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There is still time to join with House of Praise: tonight, Friday, and Sunday!
The closing revival service will be on Sun., Sept. 27 with District Superintendent, Dr. Audrea Nanabray preaching. Learn more.
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Enduring Legacy Workshop
Three classes offered in multiple locations across the Lake South District.
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Mon., Sept. 28, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m
Crete UMC, 1321 Main St, Crete
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Sat., Nov. 7, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m
Wesley UMC, 201 E 95th St, Chicago
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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Mission Links Highlight:
World Communion Sunday, Oct. 4
Celebrating Unity, Supporting Diversity
As we share in the bread and cup, we also share in a mission: supporting diverse leaders through scholarships and training.
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Your offering helps fund scholarships for racial-ethnic minority students and international scholars, as well as inclusion training across the church. Learn more.
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50% of the offering funds scholarships for undergraduate or graduate students of color pursuing ministry.
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35% of the offering supports training grants for worldwide inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.
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15% of the offering provides leadership development grants in partner churches.
HOW TO GIVE: Write a check or donate online to your local church and note, “World Communion Sunday”. Churches can give through the regular NIC Apportionment process.
| | HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE | |
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Tuesday, October 13
Barrington UMC
You are invited to come together for an evening of fellowship, conversation, and shared hope with our Muslim neighbors. Enjoy a meal, learn from one another’s faith traditions, build new relationships, and discover the values we share. 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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Charge Conference Forms, Sept. 29. 7 p.m.
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Cyber Threats, Oct. 6, 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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2026 Preliminary Journal Now Available
The NIC 2026 Preliminary Journal is now available, reflecting changes to the Standing Rules approved at the 2026 Annual Conference. The Preliminary Journal can be downloaded from the NIC website. The final 2026 Journal, including the complete business of the Annual Conference, will be available later this fall in both print and digital formats. Read more.
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NCJ Bring Your Own Book Study
Join laity and clergy from across the North Central Jurisdiction for a Bring Your Own Book Study on Tues., Oct. 13, from 6:30 to 8 p.m via Zoom, hosted by the Conference Secretaries of Global Ministries. Choose a book from the suggested list, or bring your own, and come ready to share, listen, and learn. No time to read? You’re welcome to join anyway. 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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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.
| | | | Copyright © 2026 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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