Church Events in 2004

This page preserves links to church events that have already occurred in 2004 for reference purposes. Look at the News and Events page for future events.

---

---

	Chapel Choir on WGN 3am & 1pm, December 25 WGN 720 AM

Tune in to "Steve Cochran’s Very Special Christmas" on WGN radio (720AM) on Christmas Day this year to hear one of the songs from last year's Chapel Choir Christmas concert. There will be two broadcasts at 3am (sic!) and 1pm.

---

---

---

Alternative Gifts

Sundays, November 28-December 19

Are you making a list, checking it twice, and are still stymied about what to give Uncle Bob, Sister Sue, or Friend Sam for Christmas? Consider honoring them with an Alternative Gift! Here’s how it works. Simply make a donation to a mission project at the Alternative Gift Table in the Parlor, Sundays Nov. 28 through Dec. 19. You will receive a beautiful gift card to give to your friend or loved one containing a explanation of how the gift given in their honor will help someone who really needs it.

Alternative Gifts available this year include:

• Heifer Project – income and food producing livestock to families in thirdworld countries.
• Church World Service – blankets and well equipment, and sewing machines to developing nations.
• Society of St. Andrew – Food for hungry men, women and children across the United States.
• Ruth y Nohemi Cooperative – Crafts providing a living for people in Guatemala (New this year – handmade briefcases, tote bags, and table runners).

---

Church Conference

Tuesday, December 14, 2004

Our annual Charge Conference this year will be held as a Church Conference in the Chapel Hall on December 14th at 7:30pm. We will review and evaluate our ministries, discuss candidates for ministry, and set clergy compensation. We invite you to come to meet our district superintendent, The Rev. Danita Anderson-Wilkins, and to learn and participate in how our church connects to the larger United Methodist Church!

---

Chapel Choir Christmas Concert

Sounds of the Season

Sunday, December 12, 2004

Plan to attend a holiday celebration on Sunday, December 12 when the Chapel Choir presents its annual Christmas Concert. Featuring more than 80 voices and a 25-piece orchestra, this holiday extravaganza will feature a variety of musical selections and promises to be a truly memorable event. You will not want to miss an opportunity to hear and experience this talented and dedicated youth choir.

Performances will take place at 3:30 and 7:00 in the sanctuary. Tickets may be purchased from choir members for $5 to offset their cost to go on Tour or Mission Trip. Both performances are expected to sellout, so be sure to buy your tickets early. All proceeds will be towards the cost of the Chapel Choir's 2005 Spring Break Tour to Atlanta.

---

	Preschool Registration December 5 & 7, 2004 It is time to register your child for the First United Methodist Preschool for the 2005-06 school year.

Our preschool is for children who will be either 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2005. Classes meet on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings or afternoons from mid-September through mid-May.

Register in Room 101 on Sunday, December 5, 2004 from 10:30—11:00 or Tuesday, December 7, 2004 from 2:30—3:30. A $60.00 non-refundable registration fee is required to secure a space.

Open registration will be held Tuesday, January 4, 2005; in Room 101 from 3:00-4:00.

PLEASE NOTE: Church member registration dates are strictly adhered to. If you miss the church member registration dates you must register at open registration.

For further information contact Deb Howard through the Church Office.

---

	Holiday Happening 3-7pm, Sunday, December 5, 2004

This is an annual opportunity to let the kids have a great time at church while adults get a chance to shop or even relax. You may know this event by the name of Piece of Peace if you participated in the past. Drop the kids off for a great afternoon of movies, dinner, crafts, and games while you take the time to do whatever you want!

Cost is $5/child with a maximum of $15 per family. Ages birth through 6th grade are welcome! This will be an enjoyable holiday event for the children AND provide some free time for the adults; a win/win event for all!

---

It's the GIVING TREE
Time of Year!

The Giving Tree is now up in the Church Parlor. There are also tags on the bulletin board in the Narthex. You have the opportunity to choose tags from several agencies. The tags are marked with the name or initials of the agency.

All gifts going to PADS and FISH should be UNWRAPPED, but with the tag firmly attached. Gifts to the other agencies work a little differently. Please select tags and put your name on the sign-out sheet. All gifts for Marcy Newberry (green tree tags) and the Bridge family should be wrapped. Child Serv gifts (red stocking tag) should be unwrapped. Please read the note on the tag to see which kind you have chosen. Please don’t wrap gifts marked “unwrapped” or volunteers will have to unwrap them before giving them to the agency.

The gifts for all the agencies other than PADS should be returned with the tags firmly attached by noon on December 5th. Gifts for PADS will continue to be collected into December.

The Children and Family Ministries Work Area and the Church and Society Work Area sponsor the Giving Tree project. Over 300 gifts go to needy children, youth, and adults in our township and across the Northern Illinois Conference. We hope that you will be able to help.

Thank you!

---

Building Needs Assessment
Open Forum

Sunday, December 5, 2004

10:30am & 12pm, Chapel

This will be a chance for the whole congregation to meet with the architect who is assessing our building needs and discuss future plans.

---

The Chancel Choir Cantata

Lessons and Carols

Sunday, December 5

9:30 & 11am Services

---

Saturday Night Live

Chapel Hall
6:30pm Saturday, December 4

Are you ready for an evening of murder, mystery, and rock ‘n’ roll? Come join us as we go back in time to the 1950’s, and try to solve the mystery of Tom Dooley’s untimely death at his backyard barbecue. It’s a case of coldblooded murder over a hot grill, and you may be a suspect!

