'A Binding Truth' Screenings
Collective Action to Build Community, a partnership of NIC with other organizations, has planned free screenings of the film "A Binding Truth," Sept. 10-16. It follows the intertwined stories of tw…
On behalf of the laity of the Northern Illinois Conference, I greet you in the name of our risen Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ! Briefly, I want to share with you the best thing I’ve heard recently.
Some of you may already know "The Rabbi’s Gift,” a story by Father Francis Dorff, O. Praem. I heard Rev. Dr. Norval Brown share it during a devotion he lead. He told the version that M. Scott Peck included in his book The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace.
I encourage you to do a web search and read Peck’s and other versions (one version). Ponder them as we move forward in this season of expectation, experimentation, and transformation.
Sisters and brothers, Jesus teaches us to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. What would it be like to treat others as if they were the Messiah? What would it be like to be treated by others as if you were the Messiah? What would it be like to treat yourself as if you were the Messiah? What would the church be like if we treated each other as if they were the Messiah?
Highly respectful cultures treat every person with courtesy and interest, conveying the belief that every member of the community is valued. When treating every person with the utmost respect, we develop a culture in which everyone wants to give their best to others and expects to receive the best from others in return. It is up to us to make it happen.
As we look forward to Thanksgiving and Advent, consider what it would be like to extend radical grace. Whatever the outcome of the election and whatever lies ahead, let not your hearts be troubled, just put your faith and hope in Christ who has never failed us. Amen!
Also, please save Feb. 8 on your calendar for Laity Convocation. Watch for upcoming announcements of more information.
Collective Action to Build Community, a partnership of NIC with other organizations, has planned free screenings of the film "A Binding Truth," Sept. 10-16. It follows the intertwined stories of tw…
This summer, churches across Northern Illinois lived out their faith through mission trips near and far—serving neighbors in local communities, repairing homes in Appalachia, and supp…
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…
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…