Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

A number of congregations across the United States give generously to help Garrett-Evangelical educate bold leaders for the church and the world. Last year, for example, 65 churches and church organizations from 15 states supported the seminary.

Garrett-Evangelical hopes to increase the number of partner congregations, especially those who give at the leadership level ($1,000 and above). Thus, it is establishing the Leadership Circle of Congregations to recognize and thank those churches that are playing a critically important role in helping to train their future church leaders.

Churches and church organizations (such as United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men, Sunday School classes, etc.) who give $1,000 or more between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008 will be recognized as charter members of the seminary’s Leadership Circle of Congregations. Members of the Leadership Circle of Congregations will receive a certificate of appreciation for their partnership. They will also receive a periodic letter from the president updating them on seminary happenings, and an invitation to visit campus and dialogue with students and faculty. The seminary also hopes to feature some of these churches in future issues of Aware.

Leadership gifts to the seminary can help in many ways. Unrestricted gifts are always welcome as they help the seminary address its most pressing priorities and ongoing expenses. Gifts can also be designated for scholarship support. In fact, a congregation may want to “adopt” a student, providing full or partial tuition during a student’s three years at seminary. Gifts for library support, faculty support, program support, and facility renovation are also welcome.

Garrett-Evangelical hopes to have at least 100 charter members in its Leadership Circle of Congregations, including rural, suburban, and urban congregations. Are you interested in learning more about the Leadership Circle of Congregations and how your congregation can join? Contact David Heetland, vice president for development, at 847.866.3970 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Members of the 2008-09 Leadership Circle of Congregations

• Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Warrensville Heights, Ohio
• Barrington United Methodist Church, Barrington, Ill.
• Bupyeong Methodist Church, Incheon, South Korea
• Calvary United Methodist Church, Normal, Ill.
• Clear Lake United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, Iow.
• Crossroads United Methodist Church, Lakeville, Min.
• Daily Christian Chapel, Rosedale, Ind.
• Elm Grove Community United Methodist Church, Elm Grove, Wis.
• Emmanuel Community United Methodist Church, Menomonee Falls, Wis.
• Eureka United Methodist Church, Eureka, S.D.
• Evangelical United Methodist Church, Ottawa, Ill.
• First Presbyterian Society, Evanston, Ill.
• First United Methodist Church, Chicago, Ill.
• First United Methodist Church, Green Bay, Wis.
• First United Methodist Church, Madison, Wis.
• First United Methodist Church, Racine, Wis.
• First United Methodist Church, Waukesha, Wis.
• Kenilworth Union Church, Kenilworth, Ill.
• Liberty Baptist Church, Chicago, Ill.
• Libertyville United Methodist Church, Libertyville, Ill.
• Peoria Chinese Christian Church, Peoria, Ill.
• Stanwood United Methodist Church, Stanwood, Was.
• Troy First United Methodist Church, Troy, Mich.
• United Methodist Women, Glencoe, Ill.
• University United Methodist Church, Peoria, Ill.
• Wesley United Methodist Church, Naperville, Ill.