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Finding Resurrection in Broken Glass

The fire that damaged Christ United Methodist Church in Rockford also shattered a beloved stained-glass window, but its broken pieces have found new life as more than 100 pendants and worry stones. What began as an experiment became a story of resurrection, remembrance and hope, giving members a tangible way to carry the window’s memory and meaning with them. As the congregation returns to its restored campus and prepares to install a new stained-glass window, the fragments remind us that, like Christ’s resurrection, new life and beauty can emerge from what is broken.

Reimagining Church: How Wide is Your Welcome?

Rev. Christian Coon, NIC's director of congregational development, has been attending worship at churches all over our conference for two years. He's found it an eye-opening experience to be a visitor again and offers some observations on how to help newcomers feel welcome.

Camp and Retreat Ministry: What the Annual Conference Approved and What Comes Next

At this year’s Annual Conference (June 14-16), members passed legislation that directed a task force to conduct feasibility studies to evaluate the current outdoor and retreat ministry and explore steps toward strengthening it. Read about next steps.

Turn-Around Resources in Hiding in Plain Sight

Rev. Christian Coon, the NIC director of congregational development, once thought there might be some yet-to-be-discovered magic program or resource that is going to help the church turn its fortunes around. "I have to be reminded time and again, however, that we already have historical traditions that are sometimes underutilized or forgotten; practices hiding in plain sight," he says. Here are some suggestions.

Is Walking Alongside a Third Sacrament?

"Our sacraments are baptism and the Eucharist," Bishop Dan Schwerin says. "They are gifts for pilgrims, a bath and a meal. Surely walking alongside is another ancient embodiment of Jesus." Read about how to engage in honest conversation with the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Caring Congregation Training Unleashes Lay Calling to Pastoral Care

Laypeople are recovering their ministry of caring for those facing health and wellness challenges, thanks to The Caring Congregation training held at Kingswood United Methodist Church in Buffalo Grove, May 8-9.

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