Grants help small town/rural churches serve their communities

Annual Conference approves reduced 2020 budget

Approximately 550 clergy and lay members gathered Nov. 16 in the gymnasium at Kishwaukee College for the Annual Conference Special Session to vote on a budget, apportionment formula changes, and to hear from the Exploration Team. After a presentation from the Conference Council on Finance and Administration (CCFA), the Annual Conference passed a $4,574,255 budget for 2020, down 5% from 2019.

Bishop Dyck: Inclusion is the heart of this conference

As we gather for this special annual conference session, I want to take the opportunity to express a few thoughts about where we are as the UMC in light of the Traditional Plan which is to go into effect January 1, 2020. To say that many clergy—LBGTQ and straight as well as concerned and allied laity—are very anxious is to understate the situation. 

Church ratifies women's equality amendment

After a revote, United Methodists around the globe have amended the denomination’s constitution to proclaim “men and women are of equal value in the eyes of God.”

Church exit plan already in effect, court says

Legislation setting special provisions for United Methodist churches deciding to leave the denomination took effect immediately at the end of the special General Conference last February, the church’s top court has ruled.

Shepherding Team moves forward on goals

The goals are set and the Annual Conference Shepherding Team (ACST) is ramping up their work to help congregations grow.