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News & Updates

August 8, 2024

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Vacation Bible Schools continue to be a vibrant and enriching experience, bringing together the community for memorable activities, spiritual growth, and community building.

Erie UMC’s VBS theme was "Camp Firelight." They had 47 children in grades PreK-5th grade in attendance throughout the week with over 30 volunteers. Their mission was to provide scholarship money to athletes attending Fellowship of Chiristian Athletes (FCA) Camp next summer and they raised over $400! 

Grace UMC in Dixon hosted both a 3-day camp and a Vacation Bible (Sunday) School to keep kids engaged over the summer. “Fully Rely on God (FROG)” was the theme for the 3-day VBS. They focused on teaching children to seek and rely on God in all situations, whether good or bad, encouraging them to keep their friendships strong with God's love, seek hope in God, and open their hearts to others with gratitude. The Vacation Bible (Sunday) School was hosted every Sunday over 8 weeks during June and July to encourage the children to stay engaged in Sunday School. Ms. Tina, the teacher, creatively prepared a Carnival theme where each Bible lesson was connected to a fun carnival game. 

Wesley UMC in Sterling’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) embraced the theme "Camp Firelight" in June. They provided children with a faith-filled adventure through interactive lessons, crafts, and games. The week culminated in a joyous cookout, where families gathered to celebrate and enjoy fellowship. The event was a resounding success, leaving participants with cherished memories and a deeper connection to their faith community. 

Read more VBS stories from across the conference.


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

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

Upcoming Events.png

Click on the event title below to find out more information

KAA Back to School Drive

June 26 - Aug. 23


Volunteers in Mission Sunday

Any Sunday in July or August


CRCC Madang Program

Aug 12-16


Braver Angels Discussion (Rockford Area)

Aug. 29


Spanish Lay Servant Ministries 2024

Aug. 31 & Oct. 26


Labor Day

Sept. 2


Creation Care Event

Sept. 7


Christian Education Sunday

Sept. 8


Celebration of Rev. Christopherson's Ministry

Sept. 8


2024 CPRES Retreat

Sept. 8 - 10


Installation of DS Wendy Hardin Herman

Sept. 14


Installation of DS Victor Melad Jr.

Sept. 15


Hispanic Heritage Month Starts

Sept. 15


General Conference Debriefing

Sept. 21, 22 or 23


NIC 2024 Youth Retreat

Sept. 27-29


UVC 5th Sunday Appeal

Sept. 29

Work Needed to Fulfill Our Commitment


To fulfill our commitment to the survivors through the “Repair the Harm to Children” campaign, over $440,000 is still needed to meet the Northern Illinois Conference’s share. This initiative is not just a financial commitment but a moral obligation to support healing and prevent future harm.  Help us bring healing and hope to survivors who experienced abuse during an experience with a Boy Scouts' program. If you haven’t pledged or given, now’s the time. Read more.

NIC Program Ministry Grants Open


Looking to make a difference in your community? The Northern Illinois Conference offers a variety of grants to support your ministry’s outreach and service projects. Whether you’re focusing on social justice, community engagement, or church revitalization, there’s a grant opportunity for you. Don’t miss out on the chance to receive financial support and amplify your impact. Some of the deadlines are approaching, so visit the grants web page now in order to plan ahead. 

Learn more.

Braver Angels Discussion: Building Community & Talking Across Divides

Neighbors exploring ways to depolarize communities and the nation. This event is co-sponsored by the NIC Advocacy Partners (Part of the ARTF) and Braver Angels of Illinois.


Free event

Thursday, August 29, 6:30 - 8 p.m. 

Garrett’s Restaurant & Bar, 1631 N Bell School Rd., Rockford


Join us to socialize and share your concerns and hopes for your community and the nation with neighbors from the area.

Learn more.

Sunday, Sept. 8, 4:00 p.m.

Downers Grove: First UMC

Refreshments and fellowship afterwards. 

Learn more.


For those who are not able to make it to the celebration, we encourage you to share your words of appreciation for Rev. Arlene Christopherson and her ministry here.

Meeting At the Well: Sanctifying Grace & Anti-Racist Discipleship

(John 4:1-42)

Sun., 9/8 6 p.m. - Tues., 9/10 1 p.m.

Loyola University Retreat & Ecology Campus Learn more.

Call for Child Advocate Award Nominations


During the Annual Conference, UVC presented Bishop Dan Schwerin with an honorary Bishop Jesse R. DeWitt Child Advocate Award. Nominations are now open for the 2024 Child Advocate Awards. These awards honor extraordinary service or advocacy efforts on behalf of children, youth, and/or families throughout the NIC. Nominations due Aug. 30.

Learn more.


Apportionment Highlight- General Board of Higher Education and Ministry



The United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is dedicated to nurturing and developing leaders for the church and the world. Through educational programs, scholarships, and leadership training, we empower individuals to answer their callings and make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.

Connexion: Celebrating United Methodist-related educational institutions 

Higher Education and Ministry is excited to announce the launch of “Connexion,” a new initiative that highlights the impact and stories of United Methodist-related institutions across the United States, fostering a deeper sense of community, support, and transformation across the denomination.

Learn more.

 HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

Kids Above All is Grateful for the Back to School Support

Thank you, mission partners, for stepping up to support 1500 of our kids with new backpacks and school supplies. Your continued kindness and generosity makes a significant difference in the lives of our kids and helps them reach their potential.  

The drive continues through Aug. 23

Learn more.


Saturday, September 7

9 a.m. to Noon

United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton St, Geneva

Free event hosted by NIC Net-Nero Taskforce

Join us for an inspiring event focused on the journey towards Net Zero emissions in our churches! Learn more.

Other Upcoming Conference Events:

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

New Office Phone Numbers

The NIC office has a new phone system. The main phone number is staying the same: (312) 346-9766. As we no longer have extensions, each person has a unique number. You can dial the number directly or call the main number and enter the person's last name. View the directory here.

Find back-to-school resources 

Summer will be over soon, which means children will be headed back to school. Help prepare students in your church/community for another school year with prayers, encouragement and celebrations. Find the right resources and plan your back-to-school outreach now. Learn more.

HealthFlex Participants, Don't Leave Money on the Table! 

You can avoid a higher 2025 HealthFlex deductible and earn $100 of Pulse Cash by completing the Health Check questionnaire and the Blueprint for Wellness® screening by August 31. Schedule the Blueprint for Wellness by logging in to your Virgin Pulse account at virginpulse.com/login or via the app. Select the “Benefits” tab and then search for Quest Blueprint for Wellness Screening. You can also call 1-855-623-9355 to register. The deadline is August 31, so don’t wait! 

In order to receive incentives for completing the Blueprint for Wellness, you must register with Virgin Pulse. Not registered for Virgin Pulse? Click here to sign up. Use Wespath as your organization. Read 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.

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

872-810-0864


Leola Tucker

Administrative Assistant

ltucker@umcnic.org

872-810-0913

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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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