News & Updates

August 10, 2023

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Many churches have been holding Vacation Bible School and Day Camps through out the summer. We enjoy seeing churches getting back together - all the different themes, kids and fun being had.

Kaneville UMC held its 3rd annual outdoor VBS the last week of July. As the eighty Knights of North Castle learned Bible Stories, thirty adult and youth leaders helped them remember their castle call. Walking from the outdoor worship space to the parsonage garage, tents to the rec field, and the church basement was easy while the weather was dry. Wednesday's storm brought the whole experience indoors, and the four big classes had to share space in new ways. Friday, the parents and grandparents watched the classes share music and heard short speeches from the older class.

Oregon UMC celebrated Stellar VBS and had out-of-this-world fun! They hosted with St. Paul's Lutheran Church. The 40+ kids for brought the energy and curiosity, the teens for lead the crews, and the volunteers and leaders gave of their time and talents. In addition, they had collected offerings during the week to go to Operation Kid-to-Kid which provides Bibles across the globe for children written in their own language. The week was kicked off by worship in the park followed by a delicious pot luck lunch and kick-ball.

Rochelle UMC used the "Hero Hotline 'called Together to serve God!'' theme. There were 21 volunteers helping and 28 kids that attended at the evening VBS that started with a meal. There were crafts, science, bible lessons with skits, music, and games. The program was based on Romans 14:19 "So let's strive for the things that bring peace and things that build each other up."

Wesley UMC in Sterling held their VBS in the mornings that ended with a Friday evening celebration. The theme was Pirates of Possibilities and included lessons/activities about Jonah and the Big Fish, Noah’s Ark, the Parting of the Red Sea, and Paul’s Shipwreck.

Steward UMC celebrated VBS with the Pets Unleased theme, where Jesus cares "fur" you. In addition to bible stories, singing, snacks, and crafts, the kids were able to interact with pets both stuffed and live.

Read more VBS stories from across the conference here.

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

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

16th Annual Farm Heritage Festival of East Jordan UMC

Saturday, August 26th, 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Free admission and parking

East Jordan UMC, 22027 Polo Rd, Sterling

There will be static displays of farm machinery, tractors, trucks, lawnmowers, and more all day. A blacksmith will be demonstrating some tool-making and craft. There will also be an activity center for kids, youth, and adults to try powering hand-cranked items such as a corn sheller or a rope maker, as well as a bouncy house. A farm animal zoo will feature dairy cows, sheep, goats, and more. Tractor and hay rack rides available for all.

Farm breakfast (7 to 9 am): $10 for adults, $ 5 for youth to age 13, under age 5 receive free breakfast.
Lunch stand (11:30 am to 1:30 pm): Featuring sandwiches, baked beans, salads, chips and desserts.
Bake sale all day. Come early for your favorites

Contact Pastor Jim Miller at 815 866-6088 for information on the festival.

Register for the Fall NIC Book Club Registration is open for this fall's groups that will be reading and discussing Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way, by retired UMC Bishop Kenneth L. Carder. Starting in September, groups will meet throughout the conference, via Zoom, in person, and hybrid for five to six weeks. Learn more, find a listing of group options, and register here.

Watch the video intro for the Fall NIC Book Club here.

It's Back to School Season!

Over the next month or two, students, teachers, and school staff across the conference will return to the classroom. Back-to-school Sundays or nights are a beloved and much-needed mainstay in many United Methodist churches. Congregations will be blessing backpacks, collecting and distributing school supplies, hosting seasonal events, supporting teachers and other staff, and beginning or continuing partnerships with schools.

There are many resources available for your church:

Pray, bless, support: Ideas and aids for back-to-school ministry: A wealth of worship, children's ministry, and ministry resources, as well as images and social media graphics posted on Resource UMC
Back to School Social Media Graphics, free from Resource UMC and Outreach
Family Prayers for School Mornings by Rethink Church
Back to School Blessing for different age groups from Discipleship Ministries
Back to School Blessing Video from United Methodist Communications
Deepen your Back to School Night, three tips from Church and Society

See you at church!

The end of summer brings new opportunities to grow in our faith and reignite our passion for serving others. It’s time to head back to church, and as we connect with each other, let’s invite someone to join us on the life-changing journey of discipleship and ministry.

Watch this video to find inspiration and share it with others as an invitation.

HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

“Keep the Dream Alive” – United Methodists Stand for Racial Justice

On Sunday, August 27, 2023, the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force will be hosting two back-to-back events in Chicago to honor the 60th Anniversary of the March on Washington and to lift up the on-going work of seeking racial justice.

Worship & Musical Celebration at First UMC at the Temple at 1:30 pm with light refreshments served before
Rally & March across the street from the Church at Daley Plaza at 2:30 pm

Find more information and register here.

Nominate a Child Advocacy Leader

Each year the United Voices for Children Board of Directors selects individuals or groups to receive their Annual Child Advocacy Awards. These awards honor extraordinary service or advocacy efforts on behalf of children, youth, and/or families throughout the NIC. Any United Methodist member, congregation, or friend of UVC in Northern Illinois and the Chicago area can submit a nomination to receive one of these awards. Award winners will receive a grant for their organization or ministry, a commemorative plaque, recognition in the annual conference program, and local media outlets. Read about the award categories and nominate someone by Aug. 30. Read more.

NIC Youth Fall Retreat

The NIC Youth Fall Retreat Team is excited to invite you to our second annual retreat, intended for 6th-12th graders in the Northern Illinois Conference. This year's theme is "Behold." The retreat will happen Fri., Sept. 29 - Sun., Oct. 1 at the Lake Geneva Youth Camp in Lake Geneva, WI. The cost is $140 each person. There is a requirement of one adult who is Safe Sanctuary certified for up to every six youth. We hope you'll join us for a time of rejuvenation, growth and connection!

Click here for more information and to register.

12 - 18 month Cohort Program beginning in Fall

The Black Healing Collective Cohort is a small group created to understand racial trauma personally, congregationally, and in society. The cohort program will utilize trauma-informed research and practices to develop a pathway(s) toward healing. The cohort will be 12-18 months with various leadership development and skill-building monthly meetings, outings, travel, and learning and engagement opportunities to enhance individual capacity to support the church and community in becoming more trauma-informed and resilient. Learn more here.

Other Upcoming Conference Events:

Sept. 15-17: Men's Spiritual Congress: Meet other UM men, relax, and nurture your faith. Read more.
Sept. 21: 23 Film Series: Privilege, Power and Race: Meal, presentation, panel discussion and table discussions around privilege, power, and race at many locations across the conference. Read more.
Oct. 21: What Makes for a Vital Church Today? Workshop: Presentation by Rev. Dr. Pail Nickerson. Read more.
Nov. 4: Vital Partnerships: New Models of Cooperative Ministries: Attend this workshop and explore new ways your church might become healthier through a merger. Read more.

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

Apportionment Highlight - Interdenominational Cooperation Fund

In the United Methodist Church, we deeply appreciate the value of ecumenism—the desire to find common ground and foster unity among different Christian traditions. The Interdenominational Cooperation Fund allows The United Methodist Church to partner with our Christian family worldwide to fulfill our shared mission. As followers of Christ, we are bound together by a common purpose: to love and serve God wholeheartedly. Our faith teaches us that through the Holy Spirit, we become part of God's family, joining the multitude of believers across various churches and denominations.

Many Grant Options Available for Local Churches

North Central Jurisdiction Mission Grants: Applications are due Sept. 1. Read more.
Midwest Methodist Foundation Creative Ministry Grants: Applications are due Sept.15. Read more .
Grants Available to Help Strengthen the Ethnic Local Church: Applications are due Sept. 30. Read more.

NIC Prayer Network Monthly Zoom Meetings

The NIC Prayer Network is an entryway for joining in common prayer for the ministries of the Northern Illinois Conference. The next meeting is Friday, August 11 at 10:00 am. All are invited to join. No preparation is necessary, just log in. The Zoom link is available here . Meeting ID: 897 7835 0821 Passcode: 152529

If you’d like to pray but have other appointments at that time, email us DiscipleshipTF@umcnic.org and request the agenda or add to the agenda. Also, pray along each week for clergy, churches, leaders, and NIC Advances by visiting the Prayer Network website .

Other Resources

#BeUMC Resources -Tool Kits, Social Media Kits, Graphics, 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, small groups, pastors, children, and individuals.

Rev. Brian Gilbert

Prairie South District Superintendent

bgilbert@umcnic.org

312-346-9766 ext. 782

Leola Tucker

Administrative Assistant

ltucker@umcnic.org

312-346-9766 ext. 733

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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