Our community will gather under the inspiring theme, Hope, Spring Eternal, from November 5–7, 2026, at Covenant United Church of Christ in South Holland, Illinois, for a meaningful time together rooted in fellowship and connection. This weekend is a beautiful opportunity to reconnect, share collaborative meals, including a Friday evening social at the Serbian Social Center, and share in powerful worship featuring keynote speaker, General Minister and President/CEO Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, and Saturday guest preacher, Rev. Tyler Yost from Church of Peace, Rock Island, IL.
This gathering also serves as a dedicated place for education and professional growth. The event kicks off on Thursday, November 5th, with specialized pre-conference workshops including a free Grant Writing session with Dr. Mariann Jordan. Boundary Training is also available as well as Committee on Ministry training. The learning continues through Friday afternoon with dynamic, insightful workshops designed to equip and inspire leaders for your church ministries.
Be sure to take advantage of our early-bird rates and register by August 31st to lock in your 50% discount! Prices will increase on September 1st.
Early Bird Pricing (through Aug. 31st):
- General Registration – $50
- Member-in-Discernment – $15
- Retired Clergy – Free
- Virtual Only – Free
Regular Pricing (starting Sept. 1st):
- General Registration – $100
- Member-in-Discernment – $30
- Retired Clergy – Free
- Virtual Only – Free
Add On Items:
- Friday Evening Banquet – $60
- Thursday Boundary Training – $30
- Thursday Grant Writing Workshop – Free
- Thursday Committee on Ministry Training – Free
Your registration includes access to all Friday and Saturday events and lunch on Friday. Please note that the Friday banquet is NOT included and must be added on to your registration if you plan to attend.
PAYMENT POLICY: Payment is due at the time of registration. ACH and debit/credit card payments are accepted. There is no option to pay later when registering. Cash and check payments will only be accepted for door registrations.
Worship and business meetings will be hybrid via Zoom, Facebook, and YouTube. Remember to book your room at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Lansing by October 5th for our exclusive $124 group rate.
More information can be found under “Items of Interest” (either to the right or below).
The Delegates of the Conference with voice and vote shall consist of the following:
- All authorized ministers holding standing in an Association of the Conference.
- The elected members of the Board of Directors, Standing Committees, and Ministry Teams, and other persons as provided for in these Bylaws;
- One Lay Delegate from each Member Church. A Lay Delegate is defined as a member in good standing, and officially authorized by their Local Church; and
- One Youth/Young Adult Delegate from each Member Church. A Youth/Young Adult Delegate is defined as a person between the ages of fourteen (14) and thirty (30) years of age and officially authorized by their Local Church.
A local church with a membership of eight hundred (800) or more individuals shall have one additional Lay Delegate and one additional Youth Delegate.
Lay Delegates and Youth Delegates shall be selected by and represent their local church, according to their methods of governance and ministry.
