United 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 MoreA new faith community in Oswego, Ill., is springing up in the new year. Wellspring UMC launched on January 1, 2021, with the Rev. Corey Ashley serving in the former Oswego Campus of Wheatland Salem UMC. On the heels of a difficult year for churches with the pandemic and restrictions on in-person services, some may ask, ‘is this the right time to plant a church?’
Read MoreAs we reach a sobering milestone of 400,000 lives lost in the U.S. as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the State of Illinois moves forward in steps toward restoration from the devastation of this infection with the hope that vaccinations will move us further along throughout 2021.
Read MoreAs of January 11, 2021, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Churches who did not apply for PPP in 2020 can apply now for a First Draw PPP Loan and secure 10 weeks of many operating expenses. In 2020, the SBA extended more than $4.2 million to 130 local NIC churches.
Read MoreAt our recent virtual annual conference session on November 14, 2020, the Northern Illinois Annual Conference voted to reduce the number of districts (and district superintendents) from six to five, effective July 1, 2021
Read MoreA live nativity scene at United Methodist Church of Geneva highlighted a drive-by Christmas Story Caravan that included Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles UMC churches Sunday, Dec. 6.
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