Important Message from Bishop Dan Schwerin and The Northern Illinois Conference Cabinet

Dear Grace Church Members and Friends,

My name is Jennifer Conniff, and I serve as Chair of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC). For those who are newer to Grace United Methodist Church or to United Methodism, the SPRC functions as the personnel committee for our pastors and staff. Along with committee members Ruth Wills, Bob Tschirhart, Kathryn Hoffman, and Deb Healy, I am writing to share an important announcement with you.

Bishop Dan Schwerin, together with our District Superintendent, Rev. Wendy Hardin Hermann, and the Illinois Conference Cabinet, has appointed Pastor Eric Blachford as the Senior Pastor of Plainfield United Methodist Church. Pastor Eric has prayerfully accepted this appointment, which will begin on July 1, 2026.

While we are saddened to see Pastor Eric leave our congregation, we are also excited for the opportunity that awaits him in this new role and trust that God will continue to bless the many wonderful ministries here at Grace Church.

We have truly been blessed to watch Pastor Eric grow in ministry. We are grateful for his energy, enthusiasm, and sense of humor; for sermons that lifted us up, challenged us, and encouraged us to be and do better; and for his deep involvement and engagement wherever he was needed. Pastor Eric consistently invited us to be more engaged in the life of the church and faithfully supported our congregation during times of need. Thank you, Pastor Eric!

We will have a time to celebrate Pastor Eric, to thank him for his years of service with us, and to wish him well as he prepares for his new role as Senior Pastor. Details about this celebration will be shared as they become available.

This upcoming Sunday, February 8, members of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee will be present in the Gathering Space after each worship service. We invite you to stop by to share your thoughts, hopes, visions, and prayers for our congregation’s future. Your input will be shared with our District Superintendent and the Cabinet as they discern the appointment of a new Associate Pastor for Grace United Methodist Church.

As Pastor Eric prepares for this next chapter in his ministry, we ask for your continued prayers and support for him and his family during this time of transition. While change can be difficult, it also presents opportunities for growth and renewal—for Pastor Eric and for our congregation. We ask for your prayers for Grace Church as well, as we navigate this transition together.

As the weeks progress, we will share more details about the transition process. In the meantime, please join us in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Eric for his faithful service over the past five years. May God bless Pastor Eric abundantly in his new appointment, and may God continue to bless and guide our congregation in the days ahead.

Grace and peace,

Jennifer Conniff

Chair, Staff-Parish Relations Committee