Enews: Sunday, April 24, 2022

How does our faith endure when terrible things keep happening? How do we stay true when everything around us continues to fall apart? We remember that we are not alone. This is why we come together as the ecclesia, the church, the gathered body of believers. When we fall, others lift us up. When we doubt, others encourage us (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us that two are better than one, and woe to the one who falls and does not have another to lift them up). When we think of the disciples, all of them fell short, all of them failed, but they all came together again after Jesus’ death, except for Judas. Perhaps that was the great betrayal—he not only betrayed Jesus but all of them by opting out. Thomas tried to opt out, but the others encouraged him, and in their encouragement and inclusion, he experienced the risen Christ.

READINGS:

Acts 5:27-32:

A song celebrating God’s mercy and strength, and celebrating the restoration of God after struggle – foreshadowing “the stone that the builders rejected” who “became the cornerstone”.

John 20:19-31:

Christ is the one who died and came back to life in order to bring all people to life. Finally, death itself is destroyed.

God of Wild Winds and Rain, You move in awesome ways upon our earth. After the storm in autumn, the trees are stripped bare and the nakedness of the world is revealed, a stripping away of the old to prepare for winter and the rebirth that comes. Following the storms of spring, the grass is bright green, full of life, and the soil ready to burst forth with life. You are the God of all seasons in all parts of our world. As storms roll through our lives, help us to be ready to serve those in need, for those who face destruction and loss, and help us to be ready for opportunities of new life to flourish. In our own seasons of need, may Your love be made known to us in the love of others. May we become the living hope others need in this time. Amen.

Discussion Series Beginning April 24th

Join the community hour on Sunday mornings at 8:45am in the Library beginning on April 24th

For more information please contact Martha Bledsoe at Marte7553@gmail.com

“Jesus lived with the awareness that God is doing something, right here, right now, and anybody can be a part of it. He encouraged his listeners to search, to question, to wrestle with the implications of what he was saying and doing. He inspired, challenged, provoked, comforted, and invited people to be open to God’s work in this world. Wherever he went, whatever he did, Jesus started discussions about what matters most, because for Jesus, God is always inviting us to open our eyes and join in.

NOOMA is a series of short films that explore our world from a perspective of Jesus. NOOMA is an invitation to search, question, and join the discussion.

Each film is 10 to 14 minutes that blends events of everyday life with “discussion about God”, each on a different topic.  Each short story covers a specific topic on a real-life situation, usually by relating the various experiences from a Christian perspective.  Each NOOMA video features Rob Bell, the author of Love Wins and most were shot on location in Western Michigan or the Chicago area.”

2022 Bishop’s Appeal

The 2022 Northern Illinois Annual Conference Bishop’s Appeal special offering will go toward Ukraine assistance. While immediate needs are great, we know the people of Ukraine will need assistance in the long term. For more details on fundraiser ideas and bringing your collective offering to Annual Conference, visit umcnic.org/Bishopsappeal2022. In the meantime, you are encouraged to give to your local church and designate “Ukraine Assistance.”

Humanitarian Assistance to Ukraine

United Methodists and others wishing to provide humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people in the wake of the Russian invasion of their country may contribute to Advance #982450, UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery. This fund will provide direct assistance to those in Ukraine as well as assistance to Ukrainians fleeing to neighboring countries.

Click on the image for more information.

Memorial Services

Jean Bubert – Saturday, April 23 @ 11am

Amy Castleberry – Saturday, May 21@ 10am

2022 Auction

It’s Almost Post Time!!

The annual church auction is on Sunday, May 1, at noon.  Refreshments will be available at The Winner’s Circle café while the final food preparations are underway. You can enjoy these treats as you mosey around The Paddock looking at silent and live auction items. 

This year’s meal features appetizers and desserts that one would expect at Churchill Downs or in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Anticipate some tasty items!

As always, the success of the auction is due to donations of money, goods, and services. Your support is very much needed to enable us to fund our share of the United Methodist Church mission outreach. Saddle Up! Let’s Make It A Great Ride!

Attention Online Worshipers!

If you’d like to sign up to attend the auction, please text Denise Karhoff King at 630-379-6616 to let her know. The cost is $15 per person, which is payable on the day of the auction.