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2024 Arts and Culture Series

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THE NORTHERN ILLINOIS CONFERENCE ANTI-RACISM TASK FORCE IS PLEASED TO PRESENT OUR 2024 ARTS AND CULTURE DISCUSSION SERIES.

Quilts have played a significant role in American history and culture for centuries. Quilts are as unique as the people who create them. Similarly, different ethnicities have unique art forms. Join us as we journey to learn about those art forms and help us create an actual NIC quilt celebrating that diversity.

NIC Arts & Culture Quilt Project

As we journey together this year to embrace the rich diversity of music, art and history, we invite you to  participate in the making of an NIC Arts & Culture Quilt that will be hung in the Northern Illinois Conference Office. 

Participants will be asked to present one square from an NIC individual, church  or organization to represent their culture, community, history, or art. Each square will need to be mailed by November 1, 2024.

Learn more about the Quilt Project


EVENTS

ASIAN ART & CULTURE PRESENTATION
Japanese Summer Festival
at the Anderson Japanese Gardens,
Rockford

Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Optional catered meal and discussion.

Learn more and register


HISPANIC/LATINX ART & CULTURE PRESENTATION
in conjunction with the NIC 
Hispanic/Latinx Ministry Celebration

Saturday, October 5

Location and details being finalized

Learn more


NATIVE AMERICAN ART & CULTURE PRESENTATION
Indigenous People's Day Celebration
Starved Rock State Park,
LaSalle County

Monday, October 14

Held in conjunction with the ARTF Pilgrimage team and NIC CONAM.

Details being finalized.

Learn more


Past Events

BLACK ART & CULTURE PRESENTATION
Gateways Festival Orchestra
with special guest Take 6, and conductor Anthony Parnther

April 19, 7:30 p.m.
Orchestra Hall, 220 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

Optional Pre-concert Buffet dinner at Kathryn’s Soul at the French Market 

Read a recap from Dr. Richard Guzman

More information 

Other Series Links

The 2024 Art and Culture Series is a continuation of other ARTF series.
Check out the links below for recordings and information on the past events:
- 2023 Film Series
- 2022 Speaker Series

Learn more about the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force

NIC ANTI-RACISM TASK FORCE SERIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

  • Tim Alexander, Chair (Schaumburg: Our Saviors UMC)
  • Jenny Graham (Rockford: Aldersgate UMC)
  • Rev. Toni Lucas (Albany UMC)
  • Dr. Betty Hart, Northern GA Conference
  • Dr. Richard Guzman (Bolingbrook: Friendship UMC)
  • Project Manager: Amania Drane (Bolingbrook: Friendship UMC)

News & Announcements

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In Sympathy: Royal A Speidel

Rev. Royal A Speidel, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024.

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In Sympathy: Katherine Rockwood

Mrs. Kathryn Rockwood, the surviving spouse of Rev. Theodore Rockwood of the Northern Illinois Conference passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

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Bishop Schwerin Extols the Courage of Retiring Bishops Palmer and Trimble

In his sermon honoring retiring Bishops Trimble and Palmer, Bishop Schwerin said that what he most appreciates about them—besides their tireless passio…

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