Church Events in 2005

This page preserves links to church events that have already occurred in 2005 for reference purposes. Look at the News and Events page for future events.

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Christmas Train to Chicago

Thursday, December 22, 2005

• Who: High School Youth
• Where: DG Main Street Station
• When: 9:20am until 4:57pm
• Cost: $5 round trip on Metra.
  Bring money for lunch.
• Guests: You can bring a friend.

Let Nick know you are going by calling 968-7120 x 123 or by email. You need to return the permission slip that you should have received in the mail. If you didn't, download the one below.

|Permission Slip (PDF)|

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Sheila Simon

7:30pm, December 9, 2005

Sheila Simon (Former Senator Paul Simon's daughter) will be speaking in the Chapel Hall on Friday, December 9 at 7:30pm. She will be sharing her thoughts on a variety of topics, some of which were addressed in her father's book, Our Culture Of Pandering. There will be childcare for this program.

Sheila Simon is a clinical assistant professor of law at the Southern Illinois University School of Law, where she specializes in teaching legal practice skills and family law. She served as assistant state's attorney for four years and was a staff attorney at Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance for five years.

Please plan on attending this unique opportunity we have to hear Sheila Simon at our church.

Adult Education Work Area

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Christmas Tea

December 8, 2005

All women of the church are invited to the parsonage for a Christmas Tea on December 8 at 1:00PM. Join us for tea, cookies, and fellowship and see what UMW (United Methodist Women) is all about!

Please RSVP by visiting or calling the church office at 968-7120.

United Methodist Women

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Holiday Happening

Sunday, December 4, 3:00-7:00

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. Drop the kids off for an afternoon of movies, pizza, crafts, and games while you take time off to do whatever you want.

All children from birth through 6th grade are welcome. The cost is only $5.00 per child with a maximum of $15.00 per family.

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Bears-Packers Game

Noon, Sunday, December 4, 2005
Safford Theater

TnT will meet at noon at the Saffords' house.

We will have boxed lunches including an 8" sub, chips, and cookie from Jimmy John's. The cost for lunch is $8. Lunches must be ordered in advance, but you can pay for them at the game.

To R.S.V.P., order lunch, and get directions, contact Kent and Lynda Frederick through the church office.

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Attention:
Parents of Preschool Children

2006-2007 Registration

It is time to register your child for the First United Methodist Preschool for the 2006-07 school year. Our preschool is for children who will be either 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2006. Classes meet on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings or afternoons from mid-September through mid-May.

For further information, contact Deb Howard through the Church Office.

Church Member Registration

Sunday, December 4, 2005

10:30-11:00am Room 101

Tuesday, December 6, 2005

2:30-3:00pm Room 101

Open registration

Tuesday, January 3, 2006

3:00-4:00pm Room 101

A $60.00 non-refundable registration fee is required to secure a space.

PLEASE NOTE

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

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|View Photo Album|

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Care and Share

December 3, 2005

Sponsors are needed to help provide a bountiful Christmas for eight families. A sponsoring family/group will provide a laundry basket full of toiletry items and cleaning products, a holiday meal box, and a gift for each family member.

You can enhance the good feelings participating in this program brings, by serving as a host for the family at the Care and Share program on Saturday, December 3rd from 1PM-3 PM. Please contact Christy Greenblatt through the church office for more info.

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Senior High Youth Retreat

Who Does Hollywood Say I Am? December 2-4, 2005 Join us in Wesley Woods for a relaxing time of movies, food, discussion, food, fun, food! We will discuss: Jesus Christ Superstar The Last Temptation of Christ Jesus of Montreal

Call Nick if you would like to attend: 968-7120, ext. 123

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The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree is now up in the Parlor. 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 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 families should be wrapped.
  • Child Serv gifts (red stocking tags) 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 NO LATER THAN NOON ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4th.
• 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!

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Proceeds Rise High; Pastors Stay Dry

Although there weren't the 100 walkers needed to get Debbie and John into a dunk tank, a lot of money was raised.

The 70 DGFUMC walkers who participated on that gorgeous day managed to bring in $7,024.30 for Church World Service and lots of non-perishables for FISH.

Our top fundraisers were: John Smoke with $1170, Helen Lotz $613, Dale Mohr $505, Cleve Mosby $415, Barb Pickett $375, the Loveless family $365, Dave Sandfort $305, Garry Stone $215 and Elizabeth Meier $200.

|View Photo Album|

A heartfelt thank you is extended to all who walked or sponsored a friend!

Visit the South DuPage CROP Walk home page to view the complete results from other churches and organizations.

|South DuPage CROP Walk Home Page|

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All Church Conference

All the congregation is encouraged to come!

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Tuesday, November 29th, 7:30 PM is the date for our Annual Church Conference. We will hear reports about the work of the church during the past year; vote on the Pastor's salaries; listen to reports from the four candidates for ordination from our congregation (Matthew Kreps, Claire Marich, Sarah Sainsbury and Mary Zajac) and take a vote on whether or not to hire an architect for possible building renovation and expansion.

Two years ago the Administrative Council approved the formation of a Building Committee to explore our current building needs. The Committee has worked very, very hard during this time to bring a proposal for your consideration. The architectural drawings are on display in the Parlor and can be viewed on the building project web page.

Dessert and coffee will be served at 6:30 and members of the Building Committee will be present to answer questions. There will be time for a full discussion during the Church Conference prior to the vote. Anyone may join the discussion before Church Members are invited to vote. The meeting will be held in the Sanctuary so there will be adequate space for all who want to attend.

|Building Project Web Page|

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Join the ADVENTure

Advent Family Workshop

3:30-6pm, November 27, 2005

If you have children or grandchildren and would like to have some fun and create some beautiful crafts for the season, consider coming to the Advent Family Workshop on November 27 from 3:30-6:00 PM.

Crafts are planned for children between the ages of 3 and 12. Younger and older children are always welcome. The cost is $10.00 per family. Please also bring an adult sized pair of gloves, hat or scarf to decorate our mitten tree. These will be donated to the PADS program after the event.

One of the crafts we always do at the Advent Workshop is an Advent wreath. This traditional evergreen wreath with four blue and one white candle can be used at home with readings you can pick up at the workshop. It's helpful to use the wreath at dinner time to remember the meaning of the season during these busy weeks!

We hope to see you there. Please contact the office at 968-7120 if you would like to attend. Registrations are due by November 20.

|Advent Family Readings (PDF) | Advent Chain (PDF)|

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Alternative Gifts

Sundays, November 27-December 18

Alternative Gift Fair Alternative Christmas gifts will be available in the Parlor on Sundays. This is your opportunity to provide a gift to someone who is cold, hungry, needs health care, education, or a means of better income.

The way it works is that you make a donation to one of three agencies in honor or a family member or friend for Christmas, especially those who indicate they really do not need anything or value helping others.

Donations provide such gifts as:

• Blankets, tents, and well equipment
  (Church World Service)
• Farm animals to families in developing nations
  (Heifer International)
• Support to get surplus food to the hungry in the USA
  (Society of St. Andrews).

Upon making a donation you will be given a beautiful gift card to give to the person you are honoring.

Brought by your Missions Work Area

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Grandparents' Day

Sunday, November 27, 2005

On Sunday, November 27, we will rejoice in family ties as we celebrate Grandparents' Day. All children are encouraged to invite their grandparents who live in the area to come to church with them.

Grandparents are likewise encouraged to invite their grandchildren to join them in church.

Those children who attend the 8:15 service will be in worship for the entire service. Grandchildren are invited to attend 9:30 or 11:00 service with their grandparents and will be able to leave for Pathfinders/Sunday School after the Children's Gathering.

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Thanksgiving Eve Service

7:00pm, November 23, 2005

"La Bohème"
Message by Rev. Nick Nicholas

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Get Crafty with TnT

Sunday, November 20, 2005

• Do you enjoy crafts?
• Are you in need of holiday gift ideas?

