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Laurel United Methodist Church
Volume 35 Issue 12
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What can We do to help?
Laurel UMC
will continue to collect cleaning bucket items for the Midwest Mission Distribution Center, and monetary donations for Hurricane Relief that will be sent to United Methodist Committee on Relief's
(UMCOR) Advance Special number #901670.
UMCOR Cleaning Bucket Kit
5 Gallon Bucket with re-sealable lid (buckets can be reused if cleaned, except those that have stored chemicals, i.e. paint or pool supplies)
Liquid laundry detergent (one 50 oz. bottle or two 25 oz. bottles)
Liquid household cleaner (12 to 16 oz. bottles - no spray bottles)
5 scouring pads (no stainless steel or pads with soap built-in, like SOS Pads)
18 cleaning wipes (handi wipes - NO terry cleaning towels)
Dish soap (16 to 28 oz. bottle)
1 can air freshener (aerosol or pump)
1 insect repellent spray (6 to 14 oz. can)
1 scrub brush (no long handle)
7 sponges (NO cellulose sponges due to mold issues)
50 clothes pins, clothes line, cotton or plastic (one 100 ft or two 50 ft)
24 heavy duty trash bags rolled (33-45 gallon)
5 dust masks
2 pairs of kitchen dishwashing gloves (good for multiple uses)
1 Pair of work gloves (cotton with leather palm, or all leather)
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CARING THOUGHTS from the Parish Visitor
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 This month we are celebrating our Stephen Ministry Program. We have twelve active Stephen Ministers who are serving as caregivers, and two leaders.
Stephen Ministry is based on the idea that all Christians are ministers. God has given us all gifts for ministry, and called us to put those gifts to use. Stephen Ministry is a program where people with special gifts for caring are trained and organized to provide focused care to others who are experiencing challenges or difficult times in their lives.
The following poem says it best:
"I cannot ease your aching heart,
nor take the pain away,
But let me stay and take your hand
and walk with you today.
I'll listen if you need to talk; I'll wipe away your tears.
I'll share your worries when they come,
I'll help you face your fears.
I'm here and I will stand by you,
each hill you have to climb.
So take my hand, let's face the world,
live one day at a time.
You are not alone, for I'm still here,
I'll go that extra mile.
And when your grief is easier,
I'll help you learn to smile."
Stephen Ministry is Christ caring for people through people. Give thanks for these caring people. Also, think about whether you feel this is a way you could serve, and, just maybe, be a part of our next training session. Please talk to any one of the following people for more information.
Leaders: Vickie Smith and Gail Lehmann
Stephen Ministers: Ginny Bayless, Kathy Frier, Gary Galecki, Linda Galecki, Shelley Hermann, Karen McMahon, Dyann Miller, Steve Read, Mindy Reynolds, Margie Schmidt, Kathy Sees, and Dottie Troop
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 great Ideas Welcome!
Laurel is a busy church, both inside and out, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for more.
Laurel welcomes new activities and ministries that support our mission,
Love God, Share With Others, Serve Both
.
If you have a passion for something and are willing to assume the leadership and support role, let's talk about how we can help you bring it to life.
This is not new, in fact
Laurel's Lights
, our ambitious and inspiring Relay for Life team was born out of the desire to respond to the death from cancer of former Diaconal Associate Mary Beth Anderson in 2003. One week following her death, Pat Kuster and Associate Pastor, the Reverend Marilyn Brewer attended a Relay for Life meeting. 14 years later, Laurel's Lights is stronger than ever, and one of the Top Ten fundraising teams in the United States, donating more than $220,000 since its inception. They also welcome new ideas and invite you to join their fun crusade!
Questions? Ideas?
Please email your Great Idea to SPRC member Dana Saal at
rdsaal@sbcglobal.net
. Please also include your objectives (who and how you want to benefit), your target audience (who is best suited for your activity or ministry, e.g. adults, retired, youth), and your funding source if required.
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SMALL GROUP STUDIES
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It isn't too late to join the Pastor's Bible Study on the book of Luke and Acts. The group is using the Fast Track version of the
Disciple Bible Study
.
Pastor's Morning Study
every Tuesday at 6:30 a.m.
in the Library
August 22nd-November 14th
Disciple Bible Study on Luke/Acts
Pastor's Evening Study
Every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.
In the Bride's Room
August 23rd-November 15th
Disciple Bible Study on Luke/Acts
Embracing the Questions
every Tuesday
starting September the 5th
9:30 a.m. in Room 201
The first study will be from the video
Justice for the Poor
Book Discussion Group
every Wednesday
starting September the 6th
7:00 p.m. in Room 201
We will finish the study of
The Fourth Gospel: Tales of a Jewish Mystic
by John Shelby Spong
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| Bible in One Year, Weeks 37 to 39 |
As our reading from the Old Testament comes to a close, and we breeze through the remainder of the minor prophets, there are a couple things which the reader should note. First, notice how many lines and ideas will re-emerge in our gospel reading. For example, in Matthew 11 the gospel writer will connect the person of John the Baptist to the final lines of the Old Testament in Malachi 4:5-6. And the gospel of Matthew will connect with lines from the book of Zechariah on multiple occasions. From the events on Palm Sunday, and the donkey Jesus rode into Jerusalem on, to the price of betrayal by Judas, Matthew lifts multiple connections from Zechariah as part of his story. The book of Micah supposedly predicts the place of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem, which Matthew 2:6 nearly quotes verbatim. So, watch for those elements to reappear in Week 39's reading in Matthew. Secondly, while there still seems to be a lot of negativity in these prophecies, take note how hopeful and forward looking these prophets are about the idea of a coming new age in which God's justice will rule and God's grace will reign. Their hope is that there will be a time in which God will dwell among humankind, and how different the world will be when that glorious day arrives.
But we also need to remember that about 400 years pass between the last writings of the Old Testament and the arrival of Jesus. That is a long time in which to remain hopeful! Given their captivity in Egypt, constant warfare with neighboring tribes, invasion by the Assyrians, Syrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans, to name a few, it is remarkable how the people of God remained faithful through it all. It makes it so much more wonderful to read when Jesus appears and the hopes and dreams of many will be fulfilled. It is understandable why magi from the east would travel so far to witness this event for themselves. They probably wondered among themselves,
Is it possibly true after all these years?
Holding on to hope is what we do as people of faith. And it is why we celebrate the good news of Jesus with such passion and enthusiasm.
Keep up the reading. You are almost in the New Testament.
Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Kent Lolling
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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS
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Thank you so much for the donations to the
Soap Box Ministry
! The Laurel congregation is always very faithful in supporting missions, and the Soap Box is a convenient way to provide hygiene supplies to the homeless in Springfield through Contact Ministries. Any time you have travel size or sample soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes or paste, please deposit the items in the Soap Box in the Fellowship Hall. Again, thank you for sharing your blessings with others in the community!
*
Thanks for
John and Ruth Ann Hamilton
for opening their home once again for the cookout. It was wonderful. Thanks to
Terry and Debbie Neathery
who helped with the cooking. Thanks to
Gary Bacon
for help with the cooking and transporting items back and forth from the church. Also thanks to
Jack and Jake Shook
for their help in transporting tables. Thanks to
Bill and Karen Ettinger
for driving the van. Thanks to
Alyce Fos
ter for being table host, and a big thank you to
JoAnn Overholt
for helping organize this year's meal. Thanks to everyone who brought food and made it such a wonderful afternoon of fellowship.
