"As I think about Hispanic Heritage Month, I thank God for our Hispanic/Latino clergy and churches, and also know that our connexion must be more supportive and connective to make Christ known more authentically," says Bishop Dan Schwerin.
Read MoreThe Hispanic/Latinx community is one of the largest demographic groups in the U.S., with a population of 62.1 million. In Northern Illinois, the Hispanic/Latinx population is 1.9 million and continues to grow rapidly. This makes Hispanic Heritage Month—Sept. 15 to Oct. 15—very important to The United Methodist Church as a whole and our conference in particular. It’s a time we set aside to celebrate and appreciate the contribution of the Hispanic/Latinx community in our country and our churches.
Read MoreOn August 31st, the first bus arrived in Chicago, and local organizations were there to receive them. Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors' volunteers witnessed families get off the bus in need of food, clothing, medical attention, and many other basic needs. We coordinated with our partners to help these families find shelters where they could eat, shower, and get some rest.
Read MoreOne of the first steps to becoming a License Local Pastor is to attend a United Methodist Licensing School, which requires having a minimum of 80 hours of instruction with students. They receive training and mentorship in areas such as Administration and Leadership, Pastoral Care, and United Methodist Theology.
Read MoreThe Hispanic/Latinx Ministries of our Northern Illinois Conference has a tradition of offering a dinner during the sessions of our Annual Conference. This feast could not happen in the last years because of COVID restrictions. Like other groups, they were eager to get together, talk, laugh, eat and share about their ministries.
Read MoreRev. Evaristo Loaiza, retired clergy member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away Sunday, February 13, 2022, at age 97. During his ministry, he served Chicago: El Divino Redentor and El Buen Samaritano.
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