The Halftime Show
Could a Halftime Show really be so controversial? Could it challenge us so much that we see the world differently?
This week in worship, we jump ahead to the smack-dab middle of the Gospel of Matthew as we read the story of the Transfiguration. It's where Jesus goes up a mountain with a few disciples and their vision of God is forever changed.
In the first three gospels, this story divides the first and second halves of Jesus' ministry, making it the perfect Halftime Show, Gospel Style. It's a glimpse of glory that lights the way.
Could this event also invite us to consider how we see God, ourselves, and maybe even other people? Could that light be enough to make us want another kind of world? Join us as we explore the Transfiguration. No Bad Hares or Childish Rocks included.
Worship 10am
Matthew 17:1-9
In person or online at the links below (Facebook or YouTube)
Special Lent Opportunities
This week, we begin a special season in the life of the church known as Lent, from the Latin for 40. For forty days, we prepare for the coming of Holy Week, especially Easter. Join us for these upcoming opportunities:
Ash Wednesday
NEXT Wed., Feb. 18th 7pm
A contemplative service where we impose ashes on our forehead or hand, remembering the impermanence of life and its treasure.
Lenten Studies
Two options:
Wednesday nights at 7:00 (discussion group).
Sunday mornings at 8:30am (video & discussion).
For both studies, we will be using An Unlikely Lent by Rachel Billups that focuses on the lesser known persons in the Holy Week story. Join us as we explore Holy Week together and see it through the eyes of those who might have experienced it firsthand.
March 29th Palm Sunday
April 2nd Maundy Thursday
April 3rd Good Friday
April 5th Easter Sunday – 6:30am and 10am
Have You Checked Out the Card Rack Lately?
There are loads of new Birthday cards, with more cards coming for the upcoming holidays – Easter, St Patrick’s Day, and Valentines if you missed that!
The Rack is in the back of the sanctuary. They are $2.00 per card or $3.00 for two cards with all proceeds going to the Kids Above All program. The Card Ministry has been supporting Kids Above All for over 5 years.
For 2026, Card Ministry meets on Saturdays from 9:00AM to 12noon on March 21, 2026, April 11, 2026, May 2, 2026, and June 20, 2026. We will be in the card room in the Calvary church building until further notice. Come for an hour or the whole time, drop-ins are welcome!
For those unfamiliar with the Card Ministry, we get together once a month to make handmade cards for the card rack. We try to keep different types of cards in the rack – birthday, get well, anniversary, thinking of you, baby, and holidays. When you hear an announcement in church about someone you want to contact, you can stop and pick up a card on your way out. If you have a special request such as a graduation with specific school colors or a special anniversary or birthday, we can design or make these, with advance notice.
For the card ministry, all supplies are provided. We have paper, stamps, inks, dies, embossing folders, etc. You can follow our design suggestions or make your own. Be as creative as you would like. If you fall in love with your card, or one that someone else made, you can take them home for the regular price, just as if they were in the card rack.
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.
Purchase items from their Baby Registry at https://my.babylist.com/fjvsmrazq
Church Conference Reports
If you were not able to attend our Church Conference last December, all of the documents are now available for your records.
Access by clicking this link.
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.
Week(s) at a Glance
Saturday, February 14th
8:30am Men’s Fellowship
9:30am United Women in Faith
Sunday, February 15th
8:30am Adult Sunday School
10:00am Worship
11:00am Coffee &
Acolytes: Zach & Maddie
Liturgist: Pam L.
Slides: Becky
Sound: Steve
Coffee&: United Women in Faith
Ushers: Carol F. & Phyllis C.
Monday, February 16th
9:00am Global Sewing Ministry
Wednesday, February 18th
6:30pm Car Club (Chapel)
7:00pm Ash Wednesday (Sanctuary)
Thursday, February 19th
9:00am Prayer
6:15pm Fusion
Saturday, February 21st
7:00pm Wolves Hockey Event (Allstate Arena)
Sunday, February 22nd
8:30am Adult Sunday School
10:00am Worship
11:00am Coffee &
Acolytes:
Liturgist:
Slides: Martha
Sound:
Coffee&:
Ushers: Steve & Tom
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 scripture. Sign up below!
Help us Serve Coffee&
Could you bring a tasty treat for us to enjoy after church? Your contribution could help us enjoy this time of connection and fellowship. Sign up 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: Jerry S. (health issures); Jim W.; Tessa K. (major health issues); Ray J.; Sandy A.; Dwayne P. (chemo); Esther F. (health concerns); John; Maxine; Jim; Beth; Angie Aguirre; John & Diane;
Pray for those in mourning: The family of Kevin Snow. The family of Carole Kinsland. The family of Rich Zurawski. The family of Gifford Smith.
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.