Then join TnT for an afternoon of pottery painting on Sunday, November 20th at 1:00 PM at The Mad Potter, 5117 Main Street in Downers Grove.

The cost is $8 for adults and $6 for kids, plus the cost of the pottery. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lynda and Kent Frederick through the church office.

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Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

Discussion of the Judicial Council Ruling

Sunday, November 20, 2005

The United Methodist Church has been in the news recently. The Judicial Council (church equivalent of the Supreme Court) ruled that it was acceptable for a Pastor in Virginia to refuse church membership to someone because he is gay. The District Superintendent; the Bishop and the overwhelming majority of the Clergy in the Virginia Conference did not agree with either the Pastor or the Judicial Council ruling. The Council of Bishops has issued a statement regarding the matter since it has received so much public attention. They have asked that we include their statement with our bulletins this Sunday. Pastor Debbie Fisher will address the entire issue in her sermons.

|Pastoral Letter from the Council of Bishops (PDF)|

Since many people have deeply felt convictions regarding this particular event and also around the larger issue of church membership, we are providing an opportunity for discussion immediately following each worship service. All discussions will take place in Chapel Hall. They will be facilitated by the following leaders:

• After the 8:15 worship service: Rev. Ermalou Roller
• After the 9:30 worship service: Rev. Howard Benson
• After the 11:00 worship service: Nick and Debbie

Packets of information will be provided at each discussion so you can become fully informed. The text of a letter from the pastors is given below. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

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November 19, 2005

• Did you have a 45's collection?
• Do you clearly remember when the Beatles hair was long?
• Did you spend your Saturday nights with Dan, Steve, and Gilda?

If so, why not spend Saturday, Nov. 19th with our SNL group?!

On November 19th, we will gather at the home of Randy and Debbie Fisher, 1108 Maple Avenue, for dinner at 6pm. After dinner, we will go to the church where you are invited to:

"Come For the Dancing and Stay For the Pie"

Cost per person is $12.00. Please RSVP to Sharon at 968-7120.

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Wiley College A Cappella Choir

November 13, 2005 - 6:30pm

Wiley College A Cappella Choir will give a concert in our sanctuary during their tour of the Midwest. Wiley College, the first historically Black college west of the Mississippi, was founded in 1873 by Bishop Isaac Wiley of the United Methodist Church. Its original mission was to provide an education for newly freed slaves. During the years the purpose of Wiley College has grown to an institution that awards an Associate's degree and Bachelor's degrees in 21 disciplines.

Wiley College is one of 12 historically Black colleges affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Northern Illinois Conference has had a strong connection with Wiley College for decades. Each year their A Cappella Choir goes on Tour but this is the first time we have had the privilege of hosting them.

The Choir sings a variety of Gospel; Classical and Contemporary music. It will be an evening you will not want to miss. Children, youth and adults alike will appreciate the musical gift of this choir. There is no admission fee; however a free will offering will be collected.

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Book Sale

November 13 & 20, 2005

Shop our Book Sale and Get a Head Start on Your Christmas Shopping! On Sundays, November 13 and 20, the Adult Education Work Area will be having a Book Sale in the Parlor. Advent calendars, children's books and adult Christian books will be available. Check and cash will be accepted.

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Veterans' Day On Sunday, November 13, we will be honoring our veterans during all three services.

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DISCIPLE Bible Study

November 9-January 25

We will be offering the new DISCIPLE Bible study called, "Invitation to the New Testament" on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 PM. The program requires about 30 minutes of homework each day and a one hour group meeting each week. Meeting dates will be November 9, 16, 30, December 7, and January 4, 11, 18, 25.

Remember: Dinner is available from 6:00-6:30 in the Gym for only $4.00, childcare is available, and children in kindergarten through 6th grade can participate in Family Fellowship at the same time! Please contact Mary Zajac at 968-7120 or mary@dgfumc.org.

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Fall Heartland Blood Drive

Monday, November 7, 2005
3-7pm, Fellowship Hall

The Fall Heartland Blood Drive, organized by the Heartland Blood Center, will be in the Fellowship Hall on November 7. To participate, please register your name and phone number by calling the church office at 968-7120 or send Sheila Hallmann an e-mail. We appreciate you taking time to help others who need blood throughout the Chicagoland area.

Health and Wellness

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Clergy Forum II is is sure to be an interesting and thought provoking evening of dialogue between clergy and laity. The Adult Education Work Area has invited nine clergy from our conference (The Northern IL Conference) to share their thoughts and ideas regarding three different topics: Welcoming, Nationalism, and Interfaith Relations.

Schedule

The forum runs from 3:45 to 8pm on Sunday, November 6, 2005, with the following three sessions.

Open Hearts, Open Doors, Open Minds...
How are we doing?

Rev. Jenny Weber, Rev. Michael Hickok, Rev. Jason Reed
4 - 5pm

What changes are needed now to allow literally anyone to feel welcome at church? For example, how do parking lot attendants, ushers, members, staff, and clergy need to be equipped to make this vision true?

One Nation Under God!

Dr. Henry Young, Rev. Linda Misewicz-Perconte, Rev. Tracy Smith-Malon
6 - 7 pm

What conflicts do you perceive for you and your congregation on how to be both a patriotic American and a good Christian?

Interfaith Relations

Rev. Chris Pierson, Rev. Tom Babler, Rev. Bob Burkhart
7 - 8 pm

In a multi-faith world, how should the Christian church embrace passages such as, John 14:6,

Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Come prepared with your questions! The last 20 minutes of each panel will be a time of open discussion. This forum is a special opportunity for people who have different views to come together. The aim is not that we will all come to think alike but that we will find a way to talk with one another about these important issues facing the church today. And in the end, we will learn from one another.

Come to the forum!

All the panels are free. Come to as many as you are able. From 5 - 6 pm, we will be serving a dinner. The cost will be $5 and a reservation (for dinner only) is needed by Wednesday, November 2.

Please call the church office at 630-968-7120 or email dgfumc@dgfumc.org to make a reservation.

Adult Education Work Area

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Zzzz... Brrrrr... S.O.S.

Does the thought of sleeping outside in the park overnight cause you to shudder? Unlike the vast majority of the homeless, our youth will be choosing to Sleep Out Saturday night on November 5. It's an ecumenical evening to raise awareness of homelessness in DuPage County .

We will be joining the youth from several local churches at Fishel Park as Bridge Communities educates us to this dilemma. Families are welcome to take part in SOS. Nick is looking for tents to borrow for the night and for adults who will join us.

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Eating Mindfully for the Holidays

November 3 & 17, 2005

The holiday Soul Food group meetings, led by Sheila Hallmann and Carol Lysne, focus on "Eating Mindfully for the Holidays." We will discuss how our eating habits are influenced by our culture and how we can become mindful especially during these two months that we can still enjoy the company of cherished family and friends without gaining ten or more pounds. The meetings will be from 7-8:30 PM in Room 216.

Health and Wellness

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Church and State

November 2, 9 & 16, 2005

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution begins with the phrase:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion nor prohibiting the free exercise thereof...."

Ever since the First Amendment was ratified in 1791, our country has struggled over the meaning of this phrase. In this three week session of Church Chat, we will explore the historical context in which the Establishment Clause was formed and the historical evidence of the intentions of the founding fathers. We will read and discuss some of the seminal documents that preceded this Clause, including Madison's Memorial and Remonstrance and Jefferson's Virginia Statute Establishing Religious Freedom, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court's 1963 school prayer decision, Abington v. Schemp.

Join us from 7:15 to 8:30pm on November 2, 9, and 16 in Room 218. Our discussion leader will be Rick Rettberg.

Adult Education Work Area

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Haunted House

Saturday, October 29 6:30 - 10pm

The High School Youth Group 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 have never imagined.

Graveyards, Operating Rooms, Ghosts and other surprises await!

Entry costs $5. Proceeds go to Bridge Communities!

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Crazy Closet Sale Friday, October 21, 2005 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 about $4,000.

Start cleaning out your closets, basements, and attics!

Seller Registration

Sunday, October 2: after the 9:30 and 11:00 church services

Tuesday, October 11: 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 20: 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

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20th South DuPage CROP Walk

October 16, 2005

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

Church World Service (CWS) was one of the first responders to the areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. They not only provided immediate relief for victims, but have made a promise to remain and work until normalcy has been restored. This means that there is a GREAT need to replenish depleted funds. That’s where the CROP Walk comes in!!!

CROP is a 5 or 10km walk held annually, with participants asking friends and family to sponsor them. All the money raised supports both the international programs of CWS and local charities, such as our own PADS site. CWS works in more than 80 countries, combating hunger and helping to provide tools of hope that empower people to meet their own needs.

Make A Splash!

If we achieve our goal of 100 walkers actually walking on the day, Pastors Debbie Fisher and John Smoke are offering to go 'an extra mile'! They will give every walker two chances to soak them in a dunk tank at a special event to be announced soon. We are still a long way from reaching our target but there is still time. You can pick up a donation envelope from the church office, or in the parlor on the day of the walk. So please join us on a pleasant afternoon walk AND make a splash to show our commitment to ending hunger and poverty in the world.

If you can walk:

• Pick up a donation envelope from the sign-up desk in the parlor on Sunday and get people to sponsor you on the walk.

AND/OR

• Register online so that you can email people to sponsor you directly by credit card. Click on Join Our Team and follow the instructions. All transactions are secured by Verisign.
• Bring your donations to the walk (if possible).
• Bring canned goods for a special donation to Downers Grove FISH.

Note
If you bring $125 or more in donations on the day of the walk, you will receive a colorful CROP Walk T-shirt. If you bring $200 or more, you will receive a CROP Walk pin.

Wear red to show you are a member of the DGFUMC team!

If you can't walk:

• Sponsor someone who can when they ask (or even if they don't).

AND/OR

• Visit the DGFUMC Pledge page to select someone to sponsor online, such as Pastor John Smoke.

Sponsor the DGFUMC team | Sponsor Pastor John Smoke

You can find out more details about the South DuPage CROP Walk (including times and route maps), Church World Service, and the local charities that our CROP Walk supports on the South DuPage CROP Walk Home Page.

|CROP Walk Home Page | View Photo Album|

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The Wise Mind

Wednesdays, October, 2005

On Wednesday, October 12 from 7:15–8:30pm, we will meet in Room 218 to begin a three week session led by Carol Lysne.

October 12: Brain Development

Emotional connections between people shape what happens in an individual’s brain. Neural connections in the brain shape thinking. However, the way we think changes the neural connections in our brain. Learn to harness the power of your mind by understanding how the brain works.

October 19: Feeling, Thinking & Behavior

October 26: Relationships

Please join us as we explore our minds together.

Adult Education Work Area

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2^nd Annual Steve Kerr Memorial Golf
Fore PADS

Saturday, October 8, 2005

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.

For more information or to register, call the church office 968-7120 or e-mail Diane Kerr at diane@dgfumc.org.

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School Daze

October 1, 2005
6:00pm in Chapel Hall

Please come and join us for Dinner and Social Time on October 1, 2005 at 6:00 in Chapel Hall. Soul Delicious will be catering the event. The cost is $15.00 per person. The deadline for reservations is Sunday, September 25. You may sign up in the Parlor.

Be prepared to let us know the decade (50’s, 60’s 70’s) when you graduated from high school and, if you can, bring a high school picture. If you would like, come dressed in clothes that you would have worn the year that you graduated.

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First Methodist Putting Contest

Saturday, October 1, 2005

How is your putting game? You will soon have an opportunity to show your putting skills. The United Methodist Women and the United Methodist Men again are sponsoring the putting contest at the Annual United Methodist Open Golf Outing to be held Saturday, October 1st, at The Downers Grove Golf Club. Mark your calendar.

Merle Haldeman and Karla Gulley were the 2004 putting winners.

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Fall Health Dinner

Thursday, September 29, 2005

Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 29th to attend a Fall Health Dinner in Chapel Hall from 6-6:45 PM with a program following from 6:50-7:50 PM. We are honored to have one of our own church members, Sarah Sainsbury, speak to us about Advanced Directives in Health Care. Sarah is currently working as a chaplain resident at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. She has worked at Good Samaritan Hospital for the past three years as a student/substitute chaplain. She has a Masters of Arts degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Tickets will be on sale on Sunday in the Parlor following each service. The program is free, but if you join us for dinner, the cost is $7.

Health and Wellness

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Chinese Take-Out

Join us at church on Sunday evening Sept. 25th from 6 to 8 PM for Chinese carry out food and games. Cost for dinner is $7.00 per person. Childcare will be provided at church.

The TnT group is for people in their 20's or 30's who are single or married. R.S.V.P. to Kent and Lynda Frederick at FUMCTnT@aol.com.

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Woman to Woman

Woman to Woman meets on Wednesdays at 9:30 AM. We are reading Amazing Grace by Kathleen Norris. Books are available in the church office. Woman to Woman is open to any woman of the church who is seeking spiritual renewal or nurture.

Debbie Fisher and Sheila Hallmann facilitate the group.

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Olduna Cow Works September 17, 2005 The Safford's Home

Have you “herd”? It’s time for the 9th Annual Chapel Choir Fundraiser*, The Olduna Cow Works, an “udderly” good time at The Safford’s

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!

|View Photo Album|

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Onward Bound Registration

September 14, 2005

Invitations to join the Onward Bound program for 2005-2006 have been sent out. Onward Bound seeks to help young people in 7th and 8th grade become Disciples for Christ, through a combination of fellowship time, service opportunities, small group work, and recreation. Our intention is to lead and support the youth in the exploration and development of their faith and their relationships with God, with each other and with their community of faith. The course makes use of the United Methodist curriculum, Claim the Name.

If you haven't received an invitation, please call the church office (630-968-7120). All the information sent out to prospective members and their parents is also available online on the Onward Bound page.

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Church Chat will begin the year with four field trips. We will be visiting the houses of worship of the four world religions we studied last fall.

Sunday, September 11 at 1pm

We will visit the Glen Ellyn mosque of Mubasher Ahmad. Mr. Ahmad shared the faith of Islam with us.

Friday, September 23 at 8:15pm

We will attend a Shabbat service at Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard. Rabbi Bob spoke to us about Judaism.

Wednesday, September 28 at 7pm

We will tour the Greater Hindu Temple of Chicago in Lemont. We learned about Hinduism from a professor at Loyola. Our tour will be given by a member of the temple, Mr. Raju.

Wednesday, October 5 at 7:30pm

We will visit the Amitabha Buddhist Library in Lisle. This is the meditation center of Bert Tan who talked with us about Buddhism.

Please contact Terry Rettberg through the church office to register for these trips. Unlike most Church Chat sessions, registration will be necessary so that adequate transportation can be arranged.

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Hurricane Katrina
Disaster Response

First United responded to the emergency caused by Hurricane Katrina in a number of ways. UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) issued an urgent appeal for health kits and blankets for survivors along the Gulf Coast. Nearly 1500 kits were donated to the church, including 700 prepared by an assembly line organized by Dan and Janine Johnson. Pastor John Smoke, Mel Miller, Bruce Hook, Brent Harman, Tony Chelmecki and Pastor Nick Nicholas drove to the Sager Brown Depot in Louisiana on Sunday, September 11th in three trucks filled with all the supplies.

|View Photos of Sager Brown Delivery|

A Health Kit contained the following specific items:

• 1 hand towel (xz15" x 25" up to 17" x 27")
• 1 wash cloth
• 1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)
• 1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
• 1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
• 1 toothbrush (single brush only in original wrapper; no child-sized brushes)
• 1 large tube of toothpaste (4.5 oz. or larger, expiration date must be 6 months or longer in advance of the date of shipment)
• 6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages

All items should be placed inside a sealed one-gallon plastic bag. No money, notes, religious or political literature, or other items should be placed in the kits.

UMCOR has requested the following items as well:

1. New Pillows
2. Diapers - Baby and Adult
3. New Underwear - All Sizes
4. Feminine Products
5. Cots and Air Mattresses
6. Water

Please bring these kits to the Youth Lounge on Sunday morning or during office hours. New blankets are also needed, but recently cleaned blankets in good condition are also acceptable.

First United is also accepting donations to UMCOR, 100% of which will go to aid disaster victims. If you would like to make a donation, please make your checks payable to First UMC and in the memo line write UMCOR Katrina Relief. You can hand it in to the church office during office hours.

Let us continue to be in prayer for the families and communities affected by this disaster.

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Sunday, September 11th

On September 11th, we will return to our regular Worship Schedule of 8:15, 9:30, and 11:00am services.

The regular Pathfinders schedule will resume on the same day. Registration cards have been sent in the mail; if you didn’t receive one, please call Mary Zajac at 968-7120 x 109 and we will mail one out to you. Please complete the card and bring it on Rally Day-or before! On Rally Day, we will have registration tables for Grades 1-6 in the Children’s Library (room 118) and for Preschool-Kindergarten outside of the Nursery suite (room 111). We also have a special activity planned as the children participate in the miracle of multiplying bread to feed the multitudes.

See you there!

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Six Flags Great America Sunday, August 28: 8:30am to 8:30pm Buy your own ticket at Jewel. Come to church dressed for a day at the park. We will leave after the first service.

Senior High Youth

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Half a Lock In Friday, August 26 Starts at 6:00pm and ends at 12:00am. Games and Fun!

Senior High Youth

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Sports Grand Prix

Sunday, August 21, 2005

On Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21, the Village of Downers Grove will be hosting the Nineteenth Annual Sports Grand Prix. On Sunday, August 21st, ALL access to church parking will be through the Grove Street Driveway. The Maple Avenue driveways will be closed. Access to Grove Street will be strictly from Carpenter Street.

| PDF Map|

In order to aid the parking lot attendants in identifying church members, please obtain the brightly colored “Church Member” sign available as a bulletin insert on Sundays, August 7 and 14 or in the church office. Please place the sign in your car window on the day of the race. There will be Parking Lot Attendants on duty to direct traffic to help you park. Please follow their directions.

Thank you!

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Mission Stock Certificates

Spaghetti Dinner, August 18, 2005

Please Help our Mission Work!

• Stock Certificates for $ale
• $10 a $hare
• $tockholders entitled to a $paghetti Dinner on Thursday, August 18

The 2005 DGFUMC Youth Mission Team of 44 youth and 17 adults have just returned from Reelfoot Rural Ministries in Obion County, Tennessee. They visited an area of extreme poverty. Lake County has the lowest per capita income of any county in TN. They assisted in the repair and refurbishing of homes in the area. Through this real and symbolic repairing process, they were reaching out to the community and rebuilding faith. The congregation can help pay for the materials required for our mission work in this impoverished area by buying stock certificates sold in $10 increments. The certificates are available in the Parlor on Sundays. As a stockholder, you are entitled to enjoy a spaghetti dinner served by the youth, followed by a slide show of the trip on Thursday, August 18 at 6:30 p.m.

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Happy to Serve?

The Administration Council has created a Task Force to determine the church’s hospitality needs. Our ministers receive requests to help families host receptions after funerals, weddings, anniversaries, etc. and currently there is no one committee that has this responsibility. The next meeting of the Task Force is on August 15, 2005 in the Parlor at 7:30 p.m.

If you are interested in being on the Task Force, or if you are interested in serving on a Hospitality Committee, please plan on coming to this meeting. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions concerning Hospitality, please contact Sharon Harman at the church office, 968-7120 ext. 124 or via email at sharon@dgfumc.org.

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Heartland Blood Drive Monday, August 15, 2005 Fellowship Hall, 3-7:30pm

Please remember to mark your calendars for Monday, August 15th, for our summer blood drive. It will take place in Fellowship Hall from 3-7:30pm. All donors will receive a $25 Dining Certificate from http://DiningDough.com. Contact Karen at Heartland Blood Centers to schedule your appointment or for questions: (708) 342-9773 or kschwarz@heartlandbc.org.

Health and Wellness

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Post-High Youth Group

Cathedral Camp, Putney

August 2-11, 2005

In conjunction with Cathedral Camps, the Post-High Youth Group are doing repairs to the parish church of St. Mary's, Parish of Putney, in south-west London. You can follow their progress in a daily diary (if the local Starbucks keeps providing the WiFi). As you can see, their first job was to check out the lay of the land.

|PHYG Daily Diary|

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Come to Antioch 49 AD

Vacation Bible School

August 2-4 2005, 9am to Noon

We’ll be creating a marketplace atmosphere for the time of Paul of Tarsus who was very influential in the birth of the Christian Church and wrote much of the New Testament in the form of letters to his churches. Children 5 yrs old by September through entering 6th grade are welcome for the daytime program.

|View Photo Album|

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Vacation Bible School for Adults?

August 2, 3, & 4, 2005

This year we have a special opportunity for adult education during Vacation Bible School. Debbie Fisher will be teaching from a new video series called, "Living the Questions." This series is thought provoking and spiritually enriching. Don’t forget to register for three outstanding days of wondering, discussing, and laughing with your friends at church.

The class will meet from 9:00-11:30 a.m. on August 2, 3, and 4. You can register by calling the church office or by sending email to mary@dgfumc.org.

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	Senior High Mission Trip Sunday, July 24 to Saturday, July 30 Reelfoot Rural Ministries Obion, Tennessee

Our tasks will include home repair, delivering meals to the home bound and working in the thrift store. We will leave after the early worship service and return on Saturday evening. This is a life changing week for our High School Youth.

|Senior High Mission Trip Brochure (PDF)|

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Sonshine Youth Choir

Brentwood UMC, Tennessee

July 17, 2005

The Sonshine Youth Choir from the Brentwood, TN will be making a return visit to FUMC. The choir consists of approximately 100 youth, grades 10-12, who sing regularly at the Brentwood United Methodist Church and form a vital part of their youth ministry. Our Chapel Choir performed at their church again this spring and have enjoyed their hospitality during several of our Choir Tours. Now, the Sonshine Youth will be providing inspirational music for us at the 8:30 and 10am services this Sunday.

|View Photo Album|

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4th Annual Youth Car Wash

July 10 & August 14, 2005

The 4th Annual Youth Car Wash will take place on Sundays, July 10 and August 14, 8am-11:15am. Buy tickets on Sundays, July 3 and August 7, or on the car wash Sunday.

Cost: Any donation - proceeds to support the Youth Mission and Chapel Choir.

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DGFUMC is going to have a:

	Blessing of the Animals HOLY COW! & ...dog, cat, bird, fish, reptile... Sunday, July 3rd, 10:00am Fishel Park

Every body & every beast welcome!

• Bring your own lawn chair.
• All animals must be on a leash or in a carrier.
• Water and bags for waste clean-up will be provided.
• A collection of animal supplies (dog or cat food, kitty litter) will be taken and donated to the West Suburban Humane Society.
• You will have an opportunity to have your picture taken with your pet.

In case of inclement weather, a normal worship service (without our animals) will be held in the Sanctuary.

|View Photo Album|

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	Junior High Mission Trip Sunday, June 26 to Tuesday, June 28 United Church of Rogers Park

This will be our first Junior High Mission Trip. Students going into 7th, 8th & 9th grades are invited. We will be working with the United Church of Rogers Park, Chicago. Our tasks will include cleaning, painting and helping at a community meal. Evanston First UMC will be our "home", Metra and the L will be our means of transportation. Contact Nick Nicholas (968-7120) for further details.

|Junior High Mission Trip Brochure (PDF)|

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While at the Heritage Festival
Join us at

Famous John's Rib Booth

On Grove Street across from Fishel Park

Friday, June 24 to Sunday, June 26

Our menu includes:

• BBQ Ribs
• Pulled Pork
• Chicken breast sandwiches
• Hot dogs
• Our Refreshing Lemon Shake Ups
• A donation of $5 gets you a parking space in the church Parking Lot.

