Chimes. The. Grace, Pastor Cal. News from Court Street United Methodist Church. January The Gift That Keeps On Giving!

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1 January 7 News from Court Street United Methodist Church The Gift That Keeps On Giving! Chimes The For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son... John 3:6 One of the joys of Christmas is that it is a time of gift-giving, and there is really nothing wrong with offering presents on this particular holiday. After all, it was on Christmas day that God gave us the greatest present of all time the gift of his Son Jesus, the Savior of the world. The gospel of John tells us that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life (3:6). Because God loves us, he gives us his Son. It s a free gift. An undeserved gift. A gift that carries with it the unconditional love of God. Grace is sometimes defined as the gift of God s own self. And that definition certainly fits God s generosity at Christmas, when he gives us the gift of his Son. This is a present that brings God right into the heart of human life. It s a gift that saves us, and connects us to our Lord for all eternity. It s a gift of God s own self. Dan Schaeffer in his manuscript, asks us to consider; So Christmas must be about giving, right? Yes, but we are overlooking an important point: Who is doing the giving, and who is doing the receiving? The biblical account of Jesus entrance into the world stresses that we are the unlikely recipients of a divine gift of which we are totally and completely unworthy. The giver in the story is God, not us. 2 These reflections remind us that God has given us, or those who will receive it, a gift that is perpetually giving as we are being transformed into Jesus image. We all give gifts to those we love and care for, hoping the gift will make a lasting impression. The quest to gift others is what possesses us during the Christmas season. However, remember: God s gift is not seasonal, but a reflection of God s heart for all-for all of eternity. May you and yours have a blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy, and holy New Year! Grace, Pastor Cal The mission of Court Street UMC is to be a welcoming, nurturing, serving community of Christ. 2 In Search of the real Spirit of Christmas

2 The Chimes Lay Leadership Lay Delegates to Annual Conference Kathy Welk & Jeanine Wang Administrative Council Chair Joan Tunnell Staff/Parish Relations Chair Dessie Voigt Finance Chair For the month of January Nurture & Outreach is appropriately collecting shovels for the students at Haskell Academy. We know the children love to help out and this will help more students keep the school grounds safe. You can drop off the shovels in the church narthex by the sign for Haskell Academy. Thank You in advance! Stewardship Chair Jeanine Wang Treasurer Matthew Wandell Endowment Chair Mike Davis Trustee Chair Geri Ryan Lay Leader Georgalee George Nurture & Outreach Georgalee George Worship Chair Joan Tunnell Local Missions Chair Helen Gibbons Chrisitian Education Chair Diane Lutmer Arts Committee Chair Richard Wang United Methodist Women Geri Ryan, President United Methodist Men DuWayne Stanis, President Jeremiah Ministry Reps Kay Galloway, Jeanine Wang JFON Liason Kay Galloway Thank you, thank you, to all of our customers who bought Green swags or centerpieces, to those who cut branches for us to create with, and especially to super elves who worked 2 days in my garage making 32 fresh evergreen pieces to sell -- Kay Galloway, Karen Brown, and Perky Flynn-Heath. Hope your Christmas was Bright & the New Year brings Happiness & Good Health to you & yours. Love to our Court St. Family, Judy & Milton Schmitt Monday - Jan. 2 Monday - Jan. 6 except for the Fine Arts Day Event see elsewhere in this issue Like us on Follow us on See pictures on

