A feeling of exuberance and loud “Amens" filled Barrington United Methodist Church's sanctuary on April 24 during a long-awaited, in-person service to ordain and commission the 2020 class. The ordinands and commissioning candidates had patiently waited nearly a year for their time after the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the service two times in 2020.
Read MoreThe trial of Derek Chauvin, charged in George Floyd’s death, has begun with jury selections and will continue for a number of weeks. We know that this is the focus of many in our country. As the church, we can be a witness as we call for justice in this and many other places.
Read MoreContinuing to keep the health and safety of clergy and lay members a top priority, the 2021 Northern Illinois Annual Conference will convene again as an all-virtual session from July 16-17 with Interim Bishop John L. Hopkins presiding.
Read MoreOur theme for February, “Know Your Story/Own Your Story”, continues that encouragement for youth workers. It may sound cliché, but it is true: be yourself—know who you are and how you got here, and be open and willing to share that.
Read MoreUnited Methodists in Northern Illinois have been living under the Wesleyan banner of “Do No Harm” for almost a year now with the pandemic. Suspending in-person events including worship, programming and so many other community activities we hold dear. We are not out from under the threat of the virus even as our state does better in managing the spread. But with the rollout of a vaccine over the past month, we can now become proactive in combating the spread.
Read MoreAs the Apostle Paul greeted the Ephesians, I greet new Christian friends in Northern Illinois. Of course, Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter and I am merely in COVID-19 confinement in Indianapolis. His letter may have been written by someone else and carried for weeks to reach the church in Ephesus, while I can instantaneously connect via Zoom by clicking a link.
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