Categories

UM Missionaries see lives changed in Asia and Africa

United Methodist Global Ministries missionaries Rev. Jonathan McCurley (Japan) and Rev. Dexter Ceballos (Mongolia) visited local congregations in February, sharing powerful stories of transformation in Asia and Africa. Rev. McCurley serves as a chaplain at the Asian Rural Institute, which trains grassroots leaders in sustainable agriculture and community development. Rev. Ceballos, as country director for the Mongolia Mission Initiative, supports leadership development, social ministries, and theological education to strengthen the growing United Methodist Church in Mongolia.

In Sympathy: Ronald W. Purser

Rev. Ronald W. Purser, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025.

In Sympathy: Robert "Bob" Lacock

Robert "Bob" Lacock, spouse of Rev. Dr. Michelle Oberwise Lacock, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, Friday, February 28, 2025.

March 2025 Benefits Insights

Key Benefits Insights for March: HealthFlex Blueprint for Wellness Event at Annual Conference, upcoming Compass Retirement Plan training, Well-Being Incentives, and a fun Italian Stuffed Cabbage roll recipe.

Continue Martin Luther King Jr.’s—and God’s—Agenda, Urges Rev. Danita R. Anderson

At the Northern Illinois Conference’s 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. observance, keynote speaker Rev. Danita Anderson urged United Methodists to embrace “God’s agenda” of love and justice, emphasizing the ongoing work of building the Beloved Community. She challenged attendees to resist racial injustice and ensure a place at God’s table for all, sharing personal experiences of discrimination to highlight the urgency of action. Anderson’s message served as a powerful reminder that true community requires dismantling divisions and standing in solidarity with the marginalized.

2024 Our Connectional Generosity is Rising

The 2024 apportionment contributions reflect a positive trend in giving across the Northern Illinois Conference. Churches contributed $4,110,820 toward conference apportionments (79% of the total) and $814,994 toward the General Church apportionment (46% of the total), both showing steady improvement from previous years. More churches increased their giving, demonstrating a commitment to our connectional ministry, but continued growth is needed to fully support the mission of the church.

News