Breaking News:

Teaching focused on Pentecost in the Jewish traditions...

A Beautiful Modern-day Pentecost Picture: Messiah for Muslims Second Spring 2021 Retreat

Messiah for Muslims Retreat Prayer
Roselle, Ill., May 26, 2021 — 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and theRead More

“He was faithful and went around telling his story about faith and God's work in his life.”

Ex-Geneva athlete goes to Tokyo Olympics

Kevin McDowell
GENEVA, Ill., July 23, 2021–A U.S.A. competitor in the Tokyo Olympic triathlon will be a familiar face to Fox Valley United Methodists. Kevin McDowell was in Geneva High School whenRead More

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled July 16 that the University of Iowa violated the First Amendment...

Court win for InterVarsity applauded by Southern Baptists

University of Iowa
by: Tom Strode ST. LOUIS, July 21, 2021 (BP) — Southern Baptist leaders commended the latest court victory for a student faith group that was removed from a state universityRead More

Greene will step into the combined role of president and CEO on Aug. 16.

World Relief announces Myal Greene as new head amid ‘the most significant crisis of our lives’

Myal Greene
by: Emily McFarlan Miller July 21, 2021 (RNS) — World Relief announced Tuesday (July 20) that longtime staff member Myal Greene will become the next president and CEO of theRead More

Clinics scheduled in four neighborhoods

VNA, City of Aurora Collaborate to Take Vaccines Directly to Neighborhoods

VNA Heath Care mobile
AURORA, lll., July 22, 2021 — Today, VNA Health Care announced a new collaboration with the City of Aurora to help bring COVID-19 vaccinations directly to those in need. ThisRead More

“Many Dreamers have lived under a cloud of uncertainty for most of their lives”

World Relief Laments Impact of Court Decision Regarding DACA, Urges Congress to Act

BALTIMORE, July 16, 2021 — Today, a federal judge in Texas issued a decision that puts the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in jeopardy. While JudgeRead More

Judson alumnus Mark Vargas, a business and political consultant who hosts a local conservative talk show on WIND-AM 560, interviewed Howard...

Actor Terrence Howard gets high marks at Judson University’s World Leaders Forum in Elgin

Terrence Howard
By Tom Siebert ELGIN, Ill., July 10, 2021 — Terrence Howard has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, having appeared in 52 movies and 25 television shows. ButRead More

Bishop Stewart Ruch III of the Anglican Church in North America’s Upper Midwest Diocese has taken a leave of absence after admitting he mishandled sexual abuse allegations.

Prominent Anglican bishop takes leave of absence amid ongoing accusations of mishandling abuse allegations

by: Kathryn Post July 9, 2021 (RNS) — A prominent Anglican bishop has announced a leave of absence after admitting he mishandled allegations of abuse. Bishop Stewart Ruch III ofRead More

Area residents are invited to drive through to receive groceries.

Aurora mobile food pantry Friday, July 9 (tomorrow)

AURORA, Ill., July 8, 2021 — A mobile food pantry will be held by Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry (AAIFP) from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 9, at theRead More

Interview on Tuesday

Interview with the head of Pregnancy Information Center on Thursday’s walk

PIC walk
AURORA, Ill., July 6, 2021 — Today, Angie Thomas, executive director, of Aurora’s Pregnancy Information Center (PIC) was interviewed on The John Ross Show (Facebook Live), 5 p.m., about theRead More

Mobile pantry coming this Wednesday!

Mobile Food Pantry on July 15 at Aurora church

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church
AURORA, Ill., July 6, 2021 — A “drive thru” mobile food pantry will be offered to the community on Thur., July 15, 5 – 6:30 p.m., at Our Lady ofRead More

[T]he Champaign-founded band was not only kicking off its latest U.S. tour...

REO Speedwagon and their joyful fans roll with the COVID changes at Aurora’s RiverEdge Park

REO Speedwagon in Aurora
By Tom Siebert AURORA, Ill., July 2, 2021 — After riding out the storm of COVID-19, more than 6,000 REO Speedwagon fans couldn’t fight the feeling of unabashed joy lastRead More

While the Evangelical Covenant Church has been working on its resolution for the past five years...

Evangelical Covenant Church joins list of Protestant denominations rebuking Doctrine of Discovery

Doctrine of Discovery
by: Emily McFarlan Miller June 29, 2021 (RNS) — The Evangelical Covenant Church became the latest Protestant denomination in the United States to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery, the theologicalRead More

Among Catholics overall, Biden — himself a Catholic — fought Trump to a stalemate

Study: Trump expanded evangelical support in 2020, but Biden gained with other white Christians

President Trump
by: Jack Jenkins WASHINGTON, July 2, 2021 (RNS) — A new survey reports former President Donald Trump expanded his robust support among white evangelicals in the 2020 election, but PresidentRead More

They say, seeing is believing...

