Leading the Laity: What would it be like . . .
Eugene Williams, reflects on “The Rabbi’s Gift” and its message of radical grace. He urges members to treat one another as the Messiah, fostering a culture of respect and hope.
Read MoreLeading the Laity: Transformed and Transforming With Love
Eugene Williams, Conference Co-Lay Leader, encourages us to embrace a season of transformation with an attitude of abundance. Despite challenges like disaffiliation and declining membership, our mission to love all people and make disciples remains unchanged. Let us walk together in faith, reflecting God’s unconditional love and commitment.
Read MoreNorthern Illinois Conference seeks to yield to God’s leading: 2024 Conference Summary
Observing a Wesleyan spiritual practice rather rallying around a slogan, members of the 2024 session of the Northern Illinois Conference of met from June 16 to 18 in Schaumburg to yield to God as they recognized ministry milestones, worshiped, and voted on policies and resolutions.
Read MoreLeading the Laity: We’ve come this far by faith
"For us, the only constant is change itself," says Eugene Williams, Northern Illinois Conference co-lay leader. "The world is ever-changing, but God is still the same. So let us continue to embrace this season of experimentation and possibilities with hope and with love. Let us seek opportunities for new growth to go forward with love to meet each other wherever we may be found."
Read MoreA trip begins an eye-opening journey
Toni Lucas, a certified lay minister, experienced her work with the Northern Illinois Conference Anti-Racism Task Force as "an eye-opener for this elderly Caucasian country girl." She adds that for her, it was "a shock it has been to learn that racism is built into the American life. . . . Thank you, Northern Illinois Conference, for the opportunity to learn and grow."
Read MoreLeading the Laity: Choose love over fear
As we revel in and appreciate the mighty acts of Christ during Holy Week and on Resurrection Sunday, allow me to remind us all that Eastertide does not end until the book of Revelation. Though we celebrate the season of Lent anew each year as a reminder of the mighty acts of Christ, the fact is, Easter never ends. That is why we are called Easter People.
Read More