The Northern Illinois Conference recognized five churches with One Matters Awards. The United Methodist Church’s Discipleship Ministries created this award in 2015 to encourage congregations that in the previous year increased baptisms and professions of faith from zero to at least one. Wanting to recognize more churches, NIC makes four additional awards.  

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Lake North: First United Methodist Church, Arlington Heights  

This church’s long-standing programs reflect a commitment to inclusive and intergenerational ministry. The 4x8 Groups sharing meals, the lively Wednesday night JAM (Jesus, Art, & Music) program that brings all ages together for music and dinner, or groups like the Green Team, LGBTQIA+ support, and other affinity groups highlight the congregation’s diverse and welcoming spirit. This welcoming spirit is coupled with a follow-up process to fuel growth. Worship attendance, both online and in person, has increased 20 percent over the previous year.   Read more.

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Lake South: United Methodist Church of New Lenox  

Offering a warm welcome to alll, this congregation intentionally practices hospitality. Rather than being driven by political or ideological differences, the church aims to be diverse and first and foremost, grounded by our faith in Jesus the Christ, who invites all to the Table. While this is often difficult work, members believe it is vital to creating an authentic community of believers that attracts people from various backgrounds. On any given Sunday, atheists, agnostics, seekers, and deeply grounded disciples are present.  Read more.

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Prairie Central: Antioch United Methodist Church 

The friendly and welcoming nature of this congregation, which was firmly in place before its current pastor, Rev. Katie Voigt, arrived, is practiced by all members. A member who notices a new person sitting at a fellowship table alone may take the initative to sit with the visitor or invite them to an occupied table where they can meet more people. Frequent worshipers invite newcomers to join them for lunch afterward. In the last five years, the church has baptized 2 adults and 6 children, and has received 24 new members by confession of faith or transfer.  Read more.

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Prairie North: Grace United Methodist Church, Rockford 

Rockford, a spiritually conservative area with churches on nearly every block, has very few openly affirming congregations. Grace UMC members discerned that they were being called to offer LGBTQ+ individuals and their families a safe, welcoming space to worship and belong. The church introduced a new slogan: “Grace is for Everyone,” and displayed it on a banner outside church alongside a Pride flag. Visitors started walking through the doors, many drawn by the banner and flag. By the end of 2024, Grace had welcomed 14 new adult members and baptized a child. These newcomers didn’t just visit—they found a home.  Read more.

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Prairie South: Hinckley United Methodist Church  

The people of Hinckley UMC had been praying fervently and faithfully for the next generation of the church. Over the past three years, those faithful prayers have borne fruit. The average age of worship attenders has grown by over 30 percent. The church has welcomed 22 new members, including a class of six confirmands in spring 2025. They've baptized 13 young people—about half of them infants and the other half elementary-school students. Another powerful answer to those prayers is ther growing number of young families who are choosing to put down roots in the life of this church. Read more.

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If you have questions about the One Matters Awards, please contact Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, director of connectional ministries.

Watch the One Matters Award Presentation at AC 2025

Learn more about the One Matters Awards