John Wesley taught that the covenants of Methodist polity affirm that we share for the good of the whole, be it the trust clause, the appointment, or the apportionment. I write today to ask you to pray and consider how to finish well and move toward 100 percent payment of all your church’s apportioned items, both conference and general church apportionments.
Read MoreIs your church in a small town or rural area (that is, not in an urban or suburban location)? Have you been dreaming of a creative ministry opportunity in your community, but need a little financial help? The Northern Illinois Conference offers two grants that are funded by a bequest from Martin Keagy, who had a big heart for small-town and rural churches.
Read MoreOn Nov. 11, North Central College installed their eleventh president, Dr. Anita Jones Thomas. This Midwest institution is more than home to a winning football team. North Central College traces its roots to the early faith movements that spread across our country.
Read MoreUnited Methodist Men from Grace United Methodist Church (Rockford), the UMC of New Lenox, and the Prairie North District partnered with Society of St. Andrew this fall to give away fresh produce and other basics to their neighbors.
Read MoreThe familiar refrain of a child traveler, “Are we there yet?” is a good question for us to ask ourselves as we travel the road toward net zero emissions. To avoid critical climate tipping points, those who work actively to prevent climate change pursue the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. But how will we know if we are on the right road? How will we know if we are getting there? We must have a realistic road map, and we must have a way to accurately measure progress.
Read MoreNow is the time to embrace all the blessings of the past year and look forward to what lies ahead for the remainder of 2023 and all of 2024. Opportunities, prospects, and challenges abound. But siblings, there is always a special excitement in the air at this time of the year as we embark upon the Advent season. There is anticipation and remembrance, and it never grows old as each year we celebrate anew the greatest gift ever given—for unto us a savior was born.
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