United Methodists in Washington IL are forming a new congregation.
Following the vote by Crossroads United Methodist Church on Jan. 22, to disaffiliate from the denomination, about 85 people met to begin the process of continuing their discipleship and ministry as a part of The United Methodist Church.
With the help of several dozen leaders, this group held a standing-room- only informational meeting and discerned a call to launch a new United Methodist congregation in their community. Just one week later, they gathered more than 100 people together for worship and prayer in the pole barn of one of their participants. They are continuing to meet this week in a larger barn and are making preparations for a more regular worship location.
Curtis Brown, IGRC Director of Connectional Ministries, and Sam Rodriguez, IGRC Director of Congregational Development, have been organizing and coaching the leaders of this emerging congregation as a new church plant. Rev. Brown said, “There is an amazing spirit among this group. They are, of course, angry and sad that their church home decided to leave the denomination. However, I’ve been impressed with the way that they have put their trust in God to help them find healing and a new of following Jesus as a new congregation. Even more, many are reporting spiritual renewal and revival as they work on extending Christ’s love through a new United Methodist Church. It’s been a real blessing to walk with them, and I believe that they are a great blessing to their community!”
The Washington United Methodist Fellowship has already been recognized by Bishop Frank Beard as a new church plant of the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. As they continue to organize and prepare to launch worship, they will continue to receive support through their District Superintendent, IGRC Congregational Development, and directly from other churches. All of our IGRC churches are invited to pray for this new ministry during their Sunday worship services. Financial support can be given through local church offerings marked with IGRC Advance Special # 6701 or through the online giving portal below:
Donate to Washington United Methodist Faith Community
