Two years ago, the Northern Illinois Conference approved a strategic plan focused on three primary goals for our conference and congregations. Task Forces were formed, and even with the challenges of a global pandemic, great strides have been made in this movement, strengthening discipleship, addressing racism, and building vital congregations.

Through prayer, discernment, and planning, dedicated lay and clergy have accomplished much. We rejoice in their leadership, dedication, and accomplishments. Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Now, our leaders are asking us to join them in prayer as we encourage and support this ongoing work and remain committed to God’s plans and ways.” 

This fall, representatives from all three Task Forces came together to plan and launch a “Day of Prayer and Fasting” on October 1 from 6 am to 5 pm. Thank you to Karen Bonnell (Co-chair Discipleship and lay member at Creston UMC), Nadia Kanhai (Co-Chair Anti-Racism and lay member at Naperville: Grace), and Rev. Brittany Isaac (Lake North District Superintendent and Co-Chair Vital Congregations) for your work on the October 1 focus.

As our Discipleship Task Force member Rev. Seamus Enright wrote, “When we pray, we join an ongoing conversation that began with the Divine Word who spoke all things into existence and continues to breathe recreation and transformation into our lives. When we fast, we pray in solidarity with the hungry, and our attention is focused on the One who wills that all those who hunger should be fed, who has provided in abundance; and we sharpen our appetite for the things of heaven.”

We are inviting all members of churches in the Northern Illinois Conference to join us in prayer on October 1. It is a day to seek God’s strength for the work ahead. Friday, October 1, and Saturday, October 2 are also the final days of our 182nd annual conference. The 2021 Ordination Service will take place on Friday, and on Saturday, we will conduct our final business for the year.

We look forward to the commissioning and ordination of deacons and elders and are praying for them. You can join in the ordination service and the business session via livestreaming on the NIC Facebook page and our YouTube channel.

Please click here for the details of a Day of Prayer and Fasting. Share with your congregation and join us in prayer via Zoom or see the webpage for a list of churches in each district offering in-person prayer time.

To God be the glory, 

Bishop John L. Hopkins 

Download the Bishop's letter