The Northern Illinois Conference is creating new opportunities for connection and support through dedicated district offices and administrative staff serving around the Conference. 

Each district now has dedicated administrative support and a designated point of connection for District Superintendents, churches, and clergy. District office arrangements vary by district, with administrative staff serving from local church and Conference office locations. Dedicated administrators are available to assist churches and clergy, support the District Superintendent’s work, and foster connections and relationships throughout the district.  

“The cabinet is deeply grateful that the changes to our district offices will greatly enhance our ministry together,” said Rev. Dr. Hwa-Young Chong, Dean of the NIC Cabinet. “This structure will strengthen our connectional life while helping us better meet the unique needs of each district. Together, we will continue to share in ministry as one connected conference.” 

The new district office structure is designed to provide more than a place for administrative work. These spaces and staff offer opportunities for conversation, collaboration, relationship-building and ministry. Having dedicated administrative support for each district also gives churches and clergy a clear point of connection when they need assistance or support. 

Rev. Dr. Chong expressed gratitude to the churches hosting district offices and to those who have shared space with district leadership in the past. 

“We are deeply grateful to the churches that are hosting our district offices for their generous hospitality,” Rev. Dr. Chong said. “We also give thanks for the generous sharing of space already taking place in some of our districts and for the faithful dedication of those who continue to serve, even as we welcome new people, spaces, and possibilities across the Conference.” 

District Offices and Administrative Support 

The district offices and administrative staff provide points of connection throughout the Conference, supporting churches, clergy and district leadership in their ministry together. 

Lake South District 

The Lake South District Office is located at Faith Community UMC, 335 W. 75th Street in Chicago. The office is open Mondays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Rev. Deidre Hines began serving as the district administrative assistant Sept. 1. 

Prairie South District

The Prairie South District Office is located at Sycamore UMC, 160 Johnson Avenue in Sycamore. The office is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shelley Harold began serving as the district administrative assistant Aug. 17. 

Prairie Central District

The Prairie Central District Office is located at Barrington UMC, 98 Algonquin Road in Barrington. The office is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. . Elizabeth Williams will begin serving as the district assistant on Oct. 1.  

Lake North District

Lake North District administrative support continues to be provided by Debbie Rogers, who is based at the NIC downtown office, 303 E. Wacker Dr., Suite 2020, in Chicago. 

Prairie North District

The Prairie North District Office is located at Christ UMC, 4509 Highcrest Road, Trinity Building, in Rockford. Debbie Rogers continues to provide administrative support for the district. 

Debbie will also continue to serve as coordinator of clergy moves. She works Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Together, the district offices and dedicated administrative support are strengthening connectional ministry across the Northern Illinois Conference, providing churches, clergy and district leaders with clear points of connection, administrative support and opportunities to build relationships in ministry.