Planned Events

The following planned events have been shared with the conference:

Lake North

• Chicago: Olivet — Displaying United Methodists Stand with Immigrants signs. Contact: Rev. Avani Christian

• Chicago: Renewed Hope — Sharing yard signs in English and Spanish featuring stories of immigrants, migrants, and refugees, along with statistics about those detained, arrested, deported, or harmed, will be placed in the church yard. Contact: Marlene Morton
• Oak Park: First and Oak Park: Euclid Ave — Joint Prayerful Protest including prayers, speeches, and a walk with other churches in the cluster 12:30 p.m. at First UMC in Oak Park. Contact: CJ Hawking

Prairie Central

• Antioch — Gathering outside the church for prayer, singing, reading the names of those killed by ICE, and reflection. Contact: Nikki Georgia
• Aurora: Wesley — Sharing an outdoor story walk beginning September 13 and remaining available for neighbors for about a week. It includes posters placed along the property line that will share the stories of immigrant families and highlight immigrant experiences. Contact: Rev. Tammy Scott
• Bolingbrook: Friendship — A worship service focused on standing with immigrants, followed by a rally with signs outside the church. A prayer circle may be held before the rally for congregation members who cannot attend. Contact: Jane Pierce
• Elmhurst: ChristFirst with Bensenvlle: First — Gathering at 11:30 a.m Glos Memorial Park in Elmhurst, with area faith communities and immigrant advocacy organizations for a vigil and protest featuring chants and songs. Contact: Lisa Rogers 
• Glen Ellyn: First — Gathering outside the church around a table displaying objects related to immigrant journeys, reflecting on statements from the UMC Social Principles, participating in a litany for people in migration, and singing a hymn. Contact: Nancy Calhoon
• Naperville: Community — Marching 8-blocks through the Community UMC neighborhood after worship. Contact: Patricia Steinhaus
• Naperville: Hope Indian NFC — Joining Community UMC for their March. Contact: Rev. Avani Christian

Prairie North

• Rockford: Christ — Electronic sign will read, “Christ United Methodist Church stands with our immigrant brothers & sisters.” Contact: Judy Schultz

Prairie South

• DeKalb: First, Malta, Maple Park:Grace, and Sycamore —Gathering with ecumenical partners on the Courthouse Steps in Sycamore, IL, to hear about the experiences of immigrant neighbors and encourage people to sign up or donate to local organizations. Contact: Rev. Jeremiah Thompson