DYK: Attend your church conference—you are a link in the connection

Church conferences focus on electing leaders, setting the pastor’s salary, approving the church’s budget (if available), recommending candidates for ministry, and approving lay speakers. The event also includes a time to review and affirm the congregation’s plans for ministry and mission and learning about the work of the conference and the wider United Methodist Church.These meetings are part of the fabric of our connectional nature. Through the connectional system, we are involved in God’s mission together. Together, we are able to do more than if we remained alone.

Leading the Laity: We can face change because our God is constant

The world is ever-changing and the church is ever-evolving. Change is like the storms of life: You are either in one, about to enter one, or coming out of one. The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “Change is the only constant in life.” The world is always changing and so are its people. As a result, we find ourselves constantly adapting to it. It has been said, “If you are not changing, then you are dying.”

Ministry Milestones Celebrated

Lay and clergy who have completed steps toward confirmation of their ministry are celebrated every year at Annual Conference. Here's a list of lay and clergy who were recognized at 2023 Annual Conference.

Bishop Announces New Lake South District Superintendent

Rev. Dr. Audrea Nanabray will serve as Lake South District Superintendent effective July 1, 2023.

Connecting and forming relationships across the conference

Bishop 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.

Bishop Announces – New Prairie North District Superintendent

Bishop 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.

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