Church Events in 2007

This page preserves links to church events that have already occurred in 2007 for reference purposes. Look at the News and Events page for future events and the sidebar for archives of previous years.

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Chapel Choir on Channel 2

Sunday, December 23, 2007: 5:00am

Set your VCRs or TiVos to record our Chapel Choir as they perform songs from our recent Christmas concert, "Glory To God in the Highest" on Different Drummers, shown on CBS, channel 2. The show will air on Sunday, December 23 at 5:00am. The Chapel Choir, directed by Belford Hernandez, is very honored to have been invited.

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Friday Night at the Movies

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Live Nativity

Sunday, December 16, 5:00pm

Worship Work Area invites everyone to our Live Nativity on Sunday, December 16 at 5:00pm. A narrator will tell the Christmas story with actors depicting Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men, shepherds, and the angel. We will have live animals in our stable, and we will sing Christmas carols. Afterward, enjoy an appetizer and cookie reception in the parlor co-hosted by the Membership Work Area. We hope you will come and bring your friends!

|View Photo Album|

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Christmas Caroling

Sunday, December 16, 2:00pm

We extend an invitation to join the Koinonia Class on our 21st annual Christmas Caroling outing. Each year several families gather together to spread some Holiday Joy to our infirm or at Home members of the church family.

We will meet at the church, Sunday, December 16 at 2:00pm, carol until about 4:30pm arriving back at the church in time to participate in the Live Nativity, followed by hot chocolate in the Parlor.

Please join us and you too will be filled with Christmas joy!

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Holiday Magic

Saturday, December 15, 4:30pm

LIFT is going to Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo and then invited to a Christmas Party at the DiSessa home.

We are meeting at the zoo at 4:30pm with the party following. Call Jen DiSessa for details and directions.

LIFT is a group of younger adults who get together for fellowship and fun.

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Christmas Celebration

December 12, 2007

Christmas is coming and Young At Heart, a group of senior adults, will have a Christmas Celebration in Chapel Hall starting at noon on Wednesday, December 12. A special group of six women called "A la Carte" will present a Christmas program which will include caroling.

This will be a potluck with those attending bringing a dish to pass. We also ask that you bring a can of non-perishable food which will be given to FISH.

The fee for this event will be $5.00 per person. You may sign up in the Parlor on Sunday morning or by calling Marilou Welch (before Dec. 5) at church - (630) 968-7120.

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All Church Conference

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

On Tuesday, December 11, at 7:30pm, Rev. Danita Anderson our District Superintendent, will conduct our annual Church Conference. We hope that you will be able to join us as we come together to celebrate who we are as a church and the significant mark we are making on our world.

We will be led by Danita in a time of singing and prayer as we prepare for the upcoming year. This is a meeting that will remind us of how we are a part of a grand "connection" and that through this "connection" called the United Methodist Church we are changing our world. Come and join us for this annual United Methodist event. We hope you will join us.

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Chapel Choir Christmas Concerts

Sunday, December 9, 2007
4:00pm and 7:00pm

Plan to attend this musical mosaic of Contemporary and Traditional sounds of Christmas featuring the 85 voice high school choir.

Proceeds from this concert will help offset the cost of the 37th Annual Spring Break tour in March 2008 when the choir will visit New York City and sing at churches in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Tickets are available from choir members and in the church office: $7 Donation

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Friday Afternoon at the Movies

December 7, 2007 1:30pm

Galaxy Quest

TV Science Fiction actors are mistaken by aliens for the real thing. Kidnapped, they are expected to help the aliens win a war against a deadly adversary. Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle says "A thoroughly satisfying comedy and a respectable space adventure."

Church Movie Theater (Room 217).

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Christmas Tea

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

All women of the church are invited to the parsonage for a Christmas Tea on December 4 at 1:00pm. Join us for tea, cookies, and fellowship and see what UMW (United Methodist Women) is all about!

United Methodist Women

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Attention:
Parents of Preschool Children

2008-2009 Registration

It is time to register your child for the First United Methodist Preschool for the 2008-09 school year. Our preschool serves children who will be either 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2008. 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 2, 2007

10:30-11:00am Room 101

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

2:30-3:00pm Room 101

Open registration

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

3:00-4:00pm Room 101

PLEASE NOTE

Church members will be able to register as space allows until December 12 at 3:00pm at which time church registration closes. If you miss the church member registration dates you must register at open registration.

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High School Youth Retreat

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

November 30-December 2, 2007

We will be travelling to Wesley Woods Conference Center to view, discuss, share our reactions to two movies (Hotel Rwanda and West Bank Story) that will challenge and inspire us. My hope is that we find the sacred in the secular. Our culture tries so hard to separate church and state that we actually separate body and soul. God is in everything that we do, be it at school, work, home, or church.

Rev. Nick Nicholas

| More Details |

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Alternative Gifts

Sundays, November 25-December 23

If you believe that you and your loved ones are richly blessed, you may want to give an Alternative Gift in the spirit of Christmas. Missions Work Area will sell alternative gifts to honor those you love but who do not need another material thing.

• A donation to Church World Service can mean a blanket to keep a refugee warm or provide funds to dig a well in a third world country.
• A donation to Heifer International can provide a sewing basket, buy a flock of chickens, a goat, or sheep that will provide income and food for a family with limited income.
• Or you can help eliminate hunger in America through a donation to the Society of St. Andrews.

For your donation you will receive a card explaining the gift to your loved one. Additionally, you can purchase a craft from UPAVIM, our Guatemalan sister organization. Your craft purchase helps provide jobs and subsidize a school and clinic in an impoverished community of LaEsperanza, Guatemala.

When you give an alternative gift, you not only warm the heart of a loved one, you will also warm the heart of someone who needs your help. Look for the Alternative Gift tables in the Parlor, Sunday, November 25 through Sunday, December 23.

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Thanksgiving Eve Service

7:00pm, November 21, 2007

Message by Rev. Nick Nicholas

Music by Brett Goad, Ward Feste, Mark Kostelny, and Scott Hudson

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Glazed Expressions

Sunday, November 18 at 1:00pm

How about trying your hand at designing pottery for a friend or loved one? Join LIFT at Glazed Expressions (formerly Mad Potter) on Main Street in Downers Grove from 1:00 until 3:30pm on Sunday, November 18. You choose a piece of pottery, design and paint it. Glazed Expressions fires it for you, and it's ready in about one week. The cost is $8 per person plus the cost of the pottery you choose. Please RSVP to LIFT@dgfumc.org NO LATER THAN Tuesday, November 13.

LIFT is a group of younger adults, single or married, who get together for fun activities, conversation, sharing, and community service projects.

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Environmental Stewardship

The Science, Predictions, and Opportunities of Global Warming

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Do you have questions about Global Warming? On Sunday, November 18, at 12:15pm, in Room 212, Dr. Jan P. Hessler, a physicist, will give a presentation and attempt to answer your questions on this important topic.

So, bring your questions, concerns, and observations and share them with your fellow sojourners.

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Friday Night at the Movies

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YOU Ought to Be in Pictures

Our New Picture Directory!

November 15-28, 2007

• Do you ever see people in church and wonder what their names are?
• Don’t you wish you had something to help you put names with faces?

Help is on the way! We are producing our new Pictorial Directory. 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. You also have the option of ordering more pictures for yourself, gift giving or Christmas cards.

Take advantage of the Thanksgiving holiday when families are gathering to make your appointment! Our photographing dates are:

• Thurs., Nov. 15 & Fri., Nov. 16 from 3:00 to 9:00pm
• Sat., Nov. 17, 10:00 to 4:00pm
• Mon., Nov. 19 & Tues., Nov. 20 from 3:00 to 9:00pm
• Fri., Nov. 23 from noon to 6:00pm
• Sat., Nov. 24 from 10:00 to 4:00pm
• Tues, Nov. 27 & Wed., Nov. 28 from 3:00 to 9:00pm

Sign up in the Parlor after each service. Sign up sheets are also available in the church Office during the week.

Membership Development Committee

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Archie Benfield

Shakespeare: My Acting Career and Other Tragedies

November 14, 2007

Archie Benfield will be our special speaker for the Young At Heart group who will be meeting for lunch and program on Wednesday, November 14.

We will begin with lunch at noon in Chapel Hall followed by Archie's presentation "Shakespeare, My Acting Career and Other Tragedies."

Cost per person for this event is $10.00. You may sign up in the Parlor on Sunday mornings or to make a reservation, please call Marilou Welch at 630.968.7120 x 107.

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Blood Drive

3:00-7:00pm, Monday, November 12, 2007

Heartland Blood Centers will be visiting our church for a blood drive on Monday, November 12th from 3:00pm to 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall. People in our community need our help, as the need for blood never goes away. Please consider giving blood as all blood types are needed and utilized. It is easy to sign-up: Call the church office (630) 968-7120 or come to the Parlor this Sunday to reserve your slot. Thank you for your donation.

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The Giving Tree

The Giving Trees are now up in the Parlor. You have the opportunity to choose tags from ChildServ, Marcy Newberry or PADS.

