Between: A Rock and a Hard Place
This week, we continue our sermon series Between, looking at the Exodus story of people who lived between a place of oppression and a place of freedom.
Some of you have told us that this series is speaking to you. You feel like you're between so many things - between different eras of life, between working and being able to take a moment to breathe, or just between winter and waiting for spring. It's clear that the Exodus story resonates with our story.
Each week, we've been using various illustrations, including our own church building as one example. Our goal is that we never lose sight of the ministry that takes place when and wherever we gather. Our community is a drink of cool water we need when we are thirsty. Gather with us and experience that refreshing this week!
Some of you have told us that this series is speaking to you. You feel like you're between so many things - between different eras of life, between working and being able to take a moment to breathe, or just between winter and waiting for spring. It's clear that the Exodus story resonates with our story.
Each week, we've been using various illustrations, including our own church building as one example. Our goal is that we never lose sight of the ministry that takes place when and wherever we gather. Our community is a drink of cool water we need when we are thirsty. Gather with us and experience that refreshing this week!
Rev. Jim Fu
Sunday, February 16th, 10am
Numbers 20:1-12
Straw Poll - Sun., March 2nd
During our service on Sunday, March 2nd, we will be holding a straw poll so that you can help direct one part of the future of our congregation by ranking your top choices for our facility.
Over the past two years (or longer), we have been exploring various possibilities for our church facility. Those have included options like repairing our existing facility (at a cost of at least 5-7 million dollars), renting an updated space, building a new/smaller space, or reconstructing a multi-use facility on our current footprint at Maple/Main. There may be other options. We'll explore those in our newsletter and in worship each week.
This week, we invite you to revisit the presentation the Trustees gave twice in December about the repair of our existing facility. Attached, you'll see that summary.
You received this in another email sent separately in December. You'll notice the overall cost of those repairs and what to consider in that option. One revision that was added during our Trustee meeting this past week was that we should figure in a much higher maintenance cost each year if we were to do those repairs. This is because our current Trustees provide tens of thousands of dollars worth of free labor each year. However, those current Trustees will not always be able to provide that maintenance.
Next week, we'll look at renting an updated space.
This week, we invite you to revisit the presentation the Trustees gave twice in December about the repair of our existing facility. Attached, you'll see that summary.
You received this in another email sent separately in December. You'll notice the overall cost of those repairs and what to consider in that option. One revision that was added during our Trustee meeting this past week was that we should figure in a much higher maintenance cost each year if we were to do those repairs. This is because our current Trustees provide tens of thousands of dollars worth of free labor each year. However, those current Trustees will not always be able to provide that maintenance.
Next week, we'll look at renting an updated space.
New Weekly Prayer Group Thursdays at 9am
A new group dedicated to praying for our congregation, community and world needs will meet every Thursday morning at 9am in the church chapel at FUMC.
Pillow Day-Sat., March 15th at 9am
Pillows! Pillows! Pillows! Did you know that we have made about 3,000 Pillows? They have been sent around the world to New Zealand, England, and Northern Canada! Pillows have been given from the youngest children, to the oldest adults! Recipients are often overcome with emotions of joy and gratitude! YOU can be a part of this amazing ministry! Join us Sat., March 15th at 9am to lend a hand and your love! We will be meeting downstairs at the end of the hall. Remember, you don't have to be a seamstress! We have many jobs just for you! Questions? Please contact Carol Wixson.
Men’s Fellowship Chicago Wolves Outing-
Sat., Feb. 22nd
Men's Fellowship is having an all church Chicago Wolves Group Outing on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 at 7:00PM. This is a scheduled Chicago Wolves Faith Night. The cost of the ticket is $20 per person. Please contact Steve Flint through email at mensfellowship@firstumclombard.org for reservations. The deadline is Friday, February 7th to reserve your seat. Parking is an additional $15.00 per car. Come all for an exciting night of hockey.
Easter Flower Sale
The Easter Flower sale has begun! Fusion is sponsoring the sale and all proceeds go towards the Auction. People can purchase in honor or memory of loved ones if they choose. Their names will be in the bulletin for the 10 AM service on Easter Sunday. They are used as decor but can then be taken home after that service.
Order Forms are available before and after Sunday worship through 3/9. Ask Bri or a member of Fusion if you have questions. Cost of flowers are as follows:
Lilies ($20), Daffodils ($10), Hyacinth ($10), and Tulips ($10).