Here’s the scoop:

When: Saturday, Dec. 4—6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.(??)
Where: First UMC Chapel Hall
Cost: $13.00 per person (is that an unlucky number??!!)

Bring your lovely self and your sharp wit; dinner will be catered for us. Sign up and pay ahead in the church office by Sunday, Nov. 28. Your “role” and simple costume suggestions will be provided when you sign up. (Costumes are not required but are highly recommended, and will make it a heck-uv-a-lot more fun!)

Questions: Karla Gulley or Janet Farral

---

Care and Share Christmas Party

1-3pm, December 4, 2004

Several area churches will be participating in a Christmas party December 4th, for 34 Headstart preschool children and their families. The party will be at Faith United Methodist Church, Fairview & 59th in Downers Grove, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Our church will be given ten families. Individuals and/or groups are needed to sponsor each of the ten families and provide Christmas gifts, Christmas dinner and a bucket of cleaning supplies. If you are interested in participating in this program please contact Christy Greenblatt through the church office.

---

	Health Kits for PADS Guests Donations: Sundays from November 21 Assembly: December 4, 2004

Staying healthy is not easy when you are trying to survive on the street. Recognizing this, the Missions Work Area will once again be holding a day when volunteers can help stuff fanny-packs with personal care items for distribution to our PADS guests.

Following is a list of items needed for this project.

• Fanny-packs
• Compact/travel
• Small packs of tissues
• Small note pads
• Antiseptic hand wipes
• Hand warmers
• Hooded rain ponchos
• Band aids
• Chap Stick/Blistex
• Ear plugs
• Small combs
• Toothbrushes

If you would like to donate any of these items, please drop them off in the church office marked to John Smoke’s attention. There will also be a box on Sunday mornings for donations (starting Nov 21).

Everyone is welcome to help assemble the kits on December 4th at 9 a.m. in Room 218. This is a good family- friendly project!

Missions Work Area

---

Join the ADVENTure!

3-5pm, November 28, 2004

Sign up in the Parlor for the Advent Family Workshop and your kids can make lots of great gifts for those they love. This Sunday, November 21, is your last chance to register.

Cost is $10 per family and one bag of chocolate chips. There will be projects for kids of all ages!

Children and Family Ministries

---

	Thanks-for-giving Offering Sunday, November 28, 2004

The offering on Thanksgiving Sunday, November 28, is the sole fundraiser for the mission work sponsored by the Church and Society Work Area. Last year’s offering of $8,400 was given to a multitude of organizations. We hope to duplicate our efforts this year. Thank you for your generous support for organizations such as UMCOR, Walk-in Ministry, PADS, and Northern Illinois Food Bank.

Church and Society Work Area

---

Thanksgiving Eve Service

7:30pm, November 24, 2004

"The List"
Message by Rev. Nick Nicholas

---

The Bells of Christmas

7pm, Sunday, November 21

First frost, first snowflakes, and first sounds of Christmas will come on Sunday, Nov 21, at 7:00 p.m. This first call to Christmas will be ushered in by bells, brass, and favorite vignette memories of Christmas past. And a special visitor—it’s not who you think!

Tickets are $6 in advance and $8 at the door. For $18 and only in advance, a special gold level ticket is available boasting preferred seating, a long stemmed flower, and your choice of “A Ringing Christmas” or “A Harp Christmas” CD.

Child care provided. Please call the church.

Pattie Barnes

---

Christian Book Fair

Tower Room

November 21, 2004

Need some good ideas for Christmas gifts? Come to the Book Fair on Sunday, November 21 in the Tower Room. There will be a wide variety of books to choose including children’s books, Advent calendars, Advent and year around devotional materials, Christmas titles, gift books, fiction, and theological titles.

Adult Education Work Area

---

Fall Blood Drive

Heartland Blood Centers

3-7:30pm, Monday, November 8, 2004

Please mark your calendars for our Fall Blood Drive when Heartland Blood personnel will be here at FUMC. Bring your friends and neighbors along. For the past twenty years, your kindness has allowed them to collect over 2,500 units of blood at our blood drives.

Heartland Blood Centers is the sole supplier of blood and blood products to 36 area hospitals, including Good Samaritan Hospital. To register, call the church office at 968-7120.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sheila Hallmann, Parish Nurse

---

Our World’s Religions

Room 218, 7-9pm, Wednesdays

As one of the new Church Chats that follow the Family Dinner Hour (Welcome on Wednesdays), we are learning about the history, structure, and tenets of the other world religions. Come and join us as we build bridges with other communities of faith. No registration is necessary.

Islam

October 13, 2004

Mubasher Ahmad is a regional missionary for the Ahmadiyya movement in Islam.

Hinduism

October 20, 2004

Dr. Tracy Pintchman is a member of the Comparative Religions Department at Loyola University.

Judaism

October 27, 2004

Steven Bob is Rabbi of the Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard.

Buddhism

November 3 , 2004

Mr. Bert Tan is director of the Amitabha Buddhist Library of Chicago.

