What It Means to Be a Reconciling Church
The people of Friendship United Methodist Church in Bolingbrook, a Reconciling community, aim to move from saying “all are welcome” to living “all are home.”
Lisa Smith joined the NIC staff as the Administrative Assistant/Communications Specialist on Oct. 1, 2021.
Please help us welcome Lisa Smith to the NIC Staff as the new Administrative Assistant/Communications Specialist as of Oct. 1, 2021. She will work closely with Rev. Arlene Christopherson, Dir. of Connectional Ministries and Anne Marie Gerhardt, Director of Communications. Lisa will be responsible for special publications, brochures, graphics, Annual Conference media support, web content, social media, and other communication projects.
Lisa is a creative professional with 15+ years of experience in design, branding, marketing and art direction. She has worked for nonprofit organizations and in the corporate world. Lisa graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stout with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and a minor in Business Administration.
"I really look forward to helping the conference with their communications," said Lisa. "Helping nonprofits succeed through good design and communications is a passion of mine."
Lisa is married to Rev. Matthew Smith, who is currently appointed to Chana UMC and Oregon: Lighthouse UMC in the Prairie South District. They have two kids, Lily (8) and Alex (3), who keep them very busy. She likes to read, watch a wide range of TV shows, take walks, do good, create art with her hands, and spend time with friends and family.
"We are excited to welcome Lisa Smith onto the conference staff as our Communications Specialist," said Rev. Christopherson. "Communication is an important foundation for our work at every level in the church. Lisa brings skills, experience and a heart for the mission."
To reach Lisa, contact her by email at lsmith@umcnic.org or phone at 312.346.9766 ext. 764.
The people of Friendship United Methodist Church in Bolingbrook, a Reconciling community, aim to move from saying “all are welcome” to living “all are home.”
Rev. James M. Wilson, a member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025.
Rev. Fernando Siaba, a member of the Northern Illinois Conference, died on October 6, 2025.
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