This is MainStream’s new weekly compilation of news and information from affirming congregations of all faiths, and from other spiritual groups that identify as welcoming, open and reconciling, from throughout Illinois and Iowa.
Social Justice Choir of the Midwest performs today (May 18)
QUAD CITIES – Mental health takes the spotlight this afternoon (May 18) for the latest concert by the Quad Cities’ new Social Justice Choir. The concert starts at 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Davenport, and is free with a requested donation to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Formed last fall, the choir provides themed concerts that help address social justice issues of the day. Matt Bishop, music director at First Presbyterian, started the choir because his own church is “very much into justice and inclusion.” Bishop says the “thoughtfulness” social justice choirs convey are why he’s building one here. “The fact that we’re being joyful and having a good time together and protesting in this way, that is valid resistance,” he said. The 4 p.m. concert is at First Presbyterian Church, 1702 Iowa St., Davenport.
Pride planning for welcoming Chicago congregations May 21
CHICAGO – The Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches will meet Wed., May 21, to make plans for the coalition’s appearance in the Chicago Pride Parade June 29. The group has already decided on a theme of “Together in Faith, United In Pride, Rooted in Love” for its parade appearance. Wednesday’s 6:30 p.m. meeting happens in person at Broadway United Methodist Church, 3338 N. Broadway St., Room 209, or by zoom (link provided by email after subscribing here).
Peoria’s soccer for kids taking registration May 20, 27
PEORIA – Registration is coming May 20 and 27 for an annual kids’ soccer program coordinated by First United Methodist Church in Peoria. Each year, the Morton Square Soccer Program involves more than 200 youth ages 5 to 12 in soccer every Tuesday night. Registration is 5 to 7 p.m. this Tuesday and May 27 at the church, 116 NE Perry Ave. Games start June 3 and continue through July 15, Adults interested in volunteering as coaches can email cwithers@fumcpeoria.org.
Two Eastern Iowa groups announce Pride spiritual days
EASTERN IOWA – CR Pride in Cedar Rapids will host an Affirming and Welcoming Service at 3 p.m. Sat., June 14, and the Unitarian Universalist Society (UUS) in Coralville hosts “Celebrate Pride Sunday” at 10 a.m. Sun., June 15. The two events are annual traditions for both organizations. CR Pride’s event takes place at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, 401 4th Ave. SE, while UUS is located at 2355 Oakdale Rd., Coralville.
Church of Peace UCC installs Pastor Tyler Yost
QUAD CITIES – Pastor Tyler Yost, one of several Quad Cities pastors leading formation of the Affirming Congregations of the Quad Cities, will be installed officially today as pastor of Rock Island’s Church of Peace United Church of Christ. Yost came to Rock Island from Winnetka, Ill. He’s a graduate of Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston. His installation Sunday (May 18) takes place at 4 p.m. at the church, 1114 12th St.
Top staffers at The Project of the Quad Cities receive church awards
DAVENPORT — Two top staffers at The Project of the Quad Cities are receiving Community Service Awards today (May 18) from Metropolitan Community Church of the Quad Cities in Davenport. Tyler Mitchell, marketing and development director for The Project, and Viminda Shafer, the group’s community relations and development coordinator, will be recognized after being chosen for the honors by MCC Pastor Rich D. Hendricks and a board chair. The two will be honored during MCC’s 11 a.m. worship service. Hendricks chose Adam Peters, operations director for Clock Inc. LGBT Community Center, for the award two weeks ago. Last year, Hendricks and a board chair selected Chase Norris, executive director for Clock Inc., and activist Julie Meyerson Ross to receive the awards. The selections are based on recommendations from Hendrick and a board chair, and “informal input from church leaders,” Hendricks said. For more information, see the church’s website at mccqc.com.
Metaphysical crafting, meditation and sound healing coming
CEDAR RAPIDS — Jump into a crafting class May 24, bathe yourself in sound healing May 31, or tune in for weekly Monday meditations, at ReAlive Metaphysical. You’ll create a broom made of kyanite, considered a healing stone, at the crafting class, where reservations are encouraged and admission is $35. Sound healing sessions will be offered in 20-minute slots May 31, and Monday meditation happens both in person and online at 6:20 p.m. weekly. ReAlive is located at 3800 Wilson Ave. SW; learn more at ReAlive’s Facebook page.
Cover photo features (clockwise from top left): Pastor Tyler Yost; “Sing My Child” mental wellness concert; First United Methodist of Peoria’s soccer program; Viminda Shafer and Tyler Mitchell of TOQC; and the logo for the Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Congregations. To share your spirituality news, email reachus@main-stream.org.