3 January 7 COURT STREET TO PARTICIPATE IN LOVE ROCKFORD EVENT APRIL 29th, 7 Jeremiah Development, along with many community partners, is hosting the first LOVE ROCKFORD event, on April 29, 7. As you are aware, Jeremiah Development is a community and church based organization committed to the simple mission of promoting the well-being of the neighborhood in the downtown area, by working closely with local residents. Although Jeremiah Development s focus is the west-side downtown neighborhood, the decision was made to extend the boundaries to embrace the entire city for this event. LOVE ROCKFORD will be housed in the center of Rockford at the JD churches of Emmanuel Episcopal, Second First Church, and Court Street UMC. The purpose of this event is to link available resources to those in need in the Rockford community. Congregations, businesses, community agencies, and volunteers will be working together to reach out to the underserved. Residents will have the opportunity to be linked with a variety of counseling and housing services. Medical volunteers will be present to provide blood pressure checks, hearing and vision tests, as well as other services. Residents may choose to have a haircut or receive a manicure, while the young may opt for face painting or to engage in other children s activities. A free lunch will be served, and a box of food will be available to take home. Residents will be able to shop in the clothing room and bookstore for themselves and their family. Bicycles will be repaired and music will engage the crowds. Also, those seeking spiritual renewal will have an opportunity to receive prayers and blessings. We wanted you to be aware of this exciting event, and will bring you updates through the next several months. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to talk with Joan Tunnell, Jeanine Wang, or Pastor Cal. What s something that many of us do in the Fall and Spring? That s right! We clean out our closets, looking for items that are too big (or too small) or are out of date. Finally there s a place for your gently used clothing that will help people all over the community. During Love Rockford, an event of Jeremiah Development, gently used clothing of all types and sizes, men s women s children s, will be given away to under-served people of our community. We will take casual and professional clothing, outerwear, shoes, just about anything that you may have. Please box your items and be sure that items donated are in good condition and are clean. You may bring items to Court Street from now until mid-april to Room 09. You will be helping many others in the Rockford community, in addition to yourself. Thank you! Rockford Dist. Leadership Training Event Saturday, January 28, 7 Faith UMC of Freeport 440 S. Walnut, Freeport 8am-2:30pm. Workshops offered include: Staff-Parish Relations Committee Work, Trustees Work, The Way of Christ, Best Financial Practices, Church Presence in Neighborhood, Alternate Leadership Structure and Statistical Report. Especially if you are new to a committee, here is a wonderful chance to learn what your committee needs to do. No cost to attend, but they do request that you register by January 25th. To register, please go to: org/7rkfdtraining. For more information, call:

4 The Chimes Court Street congregation and friends have shown that they are aware of the need for a commitment to our CSUMC Community, this body of Christ, so that we can carry on all the many ministries we are engaged in and feel so passionate about. So far we have turned in 92 pledges praise the Lord! We have received pledges totaling Pledge Campaign for 7 $232,52.00 at the time of this printing. We have prayed very earnestly over our pledges, and, by the Grace of God, we are on the way to meeting our proposed budget for 7. If you haven t turned your pledge in yet, you may still do so. Pledge cards are available in the church office. Thank you to the following people who have turned in their 7 pledge card!! Adam, Barb & Steve Adam, Barbara Allen, Charles Allen, Mary Kay Anderson, Carter Anderson, Ella Anderson, Roger & Cindy Anglemire, Helen Armstrong, Fern Bailey-Murray, Joan Baker, Ray & Janet Barnhart, Bill & Norma Lee Boon, Dan Brown, Karen Buckardt, Robert Bulliner, Kaylee Cram, Sue Cromwell, Bert Crow, James Culpepper, Cal & Gwen Davis, Brooklyn Davis, Janet & Mark Davis, Mike & Pat Dickson, Tom & Edith Dill, Joann Doran, Nancy Doran, Bill & Betty Dow, Donna Fansher, Adelaide Ferry, Gene & Barb Fisher, Cynthia Fisher, Mabelann Foley, Sue Galloway, Kay George, Georgalee Gibbons, Helen Gibbons, James Gillette, Alice Gorman, Tim & Verlette Gregory, Sandy & Sean Heath, Jay Heath, Priscilla Henbest, Robert Hoglund, Margery Johnson, Bruce & Rita Justice, Gordon & Julie King, Brad & Lori King, Brian & Randiann Kint, Karl & Marge Koehn, Bess Lander, Truman & Lois Lewis, Marie Ludington, Alex Ludington, Jeremy & Erin Ludington, Lydia Ludington, Ryanne Ludington, Tegan Lutmer, Bob & Diane Mace, Jan Mailand, Earle Mann, Don & Hoppy Mann, Jeff Mehren, Fred & Judy Meligan, Brian & Cristina Monroe, Del & Char Muck, Joanne Noble, Gary & Doris Noltemeier, Karl & Louise Olderbak, Mike & Peggy Palmer, Glenn & Gail Peters, Judith Philbrick, Jack & Jamalyn Powell, Dorothy Reid, E Joyce Rhoads, Ray & Margaret Ripley, Steven Risley, Dave & Diane Ryan, Geri Schmitt Jr., Milt & Judy Scott, Carol Seiter, Bill & Betty Shindel, Bruce & Nancy Snively, Bill & Julianne Stanis, DuWayne & Nancy Stoller, Colleen Swansbro, Don & Charlene Swinson, Don & Joanne Tunnell, Stan & Joan Wakefield, Lorna Walters, John Wandell, Rob & Lorelle Wang, Dick & Jeanine Weiss, Don & Jan Welk, Tim & Kathy Whitmore, Ken & Jeanann Whitmore, Steve & Sarah Wollstadt, Loyd & Judy Zimmerman, Phil & Sue Zyvert, Michelle

