Belief in Jesus. (continued from page 1) Page 2. Developing Christian Beliefs & Spiritual Practices. Developing Life-Affirming Values

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1 Methodist Church of Libertyville United Methodist Church of Libertyville Lifting Up Up Christ, Using Our Our Gifts, Ministering To To All All Volume 2013, Issue 6 March 20, 2013 Inside this issue: Spiritual Growth Dream Initiative Task Force Announcements Joys & Concerns Holy Week New Member Classs Service Opportunities 2nd Mile Giving Calendar 7 Youth Christian Education Fellowship & Nurture Stephen Ministry UMW Insert A Stephen Ministry Congregation 429 Brainerd Avenue Libertyville, IL Phone: Fax: Web site: Spiritual Growth Dream Initiative Approved! In the fall of 2011, we began a Dream Process that invited the congregation to lean into the future by dreaming and imagining what the church might be like in five years. We closed our eyes and saw new visions and dreamed new dreams. It has been an exciting and challenging journey. On March 2, the Administrative Board approved the first Dream Initiative which came from the Spiritual Growth Dream Initiative Task Force. The Task Force was led by John Broughton and the members included Mary Ann Burson, Karen Kuhlman, Mary Kuhns, Kathy Locke, Steve Neil, Liz Sass, Amy Sharer, Jim Stewart and Pastor Jamie and Pastor Steve Williams. The Original Spiritual Growth Dream Initiative was to Create and implement a comprehensive plan for spiritual growth and adult discipleship by developing small groups, Sunday School classes, and learning opportunities (traditional and non-traditional) which will build relationships, foster life-long learning, and develop faith within and beyond the congregation. Here is information on the Proposal Spiritual Growth Dream Initiative Proposal We are proposing a new program-level ministry for adult spiritual growth and discipleship that will: Implement a comprehensive plan for creating small groups, Sunday School classes and learning opportunities for adults that will fall into four areas: 1. Developing Community 2. Developing Christian Beliefs and Practices 3. Integrating Faith and Life 4. Developing Life-Affirming Values (See Spiritual Growth Tree and detail on page 2) Create a new part-time, ministry position of Director of Adult Spiritual Growth which would be a 20 hour-a-week, paid staff position. (See Job Description on page 3) Create a new ministry committee of church members, elected by the Nominations Committee, to work with the new Director of Adult Spiritual Growth to implement this ministry. The Committee could be called the Adult Spiritual Growth Committee. Our expectation is that the new Director of Adult Spiritual Growth could be hired by September 2013; a new Adult Spiritual Growth Committee could be recruited and elected by September 2013; and new classes and programs for adults could be offered by January (article continues on page 2)

2 Page 2 (continued from page 1) The Comprehensive Plan for Creating Small Groups envisions adult spiritual growth as a tree rooted in belief in Jesus Christ. The tree has four main branches. Each branch represents a critical element of adult spiritual maturity. The plan would provide small groups, Sunday School classes, and learning opportunities along these four branches. Shown below is the Spiritual Growth Tree, a description of each branch, and examples of groups or possible learning opportunities on each branch. Developing Christian Beliefs & Spiritual Practices Developing Community Developing Life-Affirming Values Integrating Faith & Life Belief in Jesus Branches of the Spiritual Growth Tree Branch 1: Developing Community - Creating opportunities for people to be together, share their lives, develop meaningful relationships, and support one another in their life and faith journey. Examples: New Member Classes; Progressive Dinners, Potlucks, Social Events; Sports Teams or Group Sporting Events; Mission Trips; Retreats; Movie & Book Discussion Groups; Primetimers; Young Couples; Intergenerational Events (Trick or Trunk; Valentine s Party). (article continues on page 3)

