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…
Safe Sanctuaries® is an overt expression in making congregations safe places where children, youth, and elders may experience the abiding love of God and fellowship within the community of faith. Safe Sanctuaries® is a “social structure that is consistent with the gospel” allowing our sanctuaries, classrooms, mission encounters, camps, retreats, and all spaces where we gather to worship and serve God to be places of trust.
Learn more about Safe Sanctuaries
Cost $15, includes class instruction and background check
Online registration coming soon.
Attendance for all three hours of class and background check passed before completion certificate is issued.
Contact Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer for more information.
The Northern Illinois Conference partners with Safe Gatherings as an individual online training option.
Safe Gatherings is an online abuse prevention program that screens and educates staff and volunteers to help prevent abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults in group settings. When using Safe Gatherings, upon successful completion of the application, background and reference checks, and the online training program, each applicant will receive documentation of approval valid for three years, and will have continued access to the online training program for an entire year. Screening includes obtaining background checks and professional references. The $35 training is comprehensive, and applicants may complete the online training modules at their own pace. The training typically takes about 2 hours to complete and are offered in english or spanish.
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…