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…
Rev. Thomas J. Potenza, retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away Thursday, May 25, 2023. During his ministry he served Plainfield: United, Barrington: First, Lisle: Faith, Orland Park, Elgin: Epworth, and Glen Ellyn: First.
Rev. Potenza was 77 years old.
A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Downers Grove, 1032 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, IL , on June 23, 2023, at 11 AM.
Message of condolence can be sent to his family:
Jennifer Wegener
4405 Prospect Ave
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Jenwegenerlcpc@sbcglobal.net
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission, Backpack Buddies, Help of Beaufort, or the Beaufort County Animal Shelter.
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…