Order of Elders Share Experiences and Encouragement
About 100 elders gathered at Barrington United Methodist Church on March 25 for their annual order meeting.
Posted: February 4 2025 at 07:41 PM
Author: Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer
Emotional testimonies from members of Lincoln and Adalberto United Methodist churches in Chicago—many of whom have witnessed aggressive immigration raids—brought to life reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids over the past several days.
Lincoln and Adalberto UMC members explain their concerns about increased ICE activity to Rev. Emma Lozano (second from right) and Bishop Dan Schwerin (right). Photo by Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer
Bishop Dan Schwerin, Rev. Dr. Audrea Nanabray (superintendent of the Lake South District), and Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer (director of connectional ministries) listened to these stories when they visited the congregations on Feb. 2. They came to hear from those who know people targeted by ICE, to offer prayers, and to stand in solidarity with them.
On Jan. 26, ICE announced that it would, along with federal partners, begin conducting enhanced targeted operations immediately in Chicago.
Among the witnesses were the abuelitas (grandmothers) who spoke of seeing ICE agents take away their neighbors and loved ones. Pastor Emma Lozano from Lincoln UMC said, “Our love for each other is going to conquer this. We got us.”
Rev. Lozano pastors the Lincoln congregation. Adalberto meets in the Lincoln building.
Congregants said they worried about threats to the church’s security. Some reported a recent breach during which unknown individuals photographed and videoed the church premises, including the parsonage and even the pastor’s vehicle. They expressed suspicion that these images were shared with hate groups online, raising fears of further intimidation.
“The righteous are always persecuted but God protects us. We know that we are the people of God by our love,” said Pastor Tanya Lozano, leader of the Adalberto church.
Bishop Schwerin offered words of encouragement and led a prayer for strength, justice, and resilience.
“This is sacred life and we need to take care of each other. Our greatest defender is Jesus,” the bishop said.
The Lincoln and Adalberto churches continue to serve as beacons of hope, offering support and sanctuary to those facing the ongoing threat of arrest and possible deportation. The congregations remain steadfast in their mission to protect and uplift one another in these challenging times.
