“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”, King James Version – Hebrews 11:1
The 2016 Circle Urban Ministries Gala took place at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago. After a gourmet dinner, James Borishade (Circle Urban CEO and Rock Church attender) presented awards to Rock Church Pastor Robert L. Stevenson and Rock Church Elder, Dr. Jon Beran, as well as awards to 3 other individuals and organizations.
There were 3 tables of Rock Church folks in attendance as well as several Rock Members who work at Circle Urban.
Notable Speakers
The Honorable Danny K. Davis, U.S. Congressman for the 7th district, spoke briefly about his relationship with Glen Kehrein when CUM started. At that time Danny Davis was the alderman for the area; now he is in the US House of Representatives.
The Honorable Camille Lily, Illinois Representative for the 78th district which includes CUM, made some brief remarks in praise of CUM.
Alderman Christopher Taliaferro, 29th Ward (which includes CUM), made a brief comment that he had chosen to come to the banquet over watching the Cubs’ game. (The Master of Ceremonies gave reports periodically about the Cubs game.)
Honoree Dr Jon Beran
Dr. Jon Beran gave a brief acceptance speech, in which he mentioned the other doctors he had worked with at Circle Family Healthcare Network over the years and gave a special tribute to his late wife, “Angel Nita”.
The program book contained the following about Dr. Jon Beran:
Dr. Jon W. Beran, MD, is a Family Practice Specialist in Chicago, Illinois. He attended and graduated with honors from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1975. Dr. Beran has been in practice over 41 years of diverse experiences, especially in Family Practice. He affiliates with Rush Oak Park Hospital. Dr. Beran also cooperates with other doctors and physicians in medical groups including Circle Family Healthcare Network, Inc. When the Circle clinic opened in November of 1977, Dr. Beran as joined by his wife and Dr. Emily Bray as the first nurse and doctor. Dr. Beran came on staff August 1st of 1978 with Dr. John Payne, which made him the second doctor on staff. He and his wife joined Rock Church in 1986. Dr. Beran is bi-lingual in French and in Spanish. Dr. Beran sahres in Circle’s Christian based value system of serving those in need.
Honoree Pastor Robert Stevenson
Information from the program book about Pastor Rob Stevenson:
Pastor Robert Louis Stevenson, is a charismatic leader, visionary and community organizer. Through his work in the Austin community Pastor Rob is known for his heart of compassion, his thought-provoking messages and for extending a helping hand to those in need. Pastor Rob has held various ministry positions, including Director of a Christian After-School Program, Youth Pastor, and currently serves as the Senior Pastor of the legendary Rock of Our Salvation Evangelical Free Church located in the Austin Community of Chicago, IL. Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Rob is one of Austin’s influential voices. He is an active member of the 15th District CAPS and Clergy Coalition and currently serves as the Chaplin for the Columbus Park Golf Course, a position he has held for 9 years. His impact is also felt through Circle Urban Ministries, where he sits on the Board of Directors for the campus that houses community outreach services to more than 800 families, 520 scholars and 40+ staff members. Pastor Rob received his biblical training from EFCA Gateway Theological Institute of Biblical Studies. Celebrating 20+ years of marriage, Robert and Bridgett Stevenson are parents to three children and three grandchildren. He credits his mother as the source of his compassion and dedication. After more than 18 years in ministry, Pastor Rob continues to be a leading voice of inspiration, innovation and influence in the Austin Community.
Rock Church Attendees:
(Click on photograph to enlarge)
