In case you missed it: October was Pastor Appreciation Month. In many Northern Illinois Conference congregations, Staff-Parish Relations Committee chairs said words of appreciation, passed out gift certificates, and/or offered a hearty handshake in celebration of their pastor(s)’ efforts. In other congregations, no such appreciation was offered. This was not necessarily due to pastoral issues, but simply because church members were unaware.
Read MoreRev. Dr. Irene Taylor and Nadia Kanhai from the Northern Illinois Conference have been recognized as outstanding alumnae at two United Methodist higher education institutions this year. Rev. Dr. Taylor (retired elder) is one of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary’s 2023 Distinguished Alums. Nadia Kanhai, an active layperson with extensive leadership in the conference and the community, been added to North Central College’s Wall of Witness.
Read MoreOn Sunday, October 8, laity and clergy cheerfully joined in celebration at the Installation of Lake South District Superintendent, Dr. Audrea, at Faith UMC in Orland Park. The powerful service incorporated many voices and cultures from around the district.
Read MoreOn Sunday, September 24, laity and clergy joined in celebration at the Installation of Prairie North District Superintendent Hwa-Young Chong at Grace UMC in Rockford. The moving service incorporated many voices from around the district and parts of DS Chong's Korean Heritage.
Read MoreChurch 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.
Read MoreThe 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.”
Read More