Six Northern Illinois United Methodists received awards for their outstanding ministry with children and youth. Their recognition was celebrated at United Voices for Children at their 2025 Focus: Youth Mental Health, on Sept. 18.
Read MoreAbout 120 people gathered at First United Methodist Church in Franklin Park/Movement in the City on Sept. 19 to mourn the death of Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, who was killed by an ICE agent on Sept. 12.
Read MoreLay Academies provide valuable opportunities for laity to grow as leaders in their churches and communities. Academies are held in each district, a few times a year, offering convenient access for participants across the conference. Participants are welcome to take classes in any district, not just their own, giving them flexibility in scheduling and opportunities to connect with others across the conference.
Read MoreBishop Dan Schwerin offers a prayer and meditation on scripture following the news that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot a man leaving the scene of a traffic stop.
Read MoreAs the nation's president talks about sending the National Guard and Immigration and Customs Enforcement troops to Chicago, Bishop Dan Schwerin urges United Methodists to return often to the Lord's Prayer and its plea to bring in God's kingdom.
Read MoreThis summer, churches across Northern Illinois embraced Bishop Schwerin’s call to experiment with new ways of being the church—reshaping Vacation Bible Schools, hosting local mission camps, and creating fresh approaches to faith formation. From flexible schedules and intergenerational prayer partnerships to neighborhood service projects and creative tools for teaching children, congregations are discovering that innovation opens new doors for connection and spiritual growth. These efforts show how creativity and collaboration can deepen community and share God’s love in meaningful ways.
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