The Northern Illinois Annual Conference, in partnership with United Methodist Communications, is pleased to announce the launch of the #BeUMC Awards: a new opportunity to honor and celebrate outstanding faithfulness across our conference during the upcoming Annual Conference session.

The #BeUMC Awards recognize individuals and congregations that embody our shared United Methodist vision to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. These awards highlight lives and ministries that reflect the mission of the UMC: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Northern Illinois Conference will present #BeUMC Awards in three categories:

• An outstanding layperson
• An outstanding clergy member
• An outstanding congregation

Award recipients will demonstrate faithfulness, leadership, and impact that reflect both denomination's mission and the values central to its vision.

All clergy, laity, and congregations within the Northern Illinois Conference may submit nominations. This is a meaningful opportunity to lift up stories of faith, service, and leadership that inspire the wider connection and bear witness to what it means to #BeUMC today.

The nomination forms will be available on the Annual Conference Award page starting Feb. 3. You are welcome to nominate yourself or someone else. The submission deadline is April 10. (Note this is 5 days earlier than previously shared.)

Join us in celebrating those who embody the spirit of The United Methodist Church and who continue to make an extraordinary difference through their witness and ministry.

For more information, please contact Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer.