United Methodist Church of Geneva
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
211 Hamilton Street - Geneva, IL - 630.232.7120
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March e-MessengerTo protect the privacy of our members all personal information has been omitted from the online version of the Messenger. Please refer to the Church Directory or contact the Church Office at (630) 232-7120 for member contact information.
Lent in 2010: When God Calls...
We believe that every Christian is called by God, not just to follow Jesus, but also to take on some particular service. (Actually, the word is “ministry,” but we don’t want to freak out anyone. And actually, it may be several specific ministries over a lifetime). That means we all have a Christian calling, not just pastors, priests, nuns, missionaries, church workers and other “special category” people.
We also believe, as a logical consequence, that to experience the deepest meaning and joy of our lives, we must discover our calling and fulfill it – or embrace it, or pursue it, or surrender to it (pick your verb, they all apply).
Therefore, we are offering a small group experience for Lent entitled “When God Calls…” in which to explore our Christian callings. These groups are part of preparing for a very special celebration of Pentecost on May 23 (about which you will be hearing very soon). Why small groups? Methodists believe in “holy conferencing,” a Wesleyan term that means Christians gathering, praying, reading Scripture, and conversing openly with each other. It was the heart of the Methodist Movement. We trust God to use our holy conferencing as a way to speak to us, call us, and renew us.
From this small group experience we hope that:
The five groups we have already scheduled are:
We will schedule more as the need becomes apparent. Sign up on the carousels in Fellowship Hall, or online. If you want to participate, but none of the scheduled groups works for you, please call the church office with what times would work better, and we will try to add groups at the times most requested.
We think God may be calling you to this small group experience to better hear God calling you. We pray you will join a group as a way to answer God, “Speak, Lord, your servant hears you.”
Bill Obalil W o r s h i p I n M a r c h
Our emphasis this Lent is on the callings God gives us. Pastor Bill Obalil’s column talks about the small groups being offered, entitled “When God Calls…”. The theme of calling will focus our worship as well. On February 28, Pastor Matthew Johnson echoed St. Paul’s call in Ephesians 5: 6-14 to “Wake Up!” asking us what word it takes to awaken in us the call to profound and life-changing discipleship. In March, we will explore further this essential matter of God’s calling.
March 7 – 3rd Sunday in Lent Callings usually appear clearer in the rearview mirror than through the windshield. The story of Samuel’s call from God as a boy (1 Samuel 3:1-11) reminds us that we sometimes need God to repeat the call for us to get it. The story also encourages us to keep listening when we don’t think we are hearing God. Pastor Bill Obalil’s sermon, “Listen Up!” will reflect on this sacred story. Note: Though it is the first Sunday of the month, we will not celebrate Holy Communion. We will celebrate Holy Communion on the last Sunday in Lent (as we celebrated it on the first Sunday in Lent).
March 14 – 4th Sunday in Lent After witnessing Jesus turn away a rich man who could not bear to give up what he had in order to answer Jesus’ call to follow him, the disciples are concerned. What does it take to answer calling? Using Mark 10:23-31, Pastor Matthew Johnson's sermon, "Give Up!" will ask the question "How open or empty must I be?" March 21 – 5rd Sunday in Lent Anita Gutschick will be the guest dramatist at all three worship services. Anita, who will be with us the entire weekend (see the article about her program elsewhere in The Messenger), presents portrayals of women of the Bible. In worship, she will make come alive one of the women God has called to holy service. Maybe Queen Esther will visit us, or Sarah, or the Samaritan woman at the well. Come to worship, discover, and be inspired. March 28 – Palm and Passion Sunday – Holy Communion At all three services the good news of Jesus Christ will be proclaimed through a dramatic reading in several scenes of the passion story in Luke – chapters 22 and 23. Reading them before worship would make a wonderful beginning of Holy Week spiritual discipline. In worship, we will acclaim Jesus as our king by singing and waving palm branches. At 9:00 the children will form a palm parade. Then we will reflect how we, like our faith ancestors, could abandon our king in the moment of struggle. Holy Communion will be served in the midst of the narrative about the upper room. Come and hear the central story of Christian faith.