Profits go to help Youth Ministries (including the Youth Mission Trips) and the Chapel Choir.

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Relay for Life

Downers Grove North High School
June 17-18, 2005

Lend a hand - or your feet - to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life fund raiser. Please help us raise money to fund research to better diagnose, treat and cure cancer. Choose any, or all, of the following ways to help out:

• Join a relay team! Each team needs 12 to 15 people to take turns on the track from 6 p.m. June 17 until 8 a.m. June 18.
• Sponsor a team.
• Purchase luminaries in honor of a cancer survivor, or in memory of someone who lost the battle with cancer.
• Hang out and cheer us on
  (especially welcome between 2 and 6 a.m.!)
• If you, or someone you know is a cancer survivor, join the Survivor’s Walk.

For more information please contact either Jeff Wasilevich or Debbie Rissing, who are organizing the FUMC team

OR

contact Megan Gray if you would like to join Savannah’s Secret Garden team in memory of Savannah Olson.

Call the Church Office (968-7120) for contact information.

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Summer Camp in Wesley Woods

June 13-17, 2005

The camp will be at Wesley Woods Camp on June 13-17. The program will be "Serengeti Trek: Where Kids are WILD about God." As always, camp will be a great time to meet new friends, and build community while getting to know more about God.

Contact John Smoke or Nick Nicholas if you have any questions.

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PADS Thank-You Brunch

Sunday, June 12, 2005

THANK YOU so much for your contribution to PADS this year! This was due to a tremendous effort and dedication of over 150 people. We couldn’t have been successful without you! We were able to serve an average of 62 clients a week this year. To celebrate, we are having a pot luck brunch on Sunday June 12 starting at 11:15 a.m. in the gym. Please bring your family and enjoy a time of celebration! There will also be an opportunity to sign up for next year!

Please bring one of the following items to share:

• A-F bring a salad/veggies
• G-N bring a main dish (breakfast or lunch)
• O-Z bring a breakfast treat or dessert

Looking forward to seeing you on the 12th! Please RSVP to Diane Kerr (630-968-7120).

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Congratulations to our
Graduating Seniors

Senior Sunday

Sunday, June 12, 2005

At the 10am service this Sunday, all graduating seniors are invited to wear their cap and gown and share with us their plans for next year.

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This Summer's Small Groups

Register for one of this summer's small groups as soon as possible by emailing Mary Zajac. Please provide name, phone number and email address.

I’ve Always Wanted to Read It!

Leaders: Stan Clements and Del Hargreaves

Always mean to read the Bible but never got to it? Sometimes it helps to have company. This small group will journey together through 1/3 of the New Testament and join together to share discoveries and challenges.

Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, June 8-August 10

Being A 21st Century Christian

Leaders: Debbie Fisher and Claire Marich.

Based on a thought provoking study written by Garrett Seminary Faculty (free copies available in the Church Office). For these 5 weeks the Pastors will be preaching on one of the themes of the study such as Who Do You Say Jesus Is? A discussion will follow in Chapel Hall at 11:15 am and will conclude by 12:15.

Sundays, June 26, July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31.

Dimensions of Prayer

Leader: Mary Zajac

This group will both learn about the how-to of prayer and spend time practicing prayer in order to cultivate a closer relationship with God. We will be using the book Dimensions of Prayer as a discussion guide. All are welcome, experienced and beginning pray-ers alike.

Tuesdays, 7:00—8:30 pm, August 9-August 30

Living the Questions

Leader: Debbie Fisher

This adult study during Vacation Bible School seeks not to provide easy answers to some of the tough questions, but to be a resource for people who are in the midst of a lifelong conversation about the mysteries of faith and life. It is a thematic overview of day-to-day conversations and questions raised in the local church.

Tuesday to Thursday, 9:00-11:30 am, August 2-August 4

Play Ball!

Leader: John Smoke

Are you a baseball fan? I invite you to join this small group to discover how Baseball, Religion and American Culture are all linked together. We will be using a book called The Faith of 50 Million. This is an inclusive group...Sox fans, Cardinal fans, Cubs fans, all fans are welcome.

Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 pm, July 28-August 25

Adult Education Work Area

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Heartland Blood Drive

Monday, June 6, 2005
Fellowship Hall, 3-7:30pm

Please support the next scheduled blood drive organized by the Heartland Blood Center on Monday, June 6, from 3pm to 7:30pm. Call the church office at 968-7120 to reserve a time of your choice. In general, the donor must be in good health and feeling well, be at least 17 years of age, and weigh 110 pounds or more. As an incentive, each donor will receive a coupon for a free quart of Oberweis ice cream on that day. You will receive a donor ID card a few weeks after your donation.

Health and Wellness

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June 5 through September 4, 2005

During the summer months, there will be only two services each Sunday, at 8:30am and 10am, both held in the Sanctuary.

Pathfinders

Preschool-Kindergarten

Pathfinders will meet in room 204 at 10am only. The children can go directly to the room or they can accompany their family to the service and be dismissed after the children’s sermon.

1st-6th Grade

Children should attend the 10am service with their family and be dismissed after the children’s sermon. They can be picked up by room 212 after the service.

We will continue to have the nursery for children 2 and younger for both services. The regular Pathfinders program will resume on September 11.

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Saturday Night Live

Saturday, June 4, 2005

Please join us on Saturday, June 4th at 4 p.m. at the home of Carrie and Rich Flory for a backyard picnic to kick off the summer. Whether you want to be active and play games, or just sit around and talk, is up to you. We will supply the meat, paper products and drinks for a cost of $5 per person if you would bring your favorite side dish or dessert to help keep costs low.

Please sign up to have some summer fun through the church office by Sunday, May 29th. Any questions please call Carrie Flory or Sally DeBraal.

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In Memory of Lance and Amy Olson’s daughter, Savannah...

Under Savannah's Big Top Carnival is a special event to benefit Savannah's Second Wish, Inc. It will be presented by Woodridge Jaycees from 12 to 6pm on June 4, at Jefferson Jr. High School in Woodridge (Janes Avenue & Center Drive). Peggy Kusinski, Weekend Sports Anchor For Channel 5 News, and Ellee Pai Hong, Weekday Morning News Anchor For Channel 5, will both be coming to the event to sign autographs and visit with the crowd.

Ticket prices for the carnival fundraiser will be $3 per person, children under 2 years of age FREE. Buy your wristbands for $15.00 early and have all day access to all of our inflatables (only inflatables) like the obstacle course, giant slide, moonwalks, and much, much more. More details are available at Savannah's Second Wish web site.

Sponsored by the Woodridge Jaycees.

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Glen Ellyn Garden Walk

Saturday, June 4, 10am to 4pm

Bridge Communities will host the 3rd Annual Glen Ellyn Garden Walk on Saturday, June 4th, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Private gardens at seven Glen Ellyn homes will be open for viewing. Master Gardeners from University of Illinois Extension - DuPage will be available at several of the gardens to speak on gardening topics and to answer gardening questions.

Tickets are $20.00 in advance and $25.00 on the day of the walk and/or can be purchased directly from the Bridge Communities website, and during the month of May at McChesney & Miller grocery store and Florae flower shop in Glen Ellyn.

All proceeds benefit Bridge Communities' transitional housing program with which this church partners.

Bridge Communities...
connecting homeless families to a better future

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Spring Health Dinner

6pm, May 31, 2005

Come to our Spring Health Dinner to hear a a talk about leg health. Our speaker is Angelo Makris, M.D., who is from Midwest Heart Specialists. He is a Non-Cardiac & Interventional Radiologist. Dr. Makris will speak about how to prevent circulatory problems in our legs as we age, especially with the summer months of travel fast approaching. Learn what benefit we gain by walking for extended periods of time.

