2026 Will Be a Year of Hope
Bishop Schwerin looks ahead to 2026 by turning to scripture; specifically, Psalm 130:5: “I wait for the Lord; my soul waits, and in his word, I hope.” He ponders, What kind of spiritual focus is nee…
Location: Springfield, IL
Wednesday, May 7
About 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Cost :
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$20 - Round-trip transportation, morning snack and lunch.
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$10 - Morning snack and lunch (you provide transportation)
*Regitration closes Fri., April 11 to ensure time to solidify trip plans.
The NIC Advocacy Partners of the Conference Committee on Religion and Race is leading a trip to Springfield, IL. While in Springfield, they will meet with state legislators about issues related to racial justice that concern us, as United Methodists.
This is the second Springfield trip in two years. (Read more about the first trip here.) Legislative Lobby Day is an outgrowth of the 2023 Civil-Rights Pilgrimage. Among the many lessons of the pilgrimage was the idea that visiting the past was not enough. The NIC statement that racism is incompatible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ also prodded the need for the lobby day.
Before the trip there are two online meetings. One is a training session and the other is an orientation session. Attendance is prefered but there will be recordings available.
The meetings are:
- Mon., March 3, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Sat., April 26, 9 to 10:30 a.m.
There is an option to take a small bus from one church, carpool with others, or possibly stay overnight the night before (at your own cost). Please note preference on the registration form.
Questions can be sent to Lisa Rogers.