New neighbors in Northern Illinois who came from other lands are experiencing God’s love through God’s people, thanks to the 14 churches and organizations that received conference Immigrants and Refugees Ministry grants.

“God has called us for such a time as this,” said Rev. Ayla Samson, who led prayer and a reflection at the beginning of a celebration of the ministries, held on Nov. 9 at Our Saviour’s United Methodist Church in Schaumburg.

“God has brought us this far and will continue to provide for the ministry. Our desire has not changed,” she said.

Churches and organizations that received the grants, which were funded by the 2023 Bishop’s

Appeal, offered a breadth of ministries that would address almost all aspects of a migrant family’s experience. Food, season-appropriate clothing, legal assistance, English-Language Learners classes, and more helped migrants adjust to a very new place. The ministry of hospitality, which the Bible repeatedly emphasizes, came through the relationships built and the needs addressed by these projects.

Following are the churches and organizations that received grants.

Chicago Lawn United Methodist Church, “Communities United for a Better Future”

The church reaches out to its lower-income neighbors, many of whom are primarily Spanish-speaking. With the grant, the church obtained for their neighbors their preferred groceries, public-transportation passes, requested personal-hygiene products, and help with transferring their immigration case venues to Chicago. The church also invited their new neighbors to cook their preferred hot meals in the church’s kitchen.

Granville United Methodist Church, Chicago, “Migrant Response Team”

The team partnered with a church that also meets in their building, Newstory Faith Community Initiative, the city alderman’s office, and community organizations to remodel space in the church into a one-bedroom apartment to house migrants in the process of moving into the city. The church hosts the family and provides financial and logistical assistance for tasks like seeing a doctor, shopping for groceries, and more. Area organizations have helped with the financial costs of the ministry.

First United Methodist Church Nueva Vida, Aurora, “Helping Refugee Families”

About 80 percent of the church’s worshipers are Hispanic. The grant helped them continue their ministries of gathering clothing, groceries, household needs, shelter, transportation, clinic fees, and more for refugees in the area. Each family served is visited by a church member once a week, to see how the family is adjusting and learn if they have additional questions or needs. As they develop relationships with their new neighbors, they share God’s love in actions and in words.

Humboldt Park United Methodist Church, Chicago, “A Haven of Hope”

Humbold Park has long served its Spanish-speaking neighbors who recently arrived from Latin America. The grant has helped them serve some of their newest neighbors, who have come from Venezuela. Among their ministries: Mujeres a Mujeres [women to women] Counseling; assistance for women targeted by domestic violence; Talleras/Charlas [workshops and talks]  for Latinas Chicago; providing clinic space for NI Justice For Our Neighbors; affordable housing; and providing space for Logan Square Mutual Aid Group.

First United Methodist Church of Oak Lawn, “Migrants Assistance”

The town is home to a diverse community of migrants. Since Ukraine has been defending from Russian attacks, many refugees have come to Oak Lawn.  The church has helped them by providing funds, food, clothing, and other needs. The church has a Blessing Box for food and is known for its generosity.

Care for Real, “Feeding Migrant Families with Dignity”

Overseen by a Northern Illinois deacon, Rev. Gregory Gross, Care for Real partners with local businesses, faith communities, schools, elected officials, grocery partners, community groups, and neighbors to collect high-need items, volunteer their time, and donate their resources to address the increased need for food assistance, clothing, referrals, and support in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. The grant has assisted the organization’s translation services for its neighbors. At CfR’s food distributions, one can hear dozens of languages spoken by clients. Its translation services support its client-choice model and ensure that each client receives what they want and need.

La Gracia de Dios United Methodist Church, Blue Island, “Acts of Love”

Six people are leading this ministry in this small church with an enormous capacity for compassion. They are using the grant to help immigrants receive legal assistance for their immigration status filings.

Hinsdale United Methodist Church, “Migrant Family HOME Project”

Because the need for housing for asylum-seeking immigrants challenged the capabilities of local communities, Hinsdale used their grant to pay for the housing costs of an asylum-seeking Venezuelan family as well as helping them obtain necessary household items. Also, church members would visit them regularly and help them negotiate processes like using public transportation and more.

First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge: “Retail Shop and Meals Ministry”

The church welcomes migrant neighbors to its resale shop and clothing ministry. It provides the neighbors with a dignified opportunity to obtain needed clothing and other items. The grant money is paying for items that are rarely donated but are greatly needed by families, as well as to support the meals ministry.

South Shore United Methodist Church, Chicago, “South Shore Cares”

The church has a long history of serving its neighbors. It holds a Community Market (food pantry) every Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. The grant is helping to stock the market for a growing number of shoppers.

South Shore United Methodist Church and K&G Global Initiative

South Shore partnered with K&G Global Initiative, which helps bridge the gap in education, food and nutrition, health care, technology, and business. They help people start businesses, build leadership in children and adults, improve education, and learn how to promote healthy lifestyles, which are all needed to strengthen your communities.

New Hope UMC, West Chicago, “Latino Legal Help”

Almost half of West Chicago’s residents are Latino or Hispanic. The church will provide space in their building from which immigrant neighbors can receive legal assistance, advocacy, English-language learning, and their rights as workers.

Trinity United Methodist Church, Mount Prospect, “Mi Casa a Su Casa”

The ministry (“my house to your house”) provides furniture and household items to families in need in the surrounding community. Many are migrants, refugees, or recently homeless people who cannot afford to furnish living spaces with necessities. Trinity partners with local school districts and village services departments to identify individuals or families who would benefit from this assistance. Church members are involved in all aspects of the program and build relationships with the clients.

Kids Above All, “Parental Stability Through Parent Empowerment”

Throughout its 130-year history, this Methodist-related organization has assisted immigrant children and families. The grant helps migrant clients enrolled in KAA’s early-childhood programs, which provide parental and place-based stability. Over the past year, the Parent Empowerment Program has included 41 immigrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking families.

Generous giving to the Bishop’s Appeal, made at annual conference sessions, helps United Methodists share God’s love and transform lives.