Celebration, Service, Gratitude: Kids Above All Recognizes Partners

On August 6, Kids Above All gathered more than 70 faith and community partners, including United Methodist churches, for a Day of Celebration and Service at its Better Life Distribution Center in Des Plaines. Attendees packed backpacks for children as part of the annual Back-to-School Drive and honored the partnerships that have supported Kids Above All’s 131-year mission of building better lives for kids and families. Through shared commitment, churches and community groups continue to bring hope, resources, and care to children impacted by poverty, violence, and trauma.

Hispanic/Latinx Caucus Strategizes to Strengthen Leaders

At the beginning of August, Hispanic/Latinx United Methodists from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico gathered in Arlington Heights for the Annual MARCHA meeting, hosted this year by the Northern Illinois Conference. Centered on the theme “Now, Yes! With Faith and Courage, We Respond to Our Call to Act,” the event blended worship, learning, advocacy, and community building. Highlights included Bishop Dan Schwerin’s call to live without fear and the presentation of a leadership award to Estefany Sanabria of Humboldt Park UMC, honoring her work in immigration justice and her commitment to the church.

Stronger Together: From the Pews to the Street

Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer, NIC Director of Connectional Ministries, reminds us that church is not just a place to gather but a people God sends into the world. From Vacation Bible Schools and community picnics to mission trips and outdoor worship, congregations across Northern Illinois are embodying Christ’s love beyond the walls of their buildings. She encourages every church, regardless of size or location, to see its neighborhood as a mission field and to step out in faith, joining God’s work through service, love, and presence.

This Life Changing Journey: With Fall Comes Renewal

As the seasons shift from summer to fall, Rev. Danita R. Anderson reminds us that this time of change is also an invitation to renew our commitment to faith and community. Just as churches once marked the season with homecomings and rally days, today we can embrace new opportunities for involvement and participation. She shares that members of the conference staff, including herself, will be present in congregations this fall—not to judge, but to worship together and celebrate a season of renewed hope.

Leading the Laity : Jesus Loves the Little Children

Eugene Williams calls us to pray for a safe, nurturing school year where children are free from violence, hunger, and trauma. He reminds us that despite cultural differences, we share more in common than what divides us—especially the love and grace of Christ. As we lift our children in continuous prayer, Williams urges us to embrace diversity and embody Jesus’ welcome to all God’s precious little ones.

Reimagining Church: When Cleanliness Might be Godliness

Rev. Christian Coon reflects on witnessing a young man in a Chicago train station pause to clean up his spilled coffee—an ordinary but inspiring act of care in a messy world. He connects this small gesture to the call of faith: continuing to serve, heal, and bring hope even when society feels broken or efforts seem small. Like that man with his napkins, Christians are invited to do their part each day to make the world more hopeful and grace-filled.

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