3 Volume 2013, Issue 6 Page 3 (continued from page 2) Branch 2: Developing Christian Beliefs and Spiritual Practices - Creating opportunities for people to grow in their understanding of the Christian faith and the spiritual practices that lead to spiritual transformation. Examples: Adult Sunday School Classes; Women s Groups (UMW, Women s Spiritual Growth, Book Talkers); Men s Groups (UMM, Pastor s Bible/Book Study); ALPHA Course or comparable studies aimed at Seekers; Disciple Bible Study and other Bible Studies; Lectio Divina, Companions in Christ, Twelve-Step, Prayer Groups and Prayer Services; Mission Trips; Retreats Branch 3: Developing Life-Affirming Values - Creating opportunities for people to develop life-affirming values including a commitment to racial and gender equality, an affirmation of cultural and religious diversity and a personal sense of responsibility for the welfare of others. Examples: Lake County United; Green Team; Environmental Learning Series; Mission Trips; PADS; Helping Hands; United Methodist Women Studies and Events; Serving humanity through acts of love and justice; Advocating social and global change to bring about greater social justice; Interfaith & Intercultural Dialogue and Events; Study Groups on Political and Social Issues Branch 4: Integrating Faith and Life Creating opportunities for people to grow in the integration of their faith with their daily life in the world. Examples: Practical application of faith with forums/courses/small groups on: Finances and Christian Stewardship; Parenting; Marriage Enrichment; Elder Care; Communication and Conflict; Support Groups for Grief, Divorce, Life Transitions, Caregivers; Job Changes; Twelve-Step Groups; College Transition Job Description for Director of Adult Spiritual Growth This is a part-time, paid staff position for 20 hours per week. The new Director would work with a new Committee, The Adult Spiritual Growth Committee, nominated by the Nominations Committee and elected by the Administrative Board. Responsibilities: Lead all aspects of adult planning, scheduling, and recruitment and training of leaders. Will lead a committee of eager volunteers committed to implementing the Spiritual Growth mission, vision, and ideas. Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills are required as the person in this role will develop a rich and diverse curriculum for both small and larger groups of adults. Qualifications: A broad understanding of adult faith development and spiritual transformation. Experience with a wide variety of resources, practices and programs to facilitate spiritual formation recognizing different learning styles and faith stages. Education or training in seminary, college, or advanced studies programs and experience with adult education leadership and/or teaching strongly desired. **** We celebrate the creativity, wisdom and hard work of the Spiritual Growth Task Force and look forward to the implementation of their proposal in creating a new Committee on Adult Spiritual Growth and hiring a new Director of Adult Spiritual Growth by September Please keep the Dream Process and the remaining five Task Forces in your prayers as they complete their work and present their proposals to the Administrative Board in April and May. Thank you. Rejoicing in hope, Pastor Steve and Pastor Jamie

4 Page 4 Announcements, Joys & Concerns The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5b-7 TRISTON LEE PURKEY were baptized here on March 17, in the 10:00 AM service, by Pastor Steve Williams. Congratulations to parents Michael and Jennifer Purkey! We extend our sympathy to Lynn Tremmel and family at the death of Lynn s mother, ANNETTE FROEHLICH, of Mt. Prospect on March 9. Condolences as well go out to Sherry Wegren and family at the death of Sherry s brother, STEVE ZABROSKI, of Hammond, Indiana on March 17. Our deep sympathy is extended to Jim Grace and family at the death of NANCY GRACE on March 16. Services will be held at UMCL on Thursday, March 21 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be held at Burnett-Dane Funeral Home on Wednesday, March 20, 3:00-7:00 PM. Please hold in prayer all those in our church family who are ill, hospitalized or recovering at home. Also please pray for our pastors and committees as they work to discern and shape our future in ministry. If there are specific prayer requests you would like circulated through our prayer chain, please contact the church office, Mickey Donahue (missmickey2005@gmail.com), Karen Kuhlman (akkuhl@att.net) or Kathy Locke (klocke@ameritech.net). I have always said I have a wonderful church family, and with my recent hospital and rehab stay you have proven me right! THANK YOU to all who prayed for me, sent cards, called, visited and especially brought food! I am very, very grateful. Thanks again, Marguerite Massin PRAYER LABYRINTH ~ WEDNESDAYS DURING LENT 8:00 AM 8:00 PM March 20 & 27 Special Meditative Offering in the East Room Church Staff & Addresses PASTORS: Rev. Dr. Stephen C. Williams pastorscwilliams@sbcglobal.net Rev. Dr. Jamie Hanna Williams pastorjhwilliams@sbcglobal.net Youth Pastor: Ben Hallett BenHallett@sbcglobal.net Children/Family Ministries: DeeAnn Clausen deeann-clausen@sbcglobal.net Junior High Ministry: Lindsey Junk LJunk314@gmail.com Business/Operations Manager: Ruth Ross ruthaross@sbcglobal.net New Member/Ministries Coordinator: Joyce Bedell JoyceBedell@sbcglobal.net Director of Adult Choir & Contemporary Service: Jeff Brown jeffbrown418@yahoo.com Director of Music: Jim Grace grace.jim@sbcglobal.net Children s Choir Director: Blair Brockman texasbrockman@sbcglobal.net Please use the main church address for Karla Bolkema, secretary libertyvilleumc@sbcglobal.net CHURCH WEB SITE ~ Find us on Facebook! United Methodist Church of Libertyville

