Practicing Hope Requires Leading Courageously
Eugene Williams, Northern Illinois Conference co-lay leader, says that to practice hope, we must take brave actions. "Giving up power and extending equity is hard to do; especial…
Hear from numerous churches who were awarded PACK (Planned Act of Christian Kindness) and Keagy grants for their creative ministries. Join participants for lunch afterwards.
The NIC awarded over $46,000 in combined PACK and Keagy grants in 2025.
PACK grants range from $100 - $500 and are meant to be a blessing to neighbors in the community outside of the church to show them the love of Jesus Christ. Keagy Grants range from $500 - $5000, and are for larger ministry projects that benefit the community and strengthen the church through evangelism, discipleship, justice and compassion. These grants have been awarded by the NIC for decades and are funded by a generous bequest from Martin Keagy who had a big heart for small town and rural churches, meaning those churches located outside of metropolitan and suburban areas.
Grant applications for 2026 will open on January 2 and can be found online. If you have any questions about the Town & Rural Festival, the grants or the grant process, please contact Rev. Libby Rutherford.
Eugene Williams, Northern Illinois Conference co-lay leader, says that to practice hope, we must take brave actions. "Giving up power and extending equity is hard to do; especial…
Rev. Christian Coon, the NIC director of congregational development, once thought there might be some yet-to-be-discovered magic program or resource that is going to help the chur…
"Our sacraments are baptism and the Eucharist," Bishop Dan Schwerin says. "They are gifts for pilgrims, a bath and a meal. Surely walking alongside is another ancient embodiment of Jesus…
Some 657 lay and clergy members of Northern Illinois Conference gathered to practice hope at their annual session, held June 14-16 at the Schaumburg (I…