2026 Will Be a Year of Hope
Bishop Schwerin looks ahead to 2026 by turning to scripture; specifically, Psalm 130:5: “I wait for the Lord; my soul waits, and in his word, I hope.” He ponders, What kind of spiritual focus is nee…
New grants through United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) provide financial support for Northern Illinois Conference (NIC) districts and local churches with a passion and plan for organizing, funding and leading youth and/or adult Mission Journey teams.
Teams supported by this grant must register with the UMVIM North Central Jurisdiction Coordinator and have medical/accident insurance coverage. In addition, teams must include a trained UMVIM Team Leader who has completed conference-approved training within the past three years.
Grant funds of up to $1,000 per team can help cover expenses for UMVIM Team Leader Training, insurance, and Safe Sanctuary Training.
Learn more and apply at umcnic.org/grants/umvim-mission-journeys-grant.
Important Grant Deadlines
Summer/Fall 2022 UMVIM Mission Journeys:
Grant Applications received from April 11 through July 1, 2022
Winter 2022 through Spring 2023 UMVIM Mission Journeys:
Grant Applications received through Sept. 1, 2022
Summer/Fall 2023 UMVIM Mission Journeys:
Grant Applications received through March 1, 2023
Bishop Schwerin looks ahead to 2026 by turning to scripture; specifically, Psalm 130:5: “I wait for the Lord; my soul waits, and in his word, I hope.” He ponders, What kind of spiritual focus is nee…
Rev. Lora Zink, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.
Mrs. Freda Whittle, surviving spouse of Rev. Paul Whittle Jr., a deceased member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on April 16, 2025.
This summer, churches across the conference brought vacation Bible school to life, each one putting its own unique spin on the beloved tradition. From creative scheduling and special…