Stronger Together: Young Voices Matter
Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer highlights the intentional expansion of young people’s participation at the 2026 Annual Conference, with each district designating two young lay members to ensu…
The 2026 Bishop’s Appeal will benefit Education for Central Conferences, supporting two key initiatives: construction of a high school in Tanzania, led by NIC missionary Rev. Young Seon Kim (known as Christina), and the Endowment for Theological Education in the Central Conferences.
Consider receiving your church's Bishop's Appeal donation on Miracle Sunday, May 17.
(The video is available in a 5-minute version as well as a version with Spanish subtitling.)
Every year, the Northern Illinois Conference raises funds for a project of the area bishop’s choosing and brings the money raised to the Annual Conference session in June. Together, we join our resources and bring hope to the world.
This year’s appeal invites us to invest not only in classrooms and curriculum, but in futures, in young people’s discovering their gifts and in pastors and leaders who are equipped to guide communities with wisdom, compassion, and courage. As a connectional church, we believe that every child deserves an education and every community deserves well-trained spiritual leadership. It is about walking alongside our global siblings as partners in God’s transforming work. Gifts to the appeal will be divided equally between the two projects.
High School Construction in Tanzania
Led by United Methodist missionary Rev. Young Seon Kim (known as Christina), clergy member of Northern Illinois Conference. As a connectional church and following the priorities of the early Methodists, we believe that every child deserves an education.
It will include four classrooms, a well-organized computer laboratory, separate dormitories for boys and girls, a multipurpose hall, and guest rooms for volunteer teachers and visitors.
In addition, the campus will have two outdoor shower and toilet facilities, two storage buildings, a basketball court, and two playgrounds with seating stands built into the natural slope of the land. These spaces will allow students and the local community to gather for sports, various events, and school programs.
It will share with the secondary school (built a few years ago by this ministry) its science laboratories, a library, and a cafeteria.
Read more about the high school here.
The Endowment Fund for Theological Education in Central Conferences
The endowment supports clergy education in the denomination’s eight regions in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. Read more about the Fund for Theological Education here.
On Miracle Sunday, May 17, churches across the connection will receive offerings for the endowment. Read more
How to help:
- Pray for students, teachers, and church leaders in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines
- Encourage your church to take an offering for the Bishop's Appeal. Bring your congregation’s donation to Annual Conference for the Monday collection or donate online.
Download a 3-minute Video
View a Vimeo Showcase with other versions included: 5-minute, Spanish sub-titles