2026 Will Be a Year of Hope
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…
You may have received encouragement from Wespath to start reviewing your UMPIP contribution in preparation for the transition to our new pension program, COMPASS. Please consider making a personal contribution of at least 4 percent of your salary, if you aren't already doing so. Once COMPASS begins in 2026, you can receive a full match of up to 4 percent of your contributions.
Wespath can help if you determine how a 4 percent contribution would affect your budget. If you start now by making a small increase (say, 1 percent more), you will be working toward that full 4 percent. You can change your contribution amount at any time by completing a change form.
Changes must be received in the conference benefits office by the 25th of the month to be effective for the 1st of the following month.
Learn more in the document here.
Attend the benefits office Lunch and Learn on Oct. 23 at 11: 30 a.m..
Open Enrollment and Benefits Educator Todd Creviston will answer questions and demonstrate the tools.
Register here.
More Upcoming Wespath Webinars:
Remember, Active Health Insurance Open Enrollment is Oct. 30-Nov. 14.
Here in the conference benefits office we are starting conversations on a renewed focus on clergy health and well-being. Since COVID, the landscape of pastoring a local congregation has changed. The idea of flourishing in ministry is, for some, seems to be an unattainable goal. Well-being or flourishing in life and in ministry looks different for everyone. We’re going to start with a short survey in mid-October to gauge the health of our clergy as well as what resources you might find helpful specific to the Northern Illinois Conference. Watch your inbox for the survey. If you have any questions, please contact the benefits office at (608) 478-4609.
Wespath is also offering webinars on clergy well-being sessions. In these sessions, you will learn more about the five dimensions of well-being (financial, physical, emotional, spiritual, and social), the current state of each dimension based on Wespath’s Clergy Well-Being Survey results, and resources available to you. Your input on clergy well-being is essential. Please join this ongoing conversation.
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…
Rev. Lora Zink, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.
Mrs. Freda Whittle, surviving spouse of Rev. Paul Whittle Jr., a deceased member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on April 16, 2025.
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…