Plans Are Shaping Up for 2025 Annual Conference
The Northern Illinois Conference’s 186th session, themed “Grace is Sufficient,” will take place June 9-11. Bishop Dan Schwerin, inspired by the transformative power of grace, e…
Special observances
- Celebration of Ministry: June 9, evening
- Memorial service: June 10, late afternoon
- Retirement celebration: June 11, mid morning
Services will express cultural diversity, according to Pastor Jacob Tipantasig-Wolverton, who is overseeing worship planning. The ordination service will include a liturgical dance group.A mass choir, which many enjoyed last year, will be organized again.
The conference committee will again make scooters available for those with mobility limitations. These must be reserved in advance. No extras will be available on site. If you or someone you know might benefit from a scooter, please make sure they reserve one when registering for annual conference.
If your conference-related organization or group is planning a meal during the conference, please consider holding your meal at the hotel. Plated meals, buffet, and reception style food station options areavailable. For more information, please contact Ariel Alonso, conference events planner.
Stay tuned for more details.
Theme Information
Bishop Dan Schwerin selected the theme to encourage conference members to focus on something that nurtures our spirits before turning to business matters. In fact, it complements his theme for all of 2025: “A Year of Grace.” (See his column.)
“The number-one thing I hear when I talk about grace is, ‘What is grace?’ That tells us we have teaching to do,” the bishop observes.
One need not use a theological exposition to explain the concept.
“How can we teach this? By telling a story about how grace impacted you,” he says. “How many of us would be changed if we told our grace stories?”
Both Northern Illinois and Wisconsin conferences will delve into this theme, and he looks forward to what those explorations will inspire.
Meet the Conference Speakers
Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount
Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount, Bible study leader
Dr. Blount is Murray H. Leiffer Associate Professor of Formation, Leadership, and Culture and director of the Center for the Church and the Black Experience, both at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Tuskegee University, a master of divinity degree from Candler School of Theology, and a doctor of philosophy degree from Northwestern University in cooperation with Garrett-Evangelical.
Bishop Karen Oliveto
Bishop Karen Oliveto, ordination preacher
Bishop Oliveto was consecrated as a United Methodist bishop in 2016. She retired in 2024. Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Drew University, a master of divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion, and a master of philosophy and doctor of philosophy in the sociology of religion, both from Drew.