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2025 08 06 Kids Above All Event Blocked Face At Rt 130002 Cmyk

Celebration, Service, Gratitude: Kids Above All Recognizes Partners

On August 6, Kids Above All gathered more than 70 faith and community partners, including United Methodist churches, for a Day of Celebration and Service at its Better Life Distribution Center in Des Plaines. Attendees packed backpacks for children as part of the annual Back-to-School Drive and honored the partnerships that have supported Kids Above All’s 131-year mission of building better lives for kids and families. Through shared commitment, churches and community groups continue to bring hope, resources, and care to children impacted by poverty, violence, and trauma.

Hispanic/Latinx Caucus Strategizes to Strengthen Leaders

At the beginning of August, Hispanic/Latinx United Methodists from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico gathered in Arlington Heights for the Annual MARCHA meeting, hosted this year by the Northern Illinois Conference. Centered on the theme “Now, Yes! With Faith and Courage, We Respond to Our Call to Act,” the event blended worship, learning, advocacy, and community building. Highlights included Bishop Dan Schwerin’s call to live without fear and the presentation of a leadership award to Estefany Sanabria of Humboldt Park UMC, honoring her work in immigration justice and her commitment to the church.

Stronger Together: From the Pews to the Street

Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, NIC Director of Connectional Ministries, reminds us that church is not just a place to gather but a people God sends into the world. From Vacation Bible Schools and community picnics to mission trips and outdoor worship, congregations across Northern Illinois are embodying Christ’s love beyond the walls of their buildings. She encourages every church, regardless of size or location, to see its neighborhood as a mission field and to step out in faith, joining God’s work through service, love, and presence.

Summer mission trips: Serving near and far

This summer, churches across Northern Illinois lived out their faith through mission trips near and far—serving neighbors in local communities, repairing homes in Appalachia, and supporting ministries in North Dakota. From building ramps and painting homes to packing meals and partnering with other congregations, volunteers of all ages shared God’s love through hands-on service. These experiences not only met practical needs but also built lasting relationships and unity in Christ.

2026 Will Be a Year of Hope

Bishop Schwerin looks ahead to 2026 by turning to scripture; specifically, Psalm 130:5: “I wait for the Lord; my soul waits, and in his word, I hope.” He ponders, What kind of spiritual focus is needed for our leadership in this moment?

VBS Adventures Inspire Faith and Community

This summer, churches across the conference brought vacation Bible school to life, each one putting its own unique spin on the beloved tradition. From creative scheduling and special projects to new formats and fresh themes, these diverse programs showed how innovation and faith can come together to engage kids and families in meaningful, fun ways.

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