May 7, 2026

Music Sunday

Sunday, May 10 at 9:30 a.m.

We're all excited to share music with our congregation on May 10th in celebration of Mother's Day and Music Sunday. All our music ensembles have worked hard all year presenting music each week in worship and this is a time when we are able to come together sharing music to the glory of God and with grateful hearts. 

Sign up to attend here.

2026 Bishop's Appeal

Every year the NIL Conference United Methodists raise funds for a project of the area bishop's choosing and brings the money to Annual Conference session in June. Together, we join our resources and bring hope to the world.


This year, we will raise money for one fund to be divided equally between two education-related projects. We'll invest in the futures of young people as they discover their gifts and in equipping leaders to be wise, knowledgeable, and compassionate guides of faith communities. This year's recipients are:

  • High School Construction in Tanzania
  • Council of Bishops' Endowment Fund for Theological Education in Central Conferences

View a flyer with more information here. Donations can be made through the church's giving portal. Scroll through the Fund category and choose 2026 Bishops Appeal.

Midwest Mission Sewing Group

Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m.

The Midwest Mission Sewing Group needs your help. We are getting together Wednesday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m. in Wiley Hall. Can you help sew? Cut Out? Iron?


We have made numerous quilts and student bags already, but the goal is to take as many as we can to take to Chatham when we serve in July. If you sew, bring your machine if possible. Everything else, including snacks will be provided. Call or text Chris at 630-709-7761

Sign up for Movie Night here.

Blood Drive

Thursday, June 11, 2:30-6:30 p.m.

Save a life and donate blood at our next Pete Holmes Blood Drive! Versiti Blood Center will be on site taking your donations from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Make an appointment here. Walk-ins are welcome.

Sign up for VBS today!

Volunteer or Donate to VBS

Baker Memorial Church is preparing for a summer adventure as we host Camp Hope from June 22–25, from 9 to 11 a.m. Please visit the church app or here to register your children and grandchildren, and feel free to invite your neighbors and classmates as well.


Our goal is to transform Baker Hall into "Baker Lodge," and we need your help to bring this vision to life. We require at least 25 volunteers to make our Vacation Bible School a success. Please visit our SignUpGenius page to view volunteer roles and a wish list for camp items (such as pop-up tents) to help decorate the space.


If you are providing a borrowed item, please ensure it is clearly labeled so it can be returned to you. If you are unable to volunteer or donate items at this time, we would greatly appreciate your prayers for our volunteers, families, and children.


Please also save the following dates for our upcoming preparations:

  • Volunteer Meet Up: June 7 at 10:30 a.m. in Baker Hall
  • Kickoff VBS Sunday Funday Party: June 21 at 10:30 a.m. in Baker Hall


Thank you for your continued support in making Camp Hope a memorable experience for the children.


Shelly Stienbarger, Director of Children & Family Ministries

Worship Preview

Music Sunday, May 10th at 9:30 a.m.

Music Sunday is a day to praise God and give thanks for the contribution of our music program to the worship life of Baker Memorial UMC.

The service will feature our ensembles, Emanon, Wesley Singers, Chapel Chimes, Chancel Bells and Chancel Choir, soloist Mary Lecuyer and Marybeth Kurnat.


Let us be glad for the many singers, soloists, ringers, instrumentalists, volunteers, supporters, and staff: Director of Music Ministries Jeff Hunt, Director of Children’s Music Kathy Olivarez, Organist Stephen Uhl and Pianist Sam Wyatt.

Sunday Bulletin Link for Online Church

Watching online worship LIVE? There is a link each week to a PDF copy of the worship bulletin here and on the Online Church website page, so that you can follow along.

  • Click here to view the May 10th bulletin.
  • Register attendance and prayer requests here.


MINISTRY MESSAGE

Finance Report

Stewardship Update: Faithful Giving, Shared Commitment

As we reflect on the first months of the year, we are grateful for the strong and faithful support of our church community. 

From January through March, generous giving exceeded last year’s contributions by $36,480—a powerful commitment to our church community’s shared mission.


At the same time, careful stewardship of resources has made a meaningful difference. Operating expenses were $32,980 lower than this time last year, when unexpected winter weather and repairs strained our budget. This year, with diligence and careful management, we’ve been able to steward our resources more effectively. Personnel represent 55% of expenses, with building costs at 29%, reflecting our ongoing investment in both ministry and the care of our shared space.


Looking ahead, we are currently forecasting a year-end shortfall of $48,589. While this is a challenge, it is also an opportunity. If we continue in the same spirit of generosity and remain attentive in managing expenses, this gap can be closed together.

Encouragingly, our liquidity remains strong. Proceeds from the Cedar Avenue property sale have positioned us to move forward with a much-needed chiller replacement—helping to ensure a comfortable and welcoming environment for worship and community life in the years ahead.


This is a moment to remain united in purpose. Every act of giving—whether through regular pledges, additional offerings, or mindful participation in the life of the church—strengthens our ability to serve, to grow, and to live out our mission.


If you have questions or would like to learn more, members of the Finance Committee—Marie Kapustka, Gary Steele, and Jean McCabe—are always happy to connect.

Above all, we give thanks. Your generosity is not just financial—it is a reflection of faith in action, sustaining the work and witness of our church every day.

See More News on the Website!

  • To see a list of events and programs go to the What's Happening page. Click the button below.
  • See volunteer opportunities listed on our Volunteer page. Click the button below.

Ways to Give

Your donation will help provide critical support for our ongoing ministries.

  • Donate online here
  • Mail your donation directly to the church: 307 Cedar Avenue, St. Charles, IL 60174
307 CEDAR AVENUE | ST. CHARLES, IL, 60174 | 630.584.6680
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