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June 4, 2012 Christ United Methodist Church
The Flame
How does your (flower) garden grow?
CUMC parishioners volunteer to keep centers beautiful by Mark McGowan
Ann Daniels loves to garden. She nurtures a large bed of flowers in her own yard at home; the word “garden” is even in her email address. When she noticed a neglected courtyard area outside the
adult dining room at Christ UMC’s Alpine Center, Daniels decided it needed some of her ten-der loving care. “It’s a little and pretty area. There’s a tree there,” she said. “I don’t think too many people no-tice it, but that’s OK. I feel good that I’m beautify-ing a little part of
the church yard.” Daniels is one of an army of volunteers at both centers who give their time (and sometimes money) during the warm and hot months to use their green thumbs to create welcoming outdoor experiences for worshippers and passersby. Jack Schroeder volunteered 20 years ago to help with the Alpine Center’s landscaping; he soon became the co-ordinator of that work. “It’s something I like to do. It’s something that needs to be done,” Schroeder said. “I usually find a lot of peo-ple who will work with me.” Schroeder’s summers are bookended by organizing spring and fall clean-up events each year. In spring, a dedicated group of 10 to 15 congregation members shows up to rake away the leftover, snow-worn leaves and spruce up the grounds for summer growth. In fall, mem-bers of Boy Scout Troop 425 and their adult leaders bring two or three tractors to mulch the newly fallen leaves. In between, Schroeder’s team of loyal volunteers per-
forms the work of maintenance. That commitment often means the dreaded responsibility of, yes, weeding. Phyllis Melenas is one of those chosen few, although there are too many to name. She previously maintained the flower beds outside the front doors to the church, but now is tending a strip behind the Trinity Building. “Nancy Watson and I took on two beds,” she said, re-calling how they passed by them every Thursday on their way to and from the quilters’ group. “We decided to clean things up. It was a month of pulling weeds, followed by adding ground cover and then taking care of the flowers. We dug out some dead bushes.” Merv Huckstep grooms the shrubs, sawing with his electric hedge trimmers. “I shape them, round or flat, four times a year,” he said. “There are a lot of bushes at the church, maybe 60.” He laughed when asked if he’s shaping trees: “I’m not that tall!” More volunteers are always welcome, said Schroeder, who estimates he’s only at half-staff this summer. Those interested can call him at (815) 399-9160. All that’s needed is one hour per week, he said, or maybe as little as an hour each month; whatever is necessary to keep the flower beds gorgeous and growing. And even though Schroeder himself embraces the “Wild Ones” philosophy that promotes environmentally sound landscaping practices to preserve biodiversity through preservation, res-toration, and establish-ment of native plant com-munities, he is open-minded when it comes to volunteers. “They can plant what they would like to have,” he said. “They can take over their flower beds and plant their favorite flowers. They can bring flowers from their own gardens. They can do whatever they like to do.” Green thumbs at Our Master’s Center have created a memorial flower garden at the northeast corner of the
Jo Mohrmann shows off a flower bed at Our Master’s Center.
(continued on page 8)
Page 2
Mission Possible Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.2I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.3I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:1-3 NRSV On May 15, Pastor Laura and I attended a clergy continu-ing event called “A Door Set Open: Grounding Change in Mission and Hope.” Led by Rev. Peter Steinke, a Lutheran pastor, the day focused on the myriad ways American churches can thrive, even as they find themselves on shift-ing ground. Steinke emphasized that healthy congrega-tions focus on the future, living in hope and emphasizing mission. Steinke cited the example of Abra-ham, the father of Judaism, Christi-anity, and Islam. When God called
Abram, he called Abram to go. Abram’s call forced him to leave all that was familiar and comfortable and safe, so that God could use him in powerful ways—so that all the families of the earth will be blessed. Sometimes we people of faith can lose sight of how God sends us out to serve others. We are indeed blessed, to be a blessing for others. We can lose our way—we think that the church exists for our comfort rather than as a mission center to serve others. Imagine if God’s call to Abram had been “Stay. Stay right where you are, right where you feel comfortable. I will wait on you and cater to your every desire. This will be a blessing for you and you alone.” Where would the world be now? Steinke asked three provocative questions that have re-mained with me.
How do people in this neighborhood know that we care about them?
How do people (inside and outside the church) know that, as part of this community, they could make a difference?
Does the congregation have a letter of reference from the poor?
I want to reflect briefly on these three questions. First, How do people in this neighborhood know that we care about them? Are we good neighbors? Is Christ UMC perceived to be a caring congregation? Have we reached out in service to those nearest us? I remember hearing this question put in a slightly different way: “If the church closed tomorrow, what would the community around it miss?” How would you answer those ques-tions? The second question has to do with perceived effective-ness: How do people (inside and outside the church) know that, as part of this community, they could make a difference? Is Christ UMC perceived to be a church that focuses on maintaining, or are we a church that changes
lives? Do our members know that being part of the church gives them opportunities to make a major dif-ference in the world? Do our neighbors know that about us? If they don’t know that, what do we need to do differently? And the third question: Does the congregation have a letter of refer-ence from the poor? When we read
the gospels, it is abundantly clear that Jesus cared deeply about the poor and expected his followers to serve the poor. Are we actually serving the poor in such a way that we’d get a recommendation letter?
I’d love to hear your reflections on these questions. Please e-mail me at [email protected]. I’ll gather responses and include them in a future article.
In the meantime, let us pray for God’s guidance, as we step forward into the future with great hope. Christ’s joy,
Jane
A Word from the Senior Pastor
Alpine Center
(MAILING ADDRESS FOR
BOTH CENTERS): 4509 Highcrest Road Rockford, Il 61107
Phone: 815-399-5910 Office Hours: Monday—Friday
8:30 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
Sunday Worship Services Blended Worship Services:
8:00 and 9:30 a.m.
