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Christmas Institute in July Grows Youth Disciples in the Filipino-American Tradition

The 2026 Christmas Institute in July, a beloved Filipino-American United Methodist tradition, gathered 21 youth, 23 pastors and deaconesses, and 11 laypeople from the Northern Illinois Conference and Illinois Great Rivers Conference July 19-21 for worship, fellowship, learning, and leadership development at Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest, Illinois.

Bishop Asks for Prayer After July 27 Tornadoes

Severe storms, including an EF3 tornado that hit the Fox Cities region on Wisconsin, caused damage the Episcopal Area. Bishop Dan Schwerin asks for prayer.

ACST Begins Intercultural Competency Development

Intercultural competency—the ability to interact effectively and appropriately with people from different cultural backgrounds—requires understanding, respect, and adapting to cultural differences. Because Northern Illinois is a diverse conference, the Annual Conference Shepherding Team took intercultural competency training on July 25 at Our Saviour’s United Methodist Church in Schaumburg, led by Rev. Dr. Grace Pak.

Building Faith and Friendships at JOY Camp

JOY Camp 2026 brought together 61 campers and 27 volunteer counselors for a week of faith, friendship, and outdoor fun at Camp Reynoldswood in Dixon, Ill., June 21-27. Centered on the theme of Jesus and his love for all, campers explored Scripture through worship, Bible study, recreation, and fellowship while growing in their faith and building lasting friendships.

In Sympathy: Nya Kwiawon Taryor

Rev. Nya Kwiawon Taryor Sr., a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Lula B. Sherman UMC Hosts Consulate of Costa Rica

Lula B. Sherman United Methodist Church in Evanston entered into a new community partnership on July 14 when it cut the ribbon on new office space in the church for the Consulate of Costa Rica.