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Under the theme “Grace is Sufficient,” clergy and elected lay members will gather for Northern Illinois Conference’s 186th session, June 9-11, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Dr., Schaumburg, IL. Services will express cultural diversity, according to Pastor Jacob Tipantasig-Wolverton, who is overseeing worship planning. The ordination service will include a liturgical dance group.
There will be three worship services:
• Celebration of Ministry: June 9, evening
• Memorial service: June 10, late afternoon
• Retirement celebration: June 11, mid morning
A mass choir, which many enjoyed last year, will be organized again. Learn more.
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What If We Made 2025 A Year of Grace?
"How might we be changed if we focused our lives more and more on grace?" Bishop Dan Schwerin poses this question for reflection as he announces that the Northern Illinois-Wisconsin Episcopal Area will observe 2025 as a Year of Grace. Read more.
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Over the past year, clergy in the Northern Illinois Conference have discussed challenges like clergy burnout and struggling “zombie” churches that drain resources and energy. Inspired by the concept of a “brainbox” as a hub for wisdom and innovation, the conversation has shifted toward building solutions that support clergy and congregations. If you would like to be involved in further conversation about how we might move into this new season as local churches, as pastors, and as a conference, please take a moment to complete this form. Learn more.
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The Council of Bishops has prayerfully put together a letter composed of some of our statements in the Social Principles, to invite the church to prayer and welcome for the immigrants among us. Bishop Schwerin asks that the Council of Bishops letter be read (or this video shown) in every one of our churches this Sunday. "I will pray that we continue to follow Jesus in prayer, dialogue, and grace for each other in the measure that God has offered grace to each of us," Bishop says. The letter is also available in Korean and Spanish. Read Bishop Schwerin's note. Read the Council of Bishop's letter.
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Mission Link Highlight -
Human Relations Day
Human Relations Day is a special Sunday across our denomination, focused on fostering better relationships and supporting community and youth outreach. On the Sunday before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, we celebrate and take up a special offering to help bring his vision of a “beloved community” to life. Your gifts support important programs like Community Developers, United Methodist Voluntary Services, and Youth Offender Rehabilitation.
HOW TO GIVE: Write a check to your local church and write, “Human Relations Day offering” in the memo line. Churches can give through the NIC Apportionment process. Read more.
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Members of the 2024 annual conference session, which includes all clergy and an equal number of lay people, voted unanimously to approve the 2025 NIC budget. Approving the budget entails agreeing to fund the budget. Members, please lead your churches to pay their apportionment in full. It is only by churches’ paying their apportionment at 100 percent that we can strengthen NIC churches and support the UMC’s transforming presence here and around the world. The deadline for 2024 Apportionments to be postmarked is January 17, 2025. ACH payments are no longer accepted for 2024.
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HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE | |
Sat., Feb. 8
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
New Lenox UMC
339 W. Haven Ave.
Cost: $15 or with a box lunch for $25
Walk Ins are welcome but registration preferred.
Our theme for Laity Convocation is, “A Renewed Hope—Episode MMXXV: May God’s Grace Be with You.” Our time together will include a Star Wars perspective of good versus evil as we embrace what lies ahead in 2025 (MMXXV) and beyond. Please wear your favorite Star Wars attire. Childcare will be provided, Learn more.
| Webinars offered by the NIC Finance and Admin. Team |
Thurs., Jan. 9 at 7 p.m.
online via Zoom
This webinar is for churches wanting to extend hospitality to the houseless while also understanding liability and risk. Learn more.
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Thurs., Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.
online via Zoom
Matters related to staffing as well as finance can be complex for churches, especially since volunteers care for much of the work. Join for helpful advice. Learn more.
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NCJ Youth Mission Journey
This year the youth mission journey for our North Central Jurisdiction will be helping the communities in the Milwaukee and Brown Deer area, from June 22 - 28. The host church is Brown Deer UMC in Brown Deer, WI. If you are interested contact Rev. Dr. Tammy Kuntz, NCJ VIM Coordinator, at umvimncj.coor@gmail.com before January 30.
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NIC UW Faith Training
The Prairie Central, North, and South District United Women in Faith will be having a joint winter event on Saturday, February 22 at 9 a.m. via Zoom. "Helping You ~ Helping Others" will be the topic for the morning. We are excited to announce that Praveena Balasundaram from the National office will be joining as well as Vanessa and Tony from Northcott Neighborhood House, a National Mission Institution in Milwaukee. Read more.
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UM Scholarship Opportunities
There are multiple scholarship opportunities for scholarships for students who are members of the United Methodist church. Last year over 30 students from NIC received scholarships through these programs!
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United Methodist Higher Education Foundation The foundation’s scholarship program awards $2 million annually to nearly 1,000 students attending United Methodist-related institutions of higher education. Scholarship applications are open until April 1, 2025. To learn more and apply, click here.
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General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) GBHEM Scholarships offer financial aid to United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Every year, an average of $4 million is awarded to help students in the United States and abroad pursue their dreams through higher education. Scholarship applications are open until March 31, 2025.To learn more and apply, click here.
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Midwest Methodist Foundation MMF wants to empower students to continue their education by providing financial assistance. More information coming soon.
Considering higher education? - The School Showcase is a great place to start. This powerful tool helps students learn about schools, seminaries, colleges, universities and other institutions serving United Methodists. Learn more.
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Statistical reports due
It’s that time of year again when each local church gathers its attendance, program, and financial records and submits its statistical report to the Conference. The NIC office uses the statistics you report to asses how your church is doing, to report to the larger denomination, and to calculate apportionments for your church. It’s very important that we have accurate, up-to-date information. 2024 statistics can be entered at stats.gcfa.org. The deadline is February 28, 2025. For resources and more information, click here. If you have questions, contact David W. Quinn at dquinn@umcnic.org. Click here to get started.
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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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#BeUMC Resources -Tool Kits, Social Media Kits, Graphics, and more.
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Social Media Shareables - Free graphics for social media for different events, months, and ministries. (Through Outreach, log-in is needed, but resources are free)
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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.
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Copyright © 2025 Northern Illinois Conference |
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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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