Our Master’s Center 5973 Darlene Drive Rockford, Il 61109
Phone: (815)399-5910
Sunday Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Child care is available
Rev. Jane Eesley, Sr. Pastor Rev. Laura Barkley, Sr. Assoc. Pastor
Rev. Sun Hyung Jo, Assoc. Pastor
Welcome to Christ United Methodist Church!
Page 3
This Month’s Outreach Speaker
Christ UMC Mission Statement We will live out God’s vision by
Gathering: introducing people to Jesus Christ,
Growing: moving from believer to follower, and
Going: making a Gospel impact beyond the church
The Flame is a monthly publication of Christ United Methodist Church, available by mail or at online at www.christumc.cc. Editor—Linda Kuntz Features Editor—Amy Nickel Features Writers—Don Black, Mark McGowan, Amy Nickel Contributing Photographer— Joe Whinnery Director of Worship Arts and
Communications—Jody Warren
June 14—Alpine Center
June 24—Our Master’s Center
Rockford Reachout Jail Ministry is a faith-based or-ganization that ministers to men and women in jail. For 40 years, the organization has been working in the Win-nebago County Jail, counseling inmates and helping them to reintegrate into society after incarceration. Visit www.christumc.cc or http://vimeo.com/ 7546535 to view a video about Rockford Reachout Jail Ministry.
Have you ever read the Bible or heard the scripture read on Sunday morning and wondered, “What does this have to do with my life?” How could people we hear about in the scriptures possibly have anything to say that we could relate to our lives? Starting June 17, we will be starting our new sermon series, “Their Story...Our Story” where we can seek together to learn about various people in the Bible and what their lives and life lessons can teach us about our own. We are excited to start this journey and look for-ward to you joining us!
Rockford Reachout Jail Ministry
“Their Story...Our Story”
Sermon Series begins June 17
Page 4 Fellowship News
WOWS Group
Widows or Widowers and Singles .
In June: The WOWS will be going to the Anderson Japanese Gar-dens on June 21. We’ll meet there at 10:30. Anyone needing a ride, please contact Phyllis Melenas at 815-633-2288. This is a donation Thursday so the cost is up to you. We’ll be going to the Olympic for lunch afterward at 12:30. Please call Phyllis to make your reservation.
In July: The WOWS will be going to lunch at Hoffman House on
July 18 at 12:30 p.m. Please call Rhea Hoyt at 815-229-6339 with your reservation by July 16.
In August:
On Wednesday, August 8, the WOWS will be going to the White Pines Dinner Theater to see “LOL—Little Old Ladies.” If you have not already signed up to go and wish to join us, please call Carol at 815-399-1291 soon. Payment to Carol will be due no later than July 6. It is always a fun day. Amount due is $27. Please meet at the Alpine Center parking lot so we can leave no later than 10:30 a.m.
CUMC Senior Fellowship Group Friday, June 15, at noon,
Dining Room, Alpine Center Come and join this group for those who are age 65 or better for a wonderful homemade lunch and fellowship with your friends. After lunch, Bob Persinger will present a fascinating program about his recent trip to Poland for the “March of the Living” from Auschwitz to Birkenau. This will include a slide show of his trip. Bob will tell us his account of being in one of the first tanks during World War II to liberate a concentration camp. You won’t want to miss this story of remembrance and hope. Call the church office at 815-399-5910 to make your reservation by Monday, June 11, so we can plan for enough food. Hope to see you there!
Build it, and he will come Field of Dreams at
Movie Night on June 22 6:15 p.m., Coffee House, Alpine Center
In City Slickers, the May movie, the sole woman on the cattle drive asks Mitch, Phil, and Ed how they can talk so much about baseball. In June, we'll learn the answer to this important question. Join us for Field of Dreams (1989) at 6:15 p.m., Fri., June 22, in the Sacred Grounds Coffee House at Alpine Center. This PG rated movie is drama and sports fantasy (107 min.). Join us at 6:15 p.m. to fill your popcorn bowl--munchies and drinks are provided. The movie be-gins at 6:30 with a discussion afterwards, ending by 9:30. No reservations are required for this no-cost eve-ning. Questions? Call Mary English, 815 397-4883.
However, if you would like free child care in the
church nursery for this event, please call the church office
to make a reservation by Fri., June 15 (815 399-5910).
Scrapbooking/Stamping Group Scrapbooking/Stamping is scheduled for Saturday,
June 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Adult Dining Room. Stay for all day or just a half day - whatever fits your schedule. Not everyone in our group scrap-books. Some are stamping so join us for a fun day of crafting! Childcare will be provided from 9 a.m. to noon only, but you must request it. If children will be joining us, it's requested they be at least middle school age. Please bring money for a sandwich from Subway plus snack to share and your own beverage. RSVP to Mary Hicks at 815-742-1136 by Wednes-day, June 13,if you need childcare.
Car Hop: A 50’s style
Church Picnic Sunday, June 10,
from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Courtyard of Alpine Center Bring your family, friends and neighbors to a 50s style dinner and enjoy a root beer float, hamburgers or hot dog!
All proceeds go to help support CUMC youth camps!
Morry Harms shows hospitality at the Italian Feast at Our Master’s Center on May 19
Photo by Joe Whinnery
Page 5 General Church News
Wanted: Your Pictures Taken
at Church Events We are excited about our new church directory. In addition to the family pictures, we also have activity pages that we want to fill with pictures of all the wonder-ful ministries at CUMC. We want to see your pictures that encompass how we Gather, Grow and Go. Please submit 1 or 2 digital photos of events that you and/or your family have attended that you think would be a good fit for our new pictorial directory. Please email your digital copies to [email protected] or bring your printed copies to the church office and give them to Alicia Arthur to be scanned. Thanks so much for helping make our directory complete.
