First United Methodist Church, Freeport

February 2016

The Lamplighter

Service: Noon Lunch: 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

RSVP: So that we have an accurate head count for the food, please RSVP to the church office (815-232-

6210) and let us know if you will be coming.

Soup: Also, we need a few volunteers to make big crocks of soup or bring a light dessert or crackers. Call the church office to let us know if you can help with these items.

We will be studying Adam Hamilton’s 24 Hours That Changed the World for our Lenten Book Discussion. The book, cen-tered on the Gospels, begins with the Last Supper and contin-ues through the Crucifixion and then the Resurrection. The group will meet Mondays at 2:00 p.m. at Higher Grounds be-ginning February 1. All are invited to participate. If you are interested in attending, please call the church office ASAP to reserve a copy of the book.

Dear Members and Friends,

Last year on Ash Wednesday, we had a wonderful time of worship and fellowship. The service at Noon, including the imposition of ashes, was followed by a soup luncheon. That was very well received, so we will do the same this year on Ash Wednesday, February 10. I hope you will attend.

I was really struck by something that, I believe, can only happen in a church setting with a community of faith: In the midst of a solemn event, we were all together enjoying one another’s company.

On just about everyone’s face, just below the ashes (a sign of our need to repent and turn back to God), you saw smiles, signifying how close we are to one another.

One of the great benefits of being part of a healthy church family is that, as in most families, we are accepted for who we are no matter what our shortcomings might be. We are all sinners saved by grace.

During Lent, we do not “go it alone” in examining our spiritual lives, but we are “all in this together,” supporting and helping one another work through the personal issues God brings to our attention through prayer and reflection. We may not articulate these issues, but it is a blessing to know that there are always folks to give you a boost and a kind word at First UMC.

When I talk about this church with people outside the congregation, I always emphasize that one of our greatest attributes is that everyone is so very friendly and welcoming. Visitors often comment how warmly they were greeted.

But, beyond that, we are not only nice—we are also fully committed to one another. We care about what’s going on in the lives of our friends here that we have known so long (or for a short time!). We send cards, we call on the phone, we share text messages and emails, we visit at homes or in the hospital, we volunteer to help, we hug, we listen, we pray. Each of us makes it past our challenges and struggles through the help and encouragement of everyone else that is part of First UMC.

In the coming weeks, we will begin the dialog I have been referring to for some time now. We will reflect on who we are as a church, what our strengths are and how we can take advantage of them to grow our church family and serve our community and the world at large.

Two key foundations for growth (spiritual, numerical, etc.) are commitment (we are all definitely committed to one another and the church) and realizing each and every one of us is gifted by God to play a role in the life of the church (something we will be working on). I believe none of us is here by accident and God will show us new ways to serve his kingdom for his glory.

It is going to be great fun discerning what God has for us at First United Methodist Church!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Cal

Pastor’s letter 2

Upcoming Events 4

Committee Reports 5-7

Ministry & Fellowship Opportunities

7-9

Birthdays 9

Community News & Events 10

Calendar 11

Inside this issue:

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First United Methodist Church

Cookie Walk 2015

Announcing Advent Outreach Project a huge success

Presenting our Jingle Bell Band

Santa's Helpers Getting

Ready for the Rush Cookie Buyers

Happy Workers

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Christmas Eve 2015

More photos can be found at www.firstumcfreeport.org

Click “Media”, then “PHOTOS”, then follow directions on the screen. Click "LAUNCH PHOTO GALLERY" link below. Once the photos open, choose an event from the drop-down menu in the upper left corner.

UPCOMING EVENTS

February 10 - First UMC Ash Wednesday Service, noon and Soup Luncheon to follow. March 12-13 - District Lay Academy (First UMC) March 17 - Spring Ham Loaf Sale

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

Finance Committee We had an excellent month of giving in December. The totals offering receipts were $17,689.00, plus we received $5,000.00 from the Daughenbaugh fund. This allowed us to pay all of our local bills and send in a total of $10,940 to Conference Apportionments for the year. The bucket offering for the year totaled $1,742.00 and went to local charities. The small weekly offerings (under $100.00 per week) do add up.

