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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, games, and fellowship. But this year, several NIC congregations stretched the traditional VBS model, moving beyond a children’s program held at church toward summer faith formation that builds community, empowers young people, serves neighbors, and creates relationships beyond the church walls. They moved into community spaces, invited new partners, engaged multiple generations, and created experiences that connected faith with service and relationships.

Lula B. Sherman UMC Hosts Consulate of Costa Rica

Lula B. Sherman United Methodist Church in Evanston entered into a new community partnership on July 14 when it cut the ribbon on new office space in the church for the Consulate of Costa Rica.

Lucha Hpumc Exterior View Watermark Cmyk

Humboldt Park UMC Continues Housing Legacy

For nearly a century, housing has been part of Humboldt Park United Methodist Church’s ministry. Now, through a partnership with LUCHA, the church’s 98-year-old building is being transformed into affordable housing known as La Herencia, ensuring residents can remain in their neighborhood amid growing gentrification. The congregation continues to worship and live out its commitment to inclusive, liberative ministry as it searches for a new space.

First Korean UMC Hosts Prayer Vigil in Solidarity with Minnesotans

First Korean United Methodist Church in Wheeling held a Feb. 7 prayer vigil as a sign of solidarity with immigrant communities and those facing detention and displacement. Structured around remembrance, lament, and hope, the gathering honored lives lost, heard testimony from ministry partners in Minnesota, and lifted prayers for peace and justice. Through candlelight and communal prayer, the church embodied its commitment to stand courageously with those living as “gers,” bearing witness to hope amid fear and uncertainty.

Stronger Together: Grants Make a Difference

Over the past year, the Northern Illinois Conference has supported local churches through a range of grants designed to nurture innovation, sustain vital rural ministries, and advance justice and compassion. Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer shares how these investments, totaling more than $55,000, are strengthening communities and encouraging faithful experimentation across the conference. Together, our shared giving is helping churches live boldly into God’s mission.

Evanston Emmanuel Decoration Circle Cmyk

Emmanuel UMC Showcases Indian Christmas Decorations

Emmanuel UMC in Evanston is celebrating Christmas with a stunning display of traditional Indian Christian decorations, featuring thousands of individually hand-cut paper elements crafted from special decorative paper imported from India.

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