Adult Education Work Area

---

Halloween Haunted House

7-10pm, Saturday, October 30, 2004

The High School Youth invite those hearty souls over 12 years old to wander through our Haunted House!

Come and see the gym and youth lounge in ways you never imagined... Graveyards, Operating Rooms, Ghosts and other surprises await!

There is a $2 fee; proceeds to go to UMCOR for hurricane relief.

Senior High Youth

---

Faithful Voting

Room 218, 7:30pm, October 25, 2004

We are all aware that there is a Presidential Election coming up next month. But have you considered the election from your perspective as a Christian? What does Faithful Voting mean? How do the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church fit in?

Please come to a discussion on these topics led by John Smoke, John Tschopp, and Richard Braley.

Sponsored by Church and Society

---

Crazy Closet Sale Friday, October 22, 2004 9:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m. Full Price 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Half Price

Crazy Closet is a service project sponsored by the United Methodist Women. The purpose is to offer quality clothing and household items at low cost. The profit made on the sale goes to a variety of organizations that support women and children. Last year we raised over $3,000.

Start cleaning out your closets, basements, and attics!

Seller Registration

Sunday, October 3: after the 9:30 and 11:00 church services

Tuesday, October 12: 5:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m.

Seller Fee: Only $2.50

Maximum 100 items per seller

Seller Return: 70% to seller, 30% to mission work

Seller Drop Off

Thursday, October 21: 9:00 a.m till 11:00 a.m. & 6:00 pm. till 8 p.m.

Registration is not necessary if you are donating 100% of the proceeds.

United Methodist Women

---

South DuPage CROP Walk

October 17, 2004

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1:30pm

Millions of people worldwide live on the edge of subsistence, struggling to escape the crushing grip of poverty. Most are hungry – and they need more than a handout. They need a way out. Church World Service (CWS) creates pockets of education and innovation, enterprise and collaboration, powered by local ingenuity and nurtured by the self-respect that flows from it. If we work together, we can build a world that works for all.

Show the World We Care

Last year, our church raised more than $10,000 on the CROP Walk, a 5 or 10km walk that supports both the international programs of CWS and local charities, such as our own PADS site. CWS works in more than 80 countries, helping to provide tools of hope that empower people to meet their own needs. Your participation helps make that possible.

Calling New Walkers

This year, our goal is to recruit 100 walkers. If we reach our goal, our associate pastor, not a noted Bears fan, has promised to sing Bear Down, Chicago Bears, to those who sign up. We still have a long way to go! If you have never walked before, please do so to make this historic event happen.

The shorter 5km walk is a pleasant afternoon stroll that is fun for the whole family. Join Debbie and John in acting to eliminate hunger around the world.

Please obtain a donation envelope from the sign-up desk in the parlor on Sunday, and show our commitment to ending hunger and poverty in the world.

[More...]

---

Walter & June Wink

"The Powers that Be"

October 15-17, 2004

What are we as Christians called to do in a violent world? This is certainly one of the key questions Christians need to deal with today; however, it is not a new issue. The teachings and actions of Jesus reflect his approach to this important question. As Christians, we need to seek understandings from these teachings that we can apply in our lives today.

Walter Wink is an internationally recognized, inspiring, expert and author on this subject. In this seminar he teams with his wife June to challenge the audience to think deeply, experience the Spirit in new ways and hopefully walk away transformed.

The Friday night portion of the workshop, beginning at 7:30 p.m., is open to all and there is no charge. The Saturday workshop will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is $25, which includes lunch. Babysitting will be provided if requested by October 1.

Dr. Wink will also preach at our 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. services on Sunday. Walter Wink's book, "The Powers That Be", will be for sale in the parlor on the Adult Ed Work Area book cart in the coming weeks.

[Registration...]

Adult Education Work Area

---

1st Annual Steve Kerr Memorial Golf For PADS Saturday, October 9th

Hoping everyone will join us for 9 or 18 holes of golf at Village Greens Golf Course, followed by dinner at Suparossa Ristorante. There will be prizes, raffles and live entertainment, to fill the day with fun and fellowship, while supporting PADS.

Stop by the church office or e-mail Diane Kerr at, Diane@dgfumc.org for more information and to obtain a registration form.

DuPage P.A.D.S., Inc. is committed to ending and preventing homelessness in DuPage County.

---

Reconnection and Renewal

Saturday, October 2

3pm Chapel Hall

The Reconnection and Renewal Gathering is an open forum for all church members.  You should plan to come and share your hopes and dreams for the future of this church.  This is an opportunity to reconnect and grow spiritually with other church members as we celebrate our love of this church and Jesus Christ.  There’s no agenda and no business planned just time to start reconnecting with one another in a casual atmosphere. 

We’ll finish by 5:00 p.m. so that we can attend the 537 service together and share in communion.  For more information and to request childcare, please call Angela Loveless (548-1899), or contact the other Reconnection and Renewal team members Cathy Heinrich, Don Safford, Don Langford, Mary Ann Borsellino, and Lilian Ficht.

---

Olduna Cow Works September 18, 2004 The Safford's Home

Have you “herd”? It’s time for the 8th Annual Chapel Choir Fundraiser*, The Olduna Cow Works, an “udderly” good time at The Safford’s

3:00 p.m. to ??
Good Food & Good Fellowship

Our savory menu includes: succulent roasted rounds of beef, Caryl’s Celebrated Baked Beans, Don Dunham’s Delightful Desserts, musical entertainment and so much more!

