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…
Mrs. Helen M. Gibbons, the spouse of Rev. James Gibbons, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025.
During Rev. Gibbons's ministry, he served Audy Memorial Home; West Side Medical Center; Metropolitan West Side Parish; United Medical Center; University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics; and Christ Hospital.
Mrs. Gibbons was 84 years old.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 27 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Court Street United Methodist Church (215 N. Court St, Rockford, IL 61103). A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 27th, at 11:30 a.m. at the same location.
Messages of condolence can be sent to Rev. Gibbons and Family:
Rev. James Gibbons
4202 Willows Lane
Rockford, IL 61101-8800
In lieu of flowers, she has requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society and Arthritis Foundation.
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…