With a radiant smile, Laura Lucio stood on the small stage before a hundred women who had gathered from across Illinois—and even as far as Texas and Tennessee—to worship, connect, and grow together in East Peoria. Appointed as the volunteer Women’s Ministries Coordinator in 2024, one of Laura’s first goals was to plan a statewide retreat. A year later, that dream became reality: The Unseen.

Pentecost 2025 is an initiative generated by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists to support “proclamation events” during 2025. More than 5,200 churches and schools have applied to be a part of the program, including 56 in the Illinois Conference. These events represent anything from community service to health seminars to public evangelism. Here are a few stories of Pentecost 2025 events throughout Illinois (plus one bonus at the end):

Pentecost 2025 is an initiative generated by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists to support “proclamation events” during 2025. More than 5,200 churches and schools have applied to be a part of the program, including 56 in the Illinois Conference. These events represent anything from community service to health seminars to public evangelism. Here are a few stories of Pentecost 2025 events throughout Illinois (plus one bonus at the end):

Guest speakers and musicians are an important part of the worship life of many churches, especially in districts where several congregations share a pastor. Whether you are inviting a well-known minister or a local singer from the next county over, here are some excellent practices when communicating with a guest presenter (with some feedback from our ILC pastors!).

On September 27, the Chicagoland Convocation wasn’t just a meeting—it was a family reunion. The sound of hundreds of voices singing together filled both the Hinsdale Church sanctuary. With Dr. Rodney Palmer preaching and Gale Jones Murphy leading in song, Convocation proved to be a high Sabbath.

Reports are ready! Find out what's been happening in the different departments of the Illinois Conference

A few men at Epic Suburbs' Men’s Life Group (the "young" grandfathers: Bill Puga, Jack Gabriel, and Joe Ventura) were sharing how they wished their children and grandchild could be blessed to know Jesus. They quickly realized the need to go beyond wishing and, with the Holy Spirit, do something about it.

In a bold and creative expression of faith-driven community engagement, the Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church recently participated in the village’s annual 4th of July parade—not just to celebrate Independence Day, but to connect with neighbors in a meaningful, memorable way.

When the twenty-two Illinois members of a mission trip stepped off the plane, they might have wondered if they had landed in the Garden of Eden. Even by Central America’s lofty standards, Costa Rica is renowned for its beauty—volcanoes, sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins, rainforests, and waterfalls.

Around 200 people gathered at Camp Akita for the Illinois Conference's 2025 Family Camp Meeting, held from July 30 to August 2. This year’s theme was “Communing with Christ Amidst Crisis.”

On the evening of June 29th, the Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church opened its doors for a special community concert titled Piano Concertos with Orchestra — an event that went far beyond music.

When the Illinois Conference Executive Committee asked Arlene Brown-Dominguez about serving as a delegate to the upcoming GC Session, she had to think about it

For young people watching the floor discussions of the 62nd General Conference Session, listening to the second hour of the delegates discussing the amendment to the amendment, we cannot help but ask: “Is this the church?” The answer is yes and no.

Many young adults believe the lie that we’re the only one. We are the only ones to struggle with our faith. 

The first Sabbath of GC Session will feature many faces from around the world—but one will be especially familiar to members of the North Shore Church. Marty Loriezo will be performing a song during the morning worship music that precedes Sabbath School.

Hope Church celebrated its fifteenth anniversary on June 7 with a special service that brought together 200 people to honor God's faithfulness through unprecedented times.

Felipe Soares, North Shore's associate pastor, was ordained on June 21 during a special evening service. Felipe's wife, Sarah, and family members were able to join members of the North Shore church for this joyous occasion.

Right now, around 60,000 people are preparing to attend the 62nd General Conference Session ("Session" for short). Even though the North American Division contains only 5.5% of all Adventists, we have hosted the Session in our territory 60 out of 62 times.

The Illinois Conference is pleased to announce that Pastor Aki T. Pirskanen has accepted the call to serve as the new pastor of the Elmhurst Seventh-day Adventist Church. He will be joined by his wife, Säde, and their children.

The story of how the Illinois Conference founded Camp Akita.