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October 16, 2009

Consecration Sunday is coming

Congregations that approach financial stewardship from a biblical perspective do not view the money Christians give to their church merely as a way to pay its bills. Rather such congregations see financial contributions as a way to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God by supporting their church's mission and ministry with a percentage of their incomes.

Our congregation's finance committee has selected the New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program as a way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving in our stewardship education emphasis this year.
New Consecration Sunday is based on the biblical philosophy of the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive. Instead of treating people like members of a social club who should pay dues, we will treat people like followers of Jesus Christ who want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship. New Consecration Sunday encourages people toward proportionate and systematic giving in response to the question, "What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?" During morning worship on Consecration Sunday, we are asking our attendees and members to make their financial commitments to our church's missionary, benevolent, and educational ministries in this community and around the world.
Every attendee and member who completes an Estimate of Giving Card does so voluntarily by attending morning worship on Consecration Sunday. We urge people to attend who feel strongly opposed to completing a card. The procedure is done in such a way that no one feels personal embarrassment if he or she chooses not to fill out a card.
We will do no home solicitation to ask people to complete cards. During morning worship our guest leader will conduct a brief period of instruction and inspiration, climaxed by members making their commitments as a confidential act of worship.
We will encourage participation in Consecration Sunday events through the Consecration Sunday team and governing board members. Since we will make no follow-up visits to ask people to complete their cards, we will make every effort to inform, inspire, and commit everyone to attend Consecration Sunday worship.
Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation in Consecration Sunday events.

Church Council Chairperson,
Karyn Prather

It’s Kingdom Sunday this week – in other words, all ages will stay and participate in worship. It is Bread for the World Sunday and we will join people all over the world who want to end hunger. Instead of a sermon, we'll have a couple activities for us to use our power in positive ways!

November 1 is All Saints Day. We will remember and celebrate the people in our lives who have guided and inspired our faith. If you have someone in your life who died between November 1, 2008 and now, please send the following to Joyce at the church: Name of deceased, your name, relationship to you, date of death. We will print this information in the bulletin on November 1st. Information must be received by Wed. October 28th. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Vickie.

The Blessing of the Animals in our church garden last Saturday drew about 30 people from the neighborhood. Pictures will be forthcoming. Thanks to all who helped to make this happen.
 
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Please keep all of our prayer requests from last week in mind this week. If you are interested in being part of our Prayer Network, or would like to have them pray for a special person or cause, contact Tina or Wally Felckowski: bwf79@sbcglobal.net
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Feel like cooking?
We are looking for people who want to prepare meals for our church family members who are new parents, are caring for elderly parents, are elderly or are ill. We’d also love to have a volunteer who is willing to organize this outreach service to our members. Please let the church office know if you feel like cooking and/or organizing the meals!

Church Council Oct. 21, Charge Conference Nov. 1
Our Church Council meets Wednesday, October 21. Please make sure you have your reports to Karyn Prather no later than noon on Tuesday, October 20. The meeting is at 7 p.m. In Fellowship Hall. Attendance is very important this month as we have our stewardship campaign coming up, we have work continuing on the church property/building and a report from our building envelope committee as well as planning for Charge Conference November 1.

Bible Study 101 started!
Join with others for this overview of the Bible and understand how the 66 books of the Old and New Testament tie together. Lowell Allen, retired UM pastor, leads this interesting and fun discussion. Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. You need no prior bible knowledge to join this group!

From the mission committee
Our Mission for October is the Children’s Fund. This is the Yellow Band in our Rainbow Covenant. We will collect on Sundays during worship or you can mail a donation directly to the church office.

IP Community Food Pantry fundraiser this weekend
Wine Tasting, live music, food from Smoque, Hot Woks and Edible Arrangements. Hosted at the home of Sharon and Peter Parke-Litton, 3827 N. Kenneth. For more information: Barbara Cohn, barsteanna@concast.net

Coming up ...
Wed., Oct. 28, 7:00 p.m. – Deborah’s Circle at The Kraneis home, 3427 N. Tripp Ave., 773-972-7300. Please bring something light and simple to share. The December meeting will be on Wednesday, Dec. 30.
Saturday, Oct.31, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Nothing But Nets Benefit, District Youth Event Kickoff. Glenview UMC.

Congrats to Mission Hispana who had 60 people attend their Hispanic Heritage Celebration this past Sunday.

Posted by vickie at 10:05 PM