In 2009, the Stewardship Committee has committed to keeping the church abreast of our financial situation each month. We’re doing this to bring greater attention to our finances so that the entire church can be informed about our situation...and now, for the final 2009 update as of December 31, 2009... In my November 2009 update, I told you we were close to a surplus for the year. The good news is that came through! As of December 31, 2009, we ended with an operating surplus of $15,003.99. As recently as late September, our deficit was about $68,000, so this is a remarkable turnaround. This allowed us to restore much-deserved merit pay for our staff, pay our apportionment to the Northern Illinois Conference, and increase funding for our Missions and Church in Society Committees. Praise God for such an amazing result and such a positive way to end the year! Thank you to all of the congregation for your continued generosity during such a difficult year. We were able to do so many things this year in service to God and our fellow brothers and sisters, there aren’t enough pages to list them all! God has shown his grace to us this year and always as we have fed and sheltered people at Lazarus and Hesed House, taught our children in Sunday School, sung songs of joy through our Music Ministry, rebuilt homes in Appalachia and schools in the Dominican Republic, renewed our commitment to our partner church in Taurage, Lithuania, opened up the church to feed everybody each month during the Third Tuesday Suppers...I think you get the point! A tough year produced many joys, much work and learning, and true fellowship and worship. And yet... As much attention as we have had to pay to this year’s finances, we have not lost track of our need to focus on 2010 and beyond. Our Stewardship Campaign for 2010 launched on October 11 and culminated in Pledge Sunday on October 25. To date, we’ve received 248 pledges for $605,504. Our goal is to reach 300 pledges to fund as much as possible via pledges of our estimated 2010 budget of $900,000. If you haven’t turned in your pledge card, please do so any Sunday or to the church office during the week. You can also pledge online at the church’s website confidentially (www.genevaumc.org) by clicking on the “Stewardship Pledge Form” link on the left side of the page. All pledges, whether paper or online, are handled in confidence only by our Director of Administrative Ministries, Debbie Sampiller. Now that we are into 2010 finally, we can look back on 2009 as a year in which we all managed great challenges in one of the more economically difficult years in recent memory. Let’s all praise God for his graciousness to us in giving us strength, courage, and commitment to making 2009 a year of great joy, service and love. Thank you to the congregation and our staff for a great finish to a great year. And may God continue to show us His grace and His way in 2010!
Thank you, Keith Worthington – Stewardship Committee Chair, Dudley Burgess and Steve Cornwell S u p p o r t O u r T r o o p s My name is Sam Ferolie and I am Robert Ferolie’s son. I just wanted to personally thank you and the other members of the United Methodist Church for the care package you sent. Your support and generosity do not go unappreciated even though I doubt you get many responses from soldiers on the other side of the world. Mainly because most aren’t in a position to where they can adequately respond. Since I am, however, I just wanted to express our gratitude for the things that the church and other support groups do for us.
The morale of a unit can go from pretty dismal to sky high with a few simple words…..Mail Call! While most expect to get letters or packages from family and friends it is just as special, if not more, when you receive them from people you don’t even know. It shows how much people care and how people are willing to go out of their way for total strangers. That means a great deal to me and again I cannot thank you enough for your support. Let me tell you a little about myself and my unit so you have a better idea of who you are sending goodie boxes to. I am a Cpl in the United States Marine Corps and I am attached to HMLA-367. We are a light attack helicopter unit which includes the AH-1W Cobra, and the UH-1Y Huey model aircraft. Our unit is in the Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan. We are over 270 Marines and have around 25 helicopters. Our unit's call sign is Scarface and we support troops in enemy contact, casualty evacuation, convoy escorts, VIP escorts, and just about anything you can think of. We are a very versatile platform of aircraft. I personally am a flight line mechanic and an aerial observer. What that means is I maintain the power plants, drive train, flight controls, and rotor system of the helicopters and I also man a crew served weapon on the Huey. We work around 14 hour shifts and operate 24 hours a day for the entire 7 month deployment. Again I would like to thank you for your kindness and support. If you see my old man say hi to him for me. Sincerely, Cpl Ferolie An Exciting New Twist With Our Upcoming Photo Directory Program
Our portrait sittings will be scheduled for May 11-15 and May 18-22. Since we have many new faces among our faith family and many of us who’ve been around for awhile have a new hairstyle, it’s time for an update. To make our UMCG Family Directory complete, we want your photo included. There is NO OBLIGATION TO BUY! Everyone photographed will receive the choice of: 8 X 10, 9 wallets or, if you plan to purchase a portrait package, a $20 discount. Scheduling is easy; there will be an on-line scheduling system as well as our Sunday morning sign-up table. Here’s the EXCITING PART! By helping create a complete directory, you’ll be contributing to UMCG food ministries! For each household photographed, Lifetouch will donate the cash to provide FOUR meals to be used to support a food ministry! Look for more details in the bulletin or contact Jami at 630-232-7120 or jami@genevaumc.org. You’re right, it’s the Swedish flag. So bring your blue and yellow flags to church on March 25th and enjoy Swedish food. We’ll have a few things to eat like Swedish meatballs, mashed Swedes, lingonberries, Swedish beans, etc., but best of all we will enjoy friendship, companionship and warm conversation.
