journey of hope elgin il

Conference Wide Worship

Livestreamed and in person at Journey of Hope UMC 37W040 Highland Ave, Elgin, IL

Sunday, november 13, 2022 at 4:00 pm.

A light reception will be served immediately after the worship service.

Watch the Recording

Download the Service Booklet

Event will be livestreamed on the Journey of Hope Page here , on the Conference YouTube Page here , and on the Conference Facebok Page here .

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few." Matthew 9:37

Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mai-Anh Le Tran

Including choirs from Journey of Hope UMC in Elgin, Korean UMC in Flossmoor and St. Mark UMC (St. Mark Gospirational Choir) in Chicago

Sponsored by the NIC Discipleship Task Force

Rev. Dr. Mai-Anh Le Tran

Rev. Dr. Mai-Anh Le Tran of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Religious Education and Practical Theology.

Vocationally, she sees herself as a scholar for academia and the church; a teacher who aspires to be “leading learner”; an academic who understands that her embodied self is a palimpsest of multiple and contradictory worlds; a person of faith whose Christian commitments are buttressed by lessons from ecumenism, religious pluralism, and intercultural realities. She understands teaching as leadership, guided by an ethic of care, respect, and curiosity for self, others, and the world. She considers learning a risk-taking (and inevitably painful) adventure in which we pursue knowledge (information), ground self in foundations of integrity (formation), and commit to live and act in ways that ensures essential well-being for all and for this planet (transformation).

Learn more about Rev. Dr. Mai-anh Le Tran here .

News & Announcements

Office space, website determined for new episcopal area.

The new Northern Illinois–Wisconsin Episcopal Area will have offices in the Wespath building in Glenview, Ill., and a dedicated website. The Shared-Bishop Task Forces o…

NIC Director of Congregational Development Opportunity

The Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church seeks a full-time director of congregational development. The person in this role will be responsible for d…

Prayer for Those Affected by Rockford Violence

Bishop Dan Schwerin asks for prayer for all those affected by the violence that took place in Rockford, Ill., on March 27.

Sympathy Notice: Gilles M. Verboom

Mr. Gilles M Verboom, spouse of retired member Rev. Ronni Verboom of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on March 29, 2024.

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

The merger of two Elgin congregations is now final. Epworth United Methodist Church and Wesley United Methodist Church have joined together to form Journey of Hope.

The merger was effective May 31 as the congregations worshipped together online through the Facebook platform ( www.facebook.com/johumcelgin/live ).

This merger brings together two long-established United Methodist Churches; Epworth began in 1895 and Wesley in 1892. So much history is blended together within this new church start as we look to join together within this community to share God’s love and grace.

Both churches have outstanding music departments. Many worship services will feature both traditional as well as contemporary pieces.

There will be a choir, handbells, string ensembles, soloists, as well as beautiful organ music and exquisite piano pieces. Music has been a staple within both congregations and will continue in the future.

Journey of Hope also combines efforts within the local community as we serve at PADS, Soup Kettle, Food for Greater Elgin, Crisis Center, K-Motion, as well as other missional opportunities.

The people at Journey of Hope have a heart for mission that extends far beyond the local community. The church also supports the Spirit Lake reservation in North Dakota with annual trips and Christmas boxes for many on the reservation.

“God has blessed us with such a rich history here in this community and now we join together to continue the ministry within Elgin and beyond,” said Pastor Jarrod Severing.

“Our staff and congregation are so excited about this next phase of our life together. I know that we are in the midst of COVID-19, but it has been amazing to see how God has been able to work through this entire situation, bringing us to just this point. We are ready to take our first step in our Journey of Hope.”

Their mission is to live out their faith as they encourage others to become disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Journey of Hope is a welcoming community that fosters belonging and acceptance.

Through ministries, they enable individuals to transform their lives as they learn to follow Jesus Christ. They follow the guidance of the Spirit in sharing faith through missional adventures, building relationships, and offering witness to the community and world.

Worship is at 9:15 a.m. Sunday and 6:30 p.m. Sunday on Facebook Live. Thursday morning prayer is at 7 a.m. For more information about Journey of Hope, visit www.johumc.org or www.facebook.com/johumcelgin/ .

• Gift Certificates

Journey of Hope United Methodist Church

• Journey of Hope
• There were no results found.
• Google Calendar
• Outlook 365
• Outlook Live
• Export .ics file
• Export Outlook .ics file

View the Online Visitors Guide

Sign Up for the Newsletter

journey of hope

Our Mission of Hope

Meeting basic needs first.

Journey of Hope is a maternity home for women in crisis situations.  We build community with sisters and brothers in Christ enabling women to live into their God-given purpose and to obtain for themselves:

a stable home,

a healthy lifestyle,

a higher education,

and a spiritual life closer to God.

Expectant mothers that are experiencing homelessness have long stemming trauma that can only be addressed once their basic needs are first met.

From the onset, Journey of Hope intends to meet women where they are and provide them with shelter, clothing, and food.

