Over a year ago, “Y Church” became our theme for AC2020 because we had just come off a particularly difficult special General Conference 2019 where further restrictions were put on the full inclusion of LGBTQ persons. It was a painful time for many clergy and local churches. Y Church—why put up with all this—we were wondering on some days.
Read MoreLast month, the discipleship task force introduced the first pair of videos for a six month series about growing and strengthening discipleship ministries with a particular focus on youth. Our theme for October was “Just Show Up!” as the first step in working, leading, and learning from young people. This month, our theme is “THE CHURCH OF TODAY."
Read MoreAs we gather in this virtual format, it is yet another reminder of how COVID-19 has changed our everyday lives, and while we are inconvenienced, we have learned new ways of doing things, some of which will stick with us post-pandemic. We have also had a chance to assess what things in our busy lives were really important to us and needed to be done, even if in a different way. Our churches are no different. The onset of the shutdown came at a rapid pace for most, without a chance for pre-planning, we had to learn to adapt on the fly.
Read MoreOur virtual annual conference is over and now we begin the work to address the many changes that are before us. One of those changes is the redistricting of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference.
Read MoreI hope all of you who are eligible to vote exercised this important civic responsibility. Now we await the official outcome of the election for the President of the United States. Most if not all of us are weary from the pre-election season and knowing the result would be a relief. But there are various methods of voting affected by various state laws, which means that it could take days before there is an official outcome. While we wait for the final outcome, there may be all kinds of rumors, name-calling, protests, threats and demonstrations.
Read MoreAs we approach our virtual annual conference sessions and worship, I encourage you to be sure and attend the pre-conference briefings this week if you are a registered delegate. It is essential that you have read and been briefed on the legislation with the opportunity to ask questions during these briefings.
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