Skip to Main Content

Town and Rural Fest 2025

Location: Dixon: Grace, 921 E Chamberlin, Dixon, IL

Town And Rural Festival

Sat., Nov. 8
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Dixon: Grace
921 E Chamberlin, Dixon

Hear from numerous churches who were awarded PACK (Planned Act of Christian Kindness) and Keagy grants for their creative ministries. Join participants for lunch afterwards.

The NIC awarded over $46,000 in combined PACK and Keagy grants in 2025. 

PACK grants range from $100 - $500 and are meant to be a blessing to neighbors in the community outside of the church to show them the love of Jesus Christ. Keagy Grants range from $500 - $5000, and are for larger ministry projects that benefit the community and strengthen the church through evangelism, discipleship, justice and compassion. These grants have been awarded by the NIC for decades and are funded by a generous bequest from Martin Keagy who had a big heart for small town and rural churches, meaning those churches located outside of metropolitan and suburban areas.

Grant applications for 2026 will open on January 2 and can be found online. If you have any questions about the Town & Rural Festival, the grants or the grant process, please contact Rev. Libby Rutherford.

News & Announcements

Sydneyrae On Upsplash

From our Bishop: Celebrating Hispanic/Latine Heritage and Praying for National Unity on Race

In his reflection for Hispanic Heritage Month, Bishop Daniel Schwerin calls United Methodists to celebrate the faith, resilience and…

Img 3765 Sm

Cross-Pollination: Church and Garden Club Grow Together

Rockton UMC and the Roscoe Gardening Club are growing more than vegetables in the church parking lot. Now in its second year, their partnership transforms unused space in…

Administratorsm

Fall 2026 Webinars on Church Finance and Administration

Just as last year, the conference finance and administration office is offering a host of webinars to help churches with finance and administration. Topics include 2027 b…

Rockford Christ Vbs Foam Smaller

Rethinking Vacation Bible School: Faith Formation Beyond the Traditional Model

Vacation Bible school has long been a summer tradition in United Methodist churches, bringing children together for Bible stories, music, crafts, g…

Print