A Message from Reverend Efrain Avila, Jr., EdD, LCPC
Pastor of Campus Ministries and Director of the NIU Wesley Foundation

February 15, 2008

We are thankful for prayers and messages of concern that are coming to us in regard to the tragedy at Northern Illinois University. At this time, I am glad to report that as far as I know, all Wesley Foundation students are accounted for and safe. Most of them have returned home to be with their families. 

There have been and will continue to be professional counseling and spiritual guidance at each residence hall and academic building at Northern Illinois University. The Wesley Foundation at DeKalb will continue to be part of those efforts.

People have been asking how they can help.

• Prayer:  Continued prayers for students, families, university staff and first responders are welcome and encouraged.

• Counseling and Clergy Volunteers:  Northern Illinois University also seeks professional counselors and clergy to volunteer their services. Please contact the NIU Counseling Office at 815-753-1206.  Pastor Efrain Avila and his wife, Laura Avila, PhD (a clinical psychologist) are also available for grief counseling in both English and Spanish.

• Services and Prayer Vigils:  There will be a prayer vigil at Sycamore United Methodist Church tonight, February 15 at 6:30 pm and there will also be a prayer vigil offered by the Wesley United Methodist Church next Tuesday evening, February 19 at 7 pm at First United Methodist Church of DeKalb, 321 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL.

• Information and Updates:  As plans unfold, information on prayer vigils, memorial services, and help for families of those affect by this tragedy and updates will be available at the website for the First United Methodist Church of DeKalb/Wesley Foundation at www.firstumc.net

• Support:  Northern Illinois University has made available a black ribbon NIU logo that you can post on your website in a show of support.

• Resources:  Managing your Distress in the Aftermath of Shooting available at: www.apahelpcenter.org

Caminemos con Jesus,

Pastor Efrain

Worship Opportunities

Traditional Worship Service
Sanctuary
Sundays at 9:00 a.m.

CrossRoads
Education Wing
Sundays at 9:15 and 11:15 a.m.
Sunday School that strengthens our children
in their faith journey with Jesus Christ.

SHINE!
Fellowship Hall
Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
The Contemporary Worship Community
of First United Methodist Church

Boardman Chapel
Holy Communion
Thursdays at 8:45 a.m.

Celebrate!
Sanctuary
Sundays at 6:00 p.m.
The Student Contemporary Worship Service
of the NIU Wesley Foundation

For more information
about Methodist missions,
history or beliefs, visit the
United Methodist Church website.