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This Life-Changing Journey: Women Who Made History

In her Women’s History Month column, Rev. Danita R. Anderson reflects on the countless women—past and present—who have shaped the church, society, and her own ministry through courage, perseverance, and faithful leadership. Marking the 70th anniversary of women’s ordination in The United Methodist Church, she honors pioneers who opened doors and broke barriers, especially Black women leaders in Northern Illinois. She invites readers to give thanks for the women who have influenced their lives and to recognize their lasting impact on history and faith.

Leading the Laity: Let Us Hope Fully

In his column, Eugene Williams greets the laity of the Northern Illinois Conference with a call to make 2026 a “year of hope,” urging United Methodists to live not just hopefully, but hope-fully—full-time and grounded in Christ’s promises. Rooted in Lent and the assurance of Hebrews 13:5, he encourages faithful resilience amid hardship. Williams invites laity to gather for the upcoming Laity Convocation for a morning of learning, connection, and encouragement.

Video Shows Chicago Churches’ Help for Immigrants

"When Fear Knocks, the Church Shows Up: A Chicago Story” tells the stories of how immigrant communities in Northern Illinois struggle to continue working, attending worship, obtaining groceries and other needs, and sending their children to school, and how conference churches have reached out to help.

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United Voices for Children Commits to Children’s and Youth Mental Health

United Voices for Children (UVC), the Northern Illinois Conference’s advocacy network for children and youth, continues its work alongside partner agencies MYSI, Kids Above All, and Rosecrance to address poverty, violence, injustice, and mental health challenges. Through education, partnerships, and policy advocacy, UVC invites churches to stand up for children as part of God’s work in the world. Congregations are encouraged to support this mission through the Fifth Sunday Appeal, upcoming events, and ongoing engagement as advocates for kids in every community.

Volunteers in Mission Rehab a Bahamian Camp

United Methodist Volunteers in Mission from Northern Illinois and Iowa traveled to Camp Symonette on Eleuthera in the Bahamas to help revitalize the hurricane shelter and retreat center after years of neglect. The team completed much-needed cleaning and repairs and led community activities including Vacation Bible School and educational classes, bringing renewed energy and encouragement to local Methodist partners.

Uncover Our History Through Illinois Pilgrimage in June

The Commissions on Religion and Race of the Northern Illinois and Illinois Great Rivers Conferences are partnering to host a Pilgrimage Journey Through the Heart of Illinois, June 25–28, exploring sites that reveal the state’s complex history of racism and resilience. Beginning with an optional Chicago tour, the pilgrimage will visit key locations including a Lincoln-Douglas debate site, the El Paso Voting Rights Museum, Springfield, East St. Louis, and Cahokia Mounds. Designed as both an educational and spiritual experience, the journey invites participants to reflect honestly on the past in order to shape a more just future together.

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