5 January 7 CSUMC Book Club 7 4:00 p.m. 3rd Sunday of month (usually) Jan 5 The Book Club by Mary Alice Monroe at Lorna's 4347 Applewood Ln., LP Mary Alice Monroe invites you to meet five remarkable characters as she explores the power of friendship with tenderness, honesty and understanding. On the surface, it is a monthly book club. But for five women, it is so much more. For Eve Porter, whose husband s sudden death cheats her of every security she had planned on, the club is a place of sanctuary. For Annie Blake, a brilliant attorney intent on starting a family late in life, it is the chance to finally let down her guard and dream of other possibilities. For Doris Bridges, it is her support group as she acknowledges her dying marriage and finds the ultimate freedom in her husband s betrayal. For Gabriella Rivera, the perfect wife, mother and friend who offers support to everyone but is afraid to ask for it herself, it is a sense of community. And for Midge Kirsch, an artist who has always lived her life against the grain, it is a haven of acceptance. They are five women from different walks of life, embracing the challenge of change. And as they share their hopes and fears and triumphs, they will hold fast to the true magic of the book club friendship. Feb 9 The Cinderella Murder by Mary Higgins Clark at Jan's March 9 The Pearl that Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi at Diane's April 23? (It s Easter the 6th) Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury at Betty's May 2 The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty June 8? (It s Father s Day) Praying to Change Your Life: A guide to Productive Prayer by Suzette T. Caldwell Holy COW! (Church On Wednesday) 4:00 - Ray Rhoads Class (Library) 5:30 - Dinner by Diane (Dining Room) $3.50/person 6:00 - Men s Fellowship (Parlor) CHATTERBOX GROUP will meet on Jan. 2th, 6:00 p.m., at Nunzio s, 5800 N. Second St., Loves Park. All ladies are invited, and if you are new please call Marie Lewis at , she will make sure we all get to sit together. We always enjoy visiting with each other. Saturday - Jan. 4 8:30 a.m. Stockholm Inn 24 Charles St. All men are invited for breakfast & fellowship!

