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 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.
Read MoreThe Northern Illinois Annual Conference, with United Methodist Communications, is excited to launch the #BeUMC Awards! Celebrate laypeople, clergy, and congregations who love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. Nominations are open for individuals and congregations who inspire through faithfulness, leadership, and service.
Read More"A Year of Practicing Hope" is a new devotional created for 2026 in the Northern Illinois–Wisconsin Area. Featuring Scripture, reflections, and prayer, the booklet invites individuals and communities to live hope as an active, daily practice of grace. Copies will be shared at conference and district gatherings, with additional options available for downloading or ordering.
Read MoreClergy and lay members will gather June 14–16 in Schaumburg for the Northern Illinois Conference’s 187th Annual Conference, centered on the theme “Practicing Hope.” With inspiring worship, engaging Lunch-and-Learns, a returning mass choir, and supportive childcare, the conference invites participants to deepen connections and explore how hope shapes ministry and mission. Grounded in Romans 5:3–5, the gathering encourages endurance, renewal, and faithful leadership for the future.
Read MoreAs fall activities begin, churches are entering their busiest financial season with stewardship campaigns, charge conferences, and budget planning. The Northern Illinois Conference celebrates an encouraging increase in apportionment giving compared to last year and hopes to reach 85% by year’s end. To support local finance committees, NIC is providing updated 2026 figures, stewardship resources, and a series of helpful webinars and recorded trainings.
Read MoreBishop 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 needed for our leadership in this moment?
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