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Stronger Together: Grants Make a Difference

Over the past year, the Northern Illinois Conference has supported local churches through a range of grants designed to nurture innovation, sustain vital rural ministries, and advance justice and compassion. Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer shares how these investments, totaling more than $55,000, are strengthening communities and encouraging faithful experimentation across the conference. Together, our shared giving is helping churches live boldly into God’s mission.

Equip, Learn, Lead: NIC Lay Academies

Lay Academies provide valuable opportunities for laity to grow as leaders in their churches and communities. Academies are held in each district, a few times a year, offering convenient access for participants across the conference. Participants are welcome to take classes in any district, not just their own, giving them flexibility in scheduling and opportunities to connect with others across the conference.

Summer Community Experimentation Strengthens Faith

This summer, churches across Northern Illinois embraced Bishop Schwerin’s call to experiment with new ways of being the church—reshaping Vacation Bible Schools, hosting local mission camps, and creating fresh approaches to faith formation. From flexible schedules and intergenerational prayer partnerships to neighborhood service projects and creative tools for teaching children, congregations are discovering that innovation opens new doors for connection and spiritual growth. These efforts show how creativity and collaboration can deepen community and share God’s love in meaningful ways.

'A Binding Truth' Screenings

Collective Action to Build Community, a partnership of NIC with other organizations, has planned free screenings of the film "A Binding Truth," Sept. 10-16. It follows the intertwined stories of two high-school classmates and the hidden connections that bind them with each other and reflect the nation’s history.

Summer mission trips: Serving near and far

This summer, churches across Northern Illinois lived out their faith through mission trips near and far—serving neighbors in local communities, repairing homes in Appalachia, and supporting ministries in North Dakota. From building ramps and painting homes to packing meals and partnering with other congregations, volunteers of all ages shared God’s love through hands-on service. These experiences not only met practical needs but also built lasting relationships and unity in Christ.

VBS Adventures Inspire Faith and Community

This summer, churches across the conference brought vacation Bible school to life, each one putting its own unique spin on the beloved tradition. From creative scheduling and special projects to new formats and fresh themes, these diverse programs showed how innovation and faith can come together to engage kids and families in meaningful, fun ways.

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