On behalf of the laity of the Northern Illinois Conference, I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ! Let us continue to embrace 2025 as a Year of Grace. We need to have a precision, laser-like focus on what we are called to do as followers of Christ. We cannot be distracted by what has taken place or will take place by anyone who tries to take away our joy in the Lord. Our joy can only be taken from us if we allow it to happen. So let us build upon this Year of Grace, this Renewed Hope 2025, knowing that Grace is Sufficient.  

May the Force (grace, faith, and hope) that binds us all together be with each of us. God is still in control, so stay on target! Ignore the smoke and mirrors and the noise and clutter that come from anyone proclaiming to be the great Wizard of Oz! Rest assured that no executive orders or divisive acts will ever undo the work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and so many others. And it absolutely will not undo the great commandments that Christ has written upon each of our hearts (Matt. 22:37, 39): “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Which is followed by the second commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Stay focused! If we stay in love with God and our neighbors, we will be able to withstand and overcome anything un-Christlike that comes our way. Christ is always moving closer to us, even when we are not moving closer to Him. Seek Him while He can still be found. He is hiding right there in plain sight. His prevenient grace will never leave us and His word will never return void.

The Northern Illinois Conference Board of Laity would like to extend a special thank you to the community of faith at New Lenox United Methodist Church for their radical hospitality in hosting our Laity Convocation in February. We renewed our hope and strengthened our desire to make disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world. Thanks to all who participated, attended, and assisted in this wonderful event.  

With and through the works of the Holy Spirit: May the force be with you as we look to Lent and beyond! Go with Christ, go with hope, go with grace, and be well.  Amen!