In Sympathy: Gwen Janet Oliver
Mrs. Gwen Janet Oliver, spouse of Rev. Richard E. Oliver, retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Fri., Oct. 2, 2026.
Location: Locations vary
Annual Conference Shepherding Team Meetings
The Annual Conference Shepherding Team (ACST) was created to advance the overall mission of the NIC by ensuring the proper use and alignment of resources to achieve it. The ACST serves as a place for consultation, advice and decision-making, and provides connections between Conference administrative and ministry areas, Cabinet, District Shepherding Teams, and Local Churches. It serves to build trust, collaboration, and accountability in the Conference’s responsibility to live out its mission.
Specifically, the ACST is:
- A council of advice to the bishop and conference leadership;
- A decision-making body between annual conference sessions, and for those items not requiring conference action;
- A contributor to the overall budgeting process with final review prior to annual conference;
- The oversight body for the District Shepherding teams in collaboration with the District Superintendents;
- An adaptive learning organization that provides insights and teaching about effective leadership in the 21st century church.
2026 Dates
Nov. 7, 2026
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Rochelle UMC, 709 Fourth Ave.
2027 Dates
- February 20 via Zoom
- April 10 (Elgin: First UMC)
- July 31 Retreat (location TBD)
- September 18 (Lombard: Faith UMC)
- November 13 (location TBD)