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Laity Address: Grace and Connection Strengthen Us

In his laity address at the 2025 Annual Conference, Eugene Williams reminded members that while change—both hopeful and difficult—is inevitable, our connection to God and one another will sustain us. He celebrated growth in attendance and fresh energy in the Conference, while also acknowledging the storms of life and the pain some have long carried. His message was clear: by leaning into grace and trusting in Christ, we can move forward with courage, joy, and hope.

Quilt Presentation Celebrates Diversity and Creativity

At the 2025 Northern Illinois Annual Conference, the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force unveiled the Arts & Culture Quilt—a powerful symbol of unity, justice, and cultural pride. Created from quilt squares submitted by individuals and churches across the conference, the piece honors diverse stories and the shared call to racial equity. The quilt stands as a lasting tribute to the ongoing work of anti-racism and the beauty of our collective witness.

Conference Council on Finance and Administration – Updates from Annual Conference

Members of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference approved the 2026 conference budget and a simplified apportionment formula during their June session. The balanced budget reflects no increase from 2025, in recognition of financial challenges facing local churches, and expresses deep appreciation for congregations that faithfully support shared ministry. The new apportionment formula is tiered by church income to ensure fairness and clarity, with additional training to come this fall.

2025 One Matters Award Winners

The Northern Illinois Conference recognized five churches with One Matters Awards. The United Methodist Church’s Discipleship Ministries created this award in 2015 to encourage congregations that in the previous year increased baptisms and professions of faith from zero to at least one. Wanting to recognize more churches, NIC makes four additional awards.

Help for International Garrett Students

As we continue to look for ways to support international students, the Immigration Team of the NIC Conference Commission on Religion and Race has been presented with an urgent need.

2025 NIC Conference Wrap-Up

About 700 clergy and lay members of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference met in session from June 9 to 11, 2025, in Schaumburg, Ill., to explore the theme “Grace is Sufficient” as they worshiped, heard inspiring sermons and Bible study, and passed legislation to further the conference mission and ministry.

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