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News & Updates

February 13, 2025

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My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.

I Corinthians 12:9

 

How is your year of grace going?

 

Recently, I had the opportunity to be part of a worship service where this passage from Corinthians was a central text for reflection. As I listened and meditated on these words, they deeply resonated with me, reminding me once again that no matter how difficult life may seem, we are never truly alone. God’s presence surrounds us, sustains us, and strengthens us, even in our weakest moments.

 

As church leaders, we often encounter seasons of discouragement, exhaustion, and even moments when hope feels distant. The challenges of ministry and leadership can sometimes leave us feeling inadequate or overwhelmed. Yet, this passage serves as a powerful reminder: it is not by our own strength, wisdom, or abilities alone that we live, move, and lead. Rather, it is always in, through, and because of God’s abundant grace that we are able to continue on this journey. Whatever you may be facing today, may you find renewed confidence in the assurance that God’s grace meets you right where you are!

 

I pray that in this season, you will experience the depth of God’s grace in fresh and meaningful ways. I’m looking forward to the Lunar New Year’s celebration at Bethel UMC in Shannon. It will be a great time to share wonderful food and enjoy fellowship. It will be one of the ways to experience God’s abundant grace!

 

My deep appreciation for all of you and blessings on your journey!

 

In God’s Love,

DS Hwa-Young

Prairie North District Superintendent

Thank you to all who came out to the District Training!

Clergy and Laity Zoom Meetings with DS Hwa-Young scheduled for Feb. 18

Let us gather together via Zoom. DS Hwa-Young will share with you the updates for the district and the conference. Please bring any announcements or news from your church.

 

Clergy Zoom Gathering

Tuesday, February 18, 10 a.m.

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 840 1674 9654 Passcode: Clergy

 

Laity Zoom Gathering

Tuesday, Februrary 18, 7 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 894 4602 1008 Passcode: Laity


Upcoming Events.png

Click on the event title below to find out more information

Black History Month

Feb.


Scouting Ministries Sunday

Any Sunday in Feb. or March


Valentine's Day

Feb. 14


Reaching Out, Welcoming In

Feb. 15


Reconciling Ministries Gathering

Feb. 15


President's Day

Feb. 17


Zoom Meetings with the DS

Feb. 18


Tuesday Teaching

Feb. 18 & 25


Bible Study with the Bishop

Feb. 24 & 25


Statistical Reports Due

Feb. 28


Ash Wednesday

March 5


Daylight Savings Begins

March 9


Tuesday Teaching

March 11


Benefits Lunch and Learn

March 19


Prairie North Lay Academy

March 22 & 23


Order of Elders

March 25


UMCOR Sunday

March 30


United Voices for Children 5th Sunday Appeal

March 30

Laity Convocation's energy inspires hope and grace

Finding inspiration from the Star Wars franchise, laity met under the theme of “A Renewed Hope: May God’s Grace Be with You” for Laity Convocation this past weekend. The Board of Laity and speakers leaned into the theme, finding quotes, reflections and lessons. A few of the members got into the spirit by dressing up. Read more.

Prepare for Annual Conference 2025

Monday, June 9 - Wednesday, June 11

Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center


Submissions opened for the following:


Other things to note:

  • Childcare: The Annual Conference Committee has worked hard to organize a child care option for the AC members. Childcare will be provided during session times by Schaumburg: Our Saviour's UMC in conjunction with Schaumburg: Our Redeemer's UMC. Sign-up and payment will be a part of the Annual Conference registration. More information to come.
  • Mass Choir: This year we are again inviting churches to send 4-5 members from their church choirs to join in a large NIC Mass Choir to sing during the Celebration of Ministry Service on Monday, June 9, at 7 p.m. For those interested please fill out the form here.
  • Memorial Service: The deadline for submission of names and photos of annual conference lay members to be included in the Memorial Service is May 9. This includes anyone who has passed since May 2024. Please send the information to ACMedia@umcnic.org.
  • Registration: Member and guest registration begins on April 1. There is no cost to register as a guest.
  • Volunteers: Help is needed for a successful Annual Conference. We need registration volunteers, ushers/plenary pages, greeters, information desk volunteers and more to help Annual Conference run smoothly and efficiently. Volunteers need to be at least 16 and cannot be voting members. Those interested in volunteering should fill out the volunteer form by May 5.
Visit the AC2025 Website

3 – 5:30 p.m.

Bethel UMC, 217 S. Hickory St., Shannon

Leader: Rev. Jeremiah Lee

Cost: Free (there will be a free-will donation basket)

All ages are invited!


You are invited to this fun-filled afternoon to celebrate Lunar New Year. Rev. Lee ran a Chinese restaurant as part of his family business and he is a wonderful chef! He will teach us how to make dumplings, and we will all eat together. While we encourage you to bring your own knife and cutting board due to the large number of ingredients to be prepared, please note that no culinary skills are required.

Learn more.

This Bible study with Bishop Dan Schwerin will offer a quiet space away from the busyness of everyday life. It’s an opportunity to come together to deepen our faith, renew our spirits, and strengthen our community. We hope you will join us for this refreshing time of reflection and connection. Learn more and register.