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I want to thank my church family for all your prayers, phone calls, cards, emails, and Facebook messages as my sister was nearing the end of her life here on earth. She is restored to perfect health in heaven with our Lord, and I celebrate that. Your love and support through this difficult time has meant more than I can say. Thanks to all of you! Connie Magee
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Kumler Outreach Ministries really appreciated the underwear donation. Rea Jean, who is in charge of kid's clothing said that, "We were desperately needing those underwear, so they came at the right time. We appreciate them very much. Let Laurel know how much they are appreciated." -Atsuko L
* Mission Update on Helping Hands
A few weeks ago, Reverend Lolling asked the congregation to support a Laurel Mission project to provide meals for Helping Hands when a meal provider cancels on short notice. The congregation's response was overwhelming, as is so typical of Laurel. Eighteen people volunteered to prepare casseroles and/or provide menu items if Laurel has at least two days notice. Plus, nine $100.00 gift cards to Hy-Vee were purchased with the contributions and are available to the Helping Hands staff if they find they are in immediate need. It is never too late to volunteer or to donate for this project. Volunteers may contact Karen Ettinger at
kwettinger@comcast.net
. Meal providers will be contacted by Karen as the need arises and menu items/casseroles will be discussed. Thanks, once again, for following God's message to feed the poor and love our neighbors.
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| Laurel United Methodist Women |
District Sangamon River
Conference Illinois Great Rivers
Jurisdiction North Central
Minister
R
ev
erend Kent Lolling
Publicity dmiller@laurelumchurch.org
PURPOSE
The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose Purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ
;
to develop a creative, supportive fellowship and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership shall be open to any woman who indicates her desire to belong
,
and to participate in the global mission of the church program through United Methodist Women.
The pastor shall be an ex-officio member.
2017
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
ACTING
PRESIDENT Jeann
é
Sims
SECRETARY
Joy Sherman
TREASURER
Dyann Miller
COMMITTEE ON NOMINATIONS
MEM
B
ERSHIP, NURTURE AND OUTREACH
Barbara Nelson
CHURCH WOMEN UNITED
REPRPESENTATIVE Jeann
é
Sims
CIRCLE LEADERS
Lydia Circle
Meets the
f
ourth Monday of the
m
onth at 5:30 p.m.
in the Bride's Room.
Times and locations may change-please call 414-4189 to confirm. All are welcome.
Leader:
By Committee-Lori Cox
Clara Swain Circle
Meets the
t
hird Tuesday of the
m
onth at 9:30 a.m.
Co-Leaders:
Barb Needham
Kathy Frier
Louise Campbell Circle
Meets the
t
hird Friday of the
m
onth at
11:30 in the Fellowship Hall-sack lunch
Leader:
Cathy Hauger
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LYDIA CIRCLE
Monday, September the 25th at 5:30 p.m. in the Parlor
Please join us and our speaker, Ms. Doris Woolery, for the evening . She is the Homeless Coordinator for Springfield School District 186. She will be explaining how the program helps homeless children and their families in our local schools, and how we, as a church family, might be of assistance with that program. We look forward to seeing you there!
CLARA SWAIN CIRCLE
Tuesday, September the 19th
9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall
Would you like to work with others to prepare a meal for Helping Hands? If so, join the Clara Swain Circle on Tuesday, September the 19th at 9:30. Following a short business meeting in the Fellowship Hall, we will prepare casseroles, frost cookies, and bake muffins. Volunteers will also be needed from 5:15-6:45 p.m. to deliver and serve the meal. If you would like further information, please ask Kathy Frier, Barb Needham or Jane Bradley. Hope to see you on the 19th!
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Sangamon River District UMW
Fall Gathering
Wednesday, September
the 20th
9:00 a.m. to noon
Chatham United Methodist Church
Keynote Speaker:
Reverend Mary Alice Cunningham
Soup Luncheon
Illinois Great Rivers Conference
United Methodist Women
Saturday, October the 7th
Fellowship at 9:00 a.m.
Program at 9:40 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Bishop Frank J. Beard
"The Message is on Your Lips and in Your Heart"
At First UMC
2941 S Koke Mill Rd.
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 It was Laurel's joy to receive Sean-Edward Hall as a member on Sunday, August the 20th, during the 9:30 worship service. Sean-Edward transferred his membership to Laurel from Grace United Methodist Church in Jacksonville. During Sean-Edward's time at Laurel, he has attended worship, sung in the choir and served as a liturgist. We are honored and thankful to welcome Sean-Edward into the Laurel family!
