January 2018 MUSTARD SEED

Transcription

1 Volume 49 Issue 1 January 2018 MUSTARD SEED The Joy Is In The Giving And Being Together! Our church family offers us many ways to learn and grow together in ministry. Thank you to everyone who has given of their time and talents! Exercise Class December 12, 2017 UMW Cookie Walk December 9, 2017 Sounds of the Season December 10, 2017 UPCOMING EVENTS January 6th-28th: Getting Healthy Sermon Series January 7th: Church Leadership Consecration Services, 9 & 10:30 January 28th: All-Church Retreat, 11:45 a.m.

2 2 Pastor s Page-January 2018 God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. (1 Corinthians 12:14-25) Merry Christmas! I pray that the joy and hope of our Savior s birth has filled your heart and home. Christmas is a day of celebration and connection. It s the day when God gave up the throne of heaven and came among us in a child born in Bethlehem. It s the day that God revealed God s humility and embraced a manger (a feeding container for animals) as his first bed. It s the day that God invited all of humanity (including the night-shift shepherds) to come and worship as a sign of God s desire to connect and communicate with all of us. Regardless of our background, baggage, or circumstances, God s love is available to all of us. Christmas reminds us that all of God s children are known and loved by God. I pray that each of you will claim this promise of God s love and connection in the upcoming year. In 2018, our church leadership will focus on strengthening communication and connections. In the past, we have not always been transparent with information and updates. Committees worked in ministry silos without communicating and coordinating with others. As our church grows, we will have to grow in this area of communication and coordination of our ministries. Rather than functioning as individual silos, we will strive to function as unique (but interconnected parts) of a larger body sharing God s larger mission, which can only be accomplished together. In the month of January, our sermon series will focus on the theme of Getting Healthy. This theme will encourage us to get healthy not only for our sake, but for the sake of our larger community and mission. This will also be the theme at our All Church Retreat (Jan 28). At the retreat, we ll engage in fun and engaging activities designed to help us recognize and celebrate our differences. I hope you can join us for these times of learning and growth. God calls us not only to get heathier physically, but mentally, spiritually and relationally. God longs for us to experience the fullness of life, in every part of our lives. As your pastor, I pray that the Christmas story will continue to encourage and empower you throughout the year. May the Spirit of Christ invite and inspire us all to grow healthy and stronger in As our Lord has been faithful to us in 2017, I am confident that the Lord will continue to bless us and use us in Happy New Year! Pastor Sarah

3 Minooka United Methodist Church 205 West Church Street Minooka, IL Saturday Worship 5:00 p.m. Sunday Worship Schedule 9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service GPS Children s Program 10:00 a.m. Fellowship Time 10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service (Communion Every Sunday) GPS Children s Program Teen Sunday School Church Office Hours:: Monday 10:00a.m.-4:00 p.m. Tuesday - Friday 8:30a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Administrative Assistant Patti Kelly Church Phone: Church admin@minookaumc.com Website: minookaumc.com Pastor Sarah Hong pastor@minookaumc.com Youth Director Kellen Walker youth@minookaumc.com Music Director Jill Lagerstrom music@minookaumc.com 3 Please keep us informed of members who are critically ill or in the hospital: Office Pastor Sarah To be on our Prayer Chain, please call the Church Office. Busy times! The Pantry is bustling this month. The two large donations we had last month are allowing us an opportunity to generously support our families during this holiday season. We are able to give each family some extras. Our families with children will receive a prepackaged box of food, which were donated. Each family will get two cans of beans, a box of Jello; stuffing; a Brownie mix; a box of stuffing; a box of Jiffy Corn muffins; pasta dinner mix; and some candy. In addition, to put the "cherry on top" each family may have a ham or extra chicken due to the generous donation from the employees of Morris Hospital. As we enjoy our Christmas dinners, we may also know that we have made our families' holidays more enjoyable and helped them know they are not alone facing their challenges. Unfortunately, our Pantry families are not the only ones facing challenges. One of our own Pantry team members is facing a very difficult time. We extend our prayers to her and her family and pray these trying times will end soon. As this year comes to a close, we want to thank you for your support. The Pantry team and families wish you a "Blessed" and peaceful Christmas. As an unknown author wrote: My Christmas wish for You ~ That your heart be light as a snowflake; That your troubles melt away like snow, And a drift of blessings Surround you. Peace, laughter, memories! Have a healthy New Year! Jean Jun and Virginia Guertin tchdf86@aol.com Trusting God in the New Year God is interested in revealing Himself in and through our lives. He wants to make a difference in our families, work settings, church families, and communities. He wants His people to be testimonies to His life, love, and goodness. This is why the Father, Son and Spirit have made their dwelling place within us. Saturday s 5:00 p.m. Blended Service Sunday s 9:00 a.m. Traditional Service Sunday s 10:30 a.m. Communion every Sunday Contemporary Service Our loving God wants to transform our motivations and pursuits, perspectives, and practices, relationships and habits. Give Him access to all of you today, and trust God to lead you for His glory, and for your good and the good of everyone around you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. (John 15:4) Let Jesus flow through us and bear the fruit of exalting God only. In Christ, Pearl Lindley, Certified Lay Servant

