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FFFFFFFFFFFFEBRUARYEBRUARYEBRUARYEBRUARYEBRUARYEBRUARYEBRUARYEBRUARYEBRUARYEBRUARYEBRUARYEBRUARY 201420142014201420142014201420142014201420142014

Visit us at gcumc3.org or Find us on Facebook: “Gibson City UMC”

Pastors—John Tennyson Megan Thompson Church Phone 217-784-5452

Saturday • 5:30pm—Casual Worship Sunday • 8:45am—Traditional Wor-

ship Sunday • 11:00am—Contemporary

Worship

Hetty Jean Schultz Marian Boog Shirley Butler Edith Christensen Ora Lee Coleman Grace Hanley Ruth Harris Ella Mae Miller Judith Peters Clevita Tongate Lois Kelley Austin Borton Alison Cowell Jackie Freehill Courtney Gramley Jeremy Grider Jane Hastings Joel Hood Justin Hunter Jessica Hunter Chelsey Lange Bob Main Michael Romshek Regan Romshek

Jessica Schultz Austin Seneca Mackenzie Seneca Craig Sharp Libby Shields Warren Walters Mikayla Woodward Sam Arsenault Darren Eckerty Jared Clark Mark Pool Brooke Fairfield Shelbie Kearfott AIC Zachary Mohn Kem Estaban Pft Todd Rich SSgt Malcolm Salyards 2LT Adam Salyards AB Cody McCoy PV2 Colton Young Rudiger Strebeck

“Balancing Health: Body, Mind Spirit” is the theme of this year’s Community Lenten Services.

At each location, there will be a soup and bread meal at 6:00 with a worship service beginning at 6:30.

Ash Wednesday is March 5th and each church will hold their own service. Our worship service time will be 6:30pm following our Fellowship Meal.

Ash Wednesday BreakfastAsh Wednesday BreakfastAsh Wednesday BreakfastAsh Wednesday Breakfast There will be a breakfast at the American Lutheran Church on March 5th (Ash Wednesday). Gathering will begin at 8:30 with the breakfast starting at 9am. The service will begin at 9:30 with speaker Lisa Volker. The theme of the message is “On the Way—The Long Walk to Santiago” A Pilgrimage Walk in Spain.

Community Lenten ServicesCommunity Lenten ServicesCommunity Lenten ServicesCommunity Lenten Services 3/12 American Lutheran Church 3/19 First Christian Church 3/26 United Methodist Church 4/2 Youth Led Service—Location TBD 4/9 Presbyterian Church

Holy WeekHoly WeekHoly WeekHoly Week 4/17 Each church will hold their own Maundy Thursday service. Our time is yet to be determined. 4/18 Good Friday First Presbyterian Church TBD

Valentine Boxes and Envelopes Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching and once again we are inviting you to share in giving to our special friends a gift of love. We will be mailing and delivering boxes around the 10th of February.

Please make valentines for those listed below. You may purchase cards or make your own!

Are We Listening?Are We Listening?Are We Listening?Are We Listening?

One definition of listening is “to hear what someone has said and understand that it is serious, important, or true”.

To successfully listen, we must first give someone our undivided attention. Then we must give honest consideration to the idea that the person speaking might actually be right, and that we might be wrong, or that they might have a better idea or option than we do.

Listening is a learned skill. Listening tells another person that we deeply care about them and what they think.

Prayer begins with listening. If we apply the principles of listening contained in the paragraphs above to our prayer lives, then prayer believes that God has something serious, important and true to tell you and me. Therefore we must give God our undivided attention. And we must listen in such a way that we are open to new ideas.

All living things grow. All living organisms must grow new cells to replace those which have died. Anything that ceases to grow dies. In the church, growth requires a willingness to truly listen to one another and to the Spirit. It doesn’t mean that everything will change or be replaced; only that which is no longer effective, or the addition of something that critically needs to be added.

As we begin 2014, the question needs to be asked: Are we listening? Are we willing to listen to God, and to each other? Are willing to hear leaders from outside our local church who may impart critical wisdom and guidance for our future?

As your pastor, the most critical area that we need to listen and discern the direction of God in 2014 is how to grow our church. Can we learn to walk thru our church with the eyes of a first time visitor, rather than someone who has attended for years?