Adults only $20 per ticket; buy them ASAP, please! Call the Church Office for directions.

*From this year’s proceeds, a gift will be given to the Church to enhance the Sanctuary

---

Tree of Life Ministry

Mission Trip to South Dakota

September 12-18, 2004

What:

A weeklong working mission on the Rosebud Indian Reservation at Mission, South Dakota.

When:

Saturday to Saturday - You do not have to be there for the whole week. Work will consist of a variety of home repairs and painting, helping in the clothing and food pantry, and perhaps helping children in school. There will be work for those not wanting heavy labor.

Housing:

Mostly dorm-like facilities.

Meals:

We furnish and prepare our own meals. For one meal, a Native American will prepare a traditional meal for $6 per person.

Contact with Native Americans:

Limited — there will be some leaders speaking to us.

Cost per person:

$200 per person to cover material for work projects.

Extended trip:

Leanne Rolfe’s brother has a cabin in the Black Hills and we are welcome to spend a couple of days there.

Transportation:

At this time, it looks as if most will be driving their own car. If there are enough wanting to ride together, we will look into renting a van.

Detailed information is available; Call Pastor Curtis M. Rolfe at 630-942-8621.

---

Rally Day September 12, 2004 Yes, it is time for the fall programs and schedule! We return to three services, 8:15, 9:30, and 11:00am. PATHFINDERS (Sunday School) for all ages will be during the 9:30 and 11:00 services.

Please register all children for Pathfinders. Registration forms will be available if needed.

---

Church Pictorial Directory August 16-18, September 27-30 October 1-2, November 15-16, 2004

Have you ever heard an announcement regarding a member and wished you could put a face with a name? Are you new to our church and wish you had something to help you put names with faces?

We are producing a new Pictorial Directory for our church. There is no cost to you or the church to have your photographs taken, and you will receive a complimentary 8" x 10" portrait and directory for participating. You will be able to view your images electronically immediately after you are photographed. At that time, you will also have the opportunity to purchase additional portraits to share with family and friends. We look forward to seeing you in pictures!

Portrait sitting times will be 3 till 9pm on August 16-18, September 27-30, October 1-2, and November 15-16, so check your calendar and sign up early. Tables will be set up in the church parlor before and after each Saturday and Sunday services for you to sign up for your personal portrait sitting time. If you have questions or wish to volunteer to help, please contact Linda Brif or Sandy Brubaker through the church office.

Membership Development Committee

---

10am, Sunday, August 15, 2004

For thirty years, the Mad Monks of Melody have been known for the "joie de vivre" of their Dixieland style of music. Throughout the midwest, they lead congregations in jazz worship, singing favorite old time hymns in the New Orleans style.

Come and swing to their beat at the 10am service on Sunday, August 15.

---

PADS Fair

August 14 & 15, 2004

Changes for our PADS Ministry

"To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven." Eccl. 3:1

This verse speaks to me when it’s time for change. And it’s time for a change. It has been my pleasure and honor to be the coordinator, along with volunteer coordinator Judy Dunderman, of our First UMC PADS Ministry for the past many years, both here and back when we supported the site at First Congregational.

And now it’s time to ask a few willing members of FUMC to step into some new roles with the PADS ministry. In order to bring in new leadership and fresh ideas, we have restructured the coordinator positions. Rather than have 2 people do all the planning and organization we believe the work can be divided into many, much smaller jobs.

We hope that you will visit the PADS FAIR in the Parlor on Saturday, August 14th before and after the 5:37 service and Sunday, August 15th before and after the 10:00 service to find out how you can help this ministry in a meaningful way. There will be a wide variety of positions available to choose from. No one position will be too big or take too much time.

One key position we must fill in order for the ministry to continue is the "Overall Coordinator." This is someone who will be the connection point for all the other coordinators and for our support churches. It requires excellent organization and communication skills, but won’t necessarily require a lot of time “on site.” If you think you might be called to provide this kind of leadership and service, please contact me for more information.

Thank you for your continued support of this ministry of FUMC. Please call me with questions or to volunteer.

Laura Temple

---

Calling all Kids!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!
August 3-5, 2004

We hope all children from ages 4 through entering 6th grade can join us for Marketplace 29 A.D. in August. Vacation Bible School will be held on August 3, 4 and 5 from 9:00 – noon with a closing family picnic on Thursday, August 5 in the evening. The kids have a great time as they visit the Marketplace each day to experience life in the time that Jesus lived. They will enjoy activities like baking bread, creating musical instruments and even making bricks to construct our community well.

Fees are $10 per child or $25 for families with three or more children. Friends are welcome. Come join the fun! We are looking forward to having a big turnout! Registration forms are now available in the Church Office.

Registration Due Date: July 23, 2004

We’re also taking volunteers to help staff the program. Some people will be needed for all three days, others to help prepare before the event, and still others for just one day. Anyone who is beyond 6th grade can volunteer.

If you would like to join in the fun, leave a message for Mary or Shannon at 968-7120 x109. We hope to see you there!

