Celebrating Growth: 2026 Giving Off to a Remarkable Start

First quarter giving in 2026 is off to a strong and encouraging start across the Northern Illinois Conference, with significant gains in every area compared to this one year ago.

Apportionment giving has reached 75 percent (up from 60 percent last year), with more than $1 million already received. Health and pension insurance premium payments stand at 91 percent (compared to 69 percent at this point last year). Clergy contributions to their health insurance premiums reached 88 percent (up from 74 percent), and property insurance premium receipts have seen the most dramatic improvement—99 percent, compared to just 45 percent at this time last year.

These numbers reflect a shared commitment to strengthening the ministry and mission of the church.     

“I’m grateful for the results and the good process,” says Bishop Dan Schwerin. “We will get healthier, innovate, and impact more people for Jesus Christ.” 

As my time as Conference Committee on Finance and Administration chair comes to an end, I would like to thank the Northern Illinois Annual Conference and Bishop Dan Schwerin for the opportunity to serve on Conference Council on Finance and Administration. When I was first asked if I would consider serving I never expected I would become the chairperson. One never knows what God has in store.   

It has truly been a blessing and a learning experience. I joke that if you want to learn more than you every thought you could about the NIC and you want to step out of your comfort zone, chair the CCFA.

I have had the true honor to serve with so many wonderful and supportive siblings in Christ. I have learned so much and have grown in my understanding of how the annual conference works. Speaking before a large crowd of people is not something that I feel comfortable with but no matter how nervous I was, I felt great support from the floor of the annual conference, the conference staff, and the members of the CCFA.   

CCFA has and continues to work hard on behalf of the annual conference. We have made some tough recommendations to annual conference. My terms on CCFA were filled with changes. I worked during the terms of three bishops, two NIC treasurers, and a new assistant to bishop, and the adoption of a new appointment formula.

My message for the laity is that local churches, districts, and conference need laity.  We can make a difference. We cannot sit on the sideline and complain that our churches are declining if we are not willing to help. Even if we are busy with children or parents, full-time jobs, and other responsibilities, we are needed to keep the church alive and well. We laypeople bring our perspectives, skills, and talents. If we as the church are not growing, we are dying. It truly takes both lay and clergy to keep the church growing.   

My message for the churches: Thank you for being part of the connectional system and choosing to pay the apportionments. We appreciate each dollar you have given to the conference from your collection plate. We recognize that many churches have financial strains. The importance of our conference apportionments allows us to continue to do the connectional work and have the resources to lean on other United Methodist churches. I have had the opportunity to see firsthand NIC churches’ helping each other.  I encourage all churches to continue to support each other through prayers and paying apportionments. It will make us all stronger.

Again, thank you for allowing me to serve as your CCFA chair for the last two years.  I look forward to seeing my laity siblings using their gifts, graces ,and skills in leadership roles to help the conference and seeing all the wonderful ministries we can do together.