Our conference is offering a year-long coaching opportunity beginning with a 2 day training event. Eight people per church can attend. The dates are March 14-15, to be held at Tuscola UMC. Will you pray and listen to discern if God wants you to consider attending?

- Pastor John

Walking Where Jesus WalkedWalking Where Jesus WalkedWalking Where Jesus WalkedWalking Where Jesus Walked

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore. Psalm 125:2 ESV

Do this in memory of me. It’s the command Jesus gives his followers during communion, and by extension, how we live our lives.

This month, I have the opportunity to something I’ve wanted to do for what seems a life time: travel to the Holy Land. It’s an opportunity to see the places that Jesus saw.

For a bit more than a week, I will be able to walk where Jesus walked, sit where many sat to hear Jesus and the prophets preached, lay eyes on the places that dot our Scriptural maps.

With my ordination class, Bishop Jonathan Keaton, and others, we will cross the Sea of Galilee and remember our baptism at the Jordan River.

We will visit Nazareth and Cana.

We will march around or through Jericho and we will remember the Last Supper in the Upper Room in Jerusalem.

We will pray at Western Wall and sing in the Church of St. Anne.

We will reflect at the Garden Tomb.

And I hope to take this congregation with me, through prayer and through a project.

I am inviting any and all to submit drawing of Jesus doing everyday things—sitting, walking, talking, etc., so that we can see Jesus in action. Pictures should be on 8½ by 11 pieces of paper, and strongly colored (preferably markers).

When I return, I hope to have pictures of your pictures of Jesus, doing what he did so long ago, so we can remember as we go forward.

I’m looking forward to Israel, and I’m looking forward to seeing your pictures!

Peace, Pastor Megan

WWWWORDSORDSORDSORDS FFFFROMROMROMROM OOOOURURURUR PPPPASTORSASTORSASTORSASTORS

New Class Offering -

Animate: Bible

When - 10-10:55 on Sundays,

starting February 9, running through May.

Where - High School Youth Room

Who - For senior high youth on up.

Intergenerational is great! Class size will be limited

however to facilitate conversation.

What - The curriculum is intended to help

participants have an engaging, hopeful, and

positive relationship with the sacred texts of the

Bible.

Sessions feature short videos with perspectives

from Christian leaders on topics such as the canon,

history, testaments, gospels, genre, interpretation,

and grace.

There is also a handbook that goes along with the

class, available for $15.

Built on centrist Protestant theology, the sessions

are thoughtful, edgy, and present interesting ideas

to help Animate conversation!

The class will be co-led by Pastor Megan and Barb

Horsch. With Animate, leaders act as guides,

bringing the group to a gallery of ideas, showing

them around a bit, and letting them explore

together. Please contact the leaders for

information, and to sign up.

New Community Initiative -

Resources Roundtable

Our Gibson area community is blessed to have

many compassionate agencies and individuals

working to provide services for those in need. One

challenge however is to coordinate all those efforts.

A step has been taken towards answering that

challenge. A small group of community leaders

met at our church on Monday morning, January 20

for a very productive roundtable discussion.

Passion for a greater awareness of needs and

services was evident.

The next step will be an expanded roundtable

conversation to be held:

Wednesday, February 19, 1:00

Moyer District Library

Community Room

All are welcome as we seek greater clarity on what

resources are already available in our community

and facilitating connection of resources with needs.

Questions? Contact Barb Horsch.

February

Mission Sock Offering

CONNECT, GROW, GO! . . . take hold of the life that really is life (I Timothy 6:18-19)

Darren Eckerty 1 Sandy Fairchild 1 Barb Horsch 2 Joyce Dewey 3 Jean Ertel 4 Donald Rhodes 4 Donna Douglas 5 Wanda Baird 6 Grace Christensen 6 Cody Jamison 6

Margaret Farmer 7 Austin Strebeck 7 Seth Barnes 8 Casey Bennett 8 Zachary Barnes 8 Kim Fisher 8 Dwaine Horsch 8 Chase McCall 9 Trent Wetherell 9 Haley Arends 11 John Kinder 11 Nicholas Vogelbaugh 11 David Noellsch 12 Garrett Wright 12 Christopher Wittemann 14 Becky Young 14 Alex Bennett 15

