration, practical tools, and supportive community you need to rise together with fellow leaders committed to strengthening the Church in Kansas City and online.
Oct. 5: World Communion Sunday
Oct. 7: Tuesday Teaching: Advent Outreach: Share ideas as you start planning for Advent and Christmas
Oct. 7-9: Facing The Future: The UM General Commission on Religion and Race has organized this time for renewal to equip clergy with the tools and encouragement needed for sustainable and dynamic ministry.
Oct 7-9: AAPI Clergywomen Conference: Conference for Asian American and Pacific Islander clergywomen and seminarians.
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. 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."

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

Finance and Apportionment Update:

Churches Are Faithfully Supporting the Shared Budget

As fall activities begin, churches are entering their busiest financial season with stewardship campaigns, charge conferences, and budget planning. The Northern Illinois Conference celebrates an encouraging increase in apportionment giving compared to last year and hopes to reach 85% by year’s end. To support local finance committees, NIC is providing updated 2026 figures, stewardship resources, and a series of helpful webinars and recorded trainings. Learn more.

Currently, as of the end of August 2025, our collection rates are as follows:

NIC and General Church Apportionments - 69%
Health and Pension - 88%
Clergy Responsibility - 93%
Property Insurance - 87%

Every contribution makes a difference in sustaining 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.

The Prayer Partner Project is Back

Join Discipleship Ministries and the World Methodist Council in a simple yet powerful practice of intentional prayer partnerships that deepen faith, build connection, and strengthen discipleship from Sept. 15 through Nov. 15. This fall, consider how your church might engage in this amazing opportunity; participating as the whole congregation, in small groups, or as an intergenerational ministry. Individuals are also invited to sign up independently and will be supported every step of the way. Learn more.

Grants Available to Extend God’s Grace Through Justice Ministries

Social Reform Grants, coordinated by the Conference Board on 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.

Apply Now for a Midwest Methodist Foundation Grant

Midwest Methodist Foundation is again offering Ministry Grants to provide seed money that can help NIC churches create or expand their ministries. Applications are now being accepted. Priority will be given to proposals focused on community outreach and service. The Foundation will award up to $5,000 each to two churches in each of the five districts in the conference. Apply by Sept. 30. Recipients will be notified in December. 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. Victor Melad, Jr.

Lake North District Superintendent

vmelad@umcnic.org

872-810-0876

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.

Keep Up to Date With All Conference Events and News in the Weekly Email!

If you would like to receive the weekly Conference eNews and other important announcements, including sympathy notices and appointment announcements, please sign up online or click the Update Profile button at the bottom of this email.

NOTE - Clicking UNSUBSCRIBE below means you will be unsubscribing from ALL Constant Contact emails from the NIC (Appointment Announcements, Sympathy Notices, etc). If you want to stop receiving one newsletter, please click "Update Profile" below.