Annual Child Advocate Awards

Rev. Robert Biekman, (affectionately known as “Pastor B.”), is the pastor of the Gorham United Methodist Church congregation in Chicago, IL. Rev. Biekman has shown a consistent commitment to youth and young adults with their backs against the wall. Rev. Biekman served as a leader in the Northern Illinois Conference’s Urban Strategy. This ministry engaged congregations in working with children and youth to improve literacy and provide safe passages and safe havens for children after their school day. This initiative led to deepened involvement between churches, communities and their elected officials as congregations moved beyond the walls of their buildings. Whether it has been his work with United Voices for Children, the Northern Illinois Conference, or his initiatives in creating nonprofit ventures and community development corporations, Rev. Biekman has used his business skills and vocation to seek justice for the least of those among us.

In addition, and the list is long, Rev. Biekman’s Passport to Peace work is featured in the We Are the Church: 2019 State of the United Methodist Church Annual Report. Some of his other works are highlighted in Seeds of Justice: Organizing Your Church to Transform the World by Alex Tindal Wiesendanger; 2020 Orbis Books, the Chicago Tribune, Interpreter Magazine and United Methodist Reporter.

More recently, Rev. Biekman has been engaged with Live Free Illinois in efforts to address gun violence and mass incarceration.

Rev. Violet Johnicker is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and her theology of radical inclusion centers on the belief that the teachings of Jesus and John Wesley continue to have new meaning in our context, welcoming all people to God’s table and working to build the Kingdom together. She is an advocate for LGBTQIA+ affirmation in the United Methodist Church, believing that God places no limits on who God calls into ministry and marriage.

In Rockford, she is honored to serve on a number of boards and committees while advocating for restorative justice and reducing incarceration, using local and federal resources to end gun violence, supporting reproductive justice, welcoming immigration laws, and a variety of other ways to build love for neighbor into policy. She has written frequent editorials for the local newspaper. She also serves as Executive Director Rockford Urban Ministries, an interfaith social justice advocacy nonprofit.

Katelyn Bowers, member at Disciples of Christ UMC, MT Morris

During Katelyn’s freshman year at Kishwaukee College this past spring, she was given an assignment to do a service project for her Intro to Sociology course. Katelyn decided to help HOPE of Ogle County This organization helps victims and survivors of domestic abuse. HOPE provides emergency shelter, counseling, court advocacy, support groups and 24-hour crisis line just to name a few. Katelyn was in contact with a HOPE representative that stated they needed certain items for the emergency shelter families. Katelyn used her social media platforms to ask for help. Katelyn was also in touch with her 4-H Club which she has been a member of for 12 years, for support. Her 4-H club, Blackhawk Crossing, donated $100 to HOPE. A local beautician donated a $50 gift certificate for haircuts. Katelyn received donations from numerous friends and through help of Disciples United Methodist Church was able to donate an estimated value amount of $500 in clothing, shoes, bed rails, pack n plays and bedding.

Katelyn has given back to this organization that has supported her & her family.