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September 5, 2011 Christ United Methodist Church
The Flame
Big changes for the little ones at Alpine Center nursery by Amy Nickel
As you learned in the August issue of The Flame, the children and youth ministries at Christ UMC are going through some significant changes as educational pro-gramming starts again this month. But change isn‖t limited just to the older kids—the nurs-ery at Alpine Center has a new look and new procedures for the fall as well. Christian parents know the importance of bringing their children along to worship. Je-sus‖ words in Mark 10:14 invite them: “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” But for the smallest partici-pants, sitting through a full adult worship service can some-times be a challenge—and it can be challenging for their parents, too. To assist them, Christ UMC offers nursery care for children from ages infant to three years during all worship services. Childcare also is available for church events if requested two weeks ahead.
So what‖s changed in the nursery? First, the nursery looks different, with changes made to help increase space efficiency.
Jim McGowan, Allen and Gretchen Beaman, and Korey and Erika Coffer moved cabinets to a differ-ent part of the nursery and
then knocked out half a wall to join the two rooms to-gether. To create more play space, they made the bath-
room smaller by removing a wall and a few extra door frames.
“This has been a long process, and I want to thank everybody for their cooperation and pa-tience,” said Erika. A few more changes are still to come, including painting and re-carpeting. “Donations toward the new carpeting for the nursery are welcomed and greatly appreci-ated,” she said. The second main change is that from now on, parents will need to fill out a different sign in/out sheet every time they bring their child to the nursery. They will also fill out an information form the first time their child comes to the nursery. Pagers are provided to parents in case of emergency. For the safety of all the chil-dren, snacks will no longer be provided. Parents should bring anything they think their child might need, and they should label bottles and sippy cups clearly with their child‖s name.
What hasn‖t changed? Parents will still find diapers and wipes provided. And most importantly, they‖ll still find loving volunteers to care for their children. The nurs-ery is staffed by “regulars” and by volunteers who change each week, depending on the service time. If you‖d like to volunteer your time in the nursery, whether for one Sunday or on a regular schedule, please contact Erika Coffer at 815-399-5910.
The annual CROP Hunger Walk is coming
in October! See page 8 for more details.
Want to be a nursery
volunteer? Call Erika
Coffer at 815-399-5910.
Page 2
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home” (hymn: “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” text by Isaac Watts, based on Psalm 90) We sang this verse from “O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” on August 28, and I was struck by the timeliness of these words. I have now been your senior pastor for two months; the congregation is new to me, but I know that our story is held within the story of God‖s work among us. Christ UMC has been faithful since 1956, and we can trust in God‖s leading us into the future. God is truly our shelter and our future hope. Many of you have heard that our congregation is facing difficult financial times. Over the past several years, our congregation has been part of an exciting time of expansion. Be-cause our church facility was landlocked, we began purchasing homes on Comanche Drive for possible future expansion. Then the Rosecrance property became available, giving us ownership of the entire parking lot (not just the northern portion) and three new buildings: Grace Administra-tion Center, Trinity Growth Center, and the Preschool Four years ago, we voted for a merger of Christ United Methodist Church and Our Master‖s United Method-ist Church, to become Christ United Meth-odist Church: one congregation, with two ministry centers. With my appointment to the church, we initiated the proc-ess of buying back the parsonage at 1894 Plum Orchard Ln. We are, as you can imagine, property rich and cash poor. During this time of property expansion, there developed a pattern of deficit spending. After several years of deficit spending, we find ourselves in a precarious cash flow situation. I know that many of you are upset and frus-trated about this, so I want to share with you what we are doing about it.
Short-term actions *Changes in staffing: Before Pastor Dick completed his ministry with us, he initiated changes that reduced our on-going staffing costs. As you know, the pastoral staff has been reduced from four clergy to three. Also, when Lisa Miller resigned as church administrator, the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) decided not to hire a full-time replacement, but rather to go with a part-time accountant.
Megan Abbott was hired to work sixteen hours each week. Finally, Donald Fraser‖s ministry with us is shift-ing from full-time employee status to part-time inde-pendent contractor status, as of Oct. 1. We will no longer pay taxes or benefits for him, and the number of hours he‖s working will be reduced to a little over 60 hours/month, and less in the summertime. He will still direct the choir and will be with us three out of four Sundays each month, so we will continue to benefit greatly from his ministry. These three changes will yield significant savings in personnel costs. *Apportionments: At the May Leadership Team meet-ing, we voted to delay our monthly payment of appor-tionments until we were sure we had the cash flow to
meet payroll and other monthly com-mitments. This vote was made with the commitment to have paid appor-tionments in full by the end of 2011 (when giving tends to increase, after a typical summer low point). So, every month at Leadership Team, we decide if we‖re able to send in our apportion-ment payment. Currently, we are paid up through June. I want you to know that the Leadership Team is committed to full payment of appor-tionments and made the decision to delay payment only after serious
thought and prayer. We will do all we can to get back on track speedily. In addition, in September several of the staff are attend-ing a training session on the preparation of Church Con-ference and Annual Statistical materials. We will insure that we are providing appropriate data on our spending and also our missional giving, so that our apportionment is accurately calculated. *Financial disclosure: The Finance Committee will meet on September 13, to prepare next steps and to organize two or three public meetings at which we will share fi-nancial information with interested congregation mem-bers. I had hoped that we would be able to offer these events earlier, but the turnover in church administrator staff and a transition in software packages had made it surprisingly difficult to gather accurate longitudinal in-formation. I hope that these meetings may take place in October; we‖ll let you know dates as soon as we are able.
A Word from the Senior Pastor
Continued on next page
“We are called to move through
this time in faithful trust, seeking God’s guidance and trusting that God isn’t finished with us yet. I
trust that God is right now dreaming a new reality for us, that we may invite people to
gather—grow—and go in Jesus’ name.”
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.
Celebration Service: 11:00 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, Senior Pastor Rev. Laura Barkley, Associate Pastor Rev. Sun Hyung Jo, Associate Pastor
Welcome to Christ United Methodist Church!
Page 3 Journey With Jane
*Rebuilding restricted funds: During the time of deficit spending, restricted funds were “borrowed against” to cover the deficit. Although all the restricted funds are accounted for on paper, much of the actual cash in those funds was spent down. We are committed to restoring those funds. At the August Leadership Team meeting, Steve Anderson brought a proposal that all funds received in response to the summer letter (those specifically designated) be set aside to begin rebuilding those funds in a new, separate savings account. So far, $3,275 has been received for this account. If you wish to help in the rebuilding, mark your check “Special of-fering fund.” Although these funds do not solve our cash-flow problem, they are an important step in re-building the restricted funds.
Long-term plan At the August Leadership Team meeting, we author-ized the creation of a Facilities Study Task Force, to study all the properties we own (Sanctuary/Christian Education building, Rosecrance properties, houses on Comanche, Our Master‖s Center, and parsonage on Plum Orchard Ln.). Our purpose is to review all the properties to determine the costs of current operations, needs for future upkeep, patterns of usage, and possi-
Journey with Jane continued from page 2 ble future usage. This task force will do the nuts-and-bolts work of gathering data, but we also will spend time in visioning and strategic planning. How is God calling us to be the church in the coming years? How will our properties support that vision? I am thrilled to report that Mr. Kip Kirkland has agreed to chair this task force, and we will have begun recruiting team members by the time you receive this. After several years of property expansion, it is useful to set aside time for prayer and discernment of how God is calling us to serve in this time. What new—or resurrected—ministries are in our future? Brothers and sisters in Christ, I know that these are tur-bulent times. Many of you are distressed to receive news of our tight finances. I am distressed as well. I am absolutely convinced, though, that our God of ages past
absolutely is our hope for years to come. We are called to move through this time in faithful trust, seeking God‖s guidance and trusting that God isn‖t finished with us yet. I trust that God is right now dreaming a new reality for us, that we may invite people to gather—grow—and go in Jesus‖ name.
Jane
Page 4
Want to connect with other moms? We have a group for you…
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 Melissa Slife at 815-885-4254 or Alicia Arthur at 815-332-7868 or [email protected] with any questions.
On September 9, we will be having a discussion about c-sections and post partum depression.
On September 23, Pastor Jane will come and share her story with the group.
