Chicago Black Methodists for Church Renewal’s (BMCR) Black Teens Matter held its 4th Annual Presidents’ Day Holiday Hook-Up on Feb. 20. Black Teens Matter is a component of the Rev. Maceo D. Pembroke, Sr., Memorial Institute, which is now in its 50th year. The theme was Guaranteed Scholarship > Guaranteed Success, based on the book entitled "Raise Your GPA: God’s Way to Win @ School & Life", written by Jonathan Banks.
Read MoreThe Tri-City area of Illinois, comprising the cities of St. Charles, Geneva, and Batavia, has come to be seen as a community in and of itself over the years. The cities share a history of being three of the oldest in Illinois, they share borders featuring the Fox River, and have similar population sizes. Since 2020, for area United Methodists, this joint community has taken on new connection in the form of the Tri-City Methodists: a trio of churches – Baker Memorial United Methodist Church of St. Charles, the United Methodist Church of Geneva (UMCG), and Batavia United Methodist Church.
Read MoreAt Hanover UMC, several church members and leaders gathered to assemble Valentine’s baskets to deliver to folks in Hanover, Ill. The baskets contain fresh fruit, home-baked goods, and various snack items.
Read MoreFriendship UMC in Bolingbrook is partnering with Bolingbrook Pride to host a Youth Drop-In event once a month for young people ages 12-18 who need a place to feel welcome, be able to express themselves, and support each other as they explore their true identities. Current youth don’t feel they need church, but seeing that a church can provide safety and support to them is significant.
Read MoreWhen I was first introduced to the United Methodist Church following college, I was drawn in by John Wesley’s balance of personal and social holiness. In our Wesleyan tradition, it is not enough to read the scriptures, pray and worship – we are called to live out our faith in witness to Christ’s love through acts of mercy and justice. It has always been difficult to walk this fine line of spirituality and engagement, but today it has become even more precarious. Our world is polarized, and suspicion and incivility are all too common.
Read MoreThe sunlight shone through the elegant stained-glass windows at First UMC in Elgin, Ill., on Sunday, February 26, 2023, for the Installation Service of Bishop Dan Schwerin. The installation service was a celebration of the diversity of the conference and included performances by multiple choirs and readings in different languages.
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