After more than two decades serving the Northern Illinois Conference as the Director of Accounting, Athena Staveris is hanging up her calculator and retiring. Staveris’ last day is Oct. 30, 2020.
Read MoreNorthern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors (NIJFON) has been blessed with a $25,000 gift from Berry Memorial UMC in Chicago through the sale of the church’s historic building. As Berry UMC seeks to plant the seeds of a new church home in Chicago, they also chose to plant seeds for justice through supporting the mission and vision of NIJFON.
Read MoreJohn Wesley’s ability to knit together groups of people through faith and call them into action remains a constant in our DNA as Methodists today. Today’s virtual church, forced upon us by the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed us back in time to claim the future. We are moving out of our pews and into the world, bringing our faith, our invitation to discipleship to the masses in a 21st century “virtual” way.
Read MoreThe new class of US-2s, all of whom will serve for two years at locations in the United States including Emily Palm from Christ UMC in Rockford, were affirmed as agents of change and partners in God's mission on Aug. 26. These young adults come from seven states and will serve in seven states other than where they currently reside. The GMF international track will not be conducted this year due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and safety concerns.
Read MoreIn 2019, the congregation at Irving Park United Methodist Church in Chicago made one of their most difficult decisions in the church’s more than 130-year history. Facing mounting repairs, costly renovations, and dwindling membership, the congregation sold their building on Keeler Avenue and held their final worship in the space last November.
Read MoreAfter 34 years as ChildServ, the Chicago-based child welfare agency officially announced that it has changed its name and visual identity to Kids Above All. The transition, which took effect on June 15, 2020, marked the fifth time in history that the agency has rebranded and marked the culmination of a two-year process to examine how best the organization can expand its impact in and around Chicago. With this transition, the agency retains its 126-year mission to protect, heal and educate children and families so they can build better lives.
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