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 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 MoreAcknowledging the challenges of a fractured and uncertain time, Bishop Dan Schwerin lifts up gratitude for the resilience, courage, and faithfulness of the Northern Illinois Conference. He reframes smaller numbers not as loss, but as opportunity, reminding readers that God uses remnants to create new possibilities. Looking ahead, he invites congregations to consider how they will actively practice hope in 2026, offering a clear and compelling witness to the hope found in Christ.
Read More"I believe hope is a practice of God’s creative freedom at play in human creativity and freedom," says Bishop Dan Schwerin. "God’s word is always breaking in for good. We as the church may be smaller than we once were, but I believe we are not too small to steward the moral imagination of Jesus."
Read MoreWith the presence of aggressive federal agents, many immigrants are afraid to go to work, visit food pantries, or take their kids to school. Missing work means losing pay. Help by supporting the NIC Emergency Solidarity Fund.
Read MoreBeginning Oct. 3, Immigration and Customs Enforcement launched an operation, reportedly named “Freaky Friday,” targeting unaccompanied children aged 14 and older of all nationalities. Bishop Dan Schwerin and the United Methodist Council of Bishops advise on how to help these children and their families.
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