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Scribbles 2017-2018
new
semester start date is
Thursday, August the 31st
Each Thursday morning from 9:30 to 11:30
we invite you to bring your preschool aged children for planned activities, music, crafts, games, story time, and a snack.
Scribbles
is a safe, nurturing environment where children experience the love of God and the wonders of His creation. This is a great time for parents to shop, run errands, or just have some down time for themselves. This program is open to anyone in our Laurel family, their friends and neighbors. If you know of anyone who may benefit from this program, please pass this information on to them.
Scribbles
has a minimal monthly fee of $10.00. This fee will be waived if you are involved in a discussion group/project at Laurel during the same period of time. The fee covers crafts, art supplies, snacks, and more
. Registration is required. For more information, please call JoAnn Overholt, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries, at 525-1866, or e-mail her at
joverholt@laurelumchurch.org.
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MUSIC! BANDS! CHOIRS! BELLS!
Sound Quake
-a vocal music experience for all 2nd through 5th graders. We practice each Wednesday
starting September the 6th at 6:00 p.m
. in the Youth Band/Choir Room on the First Floor. JoAnn Overholt, Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries, leads this group with help from Deb Watts.
Chime Time
-a chimes and bells experience for all 2nd through 6th graders. Practice is each Wednesday
beginning on September the 6th at 5:30 p.m
. in the Third Floor Choir Room. Carissa Filipiak, Chime Time Leader, can be reached at 415-4297 with questions.
Teen Choir/Teen Band
begins
September the 10th,
and practices each Sunday at 10:15 a.m. in the First Floor Teen Band and Choir Room. All Junior High through College age youth are invited to join us.
Laurel Chorale
- is a women's choir that practices every Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m.
starting September the 10th
in the Third Floor Choir Room, and is led by Doug Hahn, Music Director.
Chancel Choir
- practices each Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the Third Floor Choir Room,
starting September the 7th
. Doug Hahn, Music Director, leads the choir.
Asbury Bells
- is Laurel's Bell Choir led by our Music Director Doug Hahn.
Practices start on Thursday, September the 7th at 6:00 p.m
. in the Third Floor Choir Room.
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Riot
(Rejoice in One Truth)
(Junior High Youth)
Schedule:
September the 10th-
(10:15 a.m.)
Teen Choir/Teen Band starts
(6:00 p.m.)
Youth Group begins
Eat, Play Games, Work on Calendar
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Double Edge
"
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword
" Hebrews 4:12
(high school youth)
Schedule:
September the 10th-(10:15 a.m.)
Teen Choir/Teen Band starts
(6:00 p.m.)
Youth Group begins
Eat, Play Games, Work on Calendar
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| Covenant Groups Starting at Laurel |
Laurel UMC has always had several small study and prayer groups. But we are now branching out into covenant groups starting this fall. Reverend Terry Harter will be conducting a training for small group leaders beginning on September the 11th. We have around ten potential covenant group leaders who will be attending the training. It is our goal to have four or five covenant groups
beginning in October. These covenant groups will meet for eight weeks, take a break through December, and begin again in January. Eventually we hope to have around ten small groups active at Laurel. However, we know it may take a few years for us to make that goal. Reverend Terry Harter is willing to conduct more trainings as needed, and Atsuko will continue to work with these small groups u
ntil we can hire someone to lead this ministry.
I hope you will consider joining one of the small groups in this fall. If you are interested, please contact the church and ask to be put on the list of those wanting to be a part of one of our covenant groups, or sign up on the back of the attendance sheet during Sunday worship. Don't be surprised if one of our covenant group leaders will be asking you if you would like to participate!
This is such an important next step in our discipleship ministry. These groups will help increase faith, build connections at Laurel, better care for one another, deepen spiritual life, and solidify our connection with Laurel. I hope you will prayerfully consider being a part of one of our covenant groups.
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September the 9th to the 16th
Cindy Jizmagian; Sara, Payton and Preston Waldron; Sadie and Brady Radunzel; Burma Jones; Terry, Cole and Harley Jones; Paul and Roma Larson; Scott, Cindy, Emily and Audrey Murphy.
