New UMW Unit Chartered at El Mesias in Elgin
El Mesias United Methodist Church is a Hispanic/Latino Congregation with 30 years of presence in Elgin. The women of this church have been gathering since the 1980s with a strong desire to learn, to grow, to be a good help to their neighbors and to fulfill God's call, "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:20). They have been always a great support to their church and open to all women of the community.
For many years this group has worked locally and related only with other Hispanic/Latino congregations.
On October 17, 2010, they were visited by the Elgin District UMW President Beth Jayapalan and the Membership, Nurture & Outreach Coordinator Joyce Carrasco. They explained clearly what it means to be part of the United Methodist Women and how the women of El Mesias can be part of this wonderful organization. After a period of meditation and prayer, on February 10, 2011, the El Mesias' women's group decided to be recognized as a new unit of United Methodist Women.
On May 22, 2011, in the regular service at El Mesias UMC at 12 pm, there was a great celebration for this new unit. They were visited by the NIC UMW President Rita Smith and her team; Elgin District UMW President Beth Jayapalan and her team; and the Elgin District Superintendent Rev. Oscar Carrasco. In this special worship, the Dance Ministry of the church was part of the worship with an inspiring presentation. The sermon was given by their Pastor Rev. Mario Mayer based on John 14, who called them to do not be afraid before this new journey.
The celebration finished with a delicious lunch for everybody that was prepared by the women of this congregation.
Thank you Lord for this great celebration and for the life of every woman of this new unit in El Mesias.
by Fabiola Grandon-Mayer