Fellowship News
WOWS Group
Widows or Widowers and Singles In September:
On Thursday, September 22, the WOWS group is going to Franchesco‖s Restaurant at 12:30 p. m It is just east of the intersection at Spring Creek and Perryville, at 7128 Perry
Creek Parkway. Please call Ruth Kearney for reservations
at 815-877-0355 before September 6. Even if you haven‖t come before, please join us.
In October:
On Wednesday, October 19, the WOWS group will meet for lunch at the Hoffman House, 7550 E. State Street at 12:30 p.m. Please call Emily Dilonardo at 815-874-2149 be-fore October 12 to make your reservation. Hope you will join us!
In November:
On Thursday, November 10, the WOWS group will be at-tending the Falling Leaves Salad Luncheon at Our Master‖s Center. Tickets are $7.00 and can be purchased at the door. Please call Sandi at 815-963-7634 with your reservation or questions.
CUMC Senior Fellowship Group Friday, September 16, 12:00 Noon
In the Dining Room, Alpine Center Come and join this group for those who are 65 or better for a wonderful homemade lunch and fellowship with your friends. After lunch, our own Sally Plath will pre-sent a program about her experiences at Sr. High Work-camp this year. She has many great stories to tell us about the workcamp trip to Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. It won‖t be complete without YOU, so please plan on join-ing us. Please call the church office at 815-399-5910 by
Monday, September 12, to make your reservation so we can plan for enough food
And mark your calendars for this fall:
On October 21, Amberwood Care Center will present a program on health, including such topics as preventing falls and lowering your blood pressure. On November 18, Alan Jones from Lifescape will present a video and program about the many services offered by Lifescape.
On December 16, Risë‖ Barker will join us and play the piano for our Christmas party.
Sept. Friday movie: Crash
"R" rating also for "redemptive" September 23, 6:30 pm
Coffee House, Alpine Center
September's movie night showing will be Crash (2004; 112 min.). This movie is rated R for language, sex, and violence. If you can put up with these, you'll be re-warded with a complex movie about complex people and attitudes towards race. A review at www.movieguide.org (The Family Guide to Movies and Entertainment) says ". . . it is an ultimately redemptive work that contains many moral high points and some positive Christian allusions." Some of the ac-tors are Don Cheadle, Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, and Jennifer Esposito. Join us on Fri., Sept. 23, in the Sacred Grounds Coffee House at Alpine Center (south door). We gather at 6:15 p.m. to fill our popcorn bowls--drinks and munchies will be provided. The movie starts at 6:30 and a discussion follows. We finish by 9:30. As always, the evening is free. If you would like free child care in the church nursery for this event, call the church office (815 399-5910) at least a week before the movie to make your reservation. Questions? Call Mary English (815 397-4883.
Couples Bridge Couples Bridge will meet on Friday, September 16, at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Ed and Mary Anne Rounds, 4223 Westfield Drive, Rockford. Please call the Rounds‖ at 815-877-2968 by September 14 to make a reservation. New couples are always welcome. This is not a marathon and scores are not kept from month to month. We play for the fun and fellowship (and some great desserts and snacks!). If you have any questions about this group, please contact Ed and Mary Anne for more information.
Page 5 General Church News
Coins in September Coins given during September Sunday mornings offerings will support The United Methodist Children's Fund for Christian Mis-sion. Four agencies which are supported in 2011 are: Arkansas “SELAH” Mission Project :Selah is an afterschool ministry for sixty children in the community of Hamburg, Arkansas. Delmas Children's Home, Delmas, Port-au-Prince, Haiti The Delmas Children's Home provides a safe place for children -- with caring adults, nutritious food, an education, and opportuni-ties to grow as disciples of Jesus. It is located in Delmas, an area of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Dr. B.T. Cooper United Methodist Academy, Kayole, Kenya
Dr. B.T. Cooper United Meth-odist Academy, located in the Kayole-Soweto Slums, east of Nairobi in Kayole, Kenya, is a school that provides quality education in a home-based en-vironment. It is sponsored by St. John‖s United Methodist Church, Kayole. The school has 240 students; 200 are orphans
and vulnerable children from the community. Thirty are United Methodist refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Staff/Parish Committee, Sue Murray, Chairperson, invites you to meet and social-ize with our new pastors. People from both campuses are encouraged to attend the meetings at either location. These will be casual, informal events and you are welcome to come and go as needed. Getting to Know You gatherings will be held: † 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 7
at Our Master's Center
† 9:30 a.m., Thursday, September 8 at Our Master's Center
† 6:30 p.m., Thursday, September 22 at Alpine Center, Dining Room
Questions? Please feel free to contact
either Ed Smerke at815-332-2394 or [email protected]
or contact Barb Peterson at 815-381-0038 or
Scrapbooking Group After not scrapbooking in August, Tricia and I are ready to get back to our pictures. Scrapbook-ing is scheduled for Saturday, 9/17 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 sched-ule. Childcare will be provided from 9 a.m. to noon only, but you must request it. If chil-dren will be scrapbooking, it's requested they be at least middle school age.
Tricia and I thought it would be fun to do a pot-
luck lunch. Tricia will bring barbeque and I'll bring the dessert. Let me know what you'd like to bring for lunch so we don't end up with 5 bags of chips and no paper plates! As always, please bring your own beverage. RSVP to me by Wednesday, September 14th if you need childcare. Hope to see you soon. Mary Hicks—815-742-1136
Staff Parish News Donald Fraser will be transitioning from a full time CUMC em-ployee to a part time Independent Contractor effective October 1. Under the new terms he will work approximately 60 hours per month. This will result in his not being at church one Sunday per month. He will maintain his duties as Choir Director and Bell Choir Director. This move will free him up to pursue some of his other musical goals. We are thankful and blessed to have someone with his talent continue to lead our church music ministry.
UMCOR Donation As a result of the generosity of our congregation, a gift of $2,361.61 will be made to UMCOR in honor of Pastor Dick Wisdom, Pastor Cindy Marino and Pastor David Poust. This was money raised from donations by you to the May 29th party for the departing Pas-tors. Thank you for your generosity. The donation will be marked for use as UMCOR sees fit.
United Methodist Women News Page 6
Don’t forget your craft projects for TLC!
Tender Loving Crafts October 15, 2011
Are you willing to donate your time? Call Linda Radford at 815-964-6400. We still need people in several areas.
Would you like to rent a booth? Call Diane Kirkland at 815-885-1757. We still have some booths available.
Do you have a talent? Crafts, needlework, etc. We will need many handmade items in our own missions booth. Don‖t put it off. Get busy now. Call Sally Plath(815-398-7541) if you have an idea.
You have time now to get started, so don‖t put it off. All proceeds go to missions. To make this another successful show and sale, we need everyone‖s help.
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, September 29 at 12:30 pm
At Elderberry Tea Room 911 N. Blackhawk Blvd, Rockton
North on Hwy 2 pastor Rockton Road, then left on Hwy 75 which is North Blackhawk Blvd.
Call Rickie Andersen at 815-885-4373 or email to [email protected] with questions or to make a reservation.
Priscilla Circle: The first meeting for the fall for Priscilla Circle will be on
Monday, September 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Geneve Harris, 7583 Western Gailes Dr., 815-397-8846. Sally Plath will be talking about her experiences with the youth work-camp. If you have questions about the evening circle or need directions to Geneve‖s home, call Geneve or Deb Laskey at 815-335-3347. Visitors and new members are always welcome.
Harmony Circle: This first meeting of the year will be at the home of Marilyn Rothermel at 8497 Jamesport, Rockford, on
Tuesday September 13, 2011 at 9:30 AM. We are begin-ning a study by Philip Yancey, "What's So Amazing About Grace?”. We will study Chapter One : “The Last Best Word.” If any who do not belong to Harmony Circle are interested in studying this book you are welcome to join us. The book is a powerful study of God's grace. If you have any questions call Jo Hellmich 815-639-3074.
Rebekah Circle: We will meet in the church dining room at 10 am. on September 14. Pastor Sun will be with us as our speaker. We are looking forward to becoming acquainted with him! Anyone who wishes to join us is welcome.
Martha/Lydia Circle:
.Martha/Lydia Circle will be meeting on Wednesday,
September 14 at 12:30 in the home of Wilma Porter, 3717 Landstrom Road. Donna Simmons will be assisting. We look forward to seeing all of our regular members, and we would love to welcome visitors! Please call either Wilma (815) 877-3465, or Donna (815) 877-5381.