September the 17th to the 23rd
Sean-Edward Hall; Bill and Marilyn Israel; Kerry and Karen McMahon; Michelle, Matthew and Jayde Koster; Dick and Deb Moldenhauer; Ryan and Megan Moldenhauer; Frank and Doris Rawlings.
September the 24th to the 30th
Sondra, Eric and Shannon Brown; Paul and Jackie Carey; Steve, Jane, Jillian and Lauren Chard; Cheryl Coontz and Randy Fix; Craig and Marty Dahlquist; Phil and Kathy Daykin; Arlene Dittberner.
Paul Sims
will be 91 on
September the 10th
Jane Bunker
will be 96 on September the 26th
Gary and Jean Taylor
will be married 51 years on
September the 10th
Ray and Margaret Ackerman
will be married for 69 years on September the 18th
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LAUREL UMC WORKS WITH BUTLER SCHOOL
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We are in need of volunteers to help for one hour a week in the classrooms at Butler School. Currently, we have six volunteers, and need nine more to fill each classroom. Also, below you will find special events at the school where volunteers are needed:
9/8 - Grandparent's Day Dinner at 5:00 p.m.
10/25-27 - Fall Book Fair from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
12/7 - Gingerbread Reading/Math Nigh
t at 5:00 p.m.
You may contact the Butler Elementary School (787-
3189) with questions, or to volunteer for any of the above. And sign-up sheets will be on the round table in the Parlor for the next couple of Sundays.
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FALL READING CHALLENGE
There are TEN categories ... the challenge is to read a book from as many of the categories starting NOW and ending on September the 30th. You will find bookmarks with the category lists in the library. You may find a book that fits in more than one category. For example,
The Cat in the Hat
is a classic, a book you can read in a day, and a book from your childhood.
Challenge Categories:
1.
A book that has been turned into a movie
2.
A book considered a classic
3.
A book you chose because of the cover
4.
A book from your childhood
5.
A nonfiction book
6.
A book about prayer
7.
A book set in your hometown or region
8.
A book with a number in the title
9.
A book you can read in a day
10.
A book by C.S. Lewis or J.R.R. Tolkien
Pick up a Category Bookmark,
Visit Laurel's Library,
And Fall into Reading!
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If you sew, crochet, knit or use scissors, this is the group for you.
The group plans to meet monthly in the Fellowship Hall the forth Tuesday of every month at 9:30 a.m.
Please join us on
September the 26th
. There's a task for everyone!
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Your Blood Pressure Numbers!
120 over 80?
On Sunday, September the 10th we will again have a blood pressure station at Laurel in Room 201. A nurse from our congregation, Megan Strohm, and a friend who is also a nurse, will be set up after the 8:30 service. Please stop by and let them check your numbers! Ask questions and keep a chart ... did your numbers change? Eat smart, add color (veggies and fruits), move more ... check your numbers and be healthy! The next date will be October the 22nd.
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 FALL into READING
New Adult Books:
Egypt's Sister
By Angela Hunt
Haven of Swans
By Colleen Coble
Flight of the Sparrow
By Amy Belding Brown
Sabotaged
By Dani Pettrey
Christianity After Religion
By Diana Butler Bass
New Juvenal Books:
Jumping to Conclusions
By Wanda E. Brunstetter
Survivors: True Stories of Children of
The Holocaust
By Allan Zullo and Mara Bovsum
Sammy Keyes and the Sisters of Mercy
By Wendelin Van Draanen
Hank the Cowdog: Faded Love
Hank the Cowdog: The Curse of the Incredible Priceless Corncob
Hank the Cowdog: The Case of the Fiddle-Playing Fox
Each by John R. Erickson
New Children's Books:
Just Because
By Rebecca Elliott
The Name Jar
By Yangsook Choi
New "I Can Read" Books:
Buzz Boy and Fly Guy
By Tedd Arnold
Camille's Mermaid Tale
An American Girl book
By Valerie Tripp
New Board Book:
God's Dream
By Archbishop Desmond Tutu
New Audio Book:
Home Run
By Travis Thrasher
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Healthy Together is on Facebook
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Be Healthy Together and Join our Facebook page.
