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One Family, One Hope: Chicagoland Convocation Brings Hundreds Together.
Matthew J. Lucio
Assistant to the President
for Communication
More than 700 people gathered at Christian Community Church in Naperville for the annual Chicagoland Convocation, continuing a trend of growing attendance since the event's return in 2024. “We are excited to be able to gather together as one family,” Illinois Conference Executive Secretary Michael Campos told the congregation.
The event has also expanded its programming each year. A concert was added in 2025, followed by afternoon seminars this year, offering attendees additional opportunities for learning and fellowship. Hundreds more joined the worship service through the livestream, including several congregations watching together from their local churches.
The morning program began at 9:45 a.m. with praise and worship led by Pastor Nestor Sorianos and a worship team. A panel discussion of the Sabbath School lesson followed, moderated by Illinois Conference Hispanic Ministries Director Ruben Bullon. Students from Hinsdale Adventist Academy, directed by Alice Hyde Perez, then led the congregation in a special musical presentation.
The featured speaker, Dwight K. Nelson, who retired after more than four decades of pastoral ministry, delivered a passionate message exploring the crucifixion account in the Gospel of John. Nelson highlighted seven sets of threes woven throughout John's narrative, including three languages, three Marys, and three woundings, showing how these patterns illuminate the significance of Christ's sacrifice. There were, for example, three languages, three Mary's, and three woundings in the crucifixion story.
“Our salvation was completed at the cross,” Nelson declared, urging listeners to embrace the finished work of Jesus and find assurance of salvation in Him. Drawing on the medieval belief that Earth occupied the center of the universe, Nelson challenged listeners to abandon a similarly self-centered view of the Christian life. Instead, he urged them to place Christ, the Son, at the center, just as the sun stands at the center of our solar system.
Meanwhile, dozens of young people gathered in the gymnasium for a day of worship, music, and activities organized by Illinois Conference Youth Director Josant Barrientos and Associate Youth Director Roberto Gonzalez. Downstairs, children enjoyed a program of their own in a beautifully decorated space prepared under the leadership of Stacey DePluzer.
Following lunch and fellowship in the sunshine, attendees participated in afternoon seminars led by Dr. Genalin Metcalf, Dr. Glenn Russell, Ruben Casabona, Pastor Jonathan Burnett, and Marcos Morales. Covering topics ranging from small-group ministry to content creation, the seminars offered practical insights and resources for personal growth and local church ministry.
The day concluded with a free evening concert by Brazilian singer Laura Morena, who now lives in Texas with her husband, a pastor. She performed songs in both English and Portuguese. (While the concert wasn't livestreamed, viewers can still catch two of her songs just before Pastor Nelson's sermon.)
Reflecting on the purpose of Convocation, Illinois Conference President John Grys reminded attendees of the hope that unites them. “It is a privilege for us to do this together,” he said. “What we do here . . . is to be reminded and be grateful for the Lord of hope we serve.”
NEXT STEPS
Watch the entire livestream here:
Please send any news items of what God is doing around the Illinois Conference to communication@ilcsda.org.