• 6:00-6:45pm Dinner in the Chapel Hall (cost $7)
• 6:50-7:40pm Lecture on Leg Health

Come and join us for an evening filled with fun and new information to keep our legs healthy.

Health and Wellness

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	Spring Ring XIII Extravaganza Chancel Ringers & Westminster Handbell Ensemble 7:00pm Sunday, May 22, 2004

The Westminster Handbell Ensemble and Chancel Ringers of the First United Methodist Church, directed by Pattie Barnes, invite you to Spring Ring XIII. It will also feature the FUMC Men’s Quartet: Ward Feste, Brett Goad, Scott Hudson, & Mark Kostelny, and Julie Barnes, harpist

|View Photo Album|

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	Musical Chats Belford Hernandez and Friends Sunday, May 15, 2005 Sanctuary, 5pm All are invited to attend this free concert, in which a wide variety of music will be performed in the Sanctuary.

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Clergy Forum

November 6, 2005

In November, 2005, we are inviting clergy from around the Northern Illinois Conference to participate in a "Clergy Forum", in which topics of vital interest to the life of our church are openly discussed.

There will be three panels. The first is:

Topic: Open Hearts, Open Minds, Opens Doors

How are we doing?

We invited all members of the congregation to help in selecting the topics of the two remaining panels.

Topic: Discipleship

What does it mean to follow Jesus in the year 2005?

Topic: Nationalism

What does One Nation Under God mean to Christians in America?

Topic: Inclusion

Is there a place for gay and lesbian persons/couples in the church?

Topic: Styles of Worship

Should we put up a screen next to the cross in our sanctuary?

Topic: Religious Tolerance

How should we relate to our neighbors of different faiths?

Voting ended on May 6.

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5th Annual Bucket Sundays

April 24 and May 1, 2005

Once again United Methodist Women and Church & Society are co-sponsoring "Bucket Sundays". On April 24th and May lst, new buckets will be passed out following each church service. We welcome all interested to take a bucket and return it filled with new cleaning supplies on either May 15th or May 22nd. The buckets will be delivered to area food pantries and then distributed to low-income families.

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 welcome gift to families with limited income.

So please join our Bucket Brigade!

Sponsored by United Methodist Women and Church & Society.

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	Cool in the Furnace Children's Cantata 9:30 & 11am, April 24, 2005 Featuring: The Connection, Chorister, and Cherub Choirs

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Study on the Book of Revelation Facilitator: Debbie Fisher April 20 to May 25, 2005

The Book of Revelation has timeless applications and timeless hope. Discover its meaning in a series of studies on Wednesday evenings at 7pm facilitated by Debbie Fisher.

This series will use Hope for the Future by William Carter as a study guide. After studying the letters of Christ to seven early Christian churches, it centers on reasons for hope and encouragement for God's people in the Book of Revelation.

"The Book of Revelation is one of the keys in understanding how the early Christians accessed the power of Jesus for their own lives and used him as a model for judging the worthiness of all created things."

Copies of the book are available in the church office.

Adult Education Work Area

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	Bids for Bridge Auction 5pm, Saturday, April 16, 2005 Please plan to join us in support of our Bridge Communities program. We have 3 fabulous families ~ and the church budget only supports one. That’s why we need your help.

This should be a fun and worthwhile event. Don’t miss it!

|View Complete List of Auction Items|

Artwork for your Home

• From Curtis Rolfe - a stained glass butterfly picture like the one that is in the Parlor windows.
• From Alex Lindstrand - a custom watercolor of your home, and a painting of the Morton Arboretum in the Fall.
• From Dea Ashcraft - an original painting
• From George Schneeman - an original landscape painting
• A stained glass replica of DaVinci's Last Supper that is not to be missed!

Vacation and Travel

• 2 round trip tickets in 48 states – United
• 2 round trip tickets in 48 states – American
• 2 round trip tickets in 48 states – Southwest
• A fall weekend in Northern Michigan
• 1-week time share vacation – many choices
• Coldwater, MI vacation home rental
• Weekend stay at Double Tree Suites in Downers Grove
• Luggage – 2 piece set

Summer Fun

• Cessna ride to Lake Geneva with brunch
• Six Flags Great America - 2 tickets
• Airplane ride – scenic one hour ride in a Beach Bonanza
• Fire station tour & ice cream
• Morton Arboretum family membership
• DuPage Children’s Museum – family membership

For the Faithful

• Reserved seats & 1 reserved parking spot – FUMC Christmas Concert and Christmas Eve Service
• Ring the bell before a church service
• Bible cover with Methodist flame
• Olduna Cow Works – 2 tickets
• Dinner with Pastor John Smoke
• Chapel Choir tent rental

Entertainment

• Drury Lane Theatre ~ 2 tickets to Tintypes
• VIP tickets to a White Sox game
• Front row tickets to a Cubs game
• First Folio Shakespeare Festival
• Second City ~ 2 tickets
• 27" Sharp TV and DVD Player
• Hollywood Blvd. tickets and dinner

Relaxation & A Good Night's Sleep

• Manicures and pedicures
• Relaxor Spa Therapy gift pack
• 1 year membership Shape Express Basket (with a massage)
• Queen mattress & box spring (new from manufacturer)
• Ballerina quilt
• Spa Constantine Gift Certificate

Flowers and Gardening

• Eight (8) hours of weeding
• Landscape design consultation & plants
• Bird house ~ handcrafted
• Gardening basket of goodies
• Gift certificate to DG florist
• Hanging floral basket
• Bird House Village yard decoration

Mastercard and Visa can be used at the auction!

Timetable

5pm - Doors open for Silent Auction
7pm - Dinner is served
8pm - Auction begins

Get your tickets from the church office by April 15. Tickets are $17.50. Seats are limited so don't delay. See you there!

For more information, contact Julie Stone or Angela Loveless through the church office.

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Palestine Panel Discussion

Sunday, April 10, 2005

The Church and Society Work Area is sponsoring a presentation at our church by three members of Addameer, a Palestinian organization in Ramallah that campaigns around Palestinian political prisoners. The presentation will be at 1pm in the Gym. This is a special opportunity to gain more insight into the situation in the Middle East.

Church and Society Work Area

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2005 Offering of Letters

Sunday, April 10, 2005

The hunger problem in America is solvable, because we produce more than enough food to feed everyone. As individual Christians, and as a church, we can and do work to solve the problem in a number of ways. While we glean excess produce from fields, collect canned goods, make meals for PADS, work at the Northern Illinois Distribution Food Bank, or FISH pantry, there is still another way we can help. We can use our voice to encourage our elected representatives to legislate programs that will help feed the hungry.

Please make an offering in this way by stopping by the Parlor on Sunday, April 10 to write a letter to one of your representatives. Sample letters, addresses, stationary, envelopes, and postage will be provided by United Methodist Women. We are joining other churches from around the country in this effort coordinated by the Bread for the World organization. Together we can make hunger history!

Sponsored by United Methodist Women

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Chapel Choir Post-Tour Concert

4pm & 7:30pm, Saturday, April 9, 2005

The Chapel Choir have just returned from a successful spring break tour to Atlanta, sharing their faith in Jesus Christ through song and word. Celebrate their witness by coming to one of the post-tour concerts in our own church. There will be two performances on April 9 at 4pm and 7:30pm.

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	PADS 3rd Annual Bowl-A-Rama Fox Bowl, Wheaton Saturday, April 9, 12 to 3pm

Dust off that ball and powder those soles! We’re looking for volunteers to bowl to raise money to benefit PADS. Bowling will be at Fox Bowl in Wheaton on Sat., April 9, 12 to 3 p.m. Teams consist of 1 captain and 4 bowlers. Each bowler will commit to raising $130 in donations. PADS will provide 3 games, all-you-can-eat pizza, ice cream, T-shirt, prizes for high donations, high score, raffle and unlimited laughs!

