Iglesia de Dios - 9th Anniversary

Last Sunday I attended the 9th anniversary of Iglesia de Dios Northwest.  This congregation and pastor never ceases to thrill me at what they are accomplishing in ministry.  50 years ago, Belmont Church of God (Greek Speaking) and Belding Ave. Church of God (English speaking) merged and became North West Church of God.  North West Church of God had a strong presence in the north west side of Chicago for many years.  At one time, this congregation had a Polish, Greek and English Service.  The neighborhood changed in the area and over a course of many years, the congregation declined to less than 20 people.

The 20 people that remained were deeply rooted in the Church of God.  Many of them drove quite a distance into the city to attend church on Belmont Ave.  9 Years ago, North West Church of God opened their doors to start another Church of God congregation.  It would be the 1st Spanish speaking congregation in the Church of God in Illinois.  Through the faithful support of Illinois Ministries and a few other congregations, Iglesia de Dios was planted.  Pastor Carlos Sanchez started the congregation with his wife, Anna and three teen aged children; Melina, Isaac and Carlos. 

One year ago, the 20 people of North West Church of God merged with Iglesia de Dios to become, Iglesia de Dios North West.  The story of this merge is beautiful.  The two congregations consistently average over 250 people.  They offer 2 worship services; Friday Evening and Sunday Morning.  Pastor Carlos and his volunteer staff have started Home Cell Groups, a Vibrant Children's Ministry, a Dynamic Worship Service, Leadership Development and a strong focus on Evangelism.  Hundreds of people have come to know Christ and have been baptized.

Sunday was indeed special - celebrating 50 years, 9 years, and 1 year.  The highlight for me though was when Pastor Carlos announced that Manny and Marci Rivera had been called to First Church of God in Aurora to be their Interim Pastor and hopefully by the end of the year will be installed as the new Lead Pastor of First Church of God in Aurora.  It was special because I remember the day Pastor Carlos called me and told me about this ex-gang thug that gave his heart to Jesus.  Pastor Carlos and Anna have discipled Manny and Marcy.  Manny has developed into a student of the Word and a strong leader and preacher.  His wife Marcy, a minister in her own right has been uniquely gifted in evangelism, teaching, and hospitality. Manny begins his journey with the Credential's Team in a few weeks.

My take away from all this is very humbling.  If the 2 declining congregations 50 years ago had not merged would any of this happened?  If these 2 congregations that spoke different languages had not humbled themselves and 'died', would any of this happened?  If these 2 congregations would have said the past is more important than the future, would we have been celebrating anything?   It reminds me of Jesus' teaching in John 12:24, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain."

It is true that somethings must die for new life to take place?  Some ministries must die in order for new life to take place.  Some programs should die so that new programs can be birthed.  Some relationships must die in order to make way for new relationships. 

 

General Assembly & Minister's Meeting

The General Assembly of the Church of God in IL is Saturday November 1, 2104. We will be meeting at Cross Pointe Church of God in Bloomington, IL.

The address is: 3101 Airport Road, Bloomington, IL

I believe that the General Assembly will be reviving and refreshing. I am hoping that the General Assembly and the Ministerial Meeting will begin to become a highlighted event in Illinois Ministries. Here is what the agenda looks like thus far:

10am Opening Worship with Reverend Jerald January

11am Call to Order – Ministerial Assembly only

Break – non Ministerial Assembly members

11:15am Break

11:30am General Assembly Meeting

Illinois Ministries

• 2014 Reports
• 2015 Budget
• Ratification of Elders and Credentials
• Proposals (church & pastoral health)

Camp Warren

• 2014 Report
• 2015 Budget
• Camp Warren Board of Directors Appointment
• Proposals (too many to mention)

12:30pm Catered Lunch

1:30 pm General Assembly Conclusion

2:00pm Closing Worship with Reverend Jerald January



We are a delegated Assembly, below are prescriptions for who may represent your congregation. It is vital for all of our churches to be fully represented.

Membership Includes:
The pastor of each congregation with the State of Illinois as approved by the Credential’s Team.
The approved Associate Pastors and Ministers employed by the local congregation.
All other Ministers who are registered in the current Year Book of the Church of God and who reside in Illinois.
One layperson chosen by each congregation in the State of Illinois
Members of Illinois Ministries Leadership Teams.

You will be inspired and pleased with the vision and direction that is being fine tuned in Illinois Ministries and Camp Warren. Jerald January will be motivating as he leads our times of learning and worship.

We have added a $15.00 charge for registration for the day’s events to cover expenses and lunch. Although this is new for Illinois, it is a common action of others states, usually at a minimum of $50.00.

It is vitally important that you register that you are coming to the General Assembly Meeting so we can prepare for lunch. You can register at: www.ilcog.org under event registration.

Don’t delay – do it today!