Skip to Main Content

From Our Bishop: Tune Your Eyes to Awe

Posted: September 16 2026 at 07:33 AM
Author: Bishop Dan Schwerin, Northern Illinois-Wisconsin Episcopal Area


Rock In Hand Adjusted Crop

a green stone
in my pocket

in the world
as a child

        (Kingfisher #13)

I write to encourage you. Yesterday someone reminded me how difficult this moment is, how divided we are. Then a thought leader across the pond spoke to me of her own fears, living as a refugee. My email is a sea of bad behavior wreckage.

Even so, God is with us for good. I offer the above poem to bear witness to God's wonders, and the weaving ways of the Spirit to find us. I found a stone. I thought Julie would love to see it. How simple.

Beloved of God, you are a wonder in the world. You are a witness to hope. Together we are practicing hope. Tune your eyes to awe. Share your wonders. These signs of manna are providential. Be encouraged.

May Christ be in our steps.

Thank you for your ministry.

News & Announcements

Winter Preparedness

Winter Weather Is Coming — Is Your Church Prepared?

As temperatures drop across Northern Illinois, churches are encouraged to take steps to protect their buildings, parsonages and properties from winter weather. Frozen pipes…

Celebrating Amania 2

Seven Years of Connection, Service and Ministry: Celebrating Amania Drane

Amania Drane will transition out of her role as Project Manager with the Northern Illinois Conference in January 2027 to pursue a personal calling relat…

Nic Cabinet Fall Fundraiser 101126

Immigration Law and Justice Offers Hope

Immigration Law and Justice of Northern Illinois recently gathered more than 160 supporters at its annual fundraising event in Aurora, raising $40,500 toward a $60,000 goal to provide fr…

1000005944

2027 NIC Youth Retreat: Love Does!

Youth from five NIC churches gathered in September for the 2026 Fall Youth Retreat, themed “Love Does!” Through worship, small-group discussions, outdoor activities and time together, partici…

Print