Northern Illinois Conference - UMC

09/04/2026

Welcoming new pastors to Northern Illinois!

Earlier this week, pastors who are new to ministry and those beginning their ministry in Northern Illinois gathered for New Pastor Orientation. The day offered an opportunity to connect with colleagues, learn more about the conference and, receive practical training for the journey ahead.

We’re grateful for these pastors and the gifts they bring to our churches and communities. Please join us in welcoming them and praying for them as they begin this new season of ministry.

09/04/2026

As National Hispanic Heritage Month begins shortly, Bishop Schwerin reflects on the experiences of immigrant communities and the call of United Methodists to confront racism and stand with those facing fear and uncertainty.

He celebrates the resilience and prophetic leadership of Hispanic/Latine churches and faith communities across Northern Illinois. “They continue to witness to the Gospel, serve their communities, and build hope in the midst of difficult circumstances,” Bishop Schwerin writes. He encourages faith leaders to pray, build relationships across differences, and find ways to support immigrant neighbors.

In what’s become a national news story, a 5-year-old in Texas just spent his first day of school in an ICE detention center. Days will turn into weeks and add to his trauma, which can be transmitted in our genes over several generations. ICE agents kidnapped Liam Tadeo on his way to a soccer game ...

09/03/2026

Join Northern Illinois Conference United Methodist Men for the Annual Spiritual Congress, Sept. 11–13 at Conference Point Center in Williams Bay, Wisconsin.

This annual retreat offers men a time for learning, fellowship, worship and renewal, with inspiring speakers, music, prayer, a service project with Midwest Mission, the annual UMM awards ceremony, great food and time together on the shores of Lake Geneva.

Come for one, two or all three days. All men are welcome.
https://www.umcnic.org/calendar/um-men-spiritual-congress

09/03/2026

Rockton UMC and the Roscoe Gardening Club turned an unused corner of the church parking lot into a shared garden. Now in its second year, the garden provides fresh produce for a local food pantry—and has grown into friendships, community events, and even a new connection to the church.

Read the story of this cross-pollination of faith, gardening, and community.

Garden workers help in the gardens that provide food for the local food pantry. Photo provided by Rockton UMC. Every spring, a corner of the Rockton UMC parking lot fills with people holding shovels. Some are members of our congregation, while others are part of the Roscoe Gardening Club. Together,....

09/02/2026

Check out the most recent weekly eNews: Bishop's reflections for Hispanic/Latine Heritage month, growing community, upcoming events, and more.

https://conta.cc/4gsCWre

Email from Northern Illinois Conference Bishop's reflections for Hispanic/Latine Heritage month, growing community, upcoming events, and more . . . View as Webpage eNews · Sept. 2, 2026 Celebrating Hi

09/01/2026

Last Call: School of Leadership!

Registration closes Sept. 3 for the School of Leadership: Innovating for Our Future, Sept. 29–Oct. 1 at Green Lake Conference Center.

Clergy from Northern Illinois and Wisconsin are invited to gather for renewal, learning, mutual support and innovation in ministry, featuring teaching from Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean.

NIC clergy receive a $100 Cabinet subsidy. Use code NIC when registering. Participants are eligible for 1 CEU.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn and explore new ways to lead in a changing church.

School of Leadership: Innovating for Our Future Tues., Sept. 29, to Thurs., Oct. 1 Green Lake Conference Center W2511 WI-23, Green Lake, WI  Open to all Clergy from Northern Illinois and Wisconsin. Participants are eligible for 1 CEU for attending and participating in the School for Leadership.  A...

08/31/2026

United Methodist Communications gives some great tips for when you are struggling to find something to post on your church's social media page.

We have all felt the tension: we are supposed to post something to church's social media. But we do not have something specific to post about.

What do you do in that situation?

Slow weeks are a good time to post content that answers questions, shows what happens behind the scenes, and gives people a reason to interact with your church online.

Here are four types of posts you can keep ready for weeks like these:
https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/what-to-post-when-you-have-nothing-to-post-a-rescue-guide-for-slow-weeks

08/30/2026

Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, whose episcopal area includes eastern Tennessee, mourns the passing of Dolly Parton. “I have been most impressed by her generous spirit, genuine love for others, authentic Christian faith and ability to connect with people from all walks of life,” Wallace-Padgett writes. https://www.holston.org/post/remembering-dolly-a-reflection-from-bishop-debra-wallace-padgett-19970257

08/28/2026

Finance & Administration Webinars Are Back This Fall!

As churches kick off a new season of ministry, the NIC Finance & Administration team is offering a full lineup of webinars to help churches navigate the year ahead. Administration is ministry, too!

This fall’s topics include:
2027 Budget Information — Sept. 15
Preventing Common Property Insurance Claims — Sept. 22
Benefits Enrollment — Sept. 23
Charge Conference Forms — Sept. 29
Benefits Conversation — Oct. 13
Leadership Essentials — Oct. 15
Preventing Common Liability Insurance Claims — Oct. 27
Statistical Reporting — Dec. 15
Statistical Reporting Q&A — Jan. 12

Webinars are live and include time for questions. Recordings will also be available afterward for those who can’t attend.

We hope to see you this fall!

Welcome back to the fall season of local-church life! Summer is done. Kids are back at school. And local churches are starting their ministries again. Just as last year, the conference finance and administration office is offering a host of webinars to help churches with finance and administration.....