6 The Chimes Health & Wellness Updates From our Parish Nurse... Happy 7! How does one's faith and lifestyle affect us and others? A definition of lifestyle is, "A way of life or style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group." No matter what your age or where you are in your life today, it is never too late to improve your lifestyle, to make the most of your health and well-being. Being stronger both physically and mentally allows for greater resistance to illness and faster healing. This also applies to our faith journey. Trusting in God is also a way of practicing optimism. Prayer is a gift for all of us to exercise that allows us to communicate directly with God. A sincere, frequent, and frank talk with God provides opportunities for introspection. Praying for help encourages us to examine what we truly need, and what we are requesting from God. It is a personal act that can be performed alone or with others and can provide a great source of stress relief. All relationships require good communication in order to be maintained and grown. It is no different when talking with God. Prayer should be a regular daily part of our life. What's nice about prayer is that it can happen anytime and anywhere. The more we choose this gift given to us and are thankful for prayer, the more we can see the benefits. Often, prayers are given at the beginning and end of each day. Prayers upon rising can help set the tone of the day, by being thankful for another day to grow and help others. Prayers at the end of the day acknowledge God's guidance through the day as we reflect on the day's lessons. It gives us the time to ask for strength through life's challenging circumstances we do not understand. God grows us as we use prayer. Prayers can help us avoid repeating past mistakes and gain confidence in the ability to make sound future choices. Praying with and for others can be an exercise in having empathy. We may be surprised that in remembering others and dedicating prayers to others, we can have a positive effect on our own mood and feelings of well being. There are many verses in the Bible that we can memorize to help us and to remind us of God's love for us. The Bible teaches us how to live our lives through grace. Reading the Bible and learning how God reaches out to us is another way of staying healthy. The verses listed are just a few to help encourage you, and may be ones you want to share with someone. Here is an exercise and I hope these verses will spark the desire to read the Bible and to memorize your favorites. Psalm 9:9-0 Psalm 6:8 Deuteronomy 3:8 Isaiah 40: 28-3 Luke 2: John 6:33 Jeremiah 29: is one of my favorites, For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Psalm 46:0, Be still and know that I am God. Let the gift of reading the Bible or listening by CD enable us to trust God and grow closer to Him by exercising the power of prayer. Let our grace story and "lifestyle" continue to forge our family of faith at Court Street in 7 and beyond. God Bless us all...

7 January 7 Hey kids! NO SCHOOL Martin Luther King Day Let s celebrate Peace Thank You to all who helped decorate our church for Christmas!! Monday - January 6 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. for Grades K-8 Crafts, Music, Dance Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks More Only $ per person Scholarships are available on request Register in the church office Deadline: Sunday, Jan. 8th Help us take down the Christmas decorations Saturday - January 7 9:00 a.m. Many hands will make it go fast! Ecumenical Prayer Service in the Spirit of Taizé A Taizé prayer service is a gathering of any and all people, where the repetition of sung prayers gradually allows the presence of God to become tangible, in all its beauty and simplicity. Come, by the glow of candlelight, & enter the warmth of God s embrace. Friday, January 6:30PM Our Savior s Lutheran 3300 Rural St. Friday, February 7 6:30PM Court Street UMC

8 Court Street United Methodist Church The Chimes January 7 25 North Court Street Rockford, IL Return Service Requested Phone: (85) Fax: (85) Don t Forget! January, 7 0:00 Greeters: Need help, please Ushers: The Sue Cram Team Sound Tech: Ryan Welk Acolyte: Ella Anderson January 8, 7 0:00 Greeter: Need help, please Ushers: The Sue Cram Team Sound Tech: Tim Welk Acolyte: Brooklyn Davis Liturgist: Facetime Hosts: Breakfast Club January 5, 7 0:00 Greeter: Need help, please Ushers: The Sue Cram Team Sound Tech: Brian Meligan Acolyte: Tegan Ludington Liturgist: Facetime Hosts: Judy Mehren & Geri Ryan January 22, 7 0:00 Greeter: Need help, please Ushers: The Sue Cram Team Sound Tech: Stan Tunnell Acolyte: Morgan Whitmore Liturgist: Facetime Hosts: Ray & Margaret Rhoads January 29, 7 0:00 Greeter: Need help, please Ushers: The Sue Cram Team Sound Tech: Brian King Acolyte: Hannah Whitmore Liturgist: Facetime Hosts: If you wish to receive The Chimes electronically or to be removed from this mailing, please call the church office (85) or lorellewandell@courtstreetumc.org. Need a Ride to Church? Riders, please call drivers for a ride by 6 pm on the Saturday before the Sunday you wish to attend. 0/0/7 Bruce Shindel /08/7 Bob Lutmer /5/7 Dan Boon /22/7 Tim Gorman /29/7 Bruce Shindel /05/7 Bob Lutmer Court Street United Methodist Church Staff Rev. Calvin Culpepper Pastor ext. 2 cculpepper@courtstreetumc.org Ryanne Ludington Director of Christian Education ext. 23 RyanneLudington@sbcglobal.net James L. Crow Director of Arts Ministries ext. 9 JamesCrow@courtstreetumc.org James Marck Director of Music ext. 22 JamesMarck@courtstreetumc.org Teresa Field Parish Nurse ext. 29 TeresaField@courtstreetumc.org Verlette Gorman Church Co-Administrator ext. 2 ChurchAdmin@courtstreetumc.org Lorelle Wandell Church Co-Administrator ext. 0 LorelleWandell@courtstreetumc.org Diane Lutmer Nursery Derek Coffman Maintenance Engineer ext. 295 Maintenance@courtstreetumc.org Ryan Welk & Luke Kelsey-Powell Custodians

