The Conference Board of Global Ministries was busy during Annual Conference, offering a Lunch and Learn session and awarding congregations with exemplary mission-giving practices.
Read MoreNorthern Illinois Conference members and churches gave generously to three opportunities at Annual Conference this year, June 14-16. The Bishop’s Appeal so far has raised $30,960.52; the Missions Challenges collected about 7,000 pounds of goods, and the Ministerial Education Fund received $2,561.
Read MoreHope is like a refuge, Bishop Dan Schwerin said in his episcopal address on June 15. He was not talking about escape but the biological idea of refugia, a pocket of safety that allow species or populations to survive hostile conditions on their way to their next phase.
Read More2026 is a year of significant ministry anniversaries in The United Methodist Church, for full clergy rights for women (70 years), UM Volunteers in Mission (50 years), the Northern Illinois Conference's decision to become a Reconciling Conference (40 years), and the establishment of the order of deacons (30 years). Northern Illinois Conference celebrated these on June 15.
Read MoreAbout 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.
Read More"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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