Many Volunteers Needed for TLC! Now is the time when the calling co-chairs will start re-cruiting volunteers for TLC. We have more than 115 time slots to fill. Both men and women are needed to move furniture, greet visitors, prepare and deliver box lunches, staff the bakery booth, the UMW craft booth, and more. Shifts are short to allow time for shopping. The fellow-ship of working together to raise money for missions makes the time go fast. If you want to volunteer for a favorite job or time before the volunteer co-chairs call you, contact Phyllis Melenas at 815-633-2288.
TLC Bake Sale We are once again looking forward to our largest fund raiser for missions. Even though we may organize this part of TLC, without your help there is no bake sale! Last year your donations brought in $1,799. Please consider baking for us again. Remember, label if nuts are included and state what the item is. Use clear wrap, no colors and place 4 to 6 items to a plate. Small loaves of bread, cookies and bars sell well. If you have recipes for sugar free items, those are also popular. Pies need to be homemade and double crusted. No cream filling. If you wish we will package your items for you. Just label your pan and we will put it in the pantry at the bot-tom of the stairs off of Fellowship Hall. Questions? Call Marion Kern at 815-227-0711.
More UMW News on Page 7
Page 7 More UMW News; Fall Classes
Tuesday Book Group Tues. book group begins new book
Sept. 13
On Tues., Sept. 13, at 6:30 p.m., in the Trinity Growth Center, the Tuesday night book group starts the fall with a new book. We'll begin Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas (2003) by Elaine Pagels with a discussion of ch. 1. The Gospel of Thomas is a gospel that didn't make it into our Bible. This group works like a book club rather than a study group. Everyone brings their own questions about the week's chapter or a passage that they really agreed with or disagreed with or didn't under-stand. The books that we read provide opportunities for participants to talk about their own faith and to learn about the faith each other. We invite people of all points of view to join us as we struggle with faith issues.
Classes begin on September 14
Pig Roast on September 14 † Brochures detailing the adult fall classes are
available at the Connection Center, on pages 20
and 21 of this issue of The Flame and on our
church website, christumc.cc.
† Sign up at the Connection Center. Classes be-
gin on September 14.
† We will celebrate the kick off of fall classes and
the beginning of the Wednesday Night Dinners
on September 14 with a Pig Roast. .
Our Master’s Falling Leaves
Salad Luncheon Thursday, November 10
from 11:00-1:00 p.m. Bake sale, cards and crafts.
Save the date! Don’t miss it!
Marsh School Tutors Needed Marsh School will welcome tutors from Christ UMC again this year. Look for the sign up sheet at the Connection Center or call Ann Daniels at 815-398-9963.
Sharing Your Story Sharing your spiritual journey and life story al-
lows you both to review your own experience and to inspire others. Talking about troublesome parts of your history can help in healing. We do some exer-cises to help us remember and we inspire each other with our sharing. No writing experience is necessary. Call George English (815) 397-4883 for more informa-tion about the Wednesday evening or the Thursday morning class. It will run from September 14 to No-vember 17. If you do not already have Richard Mor-gan: Remembering Your Story, it is available from the book store for $12.00.
UMW Greeting Cards at Alpine Center Greeting cards will be available in Fellowship Hall on
September 11 and 25th.Card sales are part of our fund rais-ers for several missions that the UMW helps to support. If you would like to join us in creating these cards, please call Margot Kelley at {815} 877-1016.
UMW Card Cut Ups
at Our Master’s Center We meet at Our Master‖s Center the last Wednesday of each month, 10:00 am-noon. Our next meeting is September 28. Please join us as we make recycled greeting cards and sell them at Our Master‖s for 50 cents each.
Caravan Circle On Wed., Sept. 21, at 9:30 a.m., Caravan Circle is going to hear Danita Lewis talk about the local YWCA. It sold its downtown building with the swimming pool about 10 years ago and has been providing a variety of programs throughout the community aimed at children and women. In the past few years it held workshops on race relations for the Rockford area. After Ms. Lewis's talk, we'll have devotions, refresh-ments, business, and fellowship. A love offering will be taken for the YWCA. New members and visitors are wel-comed. Usually Caravan Circle takes field trips to visit places engaged in ministry, but this time we'll meet at Our Master's Center, 5973 Darlene Dr., Rockford (on Mulford St. a little south of Harrison). If you have questions, call Judi Thorn, 815 398-4261, or Mary English, 815 397-4883.
Page 8
Pastor Jane Eesley was still a teen in 1977, or maybe 1978, when she made her first CROP Hunger Walk. “Our United Methodist youth group walked in the CROP Walk together, and it meant a lot to me to help raise funds for the community,” she said. “So I walked a few times in the 1970s as a teenager; then I had a sev-eral-years hiatus. I started up again in my Naperville church in 1998, and I think I‖ve walked every year since.” Sure enough, Pastor Jane will lead Christ UMC group next month when the annual four-mile walk takes place Sunday, Oct. 16. Registration begins at 1 p.m. at the Riverfront Mu-seum Park on North Main Street. Step-off is sched-uled for 2 p.m. “I love walking in CROP Walk! It‖s a beautiful after-noon with my congregation and with other congregations in the city,” she said. “In DeKalb, the walk was offered in memory of Dr. Sondra King, a professor of nutrition at NIU and a member of First UMC in DeKalb who died suddenly in 2005,” she added. “One of the years in DeKalb, I started out walking with some of the nutrition graduate students, then walked a while with people from the Lutheran church across town, then walked with some Presbyterians, and ended up with a
Unitarian. Of course, I caught up with, and was passed by, some United Methodists along the way.” A project of Church World Ser-vice, CROP Hunger Walks help chil-dren and families “to have food for today while build-ing for a better to-morrow.” CROP stands for Christian Rural Overseas Program.
Launched in 1969 in Bismarck, N.D., more than 2,000 communities across the United States join in more than 1,600 CROP Hunger Walks each year. More than 5 mil-lion people have participated in more than 36,000 CROP Hunger Walks in the last two decades alone.
Many of those walks are organized by local religious groups, but others are planned by schools and businesses. Twenty-five percent of the dollars raised stay in the community where the walkers live, while the rest fund other Church World Service initiatives around the world. “These are feeding programs but also minis-try with refugees and programs that support
sustainable agriculture and water programs,” Pastor Jane said. She is ready to do her part again and especially looks forward to walking with her new Christ UMC family this fall. “It‖s fun,” she said. “You‖re giving time and money to a great cause. You‖re doing something that benefits the Rockford com-munity and reduces hunger significantly,” she added. “You‖re getting a chance to work with other congrega-tions and to meet new people. We show that we are part of the community in cooperating in this project, and I enjoy making connec-tions with the other con-gregations, which in-clude Christian churches, Jewish tem-ples, and other religious communities.” Pastor Jane raised $1,000 each year for the last two years and, like every Christ UMC walker, is happy to re-ceive pledges from those congregation members who want to support the effort but can‖t make the walk. Interested benefactors can speak directly with walkers or write checks payable to “CWS/CROP” and place in the offering plate or mail or bring to the church office..
Lace up your tennis shoes!
Annual CROP Hunger Walk scheduled Oct. 16 by Mark McGowan
CROP Hunger Walk Date: Sunday, Oct. 16 Time: 1:00 registration 2:00 step-off Place: Riverfront Museum Park, Rockford Contact: Becky Keith (815-637-4427) or Judy Schultz (815-398-8940)
Sign up during fellowship hour on Sunday mornings beginning September 11.
Page 9
Beyond fellowship through small groups, Donna also felt compelled to share her gifts by becoming a Stephen Minister. “I worked for the Contact telephone hotline for about 20 years, so I felt the Stephen Ministry was a good spot for me.” After completing extensive training and study, Stephen Ministers meet twice a month, and their service requirements depend on the needs of the care receiver to whom they are assigned. “The pastor meets with a person who has a need and tries to set them up with a Stephen Minister who will work well with them.” For all the caring and enthusiasm that Donna has sent out to others, God has sent it back to her not only at Christ UMC, but outside the church as well. “I have been very well blessed with an adopted grand-daughter,” Donna explained. “She‖s a student at Rockford College, and I‖m an alumna.” The two met at the college years ago, when psychology majors were doing a study on aging. The class matched up the students with alumni that had graduated many years before. The students then interviewed the alumni to find out how the different stages of life had worked out for them. “They asked me if I would work with Tamara, so we got very well acquainted,” Donna said. “And she asked me if I‖d be her grandma! We‖ve become very close. I love her, and we have a real relationship. And today, I have two great-grandsons!” Donna, who has no children and lives alone, counts this relationship as a blessing from above. “God acts in myste-rious, wonderful ways!”
