The Value of Pastoral Renewal Leave
Rev. Matthew Smith recently returned from a renewal leave. He explains that it is more than a vacation; it is a time to deepen one's relationship with God.
Location: Online and in local churches
Join others in the Northern Illinois Conference in reading the Bible in one year!
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.
Online Orientation Session
To join, click here
Meeting ID: 899 7514 5729
Reading Plan
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.
Support Groups
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.
Register
For more information or to register, complete the sign-up form.
Questions?
Contact Amania Drane.