WAKE. GOD ENCOUNTERS: Your stories of life and faith

Transcription

1 A p r i l V o l u m e 2 1 I s s u e 4 GOD ENCOUNTERS: Your stories of life and faith When Doug passed away suddenly on July 1, 2003, I was working at the Rushville High School Cafeteria. I had the summers off work and enjoyed them very much. I soon learned I needed a paycheck for the entire year. In 2009, I heard that Karen Petersen was retiring from the Administrative Assistant/Secretary position at the church and I was interested in the job, but Karen told me there would be no insurance included with the position, (I also knew my computer skills were not good). I had talked to her several times but did not feel that I could be without insurance. The PPRC committee found a candidate, she was hired and worked part of a day with Karen and decided this job was not for her. The PPRC Committee then had to start over with interviews. A good friend, Sheila Burton called me, told me to get my resume put together and apply for the job. I thought about it, worked on my resume, and handed it to Pastor Steve Pichaske on Sunday morning after early church. Pastor Steve contacted me that afternoon and wondered if I could meet with the committee Monday evening, March 9, 2009 for an interview. I met with the committee and was contacted later that evening. Much to my surprise, they gave me the job! I was so excited I started crying on the phone with Pastor Steve. I told the committee I needed to give the school system 2 weeks notice before I could start. I had some personal days and sick days that amounted to 8 days of those 2 weeks so my last day at the school system was Wednesday, and started at the church on Thursday of that same week. Karen and I had 3 weeks of training time. I was able to find some medical insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield. I have dearly loved every day at in this office. There have been a few rough days when information did not get to me as early as I would have liked but everything worked out in the long run. I have worked with many wonderful people and with 3 wonderful pastors, Pastor Steve Pichaske, Pastor Bill Werner and Pastor Grant Armstrong, not to mention the pastors from other churches in the community. I have made mistakes, but I think I have learned from each of those mistakes. I have given a lot of hugs (received some also), wiped tears and said words of encouragement. I have gained a lot of friends and confidence Rushville First United Methodist Church Located on the corner of Congress & Jefferson PO Box West Jefferson Street Rushville, Illinois office@rushvillefumc.org Phone Fax Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday Traditional Sunday Contemporary 10:35 AM WAKE that I really can do almost anything I want to. I am looking forward to retirement. It will be nice to be able to get back into some of my hobbies that I love as in sewing, little woodworking, yard work, planting flowers, traveling and spending more time with friends and family. I want to thank everyone I have worked with for making these last 9 years wonderful years. I truly hope that I have been able to bring a smile to people s faces. I am hoping and praying that the new Administrative Assistant/ Secretary (when hired) and our new pastor will be met with open arms and patience! I pray the Armstrong family will remember Rushville as being a friendly community. Thank you to everyone for your patience with me. by Teresa Boyd HAVE YOU HAD A GOD ENCOUNTER? Send your story about how God has blessed your life by to office@rushvillefumc.org and it may be included in a future edition of our IGNITION newsletter.

2 I G N I T I O N : T H E D I S C I P L E S H I P C O N N E C T I O N O F F I R S T U M C WORSHIP WORSHIP WARM-UP: This month s sermon series Sunday Volunteers April 1 8:30AM Service Acolyte: Macon Kessler Liturgist: Tina Cox Greeter: Dick & Judy Peterman 10:35AM Service Acolyte: Tyson Davidson Liturgist: Carol Fuller Greeter: Jennifer Little, MaKalee & Tyson Davidson April 8 8:30AM Service Acolyte: Macon Kessler Liturgist: Sylvia Herr Greeter: Chris Utter & Betty Johnson 10:35AM Service Acolyte: Bronson Bartlett Liturgist: Amy Armstrong Greeter: Jim & Laura Moore & Donna Young Good Question, Jesus I ve heard it said that the best leaders don t have all the answers, but they know how to ask the right questions. If that s the case, Jesus gave us some incredible examples of the right questions to ask when it comes to faith. Starting in April, we re going to spend time with some of the best questions Jesus asked of people, whether they were His followers or the people who just came to try to trip Him up. These are questions that Jesus might ask of us, even today. You re invited to worship with us each week throughout this series as we hear what Jesus wants to know from each of us. Dates Message Scripture April 7/8 Which one obeyed? Matthew 21:28-32 April 14/15 Why do you call me, Lord? Luke 6:26 April 21/22 Why are you afraid? Matthew 8:26 April 28/29 Do you believe I am able? Matthew 9:28 One more question for now: Will you join us? Yours in Christ, Pastor Grant April 15 8:30AM Service Acolyte: Macon Kessler Liturgist: Sarah Duncan Greeter: Phyllis Wenger & Wilbur Kindhart 10:35AM Service Acolyte: Elli Henninger Liturgist: Eric Ewing Greeter: Crystal, Bronson & Jagger Bartlett April 22 Acolyte: Macon Kessler Liturgist: Sheila Burton Greeter: Dave & Lucille Morgan 10:35 AM Service Acolyte: Jason Klitz Liturgist: Dianne Klitz Greeter: Ken, Cathy,, Sara & Tommy Wilson April 29 Acolyte: Macon Kessler Liturgist: Mary Sue Merritt Greeter: Allen & Martha Tippey 10:35 AM Service Acolyte: Lilli Armstrong Liturgist: Carol Fuller Greeter: April & Owen Schoonover & Carol Fuller Rushville First United Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We seek to make a difference for Christ within the local and global community by waking to Christ, worshiping Christ, walking with Christ, working for Christ and witnessing for Christ.

