Greater New Era District Baptist Association

09/07/2026

Please join us in celebrating the life of our long time member and father of our Pastor, The Reverend Willie Runnels.

09/04/2026

🏵️Please join us as we Celebrate a Life well lived, distinguished by faith, love, light, and devotion to family and Christ!!

The committal/burial service will immediately follow the service, and a repast will be held thereafter as family and friends gather in fellowship and remembrance.

09/04/2026

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing from this earthly life of our beloved Pastor Rev Willie Runnels

Please continue to keep the Runnels Family in your thoughts and prayers. 🙏🏽

09/01/2026

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing from this earthly life of our beloved Mother Mariah Ann Freeny, mother of Rev. Dr. Robert M. Freeny and cherished matriarch of the Freeny Family.

During this difficult time, we ask that you please keep the entire Freeny Family and the entire SBC Family lifted in your prayers. May God strengthen, comfort, and sustain them as they mourn the loss of their beloved mother, grandmother, family member, and friend.

🩷❤️ “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4 ❤️🩷

Service arrangements are currently pending. Details will be shared on our social media pages as soon as arrangements have been finalized.

Please continue to keep the Freeny Family in your thoughts and prayers. 🙏🏽🩷❤️

❤️🩷It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts we share the passing from this Earthly life of our own Mother Mariah Ann Freeny, mother of Rev. Dr. Robert M Freeny and matriarch of the Freeny Family.

Please keep the entire Freeny Family and the entire SBC family in your prayers during this time.

Service arrangements are pending and will be available on our social media pages when finalized.🩷❤️

08/26/2026

🌟 You're Invited to Our Youth Mental Health Workshop! 🌟

Saturday 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Join us for an engaging day focused on supporting the mental wellness of our youth.

continental breakfast
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Lunch
1:00 PM

This free community event offers valuable resources, activities, and tools for both young people and their families.
We encourage parents to enjoy lunch with our youth, and participate in our special parent session, designed to provide helpful information and support for navigating youth mental health together.

Please feel free to invite family, friends, and others who may benefit from attending. We would love to see you there and share this meaningful day of learning, connection, and community. ❤️

08/26/2026

Final Arrangements for Deacon Abner Love, Jr.

08/23/2026

Condolences & Prayers

We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Dr. Alvin Love and the Love Family in the transition of his father, Deacon Abner Love, Jr., on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

May God’s comfort, strength, and peace surround the Love Family during this difficult time.

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4

No additional details are available at this time.

08/18/2026

We are continuing to keep the Shelton Family in prayer.

08/15/2026

In Memoriam: Rev. Glenn Shelton
The Greater New Era District Association of Chicago & Vicinity, Inc. mourns the passing of Rev. Glenn Shelton, husband of Sister Ginger Shelton and retired pastor of Second Baptist Church of Lincoln, Illinois.

Rev. Shelton was a dedicated member of the Wood River District Association and the Baptist General State Convention of Illinois.

We extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to Sister Ginger Shelton, the Shelton family, and the entire church and denominational family during this time of bereavement.

Please continue to keep the Shelton family in your prayers.

Funeral and homegoing service details will be shared at a later time.