Skip to Main Content

Superintendents Wendy Hardin Hermann and Victor Melad Installed

Posted: September 17 2024 at 02:19 PM
Author: Victoria Rebeck


At their installation services on Sept. 14 and 15, Revs. Wendy Hardin Hermann and Victor Melad Jr.—new superintendents of the Prairie Central and Lake North districts—spoke of what would guide their leadership in their roles.

Whardinhermanninstall12024

Rev. Wendy Hardin Hermann tells the worshipers that knowing the district people and churches--and their knowing her--is a priority.

Superintendent Hardin Hermann, who is now leading the Prairie Central District, was affirmed at a service at Barrington United Methodist Church on Sept. 14. She told those gathered that getting to know the people of the district was a top priority for her.

She referred to John 10:14, wherein Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me." This is the model of leadership she wishes to follow.

Davebangwoolyimfamily2024

The Yim family--Dave, Bang-Wool, Jiho Jiwon, and Jisung--offered their musical gifts during the offertory.

"As a district superintendent, I want to be known as someone who knows what it is like to be a pastor," she said. "There are some things I don't know, such as what it is like to be a person of color or LGBTQ+ and not feel safe.

"But I have walked through the valley of death, and also have been to the mountaintop."

She urged churches in the district to ask themselves, If our church left the community, what would be missing from that community? Would anyone notice the absence of our church? These questions should lead churches to seek where God is calling them to make a difference in their neigbhors' lives.

Superintendent Melad, who leads the Lake North District, told those gathered for his installation at First United Methodist Church in Evanston on Sept. 15 about the path that unpredictably led him to this ministry.

Victormeladcomm2024

Rev. Victor Melad presides at the communion table during his installation service.

In his native Philippines, the oldest child is expected to support the family once the parents are no longer able to do so. Therefore, this child usually pursues a financially comfortable career. He studied engineering.

But before he finished all the required courses, "I heard God's call to ministry,"

"My mother did not support this," he said. She had raised her children to have faith, and Rev. Melad had been very active in their church in Manila. However, she still relied on the tradition that Victor, as her first child, would support her as she grew older. Thus Rev. Melad wrestled with Bishop Dan Schwerin's intention to appoint him as a district superintendent.

After all, he said, his middle name, Obispo, means "bishop."

Utimately he did submit to the call.

Shermanumcsingers2024jpg

Singers from Sherman United Methodist Church in Evanston close the service with "Revelation 19."

"Sufficient grace will be our theme," he said, alluding to 2 Cor. 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” 

"In the coming years, our churches will face challenges"—but God's grace will lead and see them through it, Rev. Melad said.

Joyous music from district church groups and uplifting liturgies sent these two superintendents into their new ministries. The many well-wishers who greeted them indicate that many are ready to work alongside the superintendents to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

News & Announcements

Scales Mound Vbs Boys

VBS Adventures Inspire Faith and Community

This summer, churches across the conference brought vacation Bible school to life, each one putting its own unique spin on the beloved tradition. From creative scheduling and special…

Appellate Court Signcr

Conference Advocacy Partners Learn from IL Supreme Court Justice

The NIC Advocacy Partners led a group of 11 United Methodists from four United Methodist churches on July 25 to meet Illinois Supreme Court Justice P. Scott Nevi…

Wespath Logo

HealthFlex 2026 Rates Now Available

Churches and clergy may start preparing now for the 2026 health insurance plan for clergy. Next year’s premium rates are now available.

Nic Collections End July 2024 Cmyk

Have you made your contribution?

In an effort to be more transparent, the Finance and Administration office is going to be consistently sharing where we are as a conference are in regards to the giving versus what is needed fo…

Print