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.

Being Peacemakers While Calling for Peace and Unity

On August 15, Korean-American United Methodists in Northern Illinois gathered at First Korean UMC in Wheeling to mark Korea’s 1945 liberation from Japanese occupation with both gratitude and sorrow. Rev. Hwa-Young Chong reflected that while Korea is not at war, its division represents an “oppressive peace,” contrasting it with the true peace of Christ, which brings justice and wholeness. She encouraged worshipers to practice daily acts of peacemaking as a faithful response to ongoing division.

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Celebration, Service, Gratitude: Kids Above All Recognizes Partners

On August 6, Kids Above All gathered more than 70 faith and community partners, including United Methodist churches, for a Day of Celebration and Service at its Better Life Distribution Center in Des Plaines. Attendees packed backpacks for children as part of the annual Back-to-School Drive and honored the partnerships that have supported Kids Above All’s 131-year mission of building better lives for kids and families. Through shared commitment, churches and community groups continue to bring hope, resources, and care to children impacted by poverty, violence, and trauma.

Hispanic/Latinx Caucus Strategizes to Strengthen Leaders

At the beginning of August, Hispanic/Latinx United Methodists from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico gathered in Arlington Heights for the Annual MARCHA meeting, hosted this year by the Northern Illinois Conference. Centered on the theme “Now, Yes! With Faith and Courage, We Respond to Our Call to Act,” the event blended worship, learning, advocacy, and community building. Highlights included Bishop Dan Schwerin’s call to live without fear and the presentation of a leadership award to Estefany Sanabria of Humboldt Park UMC, honoring her work in immigration justice and her commitment to the church.

Stronger Together: From the Pews to the Street

Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, NIC Director of Connectional Ministries, reminds us that church is not just a place to gather but a people God sends into the world. From Vacation Bible Schools and community picnics to mission trips and outdoor worship, congregations across Northern Illinois are embodying Christ’s love beyond the walls of their buildings. She encourages every church, regardless of size or location, to see its neighborhood as a mission field and to step out in faith, joining God’s work through service, love, and presence.

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.

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