At this year’s Annual Conference (June 14-16), members passed legislation that directed a task force to conduct feasibility studies to evaluate the current outdoor and retreat ministry and explore steps toward strengthening it. Read about next steps.
Read MoreNorthern Illinois Conference members and churches gave generously to three opportunities at Annual Conference this year, June 14-16. The Bishop’s Appeal so far has raised $30,960.52; the Missions Challenges collected about 7,000 pounds of goods, and the Ministerial Education Fund received $2,561.
Read MoreShow off your Northern Illinois Conference pride with polo shirts, T-shirts, and more branded with the NIC logo.
Read MoreEugene 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 MoreRev. 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 More"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.
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