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Quilt Presentation Celebrates Diversity and Creativity

At the 2025 Northern Illinois Annual Conference, the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force unveiled the Arts & Culture Quilt—a powerful symbol of unity, justice, and cultural pride. Created from quilt squares submitted by individuals and churches across the conference, the piece honors diverse stories and the shared call to racial equity. The quilt stands as a lasting tribute to the ongoing work of anti-racism and the beauty of our collective witness.

2025 One Matters Award Winners

The Northern Illinois Conference recognized five churches with One Matters Awards. The United Methodist Church’s Discipleship Ministries created this award in 2015 to encourage congregations that in the previous year increased baptisms and professions of faith from zero to at least one. Wanting to recognize more churches, NIC makes four additional awards.

Milestone anniversaries mark decades of faithful ministry

Northern Illinois Conference churches have been celebrating significant anniversaries this year and are looking ahead to continuing to serve God and neighbor in their communities.

An easy step to reduce carbon emissions—and save money

United Methodist agencies aim for net-zero emissions by 2050, and Broadway United Methodist in Chicago has joined the effort. Partnering with Verde Energy, they upgraded 123 light fixtures to LED, funded by a $13,000 ComEd incentive. This switch reduces energy costs, boosts safety, and demonstrates sustainable stewardship.

Superintendents Wendy Hardin Hermann and Victor Melad Installed

At their installation services on Sept. 14 and 15, Revs. Wendy Hardin Hermann and Victor Melad Jr.—new superintendents of the Prairie Central and Lake North districts—spoke of what would guide their leadership.

Creatively connecting over the summer

During the summer, many churches in Northern Illinois face declining attendance as families focus on vacations and outdoor activities. However, churches have found creative ways to engage their communities. From innovative camps and mission trips to collaborative efforts, these churches are finding new ways to stay connected and make a lasting impact despite the seasonal challenges.

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