• We have 90 tags this year for ChildServ. They provide a wish list for each child. Each gift tag has suggestions as well as the child's age and gender.
• We have 130 tags for Marcy Newberry. These tags provide us with ages and sizes, so clothing is a good choice.

Please select tags and put your name on the sign-out sheet (PADS tags don't have to be signed out.) Please follow the instructions on the tags as to due date, wrapped or unwrapped.

The Children and Family Ministries Work Area and the Church and Society Work Area sponsor the Giving Trees project. We hope that you will be able to help.

Thank you!

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Fiction Book Group

"The Power & The Glory"

Thursday, November 8, 2007

The Fiction Book Club meets again on Thursday, November 8th at 7pm. We'll be studying Graham Greene's classic book, The Power and the Glory. It tells the story of a lone priest, the sole survivor of a brutal state-sponsored suppression of the Church. As he attempts to flee, he faces the conflicts between vocation and fear, duty and survival, and confronts his own sense of inadequacy. It is a moving and riveting read, which prompts reflection about the way in which flawed human beings can yet be sources of goodness and truth.

All are welcome. Discounted copies are available at Anderson's (mention "Jonathan's Book Club"), and also from the Downers Grove Library, where we have some set aside. Just ask for "First UMC - JD."

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Stories from the Holy Land

Janet Lahr Lewis

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

We are honored to be hosting Janet Lahr Lewis on Tuesday, November 6. Janet is a United Methodist missionary, working in Bethlehem. She comes with great experience of the situation in the Holy Land, and of daily life for Palestinian communities.

Please come to hear her witness, and to ask your questions. Janet will begin her presentation at 7pm and we will meet in Chapel Hall.

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Commitment Sunday

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Remember being a kid and waiting expectantly during the days leading up to Christmas? You were probably on your best behavior, making sure that if Santa really did check that list twice, you’d be on the right side of it. Hours felt like days, and days felt like weeks, until the moment finally arrived: Christmas morning. If you were like most children, you probably hopped out of bed before dawn, before your parents were even awake, and headed expectantly for the gifts wrapped and waiting under the tree. Who knew what wonders awaited?

This week in Treasures of the Transformed Life, we are headed toward another wonderfully special event: Commitment Sunday, October 28. This is the day you will be able to commit your prayers, presence, service, and financial gifts to the church for the coming season. And just like Christmas morning, you have no idea what wonders await.

God always meets us where we are. Any time we take a step closer to him, he responds likewise, by stepping closer to us. When we are ready to say yes to all that he asks of us, we can know for certain that he will richly reward us for it, and continue to draw us closer into relationship with him. This Sunday, even if you feel the tiniest bit apprehensive about taking the next step, rely on your faith to get you there. The master painter, the one who created you with beautiful brush strokes, awaits. So as Commitment Sunday arrives, greet it with expectancy and know that God will honor your new levels of commitment and help you stand firm.

Prayer Vigil
Saturday, October 27, 2007

In preparation for Commitment Sunday, a prayer vigil will be held in the Sanctuary from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM October 27. We will be praying for our church, our church family, and the world around us. Please sign up, in the church office, to pray with us for a half hour. Keep this in mind:

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done. Colossians 2:6–7

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Haunted Corn Maze

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Who:

High School and Junior High Youth from DGFUMC and one friend each!

What:

A trip to the Haunted Corn Maze in Malta IL.

When:

Sunday October 21, 2007, 5:00-9:30pm

Cost:

$8 each (please bring cash)

We will be meeting at church at 5pm. Contact Nick (968-7120) if you want to go, and download one of the permission slips before you come. Nick would appreciate hearing from any parents willing to drive.

| High School Permission Slip | Junior High Permission Slip |

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Friday Night at the Movies

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Crazy Closet

Friday, October 19
9-2pm Full Price ~ 5-8pm Half Price
Saturday, October 20
9-11am Bag Sale $3/bag

What is Crazy Closet?

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 $4,000.

Start cleaning out your closets, basements, and attics!

SELLER Registration

• Sunday, September 30, 2006 after the 9:30 and 11:00 services, in Room 204 - $2.50 fee
• Tuesday, October 9 from 5:00pm until 8:00pm in the Parlor.

If donating 100% of the profits, you do not need to register. You can pick up Gold tags in the church office. OTHERWISE, THE PROFITS WILL BE SPLIT 60/40.

NO HOUSE WARES, TOYS, CRAFTS, ETC. WILL BE ACCEPTED THIS YEAR

United Methodist Women

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When and How to Intervene

October 18 to November 15, 2007
Thursdays, 7:30 pm, Room 216

October 18: Developmental Signposts

Certain key points in a child’s development are necessary for a successful social and school experience. When children are difficult, hard to motivate or manage, parents may blame themselves or others for the child’s problems. Often though their child has missed a subtle developmental milestone which prevents him/her from doing what is expected. The child is as unhappy with his/her behavior as are the parents and teachers. Char Slezak Psy.D discusses normal development in children from birth through age five.

October 25: Developmental Glitches and Treatments

Developmental glitches are usually the result of an under or overactive part of the brain. Because parents spend time everyday with their child, they may be unaware of the problem and how it inhibits learning. Char Slezak Psy.D discusses what to look for when things don’t go smoothly and the types of treatment available to address those developmental key points.

November 1: Sense Ability

Movement and sensory experiences are vital for learning but what if they are too bright, too fast, too tight, too much or not enough? Occupational therapy helps a child develop the skills for playing, learning, socializing and growing into a capable adult by waking up and modifying the brains response to stimuli.
Liz Johnson Maruyama MPH, OTR/L
Pediatric Rehabilitation Services

November 8: Conversations About Medication

Parents are often reluctant to medicate a child. They fear medication will suppress their child’s personality or create other problems. Dr. Thomas DeMatteo, a psychiatrist specializing in pediatric medication, discusses and answers your questions about they why’s, what's, and when to use medication to improve your child’s functioning.
Dr. Thomas DeMatteo M.D. Ph.D

November 15: Team Spirit: Your Child, The School and You

Children are best served when parents and school work together to understand the needs of a child. A wide variety of staff professionals are available to help you apply the best practice to promote success for your child in the school setting. Who are these professionals and what do they do? How can you best utilize the information they provide? These and many other helpful tips and insights will be discussed.
Shelly Zabielski, B.S.N, M.A.T., M.C.P. and Carl Crooks, MSW.

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South DuPage CROP Hunger Walk

October 14, 2007

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

The South DuPage CROP Hunger Walk is a 5 km (3.1 mile) walk held annually, with participants asking friends and family to sponsor them. All the money raised supports both the international programs of Church World Service (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.

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 Woodridge Community Pantry.

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

Walker Incentives

• Every walker who registers will receive a sports water bottle.
• Walkers turning in $150 or more at the walk will receive their choice of a tee shirt or ball cap.
• Walkers raising $200 or more will receive a CROP Walk pin.

We are also grateful to the Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center, which has agreed to sponsor the South DuPage CROP Hunger Walk again this year. Through their sponsorship they will be donating incentives to all walkers as follows:

• Every walker who registers will receive two free passes to Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center.
• Walkers raising up to $749 earn two guest passes and a fitness assessment.
• Walkers raising up to $999 earn two guest passes, a fitness assessment, and a nutrition counseling session.
• Walkers raising $1000 or more earn all of the above plus a free 60-minute massage therapy session at the Wellness Center.

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.

| Sponsor Tom | Sponsor Jonathan |

|2007 CROP Hunger Walk Photos|

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Normal Aging vs Dementia

12:15pm October 14, 2007

Ever wonder how to tell the difference if you or someone you love are exhibiting the normal signs of aging or if some form of dementia is evident? Patty Terkovich, Community Educator at Arden Courts, will cover what the normal signs of aging are and how we all may at times exhibit what feels like dementia to us but is really a very normal part of the aging process. The presentation in Room 218 will also cover when some of these signs may indicate a problem.

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Friday Night at the Movies

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11th Annual Olduna Cow Works

September 22, 2006 ~ 3:00 p.m. to ??
22 W 421 Oldswoods Drive, Woodridge

Have you "herd"?? It's time for the 11th Annual Chapel Choir Fundraiser: The Olduna Cow Works.

Join us for a Fabulous Food Fest:

• Slow-cooked, Rotisserie Roast Beef
• Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Caryl's Famous Baked Beans
• Notable Baked Potatoes
• Luscious Lemon Shakeups
• Snappy Salads
• Delectable Desserts

Make up a table of your friends and neighbors if you'd like, or join the general partygoers for a memorable event of food and fellowship.

Registration in the Parlor on Sunday or Church Office. Adults 21 and over. Suggested donation $20.

Make a reservation for free babysitting!

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11th Annual Olduna Cow Works

September 22, 2006 ~ 3:00 p.m. to ??
22 W 421 Oldswoods Drive, Woodridge

Have you "herd"?? It's time for the 11th Annual Chapel Choir Fundraiser: The Olduna Cow Works.

