Mission to Guatemala
What are the lives of our neighbors like that share the same hemisphere? What do we have in common? How are we different? In an effort to understand the lives of the Guatemalan people, and they of ours, DGFUMC has sent several teams to live with members of the Unidas Para Viver Mejor (UPAVIM) Christian community in the impoverished outskirts of Guatemala City. We have also hosted two teams of women from UPAVIM in our homes in Downers Grove. UPAVIM is a cooperative association of about 88 women from marginalized areas. Some are widows, some were abandoned by their husbands, and some are dealing with alcoholism in their families. Many are sole providers of economic support for their families. They began helping themselves and their community in 1988 with a Healthy Baby program, then decided to create products to sell to generate funds. With those funds they have built a facility which houses a medical clinic with a pharmacy and laboratory, a daycare, a school from K-6th grade, a library, soy milk production, a bakery and rooms for the manufacture and shipping of their handicrafts. They are now working in a number of ways to achieve better housing, clean water, better education and health care for the thousands of people in their community.
We travel not to build buildings, but to build a long-term relationship. As Christians, we are charged with reaching out in understanding. In the Beatitudes we are told to put ourselves in "the other person’s shoes." Because our world is so diverse, we need greater understanding of cultural traditions, religious practices, trade, sharing resources, reducing pollution, and peaceful ways of resolving conflict. And, as Christians, we need to stand in solidarity alongside one another in the problems we face.
Office Hours
Our office is open during the week; however, the building doors are locked. Please call first to ensure that a staff member will be available.
Masks will be required in the building at all times.
The building is closed to all activities at this time.
Happenings Newsletter
To stay connected to updates and announcements,
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
of our differences.
Affiliated to Reconciling Ministries Network
Upcoming Events
Adult Bible Study
March 4, 2021 - 7:00pm
Wednesday Morning Women's Bible Study
March 10, 2021 - 9:00am
Adult Bible Study
March 11, 2021 - 7:00pm
Wednesday Morning Women's Bible Study
March 17, 2021 - 9:00am
Adult Bible Study
March 18, 2021 - 7:00pm
Recent News
Sunday Worship - February 28 at 10:00 a.m.
March 1, 2021 - 10:43am
Worship Postlude - February 28, 2021
February 28, 2021 - 10:45am
Worship Music - February 28, 2021
February 28, 2021 - 9:45am
Update to Church Response to COVID-19 Pandemic - February 23, 2021
February 23, 2021 - 4:07pm
Worship Postlude - February 21, 2021
February 21, 2021 - 10:45am