October 30 Newsletter

Siblings in Christ, 

As members of the United Methodist Church, we are nourished in grace to live faithfully, to witness boldly and to be joyful servants of Christ. I am delighted to report that in the midst of great transitions, Berry has consistently stayed at 100% of our pledged giving, fulfilled our commitment to the conference offering 100% of our apportionment, and the Administrative Council has faithfully led our congregation through twists and turns no one could anticipate. This year certainly has been a season of transitions! Yet, in the place of uncertainty, Berry has been a model for the district in boldly committing to a vision for a church that is rooted in the local community, serving globally through partnerships and staying open to the Holy Spirit’s leading. 

Some of the partnerships have included the Solar Oven Project, clean energy investments, co-sponsoring the Northern IL Justice for Our Neighbors fundraising dinner and walking in the Pride Parade through our partnering with the Coalition of Welcoming Churches. The ministry of our Free Little Pantry continues to be a vital contribution to the local community and members of the church volunteered at the packing center of Feed My Starving Children. Thank you for your open hearts to the needs of the community! 

This Sunday, November 3 we will celebrate the leaders who have been affirmed in our Charge Conference on Tuesday for the upcoming year and we will remember the faithful who have left us with an ofrenda altar. This is a practice of remembering with candles, photos, foods and flowers for those who have died. We will have stations during communion where you may place a photo, light a candle and we continue to hold the grieving in prayer. 

As my family transitions to a new appointment as chaplain of Adrian College in Michigan next month, I sit in gratitude for the opportunity to serve Berry UMC for the past three years at this moment in the life of the church. Together we asked challenging questions, committed to each other to be creative in our visioning a future for Berry UMC. You are a blessing and I am inspired by your commitment, creativity and openness to serve and to lead. May God continue to root you in justice and joy for the northside of the great city of Chicago. And please reach out so that we may go for a walk in the neighborhood, share time over coffee or lunch together in this coming month. I delight in spending time with you. 

Serving together in Christ’s name, 

 

Pastor April Gutierrez