4 Finance Committee Report from the Financial Resourcing Committee: 4 Thank you for all those who turned in Estimate of Giving cards. There are new givers and continued givers! We appreciate you all! November numbers are not available at this time. John Schroeder and Donna Sabo are transitioning into the role of Treasurer. Please find the 2018 budget enclosed for your convenience. Financial Resourcing Committee Chair Gail Girard Average attendance in November: 114 Don t forget to use myeoffering to donate on-line or set up recurring giving! Go to and click on the green donate now button. Celebration Sunday We have a great opportunity available to give glory to our God in the way of an offering to celebrate the many joys in our lives! This opportunity is available on the first Sunday of each month. Please call church office for more information. Human Relations Sunday January 14th, 2018 THIS IS THE FIRST OF SIX CHURCH- WIDE SPECIAL SUNDAY OFFERINGS IN Your generous gift supports the Community Developers Program and community advocacy through United Methodist Voluntary Services, related to the General Board of Global Ministries, and at-risk teens through the Youth Offender Rehabilitation program, General Board of Church and Society. Look for the insert in the Bulletin on January 14th, For more information please see: Claude Crawshaw Missions & Social Concerns Chair

5 5 Community News! No community events known at this time. Praise Band Our Praise Band leads us in worship each Sunday at our 10:30 service. All experienced musicians are encouraged to join! Practices are on Wednesday evenings at 5:30 p.m. If you have questions, please call the church office. Daybreak Once a month members of our church serve lunch to the residents of Daybreak in Joliet. We will be meeting there Saturday, January 27th at 9:30 a.m. Contact Chris & Sue White if you would like to join us. Daybreak 611 E. Cass St., Joliet Chancel Choir All are welcome to join in this ministry at any time throughout the year. Sunday morning rehearsals begin at 8:00 a.m. Hope to see you there! December Memories Men s Prayer Breakfast Angel Tree Distribution UMW Cookie Walk Jesus, I Believe Drama A Visit From Santa! Hinds Family Advent Candle Lighting

6 6 GPS Update Wow! Christmas sure was busy for us here at GPS! We were blessed to be such a part of the worship experiences here at MUMC. December 10th found the GPS Choir singing with the Praise Team as part of the Sounds of the Season worship service. On December 16th the GPS Choir sang again as part of the Jesus, I Believe drama. And then on Christmas Eve we were integrally involved in the 4:00 worship service singing and helping Mrs. Kelly tell the story of the nativity. We have ended the 2017 year on a high note for sure...literally and figuratively! Thanks so much to all of the families that were involved! See you all again on January 7th (GPS will be in recess on December 31st). Some of my Favorite December moments! In Christ, Patti Kelly Family Ministries Director

7 7 KID S INC. (GRADES 2-5) & YOUTH GROUP (GRADES 6-12) January Mustard Seed HELLO MUMC, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOPE EVERYBODY HAD A GREAT CHRISTMAS FILLED WITH HAPPINESS. DECEMBER WAS A BUSY AND VERY PRODUCTIVE MONTH FOR THE YOUTH AND I. BETWEEN SERVICE SINGING, A CHRISTMAS DRAMA, A MISSION PROJECT, A CHRISTMAS SERVICE, A CHRISTMAS PARTY, & MORE, WE WERE ABLE TO GET IT ALL DONE. OUR MISSION PROJECT WAS THE FOCUS IN DECEMBER. THIS YEAR WE CHOSE TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL OF THE CHILDREN LIVING AT DAYBREAK HAD A GREAT CHRISTMAS, & WE WERE ABLE TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN FOR OVER 20 CHILDREN. WE PARTNERED WITH CUMC AND WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE A TOY, A STOCKING, WARM CLOTHES, AND PAJAMAS FOR EVERY SINGLE CHILD. THE CHRISTMAS DRAMA WAS AMAZING AND INVOLVED THE GPS CHILDREN AND KIDS FROM THE YOUTH GROUP. BOTH THE GPS KIDS AND THE SR HIGH CHOIR PERFORMED DURING SERVICES, AND DURING A MUSIC ONLY SERVICE. JANUARY WILL PROVIDE A MUCH NEEDED BREAK. I AM SO PROUD OF THE YOUTH THAT PARTICIPATED AND MADE ALL OF OUR CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS AND SERVICES SO SUCCESSFUL, BUT IT WAS A LOT OF TIME & WORK. TIME TO REST, RELAX, AND HAVE SOME FUN. I WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY 2018, AND HOPE TO BRING EVEN MORE POSTIVE NEWS TO YOU THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AS OUR YOUTH CONTINUE TO THRIVE IN THE HOUSE YOU HAVE ALL HELPED BUILD. YOUR FRIEND, KELLEN WALKER YOUTH DIRECTOR / CO-DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES Jewish Synagogue Visit December 9th, 2017 Confirmation Class Confirmation Classes have begun. Please keep Jayden & Michaela Ambrose, Hannah Beitler, Cadon Casagrande, Dillon Coffman & Jackson Volz in your prayers during this special time in their lives. Schedule for January is: January 7th: 12:15 p.m. Pastor Sarah = teacher January 14th: 12:15 p.m. Pastor Sarah = teacher January 21st: Greek Orthodox Church Visit, time to be determined January 28th: All Church Leadership Retreat, 11:45 a.m.

