Since President Donald Trump’s declaration that churches across the country should reopen, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has not loosened limits on church gatherings in the state. In his May 26 press conference, though, Pritzker did appear to welcome churches to submit their plans for reopening safely. “I think it’s vitally important,” Pritzker said of allowing […]
Cloth masks and ice cream: Alton church forges community connections
Alton | Volunteers at Calvary Baptist Church started making cloth masks after a church member requested some for her co-workers at a local hospital. After the first batch, other people started asking about them, said Dave Zimmerman, as demand rose and masks became hard to find. Part of Illinois’ reopening plan requires people to wear […]
Church serves community hard-hit by Coronavirus
Chicago | “What can we do?” After Starting Point Community Church had to scrap more than one plan to help their community due to COVID-19 restrictions, Pastor Jonathan de la O said his congregation started back at square one with that simple question. The answer: Fill as many boxes as possible with purchased and donated […]
News Stories
Ronnie Floyd, pastors urge prayer, Gospel outreach as outrage grows over George Floyd’s death
Minneapolis | Southern Baptist leaders are lamenting the death of George Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis after a white police officer used a knee to pin his neck to the pavement for several minutes. Floyd had repeatedly said he could not breathe. “I am disturbed, brokenhearted, and deeply grieved when I see […]
Pro-life advocates protest new clinic
Waukegan | As non-essential businesses remained closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Planned Parenthood opened a new clinic in northern Illinois. The clinic is the organization’s 19th in Illinois and, like its predecessor in Fairview Heights, was built in secret. The Waukegan Health Center is located within a 1.5-mile radius of both a middle and […]
SBC entities to report at online meeting June 2
While the 2020 SBC Annual Meeting has been canceled for the first time since 1945, Southern Baptists will still be provided with an opportunity to hear from the entities of the Southern Baptist Convention through an online event June 2 hosted by the SBC Executive Committee. SBC Advance, a two-hour online event, is not designed […]
Cleaning supplies ready for churches preparing to reopen
Illinois | Illinois Baptist Disaster Relief will provide disinfectant cleaning solution to churches and other facilities preparing to reopen as the state loosens COVID-19 restrictions. Churches, church school, daycares, senior living facilities, nursing homes, and families can pick up the cleaning product at one of 16 locations across the state. The bleach solution will be […]
Encouraging Words
Joy in the morning
I will exalt you, Lord, because you have lifted me up and have not allowed my enemies to triumph over me. Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you healed me. Lord, you brought me up from Sheol; you spared me from among those going down to the Pit. Sing to the […]
A promise from God’s word
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 Have you ever wondered how to be positive when everything seems so negative? As followers of Christ, we can be optimistic because we serve a loving God who […]