5 The Volume 2013, Issue 6 Page 5 Holy Week Worship Opportunities Palm Sunday Worship Services March 24, 2013 ~ 8:30, 10:00, 11:15 am Children s Processional with Palms at 10:00 am Maundy Thursday Worship Service with Holy Communion March 28, 2013 ~ 7:30 pm Good Friday Worship Service March 29, 2013 ~ 7:30 pm Selections from Handel s Messiah and Faure s Requiem presented by our Adult Choir Celebratory Easter Sunday Worship Services March 31, 2013 ~ 8:30, 10:00, 11:15 am Nursery care provided at all Holy Week Services. Special Coffee Hour New Member Classes GOOD-BYE COFFEE ~ Sunday, March 24, 9:30 11:30 AM Come to say Good-bye to Earl and Ros Hoover during an extended coffee hour on Sunday, March 24. Earl and Ros are moving to Boise, Idaho at the end of March. They will be in Fellowship Hall from 9:30 to 11:30 AM on Palm Sunday (March 24) for friends to drop in and say good-bye. Church friends will be hosting our coffee hour for the entire morning. Come any time for as long as you like! Hope to see you there! The next session of New Member Classes will include these opportunities: Coffee and Dessert on Friday, April 12, at 7:00 PM Four Sunday School classes on April 14, 21, 28 and May 5 at 10:00 AM Coffee with sponsors on Saturday, May 18, at 10:00 AM; New Member Sunday on May 19. at our 8:30, 10:00, 11;15 AM services Please contact Joyce Bedell if you would like more information or are interested in being a part of our church family! (joycebedell@sbcglobal.net or )

6 Page 6 Service Opportunities PADS PADS continues to need volunteers for the following shifts: Overnight (11 PM - 3 AM) Two people to stay from 3-6 AM Clean-up (5:30 AM - 7:15 AM) Please consider helping us with these overnight and early morning shifts. Your help is appreciated. Contact Cathy O Brien at HELPING HANDS FURNITURE PICK-UP Saturday, April 6 If you have furniture or other gently used household items you would like to donate, please contact Jeris Boyce ( ) or Gladys Griffin ( ). Thank you for your continuing support! DONATIONS NEEDED FOR MARCY-NEWBERRY ASSOCIATION! As Marcy-Newberry works to meet the needs of West Side communities of Chicago, they are in need of ballpoint pens, staples, legal pads, file folders, envelopes, scotch tape, masking tape, highlighters, rubber bands, paper clips, construction paper, crayons, craft materials, & educational games. Leave your donations in the Marcy-Newberry box in Fellowship Hall. Thank you! FABRIC NEEDED FOR SCHOOL BAGS! Fabric is needed for creating School Bags! The fabric should be sturdy, and it may be used, if it is in good condition (such as draperies). Please leave donations in the office or in Fellowship Hall on the shelf by the bulletin boards. Contact June McCoy with any questions. Thank you for your support 2013 Volunteer Missouri Mission Trip ~ April Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? Matthew 25:37 The need for volunteers still exists in Missouri two years after the catastrophic EF5 multiplevortex tornado struck Joplin, Missouri on May 22, Volunteers of every skill level are needed in this vital ministry of rebuilding lives and homes. This year s trip will take place from April 14th to the 20th and we hope you would consider being a part of this life-changing ministry experience to restore homes and lives. The cost for each volunteer will be $200 and we have three scholarships available as well. We will need your commitment and check, including the medical release forms by March 31st. Call the church with any questions ( ) or contact Jeff Welch at jpwelch5@gmail.com or nd Mile Giving Second Mile Giving SECOND MILE GIVING FOR MARCH will support: 1) Aprendiendo Jugando, which is a local (Hawthron School, Vernon Hills) after school program, mostly for Hispanic children. It was designed to provide help with school work for children in grades 1-5. Contact Ruth Brockman for further information ( ). 2) Pan-African Rural Health & Social Services. This agency works in Sierra Leone to provide clean water, education and reduce hunger for its 5,000 residents of the Fallay Wujah section. They are working toward purchase of a tractor to help in all their needs for wells and farming. Go to advance # for more information.

