Scripture implores us to encourage each other and Hebrews 10:25 gives us a context: “Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near” (CEB).
Read MoreThe Boy Scouts of America recently settled a lawsuit related to accusations of sexual abuse of children. The United Methodist Church—one of the parties in the suit—is committed to caring for the children who were harmed and to preventing abuse in the future. The Northern Illinois Conference Trustees and Council on Finance and Administration, in collaboration with Bishop Dan Schwerin and the conference staff, created the Repair the Harm to Children Campaign to respond to the victims’ needs.
Read MoreDuring that learning process, I found out that the Galena UMC congregation was not officially a Reconciling Congregation, even though they thought they were.They had already been openly in support of LGBTQ+ people for a long time, so I helped them start the process to become a Reconciling Congregation. It was difficult, but we prayed and communicated with each other.
Read MoreThe Anti-Racism Task Force kicked off its 2023 Film Series at the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie on March 25. This first event aimed to help participants better understand the media’s role in portraying people of color in ways that sometimes contribute to negative stereotypes an perpetuate a “white savior” narrative.
Read MoreThe upcoming Annual Conference registration deadline (May 28) is approaching quickly, and we are working hard to have everything ready for the June 6 opening session. Who comes up with the annual conference theme, coordinates the venue, runs the registration, creates the worship services, orchestrates the agenda, keeps us on track, decides the music, schedules the presentations, designs the slides, edits the videos and more?
Read MoreRev. James B. McDonald, retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference passed away Friday, April 21, 2023. During his ministry he served at Hanover, Libertyville: First, New Lenox and Downers Grove: First.
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