Prairie North UMM Spring

Communion Service

March 1

8:15 a.m. Gathering

9:30 a.m. Worship/Communion

Freeport: Harmony UMC, 2600 W. Pearl City Rd.

Guest Speaker: Pastor Eddie Eddy

Special Music: Alleluia Quartet

Cost: $10, includes breakfast

Join UMM from across the district for worship and renewal. The morning will include breakfast and an offering taken for the Society of St. Andrews Meals for Millions. For more reservations contact Bob Garvens (815) 238-1356 or email. Learn more.

There are other opportunities for Lay Academies. Feel free to choose the one that works for your schedule and needs.

It's Black History Month. The NIC offers you a variety of resources to observe this part of American history through worship, learning, and action. Find it here.

Repair the Harm to Children Update

As we continue our journey of repair and restoration, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the churches and individuals who have faithfully contributed to their pledges and payments.

We have currently collected $547,223.78. This is about 70% of our total, leaving us with $195,205.22 left to raise.

While we celebrate the progress we’ve made, there is still work to be done. We encourage those who have not yet contributed to join us in fulfilling our collective responsibility. Every contribution—large or small—helps us complete our financial commitment as we continue to live into our work of listening, healing, and protecting. Learn more.

Apportionments Unite Us and Strengthen Our Ministries

Being United Methodist means being connectional, which means all local United Methodist churches working together.

Currently, as of the end of 2024, our collection rates are as follows:

  • NIC Apportionments - 80%
  • General Church Apportionments - 47%
  • Health and Pension - 98%
  • Property Insurance - 86%

We will be publishing a list shortly of individual church's contributions. Every one makes a difference in sustaining our conference’s mission and impact in the community. Help spread our ministry and mission by committing to paying your 2025 apportionments today. Remember, 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. If you are not sure where your church stands on their contributions, please reach out to your pastor or church treasurer.

Statistical reports due

The 2024 Statistics Reports for local churches are due on Friday, February 28. Thank you to those who have already started and to those who have submitted their data. If you have yet to start, 2024 statistics can be entered at stats.gcfa.org. For resources and more information, click here. If you have questions, contact David W. Quinn at dquinn@umcnic.org.

Mission Links Highlight - Midwest Mission

Midwest Mission is one of the Mission Links' US-based Advances. Through Midwest Mission and its 2,830 donors and 10,038 volunteers, last year we sent $6.3 million in humanitarian aid, reached 3 million people, and made 232 domestic disbursements and 33 international shipments. Their Recap Video shows the impact YOU made in the world in 2024. Thank you for partnering with Midwest Mission to send hope and empowerment around the world and around the corner. Watch the video.

HAPPENING AROUND THE CONFERENCE

Reaching Out, Welcoming In

An inspiring and practical day of learning and connection as we explore how to effectively reach out and welcome in through digital strategies and ministry values. Hosted and sponsored by Midwest Methodist Foundation, Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation, and the UMC Conferences of Northern Illinois and Wisconsin.


Saturday, February 15, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Rockford: Christ UMC, 4509 Highcrest Rd, Rockford,


Cost: $20 per person (includes lunch) or $10 per person virtual via Zoom

Learn more.

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.

Visit a local exhibit about Native Children

The NIC Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) invites you to attend the exhibit, “Away From Home, American Indian Boarding School Stories” at Aurora University, from January 28 – March 14. This would be a great outing for your confirmation class, racial justice groups, or any group interested in learning more about American history. For more information about the work of the NIC CONAM, please contact Rev. Dr. Michelle Lacock. Learn more about the exhibit.

Other Upcoming Conference Events:

LOCAL CHURCH RESOURCES

Scouting Sunday Resources

The NIC observes Scouting Sunday on one of the Sundays in February or March. It’s a day to honor youngsters in Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. UM Men offers some resources—including the patch pictured here. Read more.

2025 Keagy and PACK Grant Applications Now Available for Small Town and Rural Churches

Are you a small town or rural church, meaning a church outside urban and suburban areas? Have you been dreaming of a creative ministry opportunity in your community, but need a little financial help? The Northern Illinois Conference awards two grants for rural ministry each year — the PACK (Planned Act of Christian Kindness) Grant and the Keagy Grant — to empower small-town and rural churches in their community outreach.  The grant applications can be found online and the deadline is March 31. If you have any questions about the grants or the grant process, please contact Rev. Libby Rutherford. Learn more.

How to Incorporate Your Church

There are many good reasons to incorporate a local church. For one, it shields individual church officers and members from legal liability. UM Council on Finance and Administration has a useful guide to the process. It’s made available to you at no cost by churches that pay 100 percent of their apportionments.

Read more.

UM Scholarship Opportunities

There are multiple 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!


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.

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.

Like Us on Facebook: Prairie North District


Rev. Hwa-Young Chong

Prairie North District Superintendent

hychong@umcnic.org

872-810-0857


Debra Rogers

Administrative Assistant

drogers@umcnic.org

872-810-0901

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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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