Church buildings closed. Sanctuaries silent. Pews and Sunday school classrooms empty. It’s a surreal scene in churches around the country since the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic turned our world upside down and disrupted our everyday routines, such as going to church on Sunday.
Read MoreWhen the DuPage Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) organization announced the closure of all interim (overnight) shelter locations beginning Saturday, March 21, George Groves was saddened. Groves, a member of Naperville: Community UMC was scheduled for the 9 pm – 1 am Sunday shift. For Groves—and for many area UMC churches—the coronavirus pandemic has upended a long-standing ministry to the community.
Read MoreAs we approach another first Sunday communion in April (most United Methodist churches observe communion on the first Sunday although some serve communion every Sunday) and Holy Week, and we continue to find ourselves in the midst of the coronavirus, we need to reflect with each other about how to be faithful in our times.
Read MoreWith Earth Day coming up, I would encourage churches to think about the ways racism impacts the environment. First, let’s look at the definition of environmental racism.
Read MoreAt a time when over 36% of 18-24 year-olds describe their religion as “nothing in particular” and seem unsure about living out their faith within the bounds of mainline churches, an exciting new ministry has emerged. The Inclusive Collective (IC - formerly Agape House), our NIC campus ministry partner at the University of Illinois at Chicago (and now also at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb), has forged a new path by doing ministry in experimental and imaginative ways.
Read MoreA dollar can go a long way. Second-grader Olivia Hoffman learned that selling her handmade rubber band loom bracelets for one dollar not only adds up but also makes a big difference.
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