We will share healthy living ideas, recipes, exercise suggestions, health tips and more. Our purpose is to support each other as we strive to meet our individual goals and learn to live a more healthy lifestyle.
Who can join this group? You, your family and all your friends!
"And because the physical and the spiritual are interwoven, the simple rhythm of walking can be a way to engage the spirit."
... Louisa Rogers - Care Notes from Abby Press
Let's stay Healthy Together,
JoAnn
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 The Laurel Scholarship Book Sale is
October the 7th and 8th
Please save and bring us all the books you have enjoyed and are now ready to part with! There is space behind the sofa in the high school Sunday School room to store them until the sale. The monies earned from this sale go to our Laurel Scholarship Fund. The Laurel Scholarship program is designed to benefit the youth of our church as they enter college, and work to complete their education. Each year, any student in our Laurel family who is entering college, or has at least one more year before graduating is eligible to apply.
Books, Books, Books ... I usually buy as many as I bring for the sale!
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Remember Worship Kidstyle! On the second Sunday of each month, we are asking parents to bring their children to the 9:30 a.m. worship service. This is the Sunday that Chime Time and Sound Quake are in worship, and the day that Reverend Lolling will invite our children forward to join him in a Children's Moment to interact and talk about God prior to the children going to their Sunday School classes.
We also encourage you to involve your children in our Sound Quake and Chime Time, where the children have the opportunity to learn music in a wide variety of styles during Sound Quake, and chimes and bells during Chime Time, as well as the beginning fundamentals of reading music. For more information, contact JoAnn Overholt, Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries,
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Time to Text:
Psalm 63:1-8; Nehemiah 2:17-18; 1 Chronicles 16:8-12; 1Chronicles 16:34-36; Proverbs 24 1-7; Isaiah 14: 26-27; Isaiah 54:9-10; Habakkuk 3:17-19; John 8:6-8; 1 John 1:8-9; 1 John 4:7-9 and 19-21
Make a Joyful Noise!
Calling all Youth
Come be a part of Choir and Band! Get your vocal cords ready, and bring your instruments. Practice starts at
10:15 on Sunday mornings,
and the groups meet in the lower level Band/Choir Room (109) near the High School and Junior High Sunday School rooms. Come to Sunday School, and stay for band and choir.
The Choir and Band are open to all
sixth grade through college age youth.
Come join the group, and serve God by sharing your talent!
Youth Groups starts on September THE 10TH
We will have
Pizza
, have fun, and make plans for our 2017/2018 year. Your ideas and suggestions are needed! Bring your School calendar, so we don't plan events when School activities are taking place. We need your ideas for mission, ideas for service, ideas for study, and ideas just for fun. Yes, bring friends!
Sunday, September the 10th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
The
Scholarship Committee
is sponsoring a
Book Sale
on October the 7th and 8th. Please bring the books you are finished with for the sale, and put them in the Senior High Classroom behind the couch.
Come on Sunday Mornings
! We need you!
Fellowship and sharing our faith journey is important. We need to dig into God's word, and discover ways to be the hands and feet in our world and everyday experience. Please come on Sunday mornings and join the group.
________________________________
Our goal and purpose is to
know
the Good News of
God's love
,
fellowship
and
care
for each other,
reach out
into the community,
share
in God's Word, and to offer ourselves in
service
to God.
__________________________________________________
Attention Parents
of College Students and
Young Adults
Where In The World...
Parents, grandparents and friends of college students and young adults ... Please help us locate your young adult!
We believe students and young adults move every year ... so, even if they didn't move this year, PLEASE fill in the address and e-mail information, so we can check our records. If they have the same address as last year, we need to know that too. We want to stay in contact with our students and young adults, and we need your help to do it!
PLEASE E-mail the following information about your young adult or college student
Name
Mailing address
Zip code
Phone #'s
E-mail address
College and/or job
Birthday
Get on the good parent list and
help us stay in touch with your young adult!
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Laurel United Methodist Church
631 South Grand Avenue, West
Springfield, IL 62704
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Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved.
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