Shannon Fedres and Mary Zajac
Christian Education Coordinators

---

James Winkler

General Secretary, UMC-GBCS
10:00am August 1, 2004

Jim Winkler, General Secretary of the General Board of Church and Society, which is based in Washington DC next to the Supreme Court, will give a special presentation to the congregation on Sunday, August 1, immediately after the 10:00 a.m. worship service.

Jim is an outspoken witness for social justice and an excellent speaker on issues such as global hunger, the growing federal deficit, public school education, human embryo stem cell research, gambling, capital punishment and many other causes.

Please plan to attend to hear this wonderful speaker. Rev. Debbie Fisher is a GBCS Board member.

Church and Society Work Area.

---

SUMMER CAMP!

"Davey and Goliath Camp Creation"

Wesley Woods, June 14–18, 2004

Davey and Goliath’s Camp Creation was June 14-18 at Wesley Woods Camp in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Nick and Shannon along with 22 counselors took 82 second through eighth graders for a week of learning and fun. Each day the kids had small groups where they learned a Bible story and theme for the day. Then they went to games, music, drama, nature/science and crafts. Each night after dinner we had a large group activity, some of which were: counselor hunt, movie night and, of course, the famous talent show and t-shirt signing night. Other than mosquito bites and sleepless nights, a great time was had by all!

I would like to say a special thank you to all of the counselors who took a week in their busy schedules to attend camp: Linda Matheson, Jessie Ralph, Patrick Donnelly, Cindy Dwyer, Kelly Rounce, Erin Pfaff, Emily Hudson, Alyssa Heinrich, Kristen Rains, Megan Pfaff, Dawn Gallt, Bethany Main, Claire Marich, Justine Stukas, Jason Frank, Jennifer Schramm, Eric Schram, Matthew VerBeek, Kelly Snyder, Lauren Mueller, Joette Conger, Leslie Ebersold and our nurse, Linda Main.

We can’t wait until next year!!

Shannon Fedres and Mary Zajac
Christian Education Coordinators

---

New Life Singers

First United Methodist Church, Irving, Texas

June 12-13, 2004

The New Life Singers, a dynamic group of 20 high school youth from First United Methodist Church of Irving, Texas, will be performing at our church for the 5:37 contemporary service on June 12 and at both worship services on Sunday, June 13.

They will present “Stark Reality,” a contemporary youth musical on the 12th and then sing two anthems on the 13th. The musical was created by David Taylor and is culturally relevant today. The music styles are taken from the Billboard Top 10. The lyrics are straight forward and deal with real issues. The drama is funny, fast-paced and not afraid to be honest.

The New Life Singers tour every summer and has previously visited churches in more than 20 states and Canada. Everyone is invited to hear this outstanding group of young singers and then stay for an all-church pot luck supper immediately after the Saturday performance. Anyone attending the supper should plan on bringing a salad or dessert.

---

Twelth Annual Spring Ring

Chancel Ringers &
Westminster Handbell Ensemble

7:00pm Sunday, May 23, 2004

The Chancel Ringers and the Westminster Handbell Ensemble are presenting yet another fabulous handbell venture, for your spring enjoyment! Please join us for the 12th Annual Spring Ring concert by our very own ringers, famous in Chicagoland. Highly sought for outside engagements, our ringers have performed at the Chicago Botanic Garden, Orchestra Hall Grainger Ball Room, the AGEHR closing concert of the 2002 Director’s Seminar in Des Moines, Iowa, and the Tivoli Theater West Towns Barbershop event.

Our bell ensembles are refining all their aural and visual textures, intending to pique all of your artistic senses. The music is additionally enhanced by a creative assortment of percussion instruments. Some are quite surprising . . .

Also featured will be the Stairwell Singers, the popular a cappella male quartet from Downers Grove South High School, and the humorous speech duet by Stu Seale and Andy Junk which won first in state.

Join us for an event continuing to be unmatched in belldom.

Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Be sure to buy early! Tickets will be sold in the Parlor on Sundays May 2, 9, 16.

Child Care will be provided.

---

	Spiritually Uplifting! The Music of Moses Hogan Sunday, May 16, 2004 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Chancel and Chapel Choirs

Plan now to attend a special service featuring the spiritual arrangements of Moses Hogan. Mr. Hogan, the conductor of the world famous Moses Hogan Chorale, died in February 2003 at the age of 45. He left a legacy of recordings and arrangements with new harmonies and textures that enhanced the “classical spiritual.”

Spirituals have a universal appeal: when American choirs tour the world, this engaging folk genre seems to cut across all cultural boundaries. And, in our setting, choir members and listeners alike count Hogan anthems among their favorites.

The program will include:

• My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord
• Abide With Me
• We Shall Walk through the Valley in Peace
• Old Time Religion
• Hear My Prayer
• Every Time I Feel the Spirit
• Standing in the Need of Prayer
• Great Day
• Do Lord, Remember Me
• Jesus Lay Your Head on the Window
• Wade in the Water
• I Want To Thank You, Lord.

The Chancel Choir is directed by Diane Hires and accompanied by Pattie Barnes. The Chapel Choir is led by Belford Hernandez and accompanied by Vielza Hernandez.

Plan to join the Chancel and Chapel Choirs for this “Spiritually Uplifting” worship service.

