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From Your Bishop: A Year of Practicing Hope: Building Beloved Community

Reflecting on scripture and Building Beloved Community, Bishop Dan Schwerin contrasts God’s love-shaped authority with the fear-driven authoritarianism seen in today’s culture. He urges Christians to practice hope, protect the vulnerable, and exercise leadership that serves the common good. As Lent invites vulnerability and growth in love, he calls the church to embody authority that reflects God’s inclusive and liberating reign.

Repair the Harm Final Update

The Northern Illinois Conference has reached 100 percent of its $754,348 commitment to the denominational fund established in response to the Boy Scouts of America settlement. Through the Repair the Harm to Children campaign, 108 churches and 212 individuals gave generously above and beyond apportionments to support survivor healing, accountability, and strengthened safeguards.

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 economic opportunity and equal protection under the law.

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Bishop’s Appeal: Education for the Central Conferences

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.

This Year's Theme Devotional, Practicing Hope, is Available Now

"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.

From Your Bishop: A Year of Practicing Hope

Acknowledging 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.

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