"Our Northern Illinois Conference has many reasons to celebrate," observes Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, Northern Illinois Conference's director of connectional ministries. "Although we are not all the same, come from diverse backgrounds, and have different opinions, we are one in Christ Jesus. As we work for the kin-dom, we are not islands; we are one body working together to make a difference in this world."
Read MoreThe Northern Illinois Conference recognized five churches with the One Matters Award. The United Methodist Church’s Discipleship Ministries created this recognition to encourage congregations that in the previous year increased baptisms and professions of faith from zero to at least one. The UMC believes that each person matters.
Read MoreWithout debate, this year’s conference members passed a 2025 budget of $4,630,098. It represents an increase of $243,254 over the 2024 budget. “The increase of 5.25 percent from 2024 is an increase in every area of the budget; there was no single large expense,” explained Elaine Moy, conference treasurer and director of administrative services.
Read More"For us, the only constant is change itself," says Eugene Williams, Northern Illinois Conference co-lay leader. "The world is ever-changing, but God is still the same. So let us continue to embrace this season of experimentation and possibilities with hope and with love. Let us seek opportunities for new growth to go forward with love to meet each other wherever we may be found."
Read More"Before I knew I would be a United Methodist pastor, before I knew I would serve in administrative roles for over half of my ministry, God knew," says Rev. Arlene Christianson, who is retiring from the position of assistant to the bishop. "It was through the leading of the Holy Spirit, my introduction to The United Methodist Church during seminary, and the trust of wise and gifted bishops that I have taken this journey."
Read MoreToni Lucas, a certified lay minister, experienced her work with the Northern Illinois Conference Anti-Racism Task Force as "an eye-opener for this elderly Caucasian country girl." She adds that for her, it was "a shock it has been to learn that racism is built into the American life. . . . Thank you, Northern Illinois Conference, for the opportunity to learn and grow."
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