Children still count!

The COVID-19 pandemic has made a significant impact on the operational guidelines used by the U.S. Census Bureau. Changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the counting process to protect the health and safety of the American public and Census Bureau employees, has a tremendous negative impact on already under represented and underserved groups. However through intentional education and mobilization, faith communities can make a significant positive difference in Census return rates.

ChildServ changes name

After 34 years as ChildServ, the Chicago-based child welfare agency officially announced that it has changed its name and visual identity to Kids Above All. The transition, which took effect on June 15, 2020, marked the fifth time it has rebranded. “Kids Above All is a statement of priority and principle. It’s a defiant and powerful call-to-action, challenging every member of the community to place the safety, well-being, and education of all kids above everything else,” said Kids Above All President and CEO Dan Kotowski.

First-ever Meme Contest - Everybody is a winner

From references of Superman, Xbox and even 80s pop singer Rick Astley, the first-ever Northern Illinois Conference social media meme contest was a hit. Nine youth and young adults submitted their original memes for the “What does Jesus Meme to Me?” contest held this spring.

Churches find their own ways to move forward with Confirmation

In response to the coronavirus pandemic and official restrictions regarding in-person gatherings, many NIC congregations and pastors have wholeheartedly continued their worship services, Bible studies, devotions, and/or prayer ministries in some form of online setting. While many are weighing the pros and cons of conducting an online confirmation service, some congregations have moved forward in creative “virtual” ways to honor this important rite of passage.

Bishop Message: Stay at home

Last Friday Governor Pritzker ordered us to “stay at home,” or as it’s more commonly called, "shelter in place." Sheltering in place is for our own health and safety as well as for the health and safety of others. But remember we have another shelter: the shelter that comes from God.

Campus Ministry creates soul space

At a time when over 36% of 18-24 year-olds describe their religion as “nothing in particular” and seem unsure about living out their faith within the bounds of mainline churches, an exciting new ministry has emerged. The Inclusive Collective (IC - formerly Agape House), our NIC campus ministry partner at the University of Illinois at Chicago (and now also at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb), has forged a new path by doing ministry in experimental and imaginative ways.

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