Planting Seeds of Change: Empowering Communities Through Gardens and Sustainability

The Northern Illinois Conference’s HEAL Well initiative addresses food insecurity and environmental sustainability by uniting faith communities and local partners in urban gardening and tree planting. With a mission to foster trust and care for God’s creation, HEAL Well engages volunteers, including high school students, to maintain community gardens and expand green spaces in northern Illinois. The initiative collaborates with various organizations to build relationships, educate communities, and create lasting environmental and social impact.

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Stronger Together: Diversity Enriches Us, Unity Strengthens Us

Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer reflects on the Northern Illinois Conference’s commitment to diversity and unity, emphasizing that differences are gifts that enrich and strengthen the church. In a time of societal division and challenges for immigrant communities, she calls on United Methodists to be peacemakers, bridge-builders, and voices for love and justice. By embracing diversity and striving for unity, the church can create a more inclusive and compassionate community that reflects God’s image.

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This Life-Changing Journey: Grace and Hospitality

Rev. Danita R. Anderson reflects on the theme of grace as a foundational part of United Methodist faith, highlighting personal experiences of God’s love and forgiveness, particularly through hospitality. She emphasizes the importance of The Table as a place where grace is freely offered to all, without judgment or expectation. This year, as we focus on grace’s sufficiency, we invite everyone to embrace and share grace in daily life, including opportunities to engage with conference staff during worship.

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Reimagining Church: Meet Your Librarian

Rev. Christian Coon shares how a challenge to conduct one-on-one meetings transformed his ministry, leading him to deeper community connections and new outreach opportunities. By engaging with local leaders, including a public librarian, he discovered insight that shaped his church’s mission. Now, he encourages others to embrace the power of one-on-one conversations, challenging them to schedule four meetings as a simple yet impactful way to engage their communities.

Well Maintained Buildings Sustain Ministry

The Northern Illinois casualty and liability insurance program (NICUM) offers conference churches a stable and economical coverage option that ensures they will not be dropped. However, NICUM does not cover damages caused by lack of maintenance, requiring churches to proactively address structural issues and ongoing upkeep. To sustain their ministries, churches are encouraged to plan for future maintenance needs through savings, fundraising, and strategic partnerships while working with their district superintendent when necessary.

Apply Now for Small Town/Rural Church Grants

Are you in a small-town or rural church? Have you been dreaming of a creative ministry opportunity in your community, but need a little financial help? The Northern Illinois Conference awards two grants for rural ministry each year—the PACK (Planned Act of Christian Kindness) Grant and the Keagy Grant—to empower small-town and rural churches in their community outreach.

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