Pentecost Sunday on May 23 reminded me of the blessings associated with openness: eyes, mouth, ears, heart, hands and church. Open eyes to see the wonderful joy of new members being received into the community of faith. Open mouth to sing praises to God with the Chancel Choir and congregation. Open ears to hear the wondrous sounds of the Bell Choir and Women’s Ensemble, Caitlin Waddell and Brian Voss and our Worship Band. Open Heart to be "strangely warmed" as we remembered John Wesley’s Aldersgate experience. Open Hands to touch and receive the gladness of Christian fellowship. Open Church to be reminded of our mission in our local and global world. May we continue to be courageous and faithful in our openness together to receive the gifts of the Spirit. Hope to see you in church for worship, lasagna dinner, rummage sale, passing by on your way to Culver’s, sharing a prayer, mowing the lawn, planting a flower, helping with a mission project, and more and more... Blessings as the summer begins! Please pray for the Northern Illinois Conference of the UMC Annual Meeting, 6/13-16.
Pastor David came to GRACE CHURCH in November 2005. He is a native of South Dakota and graduate of Dakota Wesleyan University, Class of 1993, and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Class of 1996. He was ordained a deacon in 1996 and an elder in 1999. He has previously served congregations in the suburbs of Chicago, including Glenview UMC and Riverside UMC and as an associate pastor at First UMC Chicago.