Hesham Shehab: What is Faith?

Sermon text preached by Rev. Hesham Shehab Sunday, June 27 2021 St, John Lutheran Church, Chicago, Ill. Text: Mark 5 Introduction: Invocation: Grace to you  and peace from God our FatherRead More

In a complaint filed in Tennessee circuit court...

Ben Zobrist, World Series hero for the Cubs, sues former pastor for alleged affair with his wife

Ben Zobrist
by: Bob Smietana June 21, 2021 (RNS) — Ben Zobrist, who helped the Chicago Cubs break a century-old championship drought, has sued his former pastor for millions in damages. InRead More

Have you been caught at sea in a storm before?

Hesham Shehab: Only Jesus Can Take you to the Safe Shore

Sermon text preached by Rev. Hesham Shehab Sunday, June 20, 2021 Zion Lutheran Church, Hinsdale, Iii. Text: Luke 8:23 “On the way across he lay down for a nap, and whileRead More

Freedom changes everything.

There is Freedom: A Sermon for Juneteenth

Juneteenth celebrations
Today, June 19th, is Juneteenth, a holiday our church has incorporated into our Sunday worship for the past few years. This is a lightly edited version of my sermon fromRead More

J&J Vaccination at Aurora Juneteenth

Community COVID Vaccination Clinic at Aurora Juneteenth Freedom & Heritage Celebration Saturday

Vaccine stickers
Aurora, Ill., June 16, 2021 – The Kane County Health Department (KCHD) will host a COVID-19 vaccination clinic this Saturday, June 19 from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at DrRead More

....but just say no to his fellow Black Sox teammate ‘Shoeless’ Joe Jackson

Black Sox Scandal: Local community leaders ‘reinstate’ Buck Weaver to baseball… 

Black Sox Scandal players
By Tom Siebert Aurora, Ill., June 13, 2021 — “Say it ain’t so, Joe.” Those famous words from a disappointed young fan more than a hundred years ago echoed hauntinglyRead More

The June retreat focused on the benefits of Christian retreats...

Salam’s Retreats; Spiritual Growth and Lasting Memories

June retreat
Kingston, Ill., June 14, 2021 — After the COVID-19 epidemic receded, the leaders at Salam Christian Fellowship decided to hold a monthly retreat through the months of spring, summer, andRead More

Daily updates at COVID-19 Tracker

Daily COVID-19 Numbers: 9 additional deaths, only 165 new cases in Illinois and just 1 in Kane

COVID-19 Tracker
Learn more about the number of cases and deaths in the State of Illinois, Kane County, and the City of Aurora at the… COVID-19 Tracker at  https://xpian.news

And Jesus says the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed.

Hesham Shehab: Because of Jesus, A Mustard Seed of Faith Could Change the World

Sermon text preached by Rev. Hesham Shehab Sunday, June 13, 2021 Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church Text: Matthew 13:31-32 Because of Jesus, A Mustard Seed of Faith Could Change the WorldRead More

Eleven area women assembled and raised a wall during the morning effort.

Area women to pound nails in fifth annual Fox Valley Habitat Women’s Build in Batavia

Women's Build
MONTGOMERY, Ill., June 10, 2021 — The first day of Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity’s fifth annual, two-day Women’s Build got underway Thursday, June 10, at 1600 W. Wilson St.Read More

Finally bridge opens... after many months!

Aurora opens pedestrian-bike bridge over Fox River

Fox River pedestrian-bike bridge
AURORA, Ill., June 11, 2021 — Aurora held a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, June 11, for RiverEdge Park Pedestrian Bridge in downtown Aurora. Just north of downtown, theRead More

Mobile pantry coming this Wednesday!

Mobile Food Pantry on June 9 at Aurora church

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church
AURORA, Ill., June 7, 2021 — A “drive thru” mobile food pantry will be offered to the community on Wed., June 9, 5 – 6:30 p.m., at Our Lady ofRead More

Second Sunday in June is Children's Day... June 13, 2021

Open letter to church leaders: Support Children’s Day on June 13

Children's Day
Monday, June 7, 2021 Dear Pastor/Priest…     I would like to urge you and your congregation to support Children’s Day on Sunday, June 13, 2021. You can visit www.nationalchildrensday.us, for moreRead More

I am Napoleon!