3 I G N I T I O N : T H E D I S C I P L E S H I P C O N N E C T I O N O F F I R S T U M C Stewardship News Online Offering at RushvilleFUMC.org Fewer and fewer people are carrying cash or checkbooks these days. Even the most committed attendees are often physically in worship with less frequently. It s not that people love the church or her mission less. These are just some of the realities of our lives today. To make it easier to invest, we now have Online Offering available at RushvilleFUMC.org. You can click on Give in the menu, or click on the Online Offering button on the right-hand side of the page. Fill out some simple information, and you ve invested in ministry! We re trying to make it even easier for you to make a difference for Jesus Christ! Thank you for your generosity! WORSHIP WEEKEND WORSHIP ATTENDANCE AND GIVING Weekend of Sat PM 8:30AM 10:35AM Offering WEEKLY WORSHIP SCHEDULE: Saturday Night Casual Service: 5:00PM Sunday Morning Traditional Service: 8:30AM Sunday Morning Contemporary Service: 10:35AM Saturday Night We are still holding our Saturday evening service in the new Fellowship Hall. Services will meet as usual at 5:00 PM, and we invite anyone with mobility challenges who might otherwise use our elevator to join us using the south entrance of the Fellowship Hall for ease of access. It s a casual service with deep roots. Everyone is welcome! March $5, March $4, March $4, March $3, What about that Sermon? Adult Discussion Forum Did you ever want to talk more about a sermon topic, explore the ideas a bit, take it a little farther? A new continuing class has formed to discuss the sermon topics for the next sermon series. The class will meet in the Adult Classroom opposite the church office from 9:35 to 10:25 a.m. every Sunday. Confirmation Weekend The weekend of April 7th and 8th marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another as we celebrate the faith of several of our 7th and 8th grade youth. These students have been meeting with Pastor Grant throughout the school year to learn some of the essentials of our Christian faith, and what it means to be in relationship with Jesus Christ through His church. We ll acknowledge these students and their newly confirmed faith at all services, but the majority of our students will be confirmed at the 10:35am service on Sunday, April 8th. Thank you for your generous support of life-changing ministries through Rushville First United Methodist Church! Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! - Ephesians 3:20-21 Rushville First United Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We seek to make a difference for Christ within the local and global community by waking to Christ, worshiping Christ, walking with Christ, working for Christ and witnessing for Christ.

4 I G N I T I O N : T H E D I S C I P L E S H I P C O N N E C T I O N O F F I R S T U M C WALK Servants In Training/Sunday Mornings at 9:30AM Room 205 Facilitator: Bob Walker Used by hundreds t curriculum is based on the Uniform Series, which enables Christians across the globe to study the same Scriptures and topics on the same Sundays throughout the year. It s published quarterly and can be used in multiple settings. Children s Sunday School Calling all children to attend Sunday School at 9:30 AM every Sunday morning! The Last Wednesday Night Youth Group will be Wednesday, April 25. Our schedule throughout the school year: 4:30 PM Drop off Pre-K through Kindergarten-Nursery 1st through 4th-Sanctuary 5th through 8th-Rm :00 PM 7th & 8th-start together in rooms 202&203 6:00 PM Pre-K through Middle School-Blessing & Dismissal-Lower Level-Dining Room 6:00 PM Revelation Bells 7:00 PM Generations Choir 7:00 PM Senior High-Lower Level 8:00 PM Senior High dismissal Youth Group Family Meal The last Youth Group of the year will be Wednesday, April 25. Parents are invited to come to this last youth group meeting of the year. Please RSVP Niki Wise There will be more info to follow.. United Methodist Women s Prayer Calendar 2018 April 1 Ezekiel 36:8-15 April 2 Psalm 130 April 3 1 Kings 17:17-24 April 4 2 Kings 4:18-37 April 5 Jeremiah 32:1-9, April 6 1 Samuel 16:11-13 April 7 Job 13:13-19 April 8 Lamentations 3:55-66 April 9 Psalm 31:9-16 April10 Psalm 36:5-11 April 11 Psalm 71:1-14 April 12 Psalm 70 April 13 Psalm 116:1-2, April 14 Psalm 22 April 15 Psalm 31:1-4, April 16 Psalm 118:1-2, April 17 Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21 April 18 Exodus 15:1-18 April 19 Joshua 3:1-17 April 20 Song of Solomon 2:8-15 April 21 Song of Solomon 5:9; 6:3 April 22 Song of Solomon 8:6-7 April 23 Psalm 16 April 24 Judges 6:36-40 April 25 Jonah 1:1-17 April 26 Jonah 2:1-10 April 27 Isaiah 25:1-5 April 28 Isaiah 26: 1-4 April 29 Isaiah 25:6-9 April 30 Psalm 116:1-4, Rushville First United Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We seek to make a difference for Christ within the local and global community by waking to Christ, worshiping Christ, walking with Christ, working for Christ and witnessing for Christ.