Coins on Sundays in June Coins given Sunday mornings during the month of June will go to support missionaries Mark and Rebecca Smallwood. Mark and Rebecca serve in the Red Bird Mission School in Kentucky. They came to Red Bird in August, 1988, to serve as teachers. Mark is now the Mu-sic Director and Rebecca teaches Elementary Christian Education. Red Bird Mission School and Clinic provides vital ministries to persons in a distressed area of Appalachia.
CUMC Preschool Job Openings We are looking for a part-time (approximately 15-17 hours per week) cook with a current sanitation certificate. Quali-fied applicant must be self-motivated, organized, and able to meet the physical demands of the position. We are also looking to fill several teaching positions late summer beginning in August. Associates degree or higher in education preferred. These positions are 40 hr/week with flexible scheduling Please contact Debbi or Terri at 815-398-1458 or [email protected].
How welcoming are we? Do we practice the "circle of ten" rule-that each of us will greet anyone who comes within ten feet of us? Do we acknowledge persons within a reasonable distance from us with a smile, a nod or what is comfortable for us? Welcoming at its best is intentionally acknowledging per-sons where they are and accepting them through caring and kindness. Welcoming is more than the task of a com-mittee or individual, but rather a lifestyle that can be shared by each of one us. Welcoming others is part of who we are as Christians, a gift we offer to others with no strings attached. Welcoming is living out the words of the song "They will know we are Christians by our love".
Needed: For Carpenter’s Place The need is great for: Paper towels, coffee, sugar, creamer, pots and pans, and backpacks. There is a cupboard marked for Carpenter’s Place dona-tions in Fellowship Hall, Alpine Center.
Summer Women’s Group Study Meets June 5, July 3, August 7, Coffee House, Alpine Center, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Pastor Laura is excited to announce that she has chosen the Book of Ruth as our summer study. Here is the schedule: June 5: Chapter 1 July 3: Chapter 2 August 7: Chapters 3 and 4 Please read the passages above from the Book of Ruth in the Bible prior to the class. The reading is light but the conver-sation and study will hopefully lead us into a deeper discussion regarding the virtues of Ruth and what we can learn from her life and faith and how to apply them to our own. Feel free to invite a friend. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Laura at 815-399-5910, [email protected] , or sign up at the
Connection Center.
A Big Thank You to Carol Fleming The church staff wants to thank Carol Fleming for all the wonderful gardening tasks she has done around the Grace and Trinity buildings at Alpine Center. She has put in so much time and love in beautifying this area, and we are grateful for her work.
Carol is one of the MANY landscapers whose green
thumbs and hard work have made the grounds look
beautiful at both Centers. A huge thank you to all who
work so skillfully on our grounds.
United Methodist Women News Page 6
UMW Circle Schedule
The United Methodist Women invite all women of the church to their circle meetings. Visitors are welcome and encouraged! To learn more about each circle, Contact Carla White-Carpenter at 815-885-3425
Out to Lunch Bunch:
Thursday, June 28 at 12:30 p.m.
At the Machine Shed
7475 East State Street Call Rickie Andersen at 815-885-4373 or email [email protected] to make your reservations. Martha Circle Members and friends of Martha Circle will meet for our year end lunch at Cliffbreaker’s on Tuesday, June 12, at 11:30. Please call Wilma Porter at 815-877-3465 with questions or if you need a ride.
Harmony Circle We will have our June luncheon at Mash-Up Restaurant on Tuesday, June 12, at 11:30 a.m. Please RSVP to Marilyn Rothermel at 815-332-2494.
Rebekah Circle Potluck Rebekah Circle is having its annual potluck on Thursday,
June 21, at 6;00 p.m. at Donna and Danny Copeland’s home, 5016 Brookview Rd. They will furnish ham, bever-ages and table settings. Bring your spouse or a friend. Please RSVP the number attending and what you will bring to Marion Kern (815-227-0711 or Mary English (815-397-4883).
Caravan Circle
Wednesday, June 20, 10:15 a.m. We’re going to the Angel Museum in Beloit. The tour begins at 10:15 a.m. and the museum is located at 656 Pleasant Street. The cost per person is $6.00. We will be going to The Rock Restaurant in Beloit after the tour. Possi-bly some carpools can be set up. Meet at the Alpine Center or Our Master’s Center parking lot before 9:30 a.m. if you want to carpool. If you have questions, call Darlene Ortberg at 815-399-6092.
Ta-Da Party! Thursday, June 14, 9:00 a.m.
Fellowship Hall, Alpine Center It’s time for the annual Ta-Da Party of the CUMC quilters to celebrate their efforts to date and offer quilted items for sale. We will also do a “bed-turning” where we will show family quilts or projects and tell about their stories. Invite your neighbors and friends. There will be light refreshments and a good time will be had by all. Everyone is invited to bring a quilt for the bed-turning. We look forward to celebrating quilt-ing with you. Questions? Call Renée Johnson at 815-397-9270.
Tender Loving Crafts Resale Please remember as you change your wardrobe to sum-mer, we are looking for Fall and Winter clothing and accessories for women, sizes Junior, Misses and Women. There will be an upscale Resale at TLC and all proceeds will be given to the church. Further info will be in the Flame each month and we will begin to collect in Sept. If you have questions, please contact: Marion Kern @ [815] 227-0711
UMW Greeting Cards on Sale
June 10 and June 24 at Alpine Center Don’t forget Father’s Day! We could use some help making cards. We meet on the third Tuesday of each month and the proceeds go to our mission fund. This is an enjoyable time to visit with one another. If you need more information, please call Margot Kelley at 815-877-1016.
Tender Loving Crafts Show and Sale
on October 20, 2012 It is not too early to start planning. If you have talent, you can begin making your crafts, needlework, or other handmade items. We need many items for our own mis-sions booth, so get busy now! Would you like to rent a booth? Call Diane Kirkland at 815-885-1757. All proceeds go to missions. To make this another successful show and sale, we need everyone’s help. Don’t put it off!