---

Fred Moore’s Evensong May 16, 2004 at 9:30 AM. Chapel Hall

Remember the Sunday night hymn sings? Remember the good old songs that touched the heart and filled the soul? Well Evensong is a program that features just such music. It's also about the history of these great hymns--who wrote them and under what circumstances they were written. There's hymnody, history and humor in this program. Fred Moore and his wife Sharon turn back the clock and invite us to visit the St. James Methodist Church in Central City, Colorado, before the turn of the century for a musical experience that won't soon be forgotten.

---

History of the Palestinian/Israeli Conflict Dr. Gary Burge Wheaton College Professor of New Testament 7:00pm Saturday, May 15, 2004

Gary Burge will give a presentation on the history of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. This conflict with its endless cycles of violence and senseless killings, is difficult for many to understand. Dr. Burge will review the historical record, now pretty much agreed upon by historians, that led up to the current conflict. He has studied and traveled in the Middle East and belongs to the evangelical advocacy group, Evangelicals for Middle East Understanding.

Dr. Burge's talk is sponsored by the FUMC Church and Society Work Area and Northern Illinois Conference-End The Occupation (NIC-ETO) Task Force.

| Download PDF flyer (209K) |

---

General Conference 2004

The United Methodist General Conference 2004 is being held in Pittsburgh from April 27th to May 7th. “Guest” columnists wrote articles about how General Conference works, how it affects our church, and how we could participate.

[More...]

---

Jesus Seminar on the Road

The Search for the Historical Paul

Arthur Dewey & Daryl Schmidt

April 30-May 1, 2004

At a time when popular culture is displaying such an interest in the origins of Christianity, we invite you to join us as we explore one of the most dominant figures in the early church. Paul is often credited—or blamed—for many traditional moral positions now debated in our society. Who was Paul? How should we now interpret Paul's arguments about sexuality and the role of women, or about theological issues such as the meaning of Jesus' death?

The Jesus Seminar was organized under the auspices of the Westar Institute to renew the quest of the historical Jesus and to report the results of its research to more than a handful of gospel specialists. While thousands are able to attend Westar Institute's twice-yearly national meetings, many more are not. Consequently Westar created a traveling seminar called the Jesus Seminar on the Road, which brings Fellows of the Jesus Seminar into conversation with interested people across North America and around the world. Held by invitation in churches, schools and convention centers, each event includes lectures and workshops on a wide range of topics.

[More...]

---

4th Annual Bucket Sundays April 18th & April 25th, 2004

Once again Church and Society and United Methodist Women are co-sponsoring Bucket Sunday in order to provide low- income individuals and families with cleaning supplies. Most of us don’t give much thought to the cost of buying cleaning supplies, but they are costly and quickly add up. Food Stamps can only be used to buy basic food. Nothing made of soap or paper are covered. Consequently, a bucket full of cleaning supplies is a welcomed gift to families with limited income.

On Sundays, April 18th and 25th, empty buckets will be available at each service to be taken home and filled with cleaning supplies. Then the filled buckets may be returned to the church Sunday, April 25th and May 2nd and will be delivered to area food pantries. Donations will be taken from those who would like to contribute to the cost of the buckets.

The local food pantries have expressed a great need for this service and appreciation to our church for providing it. Please join us in this worthwhile service.

Sponsored by Church and Society and UMW

---

JOIN US FOR AN EVENING OF CHORAL MUSIC

Thursday, April 22nd
7:00 p.m.

In the Sanctuary

On Thursday evening, April 22, the Chancel Choir is pleased to host a Choral Music Festival. The guest choir will be the Northern Illinois Chamber Choir, directed by Dr. Eric Johnson. This talented group of 26 college students from DeKalb is preparing for a singing tour to Sweden in June.

Other featured groups will include: the Downers Grove North Chamber Choir, the Downers Grove South Madrigal Singers, and the Chancel and Chapel Choirs of our own church. This wonderful evening of music will begin in the Sanctuary at 7:00 pm. After the concert, the Chancel and Chapel Choirs will host a reception with refreshments in the Parlor.

Please come and support the efforts of these fine musicians… young and seasoned!

---

An Alternative Experience Saturday Evenings 5:37pm Music by Belford Hernandez

---

Holy Week April 4-11, 2004 Sunday, April 4th ~ PALM SUNDAY 8:15 a.m. Worship 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Sunday School Children process with palms Thursday, April 8th ~ Maundy Thursday 7:30 p.m. Service of Holy Communion Chancel Choir Singing Friday, April 9th ~ Good Friday 7:30 p.m. Message by Rev. John Smoke Walk To The Cross Sunday, April 11th ~ Easter Sunday 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Easter Extravagance

---

Crusader Choir Cantata

Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo

Palm Sunday, April 4, 2004, 7:00pm This award-winning cantata was composed in 1970, with words by Michael Flanders and music by Joseph Horovitz, and first performed by the King's Singers. It is a lighthearted oratorio making inventive use of many types of popular music to cast fresh light on a familiar tale.

---

Chapel Choir Tour

Life on the Edge

Post-Tour Concert, April 3, 2004, 5:30pm

This year, 83 youth and 11 adults went on tour to New York City, stopping at various churches to perform along the way. The Tour Show, Life on the Edge, by Steven Taylor, includes songs by Steven Curtis Chapman, and is based on the premise that life is hard and full of surprises, but with the nurturing care of God through relationships with family and friends, we learn how to “be there” for one another and that God is always there.

