News & Updates

March 10, 2022

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FROM THE PRAIRIE NORTH DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT

Dear Prairie North District friends,

We are in Lent! In the early church, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by new converts and then became a time of penance by all Christians. Today, Christians focus on the relationship with God, growing as disciples and extending ourselves, often choosing to give up something or to volunteer and give of ourselves for others.

It's been a blessing to see the varieties of programs and activities offered by churches in our district in this time of Lent. Bible Studies, Prayer Challenges, Prayer Groups, Book Clubs, Fasting, etc. Lent is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our spiritual life through new spiritual practices.

What are you doing to improve your spiritual life? What new spiritual disciplines are you practicing? Lent is a time of repentance and preparation for the coming of Easter. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. I encourage you to find devotionals, attend small groups in your church, and read inspiring stories about our faith for the observance of this season.

May we walk through this season intentionally, removing distractions that take our gaze away from his glory. May we quiet the noise that pulls us from adoration. May we simplify where we have been stressed, may we surrender what has been burdensome, may we repent of our sins, and may we feel God's presence in our lives always.

Let's continue walking toward the cross, strengthening our commitment to Christ.

Lenten blessings to all,

Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer

Prairie North District Superintendent, NIC UMC

United Methodists Stand with Ukraine

United Methodists across the globe condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand in solidarity with those experiencing violence, displacement and suffering in the midst of war. Learn more about the ways United Methodist prayers, aid and witness are being directed to Ukraine.

The 2022 Northern Illinois Annual Conference Bishop's Appeal special offering will go toward Ukraine assistance, as the needs will be long term. Stay tuned for more details but in the meantime, you are encouraged to give through your local church designating gifts “Ukraine Assistance."

Harmony For Hunger Concert

March 18 6:30 - 9 pm.

Hosted by the Prairie North District UMM at Hononegah High School Performing Arts Center, 307 Salem Street, Rockton, IL.

Cost $15.

100% of the proceeds will go toward area food pantries and the Society of St. Andrew's meals for millions.

Click here for details.

Prairie North Spring 2022 Lay Academy Graphic.png

Annual Conference Registration Opens April 4

The 2022 Northern Illinois Annual Conference will meet in person June 8 - 10 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. The Annual Conference committee has been diligently working to make this a safe gathering for everyone, while monitoring COVID-19 infection rates for the area. For current requirements for AC members to attend, please read the health and safety statement.

Important Dates:

April 4 - Online registration opens

April 6 - Legislation and Historical documents due (email to ACdocuments@umcnic.org)

May 24 - Clergy Session

June 1 & 2 - Pre-Conference Briefings

June 8 - Annual Conference session opens with Memorial Service at 1:30 pm

June 8 - Legislative Sections at 7 pm

June 9 - Retirement Service at 8:45 am

June 10 - Ordination Service at 1:30 pm

For hotel reservations and more news, visit umcnic.org/AC2022.

NIC General and Jurisdictional Delegation Holds Open Forum on March 12

Following news the General Conference is further postponed to 2024, the NIC Delegation has released a video report about how they've been preparing and praying the last two years. Watch here. The delegation also invites you

to an Open Forum on Saturday, March 12 at 10 am on Zoom, where you can share your thoughts and ask us questions. Click here to register and receive the link to join.

Speaker Series: Race, America, and the Church

The Northern Illinois Conference, in partnership with the Indiana Conference and other groups, is pleased to announce a 2022 Speaker Series.

During this 4-part series that extends into December and includes a 6-week book study in the fall, we will journey together to prayerfully learn, engage, and tackle our personal and corporate role in addressing racism. We invite you to journey with us.

The first event will be held March 24.

Unsilenced: Our stories, our voices

Thursday, March 24, 2022, 12 -1:30 pm

via Zoom

Speakers: Tim Alexander, Sandy Harlan, Dr. Betty Hart, and Rev. Dr. Michelle Oberwise Lacock

Representatives from the Northern Illinois Conference and their neighboring Indiana Conference share stories about the impact that racism has had on them.

UMCOR Sunday - March 27

Giving to this Special Sunday offering allows us to make a difference in the lives of communities and individuals whose lives have been upset by storms, wars, fires, displacement and climate change. This offering underwrites UMCOR’s “costs of doing business,” allowing UMCOR to keep the promise that 100% of any gift to a specific UMCOR project will go toward that project, not administrative costs. Click here for resources.

Summer Internship Application Deadline Extended

Those interested in the Ethnic Young Adult Internship 2022 program now have until March 20 to submit applications. The eight-week program offers students of color experience working in Washington with Church and Society and partner organizations for social advocacy and justice. This year’s program is scheduled for June 5 through July 30. Click to apply.

Town and Rural Grant Applications Open

It's grant application season again for the Keagy/Town and Rural Committee. If you are a small town or rural congregation in need of financial assistance for ministry opportunities, we encourage you to apply for a Keagy/Town and Rural Committee grant. If your ministry is in need of minor funding ($300-$500) be sure to apply to the PACK application. If you have a more expensive ministry in mind ($500-$3,000,) then the Keagy application is the one you need. Applications must be completed online by March 15.

Early Bird Registration Deadline Approaching!

Is your church information up to date?

When is the last time you reviewed your church’s Find-A-Church profile that is listed by The United Methodist Church? If it’s been awhile, it may be in need of an update. With people everywhere looking to connect and make new connections, there’s no time to waste.

#BeUMC Leader Toolkit

This grassroots effort, built upon powerful stories of congregations and people living their faith, celebrates what draws us to The United Methodist Church and what we aspire to be. The #BeUMC Leader Toolkit includes messaging and resources to help local churches and conferences be a part of the campaign by including the "#BeUMC" hashtag in social media posts. Learn more.

Resources for the Local Church

UMCOR Sunday (March 27) - Worship Resources, Children's Resources, Social Media graphics, videos and more.
Lent - Worship Resources, Stations of the Cross, Studies, Spiritual Practices, and more.
Easter and Holy Week - Worship Resources, Hymns, Devotions, Outreach Resources, and more.
Social Media Shareables - Free graphics for social media for different events, months and ministries. (Through Outreach, log in is needed but resources are free)
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 - for small groups, pastors, children and individuals.

Like Us on Facebook: Prairie North District

Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer

Prairie North District Superintendent

fgrandon-mayer@umcnic.org

312 346 9766 Ext. 781

Debra Rogers

Administrative Assistant

drogers@umcnic.org

630-465-2941

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