7 Volume 2013, Issue 6 Page 7 Calendar TAKE NOTE--MEMOS & BULLETIN PUBLISHING POLICY It is the policy for the MEMOS and Sunday bulletins to publish items related only to the United Methodist Church of Libertyville or the specific activities, programs, and missions it sponsors. Any items submitted to the MEMOS or Sunday bulletins will be subject to editing as available space may require. Likewise, the timing of publishing articles is an editorial decision. Deadlines for MEMOS and Sunday Bulletin articles are: for the next MEMOS, Sunday, March 31; for Sunday Bulletins, the Wednesday before by 10:00 AM. Helping hands are always appreciated to help assemble MEMOS; we ll next meet at 9:00 AM, Wednesday, April 3, in Room 101!! Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat March 24 Palm Sunday 8:30 AM Worship Service 8:30 AM Children s Worship 9:30 AM Cherub Choir 9:30 AM Coffee Time 10:00 AM Worship Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:15 AM Contemporary Worship 11:15 AM Joyful Noise March 25 10:00 AM Toddler Play Group 6:30 PM Young Life Capernaum 7:00 PM UMW Mission Team 7:00 PM Troop #72 7:00 PM 20 s Group March 26 12:00 & 7:30 PM Living Free / AA 1:00 PM Women s Spiritual Growth 1:30 PM Disciple 3 7:00 PM Faithful Threads March 27 8:00 AM 8:00 PM PRAYER LABYRINTH 9:00 AM Staff Mtg. 9:45 AM Lectio Divina 7:00 PM SYNERGY March 28 Maundy Thursday 11:30 AM Faith Study 12:00 PM Living Free / AA 7:30 PM Maundy Thursday Service March 29 Good Friday 6:00 PM Adult Choir 7:30 PM Good Friday Service 8:30 PM Collision Lock-in March 30 8:30 AM Praise Band 4:00 PM PADS Setup 6:00 PM PADS March 31 Easter 8:30 AM Worship Service 8:30 AM Children s Worship 9:30 AM Coffee Time 10:00 AM Worship Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:15 AM Contemporary Worship April 1 12:00 PM Prime Time 2:00 PM Lake County United W. House 7:00 PM Disciple 4 7:00 PM Troop #72 7:00 PM 20 s Group April 2 12:00 & 7:30 PM Living Free / AA 1:00 PM Women s Spiritual Growth 1:30 PM Disciple 3 7:00 PM Lake Cty Green Congregations 7:00 PM TNT April 3 9:00 AM MEMOS 9:00 AM Staff Mtg. 9:45 AM Lectio Divina 6:00 PM God s Soul Girls 7:00 PM Heritage Bells 7:00 PM SYNERGY 7:30 PM Children s Ministry 7:30 PM BSA District Committee April 4 11:30 AM Faith Study 12:00 PM Living Free / AA 7:00 PM Technology Task Force 7:30 PM Disciple 1 7:30 PM Adult Choir April 5 6:00 PM Young Couples (off site) April 6 8:30 AM Praise Band 4:00 PM PADS Setup 6:00 PM PADS SUNDAY SERVICES 8:30 AM Traditional Worship & Children s Worship Time (3 yrs-k) 10:00 AM Traditional Worship 11:15 AM Contemporary Worship SUNDAY SCHOOL: 10:00 AM Classes for all ages Nursery Care All worship services for ages 0 2 years. Now let the heavens be joyful! Let earth her song begin! Let the round world keep triumph, and all that is therein; Let all things seen and unseen their notes in gladness blend, For Christ the Lord has risen, our joy that has no end. St. John of Damascus

8 Volume 2012, 2013, Issue 76 Page 8 Youth 411 March/April 2013 SYNERGY ~ Middle School Student Group WEDNESDAYS ~ 7:00-8:30 pm March 20 ~ Bowling March 27 ~ Succotash April 3 ~ FMSC COLLISION ~ Senior High Group March 29 ~ Good Friday Lock-In April 13 ~ PADS April 21 ~ Nerd Fest April 10 ~ Game Night Check out our UMCL Facebook Group! TNT something for 7:00 PM March 19, April 2, Ben s MEMOS is a bi-weekly publication of the United Methodist Church of Libertyville 429 Brainerd Ave., Libertyville, IL PASTORS: Jamie Hanna Williams; Stephen C. Williams Worship Services: 8:30, 10:00 & 11:15 a.m. Office Hours: 8:30 3:30 p.m. weekdays Phone: (847) Fax: (847) libertyvilleumc@sbcglobal.net Return Service Requested

