Welcoming Rev. John Bell
FIRST SERVICE: SUN JULY 6 10AM / MEET AND GREET FOLLOWING
As most of you already know, we are excited to welcome the appointment of Rev. John Bell as our new Senior Pastor effective July 1.
The congregation of Hinsdale United Methodist Church is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. John Bell as our new Senior Pastor effective July 1. Pastor Bell holds a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree from Duke Divinity School and has completed a three-year postgraduate program at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family in Washington, DC. He has served as a pastor for over 31 years leading congregations at the following churches in Northern Illinois: Cherry Valley UMC, Good Shepherd UMC in Bartlett, Trinity UMC in Yorkville and Wesley UMC in Aurora. Since July 2023, he has served as the pastor at First Lutheran Church ECLA in Louisville KY. Reverend Bell was born at Hinsdale Hospital and grew up in Downers Grove.
"I'm incredibly excited to be returning to the area and joining Hinsdale United Methodist Church," says Pastor John Bell. "This is a congregation that truly cares about its community and actively serves in mission. I'm looking forward to continuing their vital outreach and partnerships, and bringing strong pastoral leadership and care to our church family. My hope is that we can grow together, meeting people in the community right where they are, just as they are, reflecting our mission to 'love God and love EVERYONE.'"
Rev. Bell serves on the Executive Board and as a faculty member for The Center for Family Consultation in Evanston, IL. He is the Director of the Postgraduate program at the Center for Family Consultation and is a former chair of the Board of Ordained Ministry for the Northern Illinois Conference.
He and his wife Alison have three grown children, two of whom live in the Chicagoland area. His personal interests include hiking, writing, enjoying good food, and attending live music performances.
Meet and Greet / Sun July 6
Rev. Bell’s first service will be on July 6 at 10am, followed by a meet-and-greet opportunity.
Welcome Reception / Sun July 13
We will host a larger Welcome Reception for Rev. Bell and the community on July 13 at 11am following that morning’s service. We invite everyone in the community to join us.