In Sympathy: Gwen Janet Oliver
Mrs. Gwen Janet Oliver, spouse of Rev. Richard E. Oliver, retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Fri., Oct. 2, 2026.
Location: First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple Ave., Downers Grove, IL
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Cancelled
Please watch for announcements of a future event
Building an Inclusive Church
Raise 'Em Up. . . Hands, Hearts, and Voices for a Fully Inclusive Church!
- Saturday, Nov. 4, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Map to First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple Ave., Downers Grove, IL
- Registration fee: $10 (plus processing fee). Price includes lunch.
- Register here
Learn how to become a Reconciling Congregation that affirms LGBTQ+ people in our churches, engages in intersectional justice, and advocates for changing The United Methodist Church's discriminatory policies that harm LGBTQ+ people and their loved ones.
Rev. Dr. Izzy Alvaran, Reconciling Ministries Network regional organizer, will facilitate the session. Izzy is a self-avowed gay United Methodist elder from the Philippines who is appointed to his ministry with RMN. He has also served as a pastor, conference youth director, faculty in United Methodist educational institutions, labor union organizer, and economic justice organizer with the General Board of Church and Society. A former political refugee, he is passionate about human rights and believes that queer justice is inherently intersectional.
- Childcare is available for free by RESERVATION. Contact Bonnie Beckonchrist for information.
- Facilities are fully accessible.
This gathering is made possible through the generous contributions of FUMC Arlington Heights, FUMC Glenview, FUMC LaGrange, Euclid Avenue UMC, Friendship UMC, and Kingswood UMC.