2026 Will Be a Year of Hope
Bishop Schwerin looks ahead to 2026 by turning to scripture; specifically, Psalm 130:5: “I wait for the Lord; my soul waits, and in his word, I hope.” He ponders, What kind of spiritual focus is nee…
David W. Quinn and Kim Emery during the budget presentation at Annual Conference 2025
The Conference Council on Finance and Administration thanks the Annual Conference members for passing the recommended 2026 conference budget and a new apportionment formula.
The 2026 conference is balanced; that is, the income equals expenses. The Conference Council on Finance and Administration did not recommmend an increase over the 2025 budget because we know these are challenging times for local churches. We understand that every dollar given to apportionments comes from the offering plate.
And we appreciate those local churches that pay their appointment in full, for being part of the connection, for meeting “the first benevolent responsibility of the Church” (Book of Discipline para. 247.14).
Apportionment giving pays for the ministries that churches share as the Northern Illinois Conference. Annual Conference members approved the budget, and in so doing they agreed to support it financially. Our conference pays 100 percent of its bills, even if we don’t collect 100 percent from the churches.
Last year our churches remitted 79 percent of the total apportioned. As of May, we collected 69 percent, which is 10 points higher than received at this time last year. THANK YOU! Most of the apportionment is paid in December. We hope to reach at least 80 percent this year.
CCFA members Barbara Sutton and Jerry Topcik answer budget and finance questions at Annual Conference 2025
NIC has a new, simple, equitable apportionment formula, as follows:
The new formula comes with these rules:
Watch for webinars and training this fall on statistical reports, especially the income line items. If your church completes its 2025 statistical report by Jan. 30, 2026, NIC will use your 2025 information to calculate your 2026 apportionment. If your church submits its report after January 30, 2026, we will use your 2024 information.
Bishop Schwerin looks ahead to 2026 by turning to scripture; specifically, Psalm 130:5: “I wait for the Lord; my soul waits, and in his word, I hope.” He ponders, What kind of spiritual focus is nee…
Rev. Lora Zink, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.
Mrs. Freda Whittle, surviving spouse of Rev. Paul Whittle Jr., a deceased member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on April 16, 2025.
This summer, churches across the conference brought vacation Bible school to life, each one putting its own unique spin on the beloved tradition. From creative scheduling and special…