In his reflection, Rev. Dr. Charles A. Woolery Sr., challenges readers to move beyond a comfortable, sanitized remembrance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to engage his full prophetic witness. He lifts up King’s critique of racism, poverty, and militarism, warning that honoring monuments and sound bites is easier than living out the costly work of justice.
Read MoreClergy and lay members will gather June 14–16 in Schaumburg for the Northern Illinois Conference’s 187th Annual Conference, centered on the theme “Practicing Hope.” With inspiring worship, engaging Lunch-and-Learns, a returning mass choir, and supportive childcare, the conference invites participants to deepen connections and explore how hope shapes ministry and mission. Grounded in Romans 5:3–5, the gathering encourages endurance, renewal, and faithful leadership for the future.
Read MoreAcknowledging the challenges of a fractured and uncertain time, Bishop Dan Schwerin lifts up gratitude for the resilience, courage, and faithfulness of the Northern Illinois Conference. He reframes smaller numbers not as loss, but as opportunity, reminding readers that God uses remnants to create new possibilities. Looking ahead, he invites congregations to consider how they will actively practice hope in 2026, offering a clear and compelling witness to the hope found in Christ.
Read MoreOver the past year, the Northern Illinois Conference has supported local churches through a range of grants designed to nurture innovation, sustain vital rural ministries, and advance justice and compassion. Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer shares how these investments, totaling more than $55,000, are strengthening communities and encouraging faithful experimentation across the conference. Together, our shared giving is helping churches live boldly into God’s mission.
Read MoreIn her column, Rev. Danita R. Anderson calls the church to embrace practicing hope as a way of navigating loss, change, and uncertainty. Rather than remaining stuck in despair, she invites readers to recognize God’s ongoing work of renewal and new beginnings. Through hope, we are challenged to see our lives, churches, and communities with new eyes and renewed trust in God’s faithfulness.
Read MoreRev. Christian Coon challenges a familiar Wesleyan phrase by urging churches to make their mission more local and personal. Instead of starting with the world, he encourages congregations to see their immediate communities, their streets, neighborhoods, and towns, as their parish. This shift, he suggests, leads to deeper relationships, more meaningful ministry, and a renewed commitment to social holiness
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