Page 7 The Church is People; General Church News
The Church is People
Baptism:
Jennifer Nicole Thomas, on May 27
Sympathy to:
Tom, Britta and Hillary Peterson on the death of Tom’s mother, Violet Peterson Joan McQuinn, on the death of her husband, Allen Ray and Wilma Porter, on the death of Wilma’s brother Dennis and Pat Rinaldi, on the death of Dennis’ brother, David Karon Anderson and family on the death of Dennis Anderson
Shelby Martin Fundraising
Update A big THANKS to everyone who has sup-ported fundraisers for Shelby so far! An update on what our past fundraisers have earned:
Pub Quiz at Backyard Grill & Pub - $950! Thanks Becky and team!
Cut-a-Thon at the Hair Cuttery - $300!
Me, Mommy, Dolly & Tea - $2000! Way to go! Thanks to Sherrill and team.
We have a few fundraisers on the horizon. Proceeds go to Shelby’s COTA fund for costs associated with her life-saving liver transplant!
Friday August 24th - BBQ to Go at CUMC. We are still in the planning stages but our resident chef and BBQ expert Becky Keith will be cooking up a mouth-watering barbeque dinner that you can take home or find a spot on the lawn to picnic with your family and friends.
Sunday September 16th – Shelby-Palooza at the Tebala Shrine Center!! Mark your calendars, folks, this is something you WON’T want to miss. Amy Nickel will be performing with her band, the Missing Links, as well as other well known Rockford-area bands including Vintage Vinyl, Mr. Big Stuff, magician Magic Mike, and Band of the Lost. The event will include a silent auction. More details to come!
Are you looking to connect
with other moms? CUMC Mom Connection is a group that meets on the 2nd and 4th Friday mornings every month from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. We have different speakers, craft or cooking ideas and snacks. Childcare is provided. Please contact either Alicia Arthur at [email protected] or Tracey Greenland at 815-885-8337. The summer schedule is: June 8—Meet at Alpine Park June 22—Play date at the home of Pastor Laura July 13—Meet at Silo Ridge Park July 27—Play date at the home of Tracey Greenland August 10—Discovery Center If it rains on the park days, we’ll go to Sapora indoor play area instead.
Pork Chop Dinner Mark your calendar now!
Saturday, August 11
5:00-7:00 p.m. at Our Master’s Center
Watch for more information coming soon!
Family Fun Night
Friday, June 8, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
at Our Master’s
Center Come join us for our first Family Fun Night at Our Master’s Center. Drop in anytime between 7:00 and 8:30 to play fun family games, eat snacks and enjoy fellowship with other families. Questions? Email Sarah Rasmussen at [email protected] or call Melissa Slife at 815-885-4254.
Amy Nickel and sons, Brady and Hayden, enjoy dinner at the Italian Feast on
May 19 at Our Master’s Center Photo by Joe Whinnery
Page 8
campus, near the sign at Mulford Road and Darlene Drive. Many of the flowers—mostly perennials—come cour-tesy of donated dollars in memory, or honor of, loved ones. The garden also includes a sculpture of an angel cherub, placed there in memory of Ray and Lettie Cardino, long-time worshippers at Our Master’s who were murdered in their Rockford home July 8, 2009. Congregation members Melinda Hagerman and Donna Riha bought the statue, which was dedicated July 8, 2010, in a garden-side cere-mony led by Hagerman and Pastor David Poust before the couple’s family and friends. It’s a fitting centerpiece, said Delores Fenn-Anderson, who attends Our Master’s Center. “Originally, I bought the flowers. Judi Thorn and I went out and bought the shrubbery, the perennials, and the an-nuals, and then we planned and planted,” Fenn-Anderson said. “I do it to remember people who are gone.”
Jo Mohrmann, who helps to water and weed there with her husband, Ben, believes that the space also pro-vides Our Master’s with a “presence” in the highly trav-eled corridor. “You notice our garden there,” Mohrmann said, “and when you do go by and notice the garden, you know that the church is alive. It’s always nice to have live flowers.” Our Master’s garden volunteers also are doubly fortu-nate to have the generous spirit of Fenn-Anderson in their midst. She works part-time at Didier Greenhouse, selling flowers and vegetables and running the cash register. The job also enables her fellow Our Master’s members to enjoy her employee discount when they purchase plants to decorate the church property. Long hours and sore feet are a good trade for watch-ing those flowers bloom outside her church, she said. “It makes me feel like I’m home,” she said, “with my second family.”
(Flower Gardens, continued from page 1)
Join us for Summer Wednesday Night Live! At the Alpine Center
on Wednesdays, July 11—August 15
Dinner (a varied simple menu from week to week)
will be served from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Cost for the dinner is $3.00 per person/$10 per family
Classes from 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Adult Class: Come join in a time of study on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Coffee House. We will be reading the book “Forgotten God” by Francis Chan. The book looks at the Holy Spirit and reminds us that the Holy Spirit is the true source of the church’s power. Chan contends that we have ignored the Spirit for far too long. When we do that, we only operate in our own strength and we will just accomplish human-sized results. There is also a video that goes along with the study that aids in our discussion. The cost is $12. The class will be led by Pastor Laura. Sign up at the Connection Center.. Children 3 years old-6th grade: Awana. Awana sign up form is available on our website, christumc.cc—click on Grow, then Children. The form is also at the Connection Center.
Helping Hands Needed for Summer Wednesday Night Live!
This is a great night of fellowship, fun, and growing in God’s Word. We will start the night out with a light supper and then have classes available for children and adults. We need a few helping hands to make, serve and clean up our sum-mer suppers. The suppers are very simple and we utilize disposable products for the summer to make clean-up quick. If you are interested in helping out at any of these Wednesday nights (you do not need to do it every week), please let Pastor Laura know at 815-399-5910 or [email protected].