This wonderful meal costs $5.00 per person for those 55 and older; the friendship and conversation are free. We will gather at 11:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Sign up on-line, at the carousel in Fellowship Hall, or call the church office at 630-232-7120.
Volunteers to help serve the meal are needed. Please sign up at the carousel. For more information, call Rochelle Graham.
The deadline for application submittal is April 9, 2010. Please note that due to limited funds, fewer General UMCG Scholarships will be awarded this year. Contact Scott Lang with any questions.
Food Ministry Fundraising Opportunity
For every household photographed by Lifetouch (see article on page 5) for our upcoming directory, Lifetouch will donate funds to provide FOUR meals for UMCG food ministries! What a great opportunity to provide meals for our community and beyond. If every UMCG household participates, over 1600 meals would be provided! Look in the bulletin for information on how to sign up for your portrait sitting and help support our food ministries. Questions? Contact Jami at 630-232-7120 or jami@genevaumc.org. R esponse from the congregation who bought so many delicious desserts.
T otal raised for Grace's Children's Hospital is $886.97!
So much love for missions and for Haiti was demonstrated by all. Christine Rodgers, Liz Cape-Horvath, Jen Uhlmann & Patty Dahlberg Taurage “Soup”er Bowl Sub Sale
Thank you, everyone, for your support of the Taurage, Lithuania Soup Kitchen! Volunteers prepared and sold 185 submarine sandwiches, and raised approximately $2,600 to fund this important outreach program. Although this amount falls significantly short of the $4,800 needed for the entire year, we are thankful that our church family in Taurage will have the ability to continue providing warm meals to those in need for four and a half more months. The submarine sandwich sale is the only fund raising event for this program. Donations are still being accepted to help fund the remaining three and a half months of operating, and may be included with your offering or dropped off in the church office. Please include “Taurage soup Kitchen” in the memo line of your check or on the offering envelope. Thank you, again, for your continued support of the “Soup”er Bowl Sub Sandwich Sale!
Sponsored by Church in Society The Committee on Church in Society is holding another educational program for the benefit of all church members. On Sunday, March 14th at 10:30 A.M. the committee is sponsoring a program called "It's a Matter of the Heart: Health Care for All." This program takes a careful look at the complex health care issues that impact families, communities, the medical community and businesses across the U.S. and Illinois. Participants learn about the inter-relatedness of national, state and county policies and discuss a prescription for improving health care services and the well being of our communities. The session will be led by Rev. Al Sharp, Executive Director of Protestants for the Common Good. Sign-up for the class will occur in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, February 28th, and Sunday, March 7th.
UMCG Commitment for hands-on service within our communities:
Hesed House, Monday, March 8th Lazarus House, Tuesday, March 2nd and 16th Northern Illinois Food Bank, Thursday, March 18th Please sign up at the carousel in Fellowship Hall. For more information, please call the church office at 630-232-7120. Feed the Soul
There will be only one Feed the Soul cooking day in March. It will be on Thursday, March 11 at 10:30. While no cooking experience is necessary, we are asking those interested, to sign-up on-line so we can better plan the amount of food and dishes we are preparing that day. As of February 15 the group has prepared 4,912 meal servings using 99.9% donated, rescued food which is being delivered 5 times a month to Lazarus House and at least once a week to Hesed House. If you are not interested in cooking but would like to be involved, we are always looking for help delivering the prepared food. Sign up sheets are located at the carousel in Fellowship Hall or at our website at www.genevaumc.org/signups.
T h i r d T u e s d a y S u p p e r s
Sixth Month Anniversary for Third Tuesday Suppers Please join us March 16 for the six month anniversary of Third Tuesday Suppers--the free to all--no reservations needed--Just Show Up community dinner program here at UMCG. February's dinner broke all the records. We served 225 dinners eating in, and 93 carry outs, including worker suppers. These numbers are extraordinary. We saw a real spike in first time diners as well as families dining together. What do we need? Would you like to add your name to our volunteer database? You will get an email from us each month--asking you to let us know if you can work that month. We have started the "Clean Platers"-this is a group of volunteers who will join us each month. We need to add to those ranks--as well as the volunteers who can help occasionally. Please contact Beth Kucera at beth@littlebohemiaantiques.com. There is also a sign up sheet in the Fellowship Hall.