Join us for a Fabulous Food Fest:

• Slow-cooked, Rotisserie Roast Beef
• Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Caryl's Famous Baked Beans
• Notable Baked Potatoes
• Luscious Lemon Shakeups
• Snappy Salads
• Delectable Desserts

Make up a table of your friends and neighbors if you'd like, or join the general partygoers for a memorable event of food and fellowship.

Registration in the Parlor on Sunday or Church Office. Adults 21 and over. Suggested donation $20.

Make a reservation for free babysitting!

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Thursday, September 20, 2007

• Do you have clothes in your closet that you haven’t worn in years—but—
• Do you have stacks of papers to go through—but—
• Are your cabinets and drawers filled with things you never use—but—
• Do you have collections gathering dust—but—
• Do you dread the thought of cleaning your basement or attic? Is your house closing in on you??

Learn how to DECLUTTER your life by attending a workshop led by two experts, Kim Cosentine and Sue Becker. They will teach you the tricks to clearing your house of the stuff, stuff, stuff, you don’t need and will never use. In the process, you will not only gain space but you will rid yourself of excess baggage from the past. Join us on Thursday, Sept. 20, 7:30pm in Chapel Hall. You will be able to move forward with a sense of clarity and a feeling of peace.

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Make Wednesdays your Family Church Night!

The first Family Fellowship this year will be on September 19, 2007. Adults will meet for spiritual growth and faith discussions with Rev. Jonathan Dean from 6:30-7:30pm. At the same time, children, Kindergarten through 6th grade, will gather for time of fun activities and learning. Bring your children to choir rehearsal, and then stay for dinner and fellowship.

Professional childcare will be provided for pre-school children starting at 6:00pm.

We hope you will decide to participate in these programs. If you can’t make it for all of them, consider attending any one of the Wednesday evening programs. We look forward to seeing you there.

Family Meal Time

Due to the kitchen and gym renovations there is a change in location for the Wednesday family dinners. The dinner will be served in Chapel Hall at 6pm. For the first meal subscription (Sept. 19-Dec. 19) we will be providing sandwiches from Berto’s Deli each week. The choices will be: ham and cheese, turkey and swiss, roast beef, veggie, and peanut butter and jelly. Each meal will also include chips, fruit, cookie and drink.

Parents sign their Kindergarten—5th grade child out following choir rehearsal and proceed to the Chapel Hall for 5:45-6:30 dinner. Dinner tickets are available on a subscription basis or by individual week. Children 3 and under eat free, children 4—10 eat for half price. See brochure or subscription form for pricing and dates.

There will be a meal served almost every Wednesday from September 19, 2007 through March 19, 2008. Exceptions are as follows:

• October 31 — Halloween
• November 22 — Thanksgiving Eve
• December 27 and January 3 — Christmas Break

There will be no Spirituality Class or Family Fellowship at 6:30pm in December, although the meals will be served after choir rehearsal as usual.

Note: If you purchase a Meal Subscription, no refunds will be available for meals you are unable to attend.

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Spiritual Growth Class

Wednesdays, starting September 19
10:00am & 6:30pm

This Fall, the Spiritual Growth Group, led by Jonathan Dean, are studying The Faith Club, a story of three women - a Muslim, a Christian and a Jew - who began to meet after 9/11 to share their faith insights and to explore the meaning of faith together. Along the way, they make discoveries, not just about the faith of others, but their own as well.

Copies are available in the office. The group meets in Room 203 at 10am or Chapel Hall at 6:30pm. As always, everyone's welcome.

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The Woman to Woman Book Group

9:30am, Wednesdays, starting September 19

Please join us as we will begin meeting again weekly on Wednesdays from 9:30-11am in the Parlor. The book to be discussed this session will be Dinner with a Perfect Stranger, by David Gregory. Anderson's Bookstore on Main St. will have copies available for $12.95 with a 10% discount when you tell them you are a FUMC member.

Sheila Hallmann, our Parish Nurse, and Gayle Ostrander, Rev. Tom's wife, will be leading the group.

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Why is Alaska So Important?

Find out on Sunday, September 16

Alaska, home of ancient Giant Sitka Spruce trees, wolves, bears, beavers, moose, salmon runs, and the largest temperate rainforest in the world is a treasure that needs to be protected from industrialization. Learn why this is important on Sunday, September 16 from guest speaker, Sean Babington, Great Lakes Regional Director for the Alaska Coalition. Lunch will be provided by the Environmental Stewardship Committee.

No reservations are necessary. Just come to Chapel Hall following the 11:00 Service.

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To Gardasil or Not

Sunday, September 16, 2007
11:15am - 12:30pm

Li Fan, M.D., Ph.D., board certified Obstetric/Gynecology physician with West Suburban Obstetrics & Gynecology, Ltd. will discuss the facts and dispel the myths of one of the most preventable of all women's cancers. Information on a recently FDA approved cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil and other treatment options available will be shared.

This enlightening discussion will take place in Room 218.

Community is welcome!

For information on physicians on staff at Good Samaritan or to register for this FREE program please call: 1-800-323-8622 Code 4W19 or visit the Advocate Health Care web site and enter the 4 digit code in the SEARCH field for online registration.

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Downers Grove
Historical Museum

September 12, 2007

This group for senior adults will be learning about some little known facts of the history of Downers Grove when we visit the Downers Grove Historical Museum on Wednesday, September 12. After lunch, we will go to the Museum for a tour at 1:30pm.

You may sign up for this event in the Parlor on Sunday morning or by calling Marilou Welch at 630 968-7120.

On Thursday and Friday, September 27 and 28, we will be going to Amish Acres in Indiana. Final payment of $100.00 is now due and can be sent/given to Marilou with the check made out to First United Methodist Church.

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Onward Bound

Registration and Orientation

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Onward Bound is our Youth Ministry for Junior High students. Through OB we hope to lead and support the students as they explore and develop of their faith and their relationships with God, with each other and with their community of faith. We do this through our Wednesday night meetings, Sunday School, special fellowship events and service to our church and the community throughout the year. For most students this leads to joining Downers Grove First United Methodist Church at the end of their 8th grade year.

All youth who will be participating in Onward Bound must be registered, including returning students. Registration for 7th and 8th graders and Orientation for 7th Graders and new 8th Graders, will take place on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 from 6:30-8:00pm.

• 8th Grade parents (8th Graders are encouraged to attend, but it is not mandatory) may proceed directly to the Parlor to register anytime between 6:30 and 8:00pm.
• 7th Graders and new 8th Graders and parents need to meet in the Sanctuary at 7:00pm for a short orientation session; they will then proceed to the Parlor for registration.

Please bring payment and forms, completed, to the Registration/Orientation on September 12th. If you are unable to attend on September 12th, you may mail or bring your registration to the Church Office before that date.

We are looking forward to meeting all of you this coming year. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about our program.

Peace,
Rev. Nick Nicholas, Youth Pastor

|More Details...|

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Let the dance begin…let it begin with me!

Sunday, September 9th

The Children and Family Work Area are excited to announce that we will be going back to the Tivoli for Rally Day on September 9th. This year we will be showing the movie Happy Feet! There will be no live penguin here at the church, but it will still be a very fun day.

Every person, child, youth and adult, that attends church or Sunday school on Sunday, September 9th will receive a free ticket to the movie. Every child, three years old through 6th grade, that attends Sunday school will receive a coupon for a free Kiddie Combo (popcorn, drink, and candy). Doors will open at the Tivoli at 12:30pm. The movie will start around 1:15pm and should conclude around 3:00pm. Everyone, members and non-members, that comes to church on Rally Day will receive a ticket to the movie.

This is a wonderful day to bring friends to check out the church and go to a movie together in the afternoon. The movie, Happy Feet, has a wonderful message for people of all ages about acceptance of differences and about caring for all creatures that God has created! I hope you will plan on attending church on Rally Day and joining us for a fun movie in the afternoon.

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PADS Run

September 9, 2007

Committee members, volunteers and participants are needed to help plan and organize the third annual PADS Run – a 10K/5K Run (CARA Approved) and 3K Family Fun Walk in Wheaton.

Proceeds from this events will fund counseling and employment readiness programs, and provide overnight, transitional and permanent housing for homeless men, women and children.

Please call Maureen at DuPage PADS: 630-682-3846 x242 to volunteer. More information is available at the DuPage PADS web site.

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Friday Afternoon at the Movies

September 7, 2007 1:30pm

The Queen

Diana, the "people's princess" dies in a late night crash. Queen Elizabeth and the royal family stand aloof from the tragedy, refusing to lower the flag. Diana is divorced, no longer a royal. Tony Blair senses the public's mood and seeks to change Queen Elizabeth's mind. Helen Mirren gives a flawless performance, an inside look into the mind and heart of a queen and her subjects.

Church Movie Theater (Room 217).

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Fiction Book Group

Ian McEwan's "Atonement"

Thursday, August 30, 2007

The group will meet again on Thursday, August 30 at 7pm in the Parlor. We'll be discussing Atonement, Ian McEwan's powerful novel, which explores the profound consequences of imagination, self-delusion, and betrayal against the backdrop of the Second World War.

Copies are available at Anderson's Bookstore: mention "Jonathan's Book Club", and you'll receive a 10% discount (20% if you're signed up to their discount scheme).

