Under the theme “Yield,” clergy and elected lay members will gather for Northern Illinois Conference’s 185th session, June 16-18, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Dr., Schaumburg, IL. 

Bishop Dan Schwerin chose the theme from John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer, which includes the promise that “I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.” Many Methodist and Wesleyan Christians renew this covenant at the beginning of the new year. (See “From the Bishop”) 

“As we gather for the 185th Northern Illinois Conference Session, we come ready to yield to God’s will as we offer our whole selves to the service of Christ through the work of the church,” says Bishop Schwerin.  

“For the new church that is emerging, more than ‘a zipper merge’ is needed; we all need to yield to God’s newness,” he says, alluding to the yielding needed in traffic. 

The ordination and commissioning service will take place on Sunday evening, June 16. The conference will honor those retiring on the next morning, June 17. Those who have died in the past year will be remembered during the memorial service on the morning of Tuesday, June 18. 

Registration and more 

The registration fee is $115 for early registrations (received before April 29) and $130 thereafter. The increase is due to rising costs of holding a conference. Registration will close on May 29. There will be NO on-site registration. 

The committee is exploring different childcare arrangements, including the possibility of offering on-site care. Those who need childcare should complete a survey,  available here, so that the committee knows parents’ preferences. Responses are due on Jan. 31.  

Conference-related organizations and groups are encouraged to hold their group meals at the hotel. Plated meals, buffet, and reception style food station options are available. For more information, please contact Bri Wadlington, conference events planner, at events@umcnic.org.