Experience Immersive Learning by Visiting Ministry Sites at SCD 2024

SCD 2024 offers the exciting opportunity for participants to visit ministry sites that exemplify diverse and impactful ways of serving their neighborhoods. SCD leaders are thankful for our partners in the Northern Illinois Annual Conference who have worked so hard in supporting SCD and organizing these immersion sites. These visits will offer valuable insights and inspiration for church planters, preachers, and denominational leaders.

This hands-on experience will offer insight in how these ministries began, the challenges that have taken place, and and learnings that have occurred. These deep dives can further equip and support you as you and your leadership team discern how God is leading you to engage your community. Each of the sites below offers a short description and a link to the church’s website where you can learn more about the congregation as well as its location to help decide which site works best for you and your church.

Mt. Prospect: Trinity: "Mi Casa a Su Casa" is a new ministry that has grown out of the Love Your Neighbor initiative by Trinity's Outreach/Missions Committee, dedicated to providing local low-income families, including refugees and the homeless, with essential household items. This ministry addresses gaps left by school district donations, ensuring that items the schools are unable to provide reach those in need. Click here to learn more.

Elgin: First UMC: In partnership with the city of Elgin, First United Methodist Church runs a warming shelter that offers daily refuge during the winter season. Originally limited to freezing days, this shelter now operates throughout winter, providing consistent support to the community. Click here to learn more.

Franklin Park: The Movement in the City UMC: Hosted by First United Methodist Church in Franklin Park, this new faith community gathers approximately one hundred Hispanic individuals weekly for worship and fellowship. This new faith community provides Hispanics a supportive home away from home. Click here to learn more.

Oak Park: Euclid Avenue UMC: With a history of more than 125 years in community action and social justice, Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church has been a part of Reconciling Ministries since 1980. Their asylum seeker ministry offers support and care to neighbors who have arrived in the area. Click here to learn more.

Naperville: Community UMC: Community United Methodist Church hosts a Dinner Church every Saturday at 5 p.m., creating a welcoming space for fellowship, sharing Jesus' stories, and exchanging personal testimonies over a shared meal. Click here to learn more.

Bartlett: Journey of Hope: Journey of Hope is a thriving congregation in Elgin formed five years ago through the merger of Wesley United Methodist Church and Epworth United Methodist Church. They have recently revitalized a small church in Bartlett through a merger by adoption, continuing to grow and worship across two sites. Click here to learn more

Mark your SCD itinerary for these site visits and get ready to be inspired by these remarkable ministries on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 4:30 pm. If you haven’t registered for SCD 2024 yet, click the link below to learn more and register today:

Register for SCD 2024!

After registration, you will have the opportunity to let SCD leaders know which ministry site you would like to visit via e-mail as the date gets closer. Each site will be limited to twenty participants, so don’t delay once you receive your ministry site sign up invitation. Choose the ministry site that resonates with your passion. Witness firsthand the transformative power of dedicated community engagement. Your learnings at SCD can shape your congregation and community through the love of Jesus Christ. For more information, contact Rev. Bryan Tener at [email protected].