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As we have felt firsthand, last week brought record-setting heat waves to the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley regions, even more than “Swedish Days is always hot” kind of heat. Those relentlessly high temperatures have been more than just a topic for conversation—they pose serious risks to our health and well-being. But beyond immediate health risks, these heat waves are a stark reminder of broader changes in our environment. For decades, we’ve heard scientists attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of these heat events to climate change, largely driven by our reliance on fossil fuels. As global temperatures rise, weather patterns become more erratic, makingRead More →

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This past week at our Northern Illinois Annual Conference, Bishop Schwerin appointed me to serve as your pastor at the United Methodist Church of Geneva for the fourth consecutive year. It is with joy and gratitude that I share this news with you. Each year, our bishops and their cabinets review the appointments of every pastor in our conference, ensuring that the needs of both the churches and the pastors are met in the most effective ways possible. You might be curious about how this process works. In the United Methodist Church, clergy appointments are made on an annual basis. This tradition is rooted inRead More →

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We are past the COVID protections that forced the church into the digital age, but we are experiencing the beautiful convergence of online and in-person ways of being a church. I think this blend of virtual and physical gatherings enriches our congregation and strengthens the bonds that unite us in faith and fellowship and could benefit from greater intentionality. In the past week, we celebrated several wonderful instances where those who worship primarily online made meaningful in-person connections. These moments not only highlight the seamless integration of our online and in-person communities but also serve as a testament to the power of God’s grace workingRead More →

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In Hebrews 13:2, we are reminded to “not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” This powerful verse captures the essence of what it means to extend grace through hospitality, a theme that resonates deeply with our recent experiences at UMCG. As we reflect on these moments, we celebrate the ways in which our congregation has embodied this call to welcome and care for others, truly entertaining angels in our midst. One of the most poignant demonstrations of hospitality occurred last week during the memorial service for John Fasbender. This event was a profound testament toRead More →