Fred Wittemann, Sr. 15 Steve Hawthorne 16 Shirley Peeken 16 Patricia Gramley 17 Cheryl Hester 17 Martha Benson 18 Claudia Chase 18 Fred Wittemann, Jr. 18 Steve Woodall 18 Miranda Kearney 20 Lucas McCallister 20 Cathy Walker-Steidinger 20 Grant Goltz 21 Zachary Glascock 23 Shirley Jackson 23 Lois Kelley 23 Jasmine Bennett 24

Hunter Pruitt 24 Dorothy Shields 26 Sharon Heavilin 27 Laynie Shields 27 Jerry Wright 27 Brandon Clark 28

Day Years Phil & Jean Noellsch 1 38 Ron & Mary Ann Hood 13 58 Richard & Joyce Bennett 14 31 Mike & Kenna McCall 14 26 Terry & Shelley Overman 25 35 Jeff & Judy Eckhoff 27 31 Lyle & Linda Goltz 27 42

Health Concerns Marian Boog Glenn & Mildred Davis Ruth Fisher Ruth Harris Mike Morano Michele Schmandt Don Williams Nursing Home Residents

Annex Zella During Don Williams Manor Marian Boog Glenn Davis Ruth Fisher Ella Mae Miller

Judy Peters Clevita Tongate Shirley Butler

Asta Care Bob Main (Blmgtn) Doris Bridgewater

Servicemen and women AIC Zachary E Mohn Kem Estaban SSgt Malcom Salyards 2LT Adam Salyards Colton Young AB Cody McCoy Rudiger Strebeck Todd Rich

2013 Offering for Budget $302,159.25

2013 Operating Expenses $336,180.62

2013 Budgeted Missions $20,367.13

Weekend Sat 5:30

Sun 8:45

Sun 11:00

Sunday School

December 28th & 29th 15 110 35 49

January 4th & 5th 13 41 12

January 11th & 12th 15 117 28 64

January 18th & 19th 13 125 42 75

January 25th & 26th 13 120 32 51

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February Mission Socks will benefit

Cunningham Children’s Home.

Souper BowlSouper BowlSouper BowlSouper Bowl The Big Game will be on February 2nd, a time when many will gather with friends and family to eat, drink and enjoy a great game of pigskin, or at least the commercial breaks. But what about those who are without a bowl of soup? The Sprouts and Middle School Youth groups will be collecting donations of canned soup, as well as monetary donations before and after Worship Services on Feb. 1st and 2nd to supply our local food pantry. Laser TagLaser TagLaser TagLaser Tag Join the Co-operative Ministries on February 9th for Laser Tag!

We’ll meet at 3:30 to travel together to Savoy, enjoy a couple hours of laser tag, then grab a meal together at a food court. Families (middle school youth and above, please) are welcomed. RSPV to Pastor Megan by text (217 418 8354) or email (gcumcassoc3@sbcglobal.net) by Feb. 5. The Midwest Mission Distribution Midwest Mission Distribution Midwest Mission Distribution Midwest Mission Distribution

Center Center Center Center (MMDC)(MMDC)(MMDC)(MMDC) trip is coming up on Friday, March 21st (GCMS spring break

week). It is an opportunity for each person to have a “hands-on” mission experience. This experience is to fulfill Christ’s command to help the “least of these” whose needs are great because of some disaster or circumstance that is not of their making. Anyone age 11 and up is welcome to come. Wesleyana Circle Wesleyana Circle Wesleyana Circle Wesleyana Circle will meet on February 11th at the home of Malinda Lutz at 7pm.

Talent Show Acts & Pie Recruitment!Talent Show Acts & Pie Recruitment!Talent Show Acts & Pie Recruitment!Talent Show Acts & Pie Recruitment! Can you juggle, yodel, tap dance, sing a tune, or play the ukulele? Or do you have some kind of entertaining talent that you would like to share with the congregation? Are you tech-savy and can create a great video? Your opportunity to shine will be on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, as we are going to have a church-wide talent show! People of all ages are encouraged to participate. Start planning now; you may wish to start practicing!

