The past nine months have been pretty busy. Trying to learn a new role and its responsibilities as well as memories of days gone by. Meeting new people and reuniting with friends of the ages. Continuing on a journey that has been wrought with excitement and challenge, discovery and remembrances. It’s been all that and more!

As I have journeyed across the conference, I think the most interesting part has been the Sunday morning worship experience. One of the goals for this current Bishop and Cabinet is to visit and worship in every church that is a part of the Northern Illinois Conference. And what a lofty goal it is!! There is no set order or plan for “who is at the top of the list” or who goes first. While the district superintendents will focus more on the churches of their district, the rest of us get to choose from all five districts. Thank you to those who have extended preaching invitations and to those who are still thinking about it. We (as Bishop and Cabinet) want to be with you even if it is not a special anniversary day! And it is very easy to arrange for that to happen.

When inviting the Bishop, there is a process that is outlined on the Bishop's page. Please check that out because the Bishop’s calendar is a little more challenging.  For the rest of us, pick a couple of dates and send us an email. We will respond accordingly. From time to time, it may require a little negotiation, but we will work with you as best we can.  This applies to both preaching and for resourcing.

However, if we happen to just show up on a Sunday morning, don’t be alarmed! After all, it is Sunday morning and most of us worship on Sunday morning. (Please be sure your church’s worship times are correct on your website.) It is proper and appropriate to share with the congregation that we are present but wait until the end of the worship service so that it is not too intrusive. Invite us to bring a greeting (we are equipped with one!) and if appropriate, we can even do the benediction. And yes... WE LOVE PICTURES!

I’m looking forward to seeing you this Sunday in church!