It was great to be a part of Train Up 2022. The CM UPCI leadership team is doing an excellent job investing in the front lines of the local church. I’m thankful for the Childrens ministry community and their passion to Protect the Future.

The first ever #MTMLiveRecording was a wonderful night of praise, presence, and fellowship. I’m thankful for anointed and talented musicians and singers. Thank you Illini Youth , Jeromy Hoffee and UPCI Music Ministry for all your hard work.

It was an honor to be a part of the 50th anniversary service of the First UPC of McHenry AND to celebrate the 15th pastoral anniversary of Rev. & Mrs. Mark Hilderbrand. The faithfulness of this pastor & congregation inspire me. It was exciting to hear their vision for the future.

Rev. Ron Wofford & Cindy Wofford are doing a good work at The River UPC. I'm impressed w their ministry, this congregation, & how they serve together w excellence. The more of the body of Christ I get to know, the more I'm amazed by the greatness of God & his transformative power

Section 5 Conf is in the books. The Apostolic Church of Salem, led by Pastor & Presbyter Calvin Jean did a fantastic job hosting. We honor Teri Donaldson, who, after 16 years of faithful service as Ladies Ministry director, felt it was time to step back. We welcome Lisa Fritchley

Section 3 Conf is complete. Johnson City UPC, led by Pastor Brandon Abernathy did a great job hosting. We honor Paula Chitwood, who felt it was time to step back after 12 years of faithful service as Ladies Ministry director. We welcome Adrian Abernathy.

Section 1 Conf in Lick Creek. Pastor Kenneth Perry hosted. An active conference. Welcome the following newly elected servants. Secretary J. Jones, NAM Casey Pollard, Youth Quentin Loyd, and Men's Ken Perry. Thankful Ladies Della Gentry stayed the course!

Section 2 Conf in Herrin. Pastor Jordan Griffith hosted. Presbyter Douglas Rice (nice haircut). Great sugar free cupcakes. Who knew sugar-free could taste good. We welcome newly elected NAM Director Jonathan Harris.

Section 4 Conference in Troy. Pastor Brian Bradshaw hosted. They have done a great job renovating their facilities. Presbyter Terry Russell, who believes Section 4 is M_r_. All offices remained the same. Special mention. Frank Crossin is going on 20 years as sectional secretary!

Section 8 Conf in Toledo on the 18th. Pastor Charles Geuin hosted. They have done a great job constructing a new community center. Presbyter Chris King. We welcome Connor Brown to the Illini Youth. Special mention, Phillip Wagoner has served more than 20 in Children's Ministry!

Section 7 Conf in Pana on the 19th. Pastor & Presbyter Jonathan Blake hosted. Great turnout. We welcome newly elected Secretary Spencer Kirkman McPheron Kris, Illinois District NAM David Russell, Youth Director Jordan Blake, and Men's Ministry Jeremy Sawyer. Whew! What a workout.

Section 6 Conference in Virdon on the 21st. Pastor James McGee hosted. The church looks great following expansion and renovation. Presbyter Steve Benthal. We welcome Keith Parris as Men's Ministry Director. All other offices remained the same.

Section 9 Conf was held in Henry on the 2nd. Newly elected Pastor Andrew Coffield hosted. Presbyter David Brown. We honor Ladies' Ministry Director Melody Albanito for 16 years of service. WOW! We welcome the newly elected director, Rev. Mandy Brown.

Section 10 Conf was held in Joliet on the 4th. Pastor and Presbyter Brent Brosam. We welcome newly elected Ladies Ministry Director, Alyssa Cox.

Section 12 Conference in Villa Park on the 5th. Pastor Andrew Suarez hosted. The sanctuary looks great following renovation. Presbyter Ric Gonzalez. We welcome Oscar Borrero as the new NAM Director and Sawyer Lewis as the Men's Ministry Director. Last conference of 2024!

Productive time in Washington, DC. The hospitality of Congressman Pete Sessions and Senator Vance for Ohio at the US Capitol was top notch. Museum of the Bible was an amazing location for meetings. I’m thankful for the hard work of David K. Bernard , David Tipton, and Ron Matis. #NACLC

32 years ago today, we both said, “I do!” I am so thankful for lovely Rachel Coltharp. Rachel has a huge heart. She is sweet, thoughtful, compassionate, creative, and committed to truth. I could not ask for a better partner in life.

Thank you to Titus Johnson , Andrew Coffield coffield, Camp Chairman Jason Rutherford and the entire Illini Youth team for an amazing camp season. I’m thankful for a youth committee that is serving the youth, churches, parents, and pastors of the IL District with excellence!

I’ve been looking forward to this week. I’m thankful for our young people and anticipating what God is going to do.

Thank you, everyone, for the kind birthday wishes this week. Iris Love and I have birthdays less than a week apart. Her first!