The Illinois Mennonite Conference Annual Assembly is the central yearly gathering of the delegates of the conference. This event has taken many forms through the years. One consistent piece of feedback we receive about the annual assembly is “There is not enough time for business” and “There is not enough time for worship and equipping.” By trying to do both things in one gathering, we’re wondering if we are doing either of them as well as we can.

In 2018, we are experimenting with a new pattern of gathering.

• On Saturday, February 17 we will have a one-day delegate business meeting. The purpose of this meeting will be to review the past year’s financials, approve the budget for the upcoming year, and to make strategic decisions about the future direction of IMC. Imagine the business portion of the annual assembly, with more time and space to fully consider various options for moving forward. The meeting will be held at Metamora Mennonite Church.
• On Friday and Saturday, October 19 and 20, we will gather for a time of worship and spiritual formation at Sonido de Alabanza.  We will gather around a theme, which will be the focus of IMC for the upcoming year. We will worship together, in styles that represent the breadth and depth of the conference. We will have various teaching/equipping tracks. We will fellowship together and build relationships.  As part of the gathering, you will have the option of staying an extra evening and worshipping with one of the many IMC congregations in Chicago.

Keep your eyes out for more details as they become available. Delegates will get more information about the business meeting agenda items beyond the budget so that you can prepare for the gathering. There is also no cost for the business meeting and will be a modest registration cost for the worship and equipping gathering.