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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.

2025 Financial Report: A Milestone Year for Generosity

Thank you for your commitment to sharing your gifts for the good of our United Methodist Church and its ministries. In 2025, you gave $5,056,797—80 percent of our budgeted goal to support missions and ministries. This is the highest percentage we have achieved since 2016.

Keep Hope Alive

On Feb. 17, we lost a civil rights icon in Rev. Jesse Jackson. He was a pivotal figure in the history of civil rights organizing in Chicago, but also a global ambassador for racial justice within a fabric of economic opportunity and equal protection under the law.

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Bishop’s Appeal: Education for the Central Conferences

This year, Northern Illinois United Methodists will be donating to one Bishop’s Appeal for two worthy recipients. The appeal for Education for the Central Conferences will benefit the construction of a high school in Tanzania and the Endowment Fund for Theological Education in the Central Conferences (which comprise Africa, Europe, and the Philippines). Gifts will be distributed equally to these projects.

In Sympathy: Donna Atkinson

Rev. Donna Atkinson, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on January 24, 2026.

Announcing the #BeUMC Awards

The Northern Illinois Annual Conference, with United Methodist Communications, is excited to launch the #BeUMC Awards! Celebrate laypeople, clergy, and congregations who love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. Nominations are open for individuals and congregations who inspire through faithfulness, leadership, and service.

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