News in 2023

Anita L. Alcantara

may 30, 1942 —
july 2, 2023

Anita L. Alcantara, 81, of Rogers Park formerly of Chicago's Uptown neighborhood unexpectedly at rest July 2nd, 2023. Loving sister of the late Eleanor T. (2003). Beloved daughter of the late Frank and Eleanore. Dear cousin and friend to many.

She was a graduate of Senn High School and Northeastern Illinois University. She was a longtime volunteer of Insight Arts in Rogers Park and was a former employee of Girl Scouts of America and Director of Admin. Services & Community Relations at United Church of Rogers Park at 1545 W. Morse, Chicago, IL 60626 where her memorial service will be held August 19, 2023 at 11:00AM.

Anita touched many lives.  She will be greatly missed.

Memorial donations can be made to United Church of Rogers Park.

2023-07-10

Uplift Update - March 20, 2023

March, 2023

Dear Friends of UCRP,

Greetings from United Church of Rogers Park! March 14 th marks the second anniversary of our Uplift Accessibility Project campaign and we want to update you regarding our progress.

As people of faith, we talk about living in the “already but not yet.” We believe God’s realm is manifest among us, and yet God’s promises are not fully realized. The dynamic nature of God’s realm speaks to our Uplift Accessibility Project.

We already worship in an accessible sanctuary; we have not yet celebrated the completion of Phase One.

We already walk through our new at-grade entrance; we have not yet installed the automatic opener for the exterior door.

We already have new lights for our new ramp; we have not yet installed new exit lights to bring the building up to code.

We already use our new lift; we have not yet been able to reopen our main entrance doors.

We already received over $246,404 in funding for this project; we have not yet had everyone fulfill their three-year pledges.

We have already spent $218,176 for Phase One; we have not yet raised the additional $241,500 for the increased costs of Phase Two.

The “already and not yet” nature of God’s realm means that we must actively take part in what God is doing in the world. During this time of waiting, we continue to apply for grants and look for ways to fund Phase Two of the Uplift Accessibility Project that will include replacing the steps to our main entrance. Many of you have already given. Thank you! If you are able to give toward Phase Two, we need
your support.

We look forward to a formal dedication of the new lift in the coming months and we hope you will join us. As we clarify the details and cost for Phase Two, we ask that you continue to keep us and all of the ministries that happen in our building in your prayers.

Thank you to all who have given to help us live into the “already and not yet” of God’s promises.

In Ministry Together,

The United Church of Rogers Park

2023-03-20

United Voices for Children is a coalition of groups and individuals within the Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church founded in 1979 and dedicated to speaking and act on behalf of children, youth and their families who lack the voice of an advocate as well as to nurture and support ministries of the Conference serving these children and youth.  It is to support and advocate on behalf of children and their families, and to help generate ideas for new ministries and ways that local congregations can collaborate with the agencies.

“It’s surprising how many people do not know about UVC,” wrote Deaconess Catherine Inserra, Manager of Faith and Community Relations, “how it came to be, and the impact it continues to make for the children and youth served by MYSI, Kids Above All, and Rosecrance, the three child-serving agencies founded by Methodists. If you missed last year’s virtual event, Raising Our Voices through Resources - A Bridge for the Gap, visit the Events page of the UVC Website unitedvoicesforchildren.org”

UCRP member Robert Biekman [back row. 1st from left], and former UCRP Deacon Wes Dorr [front row middle] and Minister of Music Mark Bowman [back row, 1st from right] were United Voices for Children leaders at the 2019 “Skin in the Game” event on Anti-Racist.

For info, contact UVC president Rev. Tim Biel, Jr. at revbiel@gmail.com

2023-02-15