Happy Scents

Why do you need a church community?

We were active members of Central United Methodist Church in the Philippines. When we immigrated to Illinois, USA, we were searching for a home church. We went to Irving Park UMC. They were very accommodating, but we want a church who can cater the youth and children needs. We were invited by our former youth pastor, Pastor Victor Melad, in one of Saturday Night Alive (SNA) fellowship of the youth in St. John’s. From then on, we found our home church where we belong. We brought our relatives and became active members of the church.

These are the reasons why it is important to belong in a church:

• Prayer community and network. All the pastors (previous and present) are very approachable for any prayer concerns. They can be reached by person, call, text, e-mail, and social media. We have St. John’s Prayer Network group on Facebook and IG account. All the members celebrates joys, extends concerns and pray for each other. 
• Venue of God-given talents. The choir renders beautiful music, harmony, and hymns every Sunday. The youth has praise and worship band that starts the service with contemporary worship songs. The children sing and play instruments during the offertory. There are liturgical and tambourine dancers (performed on a special occasion such as Easter). The gift of public speaking from pastors, lay leaders and members of the church. 
• Christian Education. Members and pastors coordinate the bible studies, forums/workshops, and special events to nourish spiritual growth. The sermon series of Pastor Felicia LaBoy were very knowledgeable and enlightening. She incorporated Biblico-theological reflection to her culture and experiences.
• Children ministry. There are children moments incorporated in the service headed by Pastor Nancy Grim Hunter. Sunday school after Childrens’ moments help parents to commune with Jesus and understand the sermon better.
• Social justice. Church stands on social justice around the world like what the founder of Methodism, John Wesley, stated, “The World is my Parish”. The church is not confined inside the building like Jesus he went out to the community and minister. Check this website http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/faqs-social-issues for United Methodist Church (UMC) stands on suicide, LGBTQ community, immigration/health reform, gun violence and a lot more. The church call to action and fights against poverty, inequality, oppression, war, and extrajudicial/inhumane killings. 
• Generosity. Members take turns cooking luncheon for everyone on Sunday. There is a food drive and food pantry before. There were a crop walk yearly and different activities. We have advocacies helping single moms and homeless people. They are a part of our congregation. Listening to their stories showing the faces of courage, love and resiliency against odds and uncertainties. It was a humbling experience and develops a deep sense of gratitude for everything I have. 
• Church family. Members of the church, became the second family, invite you to momentous occasions such as baptismal, wedding, graduation and many more. Some members are event coordinators who will help set-up a beautiful party for you. Aside from that, church families are all over the world. Every place you go there are church people willing to accommodate and help you. 

I respect every religion because we believe in one God, and we belong to an ecumenical church. However, being in one denomination help me build strong relationship with God and make me feel closer to home. Though members are not perfect, we have strong opinions/personalities and disagree sometimes but we apologize, forgive and move on. I am bless beyond blessed to be a part of St. John’s UMC. Hope you feel welcome and bless too when  you visit our church! 

What church nourishes your faith? 

Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. —Deuteronomy 28:6