If you attend the 11:00 service at Alpine Center, you‖ve probably seen Donna Simmons. She‖s the enthusiastic woman thoroughly enjoying the Praise Team‖s music ministry. “I just love the way the Praise Team puts things to-gether,” said Donna, who used to play piano and violin. “Those kids are terrific! It carries you away, especially when you read the words on the screen. And they always have a way of closing with a song that makes you go away happy. It gives you a lift!” Donna joined Christ UMC about five years ago. She was a lifelong member at Bethany UMC, where her grandparents and parents also belonged. But as that con-gregation grew smaller, she soon was the youngest one there, and Sunday school, youth programs, and choir were no longer offered. She realized it was time for a change. Alpine Center is close to her home, so she started at-tending there. “It was just so marvelous to see all the young people. I saw the work camps, and the kids seemed so enthused. I thought, ―This is a great church!‖” Five years later, Donna has caught and spread that enthusiasm, not only in the 11:00 service, but in other activities throughout the week. “There are so many classes and small groups. Even though it‖s a big church, you can get acquainted with a lot of people,” she said. Donna belongs to the Out to Lunch Bunch and the WOWs for widows and widowers, and she participates in the Tuesday night book club, which typically discusses books on theology.
bananas from a truck,” Bob said, laughing. He came to Rockford in 1953 to distribute Butter-Nut Coffee. Having been raised in a Swedish Church, he sought one out when he got to town. “I went there four Sundays in a row and nobody said anything to me. I learned a valuable lesson. Any time I see a stranger in our church, I say ―How are you?‖” He met his wife, Jean, on a blind date. They were mar-ried at St. John‖s United Brethren Church on West State Street, where they attended 35 years. When that church closed in 1989, they transferred to Our Master‖s, which was close to their home. Their children are daughter Barb (Stu) Black of Chi-cago, son Mark (Cappy) of Rockford, and daughter Nancy (Mike) Willuweit of Tennessee. They have two grandchildren.
Bob and Jean enjoyed camping, so Bob bought a trailer camper in 1960 and fixed it up. That led to his creation of Bel-Rock Travel Trailer Sales, which he operated until his retirement in 1989. The couple took winters off to travel. They have taken a trailer or motor home to every state, except Hawaii, when the trailer was left home. They also took three trips to Mexico, once for a week on a flatbed railroad car. Besides travel, Bob enjoys shooting pool, which he does with the YMCA Retired Men‖s Club. He also plays at home, where his pool table shares the basement with a map that highlights his B-29 flights, a model of a B-29 that shows where he was a gunner, and photographs that show him and the crew and “Sentimental Journey.” “I was never a hero, never did anything outstanding,” Bob said during the Veteran‖s History Project. The inter-viewer replied, “Actually, you are a hero in your own way.” “I was there,” Bob replied, “yeah.”
Donna Simmons
(Bob Johnson, continued from back page)
“Tell Me the Story of Jesus” Fanny Jane Crosby
(1820-1915)
Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word; Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard. Tell how the angels in chorus Sang as they welcomed His birth, “Glory to God in the highest! Peace and good tidings to earth.” Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word; Tell me the story most precious Sweetest that ever was heard.
The story of Jesus cannot be kept quiet. From the very beginning, it had to be told. The shepherds “told everyone” about the angels and the Christ child (Luke 2:17). As “news about him spread as far as Syria” (Matthew 4:24). After Jesus‖ death, resurrection, and ascension, the authori-ties ordered the disciples to stop preach-ing about Him. They responded, “We can-not stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20) It‖s the same way today. Christians naturally tell others “the story of Jesus.” As Jesus has changed their own lives, they feel compelled to tell others. They are still fulfilling Jesus‖ prediction that His follow-ers would be “witnesses.” We do not need to use special tech-niques of persuasion to lead others to Christ; we must simply tell the story of Jesus.
Taken with permission from The One Year Great Songs of Faith, Tyndale House
Publishers, 1995
Page 10 Getting to Know Hymn; Gatherings with the Pastors
Fasting alone in the desert, Tell of the days that are past. How for our sins He was tempted, Yet was triumphant at last. Tell of the years of His labor, Tell of the sorrow He bore, He was despised and afflicted, Homeless, rejected and poor. Tell of the cross where they nailed Him, Writhing in anguish and pain; Tell of the grave where they laid Him, Tell how He liveth again. Love in that story so tender Clearer than ever I see; Lord, may I always remember Love paid the ransom for me.
Plan to join us for fun, food, crafts!
9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.
Christ United Methodist Church
Baked goods, jewelry, crafts, handmade quilts and jackets
and much more!
Fun, food, and crafts!
Children’s Ministry News
September, 2011
Alpine Center,
Fall Schedule 8:00am Worship Hour Nursery care is available for all infants and children
9:30am Worship Hour Infants and Toddlers: Nursery
Pre-School: Lower Level Sunday School Room 7
Kindergarten – 5th Grade: Begin in Great Hall
11:00am Worship Hour Infants and Toddlers: Nursery Pre-School: Lower Level Sunday School Room 7 Kindergarten -5th Grade: Begin in Sanctuary, dismissed downstairs for Sunday School
Our Master’s Center, Fall Schedule
9:30am Worship Hour Infants: Nursery Pre-School-Kindergarten: Nursery
1st-5th Grade: Begin in Sanctuary, dismissed downstairs for Sunday School fol-lowing the Children‖s Message
Page 11 Children’s Ministry News
September 4- No Sunday School at the Alpine Cen-
ter Nursery care is available for infants-pre-schoolers as we pause from our usual routine to cele-brate this special weekend!
September 11- Fall Sunday School Begins! Children are invited to “graduate” to their new classes. See the listing to the right for informa-tion on where classes will be meeting. Call the church office at 815-399-5910 if you have any questions about the class offerings for children‖s ministry.
September 14 - Fall Awana kicks off Wednesday
Evenings at the Alpine Center Children ages 2 years through 5th grade are invited to join anytime. Awana seeks to be a safe place for chidlren to learn more about God through the Bible while having fun. Awana meets on Wednes-day evenings from 6:30-8pm. Call the church office for more information, 815-399-5910.
September 18- Third Graders Receive Bibles Current 3rd graders should be receiving infor-mation about how they can sign up to be part of this tradition where we present children with their own Bible. We will have a “Bible User‖s Class” on Monday September 19th at 6:30pm in Great Hall. If you do not receive information in the mail or you know of a 3rd grader who would like to participate, please call the church office at 815-399-5910.
October 5- Kids Klub Begins at the Alpine Center Kids Klub is a Wednesday afternoon program for children K-6th grade that meets after school from 4-5:30pm at the Alpine Center. Kids Klub includes games, snacks, crafts, music, and a grade level experi-ential-based Bible lesson. Kids Klub runs October-March concluding with our annual musical on March 25, 2011.
See the enclosed registration information or call the church office for details, 815-399-5910!
