Summer Community Experimentation Strengthens Faith
This 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…
The One Matters Discipleship Award was created by the Discipleship Ministries (GBOD) in 2015 with the purpose of lifting up churches who have in recent years moved from zero baptisms and zero professions of faith into positive numbers as they redirected their focus toward intentional discipleship. In addition to the One Matters Discipleship plaque, each church will receive $1,000 to encourage the continuation of their work in discipleship.
The Northern Illinois Conference is one of the most diverse conferences in The United Methodist Church, so instead of recognizing one congregation, we have the opportunity to offer one award per district with the help of the Office of Connectional Ministries.
Most importantly, as we celebrate these churches and hear their stories, we are invited to ask “What are they doing differently that is helping them to turn things around by God’s grace?” And when we discern an answer to that question, we can ask ourselves, “What can we do to make a difference?” Each person matters to God!
Questions about One Matters?
Please contact Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, Director of Connectional Ministries, email or (872) 810-0870
2024 awards presented to:
(click each to read their stories)
2023 awards presented to:
(click each to read their stories)
Watch the 2023 AC Award Presentations
2022 awards presented to:
(click each to read their stories)
Awards were not presented in 2020 and 2021.
2019 awards presented to:
(click each to read their stories)
2018 awards presented to:
(click each to read their stories)
2017 awards presented to:
Aurora District: Orland Park: Faith United Methodist Church
Chicago Northwestern District: Skokie: Jesus-Love Korean New Faith Community
Chicago Southern District: Oak Lawn: First United Methodist Church
DeKalb District: Morrison United Methodist Church
Elgin District: Morrison United Methodist Church
Rockford District: Roscoe United Methodist Church
This 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…
J.O.Y. (Jesus, Others, You) Camp has become like a second family for many, offering children a safe space to grow in faith, build friendships, and discover their God-gi…
At the beginning of August, Hispanic/Latinx United Methodists from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico gathered in Arlington Heights for the Annual MARCHA meeting, hosted th…
As the seasons shift from summer to fall, Rev. Danita R. Anderson reminds us that this time of change is also an invitation to renew our commitment to faith and community. J…