Group photo of those in attendance from the NIC at the dinner for Northern Illinois and Wisconsin Conferences dinner.

It really does take a villiage to help General Conference run smoothly and do its work. United Methodists from across Northern Illinois participated in General Conference 2020 in many different ways. 

Over 750 delegates debated and voted on legislation and other matters of the church during the ten days of the General Conference, which is intense. Delegates often call on reserve delegates to “sit in” or be seated as delegates during plenary sessions. Delegates spend much time preparing by meeting with their fellow delegates and those they represent, reading the proposed legislation, participating and leading legislative committees, and more. 

Volunteers showed up to help out in diverse ways, most providing their own transportation and lodging. More than 1,000 volunteers donned red aprons, keeping the event running like a well-oiled machine by answering questions and directing traffic.

Marshals managed the visitor and reserved seating areas and ensured that only authorized individuals access certain conference sections, among other responsibilities. Pages assisted delegates, bishops, and key participants, distributed materials, and conveyed information throughout the event. Parliamentarians clarified rules of order for presiders, to help them run meetings smoothly and fairly. Recorders were in charge of making sure that all was documented and able to be provided to those who needed it.  Monitors helped to assess and record the worship, plenary, and legislative committees for equity.

Group leaders and members of affiliated organizations were on hand to raise awareness about causes they passionately believe in and serve as resource people. The press helped communicate all that was happening. Translators helped to bridge language gaps in not only the 4 official languages but in 6 other languages, including American Sign Language. Worship volunteers helped provide the music and prayers in many languages.

Missionaries were commissioned for their work across the globe. Deaconesses and home missioners were consecrated by The United Methodist Church and commissioned to full-time ministries of love, justice, and service.

In addition to those who volunteered, many came to observe what was happening and provide support to those who were working, being recognized or consecrated.

Thank you to all from Northern Illinois who volunteered, participated in, and attended General Conference 2020.

Watch a video compilation of the NIC participation

• Prairie North 
  • Rev. Kim Chapman, observer 
  • Rev. Hwa-Young Chong, reserve delegate 
  • Rev. Jane Eesley, missionary 
  • Rev. Doosoo Lee, observer 
  • Lisa Smith, press 
• Prairie South 
  • Pastor Mary Lou Eubank, translator 
  • Rev. Brian Gilbert, reserve delegate 
  • Rev. Paul Lee, page leader and worship volunteer  
  • Rev. Rosa Lee, page leader and worship volunteer 
  • Rev. Luis Reyes-Rosario, delegate 
• Prairie Central 
  • Rev. Danita Anderson, credentials volunteer  
  • Rev. Avani Christian, welcome volunteer 
  • Milan Christian, volunteer 
  • Amania Drane, observer 
  • Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, observer 
  • Nadia Kanhai, delegate 
  • Rev. Victoria Rebeck, press 
  • Rev. Tyler Ward, observer
  • Rev. Katie Voigt, recorder coordinator 
  • Rev. Mary Zajac, prayer center volunteer
  • Rev. Zaki Zaki, observer 
• Lake North 
  • Rev. BJ Birkhahn-Rommelfanger, observer 
  • Rev. Nancy Blade, observer
  • Rev. Scort Christy, observer 
  • Rev. Brit Cox, reserve delegate 
  • Liz Gracie, monitor  
  • Rev. Gregory Gross, delegate 
  • Rev. Brittany Isaac, observer
  • Rev. Sun Hyung Jo, observer  
  • Rev. Thomas Kim, press 
  • Jim Loeppert, observer 
  • Rev. Alka Lyall, delegate 
  • Ronnie Lyall, reserve delegate 
  • Deaconess Joann Cultera Melad, observer and choir 
  • Rev. Victor Melad, Jr., translator and choir 
  • Eliane Moy, observer 
  • Nancy Pendergrass, reserve delegate 
  • Rev. Adonna Reid, observer 
  • Paula Roderick, resource person 
  • Pauline Omboko Shongo, volunteer 
  • Beth Swanick, welcome volunteer 
• Lake South 
  • Rev. Rachel Birkhahn-Rommelfanger, reserve delegate 
  • Rev. Arlene Christopherson, parliamentarian volunteer 
  • Rev. Jacque Conway, reserve delegate 
  • Rev. Harriette Cross, marshal volunteer 
  • Rev. Deborah Dangerfield, observer 
  • Peg Isaacson, observer 
  • Rev. G. Morris Jarkloh, Jr., marshal volunteer 
  • Rev. Myron McCoy, observer 
  • DS Audrea Nanabray, observer
  • Rita L. Smith, delegate 
  • Barbara Sutton, consecrated deaconess 

* This list may not include everyone. We apologise if there is anyone we missed. We tried to list everyone we knew of, but we may have missed someone. Please email lsmith@umcnic.org to have your name added.