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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.
Recordings include: Church Property Taxes, Prosper, Brick River, Human Resources and Finances and more.
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Click here to learn more about the classes and to register.
Other Lay Academies offered around the conference:
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Lake North: Sept. 20 and 27, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Trinity UMC, 1024 E. Lake St., Wilmette.
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Lake South: Oct. 4 and 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Faith UMC, 15015 Grant St., Dolton
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Prairie Central: Nov. 1 and 8, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Woodridge UMC, 2799 75th Street, Woodridge.
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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 | |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
| | | | Copyright © 2025 Northern Illinois Conference | |
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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