PROGRAMMING

Obtaining State Sponsored Medical Coverage 

Life Skills

Career Development

Balancing Checkbook

Creating Budget

CPR Training

Infant/Child First Aid

Birthing Classes

Adoption Counseling

Child Development Classes

Spiritual Development

Daily Devotions

Group Bible Study

Weekly Worship Attendance

Contact Journey of Hope

Thanks for contacting us!

• Account Profile
• Newsletters

• Today’s Stories
• Entertainment
• Classifieds

Two Elgin churches merge to form Journey of Hope

The merger of two Elgin congregations is now final. Epworth United Methodist Church and Wesley United Methodist Church have joined together to form Journey of Hope.

The merger was effective May 31 as the congregations worshipped together online through the Facebook platform ( www.facebook.com/johumcelgin/live ).

This merger brings together two long-established United Methodist Churches, Epworth began in 1895 and Wesley in 1892. So much history is blended together within this new church start as we look to join together within this community to share God's love and grace.

A few things that stand out in Journey of Hope; both have an outstanding music department. Many worship services will feature both traditional as well as contemporary pieces.

There will be a choir, handbells, string ensembles, soloists, as well as beautiful organ music and exquisite piano pieces. Music has been a staple within both congregations and will continue in the future.

Journey of Hope also combines efforts within the local community as we serve at PADS, Soup Kettle, Food for Greater Elgin, Crisis Center, K-Motion, as well as other missional opportunities.

The people at Journey of Hope have a heart for mission that extends far beyond the local community. The church also supports the Spirit Lake reservation in North Dakota with annual trips and Christmas boxes for many on the reservation.

Pastor Jarrod Severing said, "God has blessed us with such a rich history here in this community and now we join together to continue the ministry within Elgin and beyond. Our staff and congregation are so excited about this next phase of our life together. I know that we are in the midst of COVID-19, but it has been amazing to see how God has been able to work through this entire situation, bringing us to just this point. We are ready to take our first step in our Journey of Hope!"

Their mission is to live out their faith as they encourage others to become disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Journey of Hope is a welcoming community that fosters belonging and acceptance.

Through ministries, they enable individuals to transform their lives as they learn to follow Jesus Christ. They follow the guidance of the Spirit in sharing faith through missional adventures, building relationships, and offering witness to the community and world.

Worship is at 9:15 a.m. Sunday and 6:30 p.m. Sunday on Facebook Live. Thursday morning prayer is at 7 a.m.

For more information about Journey of Hope, visit www.johumc.org or www.facebook.com/johumcelgin/ .

• Daily Herald Events
• Daily Herald Media Group News
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• Advertising/Marketing
• Jobs at Paddock Publications
• Share Article or Event
• About our Ads
• Place a Classified Ad
• Business Directory
• Email Newsletters

Our mission is to renew hope, foster healing, and develop resilience in the hearts of children and their families grieving the death of a loved one.

Finding Hope in the Journey

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free peer grief support groups to children, adolescents, and their parents or adult caregivers who have experienced a death.

What brings you here today?

How we can help you.

• Peer Grief Support for Families
• Community Bereavement Support Services
• Training and Continuing Education

How You Can Help Us

• Volunteer your time
• Make a monetary donation
• Become a Journey Supporter

Get to Know Us

Journey participants share their experience with Journey’s programs and how our programs helped them navigate their grief journeys, parent grieving children as a grieving parent, and memorable moments in their support groups.

Discover our Story

In late 1996, searching for a way to help children deal with death, Hila Pepmiller and Judy Sims, school counselors in the Plano Independent School District (Plano ISD), attended a presentation by the WARM Place in Fort Worth. What they saw convinced them that a facility was needed to serve families in the Dallas and Collin county area.

Let Us Be Part of Your Grief Journey

Journey of Hope helps you connect with others who have had a similar experience. Our program is open-ended, so we are here to help whenever you need. We expand our reach by training professionals who work with children about grief so they can better serve children in their care.

Peer Grief Support Groups

We provide no cost peer grief support groups to children ages 4-18 and their adult caregivers and young adults between the ages of 18-25 who have experienced a death, have a loved one with an advanced serious illness, or are anticipating a death.

Community Bereavement Support

We provide immediate and long-term bereavement support for children, teens and adults within community groups who have experienced a death.

Professional Training

We offer professional development and training workshops to educate individuals who work with children who may be grieving.

Journey Family Stories

Before Journey of Hope, I thought I was the only widow in the world under the age of 35...

At Journey of Hope, I learned I was not alone. Words cannot express what a welcomed support they were for me and especially for my kids. They were 10, 4, and 1 when their dad died. Some days I struggled just to get through the day. But I always had Tuesday nights at Journey of Hope to look forward to.”

Our world turned upside down on Sunday when Mike unexpectedly died in his sleep. After 18 years, I was suddenly without him...

