Northern Illinois Conference members and churches gave generously to three opportunities at Annual Conference this year, June 14-16.

Giving totals as of June 16:

The Bishop’s Appeal so far has raised $30,960.52 for Education in Central Conferences. These gifts assist two key initiatives: a high school in Tanzania, led by NIC missionary Young Seon (known as Christina) Kim, and scholarships for ministry students in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. This year’s appeal is about justice, empowerment, and partnership. As a connectional church, we believe that every child deserves an education and every community deserves well-trained spiritual leaders.  Churches and individuals may still give until Sept. 30.

The Missions Challenge, which collects items needed by Midwest Mission for their direct assistance here and around the world, received almost 7,000 pounds of goods (requiring two trucks)! Donations included home-care kits, personal dignity kits, sewing machines, crutches, and more, which will help people across the globe improve their lives.

At the Celebration of Ministry, the Ministerial Education Fund offering received $$2,561. Twenty-five percent of this remains with the Northern Illinois Conference. The other 75 percent helps support the 13 United Methodist theological schools and helps with United Methodist scholarships and faculty/staff salaries and benefits for those who prepare United Methodist students for ministry.