Early in the morning of 18 April 2024, 22 members of the Northern Illinois Conference Anti-Racism Task Force, many of whom had participated in last year’s Civil Rights Pilgrimage, boarded a bus or piled into cars to descend on Springfield to speak to state legislators about issues of racial injustice that concern us—with a focus on environmental justice, the school to prison pipeline, and immigration.
Read MoreIn a time of uncertainty about what the future of The United Methodist Church—and most denominations—will look like, Fresh Expressions brings some hopeful direction. You may have heard of “church” taking place in some unusual places in some unusual ways, such as dinner church and pub hymn-sings. These are examples of Fresh Expressions, an intentional, interdenominational creative movement of Christians who bring the gospel to those who would probably never come to a traditional church setting.
Read MoreBishop Dan Schwerin has announced the appointment of Rev. Wendy Hardin Hermann as Prairie Central District superintendent, effective July 1, 2024. Rev. Hardin Hermann currently serves at Mt. Prospect: Trinity and will follow Rev. Jeffry Bross, who has been appointed as lead pastor at Libertyville United Methodist Church effective July 1, 2024.
Read MoreRev. Brittany Isaac, the superintendent of the Lake North District, will become lead pastor of First United Methodist Church in Arlington Heights and Rev. Jeffry Bross, superintendent of the Prairie Central District, will become pastor of Libertyville United Methodist Church, Bishop Dan Schwerin has announced. Both appointments are effective July 1.
Read MoreElgin’s unhoused people are being well taken care of by the community, including First United Methodist Church in Elgin. This winter, the fellowship hall of FUMCE is set up nightly for their guests. One Collective Elgin, a nonprofit that identifies community needs and organizes collaborative responses, oversees and facilitates the shelter.
Read MoreIs your church in a small town or rural area (that is, not in an urban or suburban location)? Have you been dreaming of a creative ministry opportunity in your community, but need a little financial help? The Northern Illinois Conference offers two grants that are funded by a bequest from Martin Keagy, who had a big heart for small-town and rural churches.
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