I recently had an opportunity to do some sincere reflection and soul searching. I looked at the past and present of who we are in the Northern Illinois Conference and The United Methodist Church as a whole. Then I pondered where we might be a year from now.
Read MoreHerb John of Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora has won the Jean Bush Award from the Northern Illinois Conference's United Methodist Men for inspiring leadership and growth in NIC men's ministries.
Read MoreThe world is ever-changing and the church is ever-evolving. Change is like the storms of life: You are either in one, about to enter one, or coming out of one. The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “Change is the only constant in life.” The world is always changing and so are its people. As a result, we find ourselves constantly adapting to it. It has been said, “If you are not changing, then you are dying.”
Read MoreWe hear the phrase “self-care” a lot these days. The concept dates back millennia. Maybe now is a good time to revisit wise words from the Holy book. Open up to Psalm 23 and offer a reviving drink to your thirsting heart and soul.
Read More“Local churches are the strength of the conferences,” co-Lay Leader Mark Menzi told Annual Conference members in the Laity Address on June 8. “While there is training and resources available in districts and conference, it is in the churches where the ministry is happening, disciples being made, people are going into the community to see the people and minister with them.”
Read MoreIn our highly conflicted society, is civil conversation on disputed subjects possible? At Laity Session at Annual Conference on June 6, participants learned some basic principles to practice when they engage in conversation with those they disagree with.
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