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Facing The Future Participants Selfie Cmyk

‘Facing the Future’ Revives Clergy in Cross-Cultural/Cross-Racial Appointments

More than 180 clergy and ministry leaders gathered in Los Angeles on Oct. 7–9 for Facing the Future 2025: Rejoice, Recenter, Revive, a national event hosted by the UMC General Commission on Religion and Race for clergy serving in cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments. Eleven Northern Illinois Conference members attended, with four serving in leadership roles. Through worship, workshops, and testimony, participants found renewal, connection, and encouragement to lead courageously in building a more inclusive and equitable church.

This Life-Changing Journey: Our Remnant Reality

Many of our churches are facing new realities after the effects of COVID and church disaffiliations. The question of how we live in this new space looms before us.

Resistance Neighbor Loving Neighbor Cmyk

Stronger Together: Living in Connection in Times of Challenges

Connection between churches is not optional; it is the witness the world desperately needs. Now is the time to reject individualism and choose community.

Reimagining Church: Are Our Church Doors Always Open?

Our church buildings have a lot of doors. To a first-time visitor, this can be a little intimidating.

Leading the Laity: Hope Reigns Eternal

The sun will always shine again and bring us joy, because hope reigns eternal, says Eugene Williams, NIC lay leader.

In Sympathy: James Wilson

Rev. James M. Wilson, a member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025.