Congratulations to local churches and church-related agencies who were awarded grants through the Foundation’s Creative and Emerging Ministries Grants Program during 2009.
The Grants Committee of the Board would love to expand the program. Donations to the United Methodist Foundation of Northern Illinois Conference Grants Program are invited and appreciated.
Here are a few comments over-heard during the January Grants Reception:
“I read I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church, and the advice was this – ‘If you offer music, something for kids and food, they will come.’ So we did and it worked!” Reverend Wendy Hardin New Hope UMC – Chicago
“(The kids) love the program’s name: JAM! I haven’t told them yet that it stands for ‘Jesus And Me!’” Reverend Marie Carlson, First UMC – Kirkland speaking about JAM Youth Ministry, a North Kishwaukee Cluster Project
“It started with one small sign posted at the grocery store inviting others to join a Chinese New Year celebration at (Grace) church; 175 people showed up! We don’t know how God will use us next, but we are excited and grateful to be able to sponsor a Christian Chinese congregation in LaSalle Peru.” Lois Croasdale, recalling the beginning of the Chinese Christian Fellowship at Grace UMC – LaSalle
“We know that to be young and smart and Black is a good thing. We offer basic job readiness skills to capitalize on these assets within a faith-based support network.” Reverend Felicia Howell LaBoy, Let’s Go to Work at Maple Park UMC
“We have to kick kids out sometimes because they don’t want to leave!”
Reverend Orlando Moller, Aguilas de Luz youth program at Bethany El Buen
Pastor UMC
Click here for the full list of 2009 Grantees.