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Conference-Wide Faithful Action Day

Location: Multiple Churches and Communities across Northern Illinois

Conference Wide Faithful Action Day Banner

Planned Events

The following planned events have been shared with the conference:

Lake North

  • Chicago: Olivet — Displaying United Methodists Stand with Immigrants signs. Contact: Rev. Avani Christian
  • Chicago: Renewed Hope — Sharing yard signs in English and Spanish featuring stories of immigrants, migrants, and refugees, along with statistics about those detained, arrested, deported, or harmed, will be placed in the church yard. Contact: Marlene Morton
  • Oak Park: First and Oak Park: Euclid Ave — Joint Prayer Vigil with other churches in the cluster 12:30 at First UMC in Oak Park. Contact: CJ Hawking

Prairie Central

  • Antioch — Gathering outside the church for prayer, singing, reading the names of those killed by ICE, and reflection. Contact: Nikki Georgia
  • Aurora: Wesley — Sharing an outdoor story walk beginning September 13 and remaining available for neighbors for about a week. It includes posters placed along the property line that will share the stories of immigrant families and highlight immigrant experiences. Contact: Rev. Tammy Scott
  • Bolingbrook: Friendship — A worship service focused on standing with immigrants, followed by a rally with signs outside the church. A prayer circle may be held before the rally for congregation members who cannot attend. Contact: Jane Pierce
  • Elmhurst: ChristFirst with Bensenvlle: First — Gathering at a central location with area faith communities and immigrant advocacy organizations for a vigil and protest featuring chants and songs. Contact: Lisa Rogers 
  • Glen Ellyn: First — Gathering outside the church around a table displaying objects related to immigrant journeys, reflecting on statements from the UMC Social Principles, participating in a litany for people in migration, and singing a hymn. Contact: Nancy Calhoon
  • Naperville: Community — Marching 8-blocks through the Community UMC neighborhood after worship. Contact: Patricia Steinhaus
  • Naperville: Hope Indian NFC — Joining Community UMC for their March. Contact: Rev. Avani Christian

Prairie North

  • Rockford: Christ — Electronic sign will read, “Christ United Methodist Church stands with our immigrant brothers & sisters.” Contact: Judy Schultz

Prairie South

  • DeKalb: First, Malta, Maple Park:Grace, and Sycamore —Gathering with ecumenical partners on the Courthouse Steps in Sycamore, IL, to hear about the experiences of immigrant neighbors and encourage people to sign up or donate to local organizations. Contact: Rev. Jeremiah Thompson

Sunday, September 13 is scheduled as a conference-wide Day of Action where NIC churches will step out of their sanctuaries to march, pray, and sing in a large-scale show of support for our immigrant brothers and sisters.

This is a follow up to our Faithful Action: Love Your Neighbor Public Demonstration at Annual Conference, Sponsored by NIC CCORR Immigration Subcommittee.

The DIY (Do-it-yourself) format encourages each congregation to organize an event that works for their church while bearing witness to God’s commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself.”  CCORR created a checklist to assist churches with planning an event that acknowledges the humanity and dignity of our immigrant siblings. Examples of events include a prayer vigil, a rally/march, or training. Events are encouraged to happen on Sunday, September 13, a day for Conference-wide action, or anytime between May 1 and October 31, 2026.

Access the DIY Faithful Action Checklist 

Access a flyer template on Canva

For more information, attend an information session on Mon., July 27, at 10 a.m. via this Zoom link. 

Do you have questions or would you like support? Contact Lisa Rogers.

Churches are encouraged to register their participation, share event details, and submit information and photos with the communications team so these efforts can be celebrated and amplified across the conference. 

Register Your Church’s DIY Faithful Action Participation

Share Photos and Details of Your Church's DIY Faithful Action Event

The United Methodist Social Principles affirm the dignity and rights of all people regardless of origin, urging churches to welcome immigrants and refugees as children of God. The church advocates for just policies, opposes family separation/detention, and calls for providing practical support, such as housing, healthcare, and education.

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