Rasul “Rocky” Clark, a 27 year old man who unfortunately suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury while playing high school football 11 years ago which left him unable to move anything on his body below his neck; passed away quietly at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Illinois yesterday. All who were touched by his life and his story of determination to make something of himself despite his injury are saddened by his death.

Rocky was gifted with artistic talent, a great sense of humor and most importantly, a deep spiritual sense of how God was working in his life in the aftermath of his paralysis. Rocky was not bitter about his condition, he became a source of support and encouragement to hundreds of people who were victims of the type of injury or who were suffering from other difficult obstacles in their life.

May God bless his mother Annette and the rest of his family as they all grieve the loss of Rocky in their lives. Let’s send our prayers to the Clark Family and other signs of support if led to do so. Please go to rasulrockyclark.com for more information on how to support the family.

Rev. Claude R. King

“Everyday isn’t perfect, sometimes things get in your way to make you mad, doubt your faith, and you lose focus. When things get rough like that I relax myself first, then I focus, and take time out to pray. Asking God to keep me focused, healthy safe, and strong. Knowing that if I endure and don’t give in there is a rising
miracle waiting for me to behold.    by Rasul “Rocky” Clark

November 1, 2011

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• Click here to make an online pledge to the First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple

Dear Members and Friends of the Chicago Temple:

Our theme for the 2012 Stewardship Campaign is Strengthening our Foundation – sharing our gifts, showing our faith. Without question, the physical foundation of the Chicago Temple stands strong on the corner of Clark and Washington in downtown Chicago. Ever since the first log cabin church was moved here from across the river in 1838, our continuing presence on this corner has been just one of our many strengths. But more importantly, it is our worship within the building that is the very foundation of the Temple’s congregational life. It is the church’s chief reason for being. Our worship is what sustains us and empowers us to share our gifts and show our faith to the city and world around us.

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 LUCY RIDER MEYER HUMANITARIAN AWARD BANQUET

            When Jim Jones called several weeks ago to tell me that ChildServ intended to give me this award, I said that it made me feel like an old building in the Loop that is being granted landmark status because it is still standing. It was my way of saying, “Thank you, thank you very much.”  It is an honor also to be united with Terry Mazany of the Chicago Community Trust and all of the crucial work they do in the city and Karen Atwood of Blue Cross/Blue Shield and the services they provide to the families of our community.

            The Lucy Rider Meyer Humanitarian Award – it suggests that I have offered leadership in some form that has made things better for some people. I am humbled by the suggestion. When I entered the ministry in the late 1960’s, 44 years ago, I wanted to change the world.  You may have noticed since that time just how resistant the world has been. However, I never have given up hope.

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