Bishop Hopkins' Instructions for Lent
As we begin a forty-day journey into Lent on Ash Wednesday, Bishop John L. Hopkins gives us four key instructions for the journey.
Read MoreBishop's Column: Healthy Living
In 1747 John Wesley published "Primitive Physic" or "An Easy and Natural Method of Curing Most Diseases." It was first published anonymously and only thirteen years later did he place his name on it. In this book, Wesley gives sound medical advice to the everyday person. He offers treatment for everything from the bite of a viper or rattlesnake to scurvy and kidney stones.
Read MoreChurch recognized for community outreach
Attending the local Chamber of Commerce's annual awards banquet last August, the Rev. Megan Smick, who leads Oregon UMC in the Prairie South District, received a big surprise for her small church. "I was flabbergasted!" said Smick, who had no idea she would be presented with the 2021 Civic Leadership Award for Oregon UMC that evening.
Read MoreChurches increase apportionment giving amid pandemic
The Northern Illinois Conference is thankful to its many churches for their faithful apportionment giving and celebrates those who paid in full, despite challenging times. In 2021, 198 churches paid 100% of their calculated apportionments compared to 159 in 2020. Forty churches paid over 100% and nearly 50 went the second mile as Mission Links churches. The Conference also celebrates the 42 churches that have consistently paid 100% for ten years.
Read MoreUnited Methodists extend BSA charters through June 2022
United Methodist leaders have reached an agreement with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to extend existing UMC-sponsored Scouting charters through June 30, 2022 to provide for uninterrupted ministry with young people through Scouting.
Read MoreBack on the ministry trail
After nearly six years on hiatus, representatives from each district of the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist church returned to the CodeRed (Congregational Development and Redevelopment Committee) Church Trail, visiting potential new church sites and redevelopment areas across the conference over two days last November.
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