From the Bishop: Keep Practicing Hope
"I believe hope is a practice of God’s creative freedom at play in human creativity and freedom," says Bishop Dan Schwerin. "God’s word is always breaking in for good. We as the church ma…
Mrs. Freda Whittle, the surviving spouse of Rev. Paul Whittle Jr., a deceased member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. During his ministry Rev. Whittle served Sandridge; Chicago: Elston Avenue; Palos Heights; Wheaton: Gary Memorial; Superintendent of Chicago Western District; Wilmette: Trinity; and Park Ridge: First.
Mrs. Whittle was 100 years old.
A memorial reception will take place on Aug. 16, noon, at Grace United Methodist Church, 300 E. Gartner Rd., Naperville, in the Fellowship Hall. The family welcomes members of Grace Church and all of Freda’s friends, including residents of her former senior community in Aurora.
If you plan to attend the reception, please contact the family as soon as possible, as the planning deadline has passed. Please respond to Deborah Pulido by email or call or text her at (415) 271-9193.
Messages of condolence may be sent to
The Whittle Family
5238 Coronado Ave., Unit 316
Oakland, CA 94618
"I believe hope is a practice of God’s creative freedom at play in human creativity and freedom," says Bishop Dan Schwerin. "God’s word is always breaking in for good. We as the church ma…
Erie UMC volunteers recently sewed 165 cheerful pillowcases for children in foster care, partnering with Raising Hope and My GEAR Outreach. The effort blended creativity, compassion, a…
Mr. Vi Tran, spouse of Rev. Brian Gilbert of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the age of 37.
The NIC delegates to the 2020/2024 General Conference celebrate the ratification of the four constitutional amendments that affirm the UMC as a fully inclusive church.