On Nov. 8, pastors and lay members from small-town and rural churches across the Conference gathered at Grace UMC in Dixon for the annual Town and Rural Church Festival, a joyful celebration of the grants and ministries transforming their communities. Themed “Glimpses of God’s Grace,” the event highlighted the creativity, compassion, and commitment of congregations faithfully serving their neighbors in new and meaningful ways. 

Rev. Libby Rutherford

“These grants help small-town churches make a big impact in their communities,” said Rev. Libby Rutherford, chair of the Town and Rural Committee. “All the grant recipients showed amazing creativity in finding new ways to reach and love their neighbors in the name of Jesus Christ.” 

Each year, the Conference awards two types of grants, the PACK (Planned Act of Christian Kindness) Grant and the Keagy Grant, to empower churches outside metropolitan and suburban areas to expand their outreach and ministry. PACK Grants, ranging from $100 to $500, support short-term community outreach projects that offer simple, heartfelt ways for churches to share God’s love. Keagy Grants, which range from $500 to $5,000, fund larger ministry efforts that promote evangelism, discipleship, justice, and compassion within local communities. 

Member from Lena UMC shows off the back of her shirt showing advertisement for their Kids Night Out which is supported by a Keagy Grant.

This year, 27 churches received a combined $9,150 in PACK Grants and $37,370 in Keagy Grants, supporting a wide range of projects such as children’s programs, food and essential pantries, senior activities, game nights, and community evangelism efforts. 

The festival began with a time of worship featuring Rev. Rosa Lee on the organ and a devotion from Prairie North DS Rev. Hwa-Young Chong, who reminded the group that Jesus often carried out His ministry in small towns. Rev. Christian Coon, NIC Director of Congregational Ministries, followed with an encouraging presentation titled “Grace is No Sweat.” 

“The ministries you share in your communities are symbols of God’s grace—unexpected, surprising, even daring,” said Rev. Coon. “As you continue to be living symbols, remember to keep your hearts and hands open to receive grace as well. It will often come when you least expect it, but we need grace just as much as those we offer it to.” 

Exchanging ideas and sharing encouragement is one of the highlights of the festival.

Grant recipients then shared brief reflections on their ministries before the day concluded with a networking lunch—a time to exchange ideas, stories, and encouragement. 

Applications for next year’s PACK and Keagy Grants will be available here in early January 2026, continuing the Conference’s tradition of celebrating and equipping churches that bring God’s grace to life in their communities. 

2025 Keagy/PACK Grant Recipients 

• Apple River UMC – Summer Kids: Creation & Creativity 
• Argo Fay UMC - TACO Brown Bag Lunches 
• Ashton UMC – Youth Expansion, Essential Pantry 
• Cedarville UMC – Food Pantry 
• Creston UMC  
• Dixon: Grace UMC – Kinship Table, Generations, God Loves Everyone 
• Durand UMC – Take Me to the Ballgame 
• Elizabeth UMC – Soul Purpose Meals 
• Erie UMC – Messy Church, CARES Closet 
• Forreston: First UMC – Adult Craft Night 
• Hinckley: First UMC – Back to School Blessing 
• Leland UMC 
• Lanark UMC – Summer Fun Bags for Kids 
• LaSalle: Grace UMC – Winter Clothing Drive | Safety Fair 
• Leaf River UMC – Brewed Connections 
• Lena UMC – Kids’ Night Out, Community Outreach Dinner 
• Orangeville UMC – Acts 2:45 
• Pearl City UMC – Christian Athletes 
• Savanna UMC – Various Projects 
• Scales Mound UMC – Young at Heart, Family Game Night 
• Serena UMC 
• Shannon: Bethel UMC – Senior Meals 
• Sheridan UMC – Building Loving Community 
• Sterling: First UMC – Community Breakfast, Food Pantry 
• Stockton: Wesley UMC– New Seekers Group 
• Tampico UMC – Food Pantry, Sewing Group, Buddy Bags, Supplies  
• Warren UMC – Warren Outreach 
• Winnebago UMC