Illinois Great Rivers Conference 2025 Journal-Yearbook
for cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments. When such appointments are made, bishops, cabinets, and boards of ordained ministry shall provide specific training for the clergypersons so appointed and for their congregations.” WHEREAS, in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference most of our ethnic or non-white pastors are serving in congregations that do not speak their language or share their culture or their appearance, and WHEREAS, these pastors and their families suffer from isolation, identity crisis and harassment from their congregations who want them to assimilate or drop their cul- tural identity, and pastoral burnout, and WHEREAS, the Illinois Great Rivers Conference would be providing need support that will curve depression, isolation and promote longevity in cross-cultural and cross-racial appointments in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, we are calling the leadership of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference to create in each district a support team for these pastors. Report Item 200: United Methodist Foundation of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference, Inc. Annual Report for the Year 2024 In the New Testament Jesus speaks most about “the Kingdom of Heaven.” He talks about what it should look like and the importance of bringing it near. As United Meth- odists we interpret this as, “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” The United Methodist Foundation takes Kingdom building and discipleship making to heart. On January 1, 2024, the assets of the United Methodist Foundation totaled $38,251,661 and assets on December 31, 2024, where valued at $43,3555,703. The Foundation added $3,079,769 to “Assets Held for Others” and distributed $2,728,971 to ministries in our Conference and around the world. The United Methodist Foundation was privileged to help “develop a culture of gener- osity.” This was accomplished in two ways: first, by individual visits to local churches and their leadership teams and second, through various training events within the Conference. The United Methodist Foundation was also privileged to walk alongside several of our Conference Agencies and Committees. We supported all ten of our Golden Cross Ministries, by supporting each financially to be able to care for children and seniors in need. Funds to support the Methodist Schools in Haiti made it possible for the poorest of poor children in our hemisphere to go to school and receive a daily meal. We are also walking along side and supporting Our Conference/Our Kids.
124 Legislative Items
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