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Reimagining Church: When Cleanliness Might be Godliness

Rev. Christian Coon reflects on witnessing a young man in a Chicago train station pause to clean up his spilled coffee—an ordinary but inspiring act of care in a messy world. He connects this small gesture to the call of faith: continuing to serve, heal, and bring hope even when society feels broken or efforts seem small. Like that man with his napkins, Christians are invited to do their part each day to make the world more hopeful and grace-filled.

Churches Are Faithfully Supporting the Shared Budget

As fall activities begin, churches are entering their busiest financial season with stewardship campaigns, charge conferences, and budget planning. The Northern Illinois Conference celebrates an encouraging increase in apportionment giving compared to last year and hopes to reach 85% by year’s end. To support local finance committees, NIC is providing updated 2026 figures, stewardship resources, and a series of helpful webinars and recorded trainings.

Shepherding Teams Learn Basic Intercultural Communication

At their Aug. 16 meeting in Schaumburg, Annual Conference and District Shepherding Team members explored how to build cross-cultural relationships through intentional listening and honest conversation. Led by Julie Boleyn of the Kaleidoscope Institute, the group practiced tools such as RESPECT guidelines, Mutual Invitation, and creating a “Grace Margin” to foster empathy and avoid patronizing approaches in ministry. Participants left with new insights on guiding churches toward healthier, more inclusive relationships across race and culture.

'A Binding Truth' Screenings

Collective Action to Build Community, a partnership of NIC with other organizations, has planned free screenings of the film "A Binding Truth," Sept. 10-16. It follows the intertwined stories of two high-school classmates and the hidden connections that bind them with each other and reflect the nation’s history.

Summer mission trips: Serving near and far

This summer, churches across Northern Illinois lived out their faith through mission trips near and far—serving neighbors in local communities, repairing homes in Appalachia, and supporting ministries in North Dakota. From building ramps and painting homes to packing meals and partnering with other congregations, volunteers of all ages shared God’s love through hands-on service. These experiences not only met practical needs but also built lasting relationships and unity in Christ.

2026 Will Be a Year of Hope

Bishop Schwerin looks ahead to 2026 by turning to scripture; specifically, Psalm 130:5: “I wait for the Lord; my soul waits, and in his word, I hope.” He ponders, What kind of spiritual focus is needed for our leadership in this moment?

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