9 Christian Education EASTER PARTY ~ Saturday, March 23, 10:00 AM LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!!! Children, birth through 5th grade, and their families, are invited to join in the fun on Saturday, March 23 at 10:00 AM. Come to enjoy fun games, great stories, imaginative crafts, and the exciting EGG HUNT! Lunch in Fellowship Hall will follow immediately. To register your family for this event, go online at or sign up in the church office. Adults and youth interested in volunteering for this event can sign up online or contact DeeAnn Clausen at deeann-clausen@sbcglobal.net Easter Party! PALM SUNDAY AND EASTER SUNDAY SCHOOL Just as in Biblical times, children take a leading role in UMCL s services commemorating Jesus Christ s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. On Palm Sunday, March 24, all children meet in the East Room before worship. Each child receives a palm branch before lining up to process into the Sanctuary at the beginning of the service. Sunday School kids will sing at the beginning of this service. After the Children's Message, older children are encouraged to rejoin their parents for this special worship service and younger children can be dismissed to room 206 for a special Children s Church time. On Easter Sunday, March 31, children will start in worship with their families. After the Children's Message, older children are encouraged to rejoin their parents for this special worship service. Younger children can be dismissed to room 206 for a special Children s Church time. TODDLER PLAY GROUP MONDAY, MARCH 25 10:00 11:30 AM Parents and their babies/toddlers are invited to visit and play in our nursery on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, 10:00 11:30 AM. This is a great way to get out for fun play time and good conversation! Questions? DeeAnn-Clausen@sbcglobal.net SUMMER 2013 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Mark your calendars for VBS July 15 19! Children, pre-school age to 5th grade, come and experience a week of KINGDOM ROCK! Where Kids Stand Strong for God! Registration forms are available on our website ( Take Note AD BOARD MEETING APRIL 13, 8:30 AM Our next Administrative Board meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 13 at 8:30 AM in Fellowship Hall. ALTAR FLOWERS AND WORSHIP GREETERS If you would like to donate altar flowers or serve as a Sunday worship greeter, please sign up on our website ( or call the church office at

10 APRIL YOUNG COUPLES Friday, April 6:30 PM On April 5, the Young Couples Club will be having dinner at In-Laws in Gurnee. We will meet at 6:30 PM. Please RSVP to Andrea West at adwest5@yahoo.com or by Monday, April 1st. See you there! Fellowship and Nurture APRIL PRIME TIME Monday, April 1, at 12:00 PM Join us for lunch at noon ($5). Jean Wilson will be sharing a program on the era of the 20 s, 30 s and 40 s, and it s sure to bring back some good memories for many of us! Please RSVP to the church office by Friday, March 29! We are looking forward to sharing this time together. HANDMADE BABY BLANKETS APPRECIATED With all of the wonderful new babies being born into our church family, we are in need of more handmade baby blankets. Please place blankets in the basket by the Education Wing. Thank you so much, Joyce Bedell HOME TOUCH is a monthly publication offering devotions, scripture readings and activity pages (Sudoku, crossword puzzles, word games, etc.). This is perfect for the homebound person who likes a daily devotional with scripture and activities to sharpen the mind! If you know someone who would enjoy receiving Home Touch on a monthly basis, please call Jan Grigsby at SOMETHINGS Looking for a community of young adults trying to figure out what it means to live a Christian life in today's world? We were too, so now we have a 20-Somethings Group! We'd love to meet you and share in your story! 212 Elm Court, Mondays at 7 pm Contact Ben Hallett ( ) or Lindsey Junk ( ). United Methodist Women ORPHANS OF THE STORM Here is a great opportunity to both recycle and help Orphans of the Storm, an agency for saving animals! Amanda Brown, as a Girl Scout project, is collecting newspapers (they use lots of newspapers!), old towels or dishcloths, dog and cat toys, and additional items (listed on the tub in Fellowship Hall). Donated items may be placed in the marked tub in Fellowship Hall. Thank you! RUMMAGE SALE PLANS The Spring Rummage Sale is planned for Friday and Saturday, May Many hands will make light work; your help will be appreciated that week! Set-up Sunday afternoon, May 5 Drop-off and Sort Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, May 6, 7, 8 Price and Sort Thursday, May 9 Stay tuned for more details! Questions? Call Judy Awe ( ) or Janet Hartkopf ( ). The UMW Thinking of You Table is set up in the Heritage area, ready for you to stop by and sign a card for members of our church family who would appreciate knowing that they are in our thoughts and prayers! Check it out! Thinking of You! Stephen Ministry Minute The first service that one owes to others in the fellowship consists in listening to them. Just as love of God begins with listening to his word, so the beginning of love for the brethren is learning to listen to them. If you would like to talk with a Stephen Minister, please contact Pastor Steve or Pastor Jamie.