What is Christ’s way forward for doing mission and ministry in the worldwide United Methodist Church? That is the question bishops pondered during their February meeting in Dallas this week as they received an updated report from the Commission on a Way Forward.
Read MoreOne year after laity and clergy pondered the “why”, participants at the 2018 Northern Illinois Conference Laity Convocation focused on the “how” local churches carry out the mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. About 270 people gathered at Sycamore United Methodist Church on Feb. 17 to learn strategies for transforming ministry plans into action. General Secretary of Discipleship Ministries Rev. Dr. Junius Dotson delivered the keynote challenging local churches to move from the ‘why’, (the purpose), to the ‘how’, (seeing all the people.) Dotson calls it “missional engagement.”
Read MoreThe Northern Illinois Conference and our Pan-Methodist partners along with the Illinois Conference of Churches are arranging buses to Washington D.C. so Illinois residents can take part in the anti-racism rally on the national mall on April 4, the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. The theme is ACT Now! Unite to End Racism. The memorial service in Memphis, Tenn. will be broadcast on the mall.
Read MoreThe 2018 Annual Conference will gather for another year June 3-5 at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Ill. This year’s theme is “Navigating Uncharted Waters” with a focus on Romans 5:3b-4 – “trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” Bishop Sally Dyck says the theme will help us focus on how we anticipate the unknowns in life, our ministries, and communities.
Read MoreUnited Voices for Children is once again seeking nominations for awards to honor extraordinary volunteer service or advocacy efforts on behalf of children, youth and/or families throughout the Northern Illinois Conference.
Read MoreIn one year, the General Conference will have a special session to hear the recommendation of the Council of Bishops and vote on the Way Forward for The United Methodist Church. Your Northern Illinois General Conference Delegation is meeting in preparation for this important vote. Here are some things that we would like you to know.
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