The Finance Committee does not discuss individual giving to protect your privacy; however, we do discuss trends in giving. It has been noted that often people will give only when they attend church. We are very grateful for this support of our ministry. We would like to encourage people to set aside a weekly amount and offer it on the Sundays that they do attend.

Our ministry to the congregation, the community and the world is so important. Next month we will begin talking about visioning for our church. What are our ministries in these three important areas at present. What ministries should we emphasize and what would we like to do in the future? Our Advent Outreach Program with backpacks is an excellent example of our generosity. We took in $1,766.00, which exceeded our cost of $839.70. We have $927.00 all ready for the next project. This visioning process is exciting to me, and I hope everyone will give it some prayer and thought in the next month.

Warren Zumdahl Finance Chair

Board of Trustees Trimming of the two birch trees at the entry way to the church, along with some other trees that needed to be trimmed, was completed on December 11.

The Board of Trustees has accepted a bid to have the sprinkler system replaced. We are very glad the Dorothy Daughenbaugh Endowment Committee is helping in a significant way to fund this project. The final blueprints of the actual installation and specific conditions are being completed at this time. The work should begin soon. We have been informed that worship services and other church activities will not be interrupted during construction.

Thank you for your tolerance of the cold in Fellowship Hall and your patience while furnace repairs were made. The needed repairs have been completed.

Should you have any questions or comments for the Board of Trustees, please feel free to contact me or any other Board member.

Greg Kempel Board of Trustees Chair

Staff/Parish Relations Committee The first months of the New Year is a good time to reflect on the year past and to make a new start, whether in your career, your relationships or your health. I found this quote by Carl Bard that reads, “Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” The S/PRC will be reviewing our responsibilities as the administrative unit where the staff and congregational

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interest come together to focus on the mission of the church. We are to build relationships among members of the congregation and the staff that are most effective for accomplishing the mission and purpose of First UMC. Our committee has a role in supporting the Pastor, staff and their families in maintaining healthy self-care and a healthy work/life balance. In the months ahead as we discuss our vision and mission of First UMC, forget all the reasons why it won’t work and believe the one reason why it will.

Diantha Landowski Staff/Parish Relations Committee Chair

Dorothy Daughenbaugh Endowment The DDE Committee is pleased to report that at our December 1 meeting the committee voted to designate $30,000.00 of the endowment’s funds to help with the new sprinkler/fire suppression system. In addition, we approved the allocation of $5,000.00 toward the church’s 2015 apportionments.

Julie Weaver DDE Committee Chair

Education

Children enjoyed a Christmas party on December 20 from 9:15 a.m. to10:15 a.m. in the Youth Lounge. They heard the Christmas story while placing items in the Nativity scene, received a Christmas treat bag and enjoyed Christmas cookies and juice.

During the Children's Time in the worship service, our little ones invited any visiting guests to join them as they presented the congregation with a gift of music. Our Jingle Bell Children's Band sang, "Let's Get Ready, a Savior Is Coming," while shaking their jingle bells. We appreciated the congregation's happy smiles and kind acceptance of our small musical gift. It was lots of fun!

The children of First UMC continually bless the lives of each of us. Their happy smiles each week let us know that our love and support for them and their families is appreciated. Thank you all for always giving your loving support to children not only in our church, but also in our community. Your support for the Advent Outreach Project was truly outstanding and gratefully appreciated. Your generous gifts allowed God's love to help 10 homeless children and will allow us to fund other projects to help children. Thank you!

Our adult Wired Word discussion group is continuing to grow. Please consider joining them on Sunday mornings at 9:15 for discussion of timely issues and fellowship. Call the church office if you would like to receive the Wired Word materials each week by email before Sunday morning.

Mary French Church School Superintendent

United Methodist Women

Our last get together for 2015 was held on December 15. This year we skipped the General Meeting and went directly to Imperial Palace at noon for lunch. We had a very good meal as always and a wonderful fellowship time.

