Transformacion Dance Ministry

The first Harvest 2020: New Faith Community, Transformacion UMC, celebrated its chartering service on Sunday, April 10 with music, dance and a powerful message by Bishop Hee-Soo Jung.

"I thank God for Bishop Hee-Soo Jung's courage to create a new church, for Chicago Northwestern District Superintendent James Preston and his tireless work through this difficult and unconventional process, and for Pastor Gilberto Medina for daring to dream about a strong Hispanic congregation that has already become the largest Hispanic/Latino congregation in the Northern Illinois Conference," said Rev. J. Martin Lee, Director of Congregational Development.

Bishop Jung Delivered the Message

Bishop Jung celebrated the new church and its commitment to spreading the word of Jesus Christ in the Hispanic/Latino community. "This is very exciting and even though it may seem like a tedious, complex process, we have a clear vision and commitment to living in community together," said Bishop Jung.

Rev. Gilberto Medina and Lay Leader Jose Torres with Charter Certificate

Transforamacion began worship last October at Biagio Banquets at 4242 N. Central Ave on Chicago's northwest side. The Pastor, Rev. Gilberto Medina leads the congregation. It's grown in seven short months to 250 members and as many as 500 people attend special events. "It's a sign of the times," said Rev. Medina. "We've made flexible liturgy - we've opened ourselves up to new worship styles. We want to create a church of the 21st century for the Hispanics of the 21st century."
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Strong quakes continue to cause damage in Japan one month after a 9.0-magnitude earthquake unleashed a terrifying tsunami and the threat of a nuclear emergency. At least three major aftershocks rocked the country between April 7 and April 12, ranging in magnitude from 6.0 to 7.1.

 

Three people died after the first event. The other two came as the Japanese government, concerned for the population's long-term exposure to radiation, announced it would increase the severity level to 7, on a par with the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear event, and widen the evacuation zone surrounding the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

 

UMCOR continues to work with partners in Japan to respond to this massive and ongoing emergency. Your gift to Japan Emergency, UMCOR Advance #3021317, supports these efforts.