Elizabeth Newton and Rev. Katrese McKenzie

The Bowen Fund continues to engage in meaningful relationship-building in honor of Gil and Marlene Bowen’s deep ministry at Kenilworth Union Church. As you may have read, fellow Kenilworth Union members joined in community with our neighbors at St. Paul AME Church in Glencoe for worship and community-building this past Sunday. A group of nearly thirty multigenerational Kenilworth Union congregants joined in a spiritual and joyful service led by Pastor Katrese Kirk McKenzie and Squire Prince. The vibrant music was rich in melody; children from both congregations participated fully; and the message of lifting each other up was powerful indeed. The service was full of promise and possibility, conviction and care.

After worship we enjoyed a community barbecue filled with delicious food, the delights of playful children, and rich conversation around the shared table. There were many conversations about future connections between our two churches. Looking ahead we will be actively planning opportunities for shared service work, ministry, and community building with St. Paul AME Church, and By the Hand (Dr. Bowen’s transformative gift to the Altgeld Gardens food desert), among others in the spirit of continuing Dr. Bowen’s legacy.