In a continuation of the 182nd Northern Illinois Annual Conference with the theme "Jesus Makes a Way," more than 600 members gathered for a half-day fall session held virtually through Zoom on October 2 to vote on the budget, a nominations slate, Board of Pension proposals and other business.
Read MoreSaving Grace is a six-session course mainly intended for small groups, with extra content for clergy, who have special circumstances in such areas as housing and taxes. Participants use a workbook (the primary cost), and there’s a leader’s guide, too.
Read MoreIn the early years of the United Methodist movement, clergy were itinerant. They traveled from place to place, taking the good news of Jesus Christ to people, baptizing converts, identifying local leaders, organizing small groups of disciples, and moving on with the assurance they would return for more preaching and teaching.
Read MoreAt this moment, encouraging people to be vaccinated against COVID-19 is one of the most effective things we can do to promote public health. The goal is simple: to have all of our churches encouraging their members, friends, families, and neighbors to get vaccinated or to speak directly with their primary care physician about their vaccine questions.
Read MorePraise be to God! The guilty verdicts in the Derek Chauvin trial are a crucial step towards rebuilding trust in our democratic system of justice that is celebrated around the world. Although justice has been served, my heart goes out to George Floyd’s family, as they will never have him back. We hope the knowledge that his death sparked an anti-racism movement with a demand for police reform may give them some solace.
Read MoreIn spring 2020, the United Methodist Foundation of the Northern Illinois Conference challenged congregations to raise funds to support the three Food Banks serving their conference. The match began as a $50,000 challenge, but because of generous support was increased to $75,000. In total gifts of more than $150,000 were made to support feeding neighbors.
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