Herb John of Aurora has been named a Society of John Wesley Fellow.
Methodist men coordinator at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora, John was honored Saturday, Sept. 13. His induction ceremony took place at the UMC Northern Illinois Conference United Methodist Men Spiritual Congress. Attended by 60 men, the annual Congress was held Sept. 12-14 at Conference Point Center in Lake Geneva, Wis. The theme was “Forged by Grace.”
Features were prayer gatherings and worship services, eight guest speakers, including Bishop Dan Schwerin via video recording, a Scouting update, a movie night and special music by Four Heaven’s Sake Quartet of Crystal Lake First Church.
John led a “Sunrise at the Point” worship service at 6 a.m. on Sunday before a closing worship service at 9:20 a.m..
Named after John Wesley, a founder of early Methodism, society Fellows are selected for their witness, vision and stewardship that enhance the mission and ministry of the denomination.
As Fellow No. 907, John joined past presidents Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush and other award winners.
Dave Hilton, NIC UMM vice president and Congress co-director, presented John with an embossed plaque and lapel pin provided by the award sponsor, United Methodist Men Foundation. The Nashville, Tenn.-based nonprofit was founded in 1981 by the National Association of Conference Presidents of UMM to endow evangelism, prayer ministry and Scouting ministry.
John was accompanied by his wife Emmy Lou, daughter Rebecca and son Christopher.
Also honored this year was Rev. Dr. Char Hoffman who received the Bush Award. A retired elder serving part time at Hebron United Methodist Church, Hoffman is a member of the NIC board of ordained ministry and secretary of the NIC Retired Clergy Association.
Craig McGregor of Oswego, a member of Oswego Church of the Good Shepherd UMC and president, NIC UMM, organized the Congress with co-coordinator Dave Hilton, NIC UMM vice president.
—Al Benson