United Women in Faith will be hosting
Blanket Sunday on March 2, 2025!
Each year we ask for our congregation’s help in raising funds to purchase special blankets at $10 each. They are provided and distributed by Church World Service to people caught in disasters both here in the USA and around the world. Thank you for your continued support of this ministry!
Ladies Lenten Bible Study Via Zoom-Thursdays Starting March 13th (1-2:30pm)
All ladies are invited to join a Lenten Bible study. It meets via zoom on Thursdays from 1-2:30pm.
This year The Message of Jesus by Adam Hamilton will be studied. The book “explores six of the most important themes in Jesus’s teachings, why they matter, and how they speak to us today.” Please let Sandy Adamec know by Feb. 15th if you are interested so the books can be ordered. Hope to welcome you into the group.
Volunteers Needed!
Sign Up to be a Liturgist
A liturgist stands up front and leads us all as we say our call to worship, opening prayer, and sometimes reads the scripture. They help us all do "the work of the people" on Sunday.
Sign up form is located at the back of the sanctuary or you can sign up by clicking on the button below.
Coffee & Sign Up
Coffee& is a special time after worship. Help us by preparing coffee and bringing a tasty treat to share. Our Men's Fellowship handles the Second Sunday of each month, and our United Women in Faith take care of the third Sunday. Could you help us by volunteering to bring something the other Sundays of the month?
Sign up form is located at on the kitchen/parlor on the counter or you can sign up by clicking on the button below.
Prairie Central District Invitation
for United Methodist Men-
Sat., Feb. 15th
Prairie Central District – United Methodist Men, you are invited to hear Rev. Jane Eesley discuss her responsibilities in Jerusalem at a meeting of United Methodist Men, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Barrington United Methodist Church, 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington Hills. Rev. Eesley is a United Methodist missionary serving in Israel and will be joining the meeting live via Zoom.
Rev. Jane Easley (pictured above)
Rev. Jane Eesley has served as Advocacy Coordinator of the Methodist Liaison Office in Jerusalem since August of 2023. She had served previously in Jerusalem as a Global Mission Fellow in 1990-91. (Both of these appointments were through the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church). In between those years, she attended Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary for her M.Div. and served as an elder in Northern Illinois Conference for 27 years (including eight years as associate pastor at Naperville: Community in the Prairie Central District).
Coffee and pastries will be served. Participation is free, but if interested, please
respond with " I'll be there" to jsmaxson@aol.com John Maxson, President, Prairie Central District United Methodist Men.
General Information:
Date: Sundays March 9th, 16th, 23rd, & 30th from
Time: 2:00-5:00pm. *All class times must be attended to receive course credit.
Location: Barrington UMC (98 Algonquin Road, Barrington)
Cost: $40 (includes any textbook and resource material)
QUESTIONS? Please contact Mary Mecker at mary.mecker@gmail.com
Register Online: https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=828003&
Register Online: https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=828003&
Courses:
1. Basic Course: This course is foundational for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries. Participants are encouraged to consider the importance of servant leadership, developing future leaders and remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices. Instructor: Roger Curless
2. Called to Preach: This class is designed for those who have not completed formal preaching training or are called upon to preach in a pastor’s absence. The class is a how-to guide to the resources, preparation process, and practice of preaching. Instructor: Rev. Becky Nocol
3. Embracing Personal Prayer: The class helps participants embrace the spiritual power of prayer. Students will examine their own prayer lives and discover tools to help in the process of entering personal prayer. Instructor: Pat Michalik
4. Discipleship Begins with Relationships: This course helps lay servant leaders understand and adopt an intentional discipleship plan for their church by creating a spiritual growth movement to See All the People. This is a new class for our district. Instructor: Rev. Norval Brown
1. Basic Course: This course is foundational for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries. Participants are encouraged to consider the importance of servant leadership, developing future leaders and remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices. Instructor: Roger Curless
2. Called to Preach: This class is designed for those who have not completed formal preaching training or are called upon to preach in a pastor’s absence. The class is a how-to guide to the resources, preparation process, and practice of preaching. Instructor: Rev. Becky Nocol
3. Embracing Personal Prayer: The class helps participants embrace the spiritual power of prayer. Students will examine their own prayer lives and discover tools to help in the process of entering personal prayer. Instructor: Pat Michalik
4. Discipleship Begins with Relationships: This course helps lay servant leaders understand and adopt an intentional discipleship plan for their church by creating a spiritual growth movement to See All the People. This is a new class for our district. Instructor: Rev. Norval Brown
Next Confirmation Retreat This Sun., Feb 16th (1-4pm)
Middle and high school students welcome! Please email Pastor Michael at PastorMichael@firstumclombard.org.