Our special St. Patrick's themed menu in March is corned beef and cabbage. April is "Breakfast at Supper Time" which will feature Gayle's famous brunch foods. Menus-dates-past recipes and pictures can all be seen at www.thirdtuesdaysuppers.com. Beth Kucera, Carol Nunns, Gayle Taylor Check out Amy Wolgemuth Bordoni’s blog, where she talks about Third Tuesday Supper on February 16th, and Ash Wednesday. Amy has graciously allowed us to share this with you. http://dontstampthebaby.blogspot.com/2010/02/ashes.html CINEMA A FOCUS OF EXCITING NEW INCITE/INSIGHT MINISTRY
Screenings, discussions begin this month. In March UMCG will begin bi-monthly film screenings featuring recent independent, award-winning works about social, environmental, cultural and justice issues. Comedy, drama and documentary forms will be presented, and opportunities for informal and programmed conversation will follow the screenings. The series will begin on Friday, March 12 at 7:15 p.m. in the sanctuary with the 2008 film “The Sensation of Sight” starring David Strathairn (The Spiderwick Chronicles, The Bourne Ultimatum, We Are Marshall). This offbeat drama, about man's search for meaning amidst the ache of despair, chronicles Finn — an introspective English teacher entering a mid-life crisis impelled by a recent tragedy, as he sets afoot selling encyclopedias to the town locals. “The Sensation of Sight” is rated “R” for language. The other screening will be “Still Bill” on Friday, March 26 at 7:15 p.m. Released in December of 2009, “Still Bill” is an intimate portrait of soul legend Bill Withers, best known for his classics “Ain’t No Sunshine,” “Lean On Me,” “Lovely Day,” “Grandma’s Hands,” and “Just the Two of Us.” With his soulful delivery and warm, heartfelt sincerity, Withers has written the songs that have – and always will – resonate deeply within the fabric of our times. Filmmakers follow Withers and offer a unique and rare look inside the world of this fascinating man. “Still Bill” has not been rated by the MPAA. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. A suggested donation of $5/person will gladly be accepted to help cover the screening rights associated with each film. The films are part of the Incite/Insight ministry series, and are the first in what is hoped to be a variety of new portals and inlets for promoting the congregation’s relationship with the community. Each film will also support efforts of Missions, Church in Society, Discipleship and/or outreach. The purpose of the film screenings is two-fold. First, it is an opening move toward answering the question “how do we engage in meaningful conversations with people who may never become part of our community?” By creating a low-threshold experience that is in line with the cultural expectations and norms of Geneva, places itself within the arts movement in the community. Leadership hopes this will place our congregation on the cultural radar of many with whom it does not have regular contact. Additionally, it provides a medium for the congregation to engage issues that are both socially and biblically important, and to express some of the ways by which it seeks to love God and neighbor. Because the goals of Incite/Insight are vital to UMCG’s mission, there is always a need for people to serve on an ad hoc and long-term basis. And, while screening donations will cover part of the expenses associated with the program, Incite/Insight will rely on other financial gifts to continue. Those who feel called to volunteer or contribute should contact Pastor Matthew or the church office. Route 56: 5th & 6th Grade
Path Youth Group: 7th & 8th grade
OASIS Youth Group: 9th - 12th grade
Route 56 Event, MOVIE @ Church, Sunday, March 28, 3-5 p.m. 25 youth present = Big & Great Surprise!
Path Youth Group Cosmic Ice Skating, Friday, March 5th, 9 - 11 p.m. at Fox Valley Ice Arena. Meet us there!
$8 fee. Bring a Friend!
OASIS Laser Tag, Sunday, March 21, 6-8 p.m. $10 fee. Register by March 14.
March Schedule
Route 56 meets 2nd & 4th Sundays 3-5 p.m.
March 14 meet in Youth Room for St. Patrick's Day Fun!
March 28 Movie @ Church: Popcorn & Pop provided.
The Path meets Wednesdays 7-8:30 p.m.
