Dear Clergy and Members of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference,

As the summer winds down, may God’s Spirit blow through our local churches and annual conference to renew our commitment to discipleship! I am writing to announce that there will be a special session of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at Kishwaukee College (21193 Malta Road, Malta, IL 60150) beginning promptly at 9 a.m. and continuing until 1 p.m. More information about this venue and details of the conference will be forthcoming.

We trust that all elected lay delegates and clergy at the June session will be in attendance. If there needs to
be changes, please contact your district administrative assistant with the change.

Registration will begin mid-September so watch the eNews for the link.

There are three purposes on the agenda for the special session:

1. Approve the 2020 financial plan, which includes budget, apportionment formula, and the General
Administration Fund decision. Legislation for the 2020 financial plan will be available mid-October.
There will be a process for feedback and questions ahead of time so that we can maximize our time when
we are together at Kishwaukee College.

2. Hear a report from the Exploration Team. This team was formed as a result of legislation at our June
session to explore our future as an Annual Conference, in light of the passing of the Traditional Plan at the
special General Conference in February. The Exploration Team’s report will include an initial draft
statement defining who we are as a conference with the values we share and that most closely define us.
This statement will help determine how to propose aligning and moving forward when the time comes
after General Conference 2020. This draft will be presented to initiate a process for feedback and
comments to the Exploration Team over the few months following this November special session so that
the Team can craft legislation for our June 2020 annual conference.

3. Take a special Bishop’s Appeal offering. The offering will be used to support and provide relief for
farmers who are suffering from the weather conditions that delayed planting this spring due to constant
rain followed by the effects of a drought during July. The Keagy Town and Rural Committee will
determine the allocation of the offering. More information and resources will be provided to help raise
monies for our farming friends and family. 

These are the only three agenda items that can be acted upon at this special annual conference session but they will undoubtedly inspire robust conversations! Please allow sufficient time to arrive at Kishwaukee College. You should see plenty of cornfields on your way! I look forward to seeing you on November 16!

Sincerely,

Bishop Sally Dyck

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