Thanks to the new Red Door Refinance Program, overwhelmingly approved by members of Annual Conference at a special session on Mar. 16, up to 30 NIC churches will be able to refinance existing loan agreements at 4.5% for 20 years under a collective (up to) $25 million dollar mortgage through Wintrust Bank. A reserve fund will also be established to assist with cash flow, to offset any interest rate jumps and for any unforeseen circumstances.
Read MoreOmar Torres came to the United States seven years ago from Mexico and didn’t speak English. The husband and father of three daughters wanted to learn the language to improve his job skills and do the best to provide for his family. Torres and his family found help at Our Saviour’s United Methodist Church in Schaumburg, Illinois through its English Language Learners (ELL) and Outreach Ministry.
Read MoreOn March 9, 2013, Justice For Our Neighbors (JFON) opened its Chicago Clinic site for the first time. Six clients made appointments ahead of time to come to the clinic. As those guests arrived, they found over 20 volunteers from Humboldt Park United Methodist Church and other communities of faith surrounding them with hospitality, childcare, and assisting in providing high quality immigration legal services.
Read MoreIn the fall of 2011, Chicago was host to a China Bible exhibition titled “Thy Word is Truth”. With ecumenical and community partners, the Northern Illinois Conference played a leading role in hosting the exhibition and a delegation from China. This year the China Christian Council invited Reverend Arlene Christopherson (event coordinator) Reverend Phil Blackwell (host site pastor), Bishop Sally Dyck and their spouses to travel to China.
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