Continuing to keep the health and safety of clergy and lay members a top priority, the 2021 Northern Illinois Annual Conference will convene again as an all-virtual session from July 16-17 with Interim Bishop John L. Hopkins presiding.
Read MoreBishop Hopkins brings you a Lenten Greeting as we begin a season of preparation for the Celebration of the Resurrection on Easter. "Today, I have some “Good News” for you! You are invited to have an abundant life in Jesus Christ! This season of Lent is a time of repentance."
Read MorePhishing is very common these days, and as people get more desperate, phishing attacks will get worse. When people attempt to steal your data, they do so using free email address providers. They will use email accounts purporting to be from the bishop or a local pastor but using an @gmail.com address or something similar. Rarely, will they come from an @umcnic.org email address.
Read MoreAs the Apostle Paul greeted the Ephesians, I greet new Christian friends in Northern Illinois. Of course, Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter and I am merely in COVID-19 confinement in Indianapolis. His letter may have been written by someone else and carried for weeks to reach the church in Ephesus, while I can instantaneously connect via Zoom by clicking a link.
Read MoreAs we reach a sobering milestone of 400,000 lives lost in the U.S. as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Illinois moves forward in steps toward restoration from the devastation of this infection with the hope that vaccinations will move us further along throughout 2021.
Read MoreAt our recent virtual annual conference session on November 14, 2020, the Northern Illinois Annual Conference voted to reduce the number of districts (and district superintendents) from six to five, effective July 1, 2021
Read More