On a bright and breezy Sunday, the spirit of unity and renewal filled the air as 14 Prairie North United Methodist churches came together for a powerful Pentecost worship service in the historic tabernacle at the Oakdale Nature Preserve.   

These congregations from across the greater Freeport area celebrated at this service the birth of the Church and the power of the Holy Spirit. It was a vibrant display of faith, fellowship, and community, as members mingled together to worship as one body. The churches involved were Cedarville UMC; Coleta UMC; First UMC in Forreston; Faith UMC, First UMC, Harmony UMC, and Red Oak UMC, all in Freeport; German Valley UMC; Leaf River UMC; Lena UMC; Orangeville UMC; First UMC in Pearl City; Bethel UMC in Shannon; and Wesley UMC in Stockton.  

From spirited singing and scripture readings to a shared message of hope and renewal, the service reflected the essence of Pentecost—a day when people of many languages and backgrounds were united by the Spirit.  

Clergy and lay leaders from the participating churches took part in leading the worship, offering prayers, and providing music, emphasizing the importance of connection, collaboration, and the ongoing work of the Church in the world today.  

Pastors Roger Bronkema and Cherie Quillman joined Rev. Jeremiah Lee in preaching a combined sermon on the The United Methodist Church’s new vision statement: love boldly, serve joyfully and lead courageously. Rev. Joel McClellan read the vision before the sermons, reminding worshipers that it helps unite us in shared ministry and reminds us who we are meant to be. 

“I’ve been trying to bring us together for over 10 years,” said Pastor Eddie Eddy of Harmony UMC in Freeport. “Last year was the first time we got together [for Pentecost], and we had six churches. Increasing to 14 churches this year is a sign of the Holy Spirit’s work. This is connectionalism. This is a great day for the kingdom.”  

Lawn and folding chairs replaced pews as the group worshiped in the mid-renovation Oakdale Tabernacle.

Tabernacle’s United Methodist Connection    

Set among the trees and trails of Freeport’s scenic preserve, the Oakdale Tabernacle was a fitting place to hold this service. The 105 year-old tabernacle holds memories for many people in the community.  

It was constructed initially for United Evangelical camp meetings and was eventually sold to the Rock River Conference of the Methodist Church. In 1971, it was sold to the Freeport Park District and had been used for theatrical and musical performances, Scouting events, weddings, and large gatherings until 2015, when its condition had deteriorated to an unappealing state.

A group of people in the area petitioned the park district to save the building and are working to restore it. Their actions to save the building mimic those of the disciples on Pentecost, working together across boundaries towards a goal for transformation and the betterment of the community. A special offering was taken up to help support the group in their efforts.   

The gathering was more than a special service—it was a witness to what can happen when churches come together in a spirit of unity, reminding all who attended that the Church is alive, active, and moving beyond walls.