Mission

The Rainbow Covenant

Rainbow CovenantOne of the benefits of being United Methodist is the way we work together to be in mission all around the world.

The first, foundation level of mission outreach is through the “apportionment” giving that is a part of our regular church budget. Through apportionments, a portion of our offerings are used throughout the year to minister through the World Service and Conference Benevolence Funds. The World Service Fund enables our church’s world-wide mission outreach. All United Methodist churches share together in contributing to the World Service Fund. The Conference Benevolence Fund directs a portion of our offerings to mission and ministries within our Northern Illinois Conference, from the inner city neighborhoods of Chicago to the rural areas of western Illinois. All the United Methodist Churches in our Conference in our Conference share financially in our Conference Benevolences.

The second, “extra” level of mission giving is through the “Rainbow Covenant.” The Rainbow Covenant allows us as a congregation to select specific ministries and mission projects for our congregation’s support. There are nine color “bands” of the Rainbow Covenant. To be a Rainbow Covenant church, a congregation first needs to pay its apportionments in full, and then give at least $25 to a mission in each of the color “bands” of the Rainbow.

The various colors each support an area of mission. They are:

  • Burgundy— International
  • Red—U.S.A
  • Orange—United Methodist Committee of Relief
  • Yellow—Children and Youth
  • Green—Northern Illinois Conference
  • Blue— District
  • Indigo—Missionary Support
  • Purple—Local Benevolences and Special Sundays
  • White—Sister Church Relationships.

In Solidarity

An Anti-Racism Workshop for Faith Communities

Friday, Sept. 22 and Saturday, Sept. 23
Presented by Rev. Joan Crawford

  • Have you wondered why there is so much misunderstanding between Black & White folks? Is racism really the issue or is it a matter of economics?
  • Do you know the meaning of critical race theory? Why is there so much controversy about it?
  • Do you ask yourself, why am I responsible for addressing racism when members of my family were not enslavers? What can I or my church do to promote racial justice?

The “In Solidarity” – Anti-Racism Workshop addresses these questions & more.

Participants will learn how to avoid making false assumptions and unintentional microaggressions toward Black folks. They will learn how African Americans have relied on their spiritual strength and their creative spirit to survive centuries of oppression. Participants will be encouraged to engage spiritually and emotionally while connecting historical and cultural insights thus strengthening their relationships with African American people as they work together for racial justice.

Registration is $25, including Saturday lunch. You can find further details here.

Date: 
Friday, September 22, 2023 - 6:30pm

Downers Grove Garden Walk

Saturday, July 15, 2023 9:30am to 3pm

The 17th Annual Downers Grove Garden Walk gives you an opportunity to view some of the most beautiful gardens in the area. All proceeds benefit the DGFUMC Bridge Board in providing transitional housing and mentoring for homeless families.

Tickets are now available online or at the following locations: 

  • Anderson's Bookshop, 5112 Main St., Downers Grove
  • Community Bank of Downers Grove, 1111 Warren Ave.
  • The Growing Place, 25W471 Plank Rd, Naperville
  • Phillip's Flowers and Gifts, 528 N. Cass Ave., Westmont
  • Downers Grove First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple Ave.

Tickts are $20 in advance. Tickets also are available on Saturday, July 15 at each of the gardens, and at Downers Grove First United Methodist Church from 9:30 a.m. to noon in our parking lot for $25.

Family Mission Trip to Wesley Woods Retreat Center

Help Prepare Wesley Woods Retreat Center for Camp Season 2023
Saturday, May 27 to Monday, May 29

This Family Mission Trip, where people of all ages (12 and above) can work, laugh, and live life for a time together while helping others will help prepare Wesley Woods Retreat Center for the camp season.

The Wesley Woods Retreat Center on the shores of beautiful Geneva Lake in Wisconsin, needs some care before the 2023 camp season begins! We need help from individuals and families on Memorial Day weekend from Saturday, May 27 to Monday, May 29 to give the camp buildings and grounds a much-needed sprucing up before the summer camp season moves into full swing.

There are projects for a variety of skill levels! There are buildings and cabins that need to be swept and cleaned; items that need painting; some carpentry projects; trails and paths to be cleared; decks and stairs to be pressure washed and painted or stained, lights that need replacing, and more!

Come for a day, a few hours, or the weekend. There are jobs for everyone, regardless of skill level or expertise. This is a wonderful opportunity to put your faith into action by enjoying nature while helping make a beautiful camp even nicer.

How will this work?
All tools and supplies will be provided, although depending on your skill level and area of specialty, you may want to bring specific items of your own.

Accommodations will be bunk beds. You will need to bring your own towel, linens, and pillow.

Most buildings have full kitchens if you want to bring and fix your own or there are a number of nearby restaurants. No meals will be provided. 

Location: 
Wesley Woods Retreat and Conference Center, Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Date: 
Saturday, May 27, 2023 - 10:00am

United Women in Faith

UMW LogoThe mission of the United Women in Faith/UWF (previously United Methodist Women) is to know God and experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.

Downers Grove Garden Walk 2022

Saturday, July 9, 2022 9:30am to 3pm

The 16th Annual Downers Grove Garden Walk gives you an opportunity to view some of the most beautiful gardens in the area. All proceeds benefit the DGFUMC Bridge Board in providing transitional housing and mentoring for homeless families.

