St. Mark United Methodist Church in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood has been especially busy this summer. Some of its rooms were buzzing with the sound of children dancing, moving, or discussing a story they heard read aloud that day. After lunch, though, the building would settle into 15 minutes of stillness, when children and adults were quietly reading.
Read MoreWe hear the phrase “self-care” a lot these days. The concept dates back millennia. Maybe now is a good time to revisit wise words from the Holy book. Open up to Psalm 23 and offer a reviving drink to your thirsting heart and soul.
Read MoreMany churches are starting up Mission Trips after a pause or change due COVID. It is great to see everyone being the hands and feet of Christ in our word.
Read MoreMigrants come to Nogales--a city that spans the U.S./Mexico border--from all over Central and South America, fleeing from dangerous life situations. Seven lay people and three clergy from the Northern Illinois Conference traveled to that city from March 20 to 24 to observe up close the hardship and courage of those who cross or live near the border. The group took a pilgrimage to Nogales from March 20 to 24 to learn about the migrant experience.
Read MoreA group of Korean-American pastors led the Northern Illinois Conference members on June 7 in prayers, songs, and personal testimonies for peace in this 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice. The armistice ended the war, but an expected peaceful settlement has never been completed. This was perhaps the most moving part of the Northern Illinois Conference session, held June 6-8 in Schaumburg, Ill.
Read MoreIn late April 2023, a racially diverse group of 37 Northern Illinois clergy and lay people took a Civil Rights Pilgrimage to key historic sites where Black Americans courageously pursued freedom and justice.
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