Skip to Main Content

Join the cabinet in keeping a Friday morning Sabbath

Posted: October 31 2024 at 11:02 AM
Sabbath Coffee 1276778 Cmyk

Wespath last year released study findings indicating that over the past decade, the number of clergy reporting “very good” or “excellent” health has steadily declined.  It seems that clergy are among the poorest practictioners of self-care. 

In an effort to model a better way forward, Bishop Dan Schwerin and his cabinets have agreed to embody better self-care. In the coming months they will share more about this, but now they are starting with small steps.  

Therefore, the cabinet has agreed that they will devote Friday mornings (until noon) to reflection and prayer, focusing on a psalm chosen by the bishop. They will refrain from using electronic devices. Barring an emergency, they will not respond to phone calls, emails, or text messages from Thursday evenings until Friday noon. 

They invite Northern Illinois United Methodists to join them in their weekly Sabbath media silence during this time period. During the week, consider following the bishop on Facebook to read a psalm and brief prayer focus. If you aren’t able to join the cabinet’s sabbath, please pray for them as they try to model a better way forward in self care.   

News & Announcements

Quilt Presentation With Bishop

Quilt Presentation Celebrates Diversity and Creativity

At the 2025 Northern Illinois Annual Conference, the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force unveiled the Arts & Culture Quilt—a powerful symbol of unity, justice, and cultural pride.…

Budget Presentation Kim And David

Conference Council on Finance and Administration – Updates from Annual Conference

Members of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference approved the 2026 conference budget and a simplified apportionment formula during their Jun…

Oma Banner03

2025 One Matters Award Winners

The Northern Illinois Conference recognized five churches with One Matters Awards. The United Methodist Church’s Discipleship Ministries created this award in 2015 to encourage congregations that…

Derick Mckinney W8kl19hcrya Unsplash

Help for International Garrett Students

As we continue to look for ways to support international students, the Immigration Team of the NIC Conference Commission on Religion and Race has been presented with an urgent need.

Print