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September 25, 2025

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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 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

 HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

Mission Links Highlight

World Communion Sunday: Oct. 5

World Communion Sunday celebrates the unity and diversity of the universal Christian community. As we gather around the Lord’s table, we recognize our unity in Christ, joining with others worldwide in Holy Communion.

Celebrating the sacrament of communion all around the world, offerings taken on this Special Sunday make it possible for scholars the world over to complete higher education in many different fields that allow them to give back to their churches and communities. Embracing this commitment, United Methodists are dedicated to nurturing diverse leadership within the church by allocating funds for scholarships and leadership training for under-represented students. Learn more.

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.

The Recap: United Methodists Bringing Hope from Gaza to Zimbabwe

In this episode of The Recap, discover how United Methodists are living out their faith worldwide. UMCOR and its partners are responding to urgent needs in Gaza, while Filipino United Methodists provide relief after devastating typhoons. In Burundi, a new health center is already offering lifesaving care, and in Zimbabwe, a transportation ministry helps older adults stay active in church life. The also explore efforts to make church buildings more accessible for people of all abilities and highlight inspiring #BeUMC stories shared on social media. Watch the video.

Communicating Across Generations 

Every congregation is made up of different generations, each with unique communication preferences. To make sure everyone feels included and informed it is helpful to match the right tools with the right audience. UMCom provides some tips and suggestions on how to reach everyone. Read 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

Grants Available to Extend God’s Grace Through Justice Ministries

Social Reform Grants, coordinated by the Conference Board of 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.

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.

Rev. Brian Gilbert

Prairie South District Superintendent

bgilbert@umcnic.org

872-810-0864

Leola Tucker

Administrative Assistant

ltucker@umcnic.org

872-810-0913

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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