8 8 SPECIAL DAYS SPECIAL PE0PLE January Jessica Chadwick 5 Jon Murley 7 Amy Schroeder 7 Trevor Spencer 8 Phil Gautschy 11 Patty McGehee 12 Ruth Pesack 13 Sarah Bartak 13 Brad Gossen 14 Jan Stadt 16 Phyllis Underhill 17 Ruth Satorius 20 Wade Clausing 20 John Randich 23 Sherry Harris 24 Julie Geyer 27 Brie Weaver 31 Cheyenne Bishop 31 Willow Bishop 3 Dale & Carol Lockwood 27 Ric & Melody Coop 28 Paul & Beth Froidcoeur Happy Anniversary! January 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 7 8:00 Choir Practice 9:00 Worship & GPS 10:30 Worship, GPS & Pack the Couch 1 Church Office Closed 8 5:00 AA Meeting 7:00 AA Meeting 7:00 UMW Meeting 2 12:00 Faithtalk 9 10:00 Food Pantry 12:00 Faithtalk 6:00 Worship Mtg 7:00 Missions Mtg 7:00 SPRC 3 5:45 Praise Team 10 10:00 Food Pantry 5:45 Praise Team :00 Food Pantry 5:00 Worship :30 Men s Prayer Breakfast 9:00 Trustee Mtg 5:00 Worship 14 8:00 Choir Practice 9:00 Worship & GPS 10:30 Worship, GPS & Pack the Couch 15 5:00 AA Meeting 7:00 AA Meeting 16 10:00 Food Pantry 12:00 Faithtalk 6:30 Building Mtg 7:00 Finance Mtg 17 11:00 Food Pantry 5:00 Food Pantry 5:45 Praise Team 18 8:15 Sr. Exercise :00 Worship 21 8:00 Choir Practice 8:30 Confirmation Trip 9:00 Worship & GPS 10:30 Worship, GPS & Pack the Couch 22 5:00 AA Meeting 7:00 AA Meeting 7:00 Book Study 23 12:00 Faithtalk 7:00 Church Council 24 5:45 Praise Team 25 4:45 Evangelism Mtg :00 Lord s Ladies Breakfast 9:30 DayBreak 5:00 Worship 28 8:00 Choir Practice 9:00 Worship & GPS 10:30 Worship, GPS & Pack the Couch 11:30 Leadership Retreat 29 5:00 AA Meeting 7:00 AA Meeting 30 12:00 Faithtalk 31 5:45 Praise Team

9 January 9:00 am SERVICE VOLUNTEERS January 7 Communion Sunday LAY READER Chris White USHER January 14 LAY READER Kim Nave USHER January 21 LAY READER Kim Nave USHER January 28 LAY READER Pam Coley USHER 9 SMALL GROUPS/BOOK STUDY FAITH TALK: BIBLE EACH TUESDAY at 12:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall Come and join us as we continue studying from the book Famous Jerks of the Bible. All are welcome! Book Club Book Club meets on January 22nd. All are encouraged to join us! Grief Support Group This group takes place in the GPS Gathering Room the first Monday of each month at 6:00 pm. It is an "open ended" group with no set number of sessions. It is also an "open discussion" group with no set curriculum for each session. To sign up for this group, please contact Cindy White at clwhite312@comcast.net Attention Men's Breakfast January 13th, 7:30 a.m. Due to Cookie Walk, Men s Breakfast will be on the first Saturday this month. All men are invited! No reservations needed! Lord s Ladies Breakfast On the last Saturday morning of each month ladies meet for breakfast, fellowship and bible study. Please come and join this month on January 27th at 8:00 a.m. You can visit this link to read and print the monthly calendar January 2018 news is due into the office on Monday, January 15th. If you have any questions or articles you would like in our next issue, please contact the office at or mumc2322@gmail.com Thank you, Patti Kelly Evening Circle Evening Circle will not meet for December & January. Next meeting is on: Monday, February 5th at 7 p.m. Meeting place will be announced as time gets closer. We will be continuing our study The Christ Centered Woman. Please join us!

10 10 Minooka United Methodist Church 205 W. Church Street Minooka, Illinois NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID MINOOKA, IL PERMIT No. 10 Phone: Fax: Or Current Resident V ISIT US AT WWW. MINOOKAU MC. COM Saturday s 5:00 p.m. Blended Service Sunday s 9:00 a.m. Traditional Service Sunday s 10:30 a.m. Communion every Sunday