5 I G N I T I O N : T H E D I S C I P L E S H I P C O N N E C T I O N O F F I R S T U M C WALK PRAYER: Concerns and Joys Prayers for Healing and Recovery: Lori (Hughes) Biehl, Al Hamilton, John Vancil, Nick Beard, Alexis French, Steve Reuz, Bob Kessler, Shirley Phillips, Freddie Henninger, Jerry Curry, Joe Finney, Kenny Haines, John Hymes, Elliot Llewelyn, Judy McMurl, Jacob Hamlin, Vic Jackson, Sue Hester, John Herbster, Freddie Fritz, Charles Peart, Ruby Hess, Steve Bottorff, Jerry Walker, Jerry Bartell, John Botts, Steve Ewing, Chris Ashmore, Andrew Spears, Jim Hesse, Bob Phillips, Prayers of Comfort and Sympathy: The Families of David Scott Roegge, Richard Utter, Howard Prather, Trisha Logan, Shawn Fischel Prayers for Those with Ongoing Illness: Luan Phillips, Mary Jean Hertling, Harold Sargent, Terry Runyon, Eric Peacock, Tommy Pruitt, Emmett Garriott, Dena Diseron, Linda Shaw, Brian Days, Doug Fulks, Jim Stevenson, Dianna Crum, Hank Welch, Phyllis Rutledge, Donna Chapmen, Pat Unger, Doris Young, Ruth Teel, David Jones, Allen Tippey, Virginia Stocker, Keith & Bonnie Vaughn, Carla Floyd, Edith Goldsborough, Larry Lashbrook, Bob Hood, Vera Royce, Carol Perrine, Ed Fegley, Wayne & Gloria Tomlinson, Marie Leonard, Hazel Gurnsey, Glenna Prather, Eloise Patton, Kraig Kotter, Margie Tyson, Peggy Settles, John Walker, Bob & Nancy Stauffer, Kent Drawve, June Morrow, Jane Wendling, Betty Curl, Marilyn Taylor, Tanya Gaither, Red & Carolyn Ambrosius, Rose Rebman, Leroy Bollinger, Jerry Walker, Dick Etter, Lynn Kettering, Bill Connell, Liz Wood, Garry Wenger Prayers of Joy: Prayers for Churches and Pastors: Each week we lift up a different church or charge and pastoral team from our community in prayer. As we lift up our brothers and sisters in Christ and their work for the Lord, the ministry and message of Christ shall be strengthened. This month we will be praying for the following churches and their pastors: The week of April 1 Cass Schuyler Hospice Chaplain Carl Wiggins The week of April 8 Central Christian Church, Browning Isaac Bell The week of April 15 Church of Christ, Christian Jason Triplett The week of April 22 Church of the Nazarene Fred Fritz The week of April 29 Doddsville United Methodist Church Dave Haney To get connected with the Rushville First UMC Phone Tree, fill out the form at or call the church office at to let us know what notices you would like to start or stop receiving. Rushville First United Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We seek to make a difference for Christ within the local and global community by waking to Christ, worshiping Christ, walking with Christ, working for Christ and witnessing for Christ.

