Report by: Rita Bartak, Jim Simmons, and Sandy Ward – Lay Delegates
About 700 clergy and lay members of the Northern IL Annual Conference met from June 9-11 in Schaumburg to explore the theme “Grace is Sufficient”. The opening Laity Session provided an opportunity for worship and sharing of information. Time was provided to meet in small groups to share what your church does well.
The first general session began with a land acknowledgement honoring the original inhabitants and their descendants of the land upon which the conference was meeting, previously known as Turtle Island.
In his address, Bishop Dan Schwerin, leader of the Northern IL-Wisconsin Episcopal Area, explained that part of acknowledging that grace is sufficient is the willingness to try new approaches for a new time–and to accept failure as part of the experimentation. (The Bishop’s Appeal raised $18,746 which will be used to provide grants to churches that try new ways to step outside of their building and engage with their communities.) He urged churches to recognize that our nation’s religious landscape has changed. No longer can churches assume that newcomers will visit and stay at a church that is engaging in familiar activities that are meaningful to longtime members but of no interest to visitors. A scary statistic was that 54% of Northern IL UM churches have 35 or fewer members.
Morning Bible studies were led by Dr. Reginald Blount. He drew on 2 Corinthians 9:6-10 and 12:1-10. We were reminded that God’s grace is not rationed out – it abounds!
The Celebration of Ministry service had 8 ordained as elders, 5 commissioned as elders, 1 commissioned as a deacon, 1 deaconess was consecrated, and 6 new local pastors were recognized for receiving their license for pastoral ministry in the past year. Watching all the current pastors process in wearing their robes was beautiful. It was an inspiring 2 hour service.
Four constitutional amendments which were approved by General Conference delegates in 2024 were voted on. They must be supported by 2/3 of the voting members of all the Annual Conferences in order to be ratified. We will find out the results at the end of the year. The amendments were on Worldwide Regionalization that would organize the UMC into geographic bodies; Inclusion in Membership which would add “gender” and “ability” to the list of characteristics that do not bar people from Membership in a UM congregation; Racial Justice would strengthen the denomination’s longtime support for racial justice; and Educational Requirements for Clergy Voting Rights which would clarify the educational requirements for clergy who may vote for clergy delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences.
Conference members passed a balanced 2026 operations budget of $5,108,000, supported by anticipated apportionment, dividend, and interest receipts of the same amount.
The Conference Council on Finance and Administration proposed a 3-tiered plan for future apportionments which was approved. Churches with income under $250,000 will be apportioned 8% of their income, churches with income between $250,000 and $750,000 will be apportioned 10% of their income, and churches with income over $750,001 will be apportioned 12% of their income.
About 70 churches (including Faith UMC) donated more than $1,000 as well as over 4,000 pounds of donations to Midwest Mission. The Illinois-based organization sends tangible resources to make a difference in the lives of people who have endured natural disasters, war, economic injustice, and other challenges.
In his report to the conference, Eugene Williams, Conference co-Lay Leader, stated that “Laity drives the engine we call the Northern IL Conference. We need to remember that Jesus was an immigrant. God is in control no matter who is the White House, the State House, or the outhouse! We are all in this together.”
Tuesday evening was a Memorial Service remembering the clergy, spouses, and lay member to annual conference who died during the past year. Imagine hundred of voices singing “It Is Well with My Soul”. A candle was lit for each person. At the end of the service, we each received a glow stick. As they were broken, we were asked to remember one of the saints who lived their faith the best they knew how and now rests from their labor.
On Wednesday afternoon there was a Retirement Service to honor retirees and pass the mantle. Eight pastors had 213 years of experience. They were invited to reflect on one of three questions. While they were asked to keep their response to 3 minutes. In good pastor-style, not one of them stayed in the time frame! Lots of memories and wisdom were shared.
Thank you for allowing us to represent Faith United Methodist Church at the 186th Session of the Northern IL Conference.