March 3, No Path Youth Group - Event on Friday
March 5 - Friday Cosmic Skating, see above
March 10 & 17: in Youth Room
March 24 - Movie Night @ Church
Oasis Small Group meets Sundays, 6-7 p.m.
March 7 at Hennessey's House
March 14 at Jacob Bastin's House
March 21 Laser Tag - see above
March 28 - No Small Group - Spring Break!
W o m e n ‘ s M i n i s t r i e s
Spring Rummage and Bake Sale When I think of the rummage sale, I think of the word abundance. What a great word! The obvious thought would be that the rummage sale conjures images of a whole lot of stuff. The conclusion would be that we have stuff in abundance. But, wait! It is also about the way we live! As Christians, living abundant lives has nothing to do with having “stuff”, but it has everything to do with God’s grace. “…how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17 So, when we head into rummage week, we pray that God will bless our work (and our stuff), and that all whom we encounter will experience Christ’s love and grace – in abundance!
Rummage Set Up: Monday, April 12 – 7:30 pm. Lots of muscles are needed for this, as we set up clothing racks and tables throughout the church in anticipation of great quantities of donations.
Donation Drop off: Tuesday (Apr 13) & Wednesday (Apr 14) – 9 am – 7 pm. When you come to drop off your items, it would be greatly appreciated if you could stay for a bit to help unpack, sort and put items on tables. (The nursery will be available in the morning for moms willing to help out.)
Sales Days: Thursday, Apr 15 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Friday, Apr 16 9 am –7 pm, Saturday, Apr 17 9 am - noon. All hands on deck as we welcome shoppers and extend Christian compassion and caring to those in and around our community. Clean up: Sat. from noon – 2. Lots of fun to pack it up and ship it off to Wayside Cross and other vital charities. A few things to remember:
Questions? Call Bobbi Alderfer.
Expressing Gratitude - by Kathleen Dytych
Two years ago I noticed that the Women’s Retreat had a theme that surrounded around “friendships” Though I initially thought that I would love and could use a retreat experience, my second reaction was that I really didn’t know many women well enough at our church, so the theme of friendship left me out. I assumed that all the women knew each other, had established friendships and could connect with that theme. Last year, the theme was “Let go and Let God.” I decided that I would attend and have some time of needed rest, despite not knowing the women well enough. I attended my first women’s retreat and wished that I had been a regular for years, as I had a wonderful experience and met many new caring women and got to know several acquaintances a little more. It was fun, thought-provoking and peaceful. At that retreat, when I was asked to be a co-chair with Nicole Harden for the 2010 retreat, well, I couldn’t have even imagined the amazing experience that was in store for me. It really started with participating in preparations for the Advent Tea and being surround by so many considerate, friendly women willing to help. The seeds of several friendships were started and then through the course of planning and then participating in the retreat weekend, the friendships blossomed. I have never been surrounded by so many kind-hearted, helpful women who just make one feel so welcome, appreciated and cared for. The out-pouring of thoughtfulness, empathy, and affection was remarkable, and it came from those who helped plan the program, participated in the program, and attended the program. Has anyone been in a group of 39 people before and felt such a positive energy, and such a comfort level, that you knew you were part of a profound experience that only God could have designed? I must say that I was truly blessed by God to have had this experience. And I am truly blessed to have created new relationships and have deepened existing relationships with so many amazing women of our congregation. Not only was the planning and participation enriching, but even after the retreat, the nourishing experience continued, with so many smiles, kind comments, compliments and thank you cards. I can not express my gratitude enough, and it just warms my heart to have been in the presence of such women of consideration and compassion, traits that can be easily lacking in everyday encounters as we go about our lives in the world.
