Christmas Institute in July Grows Youth Disciples in the Filipino-American Tradition
The 2026 Christmas Institute in July, a beloved Filipino-American United Methodist tradition, gathered 21 youth, 23 pastors and deaconesses,…
Origin Film Screening
An Anti-Racism Task Force Advocacy Partners and Community Impact Event
Origin explores the mystery of history, the wonders of romance, and afight for our future. While investigating the global phenomenon of caste and its dark influence on society, a journalist faces unfathomable personal loss and uncovers the beauty of human resilience. Produced by Ava DuVernay, the film is based on Isabel Wilkerson's book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.
Screening Dates and Locations
Special Presentation with Dr. Suraj Yengde
Dr. Suraj Yengde, who played himself in the movie, will lead an online presentation.
Dr. Suraj Yengde is one of India’s leading scholars and public intellectuals. He was named as one of the "25 Most Influential Young Indians" by GQ magazine and "The Most Influential Young Dalit" by Zee Media Corporation in Mumbai, India. Dr. Yengde is also the author of the bestselling book Caste Matters. He is currently a research associate with the Department of African and African-American Studies at Harvard University. He is India’s first Dalit to earn a Ph.D. at an African university (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg). He is also an international human rights attorney practicing in India and the United Kingdom.
A special thanks to the CommUNITY Diversity Group of La Grange, Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church, Pizza & Social Justice, Inc., Together is Better Alliance, Ubuntu House, and the United Methodist Church of Libertyville for sponsoring the session with Dr. Yengde.
- Oct. 2, 6 p.m.
- Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Chapel, 2121 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL
- Indian Prairie Public Library, 401 Plainfield Rd., Darien, IL - Oct 3, 6:30 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 232 S York St., Elmhurst, IL - Oct. 4, 6:30 p.m.
Northbrook United Methodist Church, 1190 Western Ave., Northbrook, IL - Oct. 5, 1 p.m.
La Grange Public Library, 10 W. Cossitt Ave., La Grange, IL - Oct. 5, 1:15 p.m.
Barrington Public Library, Meeting Room A, 505 N. Northwest Highway, Barrington, IL - Oct. 5, 4 p.m.
Morgan Park United Methodist Church, 11030 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago - Oct. 6, 12 p.m.
- Our Saviour’s United Methodist Church, 701 E. Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL
- Rockford Public Library, Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, IL - Oct. 6, 11:30 a.m. Catered Lunch, 12:30 p.m. Viewing
United Methodist Church of Libertyville, 429 Brainerd Ave., Libertyville, IL - Oct. 6, 12:30 p.m.
First United Methodist Church (Ottawa), 100 W Jefferson St., Ottawa, IL - Oct. 7, 5:30 p.m.
Naperville Public Library-Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, IL -
Oct. 8, 6:30 p.m.
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 393 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn, IL -
Oct. 13, 3 p.m.: Special Presentation with Dr. Suraj Yengde
Dr. Yengde, who played himself in the movie, will speak via online meeting. Participate at the viewing location or from your own location. (See sidebar.) Click here to watch the recording.