Page 9
names and talk to them every time I’m there. We don’t necessarily talk about God or faith, but I think that actions speak louder than words. People watch how you treat others in your nor-mal life. That is how I show my love of God—through loving others. I was baptized at Christ UMC last month, on May 27. I came to the decision to get baptized when I was reading a book on Martin Luther. It said that when he was going through a particularly hard time, he would touch his head and say to himself, “It’s alright, Luther, you are baptized. I was already walking down the path that God had laid out for me, but I wanted to solidify my commitment to Him. God has blessed me with an amazing family, inner strength, and the ability to make people smile. I know in my heart that if I just follow Him wherever He leads, I will be OK. I want to use the gifts God gave to me to make the world a better place, one person at a time. God has given me all of the strength inside of me. I couldn’t even wake up in the morning without His help. I know the struggles that I go through will lead me to a better place. I don’t know what the final picture will be, but I don’t think I’m supposed to know.
The family lived in Oland, an island in the Baltic Sea off the southeastern coast. The island is a tourist attraction. Its population swells from about 26,000 to hundreds of thou-sands in the summer. “It’s an incredibly beautiful area,” Nancy said. In Sweden, most people are Lutheran, and so were Nancy’s folks. Before going to Sweden, they lived near Our Master’s Center, so they attended there and have been members for 16 years. Today they live in Byron, where they bought a house when they returned to the U.S. The house sits on five acres, affording them room for a huge garden. Nancy works as a certified, licensed massage therapist from the lower level of her home. After she went to
massage school in the States, she continued her massage education at Stockholm. She’s been a therapist for nearly a decade. Nancy worked at Forest Hills Country Club for almost 15 years, first and a waitress and later as dining room manager. She also worked as a flight attendant for two years, which allowed her to catch free flights to Sweden. Her hobbies are typical Swedish activities. She walks three or four miles a day and also enjoys hiking, biking, and kayaking. And she also likes to spend time in the kitchen. When asked if the couple eats at Stockholm Inn in Rockford—known for its Swedish menu—Nancy said that Barry’s response is, “Why should I have to go out somewhere when I have a good Swedish cook at home?”
(Nancy Smith, continued from back page)
My grandma, Lucy Thomas, has been a member of Christ UMC since the 1970s, I believe. When I was a child, my parents were more of the Christmas/Easter churchgo-ers, but I did memorize the 66 books of the Bible and re-ceived my 3rd grade Bible from the church as a result. I struggled with addiction through my teens and 20s, and I actually didn’t believe in God until I was 21. After my first true spiritual experience, I still had a journey ahead of me. It took six more years to get to where I am now. When I came back to Illinois, I got connected with Pas-tor Jane through my grandma. My volunteer work at the church originally was conceived as me helping out the church historians, but it evolved into a tree with many branches. I do whatever they need me to do. Usually that is set-ting up the slides for Easy Worship (the words on the screen during Sunday services) or cleaning Sunday school rooms with Erika. There is always something for me to do, and I love that because it allows me to grow in my faith. I have always had this desire inside of me to help peo-ple. It manifests itself in a lot of different ways. Some-times, it’s just listening to someone who really needs to vent, or my favorite—smiling and talking to the random people I encounter throughout my day. I strike up a con-versation with every person that I can. For example, I go to the Logli's salad bar on East State all the time. I’ve made it a point to learn the employees’
Jenny Thomas
Give of Your Best to the Master Howard Benjamin Grose (1851-1939)
Give of your best to the Master, Give of the strength of your youth; Throw you soul’s fresh, glowing ardor into the battle for truth. Jesus has set the example- Dauntless was He, young and brave; Give Him your loyal devotion. Give Him the best that you have. Give of your best to the Master, Give of the strength of your youth; Clad in salvation’s full armor, Join in the battle for truth. Give of your best to the Master, Give Him first place in your heart; Give Him first place in your service; Consecrate every part. Give, and to
Malachi had a problem. The people were bringing substandard sacrifices to the temple, and the Lord didn’t like it (Malachi 1:6-14). “Animals that are stolen and crippled and sick are being presented as offerings! Should I accept from you such offerings as these?” the Lord asked. It wasn’t that they were too poor to afford healthy animals, they just didn’t think sacrifices to the Lord were all that impor-tant. “You say, ‘it’s too hard to serve the Lord,’ and you turn up your noses at my commands.” the Lord charged. He went on to say that he deserved better treat-ment from them. The New Testament echoes this princi-ple and expands it. Our whole lives are offerings to God. Paul told the slaves at Colossi, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (Colossians 3:3). Whoever your earthly master may be, you are ultimately serving the Lord.
Taken with permission from The One Year Great Songs of Faith, Tyndale House
Publishers, 1995
Page 10 Getting to Know Hymn; Summer Music
you shall be given— God His beloved Son gave; Gratefully seeking to serve Him, Give Him the best that you have. Give of your best to the Master, Naught else is worthy His love; He gave Himself for your ransom, Gave up His glory above; Laid down His life without mur-mur, You from sin’s ruin to save; Give Him your heart’s adoration, Give Him the best that you have.
Summer Music Celebration
at Alpine and Our Master’s Centers Dust off your musical instruments! Warm up your vocal chords!
We are still looking for people interested in singing and/or playing music for the 8:00 and 9:30 services in July and August at the Alpine Center and in June, July and August at the 9:30 service at Our Master’s Center. You may play or sing a piece (or two) of music of your choice, or meet with Becky or Jody to get help in choosing a piece. We are also available to accompany you and to rehearse with you. The Summer Music Celebration begins June 3 and runs through September 2.
How can I participate?
For the Alpine Center, send an email to Jody Warren at [email protected] or call Jody at church at 815-399-5910.
For Our Master’s Center, send an email to Becky Keith at [email protected] or call her at 815-637-4427 Please let Jody or Becky know what dates you are available, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!!!
