And Then The Pandemic Hit

The phrase is destined to become part of American history. The unprecedented event will forever be marked by those that have passed. However, what the devil has intended for evil, God re-purposes. It has been said, 

  • “The pandemic has reinforced what we all really knew: Wealth cannot protect you from death and being healthy has richness all its own.”

  • “Covid has moved the entire world 15 years into the future with our use of technology”

  • “When we look back on the Covid shutdown, we will see it was the birth pain of thousands of new ideas”

  • “The pandemic while horrendous, has brought the power of family and community to the forefront of what is most important.”

Along these lines, I would like to share all the positive happenings around our missional community over the last six months. 

  • Created the Stained Glass Window Project (Over 250 kits given out in three communities)

  • Created the Spring Flower Kits (Over 100 distributed)

  • Sponsored an outdoor concert with Kellen and O’Connell

  • Added daily recovery meetings

  • Held a Serve Sunday in multiple locations (Villa Park, Wood Dale, Bensenville, Itasca)

  • Sent Volunteer groups to serve at The Itasca food pantry weekly

  • Held Two Work Days at The Center

  • Lit the Center in purple to create Overdose Awareness

  • Hosted School Of Rock Recitals

  • Added two more partnerships (MJL Ballet, Gathering Homeschool)

  • Offered six months of combined worship services

  • Added weekly online streaming  

  • Held 20 Weeks of Zoom Prayer

  • Offered an entire summer of Outdoor worship in various locales (Itasca Country Club, Metra Parking Lot, Songbird Slough, Rotary Park and the church grassy areas)

  • Provided resources to pastor’s families in South Asia  

  • Offered two free community barbeques 

  • Hosted and resourced a seminary level missionary training class for eight weeks for 12 individuals from multiple churches


We live the vision: “Connect everyone, everyday and in every way to Jesus.” However, there has been a decline in support due to the pandemic. As a result, while we have been faithful in our stewardship, there is now a need to strengthen our financial position. If you have been blessed by the Center and want to assist us in transforming lives or if any of our programs have blessed you, we humbly ask you consider a one time gratitude gift. To support the vision, you can give either:

online:  https://communitycenter.life/give-volunteer

or

by a check sent to: The Center, 400 North Walnut, Itasca, IL 60143

Thank you for your generosity and prayers,

Pastor Bob Butler

Robert Butler