A response to recent news articles: Wayside Cross Ministries (WCM) did not seek out Thomas Kokoraleis upon his release from prison. He came to us seeking our help. Ours being a Bible-based, Christ-centered ministry, we are mandated by our Lord Jesus Christ to love our neighbors. According to Luke 10:25-37,
Oswego residents Barbara and Rick Kayer, right, Sunday receive Oswego’s Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist United Methodist Women 2019 Service Award. Presenters, left, are Carol Dodd, Yorkville; and Janet McCarty, Oswego, Church of Good Shepherd UMW president. Al Benson/The Voice
Rabbi Edward Friedman gives remarks in front of windows representing the 12 tribes of Israel during a “Meet Your Jewish Neighbor” program Sunday at Temple B’nai Israel in Aurora. Al Benson/The Voice
One A-Chord choir sings at Oswego’s Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist’s UMW 150 years of service observance Sunday, March 24. Sue Gilla of Aurora supplied organ and piano music. Guest preacher was Dottie Priddy of Channahon, former Aurora District UMW president. Al Benson/The Voice
The Islamic Foundation in Villa Park remembers and prays for the victims and families of the New Zealand Mosque shooting Sunday. The Islamic Foundation is at 300 W. Highridge in Villa Park. The theme was: Come join us in prayer and stand united with us against hate. We show solidarity
Spiritual and religious themes are relevant in the Spring, a time of planting seeds, growth, rebirth. They coincide. Firm roots, greenery developed from the brown, care, and nurturing, offer hope and positive thoughts. It is cyclical. Tending to religious matters is personal. Most serious religions offer a consistent strain of
First Lutheran Church of Plano preschool students reflect how disciples bask in a bright light. From left, Greyson, Gaige, Bo, Elizabeth, Maddie, and John. Submitted photo
Trinity Episcopal Church, 218 East Benton Street, Aurora, 2019 Concert Series will present Paul Kraus and a St. Patrick’s Celebration and Cabaret Gregory Gyllsdorff, accompanist. They will play Irish songs starting at 3 p.m. Sunday March 17. Suggested donation is $25, cash or check only. Money raised will help benefit
By Hesham Shehab – Recently-fired CNN contributor Marc Lamont Hill will be keynote speaker for a Chicago-based group the Israel government recently declared “terrorists in suits.” Hill, who was fired as a contributor for CNN following a speech at the United Nations where he used the anti-Israel eliminationist rhetoric “from the
Boy Scouts Austin Parmalee, from left, Ethan Tarver and Seth Tarver, Batavia residents, lead congregants during Scout Sunday, Feb. 24, at Flowing Forth United Methodist Church in Aurora. Al Benson/The Voice
By Peter Hancock – Supporters of legalizing recreational marijuana in Illinois will face stiff opposition this year from leaders of the State’s largest religious denomination. The six Catholic bishops in Illinois issued a joint statement Monday urging lawmakers to reject any attempt to legalize marijuana. “As lawmakers consider this issue,
The United Methodist Church of Plano is a partner with P.H. Miller Elementary School, principal Laurel Mateyka, instructional coach Brittany Pezold, family support workers Sherri Rachford and Maritza Herrera as the host site for the new “Plano Family Resource Center”. P.H. Miller is the only Preschool program in Kendall County
By Hesham Shehab – Islam is a religion, a culture, a personal faith, and a political system that produced a modern ideology. It is an ocean of information that has been sending its waves in the world for more than 1,400 years. After the end of the Cold War and the
On a cold, snow-filled January day, students in the pre-school class of the First Lutheran Church of Plano Sunday School warmed themselves by making little s’more decorations. They talked about how fire is one of the most powerful themes in the Bible and read about Jesus’ journey on Earth. The
By Hesham Shehab – On this Christmas season, Christian communities in the Middle East are suffering from persecution and displacement. This situation should be a concern for Western Christians more than the wholesale embracing of the globalized and commercial version of Christmas. The Christian communities in Iraq, in particular some
The 67th year of Lehnertz Avenue Christmas display receives a blessing of the crib Sunday in Aurora from Father Jerome Leake of St. Joseph’s Parish. The Nativity scene and lights and information on houses and property is a tradition in the community. A video of the event can be seen
Beth Carter of Aurora, third from left, lights the third of four Advent candles at Aurora’s Flowing Forth United Methodist Church Sunday, Dec. 16. From left are Aurorans Paul Eggert, Allison Carter, Beth Carter, and Tom Carter. Flowing Forth UMC, meets at Aurora Christian School, and invites a church family
First Lutheran Church of Plano Sunday School children in grades preschool through sixth grade celebrate Christmas at their recent annual holiday program. Students read a modern holiday poem and accompanied the program with traditional Christmas carols and new songs. First Lutheran Church of Plano has Sunday School classes for children
“Let us now go even unto Bethlehem” —Luke 2:15 Jesus of Nazareth was a First-Century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is the central leader of Christianity. His birth is celebrated annually December 25. The name Jesus is derived from the Latin Jesus and that from the Greek form of
By Jason Crane – Covenant Christian School in Aurora was honored at the Aurora City Council meeting Tuesday, for 40 years of service. The city of Aurora government was honored as one of 23 communities statewide to receive the Governor’s Hometown Award for it’s work to brighten up neighborhoods on
