From Your Bishop... Faithful living in the unknown
God still chooses to share the work of co-creation. Might the giver of all grace have second thoughts about sharing the work of creation with humankind?
Read MoreFirst Korean celebrates 100 years of ministry
First Korean United Methodist Church in Wheeling celebrated 100 years of ministry on Oct. 4, and Korean-American United Methodists from around the nation were on hand to celebrate with them.
Read MoreFilm Series wraps up with focus on Latinx culture
Tim Alexander, chairman of the film series, says that the films shown so far this year have been well received, “The positive responses we have seen as a result of our evaluations show that folks have learned new details that will assist them in going deeper in their understanding of the roots of racism in America.” The fourth quarter presentation and discussion, scheduled for Nov. 30 event, will focus on Latinx cultures.
Read MoreLeading the Laity: Let’s walk a mile in each other’s shoes
I recently had an opportunity to do some sincere reflection and soul searching. I looked at the past and present of who we are in the Northern Illinois Conference and The United Methodist Church as a whole. Then I pondered where we might be a year from now.
Read MoreDYK Leading with Presence in uncertain times
This is the season of assessment and planning for most organizations. As we near the end of the year, our congregations are gathering for their church conference. They will reflect on the past and plan their future. This cycle of reflection (evaluation) and planning is important for any organization. This work happens at many levels in an annual conference: in congregations’ committees; at the Annual Conference Shepherding Team table, where chairs and leaders of the conference gather to coordinate and collaborate; in Cabinet meetings, and on the floor of the annual conference session.
Read MoreAppreciating—and preventing—pastoral burnout
In case you missed it: October was Pastor Appreciation Month. In many Northern Illinois Conference congregations, Staff-Parish Relations Committee chairs said words of appreciation, passed out gift certificates, and/or offered a hearty handshake in celebration of their pastor(s)’ efforts. In other congregations, no such appreciation was offered. This was not necessarily due to pastoral issues, but simply because church members were unaware.
Read More