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.
Read MoreWith 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.
Read MoreFirst 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.
Read MoreRev. 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.
Read MoreRev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer highlights the intentional expansion of young people’s participation at the 2026 Annual Conference, with each district designating two young lay members to ensure their voices are present in discernment and decision-making. Young people are not merely the future of the church but essential leaders today, bringing insight, courage, and hope to the conference.
Read MoreIn her Women’s History Month column, Rev. Danita R. Anderson reflects on the countless women—past and present—who have shaped the church, society, and her own ministry through courage, perseverance, and faithful leadership. Marking the 70th anniversary of women’s ordination in The United Methodist Church, she honors pioneers who opened doors and broke barriers, especially Black women leaders in Northern Illinois. She invites readers to give thanks for the women who have influenced their lives and to recognize their lasting impact on history and faith.
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