They hosted 7 weddings.
New Life Community Church (NLCC) in Chicago recently celebrated a special wedding ceremony through its La Villita ministry, where seven couples—six from Venezuela and one from Mexico—decided to formalize their relationships according to Christian teachings. Senior Pastor Mark Jobe led the ceremony, delivering a sermon encouraging the couples to live according to God’s guidance and inviting other couples to consider marriage as well.
The event was a result of collaborative efforts by NLCC’s community outreach program, New Life Centers, which supports immigrants and works with the city to address various community needs. Florentina Guerrero, a dedicated church member, played a pivotal role in organizing the wedding, reflecting her commitment to helping couples in their faith journeys. Her husband, José Guadalupe Guerrero, highlighted the historical significance of the collective wedding for everyone involved.
The wedding was made possible through the generous contributions of church members and volunteers, who provided funds, bridal gowns, food, and decorations. Each couple also received a Bible from Biblia QR, a resource designed to support their spiritual growth with commentaries and videos. The church also provided godparents to assist with the ceremony and support the newlyweds beyond the event.
The ceremony was part of a broader initiative that included pre-marriage and post-marriage classes aimed at reinforcing the couples’ faith and relationship skills. Pastor Paco Amador, who officiated the ceremony, praised the collective effort and the blessing it represented for the church and the wider community. Looking forward, the ministry is preparing to offer a new “preparation for marriage” course with several couples already signed up.
NLCC’s outreach extends beyond these ceremonies, supporting immigrants from various countries and working to expand its aid to additional shelters. Florentina and José Guadalupe encourage immigrants to engage with church communities to find support and build a sense of belonging as they navigate their new lives.