Hope is like a refuge, Bishop Dan Schwerin said in his episcopal address on June 15. He was not talking about escape but the biological idea of refugia, a pocket of safety that allow species or populations to survive hostile conditions on their way to their next phase.
Read More2026 is a year of significant ministry anniversaries in The United Methodist Church, for full clergy rights for women (70 years), UM Volunteers in Mission (50 years), the Northern Illinois Conference's decision to become a Reconciling Conference (40 years), and the establishment of the order of deacons (30 years). Northern Illinois Conference celebrated these on June 15.
Read MoreAs one of its first acts in its 187th session, the Northern Illinois Conference ordained an elder, commissioned two people for deacon's ministry and six for elder's ministry, and recognized five new local pastors. On June 14, NIC held its celebration of ministry service, which observes the entry of people into orders and roles of ministry, both lay and clergy.
Read MoreFive young adults and youth--"our hope and our future, said co-lay leader Eugene Williams--told the conference lay members what gives them hope and how God works in their lives now. The laity session on June 14 at Northern Illinois Conference featured the insights and testimonies of five youth and young adults. They described where they find hope and how they use their gifts to share hope in Christ with others.
Read MoreJeany 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.
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