Change is coming, Eugene Williams alerted members of the 2025 Northern Illinois Annual Conference during the laity address, delivered on June 10. But our dependence on God and maintenance of our connection will carry us through needed change.

He first named some positive changes taking place in the NIC.

“With great challenges come great opportunities— as is evidenced by 27 percent increase in new attendance. We have new attendees coming to this gathering this year. What that means is fresh eyes, fresh ideas, fresh thoughts.”
At the same time, some changes in our social and political world have been distressing, he acknowledged.

“Yes, we are either in a storm, entering a storm, or coming out of a storm, but the storms of life are always raging,” he observed. “So we should be energetic and take back hope and encouragement to our respective ministry settings. We’ve come too far to turn back now.”

Change is not always comfortable, he said. We will experience some distress. However, he reminded conference members, some among us have already been experiencing deep pain as they waited for change.

Change can lead to renewal through Christ.

“Through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus,” Williams said. “We are steeped in our love for Christ and for humankind as United Methodists.

“In addition to God’s grace, our connection to each other and to God can give us strength to continue to share God’s love and find joy. Let us celebrate our connection, because we all belong to God.”

He urged members to turn their anxieties about change over to God.

“Let’s lean into grace, sisters and brothers,” he said, “to be the body of Christ.

“Love boldly, serve joyfully, lead courageously, and he will keep us and give us peace, even in the midst of the storm.”