Practicing Hope Requires Leading Courageously
Eugene Williams, Northern Illinois Conference co-lay leader, says that to practice hope, we must take brave actions. "Giving up power and extending equity is hard to do; especial…
The Northern Illinois Conference Committee on Discipleship and Spiritual Formation (CDSF) invites congregations to make regular Scripture reading part of their spiritual practice in 2026.
To join, click here
Meeting ID: 899 7514 5729
The yearlong plan begins in January and follows the Bible in chronological order, arranging readings in the sequence events are believed to have occurred—for example, moving from Genesis to Job and then back to Genesis. Click here to view the full-year reading calendar.
To support this journey, a monthly conference-wide support group will meet via Zoom on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Facilitated by members of the CDSF, these gatherings offer encouragement, space to reflect on your experience, and opportunities to share insights with others. (Additional local or online groups may be added.)
Please note that this is a support group—not a Bible study. Facilitators will guide conversation around what participants are learning, what is challenging, and how the practice is shaping their faith.
For more information or to register, complete the sign-up form.
Contact Amania Drane.
Eugene Williams, Northern Illinois Conference co-lay leader, says that to practice hope, we must take brave actions. "Giving up power and extending equity is hard to do; especial…
Rev. Christian Coon, the NIC director of congregational development, once thought there might be some yet-to-be-discovered magic program or resource that is going to help the chur…
"Our sacraments are baptism and the Eucharist," Bishop Dan Schwerin says. "They are gifts for pilgrims, a bath and a meal. Surely walking alongside is another ancient embodiment of Jesus…
Some 657 lay and clergy members of Northern Illinois Conference gathered to practice hope at their annual session, held June 14-16 at the Schaumburg (I…