All are very welcome.

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All Church Conference

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Everyone is invited to attend the All Church Conference immediately following the 10am Worship service. We will be voting on issues concerning the church renovations.

The Building Committee is asking for your approval to use some of the Growing Together Campaign funds for the renovation of the Gym Kitchen, and for your approval to move the remodeling of the Gym higher up in the list of priorities. The renovation of the Gym kitchen significantly impacts the Gym itself and the committee believes that it makes sense to combine the two projects to minimize the "downtime" of both facilities.

There are sufficient funds for both projects in the Growing Together Campaign. Full costings will be presented at the meeting and the architect, Jay Johnson, will provide the rough details of what work will be included.

The Chair of the Administrative Council, Rick Rettberg, has written a more detailed breakdown of the necessary work in a letter mailed to all church members. If you did not receive a copy, please contact the Church Office (968-7120).

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Sports Grand Prix

Sunday, August 19, 2007

On Saturday, August 18 and Sunday, August 19, the Village of Downers Grove will be hosting the Nineteenth Annual Sports Grand Prix. On Sunday, August 19th, 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 5 and 12 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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Blood Drive

3:30-7:30pm, Monday, August 13, 2007

There is a 95% chance that someone in your family, co-worker, neighbor, friend, or even you will need a blood transfusion at some time in your life. In fact, patients in area hospitals need 3,500 pints of blood every week. You can help make sure blood will be available when it is needed by donating blood at FUMC's Heartland-sponsored Blood Drive.

All donors will receive a MOOLA card, preloaded with a free quart of Oberweis Ice Cream

Sign up in the Church Office.

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Fred and Sharon Moore

"America"

August 8, 2007

Fred and Sharon Moore will be returning to present a program "America" at the Wed., August 8 gathering of our group for senior adults. "America" is historical theatre, rich with music and period costuming and presented with both humor and deep respect. We will have an indoor picnic with Don Safford firing up his grill and cooking for us. Those attending will be asked to bring either a salad or dessert. Cost per person will be $10.00.

Young At Heart is planning a two day trip to Amish Acres in Indiana on Thursday and Friday, September 27 and 28. Cost will be $150.00 per person for the two days.

You may sign up to attend these events in the Parlor on Sunday mornings or by calling Marilou Welch at 968-7120 (church).

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High School Youth Mission Trip

Camp Nashville , Tennessee, July 22-28, 2007

The First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove has a long tradition of Youth Mission Trips. Most have been planned and run by a group from DGFUMC. This year, in cooperation with the Youth workers Movement of the United Methodist Church, we are going in a different direction. We will be working with MISSION ENCOUNTER a group from the Nazarene Church based in Mt. Juliet, TN.

|More Details|

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Wash and Worship

6th Annual Youth Car Wash

July 15 & August 12, 2007

The 6th Annual Youth Car Wash will take place on Sundays, July 15 and August 12, 8am-11:30am.

Buy tickets on Sundays, July 8 and August 5, or on the car wash Sunday.

Cost: Any donation

Proceeds to support the Youth Mission and Chapel Choir.

Dogs and Suds

Youth Ministry APPRECIATES your generosity for our many fundraisers! Now let us extend to you a Free Hot Dog Lunch to show you our appreciation.

On Sunday, August 12, whether you get your car washed or not, please bring the family and join us for a free lunch. Look for our tents near our parking lot over on Grove St.

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A Lewis and Clark Adventure

July 11, 2007

This group for senior adults will be going on “A Lewis and Clark Adventure” at their Wednesday, July 11 activity. We will meet at noon for lunch on Chapel Hall and then Ted Rock will present a program on the Lewis and Clark adventure by pictures and talk.

Ted Rock is a popular speaker and is well known for his presentations and we are very pleased that he will be with us. The cost per person will be $10.00. You may sign up in the Parlor on Sunday mornings or by calling Marilou Welch at 968-7120.

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Post-High Youth Group

St. Mary's Church, Parish of Putney

July 5-16, 2007

The Post-High Youth Group will be returning to the parish church of St. Mary's, Parish of Putney, in south-west London to help in repair and restoration. They will be on the lookout for wireless hotspots to maintain a diary. Check back for updates.

|PHYG Online Diary|

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Welcome Reception
for the New Pastor

Rev. Tom Ostrander

July 1, 2007

Please join us Sunday, July 1 in Fellowship Hall after services for punch and cookies to meet our new pastor, Rev. Tom Ostrander, and his wife, Gayle.

Tom and Gayle Ostrander have been serving churches in the Northern Illinois Conference since 1973, and come to us from Morris, IL, where they have played a leading role in many local ministries, such as PADS and Habitat for Humanity. Tom is also a keen sailor, and has taught sailing classes at Wesley Woods to our own Summer Camp.

Come and welcome them at the start of their new ministry leading our congregation at DGFUMC.

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Junior High Mission Trip

Rogers Park

July 1 to 3, 2007

The United Church of Rogers Park is a United Methodist Church at Ashland and Morse in Chicago. The name of the church came years ago when it was a united church having both United Church of Christ and United Methodist pastors. Rogers Park is a diverse community with great need. UCRP serves not only as a church but as a community center for the neighborhood.

This year, the Junior High Mission Trip is to serve the community of UCRP. The trip is open to incoming 7th graders through those going into 9th grade. On Sunday, July 1 we'll ride Metra and the "L", to Rogers Park. We will prepare and serve the Community Feast, the Sunday night meal for the neighborhood. On Monday and Tuesday we will paint and clean part of the church. We will sleep at Evanston FUMC on Sunday and Monday.

|More Details|

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June 21-24, 2007

It's almost time to indulge your taste buds at our Heritage "Feast" Booth. Our Booth is located on Grove Street just outside our north parking lot. We feature tantalizing BBQ ribs, tender~n~tasty pulled pork sandwiches, all beef hot dogs, grilled chicken breast sandwiches and our refreshing, ever-popular Lemon Shake-ups!

Be sure to make use of the coupons in your bulletin!

Wondering where to park to avail yourself of all the Festival has to offer? Prime parking spots are available in our church lot for $5.00. Parking during worship is free. If you plan to stay at the Festival, we would appreciate your donation to Youth Ministry.

If you are interested in helping for a shift at the Booth, or staffing the parking lot during the Festival, there are sign-up sheets in the Parlor or contact the church office.

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Father's Day Ice Cream Social!

Celebrate Father's Day Sundae

June 17, 11:00am

Join the Membership Development Work Area for our Annual Father's Day Ice Cream Social! Enjoy complimentary ice cream with toppings and cookies on this special day!

The Father's Day Ice Cream Social will be held on the breezeway (porch between the Sanctuary and Chapel). Bring the entire family for ice cream and cookies on this special day!

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"It's a Bird. It's a Plane.
It's Superman"

Drury Lane Theater

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

The Young At Heart group for senior adults will be going to Drury Lane for lunch and a musical on Wednesday, June 13. We will see the musical comedy “It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman”. The cost for the lunch and musical is $36.75. Thirty tickets are available so sign up as soon as possible in the Parlor or by calling Marilou Welch at 968-7120 (church).

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Downers Grove Garden Walk

9:30am-3:30pm, Saturday, June 9, 2007

• Six lovely gardens to visit
• Two green roofs to view
• One delicious lunch...
• $25 in advance - $30 day of the Walk

Tickets will be on sale at:

• DGFUMC's Office, Website & Parlor
• Just Ducky
• Mulberry Street
• Joyful's Café
• Phillip's Flowers (Ogden Ave.)
• The Growing Place

Garden Walk benefits FUMC Bridge Board which provides transitional housing and mentoring for formerly homeless families.

|More Details|

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Heritage Festival Planning Meeting

Monday, June 4, 2007

Heritage Festival is just around the corner and that means time to build and staff the Heritage "Feast" Booth. We will start work on the booth on Tuesday, June 12 starting at 9:00am. The first day will be spent moving the parts from the shed to the site. Work will then begin at 9:00am on Wednesday. Anyone interested in helping should show up anytime after 9am.

If you are interested in working at the booth during the Festival, there is a sign-up sheet in the Parlor. The Heritage Festival Booth is a fundraiser for the Youth Ministries.

On Monday, June 4, there will be a Heritage Festival meeting at 7:30pm in room 218. This meeting is open to anyone interested in the planning of the Booth.

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Blood Drive

3-7:30pm, Monday, June 4, 2007

There is a 95% chance that someone in your family, co-worker, neighbor, friend, or even you will need a blood transfusion at some time in your life. In fact, patients in area hospitals need 3,500 pints of blood every week. You can help make sure blood will be available when it is needed by donating blood at FUMC's Heartland-sponsored Blood Drive.

Sign up in the Church Office.

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Farewell Reception
for Debbie

Sunday, June 3, 2007

June 3, the first Sunday of our summer schedule, is Debbie's last Sunday at the Church. We will be celebrating her service by having a reception in the Parlor before & after the 10:00 worship.

Please join us for cake, punch, and a chance to personally say "Goodbye" to Debbie.

