The sunlight shone through the elegant stained-glass windows at First UMC in Elgin, Ill., on Sunday, February 26, 2023, for the Installation Service of Bishop Dan Schwerin. The installation service was a celebration of the diversity of the conference and included performances by multiple choirs and readings in different languages.
Read MoreBishop Dan Schwerin, newly assigned episcopal leader for the Northern Illinois Conference, spent his first month focused on meeting key leaders within the conference and the denomination. A cabinet retreat and bishop training, locally and across the country, filled his calendar. Late January and February were set aside to work on forming relationships across our conference.
Read MoreWe discussed some of the challenges of forming faith communities these days. Online worship portals have been a gift—but then how do we introduce growth in faith and the development of deeper commitment to a faith community? Many of those who attended in-person worship four times a month a short time ago, may attend once a month now. How might we deepen community with these shifts in participation? Imagine someone attending worship online for perhaps six months and summoning the courage for in-person worship—how do we welcome, affirm, and give stewardship to their growth in faith?
Read MoreBishop Dan Schwerin is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Hwa Young Chong as Prairie North District Superintendent, effective July 1, 2023. Rev. Chong currently serves at Naperville: Community and will follow Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer who has been appointed as Director of Connectional Ministries, effective July 1, 2023.
Read MoreThese are days for lament, and renewed commitment to justice. I lament the murder of Tyre Nichols at the hands of the officers in Memphis. I lament the stress officers are experiencing. I lament the loss of a son and father. We need to affirm that Black Lives Matter and our systems and relationships must act accordingly. Today at our Leadership Development training in the Prairie North District, we lifted a prayer shared by Rev. Violet Johnicker of Rockford Urban Ministries. Feel free to pray and use this, if possible, in worship tomorrow. May our actions produce equity that makes Christ known. Thank you for your ministry.
Read MoreBishop Dan Schwerin’s first day serving as episcopal leader in the Northern Illinois Annual Conference was January 3. Bishop Schwerin grew up just north of us in Wisconsin, where he heard his call at Concord UMC, in the small town of Sullivan, near Waukesha. Prior to his election, he served in the Wisconsin Annual Conference office as Assistant to the Bishop.
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