As churches review their 2025 finances, Rev. Chris Walters invites leaders to consider whether surplus funds and reserves are truly working for ministry. Rather than leaving money idle in low-yield accounts, churches can cultivate their financial “pots” through thoughtful investment strategies that help funds grow and keep pace with inflation.
Read MoreWheatland Salem United Methodist Church in Naperville is extending Christ’s welcome to the growing Ukrainian and Slavic community in DuPage and Will counties through multilingual worship and vibrant children’s and youth ministries, supported by a 2025 Bishop’s Appeal for Migrant Needs grant. The congregation now hosts weekly programs serving children and teens, along with worship offered in Ukrainian, Russian, and English. Beyond programs, the church is providing advocacy, prayer, and practical support for families facing immigration uncertainty, embodying compassion and solidarity in a time of deep need.
Read MoreEmmanuel UMC in Evanston is celebrating Christmas with a stunning display of traditional Indian Christian decorations, featuring thousands of individually hand-cut paper elements crafted from special decorative paper imported from India.
Read MoreMrs. June Porter, surviving spouse of the late Rev. John Porter of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Dec. 4, 2025.
Read MoreThe NIC Committee on Discipleship and Spiritual Formation is inviting individuals and congregations to read the entire Bible using a daily guide organized in what is believed to be chronological order. Monthly online support groups will offer encouragement and space for reflection.
Read More"I believe hope is a practice of God’s creative freedom at play in human creativity and freedom," says Bishop Dan Schwerin. "God’s word is always breaking in for good. We as the church may be smaller than we once were, but I believe we are not too small to steward the moral imagination of Jesus."
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