Churches find their own ways to move forward with Confirmation

In response to the coronavirus pandemic and official restrictions regarding in-person gatherings, many NIC congregations and pastors have wholeheartedly continued their worship services, Bible studies, devotions, and/or prayer ministries in some form of online setting. While many are weighing the pros and cons of conducting an online confirmation service, some congregations have moved forward in creative “virtual” ways to honor this important rite of passage.

Bishop Monday Message - Following Instructions

I hope you’ve learned one thing about me after these almost eight years: I love to study the Scriptures. I’m always amazed at how different historic events, as well as personal experiences, bring new eyes, if you will, to understanding them. During the pandemic, and now as we begin to imagine what life will be like when we are no longer sheltering in place as individuals, families, and congregations, my attention turned to a particular book that has not been my favorite: Leviticus!

Bishop Dyck responds to Governor's religious activity order

On Friday, May 1, 2020, Governor J.B. Pritzker amended his shelter-in-place order to permit people “to engage in the free exercise of religion." However, any religious gathering must be limited to a maximum of 10 people in compliance with social distancing guidelines put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Covering the need for face masks

As the first cases of COVID-19 were becoming widespread in Illinois, the need for protective masks became more urgent. With the new order requiring Illinoisans over age two to wear a face mask in public starting May 1, the need is even greater. Volunteers at many NIC churches are busy working to cover the need by firing up their sewing machines and making handmade masks.

United Methodists Feeding Neighbors

The United Methodist Foundation of the Northern Illinois Conference, Inc. will match $-for-$ your donation to three food banks for a total match of $50,000.*

Bishop's Monday Message: Y Church?

The bars and restaurants have been closed for weeks now. I’ve noticed the last couple of weeks, however, that some of them are doing renovation: pulling out all the glassware, removing the tables and chairs, working on light fixtures, upgrading décor, and often pulling up old flooring in order to put down new flooring. These are things they can’t do easily when they have customers coming and going all day and night long. This renovation also gives me hope that they expect to re-open after people can go back to bars and restaurants!

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