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We returned to the church, wrapped the gifts and split up into groups to visit the homebound. Everyone was glad to see us, and all enjoyed their gifts.

On Sunday, February 14 UMW will observe A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial and also celebrate and honor the wonderful caregivers of First UMC. The theme for the A Call to Prayer and Self-Denial this year is “Women at Work.” A small display will be on the Welcome Table with information about how UMW and friends help fund programs with their offerings to mission, which help women, children and youth. This year’s offering will empower women around the world to gain the resources they need to support themselves and their families.

Thank you, caregivers of First UMC, for the wonderful work you do each day as you take care of your loved ones and make sure they are comfortable and have everything they need. We recognize and appreciate this precious gift of love you so generously give to your families. May the loving compassion you show be an example of God's unconditional love as we all seek to care for one another. We thank you for your loving gifts of support and ask God to be with you and richly bless you and your families.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a great start of a new year.

Upcoming events: February 2 1:00 p.m. UMW Mission Team Meeting February 20 8:45 a.m. UMW Leadership Training, Brook Road UMC, Rockford

Helen Hoover UMW President

MINISTRY & FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES VAN MINISTRY: Dedicated to transporting to and from church people who would otherwise be unable to have fellowship and worship services of our church. We want to ensure that our members who need a ride to church have one. If you would be interested in driving or are in need of a ride, please contact Van Ministry Coordinator Larry J. Phillips (815-297-1447).

MEALS ON WHEELS: Drivers and runners are needed to deliver meals to those who cannot get out and shop for themselves. The route is very short, most generally we have four to five meals at one time, and it takes about a hour of your time. We meet at the hospital at 10:30 a.m., meals are ready by 10:40 a.m., and you are back by 11:30 a.m. Next Meals on Wheels delivery is the week of February 29. We are down to one route and will be delivering every 15 weeks. Please call Helen Hoover (815-232-6588) to volunteer or for more information.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY: If you knit or crochet, please join us 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. the first Monday of the month at the church. Also, we have a nice selection of shawls, so if you know someone that is ill or homebound please feel free to take a shawl. We just need the number from the card on the shawl and who you are giving it to. Please give this information to a prayer shawl ministry member or to Liz in the church office.

MEN’S BREAKFAST: Come join us for a great time of fellowship the first Saturday of every month at the Big Apple restaurant on Galena Avenue, just east of Park Boulevard. If you need a ride, call Jack Harris (815-233-0942).

FREEPORT AREA CHURCH COOPERATIVE: In February we have been asked to collect 250 cans of beans

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Worship Assistants in February

Greeters (2) Ushers (3) Fellowship Altar Flowers Feb. 7 Ruth Carus Deb Dickinson, NEEDED Diantha Landowshi Russ & Barb Lestikow

Feb. 10 John & Vicki Aten Jim Aten, Mary Zumdahl

Feb. 14 Bob & Barb Cable Len French, UMW Bob & Juanita Wachlin Feb. 21 NEEDED LeRoy & Pat Jensen Jim Aten Jerry Rule Jack Harris Feb. 28 NEEDED Karen Boyer, NEEDED John & Vicki Aten

Liturgists Child Care Van Drivers Acolytes Feb. 7 John Aten Bob & Barb Cable NEEDED Feb. 10 Warren Zumdahl John & Vicki Aten NEEDED Feb. 14 Jim Aten Larry J. Phillips NEEDED Feb. 21 Jeannine Hugill John & Vicki Aten NEEDED Feb. 28 Greg Kempel Larry J. Phillips NEEDED

Communion Servers Feb 7 Kay Meiers Mary Zumdahl

Coordinators Acolytes: Mary French (815-232-3072) Greeters: Shirley Moore (815-232-7929) Altar Flowers: Deb Dickinson (217-840-1468) Liturgists: Mary Zumdahl Child Care: Mary French Ushers: Mary Zumdahl Communion: Mary Zumdahl (815-563-4198) Van Drivers: Larry J. Phillips (815-291-1447) Fellowship Time: Mary French, Heather Kempel, Pat Sellman, Mary Zumdahl

If you have questions or would like to volunteer to serve please contact the appropriate coordinator(s).

March Lamplighter

Articles due February 15

(black, light red, fat free refried) and dry beans (black, red, navy, pinto, lima). NOTE: If you cannot purchase these items yourself, give Mary Zumdahl a cash donation and she will purchase them.

MOTHER HUBBARD’S KIDDIE CUPBOARD: The church collects the following items to supply the store: disposable diapers (all sizes), blankets (baby and adult), toys (infant-3 year old) clothing (infant-3T),children's books, baby lotion, baby swings, baby wipes, baby food, deodorant, high chairs, pacifiers, strollers, sleepwear, bath soap, toothpaste, hair brushes, toothbrushes, socks/booties, laundry detergent,

ALTAR FLOWERS If you would like to provide flowers for the Sunday

worship service, please call Deb Dickinson (217-840-

1468). The flowers are $10 for one vase. Flowers

must be paid for prior to the Sunday you have

selected. If paying by check, please make it payable

to Deininger’s. Also, we would appreciate your

returning the insert/vase to the church sanctuary so

that we don’t have to pay for one each Sunday.

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RADIO BROADCAST Sponsor one of our radio broadcasts! If you would like to reserve a Sunday, please call Marge Carpenter (815-232-8298.). The cost of each broadcast is $50. Please pay for the broadcast prior to the Sunday you are sponsoring. Make checks payable to First United Methodist Church with a memo, “Radio Broad-cast.”

THANK YOU

Duane and I want to thank everyone for everything you have done to brighten our holiday. Your prayers and thoughts, the little pine tree and especially the carolers that came to sing for us. This was so special to us. We enjoyed it so much. And we really appreciated your coming. It’s so nice to have such a wonderful church family as we do. Peace to all.

Duane & Pat Smith

1 Darlene Tallman

Karen Gerth

2 Regan Chambers

3 Tracey Schmitz

4 Beatrice Weaver

5 Carol Jacobs

8 Juanita Wachlin

9 Richard Frende

11 Debra Dickinson

13 Landon Kirk

15 Aaron Kloepping

18 Pat Brobst

19 Liz Hollis

Barb Mertins

20 Margaret Sass

25 Barb Cable

Shirley Moore

Larry J. Phillips

28 Jared Stubbe

29 Pam Wieck

2015 Advent Outreach

Project

I want to take this time to thank everyone for the donations to help homeless students at Center School. Total donations were $1,766.00. Our expenses for the wheeled backpacks, pj’s, socks, underwear, slippers, books, stuffed animals, blankets, and toiletries for ten students totaled $839.70. Mary and I were able to stay focused while shopping and getting some good holiday savings. Pastor Cal, Mary, and I were able to deliver them before Christmas. I’m sure the students were beaming with smiles when they received their backpacks. Mary and I will be discussing with Pastor Cal how to best use the remaining funds to support students in the future. Thank you!

Joann Willits

I can’t thank First UMC enough for all the cards and gifts at Christmas. I am truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful church.

Liz Hollis

The holidays were saddened for me and my family as we lost three family members. Thank you for all your prayers, support and cards during this difficult time.

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COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

Indoor Electric Fun Fly February 8 & 22, March 14 & 28, April 11 & 25, Park Hills Evangelical Church Gym, 2525 W. Stephenson St., 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The Freeport Radio Control Modelers twice a month host this indoor flying of electric radio control airplanes and copters (12 oz. limit). Donation.

The Businesses of Stephenson County Expo

January 15-March 6, Stephenson County Visitors Center, 4596 US Highway 20 East, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This Expo features numerous local businesses that provide services, products and more to Stephenson County and beyond. Discover just some of this area’s economic drivers of our local economy.

Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Tasting

February 5, Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Enjoy a night at the Art Museum while you sample a variety of fine wines provided by Royal Liquor vendors, along with samples of select cheeses and specialty chocolates. The first 100 attendees will receive a complimentary wine glass to take home. Shop the silent auction for unique and creative treasures. Art Museum Members In Advance: $25; Non-Members in Advance: $30; At the Door: $35.

