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I hope you have a teacher (or mentor) or two from whom you learn from their wisdom and guidance and want to imitate their example of life. I participated in the Two-Year Academy for Spiritual Formation about thirteen years ago after being ordained. The program helped me experience spiritual renewal and growth, and I received many gifts from God and the community. As many of you volunteer at the church and other organizations, it has become my place to serve in response to the graces I experienced. Our faculty had various backgrounds, from a Jewish Rabbi, a District Superintendent, a Bishop, a Native American writer and speaker to a Quaker leader, a Dominican nun, and seminary professors.
It was the week Sister Kathleen taught us about Lectio Divina, which means "Divine Reading," a way of praying with scripture. I walked toward the back table during break time to check on the snacks and coloring materials. I don't remember if I asked any questions in our communal reflection-sharing time or if she noticed something in me or my behaviors while we worshiped and ate. Passing by me, she suddenly said, "Mi-Sook, be good to yourself!" I learned about the importance of self-care in the residency program through the ordination process. But it never hit me like that until Sister Kathleen gave me the words. It was a command of self-compassion. It was another day of a new beginning.
I met her again at the Hybrid Academy I served two weeks ago in Mundelein. I was overjoyed to see her again as a faculty member for the session. And yet, she looked somewhat different and weaker. She got tired quickly. I heard that she was critically ill several years ago but did not know she lost her foot to an infection until our leadership team member explained on the second day. Between the three buildings, one of us had to push her in a wheelchair, and she had to use a walker inside the buildings. In the thank you card that all the participants and leaders wrote for our two teachers, I said, "Thank you and love you!" When I gave her the last hug just before she left the facility, Sister Kathleen echoed the exact words into my ears.
On my way home, I prayed for her and wished that more people would have a chance to hear her and that I could see her at another Academy setting on the journey. And I cried. I was grieving the decline of her health. A giant soul teacher who gave her whole life to a covenanted poverty and service to God and God's people now must accept others' help. I whispered, "Be good to you, Sister, as you taught me until I meet you again ..."
Our series will conclude on Easter Sunday with these two words: grief and hope. Can you imagine the sadness and despair of the disciples losing their beloved teacher? What makes you weep this Holy Week? Where do you grasp hope in this troubling time? Join our Easter celebration at 10 a.m. in person or online via the church website or Youtube channel.
Click here to sign in your attendance on the website. If you have joy or concerns to share, please submit them with your attendance record. It's important for us to know you were with us and stay connected in prayer.
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Breakfast with the Easter Bunny | | |
Donate Blood in Honor of Janet Graf!
Last Sunday we celebrated Janet Graf and her passion to donate blood. In honor of Janet, we are encouraging everyone to donate blood at a drive near you, or at the Crystal Lake Center. Please contact Carrie to enter the CUMC church code.
4/17 Zion Lutheran 1-5 p.m.
4/22 NW Med Huntley 9-1 p.m.
4/29 Marengo HS 2-6:30 p.m.
4/30 Nippersink Library 3-7 p.m.
Contact Carrie to enter the CUMC Church code.
815-271-2910 or cfutchko@versiti.org
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Please talk to the Sound Team if you have difficulty hearing during the worship service. We have hearing devices available for you, and if you're already using a hearing aid with a Bluetooth function, we can make adjustments for you as well.
Stop by the sound booth to get assistance!
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Where have you seen God's grace? How have you experienced grace? What does grace mean to you? We invite you to write your thoughts in simple words and display them on the sanctuary glasses. Use a small piece of paper and clip pins. Thank you to Becky Kock and Lisa Greenwood for creating the Grace Sighting collage!
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Silent Service Auction Sunday, April 27
Following Service
The Auction is coming up and we need your items! Please fill out the item slips by Monday, April 14th. You can give them to Michele Linner or email your item list to mlinner@sbcglobal.net by Monday. We will have the item bidding sheets in the lobby on Tuesday, April 15th for you to start your bidding. Also, please bring your items to church starting on Tuesday, April 15th or give to Michele Linner. If your items are perishable (baked goods, etc) please bring them on Sunday, April 27th by 9:30 AM. Any questions, see Michele Linner.
This year, you can make a proxy bid if you can't make it to the auction on Sunday, April 27th. Watch the E-News next week for a list of items to bid on and a form to fill out and give or email to Linda Mullen. Proxy bids will be accepted until 11 a.m. Sunday, April 27th.
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Save the Date
Ladies Luncheon
Saturday, May 3
12 - 2 p.m.
Thursday group is inviting you to Luncheon and Painting on Saturday, May 3rd. All supplies are provided and luncheon will be included in the price of $20. Please RSVP by May 1st. Seating is limited. See Lisa Greenwood or Amy Doyle for questions. Click here to RSVP.
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Spring Handbell Concert
We invite you, your family, neighbors and friends to join us Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m. for an afternoon of beautiful music featuring the Random Ringers Handbell Ensemble and the Joyful Ringers of Christ UMC.
