Bishop’s Appeal: Education for the Central Conferences
This year, Northern Illinois United Methodists will be donating to one Bishop’s Appeal for two worthy recipients. The appeal for Education for the Central Conferences wi…
"Empty Easter"
This Easter may feel empty for many of us as we all are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our churches are empty. No lilies nor hyacinths wafting their strong sweet smell. No pews filled with people dressed in their best clothes. No choirs singing the alleluias or trumpets sending chills down our legs just hearing the introduction to “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today.” Our tables are emptier than we would like; we have empty chairs that friends and family would otherwise be filling.
But all these things are external to the true meaning of Easter. They’re important but they’re not really what Easter is. Each of these things serves to tee up, if you will, our senses, emotions, and hearts to receive the good news that Christ is risen, He’s risen indeed!
The tomb is empty so that our hearts and lives may be full to overflowing with God’s grace and love. Wherever there is emptiness this Easter Sunday, look and see where God is speaking and working in and around us everywhere.
Please watch my Easter video message below...and may you have a blessed Easter!
This year, Northern Illinois United Methodists will be donating to one Bishop’s Appeal for two worthy recipients. The appeal for Education for the Central Conferences wi…
Rev. Donna Atkinson, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on January 24, 2026.
Thank you for your commitment to sharing your gifts for the good of our United Methodist Church and its ministries. In 2025, you gave $5,056,797—80 percent of our budgeted…
The Northern Illinois Annual Conference, with United Methodist Communications, is excited to launch the #BeUMC Awards! Celebrate laypeople, clergy, and congregations who love boldly, serve joyfully…