In Sympathy: Robert "Bob" Lacock
Robert "Bob" Lacock, spouse of Rev. Dr. Michelle Oberwise Lacock, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, Friday, February 28, 2025.
Read MoreMarch 2025 Benefits Insights
Key Benefits Insights for March: HealthFlex Blueprint for Wellness Event at Annual Conference, upcoming Compass Retirement Plan training, Well-Being Incentives, and a fun Italian Stuffed Cabbage roll recipe.
Read MoreContinue Martin Luther King Jr.’s—and God’s—Agenda, Urges Rev. Danita R. Anderson
At the Northern Illinois Conference’s 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. observance, keynote speaker Rev. Danita Anderson urged United Methodists to embrace “God’s agenda” of love and justice, emphasizing the ongoing work of building the Beloved Community. She challenged attendees to resist racial injustice and ensure a place at God’s table for all, sharing personal experiences of discrimination to highlight the urgency of action. Anderson’s message served as a powerful reminder that true community requires dismantling divisions and standing in solidarity with the marginalized.
Read More2024 Our Connectional Generosity is Rising
The 2024 apportionment contributions reflect a positive trend in giving across the Northern Illinois Conference. Churches contributed $4,110,820 toward conference apportionments (79% of the total) and $814,994 toward the General Church apportionment (46% of the total), both showing steady improvement from previous years. More churches increased their giving, demonstrating a commitment to our connectional ministry, but continued growth is needed to fully support the mission of the church.
Read MoreMission Links Change the World
The Northern Illinois Conference and the Conference Global Board of Ministries celebrate the churches that went the extra mile as 100% Mission Links supporters. In 2024, NIC churches contributed over $440,000 in second-mile giving and more than $70,000 in Special Sunday offerings, supporting mission projects worldwide. Through Mission Links, churches empower communities by funding missionaries, disaster relief, education, health services, and more, demonstrating the United Methodist commitment to transformative ministry.
Read MorePlanting Seeds of Change: Empowering Communities Through Gardens and Sustainability
The Northern Illinois Conference’s HEAL Well initiative addresses food insecurity and environmental sustainability by uniting faith communities and local partners in urban gardening and tree planting. With a mission to foster trust and care for God’s creation, HEAL Well engages volunteers, including high school students, to maintain community gardens and expand green spaces in northern Illinois. The initiative collaborates with various organizations to build relationships, educate communities, and create lasting environmental and social impact.
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