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Spring Ring XV

A Toast to Handbells

7:00pm Sunday evening, May 20

The Chancel Ringers
The Westminster Handbell Ensemble
also featuring the award winning
Winter Guard of
Downers Grove North High School

The Ringers of First United Methodist Church offer a toast to handbells—from baroque to boogie, from hymn-tune to ragtime—designed to whet the musical appetite, to please the eye and ear, and to stimulate the imagination.

Celebrate with us 15 years of Spring Ring Concerts, more than 30 years of ringing at our church, and 150+ years of handbell history, from its start in 18th century taverns to a Barnum and Bailey connection and beyond.

Concert repertoire will include Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in C# Minor, Allegro from Solomon by Handel, Horizons by William Payn, Te Deum by Dean Wagner, Fantasy on King’s Weston by Fred Gramann, the Little Fugue by J. S. Bach, Jazz Waltz on Lobe Den Herren by Moklebust, Laudation and Song of Remembrance by Arnold Sherman, Champagne Rag by Lamb, Bell Hop Boogie by Margaret Tucker, and Dorian Dance by Michael Joy.

Also featured will be the prestigious Winter Guard from Downers Grove North High School who in recent statewide competition took third place honors.

Tickets are $7 in advance; $9 at the door. Child care is provided. And tickets are available in the Parlor between services.

Will you join us for the festivities? Be sure to buy early. Please call the church 968-7120.

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Offering of Letters

Sunday, May 20, 2007

On Sunday, May 20, in between all services, UMW members will be in the Parlor with clipboards and copies of letters. Church members are encouraged to hand-write letters to our legislators about improving the farm bill which is up for reauthorization this year.

This campaign is coordinated by Bread for the World, whose theme this year is:

"Seeds of Change: Help Farmers. End Hunger."

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High School Half a Lock In

Friday, May 18, 2007
6pm until midnight

Come to the church for a fun night of welcoming our incoming freshman!

• The night starts at 6:00pm with fun in the Inflatable Castle, inside is a basketball hoop, an obstacle course and a slide.
• At 8:30pm, there will be a meeting for High School youth and their parents to talk about Summer Activities including fundraisers for Mission Trip and Choir Tour, Summer Softball and other possible summer fun.
• At 10:00pm, we will have pizza and watch a movie.

Pick up at midnight (it is Half a Lock In!)

I hope you can be with us!

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Healing Service

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Do you long for a quiet space in the middle of the week? Is it hard in your busy life to find time to pray for those in need, or for the world, or even for yourself? We’re re-introducing the Healing Service, beginning on Wednesday, May 16 at 7pm. This will be a reflective, informal time of worship, including communion, in which you can ask for prayer for your own needs, and also bring your desire for healing for others and in the wider world. You might want to bring a friend, or someone you know who is in need.

We are intending that this service should be held about every four months, and before each one we’ll ask for your prayer requests to be included, even if you can’t be there yourself. Please ask Sheila or Jonathan if you want to know more.

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Come Walk the Labyrinth

Sunday, May 13, 2007

You are invited to come to the gym of the church at 9:30am on Sunday to walk the labyrinth under the guidance of Ellen Sheaffer. Labyrinths are of ancient design, thousands of years old, and have been found all over the world. Their original purpose is unclear. During medieval times, they were used as meditative and pilgrimage tools. In the 1990's there was a resurgence of interest in these ancient, spiritual tools. Labyrinths differ from mazes in that they have one path into a center and back out; there are no dead ends or blind alleys; there are no tricks or paths to figure out. They may be used for meditation, celebration, healing, or for a nice, contained walk.

Ellen is certified as a Veriditas Labyrinth Facilitator who trained with The Rev. Dr. Lauren Artress, "the mother of the modern labyrinth resurgence movement." She has a Masters in Counseling Psychology, has worked in social service agencies that provide help for women and children in crisis for 25 years, and is currently training as a spiritual director.

Koinonia

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Swedish American Museum Center

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

The Young At Heart group for senior adults will be traveling by bus into Andersonville in Chicago on Wednesday, May 9. We will visit the Swedish Museum, have lunch at Ann Sathers and then tour the Ebenezer Lutheran Church.

We plan to meet in the church parking lot at 9:15am For lunch we will make a choice of Turkey, Meat Balls or Crab Cakes.

The cost of the trip which includes the bus and lunch will be $40.00 per person.

You may sign up for the activity in the Parlor on Sunday mornings or by calling Marilou Welch at church.

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Bucket Sunday

May 6 & 13

As we have done in years past, Church and Society work area will be passing out empty buckets on Sunday May 6 and May 13 after the worship services. We ask the congregation to fill the buckets with cleaning supplies and return them on Sunday May 20 or May 27. The buckets are then delivered to local food pantries for distribution to their clients.

Items such as soap and cleaning supplies cannot be purchased with food stamps and are greatly appreciated. At the request of the pantries and to be kinder to the earth, please do not include products that contain bleach or ammonia.

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Earth Day Presentation

Trees are Treasures
The Many Environmental Benefits of Trees

Sunday, April 29, 2007

The Environmental Stewardship Committee invites you to a presentation at 12:15pm in Chapel Hall by Edith Makra, Community Tree Advocate for the Morton Arboretum, discussing not only the beauty and wonder of trees, but also the many environmental benefits that trees provide.

Free lunch will be provided. Call the church office to request child care.

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Laugh It Up with LiFT

Friday, April 27, 2007

Need some comic relief? Join LiFT for an evening of laughs at The Comedy Shrine in Naperville on Friday, April 27. The Comedy Shrine's main show, "Whose Line?" features top notch actors performing short form improvisation and encourages audience interaction. Tickets are $20 and child care will be provided at the church. The show begins at 8pm. Please meet at the church by 7:15pm if you plan to carpool. The Comedy Shrine is located at 22 E. Chicago Avenue in downtown Naperville with convenient parking across the street in the parking garage. RSVP to Ann Kinder through the church office by April 20.

LiFT is a group of younger adults, single or married, who get together for fun activities, conversation, sharing, and community service projects.

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Friday Night at the Movies

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Fiction Book Group

Starting on April 19, 2007

A new book group will begin on Thursday, April 19th, meeting 1.30-3.00pm in Jonathan’s office (room 202). The group will be open to all, and no permanent commitment is necessary. Simply turn up if you want to! We’ll plan to meet every other month.

In April, we’ll read and discuss Marilynne Robinson’s Pulitzer prize-winning novel Gilead. Let Jonathan know if you have trouble finding a copy.

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Making Love Last A Lifetime

Starting April 18, 2007

Debbie Fisher and John Smoke will co-lead this class which will offer some keys to developing a stronger and healthier marriage.

The classes will be on Wednesdays, April 18, 25 and May 2 from 7:30-8:30pm. Childcare is available by request. The book may be obtained in the church office for $9:00.

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Fundraiser for the Youth Mission Trip

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Everyone goes out for lunch or dinner from time to time. The Youth Mission Team would like you to eat at Max & Erma’s in Woodridge on Tuesday April 17. Download the Coupon below and print it off or pick one up from the church office and the Youth Mission Team will receive 20% of your bill to back their Youth Mission Trip this summer.

|Max & Erma's Coupon (PDF)|

Thank You for your help! Bon Appetit!

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Call forth a new reality for yourself
by creating and defining
Who You Will Be

Keynote Workshop: "Mastering What’s Next"

Jacqui Neurauter

9:00am Registration ~ 9:30am Workshop

11:00am Luncheon
featuring Lively Exhibits and Demonstrations

Choose Two from Six Afternoon Workshops
(Each offered at 1:30pm and 3:30pm)

Design your program to suit your personal tastes ...

|More details|

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Friday Afternoon at the Movies

April 13, 2007 1:30pm

Big Fish

Edward Bloom is a traveling salesman, a "blowhard" from his son’s point of view. As Edward lays dying, his son Will, begs him to tell him the truth about his travels. A tale about the way we each see and experience the world.

Church Movie Theater (Room 217).

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Christianity and World Religions

The Wrap-up

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

After our popular Lenten series on our relationships with those of other faiths, there is a chance to interact with a scholar and with members of the other groups.

On Wednesday, April 11, from 7 to 8.30pm, Rev. Dr. Martin Forward from Aurora University will be with us, to speak and answer questions. Martin is a recognized authority on Islam, and has published widely in the field of interfaith dialogue and religious studies.

Don’t miss this opportunity to ask the questions which have arisen during the study!

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Visit to Morton Arboretum

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

The Young At Heart group for senior adults will go out to The Morton Arboretum in Lisle for lunch and a tram ride to enjoy the spring flowers on Wednesday, April 11. All senior adults are invited to make the trip with us.

Cost per person will be $20.00. A selection will need to be made for lunch from one of three selections: Roast beef or Tuna sandwich or a Citrus chicken salad. You may sign up for this activity in the Parlor on Sunday mornings or by calling Marilou Welch at 630-968-7120.

