Practicing Hope Requires Leading Courageously
Eugene Williams, Northern Illinois Conference co-lay leader, says that to practice hope, we must take brave actions. "Giving up power and extending equity is hard to do; especial…
Grace and Peace to you, Siblings in Christ.
Every day of our lives is an unfolding of Holy Week. Some of our moments are euphoric. Some moments turn the tables on money changers. Some of our moments feature washing and newness. Some of us live in the disillusionment of Good Friday. Some of us are unplaneted by joy. The God-relatedness of all of it is holy.
For me, there have been times that hearing a judge’s verdict from the bench is holy. To be an empty-handed shepherd with someone who is dying is holy. To hear a sermon reveal that we are both broken and blessed is holy. To hear another language sing about devotion is holy. There is no end to the things that are holy. Drink it all in this week, each step behind Jesus, praying in the garden, staying awake, fear of the empire, and living the questions.
in the garden
the near side of God
healing the human ear
can put
your swords away
A blessed holy week and the fullness of Easter joy to you. May peace and well-being come to the whole earth.
Know that I am praying for you.
Bishop's 2024 Easter Greeting from Northern Illinois Conference on Vimeo.
Eugene Williams, Northern Illinois Conference co-lay leader, says that to practice hope, we must take brave actions. "Giving up power and extending equity is hard to do; especial…
Rev. Christian Coon, the NIC director of congregational development, once thought there might be some yet-to-be-discovered magic program or resource that is going to help the chur…
"Our sacraments are baptism and the Eucharist," Bishop Dan Schwerin says. "They are gifts for pilgrims, a bath and a meal. Surely walking alongside is another ancient embodiment of Jesus…
Some 657 lay and clergy members of Northern Illinois Conference gathered to practice hope at their annual session, held June 14-16 at the Schaumburg (I…