Methodism and May Day: Intertwined in History
May Day, May 1, is internationally recognized as a day to lift up voices in the struggle for labor rights. Born with John Wesley’s care for coal miners and oppressed workers, Unite…
Posted: April 22 2026 at 01:16 AM
Author: Tim Alexander, NIC CCORR Co-chair
Bringing together faith, history, and a shared commitment to justice, United Methodists from across Illinois will take part in a four-day pilgrimage designed to deepen understanding and build community. The Illinois Pilgrimage, set for June 25–28, will guide participants through significant cultural and historical sites, fostering reflection, learning, and connection across regions.
The pilgrimage is a collaborative effort between the Northern Illinois Conference Commission on Religion and Race and the Illinois Great Rivers Conference Board of Global Ministries. Supporting sponsors reflect a shared commitment to education and relationship-building and include the NIC Committee on Native American Ministries, First United Methodist Church of Ottawa, Grace United Methodist Church in Lake Bluff, Greenstone United Methodist Church in Chicago, North Central College in Naperville, Our Saviour’s United Methodist Church in Schaumburg, and Trinity United Methodist Church in East St. Louis.
Designed as both a learning experience and a time of spiritual reflection, the journey begins on June 25 in Chicago with visits to key historical landmarks. On June 26, some participants will depart from North Central College and some from the Illinois Great Rivers Center in Springfield to go first to Ottawa to visit a Lincoln-Douglas debate site. Next they will continue to the El Paso Voting Rights Museum and end the day in Springfield. Saturday includes additional historic site visits in Springfield before traveling to Collinsville.
The pilgrimage concludes on June 28 with worship at Trinity UMC in East St. Louis, followed by lunch and a visit to Cahokia Mounds, one of the world’s most significant Indigenous historical sites.
To participate, learn more here. Pricing includes lodging, meals, and entrance fees, with options ranging from a $50 one-day Chicago experience to three- and four-day packages. A $100 discount is available for participants ages 18 to 25.
Registration is open through May 31, with space limited. A mandatory online orientation will be held June 2 to review final details.