Hesham Shehab: Jesus, Lunatic or Lord!

Sermon text preached by Rev. Hesham Shehab Sunday, June 6, 2021 Burbank, Ill.  Jesus, Lunatic or Lord! Grace to You and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Read More

Banks recognized for significant contributions to Wheaton College, the church, the Christian publishing world, and communities of color

Wheaton College Names Welcome Center after Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.

Dr. Melvin Banks Sr.
Wheaton, Ill., June 4, 2021 — At its May meeting the Wheaton College Board of Trustees approved naming the College’s Welcome Center for the late Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.Read More

Is the churches uses of medical missions limited to overseas?

Churches and faith-based groups vaccinating can be a medical mission

Batavia, Ill., June 3, 2021 — So the Chicago White Sox were offering incentives to promote COVID-19 vaccinations. What can the church do to promote vaccinations to their congregants andRead More

Benefits Kiwanis and American Cancer Society

Online Kiwanis Fundraiser Auction, this Friday – June 13, Features Longaberger Baskets

Longaberger Basket
Aurora, Ill., June 2, 2021 — The Aurora and Fox Valley community are asked to bid on Longaberger baskets filled with items by the Kiwanis Club of Aurora from JuneRead More

Aurora Faith News

Food distribution by pantry

Aurora food pantry to give soldiers, veterans Memorial Day food distribution (Friday, May 28)

AURORA, Ill., May 21, 2021 — Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry will offer a weekendRead More

Read All

Books

Coffee and Beans

The beloved church coffee hour may soon return as COVID-19 fades

by: Bob Smietana April 29, 2021 (RNS) — The first time coffee showed up inRead More

Read All

Catholic

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church

Mobile Food Pantry on April 14 at Aurora church

AURORA, Ill., April 9, 2021 — A “drive thru” mobile food pantry will be offeredRead More

Read All

Metro Chicago Faith News

Hesham Shehab: Staying God’s Word, Keeps Us in God’s Holy Name

Sermon text preached by Rev. Hesham Shehab Sunday, May 16, 2021 Burbank, Ill.  (Sermon on JohnRead More

Read All

Education

Lucia Suarez studies with Mary Ann Wagner

Aurora Dominican Literacy Center to graduate 28 women learners

AURORA, Ill., May 5, 2021 — Graduation week is May 24-28 at Dominican Literacy Center,Read More

Read All

Episcopal

Mark Galli

Mark Galli, former Christianity Today editor and Trump critic, to be confirmed a Catholic

by: Yonat Shimron CHICAGO, Sept. 10, 2020 (RNS) — On Sunday (Sept. 13), Mark GalliRead More

Read All

Featured Posts

Hesham Shehab: Forsaken

Sermon text preached by Rev. Hesham Shehab Friday, April 2, 2021 Hinsdale, Ill.  Grace andRead More

Read All

Film

Film The Case for Christ

Sony Pictures to acquire evangelical Christian streaming service Pure Flix

by: Emily McFarlan Miller Nov 13, 2020 (RNS) — Sony Pictures announced Thursday (Nov. 12)Read More

Read All

Health

Vaccine stickers

Meet the Friendly Neighbor Epidemiologist encouraging her fellow Christians to get vaccinated

by: Emily McFarlan Miller May 19, 2021 (RNS) — Emily Smith didn’t realize there wasRead More

Read All

Immigration

Biden Immigration

Biden raises refugee ceiling, and faith-based groups brace for rebuilding work

by: Emily McFarlan Miller WASHINGTON, May 3, 2021 (RNS) — Faith-based refugee resettlement groups areRead More

Read All

International

Somber, deeply Anglican funeral honors Prince Philip for his service and devotion

by: Paul O’Donnell April 17, 2021 (RNS) — In a funeral service that offered asRead More

Read All

Editor's Links of Interest

The Roman Road from Insurrection – Russell Moore

This week we watched an insurrection of domestic terrorists, incited and fomented by the PresidentRead More

Read All

National

Wheaton College (IL)

Wheaton College rewords plaque calling Indigenous people in mission field ‘savage’

by: Emily McFarlan Miller CHICAGO, May 24, 2021 (RNS) — Wheaton College is rewording aRead More

Read All

RNS Opinion

Storming of U.S. Capitol

Jim Wallis: Reconciliation needs truth

by: Paul O’Donnell (Jim Wallis) Jan. 29, 2021 (RNS) — “You will know the truthRead More

Read All

Sports

Baseball gloves

Aurora youth hone baseball skills at free training camp

AURORA, Ill., May 3, 2021 — Play ball! That was the theme of 11th annualRead More

Read All