Who We Are

Black and Proud. Unapologetically Christian. Universally Welcoming.

At Sherman United Methodist Church, we are an intimate, caring community that welcomes all who seek fellowship and spiritual growth, regardless of cultural, social, economic, ethnic, or religious background or sexual orientation. In the spirit of our founder, Lula B. Sherman, a fearless social justice champion who helped transform Evanston, Illinois, we celebrate unity through faith, service, justice, and the arts.

For more than a century, our church has stood as a beacon of faith, heritage, and community impact. Founded in 1922 by a visionary African American leader, we are more than a place of worship. We are a living legacy. Our historic building stands as a landmark and testament to courage, perseverance, and the power of faith filled vision.

We proudly hold the distinction of being the only historically African American United Methodist congregation on the North Shore founded by a Black woman, a story rooted in bold faith and sustained by generations of resilience.

For 103 years, we have faithfully served our neighbors and partnered with institutions such as Northwestern Universityand Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, extending ministry, fellowship, and service far beyond our walls.

Our history is powerful. Our faith is active. Our welcome is for all.

What We Believe

  • We proclaim Jesus as Liberator—one who stands with the marginalized and oppressed, reveals radical love and justice, and embodies hope for all people. Black liberation theology insists that Christ is most present among those who suffer, calling the church into solidarity and prophetic witness. Every worship service centers on the transformative power of the Gospel and the person of Jesus Christ.

  • We affirm that African American culture is a divine gift, expressing resilience through music, language, celebrations, and kinship. Embracing our history is an act of spiritual resistance and hope, contextualizing the gospel and honoring God's work through our ancestors and communal stories. Our worship unapologetically celebrates Black heritage as sacred practice.

  • True community is built through deep relationships—with God, within the congregation, and across denominational and social boundaries. Our Black Methodist tradition forges bonds of care, embodying justice, advocacy, and collective hope.


Mission: Lula B. Sherman UMC exists to worship God with excellence, embrace our African American heritage, and build transformative connections within and beyond the North Shore community.

Vision: To be a spiritually vibrant, culturally rich, and deeply connected faith community that transforms lives and communities through the liberating gospel of Jesus Christ.