Partnerships
Berry is actively involved in being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community and in the world. We do so in collaboration with many others. If you would like to get involved in these projects or in other areas of justice contact Matthew:
matthew@berryumc.org
Reconciling Ministries Network
Reconciling Ministries Network is a coalition of nearly 1000 communities working toward the full inclusion of LGBTQI persons in the life of the United Methodist Church. Berry has been a proud and pioneering member of RMN since the mid-1980s.
Solar Oven Partners
Since January 2000, Solar Oven Partners has equipped over 10 thousand families with practical training in solar cooking, and provided them with the appropriate technology to realize the amazing health, economic, and environmental benefits of harnessing the free energy of the sun! Below are the costs of providing a solar oven to a family. Keep in mind that few could afford the real cost of an oven, so an investment opportunity of 10% of the full cost is offered to each student, thereby creating ownership for those who choose (100%) to take a solar oven.
Kids Above All believes in placing the safety, well-being and education of kids above all else. We protect, heal and educate children, so they can reach their potential in life.
Each year Kids Above All partners with members of the community, as well as our faith, corporate and community partners to make sure the school-aged kids in our programs have what they need to succeed this upcoming year.
Berry regularly supports Kids Above All by participating in their Back-to-School Backpack Drive, Mom & Me Diaper Drive and other functions.
For more information about Kids Above All, click here to connect to their website.
Community Renewal Society
Berry has hosted community organizing training developed in conjunction with Community Renewal Society. Along with two other local churches, we covered a wide variety of topics, including bystander intervention, the steps of becoming a sanctuary city, accessibility, and power dynamics.
Northern Illinois Justice For Our Neighbors
For nearly 20 years, Justice For Our Neighbors (JFON) has worked with and advocated for thousands of immigrants, partnering them with legal representation to assist their cases until relief or until every remedy has been exhausted.
Rooted in the United Methodist Church and moved by our faith to welcome immigrants, we are a non-profit organization that welcomes people of all background and faiths.
Chicago Fair Trade
Chicago Fair Trade, founded in part by Berry members, helps us to feature local fair trade artisans at our annual winter farmers market and fair trade event, Seeds of Change.
Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches
A collaboration of more than 70 welcoming and affirming churches and other ministries in the Chicago metropolitan area, Chicago Coalition of Welcoming Churches helps spread the message of diverse gender and sexuality inclusivity and promotes resource-sharing and best practices among its member organizations.
The Night Ministry
Berry’s deacon, Rev. Gregory Gross, has a full time ministerial appointment to The Night Ministry as their Director of Mission Fulfillment. Berry has collected donations for The Night Ministry and shares opportunities for service.