The Northern Illinois Conference is hosting a nine-month Cross-Racial/Cross-Cultural Clergy Cohort in partnership with the General Commission on Religion and Race. Fifteen clergy are participating in the cohort, which provides a supportive space for theological reflection, cultural awareness, healing and adaptive leadership development.
Read MoreIn his latest column, NIC Co-Lay Leader Eugene Williams reflects on the many challenges and uncertainties of this summer and the temptation to lose hope. He celebrates the “peculiar people” who continue to live out Christ’s mission through love, compassion, service, justice, and care for neighbors near and far. He encourages us to remain faithful, plant seeds for those who will come after us, and complete the mission.
Read MoreLay Servant Ministries is entering a new season of leadership as Kim Emery begins serving as director of the Conference Committee, following 10 years of leadership by Peggy Hansen. Lay Servant Ministries includes three levels including Certified Lay Servant, Certified Lay Speaker, and Certified Lay Minister. There are upcoming Fall Lay Academy training opportunities and a Lay Minister class, planned for spring 2027.
Read MoreNorthern Illinois Conference churches put faith into action through summer mission experiences, from local service projects to weeklong trips across the country. While the projects varied, a common thread was the focus on serving others, building relationships, and helping people of all ages discover that faith is something we live out every day.
Read MoreThe Bishop’s Camp and Retreat Ministry Task Force has begun the next phase of its work following direction from the 2026 Northern Illinois Annual Conference. The Task Force is focused not on making property decisions, but on discerning what a faithful, vibrant, and sustainable camp and retreat ministry should look like for future generations. An independent feasibility study will explore the ministry, programming, facilities, staffing, and financial sustainability needed for a vibrant, year-round camp and retreat ministry.
Read MoreAfter six years of faithful service as Annual Conference Secretary, Randy Hayes is stepping down from the role due to health concerns. Bishop Dan Schwerin, in consultation with the District Superintendents, has nominated Rev. Dr. Paul Lee to serve as Annual Conference Secretary on an interim basis until the next regular Annual Conference Session.
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