The Baptism of Jesus
How do you know when things have really changed?
We often use certain markers we call "rights of passage" to signify a change has happened in a person's life. They get a Driver's License, graduate, get a job, buy something (like a house, car, or education), or maybe even find ourselves at the end of our working days and retire. Each one of those is a marker of a significant event in life that signals to the world that we have changed in some way.
When John the Baptist is out in the wilderness baptizing people, he is making a public marker that peoples' lives have changed. This week, we read how Jesus himself comes to be baptized, making public that not just individuals but God has changed things. God is doing something new.
Would you be willing to remember your baptism this week?
Baptism is God's public way of showing that you belong, that you are loved, and that you are a part of something greater than you ever imagined.
Come to the water. Hear again God's claim on you. Remember your baptism, and be thankful. Join us!
Worship 10am
In person or online at the links below (Facebook or YouTube)
PS - Can we acknowledge that so much is going on in the world right now? Take a minute and breathe. Remember, God is still at work, God is doing amazing things, and you are a part of it.
Photos Needed
Do you have photos of events in our church? Send them to us so that we can include them in our "year in review" video for this Sunday. office@firstumclombard.org or alex@firstumclombard.org
Food, Fellowship, & Fun
THIS SATURDAY, January 10th
Everyone is invited to attend our first Food, Fellowship, & Fun night on Saturday January 10, 2026 from 5-8 p.m. in the chapel sponsored by UWIF
This a chance for us all to connect and play some board or card games, have some pizza, and just enjoy being together. Pizza & beverage will be provided. If you have a favorite game to play, bring it with you. If you plan on attending, please use the sign up sheet in the sanctuary, so we can have the right amount of pizza. There will be a goodwill offering to defray the cost of the pizza.
This promises to be a good time for everyone - kids make sure you bring your parent(s). If you can come, please email us today at office@firstumclombard.org.
This a chance for us all to connect and play some board or card games, have some pizza, and just enjoy being together. Pizza & beverage will be provided. If you have a favorite game to play, bring it with you. If you plan on attending, please use the sign up sheet in the sanctuary, so we can have the right amount of pizza. There will be a goodwill offering to defray the cost of the pizza.
This promises to be a good time for everyone - kids make sure you bring your parent(s). If you can come, please email us today at office@firstumclombard.org.
Pillow Day - January 10th
THIS SATURDAY, 9am
O the weather outside is frightful
The pillows are so delightful
Let us sew, let us sew, let us sew!
The pillows are so delightful
Let us sew, let us sew, let us sew!
Please join us on Saturday, January 10th to restock our pillows! There is a great demand right now. The love, comfort and relief people feel when receiving a pillow is truly heartwarming! We will meet at 9:00 am in the sewing room, downstairs.
Remember, you don't have to be a sewer! We need cutters, stuffers, snippers, a day pinners! There is a job especially for you! This is your chance to make a huge difference in someone's life. Questions? Call Carol Wixson at 640-373-6054
Cards with Kids on January 24th - Valentines!
If you know of a child or children who might enjoy making Valentine cards, this card-making session is for you! It is so interesting to see what ideas children have and how they are so unafraid to experiment!
Everyone is welcome, you do not have to bring a child in order to attend! We ask that adults stay with your child (children) to assist in the card making, this is not a drop off activity. Email office@firstumclombard.org to let us know you're coming or just show up!
Saturday, January 24, 2026 9:00AM to 11:30AM
Calvary Campus (136 E Highland Ave, Villa Park, IL 60181),
Card Room, lower level
Super Bowl Party
Sunday, February 8, 5-9 p.m.
Hosted by the Stachelski's at their home, this is the final event of the Auction 2025 season. There are a few spaces available, so sign up right away. The cost if $35/person. First come, first served. See or contact Susan Friend (office@firstumclombard.org) to secure your spot(s). She will have a sign-up sheet at the back of the sanctuary until the spaces are filled.
BABY SHOWER & Potluck
Sunday, Feb. 22nd
Celebrate Brianna & Kyle at an All Church Potluck Baby Shower. Sign up sheet in the Narthex or at office@firstumclombard.org. February 22, 2026, following our regular worship service. Questions? Nicole P. or Pam L.
Offering Envelopes
Envelopes have been ordered and should be available by the third Sunday in January.
Global Sewing Ministry
Sleeping Mats
The first woven mat is finished! 120 bags for the length and over 600 for the width! A Sunday school class, a Girl Scout troop, and several volunteers worked on it.
So keep those plastic bags coming! Thank you thank you! Weaving is done every Monday from 9-12 and all are welcome.
Mondays
9-12 am
Join us for Prayer Group Thursdays at 9am
All are welcome to attend our prayer group dedicated to praying for our congregation, community and world needs will meet every Thursday morning at 9am in the church chapel at FUMC.
Women's Bible Study Thursdays 1pm by Zoom
Join the Women's Bible Study as they meet via zoom at 1pm every Thursday. Please email the office for zoom link at office@firstumclombard.org.
CULTURE SHIFT TRAINING
January 31st
Join us as Jim Ozier leads a training about the kind of internal culture that helps a church grow.
Jim teaches that culture, not programs, budgets, or buildings, determines whether a church thrives or merely survives.
When culture shifts, everything shifts: worship, generosity, mission, and morale.
This one-day workshop is focused on helping pastors and lay leaders assess, shift, and shape their church culture toward vitality and growth. Anyone can join!
Contact the office to register! Office@firstumclombard.org
Week(s) at a Glance
Sunday, January 11th
8:30am Adult Sunday School
10:00am Worship
11:00am Coffee &
Acolytes: Eddie & Piper
Liturgist:
Slides: Martha
Sound: Tom
Coffee&: Men’s Fellowship
Ushers: Bob & Ron
Monday, January 12th
9:00am Global Sewing Ministry
Thursday, January 15th
9:00am Prayer
6:15pm Fusion Rehearsal
Sunday, January 18th
8:30am Adult Sunday School
10:00am Worship
11:00am Coffee &
Acolytes: Sam & Abby
Liturgist: Pam L.
Slides: Martha
Sound:
Coffee&: UWIF
Ushers: Carol F. & Phyllis C.
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 the back of the sanctuary or you can sign up by clicking on the button below.
Online Suggestion Box for Trustees
Is something broken? Can we fix clean an area? Send us a suggestion!
email: Trustees@firstumclombard.org
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.
Pray for those who are healing: Maxine; Jim; Beth; Angie A.; Amy W.; Susan; Doug S.; Cindy S.; Brenda; John & Diane;
Pray for those in mourning: The family of Peg Martin (friend of Sandy and Shirley Wright). The family of Kevin Snow. The family of Carole Kinsland.
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.