6 I G N I T I O N : T H E D I S C I P L E S H I P C O N N E C T I O N O F F I R S T U M C WORK SERVING: Making a difference through action INREACH Church Safety Task Force & Active Shooter Workshop As a church, we don t prepare for dangerous situations out of fear, but because we know that God has entrusted this congregation with a precious treasure - the lives of our family in faith, our pre-school students, and members of our community. Recent incidents in other churches across the U.S. have caused some of our members and pre-school parents to invite us to look deeper into the security of our church. If you are interested in being a part of a conversation about security needs and preparations, please contact Pastor Grant at pastorgrantarmstrong@gmail.com or call the church office at In addition to a task force to look at church security, our district is offering a workshop about responding to an active shooter event on Wednesday, April 4. The Jacksonville Police Department is offering some helpful guidance to interested church leaders to be ready if the unthinkable should happen. Anyone interested in being a part of that training can let Teresa know by ing office@rushvillefumc.org calling the office at Lawn Mowing Sign-up Sheets Lawn mowing sign-up sheets are in the sanctuary for people to either pay to mow ($30) or mow the church yard themselves. Please help us keep our church grounds looking nice. Church Leadership Transition Orientation May 6 from 1pm to 3pm in the Fellowship Hall With change a comin, it s a good time to make sure everyone has a good understanding of their roles in the church. The Leadership Development and Nominations Committee invites every leader in the church to this quick training and orientation. Committee members are especially encouraged to be a part of this training, but if you serve in any ministry, you re welcome to come. We ll spend some time making sure folks know how the different committees and ministries are designed to work together, which helps us get ready to welcome our new pastor through some intentional preparation. Please contact Pastor Grant at pastorgrantarmstrong@gmail.com or if you have any questions. Otherwise, mark your calendars, and we ll see you on May 6th! OUTREACH Fuzzy Teeth and Cold Feet Have your teeth felt fuzzy lately? Of course not! Most people we know brush their teeth two or three times a day; but what if you didn t have a toothbrush or tooth paste? Those two things are on the Need List from Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House in East St. Louis. You can help the children and elderly by donating toothbrushes and toothpaste to the hundreds of people who are helped in little ways like this. All donations may be brought to the Rushville UMC before April 21 or may be taken to the Mt. Sterling UMC on the morning of April 21 for the United Methodist Women s District Meeting there. Cunningham Children s Home in Urbana has requested men s ankle socks. There are many high school-age boys who live at CCH or who attend day school there and need such socks. These, too, could be brought to either Rushville UMC before April 21 or could be taken to Mt. Sterling UMC the morning of the 21st. CCH also accepts gift cards from places like Walmart, Dollar Tree, McDonald s and also requests those little Box Tops for Education. You see those Box Tops on some Campbell products and on some paper products like stacked boxes of Kleenex. CCH redeems these for things like globes, maps, binders, etc. United Methodist Women help women and children all over the world in myriad ways. Please help the UMW help children, and thank God for the chance to help. Red Cross Blood Drive The Red Cross Blood Drive will be Thursday, April 12 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the fellowship hall. Volunteers needed, please contact Sally Poltawsky Published prayer requests are received over the past month through prayer cards and requests. In order to be conscientious concerning personal privacy, we will only print names of those who are family members or have been confirmed/requested by the person(s) named.

7 I G N I T I O N : T H E D I S C I P L E S H I P C O N N E C T I O N O F WITNESS INVITATION: Opportunities to share Good News! Open Arms Preschool Spring has sprung at Open Arms Preschool! We are currently getting ready for Easter and have plans for an egg hunt and class party on Wednesday, March 28. Our fundraiser items will also be delivered on that date. We are so thankful to our preschool families for their participation in this fundraiser and to those of you who helped us out by purchasing items from LincolnLand. We couldn t do what we do without all of you and your support! We ve spent time in class over the past few weeks learning about nutrition, healthy choices, and pond animals. We are looking forward to time outside on the playground soon. Thank you so much for your help with last month s request for supplies. We received quite a few and they were greatly appreciated. Happy Easter! Don t forget that Open Arms Preschool has dish clothes for sale and 6 for $15.00 or $3.50 each! Dear Church Family, I wish to thank everyone for such a fun Retirement Reception yesterday. The Fellowship Hall looked nice and spring had sprung with all the spring flowers. The Good Wishes Jar will be something I will go back and reread and laugh about them for months to come. The planter and plants are beautiful and can t wait for the weather to get nice enough to get them outside on my patio. The cake was beautiful and everyone can use a little shot of sugar once in a while. The Retirement Survival Kit is a very cute idea. Thank you everyone who took the time to be at the party and those that brought cards, it was so much appreciated. Just remember I am not leaving the church, just the church office! Thank you, Teresa Boyd If you would like to pick up your IGNITION newsletter at the church, or receive it by , please contact the church office by phone at or by at office@rushvillefumc.org to update your subscription. Thank you for helping us be good stewards of your investment in ministry!

