Four Parables
One of the defining features of Jesus' ministry is his ability to tell stories. Even those close to the time of Jesus mentioned his storytelling as a distinctive part of what made him so memorable and important. So, this week, we get five short stories from Jesus. Each of these have unexpected twists and leave us with a question that hangs in the air before we are turned for a loop right into the next one. It's like a day at Six Flags, just without the upset stomach.
This week, we'll go through the roller coaster of stories Jesus tells. Join us for a Sunday full of the stories of Jesus: the parables of the mustard seed, yeast, greatest treasure, the pearl, and the sorting of fish.
Worship 10am
In person or online at the links below (Facebook or YouTube)
RSVP For Game Night This Saturday, July 25th
Join us for an evening of games, ice cream, and fellowship as we celebrate summer! Game Night is Saturday, July 25, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Parlor. Sponsored by United Women in Faith.
Please send a message reetea301@hotmail.com to RSVP.
Chicago Dogs Baseball Game Saturday, August 1st
A reminder that Men's Fellowship is hosting a Chicago Dogs Baseball Outing Saturday, August 1st @6:00pm. If you have purchased tickets, come join us!
Men's Fellowship
Union Railroad Event
Men's Fellowship is hosting a Union Railway Museum Event on Saturday, August 8th from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Pricing per person is: adults ($20), seniors and youth ($18), children ($16). Veterans and Active Military Personnel and families are free with ID. We would leave the church parking lot at 9:00am if you want to travel as a group. It is about an hour drive. Please contact Steve Flint at mensfellowship@firstumclombard.org or cell 630.336.3340. To purchase tickets online, please visit the following link: https://www.irm.org/groups/.
Thank You Trustees!
Have you noticed the new columns and paint?
Thank you to trustees.
Sewing Ministry Update
Ginny Rainey generously bought a second loom for the sewing ministry. Thank you Ginny! You all have faithfully supplied us with plastic BAGS BAGS BAGS! Now we would love to have more weavers. If you’d like to have some simple hand work weaving while you have lively sometimes heartfelt conversations, Monday morning sewing ministry from 9-12 is the place for you! All are welcome.
Scam Alert!
It’s that season again. We’ve had reports of members receiving emails and even actual phone calls pretending to be Pastor Michael. One member even spoke to a live person impersonating him.
Just a reminder to check the email address of any email you receive. Even if the heading says “Pastor Michael,” make sure it’s from the @firstumclombard.org email address.
For any calls, make sure the number calling is his (ending in 9047).
As always, if you have any questions about an email or call, please let us know by emailing office@firstumclombard.org.
We will never, ever ask for gift cards to be mailed or money to be sent to a phone number.
Keep safe!
Pastor Michael
Church Survey Results
Thank you to all who took our recent survey. We asked about our worship time together and what you value most in our church. Your responses helped us in our recent staff meeting to identify how we can help worship improve. You also gave us some valuable feedback about the ways we can identify who we are to our community. Thank you!
Card Ministry
Check out the card rack in the back of the sanctuary. Cards are available for $2 each or $3 for 2. All proceeds go to Kids Above All! Thank you for supporting the Card Ministry!
Watch for the next Card Ministry date in the fall!
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.
Bake Sale
Our very own acolyte, Amelia Kozlowski, will host another bake sale on Sunday, August 16th after worship to benefit 2 charities: Teen Parent Connection in Glen Ellyn, which helps young parents, and DuPage County Animal Shelter.
In addition, if anyone would like to bring items to donate, Teen Parent Connection has noted that they can especially use adult soap, shampoo and cleaning supplies for the young parents, and the animal shelter can use soft or chewy treats, cleaning supplies such as disinfecting wipes and paper towels, and new or gently used small blankets, so if anyone wants to bring those items we will also have a box for donations!
Thanks in advance for your support of both the charities and this enterprising and compassionate 4th grader!
Thanks in advance for your support of both the charities and this enterprising and compassionate 4th grader!
Treasurer's Report
1. We continue to have a healthy cash balance for General Operating funds for
$117,434.62 (CD included) as of June 30, 2026.
2. We continue to have a net income of $20,781.93 for the year ended June 30,
2026.
3. Apportionment paid is now at 50%. Qtr2 payment was made in June for
$9,209.35, funded from the Apportionment and Auction Funds.
4. Besides all the regular payments, we had a big-ticket payment of $1,725.00 for
the electrical repair of the parsonage, paid to John Pedersen in June.
5. We have a few line items which are currently over the budgeted amount for the
year, but overall, in total we are still under the budget. At the end of June 30,
2026, we should have spent 50% of the year's budget, actual is at 48.08%.
Week at a Glance
Saturday, July 25th
6:00 - 8:00pm Game Night
6:00 - 8:00pm Game Night
Sunday, July 26th
10:00am Worship
10:00am Children's Education
11:00am Coffee&
10:00am Worship
10:00am Children's Education
11:00am Coffee&
11:00am Sermon Chats
Slides: Martha Sound:
Liturgist: Denise K.K.
Acolyte: Amelia & Ruthie
Coffee&: Church Council
Ushers: Steve F. & Tom S.
Slides: Martha Sound:
Liturgist: Denise K.K.
Acolyte: Amelia & Ruthie
Coffee&: Church Council
Ushers: Steve F. & Tom S.
9:00am Global Sewing Ministry
7:00pm Women's Book Group
Thursday, July 30th
9:00am Prayer Group
6:30pm Church Council
Saturday, August 1st
6:00pm Chicago Dogs Baseball Game
Sunday, August 2nd
10:00am Worship
10:00am Children's Education
11:00am Coffee&
Slides: Martha Sound:
Liturgist:
Acolyte: Sam & Abby
Coffee&: Julia Jones
Ushers: Tom S. & Jody B.
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!
Coffee & Sign-up
The person usually brings items for us to enjoy after worship
Sunday, August 23rd
Sunday, August 30th
Sunday, September 6th (Labor Day weekend)
Sunday, September 27th
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!
Liturgist Sign Up
Liturgist for Sunday, August 2nd
Liturgist for Sunday, August 9th
Liturgist for Sunday, August 16th
Liturgist for Sunday, August 23rd
Online Suggestion Box for Trustees
Is something broken? Can we fix or 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: John & Diane; Alice W. (Myathenia Gravis); Sarah G.(cancer/surgery); Zachery C.(extensive burns); Mic F.; Mary H.(hospice);
Dorothy B.; David M.; Bill B.
Pray for those mourning: The Family of Marie Sterbis. Geri & Mike who lost siblings. The Family of Ange Geary(this is NOT Angie Aguirre). The Family of Henry(Deacon Ginny's Great-Grandson)
Prayers for our world: Iran, Palestine, Israel, the Middle East, and all recovering from flooding, fires(firefighters) and tornadoes.