Keep Hope Alive
On Feb. 17, we lost a civil rights icon in Rev. Jesse Jackson. He was a pivotal figure in the history of civil rights organizing in Chicago, but also a global ambassador for racial justice within a fabric of ec…
Rev. Robert E. Ash, a retired clergy member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on May 5, 2021, at age 86. During his ministry in Northern Illinois Conference, he served Sheridan, Millington (Fox Valley Parish), Fox Valley Older Adult Service, Itasca: Bethany, DeKalb Area Retirement Center (Administrator), and Wesley Willows (Executive Director).
Memorial services have already been held.
Messages of condolences may be sent to his wife and family:
Mrs. Sharon R. Ash
2837 Embury Drive
Rockford, IL 61103
Memorials may be given to Wesley Willows Rockford, Illinois or Upper Iowa University, Fayette, Iowa.
On Feb. 17, we lost a civil rights icon in Rev. Jesse Jackson. He was a pivotal figure in the history of civil rights organizing in Chicago, but also a global ambassador for racial justice within a fabric of ec…
This year, Northern Illinois United Methodists will be donating to one Bishop’s Appeal for two worthy recipients. The appeal for Education for the Central Conferences wi…
Rev. Donna Atkinson, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on January 24, 2026.
Thank you for your commitment to sharing your gifts for the good of our United Methodist Church and its ministries. In 2025, you gave $5,056,797—80 percent of our budgeted…