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…
Robert "Bob" Lacock, spouse of Rev. Dr. Michelle Oberwise Lacock, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on his birthday, Friday, February 28, 2025, at his home. During Rev. Dr. Oberwise Lacock’s ministry, she served at Lyndon, Freeport: Faith and Aurora St. Luke Medical Center as well as serving in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. She was instrumental in the Conference on Native American Ministries and shared her expertise with the Wisconsin Annual Conference as well.
Mr. Lacock was 73 years old.
A memorial service will be held on March 6 at 5 p.m. with visitation starting 4 p.m. at Salem UMC (541 Hwy WI-59, Waukesha, WI 53186). Reverand Paola Benecchi and Rev. Carol Lakota Eastin will be officiating.
A second service will be held on March 29 at 11 a.m. with visitation starting at 10 a.m. at Kingston Mines UMC (405 3rd St, Kingston Mines, IL 61539).
Messages of condolence may be sent to Rev. Oberwise Lacock and family.
Rev. Dr. Michelle Oberwise Lacock
S 79 W 31370 Green Meadows Drive
Mukwonago, WI 53149
Memorials may be given to Salem UMC or Morning Sky Initiative, Inc. for a Native American ministry project entitled, Healing with Dignity.
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…