Dear Friends in Christ,

Two years ago, the Northern Illinois Conference approved a strategic plan focused on three primary goals for our conference and congregations. Task Forces were formed, and even with the challenges of a global pandemic, great strides have been made in this movement, strengthening discipleship, addressing racism, and building vital congregations. Through prayer, discernment, and planning, dedicated lay and clergy have accomplished much.

We rejoice in their leadership, dedication, and accomplishments. Proverbs 19:21 says, "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."

Our Discipleship Task Force shared a vision this year of prayer, development of discipleship-making systems, strengthening our youth, and undergirding the annual conference in worship. An all-annual conference Discipleship Weekend is scheduled for November 13 and 14.

"Tending to the Harvest" will include a Saturday morning workshop via Zoom and Sunday afternoon worship open to everyone across the conference in person and via livestream.

On Saturday, November 13 (9 - 11 am, ZOOM), Rev. Kyungsu Park will focus on the importance of youth in the disciple-making process. Breakout sessions for discussion and reflection will follow Rev. Park's presentation. On

Sunday, November 14 (4 - 5:30 pm, in Person & livestream), Rev. Olu Brown will serve as our preacher for a NIC worship service at Our Savior's UMC, Schaumburg. Rev. Rich Rubietta will lead the music. This is an opportunity for the people of the NIC (both laity & clergy) to worship together... just worship... nothing more, nothing less.

The Rev. Olu Brown is a well-known preacher, author, church planter, and coach. I am excited to have Rev. Brown here in our conference to nurture our souls in a time of praise, celebration, and preaching. We will be blessed. I am grateful to Karen Bonnell and Rev. Caleb Hong for their leadership of the Discipleship Task Force and their work. We are in good hands as the planning team for the weekend puts the finishing touches on these two events.

You can learn more about the "Tending to the Harvest" events at this link. Be sure to register today.