Jill Porter Dick Garkey September 14 Stu Crane Adam Kirk Beth Lipton Jordan Foss Stephanie Chancellor September 15 Rebecca Miller Dean Schoff Rich Gibbons Joseph Gibbons Cole Yaun September 16 Dave Cox Mary Boyd Stephanie Yates Nancy Vogel Judy Chancellor September 17 Meg Pierce Ian Knapp September 18 Kathy Fane Marissa Muldowney Eric Persinger Harold Palm Lynne Vass Kris Geddes September 19 Erika Bjur Sharon Ash John Liddell
September 10 Diane Deppe Jennifer Otwell Greg Ross Penny Cacciatore September 11 Vicki Tuschen Dennis Koppen Carli Janecek Jordan Daringer Nancy Westphal Aaron Nagatomo Taylor Greenland Bob Reeves Valsheria Dowell-Langley Tyler Hatcher Erik Montelebre Matthew Herrmann September 12 Kay Benson Bill Lenters Scott Whitman Grace McCarten Ken Walker Alysa Watts September 13 Phyllis Melenas Norma Sattelberg
September 20 Joanne Last Mary Ann Priewe Robbie Mink Laura Cooper September 21 Mary Beth Dyke Mary Gassmann Gale Rippentrop September 22 Jordan Foss Kim Stender Jeanette Unger September 23 Will Rezin Andy Palm Donald Fraser Bridget Fraser Ryan Miller September 24 Chris Ogilby Dale DeHart Sarah Delgado Jarrett Morlan Leon Saul Sharon Corey Zack Johnson September 25 Lucille Clayton Jane Wesner Lois Rolander Linda Slife Piper Zehrung Ted Ritter
Page 12 Birthdays and Anniversaries
September 16 Donald and Kathy Wight September 17 Brent and Jenna Card September 19 John and Pam Wilson Ted and Carol Plum John and Teena Scheub Greg and Cynthia Hansen Mike and Kelly Steffen Allen and Joan McQuinn September 20 Dennis and Elizabeth Buck September 21 Tom and Lydia Ogilby Tom and Martha Shula Wayne and Chris Peters Darren and Rachel Erickson September 22 Derek and Abbey Wheeler Courtney and Jennifer Prentice Andy and Casey Swindell Darrell and Candy Johnson Gary and Ginger Fall
September 10 Maurice and Kerry Lin Tony and Lynn Moczynski Joe and Teri Reynolds Matt and Megan Abbott Jim and Jo Hellmich September 11 Douglas and Donna Dyer John and Dawn Truitt Bud and Carolyn Knodle September 13 John and Mary Lou Sterkeson Chris and Kim Jacobsen September 14 Vern and Diane White Jack and Betty Mumma Orville and Lorene Schurr September 15 Charles and Linda Wagener Derek and Erin Kiley Roger and Barb McKelvey
September 26 Charles Frey Robbie Morrison Diane White Tim Edwards Nathan Whinnery Ben Brady Alison Lipton Doris Fagerstrom September 27 Karon Anderson Melissa West Wendy Volz David Aarvig September 28 Jim Wilson Brian Kobischka Cole Coffer Rickie Andersen William J. Kunz September 29 Pat Kendell Bob Persinger Margie Lineback Lynn Kearney September 30 Paula Deppe October 1 Rachel Nelson Heather Sweeney Marty Spaulding Amy Olson Sun Hyung Jo
October 2 Kim Beasley Ty Unangst Mikayla Barkley Amy Nickel Ruth Swanson Paula Sullivan Muriel Breuer Dana Kiley Adam Johannes October 3 Arron Buck Jacob Schoff Cameron Stram Norma Smith October 4 Nancy Halverson October 5 Christy Morgan Melvin Fosler Madie Miller Laura Stroup Melissa Seeling October 6 Lane Martin Phil Plath Michelle Clark Will Roberts October 7 Haylee Horkheimer Lois Kretschmer Sandi Johnson Carl Smith Christopher Yaun Laura Meehan
September 23 Paul and Virginia O‖Brien Patrick and Paula Sullivan September 24 Randy Roberson and Sue Hazelwood-Roberson September 25 Steve and Linda Sipe September 26 Paul and Tracey Greenland September 27 Travis and Natalie King September 28 Alan and Vicki Persinger September 29 Ron and Irene Janecek September 30 Corey and Rita Beard October 1 Jim and Vicki Tuschen John and Arlene Adden
October 2 Roger and Tricia Corrigan October 3 Bruce and Michele Johnson Tom and Judy Cox October 4 Jack and Janna Becherer
October 5 Jeff and Teri Watts Jim and Lynn Ulrich Steve and Debbie Oyler Ken and Carol Frey October 6 Dick and Pat Garkey Phil and Beth Rives Mark and Julie Trojniar October 7 Bob and Arlene Persinger Greg and Sabrina Knapp Manuel and Marci Molina
The Church is People
Sympathy to:
Muriel Breuer on the death of her brother
Chuck Lantz on the death of his sister
Jane Gilbert on the death of her brother
Chris Estes on the death of her sister, Penny Ellison
The family of John McCombie
The family of Maryelda Hughes
Donna Gillette on the death of her father
Carla White-Carpenter on the death of her sister
Bruce Dearborn on the death of his mother
† From Carol Risenhoover at Centennial UMC Satur-
day Kids Club The children of Saturday Kids Club, their families and the SKC Board would like to express their sincere thanks to all of you that were involved in the school supply drive for the children of our Saturday Kids‖ Club out-reach program. The boys and girls were very excited to see the backpacks that were chosen for them, and the families so grateful for the financial burden that you took on for them. Elyssa wrote a thank you to her shopper saying, “Thank you. I love my book bag. You are very kind and nice.” Her mother also said in her thank you, “Each year, kind volunteers help parents start off school a little less stressful knowing the kids have supplies for school.”.. “God bless each of you and thank you from the bottom of my heart.” We at Centennial are always very grateful for the won-derful support that comes from your congregation, but especially for your school supply drive that so directly impacts so many families. Thank you again. Working together we can make a difference in the lives of chil-
dren. † From the Outreach Committee The Outreach Committee would like to thank our church family for making the School Supply Drive another huge success. We were delighted to give 75 children the much needed tools to start the new school year. We would also like to thank Gayle George, Penny Cacciatore, Joy Nord-berg, and Joan Morhmann for helping in so many ways to make the Drive a great accomplishment!
† From Peg Francis Peg wants her church family to know how much she ap-preciates all the care and concern she has received since her recent surgery. She feels blessed by all of the love that has sustained her through her surgery and recovery.
† Soup Kitchen Update On August 14 a CUMC team lead by Becky Keith served 200 meals of Spaghetti w/meat sauce, tossed salad, wa-termelon and garlic bread. Brownies for dessert. Those serving at Emmanuel Lutheran Soup Kitchen were Phyllis Melenas, Penny Cacciatore, Marilyn Cox, Karen Weedman, Susan Clark, Wade & Dagmar Potter, & Helga Votteler. Thank you to all for sharing of your time and talents with those less fortunate. † From Edie Radford I want to thank Pastor Jane and all my church family for all their prayers and cards after my accident. It meant so much to me. It really helps.
Thank You Notes; The Church is People Page 13
† To all who participated in the Book Drive for
Andy’s Books The Boone County Fair is over for another year and Andy‖s Books for Kids 2nd Annual Used Book Sale was a huge success. During this year‖s fair we more than doubled our sales and net profits. I would like to thank all of you for your willingness and eagerness to donate books for the second year in a row. And, again, the books were many, in great condition, and easily sellable. Your contribution to our sale was instrumental in our making such excel-lent sales numbers. With the funds raised by the sale, Andy‖s Books, will easily be able to continue with its mission of promot-ing child literacy by putting brand new books in the hands of many more kids. Thanks for helping us, through Andy‖s Books, keep our son, Andy‖s spirit alive. Meg Hodge Chairperson, Andy‖s books for Kids
Page 14 Music News
WANTED: Singers for Choir
NEED to be Able to Sing Entire OLD
TESTAMENT from MEMORY
Whoa! Hang on a minute!
What’s this??? Well, it‖s the kind of message that might have been posted on the wall of any synagogue at the time of Jesus. In fact, even today at a young man‖s Bar Mitzvah you will hear ―sung‖ or chanted versions of the scriptures, just as if you were there over 2000 years ago. The chanting of the Bible, the Old Testament and espe-cially the Psalms morphed into the plainchant of the monks of the early Christian church and on to become our hymns, anthems and Praise Team songs of today. All of our sung music is based on the scriptures, just as it has been in churches and synagogues, cathedrals and tem-ples, abbeys and meeting rooms and “anywhere two or three are gathered together in My name”. Here at CUMC we have two Choirs, a Hand Bell Choir and two Praise Teams, so please come and sing and play with us. If you can‖t mange choir then why not sing, or play, a solo for a service or two, or for a prelude and/or postlude?
Check the rehearsal times below and contact
the director if you have any questions.
