Work Needed to Fulfill Our Commitment
To fulfill our commitment to the survivors through the “Repair the Harm to Children” campaign, over $440,000 is still needed to meet the Northern Illinois Conference’s share. his initiati…
Lunch-and-Learn
New for the 2025 Annual Conference
On Tuesday, June 10 from noon to 1:30 p.m., all registered participants will receive a box lunch. They will select the group they want to join for a time of learning, presentation, and fellowship. (Box lunches are available for guests as well, but they will need to register.)
The Lunch-and-Learn options are:
- Board of Global Ministries in partnership with United Women in Faith
Join us and reflect on the ways we’ve come together to serve, support, and uplift those in need, both near and far. You’ll hear powerful stories of impact, learn more about the missions we support, and discover ways to get involved. This year, we are honored to welcome two incredible speakers who are making a profound impact through their ministry and service. Rev. Ronny Pulgar Hughes, the District Superintendent of the Austral District of the Methodist Church in Chile, will share powerful insights into the transformative work taking place within his community, where faith is a guiding light in the daily lives of those living in one of the most remote and rugged regions of the world—Patagonia. Joining him is Chantel Corrie, the Executive Director of the Midwest Mission Distribution Center, who will speak about the vital role of disaster relief, humanitarian aid, and the church’s mission to serve people in crisis around the world. Their stories and experiences will inspire us all to continue being the hands and feet of Christ in our communities and beyond. - Chicago Black Methodists for Church Renewal
Are You Aware? Are You Informed? Are You Involved? How? Come to our Lunch and Learn Session to see Chicago Black Methodists for Church Renewal through the lens of its history, legacy, and future. We will share a historical video, highlight BMCR’s presence through a PowerPoint presentation, and showcase reflections by witnesses who have shared its purpose and mandate to advocate for the unique needs of Black people in the Northern Illinois Conference and beyond while strengthening the Black Church for mission and ministry. Donald Lusk, Darryl D. Harris, and Sylvia Jo Oglesby will speak and lead a Q&A session. - Commission on Religion & Race
In recent years, CCORR and the Antiracism Task Force have led impactful initiatives that have positioned the Northern Illinois Conference as a leader in the United Methodist Church’s efforts toward racial justice. During this session, we will highlight key accomplishments, discuss our vision for the future, and seek your input to support your church community. CCORR team members will share insights into their ongoing work across the conference. - Creating New Faith Communities
Have you ever thought of yourself as having an entrepreneurial spirit? Do you sometimes have creative ideas about different expressions of what the church could be? Please join former church planter and NIC Director of Congregational Development Christian Coon for a Lunch & Learn about starting new communities of faith of all sizes and the processes our conference is creating to help individuals assess their own giftedness for these ventures. Laity and clergy are welcome to attend! - Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary
The rumors are true! Garrett Seminary has launched a program called the “Garrett Collective” with the goal of providing theological education resources for all people. Personal, professional, and spiritual formation does not begin or end with a degree, but it is a lifelong learning process that engages with present-day realities and looks ahead with hope, imagination, and a deep commitment to do all the good one can. With continuing education courses, workshops, certificates, webinars, resources and more, the Garrett Collective has something for everyone. Come learn more about the Garrett Collective from the director, abby mohaupt. - Wespath/Compass Retirement Account Information
Beginning January 2026, the Clergy Retirement program will be changing to Compass. Compass is an account-based plan with shared responsibility between clergy and the UMC. Through shared responsibility, clergy accumulate an account balance during their active ministry and have flexibility to receive their income during retirement. Please join us to learn more about Compass and how you can prepare.
The Lunch-and-Learns will be hosted on-site in rooms Nirvana A-C and Utopia A-D. Watch for volunteers to guide you to the correct room.
Lunches will be available for pick up outside the rooms.
General food options at the hotel
- Food Cart (outside of our conference center area): Coffee, Drinks, Sandwiches and Snacks
Monday: 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. - RENdezvous Cafe (Starbucks): Breakfast, Lunch
(6:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.) - Gather Lounge: Dinner
(4 p.m. - Midnight) - Schaumburg Public House: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
(6:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. (10 p.m. on Sunday)
Organized Meals
Conference-related organizations and groups are encouraged to hold group meals at the hotel. Plated meals, buffet, and reception style food station options are available. Registration for meals will be included in regular registration.
Some organizations will be hosting on-site group meals; others will be hosting off-site meals.
Please check with your organization regarding meals.
Please note: Meals marked with an * are INVITE ONLY. Meals marked with an ^ needed prior registration.
Monday, June 9
- 8:30 p.m.: Post Celebration of Ministry Reception - hosted on-site in Schaumburg E-H
All are welcome to celebrate those honored at the Celebration of Ministry.
Tuesday, June 10
- Noon: ^ Lunch-and-Learns (see above)
Wednesday, June 11
- 7:30 a.m.: ^ Multi-cultural/Cross-Cultural/Cross-Racial Clergy Breakfast - hosted on-site
- Noon: * Extension Ministries Lunch - hosted on-site in the Nirvana C room.
- Noon: * Midwest Methodist Foundation Lunch - hosted on-site in the Nirvana B room.
- Noon: * Retirement Lunch - hosted on-site in the Nirvana A room.
If groups wish to share information about their meal on this page, they can contact Lisa Smith for coordination.