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UM Foundation Stewardship Summit

Location: First UMC of La Grange, 100 W. Cossitt Ave., LaGrange, IL

"Set the Tone of Generosity with Testimony"

Two different days and locations, same summit, choose a day:
8:30 am registration, 9:00 am keynote, 12:30 pm depart
Saturday, August 11, Trinity UMC, Freeport
Saturday, August 18, First UMC of La Grange
$25 per person, $75 per church group of 3+

Generosity in churches flows from a culture of being in mission together and feeling part of something bigger than yourself, but often local church cultures are held back by distractions and a lack of hope.

Keynote speaker: Dr. Saul Ebema

Watch this video testimony of Saul's harrowing journey from Sudan to South Africa and finally to the United States.

Come, be inspired by Dr. Saul Ebema to name the obstacles and overcome them so your church can move on to change and action! 

In addition to Dr. Ebema's keynote presentation, there will be two additional presenters in the TED talk style, "Setting the tone of generosity for ..."

  • Youth ministry - Hattie Koher, Director of Youth Ministry, First UMC of La Grange
  • Outreach - Rev. Robert Biekman, Maple Park UMC, Chicago


Each presentation (“testimony”) will be followed by significant time for Q&A, small group discussion, and a break. Snacks for grazing and beverages to quench thirst will be provided. The summit ends at 12:30 (lunch not included). Childcare available for pre-registrations.

For registration and more information visit umfnic.org/summit.

News & Announcements

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In Sympathy: James Wilson

Rev. James M. Wilson, a member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025.

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In Sympathy: Fernando Siaba

Rev. Fernando Siaba, a member of the Northern Illinois Conference, died on October 6, 2025.

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