We hope you will consider using your musical
talents to serve the church. Hand Bell Choir at Alpine:
Rehearsals are Thursdays beginning Sept 8 from 6:00-7:15 pm in the Balcony of Alpine Center. Lead wor-ship one Sunday each month at 8:00 and 9:30am. Need to be able to read music. Director: Donald Fraser – [email protected] or 815-399-5910
Sanctuary Choir at Alpine Center Rehearsals are Thursdays beginning Sept 8 from 7:30-9:00 in the Alpine Center Choir room. Lead worship two Sundays each month at 8:00 and 9:30am and for spe-cial events. All Singers welcome! Director: Donald Fraser - [email protected] or call 815-399-5910
Chancel Choir at Our Master’s Center Rehearsals are Thursdays beginning Sept 8 from 7:00-8:30pm in the Our Master‖s Center Sanctuary. Lead worship first three Sundays of the month at 9:30am. All Singers Welcome! Director: Becky Keith - [email protected] or call 815-399-5910.
Joyful Noise Praise Team at Our Master’s Center Rehearsals are the last Thursday of the month to lead worship on the last Sunday of the month. All singers and musicians are welcome. Contact Becky Keith for more details at [email protected] or 815-399-5910.
Praise Team at Alpine Center Rehearsals are Wednesdays or Tuesdays from 6:00-8:00pm in the Sanctuary of Alpine Center. Lead worship every Sunday at 11:00am. Auditions for vocalists and musicians are required to determine skill level and blend. Contact Jody Warren at [email protected] or call 815-399-5910
Instrumental or Vocal Soloists – contact Jody to sched-ule a time by calling 815-399-5910 or email at [email protected].
Rockford District Council on
Ministries Event and Choir The Rockford District Council on Ministries is hosting a
revival event on Sunday, September 25 at 4:00pm at the Oakdale Nature Preserve which is south of Freeport. Everyone is invited to spend an afternoon celebrating the United Methodist Connectional church and strengthen-ing ourselves for ministry. The Alpine Center Praise Team will be there to help lead worship. There will also be a Mass Choir which is open to anyone who enjoys singing. There will be one rehearsal for this choir, just prior to the revival, at 3:15. There will also be a dinner afterward for a small cost, if you are interested. The two songs will be “Gather Round the Table of the Lord” and “Holy and Mighty”. If you are interested in being in the Mass Choir, please let Jody Warren know before Thursday, Sept 8. I will order the music and have it for you the following week. I would be happy to re-hearse with anyone who is interested on Thursday, Sept 15 and 22 at Alpine Center. I will let you know the time in next week‖s e-news. I hope you will consider partici-pating in this event and spending an afternoon praising God and reviving our Spirits.
When Carol Frey joined the Christ UMC staff nearly 30 years ago on a part-time basis, she used a typewriter for forms.
Now after six senior pastors; about a dozen as-sistant, associate, or co-pastors; and watching gen-erations of kids grow up and some become pastors, she‖s retiring. Much has changed, but she still finds an electric typewriter works best on forms. Its clickity-clack to-day amuses others working on computer keyboards. Carol has been through two different computer systems over the years and doesn‖t plan to face a third one coming this year. And there‖s no computer at
home. She will be training her replacement as soon as the church hires one. Interviews are under way. “It‖s going to be hard to leave,” Carol said. “It‖s been a big part of my life. I have enjoyed knowing so many peo-ple.” Carol joined the church in 1973 and became a volunteer money counter. She was hired part time in the early 1980s as membership secretary and to allow church secretary Gladys Person some time off. For Carol, who has been described as a “font of knowl-edge” and “an institution,” the staff was “family” many of those years. The children were gone and his work kept Ken, her husband, “on the road.” Carol loves to cook and entertain. The family still has noon dinners with their daughter, Lisa, and son, Kirk. She and Ken enjoy traveling. They are birders and go on birding trips. Pastor Jane said, “We all appreciate Carol‖s effective-ness, her warm smile, and her encyclopedic brain for the family connections and histories in the church. She will be sorely missed, and we wish her all the best in her retire-ment.” “Carol has been a stabilizing force on the staff, with common sense ideas and feedback,” said Pastor Dick. “When any of the staff came into the office and Carol was there, we knew that all was well with the world.”
Carol was employed at Christ UMC during the ten-ure of six different senior pastors: William A. Cull 1972-1983 James N. Moore 1983-1995 Robert A. Atkins, Jr. 1988-1993 (co-pastor) Emery A. Percell 1995-2003 Richard Carl Wisdom 1998-2011 Jane Eesley 2011 She knew Pastor Dick as an associate and senior pas-tor for 13years; knew Laura Widstrom as a 6-year-old—long before her doctorate and professorship; knew Pastor Laura Barkley when she was 12; knew Pastor Cindy Marino when she was a volunteer with kids‖ groups; knew Mike Stoner, now a pastor of a church in Batavia; knew Gary Waters, now a pastor in McHenry; knew the late Pastor Bill Kerr … and the list goes on. “Carol is brilliant in her abilities to remember peo-ple. Even as the church substantially grew, so did Carol‖s ability to know and recognize not just the names of the people but also who they are related to in the congregation,” Pastor Dick commented.. “It‖s been fun watching them,” Carol said. “I‖ve seen generations (of children) grow up … at least three.” But not all of the years have been fun. When asked, she admitted that the church now is facing its toughest financial times. This comes after the church faced its toughest spiritual time—the death of Pastor Patty Anderson in 2009. “Patty‖s passing was traumatic to everyone, not just me,” Carol said. Carol witnessed the growth of the church around the sanctuary and its 50th anniversary in 2006, the ac-quisition of the Rosecrance campus, the purchase of adjacent houses for future growth, the merger with Our Master‖s, and the razing of the parsonage. “Carol is a hard worker who always jumped into whatever project or challenge we had,” said Pastor Dick. “We seriously loved having her on the staff. It won't be the same without her.”
Page 15
Carol Frey to retire after nearly 30 years of service to Christ UMC by Don Black
Storm and Fire Emergency Instructions
Storm and fire emergency instructions have been posted in every room in the church. There is a chart posted on the wall, close to the light switches, where to go in the event of a fire or a storm. The emergency procedure team has developed a plan to be pro-active and respond to incidents that might oc-cur around Christ United Methodist Church. The next time you enter a room please note the evacuation instructions and notice what route to take. On the chart is the location of fire extinguishers and first aid kits. Behind the chart in a metal box there are more additional instructions. Pease take the time to become familiar with the items. Next to this information is a red chart. Inside the folder are instructions as to precautions to take for most emergencies. Training session will start to be conducted in September. Al-most one hundred individuals will be special volunteers to assist in any emergency. Members of the team preparing the plan are Rex Parker and Jim Hellmich co-chairmen, David Winker, Sam Radford, Barry Beaman, Jim McGowan, Suzy Black and Harold Sweeney.
Page 16
Early Response Team Training Would you like to be one of those trained United Methodists responding with UMCOR? Then you are someone who will want to attend the Northern Illinois Conference Early Response Team training on Satur-
day, October 29, from 8:30 a.m.—5:00 p.m. in the Con-ference program office, 217 Division Street, Elgin. The mission of an early response team is to provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of a disas-ter, under very specific guidelines that enable a team to be productive and caring while causing no further harm or being a burden to the affected community. Authorized UMCOR staff will teach us the why, when and how of responding to disasters in our local communities as well as elsewhere in the US and glob-ally. Space is limited to 20. Cost is $55 and includes notebook, lunch, t-shirt, and Safe Sanctuary back-ground check. Contact Bruce Nelson: [email protected].
Join Centennial UMC’s
175th Anniversary Celebration Sunday, September 25 at 10:00 a.m.
At Centennial United Methodist Church Centennial UMC would like to invite you to their cele-bration of 175 years as a church. It‖s going to be at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 25, at Centennial United Methodist Church, 219 S. 2nd Street, Rockford, 61104. Rev. Arlene Christopherson, assistant to the Bishop, is going to speak. Former members of Cen-tennial as well as the Christ UMC members who vol-unteer in Saturday Kids Club might especially like to celebrate with them on the 25th!
Roscoe United Methodist Church is
sponsoring the Award Winning Philippine Madrigal Singers
Hononegah High School on Sunday, September 11, at 7:00 pm.
Tickets are $20 (cash or checks please) and are avail-able at the church office, between services on Sept 4 and 11, or online at www.roscoeumc.org. Google ―Philippine Madrigal Singers‖ and check them out on YouTube. They sing everything from “In the Mood” to “William Tell Overture” to sacred music. You won‖t
want to miss this group!! They will sing at the end of
the 9:30 service at Alpine Center on September 11.