Candyland Ball February 12, Masonic Temple, 305 W. Stephenson St., 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dads (or significant adult) come dance the night away with your favorite girl(s). Here is the perfect chance to dress up and feel like royalty for the night. Don’t miss this Freeport tradition for Dads and Daughters 10 years of age and younger. Registration is limited, so early sign-up is recommended. Freeport Park District Residents: $12; Non-Residents: $13.

63rd Annual Kiwanis Pancake and Sausage Day

March 5, Freeport High School Cafeteria, 701 W. Moseley, 7 a.m. to Noon. Enjoy this annual event whose proceeds benefit Freeport Noon Kiwanis and the Golden K Kiwanis in serving the community. Curbside service for to-go orders. Adults: In Advance: $7; At the Door: $8; Children 12 and Under: $5.

Chicken & Biscuit Dinner February 21, First UMC, Savanna, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Menu: homemade chicken & biscuits, mashed potatoes, applesauce, carrots, cranberry sauce, cherry pie and beverage. Adults $8.00; Children 4-10 $4.00; 3 years and under: free.

Freeport Community Concert: Wallak & Donnelly February 6, Masonic Temple, 305 W. Stephenson St., 3 p.m. The Freeport Community Concert Association presents this clarinet and piano concert. Season Subscription: $40; Single Concert: $15; Students Ages 5 and Older: Free.

Soup & Sandwich Luncheon February 7, First UMC, Pearl City, 411 S. Main St., 11:00 a.m. to

2:00 p.m. Soups: vegetable beef, bean soup and chicken rice sandwiches: ham

salad and egg salad plus drinks and dessert. Carry outs available. Adults $6.00; Children 5-12: $3.00; Children under 5; free.

Joys of Gardening February 20, Highland Community College Student Conference Center, 2998 W. Pearl City Rd., 8:25 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Join us for a day of horticulture fun This one-day educational and gardening program features a keynote presentation followed by three break out sessions offering six different classes on a variety of horticulture topics. $25.

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February 2016

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

1:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl Knitting

2:00 p.m. Lent Book Discussion (Higher Grounds)

2

1:00 p.m. Senior Card Players

1:00 p.m. UMW Mission Team Meeting

3

6:30 p.m. S/PRC

Meeting

4

6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

5

6 8:00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast (Big Apple)

8:00a.m.NIC Laity Convocation, Sycamore UMC

7

9:15 a.m. Sunday School

10:30 a.m. Worship with Communion

11:45 a.m. Fellowship

8

2:00 p.m. Lent Book Discussion (Higher Grounds)

9

1:00 p.m. Senior Card Players

6:30 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting

10

Noon Ash Wednesday Service & Soup Luncheon

11

6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

12 13

14

9:15 a.m. Sunday School

10:30 a.m. Worship

11:45 a.m. Fellowship

15 2:00 p.m. Lent Book Discussion (Higher Grounds)

16

1:00 p.m. Senior Card Players

17

11:45 a.m. Lunch with the Pastor (Country Junction)

12:00 p.m. Church Secretaries’ Luncheon

6:30 p.m. Board of Trustees Meeting

18

19

20

21

9:15 a.m. Sunday School

10:30 a.m. Worship

11:45 a.m. Fellowship

22

2:00 p.m. No Lent Book Discussion (Higher Grounds)

23

1:00 p.m. Senior Card Players

24

6:30 p.m. Ad

Council Meeting

25

6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

26 27

28

9:15 a.m. Sunday School

10:30 a.m. Worship

11:45 a.m. Fellowship

29

2:00 p.m. Lent Book Discussion (Higher Grounds)

MEALS ON WHEELS

First United Methodist Church 503 N. Lily Creek Road Freeport, IL 61032 815-232-6210 815-233-2454 Fax fumchurch1@frontier.com www.firstumcfreeport.org

Catch the Spirit!

9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship Celebration 11:30 a.m. Radio Broadcast

Rev. Calvin B. Haines, Jr.

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