The conference theme, “Come to the Table,” informed the work of conference members at the Northern Illinois 184th Annual Conference session, June 6-8, Schaumburg, Ill. Bishop Schwerin’s “state of the conference” address, the Bible study, the lay session, and more explored the theme.
Read MoreLiz Gracie, who has been one of the co-chairs of the Annual Conference Shepherding Team for the past eight years, told the Annual Conference 2023 members of an insight the team recently gained: Urgency is not enough; leaders have to internalize change itself.
Read MoreIn his Bible study on the great banquet in Luke 14, Dr. Rolf Nolasco reminded Northern Illinois Annual Conference members on June 7 that Jesus’s banquet includes everyone—and gives those of lower social status places of honor at the table.
Read MoreTables are places where relationships are strengthened and healing can take place. In his state of the conference address, Bishop Dan Schwerin shared the hope and concerns he's heard over the past several months, and described plans for building a healthy annual conference.
Read MoreRecalling the words of the hymn “God of Grace and God of Glory,” Bishop Dan Schwerin admonished in his sermon at the Celebration of Ministry on June 6 that imagination takes courage, and wisdom should precede courage. “We who are in Christ, have cause for hope,” Bishop Schwerin preached. “But let's be clear: it takes courage to imagine.”
Read More“Local churches are the strength of the conferences,” co-Lay Leader Mark Menzi told Annual Conference members in the Laity Address on June 8. “While there is training and resources available in districts and conference, it is in the churches where the ministry is happening, disciples being made, people are going into the community to see the people and minister with them.”
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