General News
UMW Thank Offering Sunday
September 18, 2011 World Thank Offering is defined as “spontaneous, additional gifts we give out of gratitude throughout the year for God‖s abundance and in celebration of the joys of life.” The offering, which will be collected at all three ser-vices at Alpine Center and the service at Our Master‖s Center, goes to mission giving of the United Methodist Women working through the General Board of Global Ministries. Our giving is channeled to ministries with women, children, and youth in the United States and all over the world. Please put your offering in the specially marked enve-lope on September 18 or send to the church office marked clearly for “UMW Thank Offering.”
Lifescape Senior Expo 2011 September 15 and 16
9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m Indoor Sports Center, 8800 Riverside Blvd, Loves Park
Don‖t miss out on the fun. It‖s free and will have many exhibits of interest to seniors.
General News Page 17
Thank You to
Host Gardeners
and Guests at
the Summer Garden Walks
Thank you to all gardeners who helped host the weekly garden walks this summer! We saw wonder-fully planned gardens, beautiful flowers, many unique plants, and learned so much! As a special treat, we enjoyed 3 special gardens: Rosecrance Healing Garden, Heritage Gardens at Midway Vil-lage, and the Wesley Willows Gardens. Each gar-den was lovingly cared for and your time and gen-erosity was greatly appreciated! Despite the heat and rain, CUMC really enjoys gar-dens! We had a total of 168 people visit the 6 garden walks, donated 144 items to the food pantry at the church, and collected $50.00 for the Feed My Starving Children Organization. What a great way to enjoy God‖s blessing and at the same time to give gener-ously to those in need of food! A special thanks to: Jim and Linda Baker, Larry and Rickie Andersen, Lynne Vass at Rosecrance Healing Garden, Larry Anderson for Heritage Gardens, Jeff and Christine Swanberg, and Norma Sattelberg for Wesley Willows. And to all the guests who visited the walks, a big thank you for all the generous donations to the food pantry and for Feed My Starving Children! We hope you all enjoyed the variety of the gardens, met some new people, and especially enjoyed the fellowship opportunity each week. We look forward to more garden walks next summer! Marco and Sandy Revoredo
Transport Volunteers Needed for
Wesley Willows If you like to be active, are fairly physically fit, enjoy conversing with and helping seniors, this could be a re-warding volunteer opportunity for you. Volunteers are needed to take residents by wheelchair to and from the Beauty Shop in the Health Center. Time commitment is one day a month on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday from 8:30 to approximately noon. After you are finished, you are entitled to have a free lunch in the main building (Willows Arbor) dining room. Currently we need someone permanently for the second and third Wednesdays of each month and the second and fifth Tuesdays. We also need substitutes for filling in occa-sionally. You would be trained with an established volun-teer until you are ready to do it alone. You could also sign up to do it as a couple or with a friend. It‖s a greatly appre-ciated volunteer project for both men and women. Please contact Joyce Lantz at 815-282-5008 or Sheryl Murray at 815-969-8104 if you are interested.
CUMC Kids Klub
Begins Wednesday, October 5 The 2011-2012 Kids Klub season starts Wednesday, October 5th. Kids Klub runs every Wednesday from 4:00-5:30 p.m. It concludes with a musical in the spring. Kids Klub is open to all children from kin-dergarten through 6th grade. Our goal is to bring the word of God into the lives of children through music, drama, Bible stories and crafts. Kids Klub is always looking for volunteers who enjoy working with children. All volunteers are needed from 3:45-5:45 p.m. weekly on Wednesdays from the first Wednesday in October through the Wednesday following the musical, usually March or April. Please contact Margie Lineback at 815-623-7474 or at the church, 815-399-5910.
See the Kids Klub registration form on the next
page of this issue of The Flame.
Family Ministry Wednesday Night Live starts on September 14. Join us for Wednesday Night dinner with family friendly seating in the Great Hall downstairs. The same food is served but in a family-friendly environment filled with conversation and games that the kids can play together or bring back to their table to play with the whole family. We ask for the safety of all children that they remain in the Great Hall during the dinner hour where they can be supervised by their parents. Also—a reminder: We have a Family Ministry newsletter which comes out by email or is available for viewing on our website. If you would like to be added to the email list, please call or email Pastor Laura at the church, 815-399-5910, or [email protected].
Page 18
You Can Help! For persons who would like to help those experiencing devastation as a result of Hurricane Irene make your check out to ChristUMC. Mark it UMCOR: Hurricanes
If you would like to help with the Africa crisis make your check out to Christ UMC. Mark it UMCOR: Africa crisis. Remember every penny given to UMCOR for a particu-lar area of need goes for that need. Administration fees are provided through other sources.
Confirmation, 2011 Confirmation Service will be Sunday, September 18
at 2:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary—Alpine Center Please join us at a Service of Confirmation to welcome our confirmands as members of Christ United Method-ist Church. These youth have spent two years learning together as a community exploring the questions of faith in order to prepare them to make this important decision. Confirmation is a significant milestone in the lives of these youth, so please make plans to join us in support!
Prayer Shawl Knitting Class Begins September 13 for Six Weeks
1:00-3:00 p.m.
At Our Master’s Center
Do you want to learn to make a prayer shawl? Plan to join us! Questions? Contact Emily Dilonardo at 815-874-2149.
General News
Page 19
Kids Klub Registration Form Please complete this form and return it to the church office by September 25, 2011.
Family Last Name________________________________________________ Address___________________________________ City___________________________ Zip________________ Home Phone #_____________________________Emergency Phone #________________________________ Mother‖s Name____________________________ Father‖s Name______________________________________ I give permission for my child to participate in Kids Klub 2011-2012 at Christ United Methodist Church. I also give permission for Christ United Methodist Church to make still pictures, videotapes, and sound re-cordings, 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________________________________________________________________
A registration fee of $25 per family is requested which includes supplies
and material throughout the year and a practice CD of the spring
musical.
Kids Klub Snack Help Needed!!! We would appreciate it if all families would provide snacks and drinks at least once during the year. Margie Lineback will contact you or feel free to call if you have a special date when you would like to
bring snacks—815-623-7474.
The musical is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, March 25, 2012
Child’s Name Birthdate Preferred
Name
Special Needs School Grade
what does your fall look like?
Adult Study Group
10:45-11:45 am
Dining Room, Alpine Center
Ongoing
Tuesday Book Group
6:30-8:00 p.m.
Trinity building, Alpine Center
Begins September 13-ongoing
Led by Mary English
A group that discusses books,
usually a chapter or two in a
session. It's like a book club
with everyone bringing ques-
tions and issues from the read-
ing that they want to talk
about. All points of view are
welcomed. Come for one
book or for more. See The
Flame for a list of the books for
the 2011-2012 year.
Tuesday Women’s Group
Meets first Tuesday of the
month, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Coffee House, Alpine Center
Begins October 2—ongoing
Childcare available
Led by Pastor Laura Barkley
A new group for women, will
engage in reading books,
having speakers, and mostly
growing in our faith together as
women.
opportunities to gather & grow
dinner 5:30-6:30 classes 6:30-8:00
For Children: AWANA Ages 2 through 5th grade
(Nursery for under 2) This nationally recognized program emphasizes scripture reading and
memorization as well as learning to live a faithful life.
For Adults: 6:30-8:00 pm 1. The Will of God by Rev. Leslie D. Weatherhead (Sept. 14-Oct. 12)
Dining Room, Alpine Center
Led by Pastor Jane Eesley
Cost: $7.00
We will study this series of sermons written during World War II in London.
Rev. Weatherhead heard the struggles of his congregation as they tried
to make sense of the ravages of war and the sufferings of their own
lives. He came to believe that there were God’s original intentions
(God’s intentional will), events that God allowed but would prefer didn’t
happen (God’s circumstantial will), and God’s broad plan for creation
(God’s ultimate will which cannot be thwarted). Join us in a lively
discussion of which events we think God causes-and which we think
God had nothing to do with.
2. Disciple 1—Old Testament Overview (Sept. 14-Nov. 16)
Coffee House, Alpine Center
Led by Don Black
Cost: $30 for student workbook
Ten weeks of Old Testament story and intrigue! Are you someone who is
hungering for the word of God? Join us this fall as we uncover and
discover amazing guiding truths and words to live by as we study the
Old Testament.
