About 40 youth and adults from across Northern Illinois took part in the “Who Is My Neighbor?” interfaith bus tour on April 18, visiting several places of worship in the western suburbs of Chicago. Throughout the day, participants engaged in meaningful learning experiences and conversations that broadened their perspectives. Many youth shared that the experience was eye-opening and ultimately strengthened their own faith.
Read MoreAbout 40 United Methodists from across Illinois gathered at the state Capitol on April 15 for an advocacy day organized by the Northern Illinois Conference Commission on Religion and Race. Participants met with legislators to discuss issues such as food and environmental justice, immigration, and youth empowerment, grounding their efforts in the United Methodist Social Principles. The day concluded with prayer, song, and a vigil at the Lincoln statue, calling participants to continue the work of justice.
Read MoreRev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer highlights holy conferencing as a means of grace, rooted in John Wesley’s teaching, calling us to speak truth in love, listen deeply, and honor one another’s dignity. As the Annual Conference approaches, she emphasizes how this practice shapes faithful conversation, decision-making, and community. Embracing holy conferencing as a practice of hope helps build deeper connection and unity across differences.
Read MoreKim Emery, CCFA Chairperson, reflects with gratitude on her time in leadership, describing it as a meaningful learning experience shaped by collaboration, change, and faithful service. She encourages laity to step into leadership roles, emphasizing that both lay and clergy are essential to the church’s vitality and growth. Emery also thanks churches for their continued support through apportionments, highlighting their importance in strengthening connectional ministry across the conference.
Read MoreAs Easter people, we are called to keep hope alive, grounded in the promise of Christ, who leads us forward in faith. The recent Laity Convocation embodied this call, bringing together laity and clergy to reflect on “Moving Forward with Hope” through shared learning, worship, and witness from young adults. Eugene Williams encourages continued participation and support as the conference builds on this spirit of hope at the upcoming Annual Conference.
Read MoreRev. Christian Coon reflects on the importance of valuing the “faithful few” who show up consistently, even when attendance is small. While churches often focus energy on reaching new people, he reminds us to pause in gratitude for those who remain steady in their commitment, noting, “I give thanks for the faithful few in our congregations.” Their quiet presence and devotion continue to sustain and witness to the life of the church.
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