Skip to Main Content

Nueva Vida Renewal of Baptism

Posted: September 5 2012 at 04:55 PM
Author: Anne Marie Gerhardt


Baptism4

On a bright, sunny Sunday morning this past Labor Day weekend, about 60 people gathered along the beachfront at Crystal Lake for worship, reaffirmation of faith and baptism. Twelve people, both young and old, from Nueva Vida UMC in Aurora, were immersed in the slightly cool waters.

Bishop Sally Dyck, newly assigned to the Northern Illinois Conference officiated the service along with the Rev. Martin Lee, Elgin District Superintendent Oscar Carrasco and Nueva Vida Lay Missioner Martin Lopez.

Bishop Dyck reminded those gathered to go forward to share God’s grace with our neighbors even if we are brand new to the neighborhood. “It was a wonderful way for me to begin my ministry in the Northern baptismIllinois Conference,” said Bishop Dyck.

“To see and participate in the baptism of these young people and reaffirmation of faith for the other adults was a blessing. The Nueva Vida congregation is an inspiration to us all!”

Rockford District Superintendent Ouk-Yean Kim Jueng and members of First UMC of Crystal Lake also attended the service which included a potluck lunch.

“What a marvelous day,” said the Rev. Oscar Carrasco. “I still wish to Praise God for the amazing day! Gloria a Dios!”

“It was the very first time for me to participate in full immersions. It was an awesome experience,” said Rev. Martin Lee, Director of Congregational Development and Redevelopment.  “I could sense their recommitment as newborn Christian persons as they rose from the water.”

Rev. Lee praised Lay Missioner Martin Lopez as he works to rebuild the Nueva Vida congregation.

“They have between 60 and 70 people in worship on Sundays,” said Rev. Lee. “On this day, they received 12 new members through Profession of Faith. Praise the Lord!”

Photos Courtesy Joyce Carrasco

News & Announcements

Rev Hannah Offering Communion Cmyk

With Warm Faith, Pastors Seek to Counter ICE

United Methodists are striving to lead courageously as their cities face threats of militarization and an onslaught of masked federal agents. In both the Northern Illinois (and othe…

Jesus Wouldnt Do This Sign At Protest Cmyk

The Connectionalism of Rapid Response

Trained and ready, church members have quickly mobilized to assist those affected by ICE raids and detentions. Their response is a part of the Chicagoland United Methodist Rapid Response n…

Hispanic Latinx Ministry Celebracion Logo 2025 Cmyk

‘Pilgrim People Under God’s Grace’ Gather for the Hispanic/Latine Celebration

The Northern Illinois Conference Hispanic/Latinx community celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month on Oct. 18 with a virtual gathering centered on…

Comehomeletters

What It Means to Be a Reconciling Church

The people of Friendship United Methodist Church in Bolingbrook, a Reconciling community, aim to move from saying “all are welcome” to living “all are home.” 

Print