When asked if they belong to a church, most people will immediately think of the local congregation they call home. What may not come to mind is the network of congregations and fellow Christians that also exists all across the Chicagoland region and beyond — the Northern Illinois District. Even so, our work together is powerful, important, and exciting!

When Jesus sent His Disciples out to all the world, He created a movement that would unite people across all cultural, racial, and geographical boundaries. When we get to glimpse the unity we have with fellow Christians across the globe, it lifts our spirits and opens our hearts to all of God’s children.

Do you feel trapped by all of your stuff? How can we have so much, yet feel so little satisfaction? While God delights in blessing us with more than we need, He also has a plan for how we should use it. When we stick to the plan, we don’t get as stuck.

Is your life boring? Do you feel like you are on the outside, looking in, rather than having the time of your life? Refocus on how Jesus is at work in the world around you and recover His purpose for your life!

Do people really know you? Not just your name or a few things about you… More than ever before, people struggle with loneliness. Rediscover God’s best and fresh energy for life by entering deeper relationships with fellow Christians.

Do you ever wonder if your life really has any meaning? What kind of impression will you leave on the world after you are gone? Increase the amount of time and energy you spend making the lives of others better, and you will find more joy and satisfaction in your own!

In the parable of the great banquet, it speaks about a host that commands his servants “Go out quickly into the streets and alleys…bring the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.” Who are these people? Losers? Outcasts of society? Second class citizens? Or God’s beloved children? What does this parable teach us about the kingdom of God? How can the body of Christ be more inclusive to the special needs community?

One of the primary components of any relationship is communication. As Christians, we are in a relationship with our God. How much time do you spend talking with Him? God has invited, even commanded, us to pray; and, He promises to hear and answer when we “call.”

Do you have a deep, personal connection with God? Is it growing better or worse? It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but there’s a direct correlation between time spent in worship and feeling connected to God. How can you increase the amount of time you spend in worship?

Do you have a crystal clear picture of what God wants you to think, say, and do? Odds are, if you don’t, it’s because you haven’t been spending as much time reading God’s Word. With the start of a new school year, it is a great time to start new rhythms in your family life AND your spiritual life, including regular time reading the Bible.