On Sunday, August 29, 2021, United Methodists from Saint Andrew UMC in Carol Stream and First UMC of West Chicago gathered together to take a stand against racism as part of the conference-wide DIY Rally Against Racism efforts this summer.
Read MoreStepping outside their church buildings with signs and noisemakers, many United Methodists across the Northern Illinois Conference participated in the first-ever DIY Rally Against Racism conference-wide campaign on Sunday, July 18, and several others are planning events later this summer.
Read MorePraise be to God! The guilty verdicts in the Derek Chauvin trial are a crucial step towards rebuilding trust in our democratic system of justice that is celebrated around the world. Although justice has been served, my heart goes out to George Floyd’s family, as they will never have him back. We hope the knowledge that his death sparked an anti-racism movement with a demand for police reform may give them some solace.
Read MoreWant to "travel" virtually and volunteer on a meaningful journey toward racial justice with high school students? Apply to be a Justice Camp counselor!
Read MoreThe trial of Derek Chauvin, charged in George Floyd’s death, has begun with jury selections and will continue for a number of weeks. We know that this is the focus of many in our country. As the church, we can be a witness as we call for justice in this and many other places.
Read MoreMore than 300 people attended the first virtual Laity Convocation, “The Other Side: Making Churches Vital in a Post-Pandemic World,” held as a Zoom webinar on Feb. 13, 2021. The session focused on the NIC’s strategic goals of ending racism, growing and reaching new disciples, and building vital congregations. The three speakers included Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey on communal prayer, Rev. Adam Hamilton on helping people grow in faith, and Rev. Dr. F. Douglas Powe on reaching out to our neighbors.
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