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Quilt Presentation Celebrates Diversity and Creativity

At the 2025 Northern Illinois Annual Conference, the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force unveiled the Arts & Culture Quilt—a powerful symbol of unity, justice, and cultural pride. Created from quilt squares submitted by individuals and churches across the conference, the piece honors diverse stories and the shared call to racial equity. The quilt stands as a lasting tribute to the ongoing work of anti-racism and the beauty of our collective witness.

2025 One Matters Award Winners

The Northern Illinois Conference recognized five churches with One Matters Awards. The United Methodist Church’s Discipleship Ministries created this award in 2015 to encourage congregations that in the previous year increased baptisms and professions of faith from zero to at least one. Wanting to recognize more churches, NIC makes four additional awards.

Love of Neighbor Drives Elgin: First UMC's Recovery from Roof Loss

As storms raced across much of the Midwest late on March 14, 2025, what is believed to be a microburst tore half the roof off of the 101-year-old building of First United Methodist Church, Elgin.

Our Saviour’s Feeds the Hungry

Our Saviour’s UMC in Schaumburg expanded its gift card program from a small pilot to a church-wide effort, raising $9,730 in 2024 to support individuals and families in need. Gift cards were distributed across multiple communities, food programs, and crisis centers, bringing joy and relief to recipients. Alongside this initiative, the church continues its long-standing support for local and global hunger relief through food drives and volunteer efforts.

UMC of Geneva Goes Native—and Geothermal

UMC of Geneva completed a groundbreaking “Creation Care” project by replacing its aging HVAC system with a geothermal alternative and upgrading its landscaping to promote environmental sustainability. Inspired by the NIC Green Fair and other churches’ success, UMCG now enjoys significant cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and an oasis for pollinators.

Milestone anniversaries mark decades of faithful ministry

Northern Illinois Conference churches have been celebrating significant anniversaries this year and are looking ahead to continuing to serve God and neighbor in their communities.

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