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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 needed for our leadership in this moment?

In Sympathy: Lora Zink

Rev. Lora Zink, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.

In Sympathy: Freda Whittle

Mrs. Freda Whittle, surviving spouse of Rev. Paul Whittle Jr., a deceased member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on April 16, 2025.

VBS Adventures Inspire Faith and Community

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 projects to new formats and fresh themes, these diverse programs showed how innovation and faith can come together to engage kids and families in meaningful, fun ways.

Conference Advocacy Partners Learn from IL Supreme Court Justice

The NIC Advocacy Partners led a group of 11 United Methodists from four United Methodist churches on July 25 to meet Illinois Supreme Court Justice P. Scott Neville.

HealthFlex 2026 Rates Now Available

Churches and clergy may start preparing now for the 2026 health insurance plan for clergy. Next year’s premium rates are now available.