So from two years ago, not knowing more than a handful of women a little bit, I now know 39 women who I would love to get to know better, and the number is even higher considering the wonderful women of our congregation who could not attend that I have come to know. I must say I am very thankful to those who encouraged me to volunteer for various events as I have been blessed in return. Wouldn’t God just work in that manner - give and receive? So thank you to my co-chair Nicole Harden. I admired her confidence, determination and focus. Thank you to all who brought gifts and helped raise $410 for Grace Children’s Hospital in Haiti. Thank you to all the attendees and to all who planned and prepared, and to those who presented and participated and to those who helped set-up and clean-up. Thank you Bobbi Alderfer, Sharon Anderson, Barbara Armbruster, Cathy Barnard, Mary Jane Bellezzo, Amy Bordoni, Rita Bowgren, Debbie Clark, Jean Eakins, Maggie Eischen, Carrie Fisher, Gail Fritz, Rochelle Graham, Heidi Haldeman, Pat Hanlon, Joan Hansen, Nancy E. Hansen, Brenda Holmes, Jami Johnson, Betty Keeler, Kristen Kienker, Lori Keller, Darlene Kilmer, Kathy Madigan, Mardel McNally, Linda Nauertz, Joy Nelson, Ann Oberholz, Luciene Rathwell, Linda Sato, Yvonne Shore, Jane Siarny, Barb Schinderle, Carol Szabo, and Gail Weber. WOMEN'S MINISTRY AURORA DISTRICT CLUSTER LUNCHEON - Tuesday, March 9
We are hostess for the annual Cluster Luncheon that includes the following United Methodist Churches; Baker Memorial, Batavia, West Chicago and Kaneville. All women of the church are invited to lunch at 11:30. Colleen & Bill Anderson, friends of West Chicago United Methodist Church, will share their inspirational story about their recent trip to Rwanda, Africa. Join us for an afternoon of fun, fellowship and fabulous food. Please sign up at the carousel in Fellowship Hall. Child care will be provided. Any questions, contact Betty Keeler. Monday Night HUGS
HUGS – New Six Week Study: Grace Walk: What You’ve Always Wanted in the Christian Life Are you either running around trying to be acceptable to God—or thinking you’ve failed Him again and wondering if you’ll ever measure up? Living the Grace Walk gets Christians off this religious roller coaster! Using his own journey from legalism into grace, Steve McVey illustrates the foundational, biblical truths of who believers are in Jesus Christ and how they can let Him live His life through them each day. As we experience our identity in Jesus Christ, Christians will come to know “Amazing Grace” as not just a song but as our true way of life. This study begins Monday, March 1 and continues through April 12 from 6:30-8:30 pm. The cost of the book is $8.50. All women are welcome! For more information, please contact Joy Nelson. April 23: “The Secret Magdalene” - Ki Longfellow
May 28: “The Help” - Kathryn Stockett June 25: “Hotel On the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” - Jamie Ford Book Club meets one Friday a month at 9:30 a.m. for fellowship, and to discuss our book. We welcome new members and occasional visitors. If you see a book that interests you, come and join us. If you have questions, please call Mary Osborne. LENTEN READING SELECTINOS chosen by our library volunteers are on display in the atrium in front of our adult library. Come check us out.
Recent book donations include: Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the Wind by Renita Ward; 90 Minutes in Heaven, by Don Piper donated by George Graham; Log Cabins to Steeples - by J. Gordon Melton, donated by Shirley Anderson, God With Us - Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas - donated by Joan Peterson and The Christmas Story in Stained Glass, donated by Judy Burgess. NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN / HAITI FUND RAISER - Friday, March 19 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Stories from the Past, Lessons for the Present and Hope for the Future Long before it was ever written, the Bible was lived and experienced by real people, with real lives. The stories of Sarah, Rebekah, Martha, and many others not only capture a particular time and place, they deliver strong messages that reverberate across the generations to challenge and empower us in our daily lives. Our church will be hosting acclaimed Christian actor Anita Gutschick the weekend of March 19. Anita will dramatize the lives of different Biblical women. Come experience their stories as they reach across the generations to touch our hearts and empower us to face the challenges of our daily lives. Mark your calenders and invite family, friends and acquaintances. This is an event not to be missed. Join us for all or any of the following events that weekend. Not to be Forgotten / Haiti Fund Raiser - Friday, March 19 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Music and Entertainment: Dramatic Presentation with a balance of humor and serious content. Intergenerational in its appeal, Women of the Bible connects audiences of all ages to a vibrant, Biblical past. Refreshments will be served following the performance. The event is open to the public. There is no charge for the event. Free will donations will be suggested with all proceeds going to Haiti. The Bible in Living Color - Saturday, March 20, 10:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
They were women of passion, power, and purpose, living in difficult times, facing undeniable odds. Some rose to meet the day's challenges. Others did not. Some held faith and courage close to their hearts. Others wavered, and stumbled toward faith when all else had failed. But whatever the circumstances, and however long ago they lived, these women carry messages of love, hope, and redemption that resonate in today's hearts and minds. In learning their stories, in seeing their humanness, you may also discover how much God loved and uplifted them, sometimes in spite of themselves - and how He can do the same for you. Lunch will be served between the performances. This event is open to the public. An affordable admission fee, to be determined, will be charged. All proceeds designated to International Child Care in support of Grace Children's Hospital in Port au Prince, Haiti. Worship Services - Sunday, March 21 at 8:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Anita will join us at each of our three worship services to share a dramatic, one-woman presentation, offering a valuable lesson with a theme of “having faith to go out when God calls us.” Please keep your eye out for more details. If interested in more information or helping with preparations, please contact Kathleen Dytrych. Saturday, March 6, 10:00AM to 2:30PM
Hosted by First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove, 1032 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 968-7120 www.dgfumc.org Cost: $25 adults; $15 students; $5 under 18s (with paying adult). All fees include lunch. Brochure available in UMCG’s office. Rev. Grace Imathiu writes: “Can you see the vision? Can you see us daring to live with each other in radical ways that overcome the ghosts of our past? Can you see it yet? Can you see us stirring up the system by daring to believe in subversive ideals of justice and mercy and God for all? Have you seen the vision that makes the hardships and loneliness and sadness and struggles and often pointless existence of isolation bearable?”
