Churches increase apportionment giving amid pandemic

The Northern Illinois Conference is thankful to its many churches for their faithful apportionment giving and celebrates those who paid in full, despite challenging times. In 2021, 198 churches paid 100% of their calculated apportionments compared to 159 in 2020. Forty churches paid over 100% and nearly 50 went the second mile as Mission Links churches. The Conference also celebrates the 42 churches that have consistently paid 100% for ten years.

Churches face another test with omicron

The high-speed surge of the omicron coronavirus variant over the last few months presented another pandemic challenge to United Methodist churches, prompting some to put the pause on in-person gatherings, with others making more modest changes.

Apportionment receipts exceed expectations

Despite challenging times and strain on church finances because of the ongoing pandemic, apportionment largess for 2021 far exceeded expectations and will allow the Conference to pay 100 percent General Church apportionments for the first time in nearly a decade.

United Methodists reach settlement in Boy Scouts’ Bankruptcy Case

United Methodist leaders have reached a settlement in the matter of the Boy Scouts of America’s (BSA) pending bankruptcy proceedings. Upon final court approval, the settlement would absolve any claims of sexual abuse that may have occurred in congregation-sponsored Scouting programs.

Churches advised to oppose BSA bankruptcy plan

More than 9,000 United Methodist churches with a history of sponsoring Scouting troops have a say in the Boy Scouts of America’s sex abuse-related bankruptcy proceedings. With a deadline looming, United Methodist leaders earlier this week began advising those churches to vote “no” on a proposed BSA bankruptcy reorganization plan.

Bishop’s Column: Living with expectation and finding joy

As I return to the Northern Illinois Conference for another year, I wish you an early Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look to next year expecting God to break into our lives to save our world and give us hope. I expect God to give us joy as we follow the way of Jesus.

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