Wesleyan Vile-tality: A Call to United Methodist Renewal
Dr. Ashley Boggan D. of the General Commission on Archives and History urges NCJ delegates to embrace "Wesleyan vile-tality" as a core aspect of Wesleyan identity.
Read MoreNorthern Illinois Conference seeks to yield to God’s leading: 2024 Conference Summary
Observing a Wesleyan spiritual practice rather rallying around a slogan, members of the 2024 session of the Northern Illinois Conference of met from June 16 to 18 in Schaumburg to yield to God as they recognized ministry milestones, worshiped, and voted on policies and resolutions.
Read More2024 One Matters Awards
The Northern Illinois Conference recognized five churches with the One Matters Award. The United Methodist Church’s Discipleship Ministries created this recognition to encourage congregations that in the previous year increased baptisms and professions of faith from zero to at least one. The UMC believes that each person matters.
Read MoreSlightly increased budget passes
Without debate, this year’s conference members passed a 2025 budget of $4,630,098. It represents an increase of $243,254 over the 2024 budget. “The increase of 5.25 percent from 2024 is an increase in every area of the budget; there was no single large expense,” explained Elaine Moy, conference treasurer and director of administrative services.
Read MoreLeading the Laity: We’ve come this far by faith
"For us, the only constant is change itself," says Eugene Williams, Northern Illinois Conference co-lay leader. "The world is ever-changing, but God is still the same. So let us continue to embrace this season of experimentation and possibilities with hope and with love. Let us seek opportunities for new growth to go forward with love to meet each other wherever we may be found."
Read MoreDYK: Farewell Thoughts
"Before I knew I would be a United Methodist pastor, before I knew I would serve in administrative roles for over half of my ministry, God knew," says Rev. Arlene Christianson, who is retiring from the position of assistant to the bishop. "It was through the leading of the Holy Spirit, my introduction to The United Methodist Church during seminary, and the trust of wise and gifted bishops that I have taken this journey."
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