Saturday, March 27

Oak Chapel UMC, Wooster, OH

Sunday, March 28

St. Paul’s UMC, State College, PA

Monday, March 29 & Tuesday, March 30

Park UMC, Bloomfield, NJ

Wednesday, March 31

Grove UMC, West Chester, PA

We hosted their youth choir last summer

Thursday, April 1

Boardman UMC, Youngstown, OH

Friday, April 2

Arrive home

---

Share Our Church Community with Friends

March 21, 2004

Have you decided who to invite or are you still thinking it over? There is surely something of interest for everyone! How about bringing a friend to discuss the latest Hot Topics. We had three dates available for viewing The Passion of the Christ and everyone wanted to debate the best seller, The DaVinci Code. We will have small booths describing each of our varied programs, activities, support groups and classes available here at FUMC so your friends can get an overview of what we have to offer. They will be set up in the Gym. Refreshments will be served after each service.

Let’s make this a celebration of our wonderful church and enhance our “Open Door” to the community.

Organized by the Membership Development Work Area

---

Annual Potato Lunch

March 21, 2004

12:15 pm in the Gym

Come to second annual Potato Bar Lunch sponsored by your Missions Work Area. Big baked potatoes and lots of toppings are the menu. You will also be able to view displays of the work of the church work areas. It will be a fun and informative time for the whole family.

Admission? Just a 10lb bag of potatoes that will be donated to area food pantries. What a deal!

Members of the Missions Work Area will collect the potatoes on Sundays, March 14 and 21 between services. In the meantime - be on the lookout for the biggest, weirdest, most perfect potato, or a potato that resembles our clergy. Prizes will be given for them!

---

The Passion of the Christ

Directed by Mel Gibson

Opportunities to View and Discuss
The New Movie

March 10–14, 2004

We are offering three opportunities to view the movie The Passion of the Christ, with others from our church, at the Yorktown Cinema, followed by a discussion at the church. To car pool, meet at church 1/2 hour before the movie, travel together, then come back to church for a discussion (discussion times are approximate as movie times are approximate and run time is unknown). If you've already seen the movie, you may sign up for the discussion only; however, please register so we know roughly how many to expect.

Call the Church Office to register. The following dates are available
Note: Times updated on March 11 :

March 10 (Wednesday)

Facilitator: Howard Benson

To Carpool - Leave from church at 1:15. Movie starts at 1:45
Meet back at church at about 4:00 for discussion (1-1.5 hours).
Tickets: $8.00

March 13 (Saturday)

Facilitator: Debbie Fisher

To Carpool - Leave from church at 3:30. Movie starts at 4:15
Meet back at church at about 6:30 for discussion (1-1.5 hours).
This event will cost a little more because we'll order Pizza for dinner.
Cost: $8.00 + Pizza

March 14 (Sunday)

Facilitator: Oswaldo Vena (New Testament Professor, Garrett Seminary)

To Carpool - Leave from church at 12:30. Movie starts at 1:15
Meet back at church at 4:00 for discussion (1-1.5 hours).
Tickets: $8.00

---

The Da Vinci Code

by Dan Brown

Book Discussion with Debbie Fisher

Sunday, February 29 & March 14

6:30 p.m. in the Church Parlor

This is a book you can't put down. This is a book that raises a lot of questions. From an interview with author Dan Brown:

"...I chose this topic for personal reasons — primarily as an exploration of my own faith and my ideas about religion. I believe that one of the reasons the book has become controversial is that religion is a very hard thing to discuss in quantitative terms. If you ask three people what it means to be Christian, you will get three different answers. Some feel being baptized is sufficient. Others feel you must accept the Bible as immutable historical fact. Still others require a belief that all those who do not accept Christ as their personal savior are doomed to hell. Faith is a continuum, and we each fall on that line where we may...The more I learn, the more questions I have. For me, the spiritual quest will be a life-long work in progress..."

This is a repeat of the February 29 meeting because of strong demand. If you would be interested in joining the discussion, please contact the Church Office.

---

Bread for the World Initiative

“You Have a Voice - Use it!”

March 7, 2004

One of the privileges of living in this country is that we can let our elected leaders know how we feel and what we want. On Sunday, March 7th we will join other churches in an offering of letters to our representatives to encourage them to make good on a promise to provide funds for suffering and hungry people in Africa. The AIDS epidemic has killed around 7 million agricultural workers there, and could kill 16 million more by 2020, leaving a whole generation of children to fend for themselves.

So why wouldn't we do everything in our power to help our neighbors? Making individual monetary donations certainly helps. But we can take it a step further and use our voices. Just take a few minutes after services on Sunday, March 7th to write a letter or two to our congressional representatives. Paper, pens, addresses and stamps will be provided by United Methodist Women and the Missions Work Area. The president proposed a Millennium Challenge Account to provide aid to developing countries and congress has authorized legislation spelling out the details of how the Challenge Account and an Emergency Plan for AIDS relief will operate. But it still has to enact an appropriations bill that actually provides the funding. That is why our letters can have an impact. This epidemic must be stopped and people cared for.

If you were unable to write a letter at church, you can still participate. Here are the instructions.

