During the first days of April, a number of Northern Illinois communities have been battered by storms. These include Belvidere, where a tornado touched ground on April 1, and Camp Reynoldswood, which suffered damage to the roof of one of its buildings on April 4.
Read MoreJesus submitted to it for our sake. As we pray and fast on Good Friday, it seems a small thing to go without food for a little while. When hunger pangs strike, we are reminded to pray and give thanks for Jesus.
Read MoreYou may have learned that earlier today, March 27, an armed attacker killed three children and three adults at Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn. Bishop Bill McAlilly of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference has asked United Methodists to be in prayer for our neighbors, especially the many children, parents, and teachers affected by this violence. I invite you to join me in this prayer.
Read MoreGrace and peace to you in the name of Christ. I write today related to the composition of our delegation in light of a new ruling released by the United Methodist Judicial Council.
Read MoreLent has always been considered an important time in the worship and discipleship life of a community of faith. Lent is a time for the church to journey together toward Easter and reaffirm their baptismal covenant. It is an opportunity for self-examination and reflection, as modeled by Jesus in Matthew 4: 1-11 when he prayed and fasted for 40 days before beginning his ministry. It can also be a time of great creativity and innovation, even while maintaining valued and sacred traditions. Many congregations and ministries across the conference are participating in tried and true traditions, as well as looking toward something new.
Read MoreWe recently asked our readers, "What is the most meaningful or most moving part of your Lent observance? Why?" These are some of the answers we received. Submit your response to communications@umcnic.org and it will be added it to the list.
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