To reserve your lane call: Kathleen at PADS 630-682-3846, ext. 222.

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Science and Religion

Church Chat

Wednesdays, April 6-20, 2005 7pm

We welcome David Ehst as facilitator for an exploration of the relationship between science and religion. David is a physicist and a member of FUMC. Please join us as we touch on the value of metaphor in scripture, creation and the big bang, scientists in worship and more.

Please plan on learning and sharing with each other from 7 to 8:30pm in Room 218. No registration is necessary.

Adult Education Work Area

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Men's Health Dinner

Tuesday, April 5, 2005

6:00-6:45pm:	Dinner from Boston Market
6:50-7:40pm:	Dr. Ed Christensen will speak about prostate health.
7:45-8:30pm:	Dr. David McElligott will speak about humor therapy and how to apply it in our everyday lives.

Spouses and any family members are very welcome to attend with the men in their lives. The cost of dinner is $6.00. The lectures are free.

Health and Wellness Group

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April 5-May 19, 2005

A spirit-fed group, led by Sheila Hallman and Carol Lysne, to help you gain insight into a healthy lifestyle. Learn how to manage your weight and cut your health risk by focusing on music, beauty, laughter, good food and realistic goals.

There are two sessions to choose from:

Tuesday Afternoons

1:30 to 2:45pm - April 5, 19, May 3 and 17.

Thursday Evenings

7:15 to 8:30 pm - April 7, 21, May 5 and 19.

Each group is limited to 12. Sign up in the church office.

Sponsored by the Wholly Health Group.

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Chapel Choir Tour

March 28-April 2, 2005

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	2nd Annual Mother/Daughter Tea 2-4pm, Saturday, March 19th, 2005

Mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, friends ...
5 to 105; come one, come all!!

Dust off your Easter bonnets! We’re going to have a tea party with a hat theme! Wear whatever kind, color, shape or theme hat you like ~ vintage hats, Easter bonnets, homemade hats; hats, hats, hats! See other hats, hear about hats!

• Don’t want to wear a hat? That’s okay, come anyway!
• Don’t have loved ones nearby? Don’t let that stop you from coming. Adopt a friend!

Tickets will be available in the Parlor on Sundays, February 27; March 6 and 13.

|View Photo Album|

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Affordable Housing Week

March 13-19, 2005

Our Church & Society Work Area is focusing this year on the issue of affordable housing. At our February meeting, we decided to take part in the annual Affordable Housing Week. The focus of this year’s campaign is to increase funding for the Family Homelessness Prevention Program. The state of Illinois has allocated $5 million for the program for the past three years. Since May of 1999, this program has prevented over 35,000 families from becoming homeless. This state run program is doing some wonderful things but as you can imagine more funding is needed. The agencies have reported that over 13,000 requests were not able to be met last year due to lack of funds. I am amazed at how much money Illinois can save through this prevention program. "The Homeless Prevention fund spends an average of $500 to prevent a family from becoming homeless. The IL Department of Human services spends an average of $3,400 to shelter a family of three for two months in a state-funded shelter." Prevention is good stewardship of our funds as a state.

The DuPage Housing Action Coalition is asking the state to increase the funding of this prevention program to $10.7 million for the fiscal year 2006. Our Church & Society Work Area has printed postcards that can be signed and sent to Governor Blagojevich asking him to support the increase of funding for this program. You can help by signing a postcard. Postcards will be available in the main office. The five minutes it would take to sign a postcard might keep a family in their home and save the state money. Let us as a church reach out to our society and support this important program.

John Smoke & Church and Society Work Area

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Chapel Choir Pre-Tour Concert

4:30pm Sunday, March 13, 2005

First United Methodist Church, Evanston
516 Church St., Evanston, IL 60201
[Driving Directions to FUMC, Evanston]

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	Sewing and Donations Needed for School Kits Practical Tsunami Relief

Our church is joining other churches of the Northern Illinois Conference in an effort to collect 18,000 emergency school kits for children whose schools and educational supplies were destroyed by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Southeast Asia. However, the kits need to be assembled soon, and help is needed. You can choose either, or all, of 3 ways to help.

1. Sewers are needed to cut and stitch simple tote bags. The pattern and fabric will be provided. If you can sew and have a little time, please contact Jeri Jaco.
2. Each kit costs approximately $11. If you can make a donation to cover supplies, please write a check to 1st UMC, designate on the check that it is for Emergency School Kits, and send it to the church office as soon as possible.
3. If you can donate any of the following items, please drop them off in the box marked School Kit Supplies in the church Parlor. We are only able to send these specific items:
   • pads or notebooks of 8.5”x11”
   • ruled paper
   • 30centimeter rulers
   • hand-held pencil sharpeners
   • unsharpened pencils with erasers
   • 2.5” erasers
   • sheets of various colored construction paper
   • new boxes of 24 crayons
   • blunt scissors

Thank you from your Missions Work Area

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	Easter EGGstravaganza Sunday, February 27, 2005 3:00-6:00pm in the Gym

A fun family event to Experience God's Glory.

There will be crafts, a movie, and lots of fun for families with children aged 3 to 12. The cost is $20 per family with a pizza dinner at 5:30pm.

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Bridge Communities Mentor Training

Saturdays, February 26 & March 5

Are you interested in learning more about how you could ease the plight of the significant homeless population in affluent DuPage County? Bridge Communities is offering Mentor Training on two Saturdays: February 26 and March 5. The free sessions are geared for training those individuals who will work most closely with a family, but are open to anyone concerned about homeless families in our area. There is no obligation to mentor a family if you do attend.

For more information, contact FUMC Bridge Board Chair Debbie Faber by February 19th.

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A Celebration of Marriage

Sunday, February 20, 2005

We will recognize all couples in our congregation who have been married 50 or more years. If you will be present in worship that Sunday and have already celebrated your Golden anniversary, please call the church office (968-7120) so we can make sure your name is included in the bulletin for that Sunday.

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	Intentional Living and Time Management Saturday, February 19, 2005 9am to Noon, Chapel Hall

This will be a working seminar that will help you identify those things that are most important to you and offer concrete help to enable you to live your life in accordance with these values and priorities.

It will be presented by John Atkin, L.C.S.W. & Dale Faber, Ph.D. John Atkin has 30 years clinical experience and currently practices in Glen Ellyn while also serving as a faculty member of the Hinsdale Family Practice Residency Program. His interest in working with people with problems with organization, procrastination, distractibility has led him to incorporate strategies from our new understanding of the brain.

Walk-ups are welcome, but registration is appreciated.

Adult Education Work Area

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Church Chat

Who Does Hollywood Say That I Am?

Wednesdays, 7:00pm - Room 218

Our next session of Church Chat is to be led by Rev. Nick Nicholas. He will facilitate discussion on three movies about Jesus of Nazareth.

The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)

Directed by Martin Scorsese (164 minutes)

Wednesday, February 16th

Jesus of Montreal (1980)

Directed by Denys Arcand (118 minutes)

Wednesday, February 23rd

Saved! (2004)

Directed by Brian Dannelly (92 minutes)

Wednesday, March 2nd

Please view the movies before the class meets. Class time will be devoted to discussion of each movie, its particular view of Jesus, and what these three very different films might have in common.

Please come as you are able.

Adult Education Work Area

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	Saturday Night Live Progressive Dinner February 12, 2005

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	February 9, 2005 7:30pm, Sanctuary "Smoke Signals" Message by Rev. Nick Nicholas Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

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	Lenten Studies Exploring the Life and Works of Dietrich Bonhoeffer February to March, 2005

"There remains for us only the very narrow way, often extremely difficult to find, of living every day as though it were our last, and yet living in faith and responsibility as though there were to be a great future."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German theologian and Lutheran pastor, a strong supporter of ecumenism, who played a leading role in the struggle of the Protestant church against Nazism. In spite of his pacifist convictions, he became convinced of the need to assassinate Adolf Hitler, which led to his arrest, imprisonment, and eventual execution in 1945, at the age of 39. His personal courage in the face of this ethical dilemma makes his call to a discipleship that is not based on "cheap grace" a powerful inspiration to contemporary Christianity.

