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Wheatland Salem Welcomes Ukrainian/Slavic Immigrants

Wheatland Salem United Methodist Church in Naperville is extending Christ’s welcome to the growing Ukrainian and Slavic community in DuPage and Will counties through multilingual worship and vibrant children’s and youth ministries, supported by a 2025 Bishop’s Appeal for Migrant Needs grant. The congregation now hosts weekly programs serving children and teens, along with worship offered in Ukrainian, Russian, and English. Beyond programs, the church is providing advocacy, prayer, and practical support for families facing immigration uncertainty, embodying compassion and solidarity in a time of deep need.

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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.

In Sympathy: Mrs. June Porter

Mrs. June Porter, surviving spouse of the late Rev. John Porter of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Dec. 4, 2025.

Read the Bible in a Year With Us

The NIC Committee on Discipleship and Spiritual Formation is inviting individuals and congregations to read the entire Bible using a daily guide organized in what is believed to be chronological order. Monthly online support groups will offer encouragement and space for reflection.

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From the Bishop: Keep Practicing Hope

"I believe hope is a practice of God’s creative freedom at play in human creativity and freedom," says Bishop Dan Schwerin. "God’s word is always breaking in for good. We as the church may be smaller than we once were, but I believe we are not too small to steward the moral imagination of Jesus."

Erie UMC Sews Comfort for Foster Children

Erie UMC volunteers recently sewed 165 cheerful pillowcases for children in foster care, partnering with Raising Hope and My GEAR Outreach. The effort blended creativity, compassion, and community as people stitched together messages of comfort and hope. With more than 1,000 pillowcases made since 2019, the church continues to offer a tangible reminder that every child is loved and valued.

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