As in previous years we will have the pie auction during the Talent Show. Watch for announcements regarding the pie and talent sign-up sheets! From the Web Corner From the Web Corner From the Web Corner From the Web Corner Do you know why churches have steeples? How about the meaning of those letters 'I-H-S' on our paraments? And how do apportionments work? The answers to these and 57 other important questions (including 'why potlucks?') are available through the Global Board of Discipleship's video series 'Chuck Knows Church'. These video shorts provide the history and current usage of all-things-church, in an easy-to-understand, often humorous format. Visit our Facebook Page (no account necessary!) (accessible via our website) each Saturday to catch Chuck doing his thing- enlightening us to our own heritage!

New on the website is a poll, found on the left-hand side, just below the tabs of all of the pages. Please note the updated 'Discussions Board' found in the upper right-hand corner of the Home Page. This 'Discussions Board' could be a valuable tool for conversation on a variety of topics, especially during these busy times when it's often easier to 'talk' via electronic devices than by gathering at the same time, in the same place. We can start with something easy: "What's your favorite 'Chuck' episode?!"

We're looking forward to hearing from you! ~Susan Schultz and Craig Kummerow

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Lenten Bible StudyLenten Bible StudyLenten Bible StudyLenten Bible Study Would you like to take a different and new approach to LENT? Then consider joining us on Tuesdays, 9-10am in the Red Room beginning March 4th. Possible Studies include: • “Give Up Something Bad for Lent” by James Moore • “Stories of Jesus: 40 Days of Prayer and Reflection”

written by Joseph Girzone • “Resurrecting Easter: Meditations for the Great 50

Days” by Kate Moorhead If interested, please contact Malinda Lutz (the leader) at 784-8511 or the church office, 784-5452 as soon as possible so we can get books ordered at sale price by February 8th. Learning in CommunityLearning in CommunityLearning in CommunityLearning in Community Four opportunities coming up soon! • Navigating Change- Feb. 20-21, Fairview Heights,

IL. There is still time to register for this event, highlighted in last month's newsletter. (Check our website for past issues.) Please speak with Pastor John if you are interested in going. More information and registration can be found at www.navigatethechange.com.

• Laity School of Theology- Mar. 8, Champaign Faith, UMC, 9 am-4 pm. "Theological Beliefs Beyond Simple Faiths" will be taught by Rev. Dr. Bong-Choul Hwang, a retired ordained pastor who holds a PhD in Philosophy of Religion. Rev. Hwang will lead participants through critical, theological thought processes to explore who our 'real God', is. (This will get you thinking!)

• Laity School of Intercultural Competency- Mar. 8, Champaign Faith UMC, 9 am-4 pm. We are living in times that see communities continually experience changing diversity. Join two members of our Conference Intercultural Competency Training Team, Rev. Eunjoo Lee of Urbana First, and a lay member of Urbana Wesley, UMCs, as they seek to equip and empower participants by providing an opportunity to see differences as opportunities rather than problems, as well as increase self-awareness of one's cultural values and background. All church leaders, especially SPRC members, are encouraged to attend this workshop. For more information on the Laity Schools, please contact the office or Susan Schultz

• Upper Room's Five-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation®- Apr. 27- May 2, Henry, IL. This program/retreat provides an opportunity for clergy and laity to tune their hearts toward God through a daily rhythm of prayer, worship, learning and reflection. Each day includes teachings by gifted spiritual leaders to deepen our walk with God, periods of silence, morning and evening prayer, Eucharist, and an opportunity to share with and encourage one another. More information will be in the March newsletter and is available now at www.igrc.org/fiveday. You may also contact Susan Schultz for more information.

Financial Peace UniversityFinancial Peace UniversityFinancial Peace UniversityFinancial Peace University Our Church will be hosting Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University (FPU) at the Church beginning March 26, 2014. FPU teaches members how to handle money God's ways, and His ways work! Millions of people have gone through FPU. They've worked a plan, rewritten their stories, and changed their futures. This class meets for nine weeks, one night a week. It incorporates small-group discussions that help encourage accountability and discipleship. Class will run from 6:30 to 8:00 on Wednesday evenings for nine weeks. Childcare will be available. If you have questions or to register you may visit the link below http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/locations/org/49001/class/249440 or contact Brian Steidinger at 249-8200. New Course/BookNew Course/BookNew Course/BookNew Course/Book onononon Spiritual PracticesSpiritual PracticesSpiritual PracticesSpiritual Practices Are you curious as to how you might deepen your faith and become closer to God? Spiritual practices are activities that open our hearts to God's love & guidance. Join us for a new course, Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation. Whether you've taken our introductory course (Exploring the Way) or are new to spiritual disciplines, this 9-week course will help you take a beginning, yet deeper look at 7 practices, culminating with creating a personal plan to incorporate them as a way of life- a life attentive to the presence of God. The group will meet one hour on Tuesdays at 7 pm beginning March 4th. Cost of the book is $15. To sign up or to learn more, please contact Susan Schultz, 784-8833; susans@mchsi.com.