Join us for one of the following Lenten studies of the works of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, an influential thinker, pastor, and teacher who lived out his faith during World War II.

The Cost of Discipleship

Wednesday Mornings

February 9-March 9: 9:30-11am (5 weeks) - Room 203
Facilitator: John Smoke

Who is Dietrich Bonhoeffer?

Wednesday Evenings

March 9-March 16: 7:00-8:30pm (2 weeks) - Room 218
Facilitator: Jerry Moyar

To register for any of these events, please download the Lent Brochure and hand the form to the church office, or send an email to Mary Zajac.

|Download Lent Brochure (PDF)|

Adult Education Work Area

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Spring Adult Education Program

The Spring Adult Education Brochure outlining the different adult education opportunities over the next few months has just been published. The classes offered by the Adult Education Work Area attempt to offer something for everyone, no matter where you are in your faith journey or how busy you are. There are a broad range of times, durations and topics so that you can find something that fits your needs.

We hope that everyone will choose to participate in some way. Download the brochure today, complete the registration form and return it to the church office or place it in the offering plate by February 7. You can also just call the church office to register.

We hope to see you there!

Yours in Christ,
Mary Zajac

Co-Director of Christian Education

[More...]

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2nd Annual Super Bowl Party Sunday, February 6, 2005 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:
brats, subs or hotdogs; baked beans, chips, jello, cole slaw
and other surprises.

Raffle at half time: Great Prizes!

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

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	Celebration Sunday and the Chocolate Fountain On Sunday, February 6, we will be celebrating!

Our Support of Global & Local Missions.

There will be a Chocolate Fountain at 10:30 and noon. The Missions Work Area is providing a variety of wonderful food to dip in it.

Our New Bishop

"During my visits to districts and local ministry sites, I was amazed how God is working actively in our Northern Illinois Conference ... I am thrilled to live in an era of incredible openness to spiritual conversations among United Methodist friends." Bishop Jung

Join us as we welcome our new Bishop, Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, who will be preaching at the 9:30am worship service. Bishop Jung was elected a bishop of the United Methodist Church last July and became the episcopal leader of Northern Illinois Conference in September following the retirement of Bishop Joseph Sprague. Before that, he was District Superintendent of the Wisconsin Annual Conference for seven years.

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	The Healing Power Within (Continued) Sundays, 9:30am, Chapel Hall January 30 to February 20, 2005

Sunday, January 30 ~ "You and Your Brain"

Learn how your brain works and how to make your brain work to help you become the person you want to be. Judy Harap PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in cognitive behavioral treatment of anxiety, mood, and eating disorders. She maintains a private practice in Schaumburg and has served on the teaching faculties of Rush Medical College, National Louise University, and the Hinsdale Family Practice Residency Program.

Sunday, February 6 ~ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome often follows an experience that the brain is unable to process due to its shocking nature. Victims of accidents, assaults, and war may lose their ability to concentrate and experience frightening flashbacks. Carol Findon, D. Min., LCPC will lead us in discerning some of te symptoms and effects that may occur, the neurobiology of PTSD and treatment options.

Sunday, February 13 ~ Snooze or Lose

Sleep is essential to our well being. It is during sleep that our body repairs the damage caused by daily stress. A lack of sleep or interrupted sleep affects the body in may ways. Kathy Sexton-Radek, Ph D will explain how.

Sunday, February 20 ~ Weighing in on Weight

Are you frustrated and confused with all the diet schemes that are currently being promoted? Do you wonder which way to turn to achieve that "ideal body weight", or whether you should invest in this program or that book? What body weight is the best for YOU? Karla Gulley is a Registered Dietitian who will help you to make sense of that four letter word: diet. She will openly and honestly discuss how to approach changes in your lifestyle and eating patterns that will result in improvements not just in your body's weight, but in your body's health.

Sponsored by the Wholly Health Group:
Health & Wellness and Mental Health Ministries

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	The Healing Power Within Sunday, January 23, 2005

Learn about alternative healing methods, with lunch, speakers, and workshops starting at 12:15pm.

Keynote Lecture

"All Stressed Up and Nowhere to Go"

Carol Lynn Lenart PhD, LCPC, BCIAC

Workshops

Biofeedback

Carol Lynn Lenart

Acupuncture

Sheng-Li Wang

Energy Healing

Lindi Sue Hofstra

Taizé Prayer & Worship

Janet Kings

[More...]

Sponsored by the Wholly Health Group:
Health & Wellness and Mental Health Ministries

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2nd Letter from the Pastor

Tsunami Disaster Relief

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On December 26th, as fishermen were picking seaweed out of nets in Sumatra, and tourists were applying sunscreen on their shoulders in Thailand, and men, women and children were peacefully sleeping after a full Christmas day in America, the tsunami struck in South Asia. We were made acutely aware that five minutes or five paces can make the difference between life and death. Pictures of the massive devastation are seared in our memories forever.

The response of our congregation has been equally rapid. You have opened your hearts, your wallets and your checkbooks. As of Sunday, January 16th, we have raised $20,000 to help with relief efforts. Carolyn Donnelly, our Financial Secretary, has sent this check to UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Your generosity will make a huge difference. Thank you.

I am especially grateful to members of United Methodist Men and United Methodist Women for their leadership in response to this disaster. The commitment to mission and outreach in this congregation is incredible. While the check has been sent, the relief work will be continuing for years. If you have been out of town and not able to respond, and still want to do so, simply make a check out to First UMC and indicate "UMCOR" on the memo line and it will be applied to the relief effort.

Peace,

Debbie

[Download UMCOR Relief Information (PDF)]

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Preach Brother, Preach Sister

Church Chat

January 12, 19, 26 & February 2, 2005

In Church Chat this month, Howard Benson will be our teacher for "Preach Brother, Preach Sister". We will read and respond to some of the outstanding preachers of our time as they relate the gospel message for the living of these days. We will use the book, Mixed Blessings by Barbara Brown Taylor, known as one of the most effective preachers in the English-speaking world. Rev. Benson will have copies available for $8.75 at the first class.

Registration will be necessary for this session. Please register in the church office or call Terry Rettberg.

Adult Education Work Area

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	Connections Rx January 10, 2005 Learn how to strengthen your family and friendship connections through studying John Gottman’s book The Relationship Cure. The class, which is led by Carol Lysne, will meet every other week at 7:30pm, beginning on January 10. Contact the church office to register.

Mental Health Ministries Work Area

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Letter from the Pastor

Tsunami Disaster Relief

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The horrifying images fill our television screens every evening. It is difficult for me to comprehend the increasing death toll. While I am enormously thankful that Helen and Ray Lotz, who were vacationing in Thailand during the holidays, are safe, my heart breaks for those families who have lost one, two and as many as three family members. There are tens of thousands who have lost their homes; their schools; their hospitals. We can help.

January 9th we will be taking a special collection during each of the worship services to help the victims of this catastrophe. Many of you have already sent checks to the church. We will send checks two consecutive Mondays - one of January 10th and another the following Monday to UMCOR.

UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, has worked over a long period of time to develop the capacity of the church in other parts of the world to respond to disasters. Rev. Kristen Sachen, head of UMCOR's disaster response said:

"We see that as our job. Very often, what people need in a huge emergency is money. Our partners have networks and the training to respond. They need financial resources to carry out the plans that are already in place."

On December 29th, $900,000 was sent for the purchase of relief supplies and for the provision of emergency assistance teams in Sri Lanka and Indonesia. UMCOR understands that it will be two or three weeks before the largest donation can be sent, but consider that good timing because that is when the agencies will have a better idea of what they need.

We can make a difference. You may send your offering directly to the church or place it in the offering plate on Sunday, January 9th.

Peace,

Debbie

[Download UMCOR Relief Information (PDF)]

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