“Journey of Hope was there for our family right away. I have found an incomparable level of support with these new friends and it has been cathartic and rewarding to be able to share about my grief journey as new people joined our group throughout the year.”

Start Your Journey with us Today

Whether you are a participant in our program, a volunteer, or a donor, you are an invaluable member of the Journey family. 

2024 Swing Fore Hope Golf Tournament Sponsors

Gold sponsors.

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Lunch Sponsor

Hole Sponsors

Elgin Courier-News | Elgin played a big role in the ‘Growing Hope’…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

• Elgin Courier-News Opinion
• Elgin Courier-News Sports
• All Suburbs

Elgin Courier-News

Elgin courier-news | elgin played a big role in the ‘growing hope’ movement — and a holocaust documentary film of the same name.

When the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago brought in the Violins of Hope, an exhibit of restored violins owned and played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust, no one seemed to fully appreciate its significance, the center’s president and CEO said.

Or at least not until it came to the Gail Borden Public Library in Elgin last year.

“I think the flood gates really opened when Elgin came onboard,” Addie Goodman said. “I think people saw how the city of Elgin, the library, the municipality and the orchestra came together.”

The local exhibit included history programs, musical performances, discussions, a play presentation and other events that involved several sectors of the Elgin community, including local schools, Congregation Kneseth Israel and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, which used some of the violins in a concert.

“There’s a large segment of Elgin in the film,” Goodman said.

As other communities began coming together as a result of the exhibit, the Jewish Community Centers — known as the JCC — decided to create the Growing Hope movement, which was chronicled in a documentary of the same name set to premiere at 5 p.m. Sunday at the Chicago History Museum.

Directed by Kamp Kennedy, “Growing Hope” features the display when it was in Elgin and includes an interview with Elgin Mayor Dave Kaptain. It’s narrated by actor David Eigenberg, known for his roles as Lt. Christopher Herrmann on NBC’s “Chicago Fire” and as Steve Brady on HBO’s “Sex and the City” and “And Just Like That…”.

Eigenbert, a Naperville native, became part of the JCC when he enrolled one of his children in the nonprofit organization’s summer camp. The approached him about doing the narration, Goodman said.

“He has a very personal interest in this kind of education and platform,” she said, noting that members of his family died in the Holocaust. “We’ve been thrilled by how many people have raised their hands to be part of this work.”

Violins of Hope became a traveling exhibit in 2006, originating in Israel, Goodman said. JCC worked with the Elgin library on the six-month local exhibition last spring, which included a program with Violins of Hope co-founder Avshi Weinstein.

“We started filming the documentary to capture the story of Violins of Hope as we embarked on the exhibit,” said Goodman, who noted that JCC time with the exhibit was the largest and most expansive that the Violins of Hope project has had since it was launched.

As filming progressed, “we realized the story was much bigger than the Violins of Hope project,” she said.

“Our organization took a project that’s been around and translated it into a movement,” she said. “The core messages are tolerance, understanding, acceptance and kindness.”

The documentary is about how the Violins of Hope became a mechanism for telling the personal stories of the Holocaust and launching a new movement focused on making the world a better, more hopeful place, Goodman said.

It also addresses the October 2023 Hamas terrorist attack in Israeli citizens, sparking a war and strong feelings among Israeli and Palestinian supporters. A spike in antisemitism has been reported in the U.S. and around the world since the attack occurred and war began.

There’s a lot of misinformation about the Holocaust and antisemitism on social media, Goodman said.

Violins of Hope provides a different way to experience the stories about the Holocaust, Goodman said.

“Every violin is connected to a person, connected to a story,” she said. The stories are about real people who had regular lives before being sent to concentration camps, she said.

Growing Hope not only hopes to provide education but also be an “incubator for kindness,” Goodman said. “Our hope is that what we are doing here with our partners will permeate through Middle America and, over time, make a difference in the world,” she said.

JCC is working on finding a way to distribute the documentary and enter it into film festivals, Goodman said. The Violins of Hope exhibit through JCC reached 200,000 people while it was in the area, and she said she believes “the film can have an even broader reach.”

Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.

More in Elgin Courier-News

Elgin Courier-News | Bartlett High School principal plan to fight his removal from job at April 22 hearing

Daily Southtown Sports | Baseball and local scores for the Southland, Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and Lake County

Elgin Courier-News | Bartlett man convicted of stabbing his mother to death in 2019

Elgin Courier-News | Elgin News Digest: Larson to leave post as EYSO’s executive director in June; Sip & Shop Spring Fling Market being held Sunday in East Dundee; Gail Borden Public Library awarded Latino poetry grant

Trending nationally.

• Florida COVID death toll nears 2,300 in 2024; experts urge updated vaccines
• The most infamous serial killers all seem to have something in common — they’re from the Midwest
• Trump is about to go on trial in New York. Here’s what to expect
• World’s oldest conjoined twins, who lived in Reading, Pa., have died
• Is California still the world’s 5th largest economy?