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Read MorePracticing Hope Requires Leading Courageously
Eugene Williams, Northern Illinois Conference co-lay leader, says that to practice hope, we must take brave actions. "Giving up power and extending equity is hard to do; especially when are afraid or hesitant to lead courageously," he says. "We've settled at times just to move parts of our overall agenda forward."
Read MoreTurn-Around Resources in Hiding in Plain Sight
Rev. Christian Coon, the NIC director of congregational development, once thought there might be some yet-to-be-discovered magic program or resource that is going to help the church turn its fortunes around. "I have to be reminded time and again, however, that we already have historical traditions that are sometimes underutilized or forgotten; practices hiding in plain sight," he says. Here are some suggestions.
Read MoreIs Walking Alongside a Third Sacrament?
"Our sacraments are baptism and the Eucharist," Bishop Dan Schwerin says. "They are gifts for pilgrims, a bath and a meal. Surely walking alongside is another ancient embodiment of Jesus." Read about how to engage in honest conversation with the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Read More187th Northern Illinois Annual Conference Summary Report, June 14-16, 2026
Some 657 lay and clergy members of Northern Illinois Conference gathered to practice hope at their annual session, held June 14-16 at the Schaumburg (Ill.) Renaissance Convention Center. “Practicing Hope,” the NIC’s theme of the year, was highlighted in the conference’s presentations and worship.
Read MoreCouncil of Bishops Gather Leaders to Envision UMC's Future
This October, the United Methodist Council of Bishops will host leaders from the episcopal areas around the world in Calgary, Canada, for "Emboldened by the Spirit: Imagining a Church Yet to Be,” a meeting to envision the denomination’s future. From the Northern Illinois-Wisconsin Area, Rev. Violet Johnicker, Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, Eugene Williams, and Rev. Jeremiah Cottrell-Duebner will participate.
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