Calendar


  • Clergy Women Book Study for those women who are ordained or are Conference Ministerial Candidates

    Gateway Conference Sisters!


    Here in the Crossroads Conference, we are excited about our ongoing conversation to merge our two conferences! This summer in the Crossroads we are kicking off a new Clergy Women Book Study for those women who are ordained or are Conference Ministerial Candidates to connect and support one another. We would love for you to be a part of this so we can all get to know each other better!


    Over the next several months we would love for you to participate in a monthly Zoom gathering and Book Discussion. Our pastor-sister Rev. Katie E. Lance from the Wesleyan Church has written a wonderful book called Live Anointed: How the Holy Spirit Sanctifies Men & Women to Lead Together. We would love to help get this book into your hands and invite you to join us on the third Thursday of each month online for a time of connection, prayer, and book discussion (4:30-6pm EST) beginning in June. We hope you can join us for at least one or all of these monthly online gatherings (or something in between)!


    Here is our proposed schedule:

    • Thursday, June 18 (3:30-5:00pm CST): Discuss Forewords & Chapter 1
    • Thursday, July 16 (3:30-5:00pm CST): Discuss Chapter 2
    • Thursday, August 13 (3:30-5:00pm CST): Discuss Chapter 3
    • Thursday, September 17 (3:30-5:00pm CST): Discuss Chapter 4
    • Thursday, October 15 (3:30-5:00pm CST): Discuss Chapter 5
    • Thursday, November 19 (3:30-5:00pm CST): Discuss Chapter 6
    • Thursday, December 17 (3:30-5:00pm CST): Discuss Chapter 7
    • Thursday, January 21 (3:30-5:00pm CST): Discuss Chapter 8
    • Thursday, February 18 (3:30-5:00pm CST): Discuss Chapter 9
    • Thursday, March 18 (3:30-5:00pm CST): Discuss Chapter 10
    • Thursday, April 15 (3:30-5:00pm CST): Discuss Chapter 11
    • Thursday, May 20 (3:30-5:00pm CST): Discuss Chapter 12 & Conclusion


    **If you are interested in being a part of this study, please reply to bethanyabbott89@gmail.com. If you already have the book or would like to order it on your own, great! If you would like for us to send you a free copy of the book, we would be happy to do so. Just be sure to reply with the address where you would like to receive it.


    I hope you are as excited as we are to join this monthly time of fellowship, encouragement, and learning together! If you have any questions, please reach back to me, Mara Vetters (our Crossroads Conference Advocates for Women in Leadership representative), Wendy Shuffett, or Superintendent Jen Finley!


    Pastor Bethany Abbott

    Lead Pastor, Boswell Free Methodist Church

    Crossroads Conference Regional MEG Chair

  • All-Conference Free Methodist Membership Class

    WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A FREE METHODIST CHURCH MEMBER?

    Saturday, August 29, 2026

    9:00am to 3:00pm, Lunch Provided

    at Durley Camp Ministry Lodge, Lower Level

    Taught by Supt. Tyler Boyer

    • Participants will be prepared to become members of their local church
    • People who would like a refresher on local membership are welcome
    • Pastors are invited to attend to learn how to conduct a membership class

    Register by Friday, August 21

  • Crossroads Invites Gateway to Pastors' Resourcing Day 2026

    Gateway Pastors, join us at the Wabash Park Camp & Retreat Center on Monday and Tuesday, August 31 and September 1, for the 2026 Pastors' Resourcing Days.
    • Wabash Park Camp & Retreat Center is located at 304 E. CR 650 South, Clay City, IN 47841.
    • This event will start on Monday evening at 6:00 p.m. (ET). We will provide pizza for dinner in the Dining Hall.
    • There will be a prayer time from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the Pavilion, followed by fellowship.
    • Tuesday morning will begin with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. The session will begin at 9:00 a.m. We anticipate that we will be done by 4:00 p.m.
    • This event is free, underwritten by the Crossroads Conference, with the only cost being lodging if needed. But you MUST register. This will assist us in preparing meals and supplies. When you click on the button below to register, you will be asked to set up an account. If you registered for Annual Conference, you can use the same log-in information.
    You will find the options for lodging on the registration form. You can arrive at the campground at 4:00 p.m. (ET) on Monday to get settled in your lodging. Registration will be in the Welcome Center. Lodging is first-come, first-served. If we cannot provide the lodging you requested, Judy Kinnick will contact you about other options.

    Deadline for registration is August 21.

    Click Here to Register

  • Intro to Christian Doctrine Class

    FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 6-9PM AND

    SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 9AM-4PM

    Cost is $75 + Books + Lodging

    Meals and Snacks Provided

    Knox Knolls FMC

    2251 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL  62704


    REGISTER by monday, september 7


    The Intro to Christian Doctrine coursework will be in three phases:

    1. Pre-Intensive - Students will read the books and prepare some initial assignments that they will bring to help discussion during the intensive weekend
    2. Intensive Weekend - Friday, September 25 - Dinner on your own. At 6PM we will gather for discussion/instruction on Christian Doctrine until 9PM. Reconvene Saturday Morning at 9AM - Lunch provided and then conclude instruction at 4PM
    3. Final Project - Due, October 31 - Students will be given a choice of a final project to complete to demonstrate competency in Christian Doctrine

    This is a required course for ordination during LMC or CMC candidacy and is a great opportunity to take it in person. Pastors, please share this information with your LMC and CMC candidates.


    RSVP to the Gateway Conference Office by Monday Sept 7 - Syllabus and book list will be provided at this time.

  • 2027 Gateway Conference Annual Conference

    Mark your calendar for June 11-12, 2027

    Location TBA