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2026 Pc Leadership Culture Shift

Cultivating Healthy Congregations

The Prairie Central District Shepherding Team is bringing Rev. Jim Ozier back to Northern Illinois for Culture Shift: Cultivating Healthy Congregations, a one-day experience focused on helping pastors and lay leaders assess, shift, and shape their church culture toward vitality and growth. The event is open to church leaders from any district.

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Sympathynoticeflowers

In Sympathy: Donald Keck

Rev. Donald C Keck, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025. 

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Rev Hannah Offering Communion Cmyk

With Warm Faith, Pastors Seek to Counter ICE

United Methodists are striving to lead courageously as their cities face threats of militarization and an onslaught of masked federal agents. In both the Northern Illinois (and other communities) Pastors are seeking to protect neighbors and offer comfort where they can. An emergency fund for immigrants fearful to leave their homes.

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Jesus Wouldnt Do This Sign At Protest Cmyk

The Connectionalism of Rapid Response

Trained and ready, church members have quickly mobilized to assist those affected by ICE raids and detentions. Their response is a part of the Chicagoland United Methodist Rapid Response network, formed with Bishop Schwerin and Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer to protect and advocate for immigrant neighbors—living out Wesleyan faith through solidarity, compassion, and courageous witness.

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Hispanic Latinx Ministry Celebracion Logo 2025 Cmyk

‘Pilgrim People Under God’s Grace’ Gather for the Hispanic/Latine Celebration

The Northern Illinois Conference Hispanic/Latinx community celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month on Oct. 18 with a virtual gathering centered on the theme “Pilgrim People Under God’s Grace.” Though separated by distance, participants experienced deep connection through worship, prayer, and reflection. Bishop Dan Schwerin spoke on Psalm 133, calling the community to live in unity and shared well-being. The event also featured a presentation from Justice for Our Neighbors’ Claudia Marchan and a heartfelt tribute to the late Rev. Fernando Siaba, honoring his legacy of faith and advocacy.

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Comehomeletters

What It Means to Be a Reconciling Church

The people of Friendship United Methodist Church in Bolingbrook, a Reconciling community, aim to move from saying “all are welcome” to living “all are home.” 

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