8 Rushville First United Methodist Church Corner of Congress & Jefferson P.O. Box 208 NON-PROFIT ORG. NON U.S. POSTAGE PAID Rushville, IL PERMIT NO. 47 Change Service Requested I G N I T I O N : T H E D I S C I P L E S H I P C O N N E C T I O N O F I R S T U M C Thank you so very much for the Valentine s Day cards. I loved getting each and everyone of them. Margaret Crum Thank you everyone for the many beautiful Valentines. It was so thoughtful of everyone. God is great! Maurine Corbin, Veterans Home Dear Christian Friends, Bob & I thank you all so much for your cards & prayers. There is so much power in prayer & we depend on your prayers to see us through this difficult time in our lives. Bob is doing well for what he has been through. Last week he was able to work a few hours daily & that makes him feel good. The treatments were pretty easy for him so far, radiation is over & one 6 week round of chemo finished, several more to go. We feel so blessed to have the doctors and nurses that have taken care of him, and continue to do so. Our faith is in the Lord to give us strength & we know that God s will be done. God s blessings to you all. Please continue your prayers as we still have a long journey ahead of us. In Christian love Bob & Krissy Kessler CONTACT INFORMATION Please let us know if you have a change of contact information so we can update our records. This helps us stay in touch with you. Contact the church office with any updates. Phone: office@rushvillefumc.org OUR CHURCH STAFF: Pastor: Rev. Grant Armstrong Secretary: Teresa Boyd Treasurer: Kathy Billingsley Music Director: Mark Ross

9 April 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Easter 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:35 AM 2 Office Closed 5:00 PM Office Volunteers Training 3 9:30 AM Esther Daystar Circle 6:00 PM Ad Board 6:30 PM Knit & Crochet Group 4 4:30 PM Youth Group 6:00 PM Dismissal 6:00 PM Revelation Bells 7:00 PM Generations Choir 7:00 PM Sr. Hi Youth 5 6 Snacks for Students 4:30 PM UMW Ham & Bean Dinner 7 5:00 PM Saturday Evening 8 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:35 AM Confirmation Class 9 7:00 PM Serendipity Circle with Barb Schoonover 10 5:30 PM Open Arms Board 11 4:30 PM Youth Group 6:00 PM Dismissal 6:00 PM Revelation Bells 7:00 PM Generations Choir 7:00 PM Sr. Hi Youth 12 12:00-6:00 PM Red Cross Blood Drive at Fellowship Hall 13 Snacks for Students 14 5:00 PM Saturday Evening 15 9:30 AM Sunday School 2310:35 AM 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:35 AM :30 9:30 AM AM Sunday 9:30 AM School Sunday School 10:35 AM 10:35 AM :00-7:00 PM Basic Guitar Class 31 6:00-7:00 PM Basic Guitar Class :30 PM Youth Group 6:00 PM Dismissal 6:00 PM Snacks 6:00 PM Revelation Finance Bells for Students Committee 7:00 PM Generations 6:00 PM Choir :00 Trustees PM Ad Board 7:00 PM Sr. Hi Youth Church Locked Meeting Last Youth Group 4:30 PM Youth Group 6:00 PM Dismissal 6:00 PM Revelation Bells 7:00 PM Generations Choir 7:00 PM Sr. Hi Youth 26 3:30 PM UMW Ex Board Meeting 5:30 PM Rotary in Fellowship Hall 27 Snacks for Students 21 5:00 PM Saturday Evening 29 5:00 PM Saturday Service 28 5:00 PM Saturday Evening 29 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:35 AM 30

10 April 2 Wayne Peacock Josh Little Aaron & Laura Winner Brad Utter 3 Luke Pherigo Theo Armstrong 4 Doris Haber-Rakovsky 7 Dorcas Herche Becca Worthington Bob & Carol Walker 9 Sherry Henninger 10 Linda Peters Marian Kindhart 11 Donna Young Ellie Lamb Kevin Cox 12 Eric Peacock Drew Cox 14 Audrie Dodds 15 Brittany Billingsley Brianna Billingsley 17 Joshua Spencer 18 Wilma Davis Sue Kirkham 19 Brinnley Royer Kyndel Painter 21 Paul Vincent Carson Belville 22 Bronson Bartlett Avery Dodds 24 Bill Worthington Cathy Harrison 25 Jim Crane Shara Fagan 26 Margaret Crum Gary & Kim Holmes 27 Janis Wade 28 Carol Dodds 29 Nathan Peters Birthdays & Anniversaries!