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Racism, Environment, Immigration, and Youth Focused Springfield Advocacy Day

About 40 United Methodists from across Illinois gathered at the state Capitol on April 15 for an advocacy day organized by the Northern Illinois Conference Commission on Religion and Race. Participants met with legislators to discuss issues such as food and environmental justice, immigration, and youth empowerment, grounding their efforts in the United Methodist Social Principles. The day concluded with prayer, song, and a vigil at the Lincoln statue, calling participants to continue the work of justice.

Video Shows Chicago Churches’ Help for Immigrants

"When Fear Knocks, the Church Shows Up: A Chicago Story” tells the stories of how immigrant communities in Northern Illinois struggle to continue working, attending worship, obtaining groceries and other needs, and sending their children to school, and how conference churches have reached out to help.

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United Voices for Children Commits to Children’s and Youth Mental Health

United Voices for Children (UVC), the Northern Illinois Conference’s advocacy network for children and youth, continues its work alongside partner agencies MYSI, Kids Above All, and Rosecrance to address poverty, violence, injustice, and mental health challenges. Through education, partnerships, and policy advocacy, UVC invites churches to stand up for children as part of God’s work in the world. Congregations are encouraged to support this mission through the Fifth Sunday Appeal, upcoming events, and ongoing engagement as advocates for kids in every community.

Volunteers in Mission Rehab a Bahamian Camp

United Methodist Volunteers in Mission from Northern Illinois and Iowa traveled to Camp Symonette on Eleuthera in the Bahamas to help revitalize the hurricane shelter and retreat center after years of neglect. The team completed much-needed cleaning and repairs and led community activities including Vacation Bible School and educational classes, bringing renewed energy and encouragement to local Methodist partners.

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Bishop’s Appeal: Education for the Central Conferences

This year, Northern Illinois United Methodists will be donating to one Bishop’s Appeal for two worthy recipients. The appeal for Education for the Central Conferences will benefit the construction of a high school in Tanzania and the Endowment Fund for Theological Education in the Central Conferences (which comprise Africa, Europe, and the Philippines). Gifts will be distributed equally to these projects.

Erie UMC Sews Comfort for Foster Children

Erie UMC volunteers recently sewed 165 cheerful pillowcases for children in foster care, partnering with Raising Hope and My GEAR Outreach. The effort blended creativity, compassion, and community as people stitched together messages of comfort and hope. With more than 1,000 pillowcases made since 2019, the church continues to offer a tangible reminder that every child is loved and valued.

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