Children’s Ministry News
June, 2012
Alpine Center,
Summer Schedule 8:00am Worship Hour Nursery care is available for all infants and chil-dren
9:30am Worship Hour Infants-Pre-School: Nursery
Kindergarten-5th Grade: Begin in sanctuary, dismissed downstairs to Sunday School Room 1 following the Children’s Sermon
11:00am Worship Hour Infants-Pre-School: Nursery
Kindergarten-5th Grade: Begin in sanctuary, dismissed downstairs to Sunday School Room 1 following the Children’s Sermon
Our Master’s Center,
Summer Schedule 9:30am Worship Hour Infants- Kindergarten: Nursery 1st-6th Grade: Pick up an activity bag and join
your family for in worship in the sanctuary
Page 11 Children’s Ministry News
Summer Sunday School During the summer, we change things up a little in Children’s Ministry in regards to Sunday School. At the Our Masters Center, Nursery care re-mains available for infants-Kindergarteners at the 9:30 worship service. Older children are encouraged to worship in the sanctuary with their families. There are activity bags on a coatrack outside the sanctuary that children are welcome to take into worship. At the Alpine Center, classes are combined and modified for a more flexible summer schedule that al-lows more opportunity for families to worship to-gether.
This summer we will be doing a combination of our Orange curriculum Sunday school lessons and Christian themed movies and popcorn. See the column to the right for details.
Children are asked to remain in the class they
have been attending during the previous school year,
and we will graduate together to our new classes in
September. If you are interested in helping out with summer Sun-day school there are still a few Sunday’s available for you to sign up! Please contact Erika Coffer at the church office: 815-399-5910
June 25-29: Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School is our annual summer event where children ages 4 (by 9-1-12) through graduating 6th graders spend a week of mornings together enjoy music, games, snacks, crafts, and Bible lessons. Our theme this year is “SonRise National Park”, where we will learn the most important survival skill of all: we can always depend on Jesus and His promises of true peace, true riches, true power, true love and true hope! Graduating 6th graders will participate in a special trav-eling program with field trips each day. See the registration form on Page 15 of this issue of The Flame for more information. Pre-registration is required. Bring a friend and join us!
July 11th: Wednesday Night Live and Summer Awana
Begins This summer, our Wednesday Night Live will be at the Alpine Center. There will be a simple dinner and op-portunities for adults and children each Wednesday night through August 15th. More information and registration forms are available at the Connection Center or online at the church website www.christumc.cc, click on Grow, then Children for the form.
June 14 Gayle Scheuer Hilda Behn Shane Hough Jack Erickson Nick Rippentrop Katelyn Sarauer June 15 Shelly Watson Carter McGowan Peter Herrmann Michaela Tyson Lindsey Oyler Norm Shirk Annabel Seeling Laura Johannes Sharon Hawes June 16 Nicole Riemer Ronnie Bass James Noonan Tony Moczynski Alexandra Bergsten June 17 Rylee Hunter Kailee Thurston Jimmie Alston Mark Kneller June 18 Carol Earnest Jennifer Baker Kasey Esgar Kylee Moore Dorothy Woodard Lucy Thomas John Shourek Sammy Slife
June 9 Beth Hajek Jeff Wallem Wes Mouri Jeff Baldwin Ken McMillin Dee Carlyle Shelley Crane Nicole Menting Brenda McDonough Becky Woodstock June 10 Teena Scheub Gail Rothermel Lori Reisetter Bailey Elliott Andrew Tate June 11 David Raffety Chloe Alexander Richard Gassmann Anthony Leon Cooper Leaich June 12 Sharon Snyder Bruce Dearborn Barbara Koppen June 13 Alex Kobler Mary Kay Johnson Frank Dyke Jody Warren Paula Hacker Ashley Menting
June 19 Will Gay Susie Wallin Cheri Carlson Jerry Tomlinson Norm Hagman June 20 Andrew Gummow Reece Malone June 21 Brooke Olson June 22 Chelsea Janke Jennifer Deppe Addison Stender Jerry Spong Alex Childs Mabel Paraggua Shirley Waddell Colton Wieck Payton Hawes Bruce Kobischka Darrell Johnson June 23 Allison Ackerman Paige Deppe Ruth Huckstep Jack Masters June 24 Olivia Stiles Jeff Holmgaard Keith Magnus Molly Cook Ben Conway
Page 12 Birthdays and Anniversaries
June 10 Korey and Erika Coffer Curt and Lori Leppert June 12 George and Mary English Bob and Peg Giannangeli Dean and Dorothy Hull David and Sharon Mouri
June 14 Bill and Loretta Fry Randy and Jane Mathews Doug and Susan Pomatto June 15 Rich and Judy Schultz Irv and Joanne Stewart
June 25 Anita Layng Chris Jacobsen Harold Sweeney Caden Prentice Jeff Kearney Judy Lindner Krystle Moore June 26 Dan Pete Traci Parker Patrick Anderson June 27 Lauren Abbott Katie Slife Kayla Wainwright Morry Harms Mary English Ann Gibbons June 28 Sharyn Booth Milo Melenas Ally Johnson Tom Moss Riley Miller June 29 Emma Cullen Erin Morgan Leonard Pink Gary Fall June 30 Jeannette Bloyer Nolan Taylor Connie Bradel Trent Miller Morgan Bockhop Toni Neitzel
July 1 Rylie Hansen Darlene Beck Daniel Scheub July 2 Betsy Cook Brian Gale Sharon Watts Kathleen Johnson John Noonan Kevin Salser July 3 Orville Schurr Madison Griffith Paige Griffith Len Hamachek Ruth Aholstrand Rebecca Warren July 4 Tom Laughlin Donald Johnson Brad Auker Fran Kneller Ryan Schmitt July 5 Terry Poffinbarger Grant Anderson Tyler Kerr Jo Hellmich Lynne Collins July 6 Beth Palm Jim Mathers Campbell Schrank Allison Dzik Helen Laine Samantha Paraggua
June 16 Ty and Jolene Unangst June 17 Adam and Venessa Powell Wes and Pam Sattelberg Richard and Jeanine Wang June 18 Keith and Priscilla Carr June 19 Gale and Becky Rippentrop Thee and Jackie Vongsiri June 20 Greg and Kelly Finch June 21 Sue and Craig Anderson Jean and Joe Hennis Scott and Laura Johannes Bill and Pam Miner Scott and Sue Sarauer Jim and Shirley Waddell
June 22 Jim and Claudia Lateer Rich and Donna Riha June 23 Jason and Christine Woodard June 25 Rick and Jennifer Deppe Harold and Sharon Hawes Pat and Margie Thompson Dave and Virg Wilson June 26 Roger and Donna Anderson Megan and Cory Poynor June 27 Bob and Donna Carter Claire and Margot Kelley Orv and Jeanne Steinmetz Ryan and Shelly Stricker
June 28 Rod and Gail Brady Jeff and Linda Nevel Scott and Linda Springer June 29 Paul Carpenter and Carla White-Carpenter Andrew and Jennifer Tate
June 30 Brad and Ann Auker July 1 Brian and Beverly Smith July 2 Ryan and Megan Dehner Nick and Gayle Scheuer July 3 Lyle and Anne Pierce July 5 Brian and Barbara Wicklund
Thank You Notes; Summer Garden Walks Page 13
From Nancy Otwell To the Prayer Shawl Makers: Your shawl was a Godsend after my recent surgery. It comforted me both with warmth and a sense of calm. I am still using it as I heal at home.