3. Sharing Your Story (Sept. 14-Nov. 16)
Conference Room, Alpine Center
Led by George English
Book: Remembering Your Story by Richard L. Morgan
Cost: $12.00
Everyone has a story but there are not many opportunities to tell it. In
this class we will share life stories. Members may use this to develop an
autobiography. The emphasis will be on our spiritual journey, but many
life experiences that we do not perceive as spiritual were important to
our growth as persons. No writing experience is necessary.
4. Sermon Preview Discussion Group (Begins Oct.19
5. —Nov. 16)
Trinity Growth Center, Alpine Center
Led by Steve Sipe
If you would like to prepare your hearts and minds for worship in a new
way, come and check out this group! We will dwell with the scripture
for the upcoming week’s worship. This is a chance to enhance what
you hear on Sunday mornings by allowing God to speak to your heart
during the week of worship as well as Sunday morning.
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Tue
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Wednesday Night Dinners Kick off is on September 14 with a Pig Roast
5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall, Alpine Center
Join us each Wednesday for a home-cooked meal.
Watch for menus in the Flame and on our website.
Sermon Discussion Group
After 9:30 service—
Begins Sept.11
Chapel/Armstrong Lounge
Led by Curt Sidener
The spiritual feeding that
began with a sermon probably
would be enriched with shar-
ing with another. Isn’t our faith
experience worth taking it to
that next level with another
worshipper? Bring your Bible
and let’s talk about what we
heard and what it means to
our faith journey.
Page 20
Kids Klub
Begins October 5 Wednesdays—4:00-5:30 pm
For Children: KIDS KLUB
4:00-5:30 Great Hall
Midweek after-school program with snacks, games,
crafts, a Bible lesson, and music that culminates with
the Kids Klub musical each spring.
Thu
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ay
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rnin
gs
Name____________________________________________
Address__________________________________________
Daytime Phone #_________________________________
E-mail____________________________________________
I want to sign up for:
*Register for Kids Klub and Awana separately
Child care will be needed________________________
Age(s) of child(ren)_______________________
Sunday Mornings: 10:45-11:45 am
_________Adult Study Group
_________Sermon Discussion Group
Tuesday Evenings: 6:30-8:00 pm
_________Tuesday Book Group
_________Tuesday Women’s Group
Wednesday Evenings: 6:30-8:00 pm
_________The Will of God—Cost $7.00
_________Disciple 1: The Old Testament—Cost $30
_________Sharing Your Story—Cost $12.00
_________Sermon Preview Discussion Group
Thursday Mornings: 9:30-11:00 am
_________Sharing Your Story—Cost $12.00
Friday Mornings:
_________Mom Connection
Saturday Mornings:
_________Men’s Group
Completed registration forms may be put in the box at the
Connection Center, brought or mailed to the church
office or placed in the offering plate. Please pay for your
class book or materials when you register.
Books may be picked up one week prior to the first class
on a table in Fellowship Hall on Sundays between services.
registration for adult classes
Sharing Your Story (Sept. 15-Nov. 17)
9:30-11:00 a.m.
Conference Room, Alpine Center
Led by George English
Book: Remembering Your Story by
Richard L. Morgan
Cost: $12.00
Everyone has a story but there are not many
opportunities to tell it. In this class we will share life
stories. Members may use this to develop an autobi-
ography. The emphasis will be on our spiritual jour-
ney, but many life experiences that we do not per-
ceive as spiritual were important to our growth as
persons. No writing experience is necessary. If you
just want to tell your story, that will be fine.
Frid
ay
mo
rnin
gs
Mom Connection
2nd and 4th Fridays
9:30-11:00 am
Coffee House, Alpine Center
Childcare available
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 Melissa Slife at 815-
885-4254 or Alicia Arthur at 815-332-7868 or akar-
[email protected] with any questions.
Information about our 2011Advent study will
be published in the Flame,
on our website and in the e-news
as it becomes available.
Men’s Group
Once a month—First meeting is October 1
9:30-11:00 a.m.
Coffee House, Alpine Center
Led by Bill Sims and Morrie Harms
We are excited to offer a new men’s group here at
CUMC which will focus on fatherhood. This group
will meet monthly and will have elements of fellow-
ship, faith conversations, and food!
We
dn
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ay
aft
ern
oo
ns
Sa
turd
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Page 21
Page 22
Have you ever tried to imagine how much one could accomplish if he or she had endless “helping hands”—resources from all walks of life and all corners of our community? Such a program exists in Rockford and Winnebago/Boone counties through the efforts of an organization—Love in the Name of Christ—and its partnership with over 80 area churches. One of those is Christ UMC—our church! Love INC acts as a Christian clearinghouse to ac-complish this mission of many hands, and in so doing, helps alleviate duplication of services and also pro-vides assistance efficiently to people looking for help. Phone calls that would otherwise go to churches to be dealt with by their staffs are instead directed to Love INC. These calls are normally from persons asking for gas vouchers or bus tokens to get to appointments or work, and assistance with food, clothing and money issues. While most needs are met through the assis-tance and support of partnership churches, callers are sometimes directed to a city/county agency. These are Love INC partners that can assist with issues such as utility bills, rent, housing, and a host of other problems that face people struggling financially. One of Love INC‖s most popular ministries is its weekly “Image” class where participants work on com-munication skills, set goals, gain confidence, and share
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.
personal support and friendship. The eight week classes are Bible based. Once a month, paper products and toiletries are pro-vided to clients, at no cost, through the Paper Angel Closets at three area churches. (Additional church participation would be welcomed.) In other instances, clients have re-ceived home repair work or rides to and from appoint-ments. They have had lawns mowed, cars repaired, and air conditioners provided. Last year 4,509 needs were met through the efforts of over 3,000 volunteers. These are in-dividuals and families of the Rockford community who are both giving and receiving with love, in the name of Christ. Love INC is a part of our congregation and its ex-tended family, both as a place to volunteer your time and as a resource for meeting your needs. The Love INC tele-phone ministry hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Monday, Wednesday, and Fri-day afternoons from 12:30 to 3:00, except for holidays. Call 815 282-4384. There is always a friendly voice at Love INC ready to take your call, be of assistance, and share their faith with you. Roger Newell Love INC volunteer
The mission statement of Christ UMC is:
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.
Page 23
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
Christ United Methodist Church 4509 Highcrest Road
Rockford, Il 61107
Address Service Requested
Next Flame Deadline: September 29
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: Bob Johnson by Don Black
Check out our website:
www.christumc.cc
Travel and selling have been interwoven in Bob Johnson‖s life. Long before he sold motor homes for travel, he himself had traveled abroad … via a B-29 Superfortress.
Bob was the left waist gunner on “Sentimental Journey,” a bomber which during World War II was the world‖s larg-est aircraft. It‖s now on display in Tucson, Ariz. Today Bob, 85, recounts his war story to folks at Our Master‖s Center. His story also is archived in a 15-page in-terview conducted by the Evanston-Rockford Vet Center in partnership with the Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress. Nine years ago Bob told the project how the first combat mission scheduled for his 11-man crew was scrubbed—the same day another B-29 was dropping the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. His only day of combat pay was on V-J Day, when his plane was one of 300 B-29s flying over the Battleship Mis-
souri during the historic signing of the peace treaty. “I was a tourist,” Bob said. “I got to see a lot of the world … after the war. Never fired a shot during the war.” And what about selling? As a young boy, he sold seeds door to door. He also sold magazines and had a newspaper route. Later in life, he sold vacuum cleaners, aluminum cookware, and food choppers. Bob was raised in Paxton, Ill. In 1944 he joined the Army Air Corps to fly the P-51 Mustang. But since so many guys wanted to be pilots, he was washed out be-fore he saw an airplane. So he went to gunnery school and ended up manning a 50-caliber machine gun, which fired to the side and behind the B-29. Because the plane‖s auxiliary power unit was in the back, an enlisted man had to be in the back to operate it. Much of Bob‖s 2,000 hours of flying was in the rear of the B-29 by himself. Following the war, Bob earned a business manage-ment degree from Bradley University and went into food organization and wholesale food distribution. “My first job after getting my degree was unloading
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