2026 Will Be a Year of Hope
Bishop Schwerin looks ahead to 2026 by turning to scripture; specifically, Psalm 130:5: “I wait for the Lord; my soul waits, and in his word, I hope.” He ponders, What kind of spiritual focus is nee…
A light reception will be served immediately after the worship service.
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." Matthew 9:37
Including choirs from Journey of Hope UMC in Elgin, Korean UMC in Flossmoor and St. Mark UMC (St. Mark Gospirational Choir) in Chicago
Sponsored by the NIC Discipleship Task Force
Rev. Dr. Mai-Anh Le Tran
Rev. Dr. Mai-Anh Le Tran of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Religious Education and Practical Theology.
Vocationally, she sees herself as a scholar for academia and the church; a teacher who aspires to be “leading learner”; an academic who understands that her embodied self is a palimpsest of multiple and contradictory worlds; a person of faith whose Christian commitments are buttressed by lessons from ecumenism, religious pluralism, and intercultural realities. She understands teaching as leadership, guided by an ethic of care, respect, and curiosity for self, others, and the world. She considers learning a risk-taking (and inevitably painful) adventure in which we pursue knowledge (information), ground self in foundations of integrity (formation), and commit to live and act in ways that ensures essential well-being for all and for this planet (transformation).
Learn more about Rev. Dr. Mai-anh Le Tran here.
Bishop Schwerin looks ahead to 2026 by turning to scripture; specifically, Psalm 130:5: “I wait for the Lord; my soul waits, and in his word, I hope.” He ponders, What kind of spiritual focus is nee…
Rev. Lora Zink, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.
Mrs. Freda Whittle, surviving spouse of Rev. Paul Whittle Jr., a deceased member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on April 16, 2025.
This summer, churches across the conference brought vacation Bible school to life, each one putting its own unique spin on the beloved tradition. From creative scheduling and special…