Download Instructions: MS Word | PDF

A Bread for the World Initiative

---

Meeting the Challenge

Connections Along the Way
A Woman's Journey

February 21 & 22, 2004
Loretto Center, Wheaton

Each role we assume presents us with unique opportunities for growth. We will explore and discuss the challenges we have and are facing on our journey through life.

This retreat will help us to:

• Identify our challenges
• Know ourselves better
• Gather ideas from others
• Understand the importance of our connections with others
• Strengthen our bond with one another
• Deepen our relationship with God

Led by Carol Lysne, M.S., Director FUMC Counseling Center

---

The 1st Annual Mother/Daughter Tea

Saturday, February 14th
2:00—4:00 p.m.
$10 per adult /$5 per child 12 & under

Don't have loved ones nearby? Don't let that stop you from coming . . . adopt a friend !

[View Photo Album]

Proceeds will benefit Music Ministries and Worship Supplies

---

2nd Annual Super Bowl Party

Sunday, February 1st

Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

Kick Off: 5:25 p.m.

Enjoy dinner and the game in High Definition TV
in the church gymnasium!
Cost: $15.00 per adult, $10.00 per high school student or under
$40.00 per family

Don's Robust Ribs: $7.00 extra

Unlimited food includes:
hot dogs, brats, macaroni & cheese, subs, beans…

Tickets available between services.
Profit will go to the Bridge Community

Youth Group representatives Kate Kinsella, Bruce Ritter (Youth Work Area Chairman), Ashton Haider, Denise Hage (signing for the 9:30 service), and Louise Osborn are presenting a check for $949.50 to Kim Holler, Bridge Board representative. The check represents money the FUMC youth earned at the Super Bowl Party and donated to the Bridge Communities

Sponsored by the Youth Ministries Work Area

---

Mission Sunday

Ken Bradford

Society of St. Andrew
Sunday, January 25, 2004

The Society of St. Andrew is dedicated to relieving hunger across America. Ken Bradford, Director of Church Relations for the Society of St. Andrew, will bring us a message about the program at all three services. While serving as a Coast Guard officer for 20 years, Mr. Bradford was involved in search and rescue ops, drug trafficking control, conservation issues and design of the disaster response program. Upon retiring from the Coast Guard, M. Bradford felt a call to ministry and attended Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. Be with us Sunday, January 25th, to see why.

---

FUMC Building Planning Open Forum

Beginning the Journey

Sunday, January 18, 2004
10:45 AM - Chapel Hall

A short presentation illustrating the needs
followed by opportunity for input.

Do you have questions regarding our proposed church building project? Do you have ideas to offer? Do you have concerns to express? Do you have needs no one has thought of yet?

Come to the Planning Forum! Your ideas, suggestions, questions, concerns, input will be heard and appreciated!

If you are unable to attend the forum but have specific ideas as to facility utilization needs and ways to address them, you can e-mail them to:

buildingcommittee@dgfumc.org

Please participate as FUMC Begins the Journey of planning to assure adequate facility to grow in community and mission.

The Building Committee

---

Methodist Federation for Social Action

Rev. Jane Eesley

Monday, January 12, 2004, 7 PM  

The Church and Society Work Area and Peace by Piece are cosponsoring an educational opportunity with the Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA). Rev. Jane Eesley, Associate Pastor of Community United Methodist Naperville, will lead a discussion about MFSA. MFSA is an independent organization of United Methodists taking action on issues of Justice, Peace, and Liberation. Rev. Eesley will also speak about the legislation that MFSA is sponsoring at the General Conference this May in Pittsburgh.

For more information, please contact Angela Loveless or Josh Paskiewicz through the church office.

---

Vision of Peace

An Afternoon Exploring People of Faith's Call to Peacemaking

Saturday, January 10, 2004, 1-3 PM

Featuring:

• Bishop C. Joseph Sprague
  • Bishop of the Chicago United Methodist Church and courageous voice for peace and non-violence
  • Speaking on: "The Role and Importance of Churches and Faith Communities in Today's Work for Peace"
• West Suburban Faith-based Peace Coalition
  • Prayer, discernment and action for peace
  • Outlining participation opportunites in WSFPC:
    peace education, humanitarian relief, legislative, media, spirituality of peace and non-violence, public action and more
  • Meet WSFPC members. Consider becoming a member.

See <http://www.faithpeace.org/> for more details.

---

Sharing Connections

Leanne McGrath, Executive Director

Tuesday, January 6, 2004, 7 PM

I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.

The Missions Work Area invites you to join them in learning more about the ministries of Sharing Connections. Leanne McGrath, founder of this charitable agency, will speak in Room 203 at 7:00 pm, Tuesday, January 6. Come and you will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of services Sharing Connections provides the impoverished, the homeless, the imprisoned, and those who just need a little help in tough times.

---

North Central College's New Visions campus ministry musical touring company will be contributing to worship Sunday, January 4, at our 9:30 and 11:00 services.

New Visions is a music ministry touring company from North Central College dedicated to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through scripture, song, and drama, the company provide a meaningful worship experience for the local church.

The group of 12 students is under the direction of Leslie Monahan. Their tour has a theme of "Live a Life Worthy of the Calling." The message reminds congregations that each of us is called to our own ministry and encourages them to think about how they are responding to that call. The program includes a variety of traditional and contemporary selections accompanied by scripture and dramatic readings.