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We have a new addition in our parking lot - at the Northeast corner across from the bank. You can drop off gently used clothes and shoes in the bin. If it is full, do not leave your items outside but donate them at another time. Thank you!
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Ryan's Case for Smiles is a national volunteer organization that provides handmade whimsical pillowcases for children to help them cope with the stress of their illnesses and injuries. Cindy Kerr began making pillowcases for her son Ryan to brighten up his hospital room and put a smile on his face. Although Ryan is no longer with us physically, his legacy lives on in Ryan's Case for Smiles. There are over 100 chapters in the United States & Canada and over two million pillowcases have been delivered.
A new Western Suburbs chapter (Kane Co & McHenry Co, IL) has recently been established. We will be delivering bright, fun pillowcases to Ascension St. Alexius Women & Children's Hospital in Hoffman Estates, Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, and Lurie Children's at Northwestern Medicine Hospital in Huntley. The Ryan's pillowcase pattern is available at: caseforsmiles.org
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If you would like to volunteer to sew a pillowcase, your pillowcases can be given to Jean J. at church on Sundays.
If you would like more information, please contact:
Jean Jaderborg, RCFS Western Suburbs Chapter Coordinator. Thank you!
815-508-0497 rcfswesternsuburbschapter@gmail.com
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In the month of April we will be collecting for
Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Food Pantry.
Items that the Food Pantry is currently in need of due to short supply from the Food Bank and other vendors:
Food Items:
Cereal
Canned Pineapple
Mandarin Oranges
Pork & Beans
Canned Chicken
Flavored Rice
Instant Potatoes - Au Gratin Potatoes
Tomato Paste
Canned Pasta
Salad Dressing
Condiments
Fruit Juice
Crackers
Granola Bars - Cereal Bars
Cooking Oil - Baking Mixes
Toilet Paper - Toiletries
ANYTHING IS GREATLY APPRECIATED
Alternate to shopping: If you prefer to give a monetary donation, please make the check payable to Christ United Methodist Church. It is very important that you write on the memo line “Food Pantry.”
Drop off pantry items any time during office hours, Tues - Fri, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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Church Spring Cleaning
Last Saturday, our church received its Spring cleaning in preparation for Easter.
Eric Linner, Ron Gray, Joe Greenwood, Doug Literski, Mike Mullen, Larry Fournier, Richard Brooke, Linda Mullen, Peggy Literski, Michelle Linner and Linda Riggs spread 45 bags of mulch, cleaned light fixtures, changed light bulbs and cleared closets. Give them a thank you for a job well done!
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You can now make all your donations online. Click here or scan the QR Code. You can also mail the donation to church or use EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer). For any assistance, contact Joe Greenwood at josephgreenwood@yahoo.com .
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Please sign up on the calendar (inside the kitchen cupboard door) on a Sunday you would like to furnish a light treat and serve coffee & juice. All supplies except "treats" are at the church.
Thank you, Janet Kleckner
| | | April | May | | April 6 - Linda Riggs | May 4 - Joe & Eleanor Kilberger | | April 13 - Sunderraj Family | May 11 - Graduation Cake | | April 20 - Easter Sunday | May 18 - Confirmation Cake | | April 27 - Auction Soup/Sandwich | May 25 - | |
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For Amy Trende who is recovering after foot surgery
For Judy Lantinen and her family as they mourn the loss of her oldest granddaughter, Starr Ozornia
For Logan Moring, who is home recovering from a car accident
For Elantine Brighten's mother, Nalini Azariah, who is receiving radiation treatment for her breast cancer
For Ken Spooner, who got has started radiation therapy
For Duane Graf as he adjusts to Memory Care
For Eleanor Kilberger's best friend Carol, who is getting chemo for her third bout of cancer.
For Sherry Mark, who is coping with side effects from her cholesterol medication
For Pastor Mi-Sook's niece, Dain, who is has been diagnosed with autoimmune disease and is receiving treatment
For those who are affected by natural disasters throughout the world
For those who struggle with mental health and their families
For our local communities, our nation and our world
For peace and resolution in the Israeli/Palestinian conflict
For people in Ukraine and those who left Ukraine fleeing from war
For the grieving families and communities of gun violence
“Merciful God, hear our prayers!”
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We never pray alone but together as a community. We have a prayer chain, a small group of those who pray for submitted requests throughout the week. Let us pray for our church family, friends, neighbors, and our nation. Let’s draw the circle wider. Contact the pastor to join.
If you would like to keep your prayer request in beyond 2 weeks, we would appreciate if you contact the office with an update.
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Maundy Thursday Service
Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m.
GA Meeting
Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m.
Church Office Closed
Friday, April 18
Good Friday Service
Friday, April 18 at 7 p.m.
AA Meeting
Saturday, April 19 at 7:30 a.m.
Praise Team
Sunday, April 20 at 8:45 a.m.
GA Meeting
Tuesday, April 22 at 7 p.m.
Praise Team
Wednesday, April 23 at 7 p.m.
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Welcoming the Full Inclusion
of All People
Website: www.gocumc.org
christumcalgonquin@gmail.com
(847) 669-9009
Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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