In Sympathy: Man Singh Das
Rev. Man Singh Das, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on October 7, 2026.
Read MoreFour Leaders Head to Global UMC Gathering
Four leaders from the Northern Illinois-Wisconsin Episcopal Area will participate in the Council of Bishops’ Leadership Gathering Oct. 20–24 in Calgary, Canada, joining United Methodists from around the world to envision the denomination’s future. Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer and Rev. Jeremiah Cottrell-Duebner share their ministry journeys, perspectives and hopes for a more welcoming, inclusive and faithful church.
Read MoreBishop's Appeal Update: Advancing Educational Opportunities Around the World
The 2026 Bishop’s Appeal: Education for the Central Conferences raised $32,247.40 to expand educational opportunities in Tanzania and support theological education in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. With construction underway at Global Mission Secondary School and additional gifts through Miracle Sunday, Northern Illinois United Methodists are helping prepare future students and church leaders for service in their communities and around the world.
Read MoreUnited Voices for Children Celebrates Advocates
United Voices for Children brought advocates, church leaders and community partners together for its annual Raising Our Voices event on Sept. 24 at Grace UMC in Rockford, focusing on youth mental health, bullying and creating supportive communities for children. The gathering also recognized three United Methodist advocates for their outstanding service to children and youth, while inviting congregations to continue supporting the work through prayer, financial gifts and advocacy.
Read MoreHistory & Archives Convocation: Circuit Preachers, Slavery, and Cherished Sanctuaries
More than two dozen United Methodists from six conferences explored the region’s Methodist history during an Oct. 7 tour through Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin as part of the North Central Jurisdiction’s Annual History & Archives Convocation. Participants visited historic churches and learned about early Methodist worship, the complex history of slavery and abolition, and the congregations that have preserved their heritage for generations.
Read MoreUMC Bishops Condemn Proposed Plan for Livestreamed Execution
In a pastoral letter to United Methodists around the world, Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., writing on behalf of the Council of Bishops, opposes plans to livestream the execution of the man responsible for the 2009 Fort Hood shootings. The letter calls on Christians to reject vengeance and the public spectacle of death, uphold the dignity of every human life, and stand against the scapegoating of religious minorities and migrants. It urges U.S. leaders to end plans for the livestreamed execution and invites congregations worldwide to pray for victims, survivors, and all those affected by violence.
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