Bishop's Column: We Need a Little Christmas
Advent is a protest statement to our lagging faith with its themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Hope isn’t optimism that everything will work out all right. At least I hope not! Be…
Bishop Sally Dyck
Bishop Sally Dyck grew up in rural Washington State. Her home church is on the corner of a wheat field about 20 miles from any town. She grew up on a farm nearby. Now, when asked where she’s from, she says, “I’m from I-90. I-90 goes by where I was born and raised.
I-90 has a ramp to Boston University where I graduated from college and Boston University School of Theology where I went to seminary. I spent 25 years of ministry as a pastor and a district superintendent in the Cleveland, Ohio area and I-90 goes through that area.
After I was elected a bishop in 2004, I was assigned to the Minnesota Annual Conference and I-90 goes through the southern part of the state. I was assigned to the Northern Illinois Annual Conference in 2012 and reassigned for another four years in 2016. I walk across I-90 in order to go to my office at the Temple/First UMC in Chicago. I’m from I-90!”
Throughout her ministry as a pastor, a district superintendent, and a bishop, Bishop Dyck has served churches in rural, suburban and urban areas, beginning her ministry on the near west side of Cleveland in the late 1970s.
As a bishop, she spends nearly every Sunday (or more) in local churches throughout the conference. Since coming to Northern Illinois, Bishop Sally has worked to help the Northern Illinois Conference strengthen its capacity to fulfill its purpose (given in the Book of Discipline): “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by equipping its local churches for ministry and by providing a connection for ministry beyond the local church; all to the glory of God.”
The purpose of the annual conference is to equip and serve the local church so when the purpose is fulfilled, it accomplishes its vision: “making and supporting vital Christians in vital congregations that engage with their communities and the world for peace, justice and mercy.”
Believing that an inward focus is the greatest threat to a local church, Bishop Sally works to help churches grow in their engagement with their communities, bringing joy to their cities and towns (Acts 8:8). In rural, suburban and urban areas, all churches have a mission field to which they are called. Bishop Dyck presently serves as the President of the General Board of Church and Society for the United Methodist Church and also is a member of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches.
Bishop Dyck has been married to the Rev. Dr. Kenneth P. Ehrman since 1976. He is the Director of Field Education at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. They have traveled the world together over the years and presently enjoy living in the west loop of Chicago.
Contact the Bishop's Office:
To arrange for Bishop Dyck to visit your church or for other assistance please contact Marva Andrews, Administrative Assistant to the Bishop 312.346.9766 ext. 702 Email: mandrews@umcnic.org.