2009 Child Advocacy Awards
Bishop Jesse R. DeWitt Award
The Bishop Jesse R. DeWitt Award is presented to Aurora Shalom Ministries.
With the strong encouragement of District Superintendent, Rev. Debbie Fisher, Aurora Shalom Ministries was formed in 1992 as one of the original Communities of Shalom founded by the Global Ministry during the aftermath of the Los Angeles race riots. A covenant of six Aurora churches, First UMC and Nueva Vida, Fourth UMC, Wesley UMC, Bethany of the Fox Valley, and the Warehouse Church of Aurora, Shalom Ministries strives to bring total health, wholeness and the peace of God; Shalom, to the heart of the city. From English as a Second Language to the Kid’s Zone and Shalom Zone children’s programs, this beacon of Light is operating six distinct programs for families.
Over the years Shalom Ministries has depended on a number of administrators and countless volunteers. Currently, Mrs. Maria Piceno is leading the efforts to connect Shalom with the Latino community of the Fox Valley. Aurora Shalom is making a difference in the lives of families of the Fox Valley and is always mindful of God’s call to seek justice, love kindness and walk humbly with Him.
Katherine B. Greene Award
The Katherine B. Greene Award is presented to Catherine Petersen.
Caring, compassionate, kind and enthusiastic, Catherine Petersen’s Discipleship is all about children! With her own, “Catherine Twist” her everyday activities include working as Children’s Ministries Coordinator at Park Ridge UMC, a certified Teacher and Family Educator, a Girl Scout Leader and NIC Child/Youth Leader and Trainer. Through each of these roles, Catherine works tirelessly to lead children on the path to becoming Disciples of Christ, by using direct instruction, but more importantly, leading by example.
Catherine is so involved in the lives of the children of Park Ridge UMC and beyond, that it is said that she knows every child’s name within the church and most of them in the public schools of Park Ridge as well! She always recognizes milestones with words of acknowledgement, from birthdays to the coveted learning to tie the shoes, and she encourages all adults to show God’s love to children in the same ways. Catherine puts children front and center and encourages them to share the awe and wonder of their young faith as they move toward adulthood. Catherine Petersen knows she is graced by God with her love for children, and never misses an opportunity to share His love.
5th Sunday Appeal Recognition
| 2009 | Aurora District: Chicago Northwestern District Chicago South District: DeKalb District: UMC Elgin District: Rockford District: |
Gary Memorial UMC Chicago Temple Hartzell Memorial UMC DeKalb First UMC Elmhurst First UMC Christ UMC |