Feed My Starving Children Volunteer Day
Sat., March 22nd (12-2pm)
Pastor Jim is helping to organize a volunteer day with Feed My Starving Children in Schaumburg on Sat., March 22nd from 12-2pm. This will be held in conjunction with other churches in our cluster. We're hoping to have 100 people turn out for this volunteer opportunity! Please let Pastor Jim know that you can attend at pastorjim@firstumclombard.org.
Feed My Starving Children engages volunteers to help pack and box up mixtures of protein and calorie-rich foods for those in situations of disaster or great need. Join us in this opportunity!
Feed My Starving Children engages volunteers to help pack and box up mixtures of protein and calorie-rich foods for those in situations of disaster or great need. Join us in this opportunity!
Week at a Glance
Thursday, February 13th
6:15pm Choir
7:15pm Bells
Sunday, February 16th
8:30am Adult Sunday School: “Moses”
10:00am Worship/children’s church
11:00am Coffee&
Acolyte: Sam & Piper
1:00pm Confirmation Retreat (until 4:00pm)
Monday, February 17th
9:00am Global Sewing Ministry (FUMC)
Tuesday, February 18th
6:30pm Trustees Meeting
7:00pm La Leche League (Parlor)
Thursday, February 20th
9:00am Prayer Group (Chapel)
6:15pm Fusion
Saturday, February 22nd
9:00am Card Ministry Meeting (Calvary Campus)
7:00pm Men’s Fellowship Chicago Wolves Outing (Allstate Arena)
Sunday, February 23rd
8:30am Adult Sunday School
10:00am Worship/children’s church
11:00am Coffee&
11:00am Sermon Chats
Acolyte: Arianna & Angie
Card Ministry Upcoming Meeting-Sat., Feb 22nd
Our next meeting date will be Saturday, Feb. 22nd from 9am-12pm at the Calvary campus location. All will be held in the card room in the Calvary church building until further notice. Cards are available for purchase in the racks at the back of the Sanctuary. Price is $2 per card or $3 for 2 cards. All proceeds go to support Kids Above All.
Additional Card Ministry dates:
Saturday, March 29, 2025: 9am to 12noon, Calvary Campus, focus will be on Easter and spring cards.
Sunday, April 27, 2025: 1pm to 4pm, Calvary Campus, focus will be on Mother’s Day cards.
Saturday, March 29, 2025: 9am to 12noon, Calvary Campus, focus will be on Easter and spring cards.
Sunday, April 27, 2025: 1pm to 4pm, Calvary Campus, focus will be on Mother’s Day cards.
New way to give starting this month!
Do you give online or through a recurring monthly donation? You can now give directly through a service called Flocknote. You can now donate directly at the following link: https://fumclombardandvillapark.flocknote.com/give/
This month, we are shifting all of our accounting, membership, and email together into one service that will help us better serve you.
Committee Reports
Ushers Needed for Sunday Church Services
Help create a warm, welcoming environment at our church! We are currently looking for ushers to greet guests, distribute bulletins and help with seating.
If you would like to become an usher, please contact Ron at rlohman40@comcast.net.
Become an Acolyte
Acolytes bring in the light of Christ each Sunday morning, reminding us that Christ's light is always with us. Children are accompanied by an adult to help them as they perform this essential part of worship. To sign up your child or loved one, click this link to email Pam Lohman.
Please pray for:
The family of Chuck H.; the family of Nancy H.; the family of Thomas H.; the family of Stanley K.; the family of Scott & Kelsey U.; Julie K.’s sister’s family (for the passing of her nephew); Ellen and Mike W.; Jerry A.; Ethel H.; Diana F.; Marty W.; Holly L.; Bruce B.; Rita G.; the people of Palestine, Israel and Ukraine; our church, our country, its leaders, its Service Members; and prayers for peace.
Please note that for most requests, we only use first names and last initials in our enews prayer requests in order to respect each person's privacy. Where a request is public information (such as obituaries), full names may be used.
