In June the Northern Illinois Annual Conference authorized Bishop Sally Dyck to form a task force to explore our future as an Annual Conference in light of the passing of the Traditional Plan in February at the General Conference Special Session in St. Louis. The Task Force, labeled the “Exploration Team,” met in late June and early August, both meetings were held at Barrington UMC.
Read MoreIn August, the Cabinet and I went on a farm tour to experience and hear from some farmers in northern Illinois who have been affected by recent adverse weather conditions. We visited several different kinds of farms, including a family farm, a practicing organic farm, and an agritourism farm.
Read MoreFarmers in northern Illinois say it's been a stressful season after a cold, rainy spring and a dry July took a toll on crops. Many are uncertain what the harvest will yield.
Read MoreFor one week in August, more than 60 children from the city could just be kids and enjoy the great outdoors at one of NIC’s two camps. The campers from 14 churches in the Chicago Southern and Chicago Northwestern Districts took part in the Chicago Metro Camp at Camp Reynoldswood in Dixon, Ill. It was made mostly possible thanks to the generosity from all the churches and individuals who donated to the 2019 Bishop’s Appeal offering at the Annual Conference in June.
Read MoreTo help you choose the health plan that works for you, the NIC will offer five workshops around the conference this fall for the new HealthFlex Exchange medical insurance. Wespath and conference representatives will lead the workshops to explain each plan and help choose the best option to fit your family’s needs and budget.
Read MoreNot in your lifetime or mine, but in our history, our Methodist ancestors faced issues that caused conflict and divided the Wesleyan movement. This year has been one of stress in our churches, for our pastors, bishops and denominational leaders. The tension that grew out of close votes during a General Conference Special Session in February concerning LGBTQ inclusion in the church remain with us and grow as we look to more decisions in 2020.
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