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All Church Conference

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

Everyone is invited to attend this All Church Conference at 7:30pm in the Sanctuary. There are four motions to be presented:

• Permission to begin the renovation work on the Fellowship Hall and Gym kitchens.
• Permission to release funds for payment of the architect.
• Permission to release 1% of funds raised for mission.
• Election of some officers for the church.

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Howard Benson

Starting March 28, 2007

Church Chat welcomes back Rev. Howard Benson who will lead the last session of the year. Beginning March 28, Howard will present “Demanding Discipleship: an encounter with the Sermon on the Mount”.

We will meet from 7:30-8:30pm in Room 218 on Wednesday evenings March 28, April 4, 11, and 18. No registration is necessary. Please join us!

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Going to Guatemala?

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Following our Missions Sunday presentation, there will be a meeting for all interested (however slightly) in this year’s trip to Guatemala, on Wednesday, March 28 at 7pm in Jonathan's office. It’s important that we know clearly how many people might be wanting to go. If you cannot make the meeting, please let Jonathan know that you're interested. The trip will be between July 10-18.

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March 24-31, 2007

The 36th Annual Spring Break Tour by the Chapel Choir will be to Wilmington, North Carolina, performing in churches in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia on the way. The show features spiritual Christian songs intended to lift our spirits and deliver a powerful message about our faith and relationship with God and Jesus Christ!

As long as they are able to access the internet, members of the tour will be posting news to the online tour diary.

| Tour Schedule | Tour Diary |

Post-Tour Concert

Sunday, April 1 at 4:00pm & 7:00pm

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Pretour Concert

Sunday, March 18, 2007

The 36th Annual Spring Break Tour by the Chapel Choir will be on March 24—31 this year. They are traveling to Wilmington, North Carolina, performing in churches in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia on the way. The show features spiritual Christian songs intended to lift our spirits and deliver a powerful message about our faith and relationship with God and Jesus Christ!

You can show your support of Belford Hernandez and the High School Youth by attending the pretour concert at Plainfield UMC on Sunday, March 18 at 7:00pm. The Chapel Choir will meet at 1:30pm to rehearse and start to leave at 2:00pm.

| Pretour Driving Directions | Tour Details |

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Candidate Forum

Preserving Middle Income Housing
in Downers Grove

Sunday, March 18, 2007

You are invited to attend a public forum on Preserving Middle Income Housing in Downers Grove. Sponsored by the Housing Team of DuPage United, a grassroots group of concerned residents, the forum will be hosted at DGFUMC from 3 to 4:30 p.m. this Sunday, March 18, in our Sanctuary.

Members of the Downers Grove Village Council and candidates seeking council seats in next month’s elections will be asked to declare whether they support exploring and addressing skyrocketing local housing costs.

Between 2000 and 2005, median income in Downers Grove rose 9%, while median housing costs rose 68%. The housing team points to such statistics to try to define the problem and convey its importance. Communities around Chicago and other major US cities have successfully acted to preserve affordable housing and community diversity, while protecting property values.

The shortage of affordable housing affects everyone in the area. Returning veterans, retirees, teachers, police officers and firefighters can’t afford to live in the communities they serve. Please plan to attend and bring a friend.

The March 18 forum is free, nonpartisan, and open to the public. No candidates will be endorsed.

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The Crisis in Darfur

Sunday, March 18, 2007

The Rev. R. Randy Day, staff executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, warned that if churches, governments and organizations don't respond immediately, Sudan will turn into another Rwanda, where millions of people were slaughtered or starved to death 10 years ago. "The situation remains critical," he said. "The (United Nations) should follow the example of the U.S. Congress in labeling the situation 'genocide.'"

We are fortunate to have the Rev. Chris Pierson coming to our church to help us to understand the situation in Darfur and guide us with how we are to respond to the crisis as Christians.

The presentation will be Sunday, March 18 from 12:30—2:30pm. Lunch will be provided by the Adult Education Work Area for all who sign up by March 15. Call the church office to reserve your spot.

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10-10-1

March Madness
Free Throw Shooting Contest

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Everyone, 3-100 years old, is welcome to participate in The First United Methodist Church March Madness Free Throw Shooting Contest 10-10-1 on Saturday, March 17th from 5-7pm. Nursery care will be offered for all children under three.

The 5th and 6th grade Sunday school classes are organizing and running the free throw shooting contest.

Important Details:

The cost is $10 a person, there will be pizza (5-5:30pm) for everyone that registers, trophies for the winners of each age group, TV's will be set up to watch NCAA basketball games, and a special area for 3-5 year olds (everyone in that age group will win a prize).

Even More Important Detail:

Your $10 registration fee will go to purchase a net through the Nothing But Nets Campaign. This net will be sent to Africa where people are dying in large numbers due to Malaria. Sleeping under a net at night will protect persons from Mosquito bites which carry the disease.

Your $10 gets you pizza, 10 free throws, a chance to win a trophy, a fun evening, and YOU WILL BE SAVING A LIFE!

Everyone from the church and community is welcome to take part in this contest and mission project. If you would like to make a donation to purchase a net but are not able to or do not desire to participate, your donation will go to sponsor a child who cannot afford the registration fee.

5th and 6th graders will be in the Parlor on Sundays March 4 and March 11 at a registration table for sign-ups and donations. The church office also has registration forms. Please contact John Smoke if your child needs help with the registration fee.

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NCAA at the Saffords'

Saturday, March 17, 2007

Join LiFT for an afternoon of watching the NCAA basketball tournament.

We will watch the games at the Saffords' house on March 17th at 3pm. Snacks will be provided.

RSVP to Kent and Lynda Frederick.

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Friday Night at the Movies

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Chest Pains Are No Blarney

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Dr. Patrick O'Leary, a cardiologist at Good Samaritan Hospital, will discuss possible causes of chest pain and current treatment options and will be followed by a question & answer session.

Come and join us for an Irish dinner served from 6-7pm in the Chapel Hall for a charge of $7. Community members may pay at the door. When you call Advocate to register for this event, please mention whether you will have dinner with us. The Advocate number is 1-800-323-8622 Code 4C63.

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Young at Heart

Billy Graham Museum

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

The Billy Graham Museum at Wheaton College in Wheaton will be the destination for the Young At Heart group for senior adults on Wednesday, March 14. After touring the museum we will have lunch in the Wheaton College Restaurant which is the best rated college restaurant in the United States. We will leave from the Church Parking Lot at 9:15 AM and car pool to the Museum. The cost is $10.00 per person. You may sign up in the Parlor on Sunday mornings or by calling Marilou Welch at 630 968-7120.

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Mission's Sunday

Just a Stone’s Throw Away
Are Our Guatemalan Neighbors

Sunday, March 11, 2007

With so much focus on what is going on in the middle-east these days, not much attention is paid to our neighbors in Central and South America. We really should establish a strong, neighborly relationship with them.

On Missions Sunday, March 11, you will have the opportunity to learn about the Sister Parish movement in worship which brings North American and Central American Christian communities together. Following the 11:00 worship service, you are invited to a Guatemalan lunch and discovery program about the women in our new sister organization, Unidas Para Viver Mejor (UPAVIM).

Reservations must be made in advance for the catered lunch ($10). Call (968-7120), email, or stop by the church office by Sunday, March 4.

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A Visit from the Bishop

Sunday, March 4, 2007

Join us in worship at the 11:00am service next Sunday, March 4, when Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, the Bishop for the Chicago Episcopal Area and leader of the Northern Illinois Conference, will be our guest preacher.

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For All The Saints

A New Adult Sunday School Class

Starting Sunday, March 4

On Sunday, March 4th, a new adult Sunday school class will being meeting at 9:30 AM in room 203. The focus of this class will be on three Saints: Archbishop Oscar Romero, Father Mychal Judge and Sir Thomas More. The class will be viewing and discussing three movies. March's movie will be Romero on the life of Archbishop Oscar Romero. April's movie will be Saint of 9/11 on the story of Father Mychal Judge. May's movie will be A Man for All Seasons on the life of Sir Thomas More.

Contact John Smoke for more information.

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Friday Afternoon at the Movies

March 2, 2007 1:30pm

Ladies in Lavender

In 1936 two older sisters, living a quiet life together, find a young man washed up on their shore. They take him in and find themselves competing for his affection as they nurse him back to health.

Church Movie Theater (Room 217).

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Woman to Woman

Starting February 28, 2007

We will be reading and discussing Scarred By Struggle, Transformed By Hope by Joan Chittister on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 beginning February 28th. Chittister says her book is meant to help readers cope with their own suffering and disappointment. It is an anatomy of struggle and an account of the way hope grows in us, despite our moments of darkness. It is an invitation to look again at the struggles of life in order that we might remember how to recognize new life in our souls the next time our hearts turn again to clay.

The discussions will be in the church Parlor led by Debbie Fisher and Sheila Hallmann. Books will be available in the church office.

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Men's Huddle

Starting February 27, 2007

All men from the church and the community are invited to attend this new program. We will meet on Tuesday mornings from 6:15am until 7:25am in the Parlor for six weeks beginning on February 27 and going until April 3.

The program we will be using is called "If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got To Get Out of the Boat" by John Ortberg. Each morning will include a video presentation followed by a discussion with the men around your table. There will be coffee along with donuts/bagels.