Tickets are now available online or at the following locations: 

  • Anderson's Bookshop, 5112 Main St., Downers Grove
  • Community Bank of Downers Grove, 1111 Warren Ave.
  • The Growing Place, 25W471 Plank Rd, Naperville
  • Phillip's Flowers and Gifts, 528 N. Cass Ave., Westmont
  • Downers Grove First United Methodist Church, 1032 Maple Ave.

Tickts are $20 in advance. Tickets also are available on Saturday, July 9 at each of the gardens, and at Downers Grove First United Methodist Church from 9:30 a.m. to noon in our parking lot for $25.

Downers Grove Garden Walk

Saturday, July 9, 2022 9:30am to 3pm

The 16th Annual Downers Grove Garden Walk gives you an opportunity to view some of the most beautiful gardens in the area. All proceeds benefit the DGFUMC Bridge Board in providing transitional housing and mentoring for homeless families.

Tickets are now available online or at the following locations: 

  • Anderson's Bookshop, 5112 Main St., Downers Grove
  • Community Bank of Downers Grove, 1111 Warren Ave.
  • The Growing Place, 25W471 Plank Rd, Naperville
  • Phillip's Flowers and Gifts, 528 N. Cass Ave., Westmont

Tickts are $20 in advance. Tickets also are available on Saturday, July 9 at each of the gardens, and at Downers Grove First United Methodist Church from 9:30 a.m. to noon in our parking lot for $25.

Family Mission Trip - Wesley Woods Retreat Center

Help Prepare Wesley Woods Retreat Center for Camp Season 2022
Friday, May 27 to Monday, May 30

The Mission, Justice and Community Work Area is dedicated to reaching out to serve others and getting as many people as possible to become involved in connecting our members to each other and those in need. This inspired the idea of an Family Mission Trip, where people of all ages (12 and above) can work, laugh, and live life for a time together while helping others.

The Wesley Woods Retreat Center on the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva, WI, needs some care before the 2022 camp season begins! We need help from individuals and families on Memorial Day weekend from Friday, May 27 to Monday, May 30 to give the camp buildings and grounds a much-needed sprucing up before the summer camp season moves into full swing. There will also be opportunities to enjoy nature in this beautiful setting and some family activities.

There are projects for a variety of skill levels! There are buildings and cabins that need to be swept and cleaned; walls that need painting; rotten wood that needs replacing; trails and paths to be cleared, raked, and rebuilt; decks and stairs to be pressure washed and stained, mulch that needs spreading; lights that need replacing, and more!

Come for a day, a few hours, or the weekend. There are jobs for everyone, regardless of skill level or expertise. This is a wonderful opportunity to put your faith into action by enjoying nature while helping make a beautiful camp even nicer.

How will this work?
All tools and supplies will be provided, although depending on your skill level and area of specialty, you may want to bring specific items of your own.

Accommodations will be bunk beds. You will need to bring your own towel, linens, and pillow.

Location: 
Wesley Woods Retreat and Conference Center, Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Date: 
Friday, May 27, 2022 - 12:00pm

Thanksgiving Appeal

November 25, 2021 - 11:51am

Help Support Organizations Making a Difference

Although it’s been another difficult year, we still have many blessings for which to give thanks to God. Thanksgiving is also a good time to remember others who have less with our gifts. To find out more about the work of our Mission, Justice, and Community Work Area, please read the special Thanksgiving letter here.

To make a donation, please add Thanksgiving appeal to the memo line of your check before mailing your donation or make an online donation by clicking here, and selecting Outreach, and then Thanksgiving as your giving option.

Happy Thanksgiving and thank you!

Prepare Wesley Woods Retreat Center for Camp Season 2021

Help Prepare Wesley Woods Retreat Center for Camp
Friday, May 21 to Sunday, May 23

The Mission, Justice and Community Work Area is dedicated to reaching out to serve others and getting as many people as possible to become involved in connecting our members to each other and those in need. This inspired the idea of an All Church Mission Trip, where people of all ages (12 and above) can work, laugh, and live life for a time together while helping others.

After being shut down for over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wesley Woods Retreat Center on the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva, WI, needs some care before the 2021 camp season begins!

We need help from individuals and families from Friday, May 21 to Sunday, May 23 to give the camp buildings and grounds a much-needed sprucing up! There are projects for the skilled and unskilled, including painting, cleaning, landscaping, clearing trails and paths, electrical, repairing and replacing window screens, and much more.

Come for few hours, a day, or the entire weekend. There are jobs for everyone, regardless of skill level or expertise. This is a wonderful opportunity to put your faith into action by enjoying nature while helping make a beautiful camp even nicer.

How will this work?
All tools and supplies will be provided, although depending on your skill level and area of specialty, you may want to bring specific items of your own.

Accommodations will be bunk beds. You will need to bring your own towel, linens, and pillow.

Since the dining hall is not open, everyone will be responsible for their own food. Most buildings have full kitchens if you want to bring and fix your own or there are a number of nearby restaurants.

Location: 
Wesley Woods Retreat and Conference Center, Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Date: 
Friday, May 21, 2021 - 12:00pm

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Welcome

God, as known to us in Jesus Christ, welcomes all.

We welcome people of any race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, social or economic status, employment status, or life situation; including people with physical or mental illness or disability.

We practice loving acceptance of each person and respectful discussion
Reconciling Ministries Network of our differences.

Affiliated to Reconciling Ministries Network

First United Methodist Church 1032 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515 - Phone: 630.968.7120 - E-mail: dgfumc@dgfumc.org

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