The disaffiliation of eight churches was approved by lay and clergy members of Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church in its 184th annual session on June 6: Calvary UMC in Stockton, McConnell UMC, Faith Evangelical UMC in Elmhurst, Fenton UMC, Plano UMC, Van Brocklin-Florence UMC in Freeport, La Luz UMC in Elgin, and Willow UMC.
Read MoreKorean United Methodist Church in Naperville has taken extraordinary steps to end its relationship to the denomination. Some members--and the police they summoned--barred NIC staff members from entering the church building on May 28.
Read MoreIn late April 2023, a racially diverse group of 37 Northern Illinois clergy and lay people took a Civil Rights Pilgrimage to key historic sites where Black Americans courageously pursued freedom and justice.
Read MoreMany churches would love to have more money available to serve their communities with Christ’s love—and to become more environmentally responsible at the same time. Grace United Methodist Church, Logan Square, and Hartzell Memorial United Methodist (both in Chicago) recently received Chicago Recovery Grants that will make this possible.
Read MoreThese days are full of broken connections: hate crimes, mass shootings, people undermining their ministry with misinformation, and more. These can remind us of the importance of being grounded in our bodies and in our relationships.
Read MoreIn 1866, Black Americans learned that the Emancipation Proclamation had freed them from slavery 2 years earlier. The next year, Black Americans began celebrating this historic day through Juneteenth celebrations. Over time, annual observances spread to other states. These often include prayer, religious services, educational events, and festivals.
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