Love & light
Get ready to embark on an inspiring journey with us in 2025! At Grace, we’re all about living a life of Love and Light, and we’re thrilled to invite you to join us in strengthening our relationships with Jesus and each other.
Why are relationships so important? Because we’re created in the image of our relational God, and community is at the heart of our calling. We know deep connections can be challenging, but we’re here to equip you with the resources and skills to build them.
As we move into the Lenten Season, let’s continue to shine the light of love and understanding through the book of Luke. We can’t wait to share this transformative experience with you!
Join us for the following events. Everyone is welcome at Grace!
All Church Book Read and Discussions
Join us for an All Church Book Read on January 26 to March 3 of David Brooks’ How to Know a Person: the Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen. We will have three engaging book discussions on Mondays, February 3, February 17, and March 3 at 6:00PM to explore each section. Register to attend any or all of the discussion sessions.
February Bible Challenge
Experience love in action through a month-long Bible Challenge on February 1 to February 28 inspired by 1 Corinthians 13. Sign-up to receive a daily verse and reflection question from Pastor Eric on how we might grow in love for God and neighbor. Register at peopleofgrace.org/loveandlight.
Lenten Devotional Booklet
Lent begins on March 5. The people of Grace have had a tradition for over 50 years of contributing personal devotions to create a Lenten devotional booklet. Click here to view this year's booklet. Many thanks to Jaci Tschirhart for coordinating this year's booklet.
becoming the beloved community
The term “Beloved Community” originated with Josiah Royce, a 20th century philosopher and theologian, and was popularized by Martin Luther King, Jr. through his words, “…the end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the Beloved Community.”
The Northern Illinois Conference has developed a workshop that conveys not only facts and essential knowledge about race and racism but also encourages conversation to gain a deeper understanding of it from multiple perspectives. The Grace Racial Justice Team is excited to host this engaging, media rich workshop that tackles tough issues with respect and dignity.
The three-part workshop is led by a team appointed by the NIC and includes Dr. Richard Guzman, professor emeritus at North Central College, who wrote the diversity plan for Naperville's 203 school district, as well as three additional trained lay leaders from neighboring UMC churches. It will be held on three consecutive weeks in the Activity Center. Attendance at all three sessions is highly encouraged but not required. There will be a small “homework” assignment and one short, small group meeting via Zoom prior to the first workshop.
Sunday, March 9 at 11:45AM to 1:15PM
The Facts and Beyond with presenter: Dr. Richard Guzman
Discussion: Workshop goals, racism facts, and moving to a deeper personal understanding
Sunday, March 16 at 11:45AM to 1:15PM
Owning and Sharing Your Life with presenters Tom Butler and Donna Sagami
Discussion: Shared personal experiences by workshop leaders
Sunday, March 23 at 11:45AM to 1:15PM
Your Life, The Church’s Life with presenters Tom Butler and Lennox Iton
Discussion: Continuation of shared experiences and the church’s complicity in upholding racism.
Please join us! Register by Tuesday, February 16 at peopleofgrace.org/bbc. Cost $20.
If payment by check is preferred, please bring it to the first session, payable to Grace UMC with “Becoming a Beloved Community” in the memo. For questions, contact workshop coordinators: Doug Bowden at dbowden6@aol.com, Nadia Kanhai at grenadiakz@sbcglobal.net, or Lauri Tredinnick at lauritred@gmail.com.
About Our Presenters
Dr. Richard Guzman is a member of Friendship UMC in Bolingbrook, and has served as a consultant for the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force. In addition, Dr. Guzman is professor emeritus for NCC. He also authored DST 203’s first racial equity process/policy/curriculum. Visit richardrguzman.com for more info.
Tom Butler is a member of First UMC in Evanston. He participated in the NIC civil rights pilgrimage in 2023.
Donna Sagami is a member of Ravenswood Fellowship UMC in Chicago, a historically Japanese congregation. She has served on the leadership team for the NIC Asian American Fellowship.
Lennox Iton is Afro-Caribbean and a member of Hinsdale UMC. He served as co-chair for the NIC Commission on Religion & Race.