Pastor’s Greetings

Hello Viewer/Reader,

I am Pastor Eric

Thank you for checking out the church webpage; I hope you will visit the church on a Sunday morning.

Here is a little bit about me.

I was born and raised in Chicago.  I come from a big Filipino/Puerto Rican—eldest of three siblings and the most senior of 21 grandchildren—the first generation born in America.  My childhood church was in Oak Park, IL – St. John’s United Methodist Church.  I grew up in the burbs (Bartlett, Hanover Park, Schaumburg). I’m a husband and a Dad of two.  

I have served in several different places in the Northern IL. Conference: Oak Park, Geneva, Chicago (Melrose Park & Glenview), Rockford, and now Waterman. I have served in different capacities: Praise Team Leader, Youth Pastor, Associate Pastor, and Senior/Lead Pastor.

I have a BFA in Media Arts and Animation from the Art Institute of Illinois. One of my passions in life is art, in all its mediums—particularly animation and music.  I still do some creative writing. I made a comic book called the J-Squad with college friends. I was in a B-Action movie that was canned. I was an evil henchman (I did my own stunts too.) Some of my favorite comics to read are Batman, Hellboy, TMNT, Ghostbusters, X-Men, and other assorted DC & Marvel stuff.  Big Star Wars fan- This is the Way. The Force be with you.    Also, I love pro-wrestling: AEW, NJPW, ROH, and WWE. – Good stuff.

I received my Master of Divinity with a focus on Pastoral Care from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. I’m passionate about Jesus Christ and the grace of God he offers everyone.  I hope every person will come to have a relationship with God and develop a relationship with a faith community.  Of course, I have my bias; I’d love for you to be part of Waterman UMC, but go where the Holy Spirit leads. 

My heart in ministry is children and families.  I want families to grow together in love and faith.  Growing up, the church played a significant role in keeping me on stable ground. I want all children to experience God’s faithfulness in their lives as they grow and explore their faith, but also through the church community.

I’d love to get to know you better; the Waterman UMC folks welcome you.  I hope, together with the congregation, that we can be a means of grace for you.  Thanks for reading, and God bless you.

-Pastor Eric Reniva