From Carpenter’s Place Thank you so very much for your compassion for homeless men and women working to rebuild their lives. Your thoughtful donation fills us with hope and gratitude. At Carpenter’s Place, our focus is on helping each individual make positive life changes. We’re grateful to share that the results are wonderful. Lives are changing! One year results for homeless adults July 1, 2010—June 30, 2011 - 281 homeless individuals secured stable housing 97 homeless adults obtained employment, 83 full time! May God bless you abundantly for your kindness and com-passion for those who are homeless.
Thanks from Patrick Anderson and Beth Palm Patrick would like to thank you for the wonderful evening on May 5th to support him and celebrate his upcoming mis-sion trip to Kenya. He deeply appreciates this congrega-tion’s sense of community that embraces him as he follows his heart to love the people in Kenya and serve in the Nyumbani Village for four months. He is busy finishing up school and graduating from North Central College on June 9th. Then it is home for a little while and off to Kenya from July 10 to November 2. The most precious gift to Patrick is your prayers. Thank you from his heart and from mine! Patrick’s prayer requests are as follows:
Building Godly relationships with the people of Kenya Safety throughout his travels and his stay within Kenya Pray for the people of Nyumbani Village God’s glory to be seen through his work
From Deb Laskey and Lisa Jewell, Outreach Comm. Thank you to everyone who donated to the MELD Baby Shower. Your support will help MELD continue to provide assistance and programs for young parents and their chil-dren in our community.
Soup Kitchen Update On May 12 our Youth and their families served at Em-manuel Lutheran Soup Kitchen. On May 13 Melissa Seeling with family and friends served, also, served at the soup kitchen. A special thank you to Beef-a-Roo for donating the food. If you would like to serve either June 10 or July 8, please contact Virg Wilson at 815-978-1794 or [email protected]
Summer Garden Walks Summer garden walks will begin on June 11th. The walks will be held on Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. -one garden each evening. Come and enjoy the beauty of the summer, a light beverage, and meet the garden-ers!
New this year:
Walks will be on Monday evenings
Garden experts will be giving garden tips
Donations will be taken to buy plants for the church's Prayer and Meditation garden.
If you would still like to volunteer to host a walk, we have dates still available. Please call Marco or Sandy Revoredo at 815-229-1841.
Mark your calendar now!
We encourage you to carpool. Call the host or
for directions if needed.
June 11. 3121 Ramsgate Rd. Rkfd. Jim and Linda Baker 815-877-3390 June 25 1877 Honeysuckle Dr. Rkfd. Jack and Connie Croffoot Call the church office 815-399-5910 July 9 3829 Connecticut Dr. Rkfd. Irv and Joanne Stewart 815-399-5522
July 23 Wesley Willows Gardens. 4141 N. Rockton Ave. Ed and Maryann Rounds. 815-877-2968
July 30 1810 Stratford Lane. Rkfd. Tom and Judy Cox 815-399-5629
August 6 2517 Barrington Place. Rkfd. Jeff and Christine Swanberg 815-398-0855
Watch the weekly e-news and the Sunday bulletin
each week for any changes and for the current walk.
“I’ve donated to the pantry before but didn’t think I’d need to get food here” is a comment sometimes heard in food pantry lobbies. Whether you’re single or have a family, if your food and money run out before the month does, you can get assistance at a local food pantry. There are more than a dozen food pantries belonging to the Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition in the Rockford metropolitan area.
When you go: Each time you go to a pantry to get food, you need to take a photo i.d. for yourself (such as a drivers license or state i.d. card) and i.d. for each per-son in the household (birth certificate or medical card or other photo i.d.) that you are getting food for. Most pan-tries ask you to wait 30 days before you come again, but you can go to other pantries if you need to.
Users can receive three to four days of food and
have a choice of other food and hygiene items to supple-ment their bags. A nutritionist conducts an audit twice a year to ensure bags of food are nutritionally balanced.
Following is a listing of pantries belonging to the
Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition. Hours of operation are subject to change.
GREATER ROCKFORD PANTRY COALITION
LOCATIONS AND HOURS OF OPERATION
Christ the Carpenter, 1100 South Winnebago Street: Mondays (Tuesdays when Monday is a holiday), 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Healing
Encouraging
Loving
Providing
In the
Name of
God
. . . .H A N D S
“...from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord.”
