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Humboldt Park UMC Continues Housing Legacy

For nearly a century, housing has been part of Humboldt Park United Methodist Church’s ministry. Now, through a partnership with LUCHA, the church’s 98-year-old building is being transformed into affordable housing known as La Herencia, ensuring residents can remain in their neighborhood amid growing gentrification. The congregation continues to worship and live out its commitment to inclusive, liberative ministry as it searches for a new space.

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From Your Bishop: A Year of Practicing Hope: Building Beloved Community

Reflecting on scripture and Building Beloved Community, Bishop Dan Schwerin contrasts God’s love-shaped authority with the fear-driven authoritarianism seen in today’s culture. He urges Christians to practice hope, protect the vulnerable, and exercise leadership that serves the common good. As Lent invites vulnerability and growth in love, he calls the church to embody authority that reflects God’s inclusive and liberating reign.

Repair the Harm Final Update

The Northern Illinois Conference has reached 100 percent of its $754,348 commitment to the denominational fund established in response to the Boy Scouts of America settlement. Through the Repair the Harm to Children campaign, 108 churches and 212 individuals gave generously above and beyond apportionments to support survivor healing, accountability, and strengthened safeguards.

A Sign of Hope in Challenging Times: Emergency Solidarity Fund Update

With strong conference support of the Emergency Solidarity Fund, $60,000 was distributed in three rounds of assistance to 20 Hispanic/Latinx churches and ministries, helping meet urgent needs such as rent, food, transportation, and legal expenses. This generous response reflects the Northern Illinois Conference’s commitment to stand with immigrant siblings in Christ, embodying hope through compassionate action.

First Korean UMC Hosts Prayer Vigil in Solidarity with Minnesotans

First Korean United Methodist Church in Wheeling held a Feb. 7 prayer vigil as a sign of solidarity with immigrant communities and those facing detention and displacement. Structured around remembrance, lament, and hope, the gathering honored lives lost, heard testimony from ministry partners in Minnesota, and lifted prayers for peace and justice. Through candlelight and communal prayer, the church embodied its commitment to stand courageously with those living as “gers,” bearing witness to hope amid fear and uncertainty.

Reimagining Church: Our ‘Why’ Stories

Rev. Christian Coon shares a childhood “come-to-Jesus” moment and reflects on how that early experience continues to shape his faith. He urges clergy and laity to move beyond the “how” of evangelism and first reclaim the “why” by naming their own Jesus stories and the hope that anchors them. He invites clergy and lay leaders across the conference to share their own “Jesus stories,” asking why they first said yes to Christ.

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