Rockford's new church @tableofgrace.bsky.social is launching in a week and a half!
Violet Johnicker
@violetjohnicker.bsky.social
Always a good day to go fishing. Rockford, IL
The new church I've been appointed to start is officially launching in two weeks and I'm so excited!!! Please say a prayer for us! We're praying for you too!
@tableofgrace.bsky.social · 5mo agoYou’re invited to our very first service! Join us to hear the story of Palm Sunday as protest against injustice, learn new perspectives on how following Jesus can embolden us to advocate alongside our neighbors, and celebrate communion with new friends of all ages.
Flock is dangerous and Rockford should cancel our license plate reader contract with them immediately. Read more from my friend Kathleen, Rockford ACLU President, and me here: drive.google.com/file/d/1YaZh...
“It’s about time to have Christians standing up for what Jesus said,” including welcoming immigrants,” he said. “People being pushed into unmarked vans by masked men isn’t it,” added his wife... www.chicagocatholic.com/web/chicago-...
Today is Epiphany, celebrating wise leaders who recognized the divinity of Jesus and worshipped him instead of King Herod who wanted their unquestioning worship. May Christians in the US reflect on this lesson for our times, particularly on the five year anniversary of the January 6th insurrection.
This powerful piece by Julie Schwerin is framed in my office because it tells a convicting truth. Sharing it today in hope that it could be received as an invitation to people and churches who prefer to "stay out of politics," when in reality there's no such thing. (1/3)
If it sounds like I'm a little sick it's because I am, but I still wanted to make one more video with hope for the new year 🎉
@tableofgrace.bsky.social · 7mo agoHappy New Year! A little encouragement for the days ahead:
Protest for the ACA outside Rep. LaHood's Rockford office this Wednesday, join us! RSVP here: www.mobilize.us/citizenactio...
UPDATE: Another Chicago-area church has put up an immigration-themed Nativity scene. A church member at Urban Village Church sent this one along, where Mary, Joseph and Jesus are gone and replaced with a sign that reads: “Due to ICE activity in our community, the Holy Family is in hiding.”
Jack Jenkins@jackjenkins.me · 8mo agoIn Chicago, a Nativity scene features a zip-tied baby Jesus and Roman centurions in "ICE" vests. Near Boston, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus are absent from a Nativity scene, replaced with a sign reading "ICE was here." It's all part of growing religious blowback to ICE. religionnews.com/2025/12/05/i...
In Ps. 112:5 today: 'It is well with those who deal generously.' Generosity & well-being are sisters, offspring of justice & mercy. In a moment of rage bait algorithms, & fear of immigrants, deal generously. Consider grace. Generously is my meditation today.
The Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board (WCCMHB) asks the community to share their thoughts on mental health and substance use service gaps and needs in Winnebago County.
Winnebago Co. community asked to participate in Mental Health Board public survey
The WCCMHB asks the community to share their thoughts on mental health and substance use service gaps and needs in Winnebago County.
wifr.com
What gives you hope? A little Advent reflection from @tableofgrace.bsky.social
This is HORRIFYING. I looked it up and took my own screenshot. Joining with people of good faith and conscience to denounce this racist fascist propaganda.
Schrödinger's Sneetch Belly@rtodkelly.bsky.social · 8mo agoA reminder for those who are not aware: "remigration" is the process of deporting all non-white people from a country. It includes citizens and is, by definition, ethnic cleansing. And to be clear: this is not fake. I just screenshot it myself.
Rockford, you're invited to an Advent wreath making party! this @tableofgrace.bsky.social space is for you all ages to make new friends and learn how we're called to embody hope, peace, joy, and love in a season when so many really need it. Sunday at 3pm at the Good Shepherd YMCA.
I totally support this. Churches should not be able to endorse candidates. The ethical ones already don't, and it should be illegal.
Jack Jenkins@jackjenkins.me · 9mo agoEXCLUSIVE: Rep. Jamie Raskin and 11 other Democrats — including three senators — have sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urging him to abandon plans by the IRS to allow churches to endorse candidates during services. religionnews.com/2025/11/20/e...
Oh my. James Talarico is incredibly skilled in dismantling Christian Nationalists. Get this man in the Senate.
EAST CHARLOTTE — Border Patrol officials announced Monday that, after a weekend of visiting nearly every church in Charlotte, agents were “unable to locate Jesús,” despite what they described as “extensive on-site efforts.” Article at: thecharlotten.com/despite-raid...
Absolutely disgusted by this language from the Department of Homeland Security social media. My clergy colleagues who protested today have jobs, and I pray they will have the grace to forgive those who insulted them as they advocate for the marginalized beloved children of God who Jesus loves.
Alt National Park Service@altnps.bsky.social · 9mo agoYikes 😬 an official U.S. government account just referred to Americans as “imbecilic morons.” That’s… a choice.
Organizers of The United Methodist Church’s top legislative meeting have set the total number of delegates, who for the first time will mostly come from outside the U.S. www.umnews.org/en/news/gc20...
GC2028 delegate count marks historic shift | UMNews.org
Organizers of The United Methodist Church’s top legislative meeting have set the total number of delegates, who for the first time will mostly come from outside the U.S.
umnews.org
Buried in here: UMC pastors in Chicago told me they were going to keep doing this for a wide spectrum of Methodists who have legal battles amid the ongoing mass deportation effort in the city — immigrant families, pastors who have been arrested, etc. Some serious denominational solidarity here.
Jack Jenkins@jackjenkins.me · 9mo agoNEW: So, the courtroom at the "Broadview 6" arraignment in Chicago yesterday featured lotsa Methodist pastors. Why? They were supporters of defendant/fellow Methodist Brian Straw. "If you come for one United Methodist, you have come for all of us,” one pastor said. religionnews.com/2025/11/13/m...
Very proud to see United Methodists showing up in numbers for the civil rights of protesters and immigrants
Methodist pastors march into courtroom to support 'boring suburban dad' indicted for protesting
CHICAGO (RNS) — ‘If you come for one United Methodist, you have come for all of us,’ said a Chicago area UMC pastor.
religionnews.com
Kyle Kingsbury is not a journalist. He is not an op-ed writer. He is a computer safety researcher. And he has written one of the most compelling, comprehensive accounts of the ongoing hell in Chicago that you could possibly imagine. In under 1600 words. aphyr.com/posts/397-i-...
In Ps. 138:3 today: 'You encouraged me with inner strength.' Resilience is the gift of encouragement. Inner strength is like a meal at midday. This is a marathon moment. May the day hold a second wind for your soul. Strength is my prayer today.
UPDATE: Reached out to the Rev. Hannah Kardon, a United Methodist minister who was there that day and has been active in religious demonstrations at Broadview. “They are making it clear that they are scared of prayer … it speaks the truth that what they are doing in that building is evil.”
Jack Jenkins@jackjenkins.me · 9mo ago“Federal authorities told demonstrators Friday that there would be ‘no more prayer’ in front of or inside the Broadview ICE facility, in a move that mystified local leaders and raised legal questions.” blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/07/f...
“Federal authorities told demonstrators Friday that there would be ‘no more prayer’ in front of or inside the Broadview ICE facility, in a move that mystified local leaders and raised legal questions.” blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/07/f...
Feds Tell Faith Leaders 'No More Prayer' Outside Broadview Facility
In a possible violation of the First Amendment, federal officials instructed demonstrators to stop holding religious gatherings outside the immigration processing facility in suburban Broadview after ...
blockclubchicago.org
Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Dale Caldwell, United Methodist pastor, on his election as Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey!!!