For more information please contact Doug Roselieb or John Smoke.

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A Lenten Journey

This year's Lenten study is a four week course called Christianity and World Religions: Wrestling With Questions People Ask. The study will include an examination of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism. The same class will be offered by different teachers at different times.

Here is the schedule:

• Debbie Fisher:
  Sundays 6:30pm–7:30pm
  February 25–March 18.
• Jonathan Dean:
  Wednesdays 10:00am–11:00am
  Wednesdays 6:30pm–7:30pm
  February 28–March 21
• John Smoke:
  Thursdays 7:00pm–8:00pm, March 1–22
• Nick Nicholas:
  Fridays 10:00am–11:00am, March 2–23
• Tedd Steele:
  At Faith UMC, Lisle
  Thursdays, 7:00–8:00pm, March 1–22

There is no book to buy and no homework to do. Just sign up and come to one of the classes. This is an important study in light of the world we live in today! Contact the church office to register - (630) 968-7120.

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Sixth Annual
Bowling Outing

Sunday, February 25, 2007

LiFT invites you to attend the Sixth Annual Bowling Outing on Sunday, February 25, from 1:30 to 3:30 PM at Tivoli Lanes. Dust off your bowling shoes and join us for an afternoon of fellowship and fun. Cost per game is $3.95 and shoe rental is $3.00. Child care will be available at church. Please RSVP, ASAP, to Kent and Lynda Frederick by February 21.

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The Bridge Project

Harmonies for Hope and Housing

Sunday, February 18, 2007

On Sunday, February 18th at 4:00 in the afternoon, concert-goers will be treated to the incredibly smooth and harmonious tones of THE BRIDGE PROJECT.

This quartet, accompanied by Diane Hires, has been creating beautiful music together for over ten years. They are now donating their talents to help the FUMC Bridge Board fund housing and mentoring for formerly/nearly homeless families.

Quartet members Brett Goad, Mark Kostelny, Scott Hudson and Ward Feste will perform traditional hymns including “The Old Rugged Cross” and “How Great Thou Art.” “Sixteen Tons” and “Up on the Roof” will be featured in the Pop section of the program. Woven into the performance will be solos by each member of the quartet, highlighting their individual talents.

Advanced tickets ($7.00) may be purchased in the church Parlor on February 4th, 11th and 18th. Tickets will also be available at the door ($9.00.) A CD of THE BRIDGE PROJECT’S music will be available for $10.00, yet another donation to the work of the Bridge Board.

Don’t miss this beautiful blending of Harmonies for Hope and Housing!

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The Mother Daughter Tea

Saturday, February 17, 2007

The Worship Work Area invites you to our third Mother-Daughter tea on Saturday, February 17th at 2:00pm in the church gym. Peg Schultz will present a program on dolls in her life and their stories. Bring your favorite doll with you — who will have the oldest, the best-dressed, the most well-loved and worn? We will share our stories with one another.

Bring your mother, daughter, sister, cousin, grandmother, or good friend with you for an afternoon of tea, goodies, and fellowship. Tickets, which are $15 for adults and $5 for those 12 and under, are available Sunday mornings in the Parlor. When you sign up, you can volunteer to be a table hostess to greet guests and help serve.

If you have a teapot or two you would be willing to lend us, please let us know. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Nancy Bifulco through the church office.

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Friday Night at the Movies

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Young at Heart

(Cancelled due to Weather)

Valentine's Day

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

We will have a special Valentine Day celebration for Young At Heart, on Wednesday, February 14. We will meet in Chapel Hall at noon for lunch followed by a Barbershop Sextet called "A La Carte" who will present a program of special music for the day.

The cost per person for lunch and program will be $10.00. You may sign up in the Parlor on Sunday mornings or you may call Marilou Welch through the church office (630-968-7120).

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Folk Dance of Hungary

Edman Memorial Chapel, Wheaton College

February 10, 2007

Come enjoy and experience the Folk Dance of Hungary on February 10, 2007 at the Edman Memorial Chapel at Wheaton College, 7:00 pm performance.

The Hungarian State Folk Ensemble is regarded as one of the top touring groups in the world that plays authentic folk music and aims to preserve the authentic folk dances and traditional costumes of Hungary, some from over a hundred years ago.

The Ensemble consists of 30 dancers, 14 members of the Gipsy Orchestra and 5 members of the Folk Orchestra. The choreography is based on authentic dances, some dating back hundreds of years.

Tickets are $14.50 per person. To reserve, please contact Sharon Harman at the church office (630-968-7120). There are a limited number of tickets available. All seats are in the balcony and is accessible only by stairs.

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High School Ski Trip

February 10 & 11, 2007

The High School Ski Retreat to Devil's Head was postponed until the weekend of February 10 & 11, because of the extreme cold the previous week. Unfortunately, the Junior High Ski Day, on February 10 has been cancelled altogether because there were not enough adult chaperones.

Senior High Ski Trip

Devil's Head, WI - February 10 & 11, 2007
Read more...

Junior High Ski Day (Cancelled)

Alpine Valley, WI - February 10, 2007
Read more...

Call or email Nick Nicholas (968-7120 x 123) if you are interested in going.

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Movie Lover's Festival

A New Vision of Film

February 5-11, 2007

Our second festival features four classes and four movies over a three day period. Each class looks at different aspects of movie making followed by a film that demonstrates the techniques discussed. The Festival takes place at church, the weekend of February 9–11, preceded by our four Introductory Genre Movies presented on February 5–8.

Movies include Unforgiven, Waiting for Guffman, The Graduate, Millions, and Sweet Land. The classes will be presented by Sue Thornquist, Josh Larsen, Michael and Jeffrey Wolinski, and Brian Andreotti.

|Movie Festival Details|

The Power of Movies
Lies in Their Ability to Reflect
Our Hopes, Dreams, Beliefs, Values, and Culture

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Go Bears - and Give Boldly!

Sunday, February 4, 2007

To celebrate the Bears' presence in the Superbowl, we're reinstituting FUMC's own tradition of the Soup-erbowl. On Sunday, February 4, there will be buckets outside the Sanctuary after our services. You are invited to give your spare change — or a larger donation — which will be used to help the work of a local food pantry. We are hoping that, by the end of the day, those who are hungry in our community will have something to cheer about too.

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The 537 Band was first featured in our contemporary Saturday evening service. We learned that most of our congregation prefers to worship on Sunday morning and the Saturday worship was discontinued. However, people continue to ask for The 537 Band to play.

In response to popular demand we have scheduled the band several times a month. The result is that DGFUMC now offers a choice of three distinct Sunday services:

• 8:15am ~ in the Chapel
• 9:30am ~ in the Sanctuary, led by the Chapel Choir with the 537 band or handbell choirs
• 11:00am ~ in the Sanctuary, a more traditional worship led by the Chancel choir

We will schedule a survey in late February for the congregation's input.

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Starting February 4, 2007

Ever feel like Jesus has been kidnapped by the Christian Right? Saving Jesus is a revolutionary DVD-based small group exploration of Jesus Christ for the third millennium. The 12-week program features leading religious voices of our day. The basic format for each weekly session includes conversation around a 20-minute video segment and guided discussion. Join Marcus Borg, John Dominic Crossan, Matthew Fox, Amy-Jill Levine, James Forbes and a host of others for a conversation around the relevance of Jesus Christ for today.

This program is a continuation of the stimulating Living the Questions series that has been previously seen and discussed in our Koinonia adult Sunday School class. The Saving Jesus series is scheduled to begin on Sunday, February 4, 2007, at 9:30am in the Koinonia class room 218. Please join us!

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aninconvenienttruth

A GLOBAL WARNING

All are invited to attend a screening of the movie "An Inconvenient Truth", in which Al Gore presents the evidence that global warming is a major challenge that we must confront.

Friday, February 2

6:30pm - 9:00pm ~ Movie and Group Discussion

Sunday, March 4

12:15pm - 3:30pm ~ Lunch, Movie, and Group Discussion

This could be the most important video you watch this year!

Babysitting is available if you call ahead to the church office (630-968-7120).

Adult Education, Church and Society, Environmental Stewardship

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Family Preparedness Program

Tuesday, January 30 & Sunday, February 25

The churches in Downers Grove, in cooperation with the DuPage County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, are launching a Family Preparedness Program. The purpose of the program is to help the residents of DuPage County become prepared for a disaster such as flooding, devastating winter storms, fire, tornado or chemical spillage. Being prepared can help reduce fear, anxiety, and losses that often accompany disasters.

We are fortunate to have a certified trainer within our congregation. Rich Mikolajczyk is already presenting Family Preparedness Programs around the County. Rich currently serves as the Secretary of the Sister Cities Commission; is a Board Member of Naperville Responds and a Member of the Community Emergency Response Team. His presentation lasts 45 minutes and there will be time for questions. Rich will also have a 16 page informational booklet which provides details about emergency supplies every home should have and an outline of a family plan for disaster.