9 Our prayers and sympathy go to the family of: Gladys M. Campbell who passed on November, 6. Alvin B. Dugar who passed on December 7, 6. Kathryn Biddle who passed on December 2, 6. January 7 Anniversaries Name Date Year Married Dickson, Tom & Edith Stanicek, William & Kathleen Rhoads, Ray & Margaret Birthdays Name Crawford, Owen Liddell, Alex Mills, Michael Neville, Andrea Zeilinger, Phil Mann, Don Schaub, Matthew K. Addis, Robert Mills, Jan Walters, John Hodge, Janet Ludington, Alex Date Name Date Name Date Hoover, Ruth Welk, Ryan Crow, James Hoople, Allen Tunnell, Stanley Leech, Betty Lou Norman, Bettye Wandell, Matthew Palmer, Glenn Scheffel, Alyssa Strunk, Bryce Christian Cox-Rodgers, Jaxon King, Addyson Baker, Ray Meligan, Brian Ewald, Elizabeth Fibrow, Neva Hutchcroft, Elaine Kelsey-Powell, Judith Mann, Jared Peters, Judith Theisen, Kaye Eichman, Sally Swansbro, Donald Name Zyvert, Danielle Rupp, Ashley Cairnes, Jeannine Killingsworth, Jean Ludington, Jeremy Paquette, Sarah Bates, Alyssa Fibrow, Lindsey Wandell, Chelsie Armstrong, David Vandre, Alex Date