“I am beginning to see God’s vision. I can see us, all God’s children, embracing and sitting down at the same table and looking each other in the eye in the presence of the one who calls each one of us ‘Beloved’.” “Jesus came to remind us who we are and to free us from the things that would cripple us, keep us bent double with shame or anger or fear, keeping our eyes fixed on the ground. Jesus came to call us to stretch, to grow, to stand up straight, to soar. Child of God, you are called for no less than this. This is your day to fly.” “My theme is the overwhelming need and desire for conversation in our world.”
Rev. Grace was born in Kenya and grew up in the city of Nairobi. She was educated in Kenya, the U.S. and at Cambridge University, U.K.. She pursued doctoral research in New Testament at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. She is an ordained elder in the Methodist Church in Kenya and has served congregations there, and in the U.S. Grace is in demand as a preacher across the world, and has visited Europe, Australia, Asia and the Americas. Her sermons, Bible studies and talks, laced with African wisdom and her own eloquence, intelligence and charm have captivated millions. She is the author of Words of Fire, Spirit of Grace, published by True North.
Formerly the lead pastor of First United Methodist Church in Green Bay, Grace is currently pastor of Brown Deer United Methodist Church in Wisconsin. Careers in Transition
March 2010 St. Hubert Job Ministry Event List (that we are aware of) Events are non-denominational, free and open to all occupations. Bring your handbills or resumes and Network into your next position. Learn the fundamentals of careering and get the depth of knowledge provided through seminars and career topics offered. Refreshments are available. Questions regarding the St. Hubert Job Ministry Events, please call: Bob Podgorski at 847-925-6005. FOR THE NEWCOMER***; If you are new to Networking and/or the job search, join us at St. Hubert, 6:00pm, prior to our regular meetings (on the second Monday of the month only). We’ll offer a one hour program on how to use a networking meeting effectively, the tools you’ll need such as; The Elevator Speech; How to do a Handbill, and how to generate the contacts you need. March 4, 2010 – “Resume Review” – (Thurs. Evening) Queen of the Rosary Church, 750 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village, IL. 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Bring your resume for a personal evaluation by one of six HR, Search, or career counselors who will be on hand to give you their thoughts and suggestions. Bring a friend – This is for all occupations and levels. Men’s Golf League
Attention All Men: Our golf league season will start Wednesday, April 7. This year we will play three courses in rotation. The cycle will be Mill Creek, Hughes Creek, and Tanna Farms. Our T-Time will be close to 9 AM. Price for 9 holes will be either $22 or $25, 18 holes play for $29 or $35. Contact Stan Morrison, Bob Weick, or John Kemble to be added to our golfers list! Kitty Ganzel is organizing a ladies group; tell your wives. IT’S SPAGHETTI TIME AGAIN!!
Mark your calendar now so that you won’t miss the next Men’s Club Spaghetti Dinner. This wonderful meal will be served on Friday, March 5 beginning at 5:00 p.m. in our Fellowship Hall. Sign up via the insert in the worship bulletin, by calling the church office, 630-232-7120, or on our website, www.genevaumc.org. Eat in or carry out—whatever works for you! Let us serve you! Roadrunners Trip in 2010 will be October 4—8! SAVE THE DATE!
Watch the worship bulletins and newsletters for more information!
Congratulations to Robert and Harriet Roland who will celebrate 57 years of marriage on March 7.
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