Judith Jean Michel will join the Northern Illinois Conference on Nov. 4 as Executive Administrative Assistant to the Bishop and the Assistant to the Bishop. With more than 10 years of executive support experience, she will help coordinate administrative operations and support leadership and ministry across the conference.
Read MoreThe NIC Committee on Accessibility welcomed approximately 30 church leaders from 13 congregations to its inaugural Disability Education Summit on Sept. 26 at Bethany of Fox Valley UMC in Aurora. Through workshops, discussions and shared experiences, participants explored practical ways to improve accessibility, address ableism and advance disability justice in their congregations. The committee hopes to build on the event’s success with another summit next year.
Read MoreRev. Martin Deppe, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026.
Read MoreBishop Dan Schwerin and four leaders from the Northern Illinois-Wisconsin Episcopal Area joined United Methodists from around the world to imagine the future of the church at the Council of Bishops’ Leadership Gathering in Calgary, Alberta. Explore key themes and recommendations from the gathering, watch a video featuring reflections from the participants, and read personal reflections from 2 NIC leaders.
Read MoreIn her latest column, Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer reflects on the Northern Illinois Conference’s Hispanic/Latinx ministries and the importance of celebrating and supporting these communities beyond Hispanic Heritage Month. She calls on United Methodists to move beyond words of appreciation through meaningful acts of solidarity, compassion and advocacy for neighbors facing fear and uncertainty.
Read MoreUnited Methodists and Muslim neighbors gathered Oct. 13 at Barrington United Methodist Church for the annual Methodist-Muslim Dinner, themed “Hope in Action: Standing Together Against Hate and Division.” Keynote speakers emphasized shared values of compassion, dignity and service, challenging participants to build lasting relationships across faith traditions and put their commitment to peace into action.
Read More