Wesley United Methodist Church names interim pastor
The Rev. Bill Obalil of Arlington Heights has assumed duties as interim pastor at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora.
Obalil debuted in the Wesley UMC pulpit April 28, preaching on "Hope Reborn."
He succeeds Rev. John Bell who has begun a four-month renewal leave scheduled to end Aug. 12.
Bell said, "I am grateful for this opportunity to step away from the daily activities of the congregation to find opportunities for rest and renewal. When you see me around town and at church I look forward to catching up and staying connected."
A native of Chicago, Obalil grew up in LaGrange. Before retiring in 2015, he served churches as an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church Northern Illinois Conference for 43 years.
His last appointment was as senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of Geneva for 15 years.
Obalil's family includes his wife, Kaye, three married children, six grandchildren and a granddog. Retirement activities encompass reading The New York Times, volunteering for Northern Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors, mentoring ministerial candidates for ministry, riding his bicycle 75 miles a week and chauffeuring and attending grandchildren's activities.
Call (630) 896-1033 for more information.