There will be two presentations both in the Chapel Hall:

• 7:00pm, Tuesday, January 30, 2007
• 12:00pm, Sunday, February 25, 2007

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Work Day at Rogers Park

High School Youth Group

Saturday, January 27, 2007

Serving others/being in mission is central to the Christian faith and to the Youth of our church. We have sent young people from our church on mission trips to Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Wisconsin, Tennessee, England and Illinois. As John Wesley said "the world is (our) Parish." So we, as United Methodists, are called to serve all the world; but it is good to serve those close to home too. After years of discussion we are ready to start an ongoing mission relationship with the United Church of Rogers Park.

UCRP is a United Methodist Church at Ashland and Morse in Chicago. The name of the church came years ago when it was a united church having both United Church of Christ and United Methodist pastors. Rogers Park is a diverse community with great need. UCRP serves not only as a church but as a community center for the neighborhood.

On Saturday, January 27 the High School youth group will go to the United Church of Rogers Park to clean UCRP's thrift shop. We will leave DGFUMC at 8:0am and be back at 4:00pm. There will be several more opportunities to work at UCRP over the next few months. On July 1, our Junior High Youth will prepare and serve Community Feast, the meal served every Sunday at the church and will spend the next two days doing other tasks around the church. We look forward to many years of service together with UCRP.

Contact Nick (630-968-7120 x 1237) to let him know if you are going. Postcard invitations, which include the permission slip, have been sent out, but you can pick one up in the church office.

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Get Out of Debt

Informational Meeting

January 22, 2007

Are you feeling overwhelmed and controlled by debt? The Adult Education Work Area has purchased a faith-based program called Financial Peace University. It is a 13 week course that will teach you many important aspects about getting out and staying out of debt. The average participant eliminates $5,300 in debt and saves $2,700 during the 13 week period.

The cost is $85 per family or individual and includes a workbook, 16 audio CDs, an envelope system, a best-selling book by Dave Ramsey (creator of the program), budgeting forms, two debit card holders and a bonus CD with helpful information.

Come to an informational meeting: Monday, January 22nd at 6:30 PM in room 218. The 13 week session will then begin on January 29th and conclude on April 30th. The class will meet each Monday from 6:30-8:00pm. Childcare is available upon request. There is scholarship money available.

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Building Project Meeting

Discussion of Kitchen Remodeling

January 22, 2007

The Building Committee has been hard at work with our Architect, Legat Architects, in getting the next project off the ground...the Kitchen Remodeling.

Through Legat we have secured a Kitchen Designer, Art Hallenberg from Hallenberg and Associates. Art's firm designs kitchens for schools, churches, restaurants and other commercial businesses all across the US. We have a preliminary plan from them following his coming to view our two main kitchens.

We are still planning what will be done after the kitchens and hope to come to the congregation with several options in the next two to three months. If at any time you have questions or ideas, please send them to the church attention Building Committee.

There will be a meeting hosted by the Building Committee to discuss the proposed kitchen plans on January 22 at 7:00pm in the Sanctuary. All church members are invited to attend.

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Friday Night at the Movies

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Ad Council Meeting
for Approval of Budget

Sunday, January 14, 2007

On Sunday, January 14, there will be a short Ad Council meeting after the 11:00 service to adopt the budget for 2007. Our operating budget is determined by your pledges. There are still 90 outstanding pledges. Pledge money pays for our daily operational expenses.

If you have concerns or questions about your pledge, please contact Carolyn Donnelly (Financial Secretary) at 968-7120 ext. 104, or you may email her at carolyn@dgfumc.org. You may pick up a pledge card in the office.

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Chapel Choir Tour Kick-Off

January 14, 2007

All Chapel Choir members are invited to stay behind after the 9:30am service on Sunday, January 14, for the official Kick-Off to this year's tour to Wilmington, NC.

Chapel Choir Tour
Parent's Informational Meetings

Two informational meetings about this year’s 36th Annual Chapel Choir Tour to Wilmington, NC, will be held for parents of current and prospective Chapel Choir members.

Wednesday, January 17

7:30pm - 8:45pm in Chapel Hall

Sunday, January 21

11:45am - 12:30pm in the Youth Lounge

Each should end at about the same time as rehearsal. Parents are encouraged to attend one of these meetings, especially those of youth who will be participating on tour for the first time.

We will be discussing:

• rehearsal and performance schedules
• anticipated costs
• the trip itinerary and daily procedures
• bus, luggage and other trip guidelines
• things to bring and not to bring
• attendance and behavior expectations
• parental assistance
• other pertinent issues.

| 2006/2007 Season | 36th Annual Spring Break Tour |

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Global Warming:
Voluntary Measures

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Join us at 9:30am in Chapel Hall for the fourth program in the series sponsored by the Environmental Stewardship Committee. Colleen Sarna, Sierra Club Global Warming Coordinator will discuss nationwide voluntary efforts to help solve global warming. From hybrid vehicle fleets in Charlotte, to green buildings in Austin, to renewable energy powered homes in Seattle, local governments are moving forward with innovative energy solutions that curb global warming, save taxpayer dollars, and create healthier cities.

At a time when the federal government is failing to act, these local leaders are moving America forward toward a safer and more secure future. Come and learn what we and our community can do to help solve this environmental concern.

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Confronting the Controversies

Worship and Dialogue Series

This is a six week preaching and dialogue series dealing with controversial topics. Debbie Fisher and Jonathan Dean will be preaching on six topics from Adam Hamilton’s book called Confronting the Controversies.

Adam Hamilton is the Senior Pastor of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Kansas, the fastest growing United Methodist church in the United States.

The Adult Education Work Area invite you to stay following the 11:00 service for lunch and a time to dialogue with one another about the topic of the day. Professors from schools around the area such as North Central College, Aurora University, Elmhurst College and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary will facilitate the discussion and add their own insight.

This event is open to everyone. Lunch will be provided in Chapel Hall for all who sign up. Please call (630-968-7120) or email the church office to sign up by the Wednesday before each Sunday.

|More Details|

January 14 "Salt of the Earth"

Message by: Rev. Debbie Fisher
Scripture: Matthew 5: 13-16
The Separation of Church and State

January 21 "Dying Well"

Message by: Rev. Jonathan Dean
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16—5:9
Euthanasia

January 28 "The Blind Spot"

Message by: Rev. Debbie Fisher
Scripture: Luke 6: 37-42
Homosexuality

February 4 "Prayer in the Classroom?"

Message by: Rev. Debbie Fisher
Scripture: Matthew 6: 5-6
Prayer in Public Schools

February 11 "An Eye for an Eye"

Message by: Rev. Jonathan Dean
Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-17
Death Penalty

February 18 "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made"

Message by: Rev. Debbie Fisher
Scripture: Psalm 139: 13-16
Abortion

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LiFT Dinner
at Buca di Beppo

Saturday, January 13, 2007

We will meet for dinner at Buca di Beppo at 5:00pm. The cost will be approximately $20 per person.

Child care will be available at church. Space is limited, so please contact Kent and Lynda Frederick to RSVP.

|Directions to Buca di Beppo|

LiFT are a group of young adults, single or married, who get together for fun activities, conversation, sharing, and community service projects.

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This Friday is Second Friday!

The Youth Lounge, Game Room and Movie Room will be open from 7:00-9:30pm for all High School youth on Friday, January 12. Come and hang out, play and talk with friends. This will be the first of many Second Fridays!

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Young at Heart

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

On Wednesday, January 10, the Young At Heart group for senior adults will begin the year 2007 with a catered lunch from Joyful's Cafe and a screening of "Love Actually".

Lunch will begin at noon in Chapel Hall. The cost will be $10.00 per person.

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Attention:
Parents of Preschool Children

2007-2008 Registration

It is time to register your child for the First United Methodist Preschool for the 2007-08 school year. Our preschool serves children who will be either 3 or 4 years old by September 1, 2007. 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.

Open registration

Tuesday, January 9, 2007

3:00-4:00pm Room 101

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

PLEASE NOTE

Church member registration is now closed.

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High School Youth Movie Night

"Jesus Camp"

Tivoli Theater
Monday, January 8, 2007 ~ 7:30pm

Jesus Camp, follows Levi, Rachael, and Tory, to Pastor Becky Fischer's "Kids on Fire" summer camp in Devil's Lake, North Dakota, where kids as young as 6 years-old are taught to become dedicated Christian soldiers in "God's army." The film follows these children at camp as they hone their "prophetic gifts" and are schooled in how to "take back America for Christ."

The film also features a counterpoint, in the form of excerpts from Michael Papantonio's "Ring of Fire" show on NPR's Air America. Though he frequently takes aim at the fundamentalist Christian movement, Papantonio is an active Methodist who admits that his moral compass comes from his faith.

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Friday Afternoon at the Movies

January 5, 2006 1:30pm

Songcatcher

Dr. Lily Penleric, a brilliant musicologist, is denied a promotion at the university where she teaches and in a huff, she leaves to visit her sister in Appalachia. There she stumbles upon Irish-Scottish ballads that have been handed down in their purity throughout the generations. The story is modern and entertaining and the music hauntingly beautiful.

Church Movie Theater (Room 217).