Jeany Gewin has served as an Annual Conference lay member for over 20 years. She explains why she is following in her mother's footsteps and advocating for the inclusion of all God's children in the life of the church.
Read MoreRev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer highlights holy conferencing as a means of grace, rooted in John Wesley’s teaching, calling us to speak truth in love, listen deeply, and honor one another’s dignity. As the Annual Conference approaches, she emphasizes how this practice shapes faithful conversation, decision-making, and community. Embracing holy conferencing as a practice of hope helps build deeper connection and unity across differences.
Read MoreKim Emery, CCFA Chairperson, reflects with gratitude on her time in leadership, describing it as a meaningful learning experience shaped by collaboration, change, and faithful service. She encourages laity to step into leadership roles, emphasizing that both lay and clergy are essential to the church’s vitality and growth. Emery also thanks churches for their continued support through apportionments, highlighting their importance in strengthening connectional ministry across the conference.
Read MoreRev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer highlights the intentional expansion of young people’s participation at the 2026 Annual Conference, with each district designating two young lay members to ensure their voices are present in discernment and decision-making. Young people are not merely the future of the church but essential leaders today, bringing insight, courage, and hope to the conference.
Read MoreThank 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 goal to support missions and ministries. This is the highest percentage we have achieved since 2016.
Read MoreThis 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 will benefit the construction of a high school in Tanzania and the Endowment Fund for Theological Education in the Central Conferences (which comprise Africa, Europe, and the Philippines). Gifts will be distributed equally to these projects.
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