What made the demonstration at Annual Conference in support of immigrants especially meaningful was the participation of young people. Youth and young adults walked alongside clergy and other laity, lending their voices and their presence to this public expression of faith.
Read MoreRev. Christian Coon, NIC's director of congregational development, has been attending worship at churches all over our conference for two years. He's found it an eye-opening experience to be a visitor again and offers some observations on how to help newcomers feel welcome.
Read MoreThe 2026 Christmas Institute in July, a beloved Filipino-American United Methodist tradition, gathered 21 youth, 23 pastors and deaconesses, and 11 laypeople from the Northern Illinois Conference and Illinois Great Rivers Conference July 19-21 for worship, fellowship, learning, and leadership development at Camp Sullivan in Oak Forest, Illinois.
Read MoreSevere storms, including an EF3 tornado that hit the Fox Cities region on Wisconsin, caused damage the Episcopal Area. Bishop Dan Schwerin asks for prayer.
Read MoreIntercultural competency—the ability to interact effectively and appropriately with people from different cultural backgrounds—requires understanding, respect, and adapting to cultural differences. Because Northern Illinois is a diverse conference, the Annual Conference Shepherding Team took intercultural competency training on July 25 at Our Saviour’s United Methodist Church in Schaumburg, led by Rev. Dr. Grace Pak.
Read MoreJOY Camp 2026 brought together 61 campers and 27 volunteer counselors for a week of faith, friendship, and outdoor fun at Camp Reynoldswood in Dixon, Ill., June 21-27. Centered on the theme of Jesus and his love for all, campers explored Scripture through worship, Bible study, recreation, and fellowship while growing in their faith and building lasting friendships.
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