10 JANUARY 7 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday HAPPY NEW YEAR! 0:00 AM Worship Service 8 9:00 AM 'Believe' Bible Study 9:00 AM Lamplighters 9:00 AM Sunday School 0:00 AM Worship Service :5 AM Facetime :30 AM Children's Choir 2:30 PM Dowel Rod Ministry :5 PM Praisin' & Prayin' Puppets 5 CHIMES DEADLINE 9:00 AM 'Believe' Bible Study 9:00 AM Lamplighters 9:00 AM Sunday School 0:00 AM Worship Service :5 AM Facetime :30 AM Children's Choir :30 AM Christian Ed 2:30 PM Dowel Rod Ministry :5 PM Praisin' & Prayin' Puppets 4:00 PM CSUMC Book Club 22 9:00 AM 'Believe' Bible Study 9:00 AM Lamplighters 9:00 AM Sunday School 0:00 AM Worship Service :5 AM Facetime :30 AM Children's Choir 2:30 PM Dowel Rod Ministry :5 PM Praisin' & Prayin' Puppets 2:00 PM JFON Clinic 29 9:00 AM 'Believe' Bible Study 9:00 AM Lamplighters 9:00 AM Sunday School 0:00 AM Worship Service :5 AM Facetime :30 AM Children's Choir 2:30 PM Dowel Rod Ministry :5 PM Praisin' & Prayin' Puppets 2 CHURCH CLOSED 9 :00 AM Stewardship 4:00 PM SPRC 6:00 PM Rockford Rhythm 6:00 PM Worship Committee 6 CHURCH CLOSED except for 8:00 AM "Peace" Fine Arts Day 23 6:00 PM Rockford Rhythm 30 6:00 PM Rockford Rhythm 3 9:00 AM "Busy Bag Ladies" 9:00 AM History & Archives 9:00 AM Quilters 0:30 AM Staff Meeting :00 PM Jeremiah Exec Brd 6:00 PM JuBellation 6:00 PM Knitting Group 7:00 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Grace Awakening 0 9:00 AM "Busy Bag Ladies" 9:00 AM History & Archives 9:00 AM Quilters 0:30 AM Staff Meeting 5:00 PM Council Choraleers 5:30 PM Trustees 6:00 PM JuBellation 7:00 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Grace Awakening 7 9:00 AM "Busy Bag Ladies" 9:00 AM History & Archives 9:00 AM Quilters 0:30 AM Staff Meeting 6:00 PM JuBellation 7:00 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Grace Awakening 24 9:00 AM "Busy Bag Ladies" 9:00 AM History & Archives 9:00 AM Quilters 0:30 AM Staff Meeting 5:00 PM Council Choraleers 6:00 PM JuBellation 6:5 PM Knitting Group 7:00 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Grace Awakening 3 9:00 AM "Busy Bag Ladies" 9:00 AM History & Archives 9:00 AM Quilters 0:30 AM Staff Meeting 5:00 PM Council Choraleers 6:00 PM JuBellation 7:00 PM Chancel Choir 7:00 PM Grace Awakening 4 0:30 AM UMW Mission Team 4:00 PM Rev. Rhoads' Class 5:30 PM Dinner by Diane 6:00 PM Men's Group 4:00 PM Rev. Rhoads' Class 5:30 PM Dinner by Diane 6:00 PM Men's Group 8 4:00 PM Rev. Rhoads' Class 5:30 PM Dinner by Diane 5:30 PM No IL Wood Turners 6:00 PM Men's Group 25 4:00 PM Rev. Rhoads' Class 5:30 PM Dinner by Diane 6:00 PM Men's Group 5 2:30 PM Head Start 2 5:00 PM Finance Meeting 6:00 PM Chatterbox Supper 9 2:30 PM Head Start 26 :00 PM Chimes stuffing 6 0:00 AM Head Start :30 PM Head Start 3 0:00 AM Head Start :00 AM Rockford Ministers Fellowship :30 PM Head Start 0:00 AM Head Start :30 PM Head Start 6:30 PM Worship in the spirit of Taize 27 0:00 AM Head Start :30 PM Head Start Court Street United Methodist Church 7 9:00 AM De-Green the Church 4 8:30 AM United Methodist Men Breakfast 2 28 Rockford District Leadership Training

11 The 43 rd Annual John Wesley Theological Institute Scholarly Intensive Participatory February 26-27, 7 Sycamore United Methodist Church The Spiritual Practices of Hospitality & Watchfulness within Wesley s Soteriological Framework Respondent Dr. Lallene J. Rector President Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Evanston, IL Presenter Dr. Amy Oden Professor of Early Church History & Spirituality Saint Paul School of Theology, Oklahoma City University Purpose of The John Wesley Theological Institute To present John Wesley s theology, suitably updated (as he updated his sources), as truly relevant for contemporary and ecumenical theology. The discovery of this, on properly critical and scholarly terms, would be a momentous development to the theological sensitivity of the United Methodist Church and the ecumenical movement at large. Participant Information Location Sycamore UMC 60 Johnson Ave, Sycamore, IL 6078 on west edge of town, off Rte 64 Registration includes Sunday evening dinner and Monday lunch $50.00 Lodging we have secured event rates at two local hotels. Accommodations must be made individually. Holiday Inn (85) or holidayinnexpress.com $95.00 through 2/2/7 Quality Inn (85) or gm.il29@choicehotels.com $59.99 through /2/7 Continuing Education one CEU credit is available for clergy attending all sessions and submitting an evaluation form. Questions? Contact Fernando Siaba, Registrar (630) fsiaba48@yahoo.com John Wesley Theological Institute 7 Registration Form Mail to: Fernando Siaba, Registrar 3303 Grove Unit 605, Berwyn, IL Name: Telephone: Address: City: State: Zip: Denomination/Annual Conference: *Please make checks payable to John Wesley Theological Institute*