The year 2020 will be remembered collectively by us in our country and around the world as a very difficult year! On Christmas day we grieve yet again, not being able to safely gather to worship or be with family. In times like these—whenever bad things happen, especially at the Christmas season—the refrain from thhe Christmas carol, "Good Christian Friends, Rejoice," always comes to mind
Read MoreAs of January 1, 2021, I will be retired after 43 ½ years of active ministry in The United Methodist Church. My ministry in Northern Illinois began on September 1, 2012 and due to the postponement of General and Jurisdictional Conferences, I extended my time in Northern Illinois until the end of 2020. I have already begun my post-retirement ministry as the Ecumenical Officer for the Council of Bishops/The United Methodist Church. Retired Bishop John Hopkins will be the interim bishop as of January 1, 2021. I know that you will welcome him into your midst!
Read MoreI’m one of those (few) people who actually likes to cook Thanksgiving dinner. A big turkey with dressing with lots of leftovers to make into soup. But this year, the food will be Cornish hen instead of turkey! What about you? Will your Thanksgiving be different? Will it still be filled with joy? It all depends on us. On how we place our priorities. How we live out our deepest values and, I daresay, faith.
Read MoreThe 181st Northern Illinois Annual Conference with the theme “Y Church” was marked by some firsts and lasts. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to keep members safe and healthy, the first-ever virtual conference was held as a one-day webinar on Nov. 14.
Read MoreGovernor J.B. Pritzker has announced new Tier 3 mitigation guidelines that are to go into effect on Friday, November 20, 2020. The state of Illinois like most other states is experiencing an alarming spike in COVID-19 cases and in order to prevent further infection and death as well as to avoid overwhelming hospitals, we must all do our part.
Read MoreOver a year ago, “Y Church” became our theme for AC2020 because we had just come off a particularly difficult special General Conference 2019 where further restrictions were put on the full inclusion of LGBTQ persons. It was a painful time for many clergy and local churches. Y Church—why put up with all this—we were wondering on some days.
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