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Straw poll regarding LGBTQ+inclusion

After months of conversations, presentations, prayer, and writing workshops, the series of Reconciling Conversations have culminated in three proposals: to approve the Reconciling Ministries Network welcome statement, to join the Reconciling Ministries Network, and to approve the unique Two Rivers Church Welcome Statement.

Before an official decision is made, a straw poll has been created to gauge the thoughts of the congregation. Click here to participate in the straw poll.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are we leaving the United Methodist Church?

In a word, no. Drafting and approving a statement of welcome is not an act of disaffiliation. Defiance, perhaps, but we will remain a part of the Illinois Great Rivers Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. At this time, no one has proposed that Two Rivers Church should disaffiliate from the UMC. There are churches in our conference that are leaving the UMC. Most are leaving because they feel that the UMC is too tolerant of LGBTQ+ inclusion.

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The Open Table

On May 25 at 6:00 p.m., Two Rivers Church will share meal with meaning. The purpose of the dinner will be strengthen our community of faith and create a spirit of invitation and hospitality. The meal will be provded at no costs to all guests, and the dinner will include prayers, music, Biblical reflection, and Communion.

This is possible with an amazing partnership with QC Coffee and Pancake House. Members of Two Rivers Church and guests at our Saturday meal site are especially encouraged to be a part of this “Dinner Church,” but this is also a great chance for people to invite new people into a new way to experience worship and faith.

Based on the work of Christopher Grundy, and his book “Recovering Communion in a Violent World,” this will be a unique experience. Jesus ate with people much more than he attended “church” or went to worship. His ministry was done at the table. In resurrection, he was made known when he broke bread. This is how we “remember Jesus,” by breaking bread and sharing in the love and Kin-dom of God that he proclaimed.

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Songs That Inspire Concert

We will celebrate the Resurrection with a special concert performed by friends of Two Rivers Church on Sunday, April 16 at 2:00 p.m. This concert will take place in the afternoon, a few hours after our regular church service, allowing people have lunch and return with a friend for this amazing afternoon of music.

Each artist has chosen special “Songs that Inspire,” for their performance. There will be a variety of musical styles, instruments, and performances of voice, piano, and horn. Performers will be both amateurs and professionals, but all will be sincere in their love of music and God. “Songs that Inspire” promises to be a wonderful afternoon of music and joy.

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Easter Week Events

Wednesday 5:30 – Our last Vespers service will be on Wednesday, April 5. This will be another quiet service of reflection, silence, music, and prayer. These services have been deeply spiritual experiences all Lent, and our youth group, bell choir, and choir all meet afterwards.

Thursday 6:30 – Maundy Thursday Pot-Luck Church. We will meet in Epworth Hall (downstairs) and begin a unique experience of eating together with readings, songs, and liturgy. It is a pot-luck dinner, so bring a dish to share if you can. We will share the Christ’s Cup and Bread in a modified service of Communion that integrates our meal together with Christ’s words and the events of the Last Supper and his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane as told to us in the Gospel of Matthew.

Friday from 3:00-6:00 p.m. – Good Friday Stations of the Gospel. The church doors will be open for a self-guided experience of interactive prayer and learning stations. The stations will lead pilgrims through the Gospel of Matthew, from Jesus’ baptism, through his ministry and Nazareth, to the events of Holy Week, culminating at the Cross. Each station includes a Scripture reading, a brief reflection, and an interactive object that will lead to a deeper walk with Christ on Good Friday. The journey takes between 30-45 minutes.

Sunday 9:30 a.m. – Easter Celebration. We will gather for a wonderful morning of worship with music from our choir, as well as a brass ensemble. Pastor Robb will share a joyful Easter sermon and all are invited to Communion. There will be a kids’ Easter egg hunt after the service in Epworth Hall.

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Rest – Reflect – Renew

This evening service of prayer, music, and quiet reflection is a way to decompress at the end of the day. It is a holy moment to close a busy day and look forward to a restful evening. This is a perfect way to rest, reflect, and renew your spiritual journey toward Easter.

The Evening Vespers service will take place every Wednesday in Lent, from March 1-April 5 from 5:30-6:15 p.m.