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June 05, 2009

We Certainly Did Rethink Church!

After a brief worship service, over 40 of us went out to work in the community. One group went to the YMCA to help prepare a garden and lay mulch around the children’s play area. Apparently there were a lot of dandelions to demolish as well! The Trash Team went from the church to Pulaski Road and back, filling up bags of garbage as they walked ... and even soliciting some help along the way. The Community Garden team went up to Jefferson Park to help dig and plant a garden that will help to feed the homeless and needy in that area. Another group prepared bag lunches and took them to the day workers and the homeless. We had fellowship at the church afterward. Some pictures are attached. Our kitchen crew (Wally, Tina, Lowell and Ellen) and a few others (Gerry M, Pam K) aren’t in the pics but they were busy working. You can see more pictures at the church. Thanks to all who participated and to those who prayed for the workers. It was a memorable day that really did help us Rethink Church.

This Sunday Pastor Vickie will be at the 170th Annual General Conference at Pheasant Run in St. Charles. She will be joined by Pastor Cecilia Obret (both pastors are Pastoral delegates) and Ellen Star and Kathy Verschoor (our lay delegates). Please send prayers for them and with them during this important time of decisions on ministry and mission for the larger church. Adam Thompson will lead us in worship and complete the sermon series on how to Stay in Love with God. He will talk about Prayer!

Next Sunday, June 14th, we will celebrate how we have grown and become healthier as a church this past year. Our District Superintendent, Rev. James Preston will be with us in worship. Plan to come early (by 9:45 a.m.) as we’ll have a slide show of highlights from the past year showing in the sanctuary prior to worship. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

Wednesday, June 17th, please try to join us at 5:30 in the fellowship hall as we thank the two Youth Groups who are coming to help at our church and around the greater Chicagoland area. The youth are coming from Bearlake UMC in Michigan and Barrington Community Church. Bring a potluck dish to feed 8 people and celebrate with us. This is the same night as our Church Council meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. If you are interested in being part of the work these groups are doing, please talk with Pastor Vickie about their projects and schedules.

REGISTER NOW - Annual Church Retreat on June 19-21 at Wesley Woods in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Check out our web site for pictures from last year’s retreat. You also can see more about Wesley Woods on: http://www.niccamp.org
Send inquiries to: Tammy Rogers

“Deborah’s Circle” (formerly Bad Girls of the Bible) will meet from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, at the Veranda Inn, 5700, West Irving Park Rd. 773-283-8800. If you are interested in joining this women’s small group, see Pastor Vickie. She has copies of the book we are starting in June: “Inheriting our Mother’s Gardens.”

Tuesday, June 9: Finance Committee meets at 7 p.m., WorkNiters meet 6:30 – 9 p.m.

VBS: Lift Off – Soaring to New Heights with God - June 22-25
For children between 4 years and 5th grade. We still have several spots available for volunteers. Consider being present for our young people this week. For more information please contact Pastor Adam. adam.thompson@garrett.edu

Pastor’s Tuesday Prayer group will take a summer break starting this week. Please continue to pray on your own, wherever you are. The group will resume, in person, mid-July.

Prayer Network: We have 12, faithful, praying persons involved in this group. If you are interested in being part of this group or would like to have them pray for a special person or cause, contact Tina or Wally Felckowski: bwf79@sbcglobal.net

Posted by vickie at 10:40 AM