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…
As a connectional church, we believe that ministry happens best in relationship with God and with one another. That’s why we’re excited to introduce a brand-new initiative for our upcoming Annual Conference: Lunch-and-Learn.
This opportunity is more than just a meal; it’s a chance to come together, break bread, and engage in meaningful conversations around ministry, mission, and community. Each Lunch-and-Learn session will highlight a specific topic or ministry within our conference, giving participants the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow together.
Our hope is that Lunch-and-Learn becomes a sacred space where relationships are formed across the conference. In a church that values being connectional, we need places where we can truly see and hear one another. Over our boxed lunches, we can celebrate what God is doing in different corners of our conference and imagine what we can do together.
Fellowship has always been a vital part of the life of the church. From the early days of the apostles’ breaking bread together to the potluck tables of today, gathering in fellowship strengthens our bonds, nurtures trust, and reminds us that we are not alone in ministry. These shared moments offer not just food for the body, but nourishment for the soul.
We’re in a season of experimentation. As we lean into new rhythms and ideas, like Lunch-and-Learn, we know there may be a few bumps along the way, especially on the day when approximately 700 participants will receive a box lunch! We appreciate your patience and grace as we navigate logistics, and we are committed to learning, growing, and improving with each step.
Our goal is to create opportunities that foster connection, curiosity, and creativity. Annual Conference has always been a time for holy conferencing, worship, and discernment—but it’s also a time to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new ones, and be inspired by the diverse and faithful ministries taking place across our connection. Lunch-and-Learn builds on that tradition, offering a new way to grow in relationship and in faith—together.
Whether you’re a long-time member at Annual Conference or experiencing it for the first time, we hope you’ll join us at Lunch-and-Learn. Come curious. Come hungry. Come ready to connect. This is your invitation to experience community in a new and meaningful way, and to be reminded that we are, indeed, stronger together.
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…