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: Rockford: Grace UMC, 3555 McFarland Road
Sat., Sept. 19
Rockford: Grace UMC
A Fresh Expressions Event for Prairie North District Clergy and Laity, open to all in the Northern Illinois Conference
Sat., Sept. 19
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Rockford: Grace UMC
3555 McFarland Road
Cost: (includes lunch)
- $10 per person
- $25 total per church
Online Registration
Registration closes Wed., Sept. 16.
Join us for a day-long training and learning about Fresh Expressions, led by Rev. Dr. Michael Beck, the director of Fresh Expressions for The United Methodist Church.
The event is designed to spark imagination and innovation for churches seeking to connect with people in new ways. Through interactive activities, creative thinking, dialogue, and hands-on prototyping, participants will explore how to cultivate new Christian communities alongside existing congregations.
Grounded in biblical frameworks, inspiring real-life stories, and practical Fresh Expressions methodologies, this workshop equips church leaders and teams to reach new people, in new places, and in new ways. Participants will leave with fresh ideas and practical tools to begin cultivating inclusive, accessible, transformative, and connectional forms of church that meet the needs of today’s communities.
After the training, there will be an option for churches to participate in a Fresh Expression Pathway with the conference.
To learn more about Fresh Expressions and its connections to the UMC, this page has several articles.
Contact Christian Coon for more details.