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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.

Finding Resurrection in Broken Glass

The fire that damaged Christ United Methodist Church in Rockford also shattered a beloved stained-glass window, but its broken pieces have found new life as more than 100 pendants and worry stones. What began as an experiment became a story of resurrection, remembrance and hope, giving members a tangible way to carry the window’s memory and meaning with them. As the congregation returns to its restored campus and prepares to install a new stained-glass window, the fragments remind us that, like Christ’s resurrection, new life and beauty can emerge from what is broken.

Christ UMC, Rockford, Endures Sanctuary Fire

Christ United Methodist Church in Rockford suffered a fire on Monday night, Feb. 23, that started in its organ. Thanks to the fast response of the few in the building at the time, damage was limited. The church sees much reason to hope as it recovers.

Volunteers in Mission Rehab a Bahamian Camp

United Methodist Volunteers in Mission from Northern Illinois and Iowa traveled to Camp Symonette on Eleuthera in the Bahamas to help revitalize the hurricane shelter and retreat center after years of neglect. The team completed much-needed cleaning and repairs and led community activities including Vacation Bible School and educational classes, bringing renewed energy and encouragement to local Methodist partners.

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.

Grace Shines Through Town and Rural Churches

Pastors and lay members from small-town and rural churches gathered at Grace UMC in Dixon for the annual Town and Rural Church Festival, themed “Glimpses of God’s Grace.” The event celebrated 29 churches that received PACK and Keagy Grants to support projects like children’s programs, food pantries, senior activities, and community outreach.

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