Psalm 121:1b-2a
Helping Hands is a series of articles about resources in the community to help you when
you’re in a low point of life. If you want to suggest
a community resource for this series, please contact Mary English
at 815-397-4883.
Christ Union, 1705 Kilburn Avenue: Thursdays, 10:00 am to noon
Collier Gardens, 2901 Searles Avenue: Fridays, noon to 3:00 pm
Cornucopia (815) 962-1380, 402 Market Street: 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Tuesdays, Thursdays and third Saturday each month
Emmanuel Lutheran, 920 3rd Avenue: Mondays and Fri-days, 9:30 am to 11:30am
Gentle Shepherd (815) 399-7283, 2905 Bildahl: Second Wednesday each month, 8:00 am to 10:00 am
God’s Glory, 1250 South Perryville Road, third Saturday of month, noon to 2:00 pm Life Center (815) 964-4966, 921 West State Street, Satur-day, 9:00 am to noon
Living Word, 4226 Virginia Avenue: Wednesdays, 10:00 am to noon
Rock River Valley Pantry (815) 965-2466, 421 South Rockton: Mondays through Fridays, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Rock River Valley Pantry—Crusader Clinic (815) 965-
2466, 1100 Broadway: 10:00 am to noon, Mondays through Fridays
Salvation Army (815) 972-1135, 416 South Madison Street: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm by appointment, Mondays through Fridays St. Elizabeth, 1505 South Main Street: 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm, Mondays through Thursdays and 9:30 am to 10:30 am Fridays
Zion Lutheran, 618 South 5th Street: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 am to 11:00 am Ken Walker, President, Rock River Valley Pantry
Get Help at Local Food Pantries
Helping Hands Page 14
“Son Rise National Park”
Vacation Bible School-June 25-29, 2012 Get ready for exciting wilderness thrills as you head out to beautiful Son Rise
National Park! You will be awestruck by snow-capped mountains, thundering wa-
terfalls, wildflower meadows bursting with color and amazing animals like soaring
eagles, friendly huskies and herds of caribou.
As we explore Son Rise National Park, we will learn the most important sur-
vival skill of all: we can always depend on Jesus and His promises of true peace,
true riches, true power, true love and true hope!
At Son Rise National Park, kids will learn to trust Jesus as their all-powerful guide and Savior! We’ll enjoy
music, games, crafts, snacks, and much more! Son Rise National park VBS runs Monday-Friday from 9-11:45am
with a special closing program and picnic lunch for families on Friday. Children age four by 9/1/12 through those
completing 6th grade (with a special traveling program for the 6th graders including swimming, bowling, mini-
golf, and more!) are welcome to participate. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited! Invite a friend, and
sign up today!
If you have questions or would be interested in helping staff this fantastic event, contact Erika in the church office
(815-399-5910).
Son Rise National Park Christ United Methodist Church
June 25-29, 2012 9-11:45am
Child’s Name: ______________________________________________ Parent’s Name: ______________________________ Street Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________ City: _________________________________________ Zip: ________________________________ Phone: ____________________________ Age of Child During VBS: ________ Last grade completed: ________ Emergency Contact: ___________________________________At this number: ______________________________ Allergies or medical concerns: _____________________________________________________________________________ Friend of: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ I give permission for my child to participate in Son Rise National Park VBS with Christ United Methodist Church on the dates indicated. I also give permission for Christ United Methodist Church to make still pictures, videotapes, and sound recordings, separately or in combination of my child. I also give Christ United Methodist Church permission to use the finished videotapes, still pictures, and/or sound recordings over private or public broadcast for distribution purposes. Parent’s Signature: _______________________________________________________________________
Cost is $20 per child or $35 per family. Checks can be made out to Christ United Methodist Church.
Page 15
Christ United Methodist Church 4509 Highcrest Road
Rockford, Il 61107
Address Service Requested
Next Flame Deadline: June 28, 2012
Non-Profit Org.
U.S Postage
PAID
Permit #3336
ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS
Articles may be e-mailed to [email protected] or mailed/brought to the church office by the deadline date.
Getting to Know You: Nancy Smith by Don Black
Check out our website:
www.christumc.cc
Going to live in another culture and speak a new language would be traumatic enough in itself, but Nancy Smith of Our Master’s Center has done it twice. As a 9-year-old, she moved from Rockford to live in Sweden. As a 17-year-old, she left Sweden for the U.S., right before her senior year in high school. Her husband, Barry, and daughters got a taste of how such a transition feels when the family lived a year in Sweden during 2004-2005. Barry, a middle school teacher in Sycamore, took a leave of absence. In Sweden, he worked part time for a moving com-pany and attended school to study Swedish. Their daughters, Mcrea and Moira, were in the third and fifth grades then. Today Mcrea, 19, works for a chi-ropractor. Moira, 17, attends Rock Valley College through a program at Byron High School. Nancy has dual citizenships, and she speaks fluent Swedish and English. Our Master’s Center churchgoers
last month heard her read a passage in Swedish during the Pentecost service, commemorating when the apostles spoke “in tongues,” or foreign lan-guages. “I keep up with both languages,” she said. “When I go over there, it takes only a day to speak Swedish fluently. It’s easy for me. I can’t describe it.” She talks to good friends here in Swedish and reads Swedish newspa-pers over the Internet. She’s a member of the Swedish historical society here. Nancy’s father, a woodworker, was a Nilsson in Sweden, but he American-ized it as Nelson in the U.S. Her father met her mother, who is part Swedish,
in Rockford. Nancy was born here and grew up along the Rock River. Her father moved the family to Sweden when Nancy was 9. The youngest and only girl, she has four brothers. Two are deceased, and brothers Johnny Nelson and Dave Mar-low live in Rockford.
(continued on page 9)