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2014201420142014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Communion 5:30 PM Saturday Night Light

2 Communion 7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast 8:45 AM Traditional Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Contemporary Worship

3 4 1:00 PM Communion Manor/Annex 5:30 PM Praise Team 7:00 PM Trustees 7:00 PM Spiritual Practices 7:00 PM Disciple IV

5 6 7:00 PM Finance

7 8 5:30 PM Saturday Night Light

9 8:45 AM Traditional Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Contemporary Worship 3:30 PM Laser Tag

10 5: 30 PM SPRC 7:00 PM Covenant Council

11 5:30 PM Praise Team 7:00 PM Spiritual Practices 7:00 PM Wesleyana Circle 7:00 PM Disciple IV

12 6:45 PM Missions

13 14 15 Mission Socks 5:30 PM Saturday Night Light

16 Mission Socks YAR 8:45 AM Traditional Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Contemporary Worship

17 6:45 PM Children’s Ministries Committee

18 5:30 PM Praise Team 7:00 PM Spiritual Practices 7:00 PM Disciple IV

19 1:00 PM Community Roundtable (Library)

20 21 YAR

22 5:30 PM Saturday Night Light YAR

23 8:45 AM Traditional Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Contemporary Worship

24 25 5:30 PM Praise Team 7:00 PM Spiritual Practices 7:00 PM Disciple IV

26 6:00 PM Talent Show & Pie Auction

27 7:00 PM Worship Committee

28

Wednesday Night Fellowship 5:15pm—Fellowship Meal 6:00pm—Youth Activities (PreK—5th Grade) 6:00pm—MS Youth Group 7:00pm—HS Youth Group 7:30pm—Sanctuary Choir 8:30pm—Jake’s Boys

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT NO 13 Gibson City, IL 60936

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Gibson City United Methodist Church 206 East 10th Street Gibson City, IL 60936

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Pastor—John Tennyson cell 217-249-5453 email: pastorgcumc@sbcglobal.net Associate Pastor—Megan Thompson cell 217-418-8354 email: gcumcassoc3@sbcglobal.net Connection Coordinator—Barb Horsch cell 217-781-8048 email: mgf@leapstream.net Administrative Assistant—April Rotramel office 217-784-5452 email: gcumc@sbcglobal.net

Church Custodian—Jeremy Rotramel Organist—Beverly Nagle Choir Director—Ruth Davis

Nursery Attendants—Melissa Jamison Susan Schultz, Volunteer Jessica Schultz, Volunteer

OUR STAFF

Liturgist Greeters

(West, South, North) Acolytes

Sound Room (8:45)

Projector (8:45)

Projector (11:00)

Feb 2 Doug

Eckerty

Josh & Sarah Chase Janite Barnes & Dixie Thomas

Keegan Frashier & Zander Wier

Brandon Clark

Erin Arsenault

Grace Christensen

Feb 9 Kent

Bielfeldt

Kathy Eagleson & Linda Hester Jim Collison & Kim Fisher

Carey & Angie Davis

Parker Chase & Olivia Hawthorne

Lonnie Engel

Taylor Engel

Haley Christensen

Feb 16 Amy Hood Kathy Eagleson & Linda Hester

Jim Collison & Kim Fisher Carey & Angie Davis

Jacob Rutledge & Karleigh Kietzman

Steve Hawthorne

Dani Eckerty

Jeremy Steidinger

Feb 23 Mick

Kingsley

Tom & Sandy Fairchild Gene & Sue Everett Jeff & Judy Eckhoff

Keegan Frashier & Parker Chase

Jon Clark Blythe Borton

Grace Christensen

Head Usher for February is Jon Clark