Display highlights the history of our conference

During the Laity Convocation 2023, one of the host churches, Disciples United Methodist Church (DUMC) in Mt. Morris, created a display about the rich history of the Rock River Conference that then became our Northern Illinois Conference. The church’s history team hoped to share with guests, many of whom had never been in Mt. Morris, how our early Methodist settlers, ministers, and circuit riders followed a path of discipleship as they moved west from Maryland, Ohio, and Kentucky into the frontier of northwest Illinois.

Black Teens Matter event encouraged students

Chicago Black Methodists for Church Renewal’s (BMCR) Black Teens Matter held its 4th Annual Presidents’ Day Holiday Hook-Up on Feb. 20. Black Teens Matter is a component of the Rev. Maceo D. Pembroke, Sr., Memorial Institute, which is now in its 50th year. The theme was Guaranteed Scholarship > Guaranteed Success, based on the book entitled "Raise Your GPA: God’s Way to Win @ School & Life", written by Jonathan Banks.

More united than ever before

The Tri-City area of Illinois, comprising the cities of St. Charles, Geneva, and Batavia, has come to be seen as a community in and of itself over the years. The cities share a history of being three of the oldest in Illinois, they share borders featuring the Fox River, and have similar population sizes. Since 2020, for area United Methodists, this joint community has taken on new connection in the form of the Tri-City Methodists: a trio of churches – Baker Memorial United Methodist Church of St. Charles, the United Methodist Church of Geneva (UMCG), and Batavia United Methodist Church.

Sharing God’s love in the community

At Hanover UMC, several church members and leaders gathered to assemble Valentine’s baskets to deliver to folks in Hanover, Ill. The baskets contain fresh fruit, home-baked goods, and various snack items.

Forming a place for welcome, expression, and support

Friendship UMC in Bolingbrook is partnering with Bolingbrook Pride to host a Youth Drop-In event once a month for young people ages 12-18 who need a place to feel welcome, be able to express themselves, and support each other as they explore their true identities. Current youth don’t feel they need church, but seeing that a church can provide safety and support to them is significant.

Did you know? Life Together

When I was first introduced to the United Methodist Church following college, I was drawn in by John Wesley’s balance of personal and social holiness. In our Wesleyan tradition, it is not enough to read the scriptures, pray and worship – we are called to live out our faith in witness to Christ’s love through acts of mercy and justice. It has always been difficult to walk this fine line of spirituality and engagement, but today it has become even more precarious. Our world is polarized, and suspicion and incivility are all too common.

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