The first Sunday of Advent is right around the corner on Nov. 29. Many churches have had to shift plans as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Illinois. We are compiling some great ideas and resources for Advent and Christmas at a time when in-person gatherings are limited or not possible.
Read MoreGovernor J.B. Pritzker has announced new Tier 3 mitigation guidelines that are to go into effect on Friday, November 20, 2020. The state of Illinois like most other states is experiencing an alarming spike in COVID-19 cases and in order to prevent further infection and death as well as to avoid overwhelming hospitals, we must all do our part.
Read MoreLast month, the discipleship task force introduced the first pair of videos for a six month series about growing and strengthening discipleship ministries with a particular focus on youth. Our theme for October was “Just Show Up!” as the first step in working, leading, and learning from young people. This month, our theme is “THE CHURCH OF TODAY."
Read MoreOur virtual annual conference is over and now we begin the work to address the many changes that are before us. One of those changes is the redistricting of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference.
Read MoreTwo churches in Elgin, Welsey UMC and Epworth UMC, combined congregations on May 31, 2020, and formed Journey of Hope UMC—just five months after merger talks began and despite a worldwide pandemic.
Read MoreNorthern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors (NIJFON) has been blessed with a $25,000 gift from Berry Memorial UMC in Chicago through the sale of the church’s historic building. As Berry UMC seeks to plant the seeds of a new church home in Chicago, they also chose to plant seeds for justice through supporting the mission and vision of NIJFON.
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