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May 09, 2009
O is for Openness: Making Space for God
The horns were playing as we entered the sanctuary last Sunday. The State St. Brass Quintet blessed us with their music throughout the service. They practice in our church weekly and were happy to join us for service ... and join us they did. It was magnificent and memorable. Thanks to the members and to Mary Martell, our director of music for this extra effort enjoyed by all in attendance. We hope the State St. Brass can come again soon! If you missed the service, you can hear them playing on: www.statestreetbrass.com
Pastor Vickie continued her series on how to "Stay in Love with God.” She is using a model that has broken the Spiritual practices into 7 categories. The Acronym for the seven weeks is WORSHIP: Staying in Love with God takes Practice.
Week One was “W is Wow!”
Last Sunday the sermon series continued with: O – Openness: Making Space for God
This week, in addition to honoring our Mothers, we will hear about:
May 10: R – Relinquish: Letting Go of False Idols
And down the road ...
May 17: S – Share: Moving beyond a personal faith
May 24: H – Hear: Listening for a Word from God
May 31: I – Incarnate: Imitating Jesus' Love for the World (our Rethinking Church Event)
June 7: P – Pray: Communicating with God
We also celebrated the baptism of Aiden John (AJ) Williams!
Church Retreat Registrations needed!
June 19-21 at Wesley Woods
Details are available through the church office ... or anyone who attended last year’s retreat. But, we need reservations now to make sure we have enough space held for our group! We’ve heard a lot of people are thinking about joining us, but we need the registrations completed and deposits turned in asap to secure the best lodging locations.
May Mission: Hygiene Kits
In the face of natural disasters, violence, or grinding poverty, Hygiene Kits can mean the difference between sickness and health for struggling families. See Poster Board in the Bacmeister room. How you can help: 1) Detach one or more of the items on the board.
2) Donate new items only and leave them in original packaging. 3) Bring the items to the church office by May 10th.
Confirmation: On May 17 Kyle Mitchell and Cole Keutzer will be confirmed during worship. The two boys have completed their confirmation class and are looking forward to joining the church. If you would like to affirm the boys in their decision to become members please create a bookmark which they can use in their new Bibles. The bookmarks can include inspirational thoughts, favorite Bible verses, or personal notes. Please put all bookmarks in Pastor Adam’s mailbox in the church office before May 10. Blank bookmarks are available in the church office. Thanks so much!
RETHINK CHURCH
On May 31, we are setting aside a day to worship God in a new way. We’ll gather for a brief worship time and then go out into the community to do two-hour service projects. More information will be available in church and we’ll have the projects and needed talents and tools listed on the website by May 17th! We’re thinking “outside the church” so come and be a part of this great day.
VBS: Vacation Bible School is coming to Irving Park UMC June 22-25 from 9 a.m. -3 p.m. If you have children between 4 years and 5th grade please sign them up by May 31. An informational meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12 at 7 p.m. All are invited (moved from May 4). We still have several spots available for volunteers: Craft Leader, Story Leader, Recreation Leader, Missions Leader, Lunch Helper, Class Leader, Teacher Assistant. Hope you’ll consider being present for our young people this week. For more information please contact Pastor Adam. adam.thompson@garrett.edu
Congratulations
Ashley Barlow, the fiancé of our own Adam Thompson, student pastor, was named the 2009 Barrington Woman of the Year. This is an annual award given by a city wide woman’s group. Ask Adam for details. Congrats Ashley!
Other upcoming events/small groups
Tuesday, May 12
6:30 pm Work Niters group
7:00 pm VBS meeting – all interested folks are invited to attend!
Wednesday, May 13
7:00 pm Bad Girls of the Bible group meets. All women are invited to join
us to discuss our next book and the future direction of this popular
small group for women, led by Pastor Vickie. We’ll meet at Superosa
restaurant on Central Avenue. Please rsvp to: vicci@therodgersgroup.com
Written Prayers Requested
The Harvest 2020 Spiritual Formation Prayer Group would like to prepare a
Devotional Prayer Booklet for the 2009 Northern Illinois Annual Conference.
Everyone is invited to write their own devotional to be shared in the booklet.
Please submit your prayers online by e-mailing them to contact@harvest2020.org
prior to May 31st. You may include your name (optional), our Chicago Northwest
District, and name of our church.
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Weekly
Sunday morning bible study, Book of Matthew, 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. All are welcome. We meet in the third floor chapel, up the stairs inside the Grace Street entrance. Contact David Foster for more information: david.foster2@att.net.
Tuesday - An Hour of Prayer with Pastor Vickie
Tuesday’s at noon join Pastor for a time of prayer in the Bacmeister Room. Stay for the entire hour or a portion of the hour. If you’re not in the area, pray from wherever you are at Noon on Tuesdays. For more information, contact Pastor Vickie.
Wednesday – After school program with Pastor Cecilia, 4 – 6 p.m. for school-aged children. Volunteers are needed and appreciated. Contact Pastor Cecilia for more information: ceciobret@yahoo.com
Thursdays, Bible 101, 7:00 p.m., led by Lowell Allen. Join in and become more familiar with your Bible. lowelldallen@att.net
Adult Choir Rehearsal – Sundays, 9:00, in Bacmeister room with Mary Martell.
Spanish Worship Service, Sunday at noon.
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Planning Ahead!
Sunday, May 17
Confirmation for Kyle Mitchell and Cole Keutzer
If you would like to share a favorite bible passage, a spiritual message or other thoughts with them, please send your contribution to their parents or to: Adam Thompson adam.thompson@garrett.edu or drop in Adam’s mailbox in the church office by May 10.
We receive the Passionate Spirituality Award for 2009 at the Aldersgate Celebration to be held at Bethany Retirement Home on Ashland Avenue. This is when the district celebrates healthy, growing churches and leaders in our district who are making a positive, transformative difference in the world for Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, May 20
7 p.m. Church Council meets in Fellowship Hall
Saturday, May 30
1 p.m. United Methodist Women will meet at the church in the Bacmeister room.
Sunday, May 31 - Special community outreach “Rethinking Church” Sunday.
June 14 – 18
Bear Lake Michigan Youth Group staying at our church and working on projects that benefit our church and the community.
Annual Church Retreat on June 19-21 at Wesley Woods in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. REGISTER NOW PLEASE.
Vacation Bible School June 22-25
“Lift Off! Soaring to New Heights with God.” Volunteers will be needed before, during and after VBS, in a variety of ways. Your help, for as little or as much time as you have to give, will be greatly appreciated. An information letter is available by contacting the church office. Please talk with Pastor Vickie and/or Pastor Adam as soon as possible. Together we can all make this summer outreach a success!
Summer Camps: Registrations are being taken for summer camps. For more information about Outdoor Retreat Ministries within the Northern Illinois Conference, check out: www.niccamp.org
Posted by vickie at May 9, 2009 12:59 PM
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