From:                                         Woodridge United Methodist Church Communications <noreply@elexiochms.com>

Sent:                                           Friday, January 29, 2021 9:30 AM

To:                                               office@woodridgeumc.org

Subject:                                     "Power and Authority from the Backside" - Woodridge United Methodist Church Newsletter

 

            Woodridge United Methodist Church

Join us on ONLINE Sunday for worship services
at  10:00 am.

Instructions can be found below.
All are Welcome!

 

 

 

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

 

 

"Power and Authority from the Backside"

When we hear the words "power" and "authority" certain thoughts come to mind that are usually not positive or descriptors we would use to describe Jesus.  However, as this season of Epiphany continues to unfold, we hear passages of scripture that require us to take a different look at those words.  We are invited to go "behind the scenes" to view the power and authority of God through Jesus Christ in a way that shows us love, grace and hope as the true meaning and view of what "power" and "authority" really are. 

 

Maybe the reason we find it so hard to follow Jesus and change the world is that we have misunderstood the message!  We have substituted our own interpretation of what Jesus really meant and said so that we would be comfortable and not feel challenged as we go through life.  

 

So, this week let's take a look at a different interpretation of the message of Jesus by looking at "Power and Authority From the Backside".   Join us Sunday morning at 10:00AM on our Woodridge UMC channel on YouTube and let's wrestle with this "different" understanding.

 

Woodridge UMC is an open and loving United Methodist community striving to:       

Welcoming to all;
Uniting in service toward greater social justice for all;
Moving forward with understanding and acceptance of all peoples;
Creating disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.       

Our purpose is to offer a safe place and community to all races, cultures, religions, genders, sexual identities, ethnicities, age groups and other beliefs.      

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Friday, January 29th

  • Noon Lunch on Zoom

Sunday, January 31st

  • 10:00 am ONLINE Worship Service
  • Noon Communion
  • 1:30 pm Youth Group
  • 4:00 pm Filipino Baptist 

Tuesday, February 2nd

  • 10:30 am Bible Study Online

Wednesday, February 3rd

  • 6:00 pm Bible Study Online

Thursday, February 4th

  • 7:00 pm Boy Scouts

Friday, February 5th

  • Noon Lunch on Zoom
  • Cub Scout Blue & Gold

Sunday, February 7th

  • 10:00 am ONLINE Worship Service
  • Noon Communion
  • 1:30 pm Youth Group
  • 4:00 pm Filipino Baptist 

 

The spread of the COVID-19 virus requires our attention and immediate response to how we gather as a community of faith.  While serious, please know that we must refrain from becoming panicked.  Please be cautious and mindful of your own health and the safety of others.  Our Bishop and Annual Conference are regularly updating their website with information and resources for our church.  Please take a look at it for details:  www.umcnic.org.

 

 

 

Worship

STREAMING WORSHIP SERVICES

Where to find the YouTube Live Stream
From the YouTube app or on the YouTube web page, search for: Woodridge UMC or follow this
link.  Join us early for Joys and Concerns and the Prelude with music starting around 9:50 am. Services at 10:00 am.  If you have questions or problems, please contact media@woodridgeumc.onmicrosoft.com.  Full assistance will be available prior to 10:00 am on Sunday morning.  After 10:00 am, assistance becomes more limited. If you are not available at 10:00 am or cannot get the live streaming to work, a recording of the video will be posted to the Woodridge UMC YouTube page
 

OFFERING OPTIONS

There are different options for getting your offering to the church while worship services are online.

  • Go to the website & click on the Giving tab at the top of the page or go straight there with this link.
  • Text 630.449.7121 with the amount
  • Drop off in the gold mail slot next to the east door of the church.
  • Mail your offering to the church.

See below for information about donating in 2021.
 

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

If you watch the Live Stream, please email the church office at office@woodridgeumc.org and let us know that you joined us for worship, so that we might record your attendance.

 

ASH WEDNESDAY IS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH

Stay tuned for more information on how we will safely celebrate Ash Wednesday this year.


PRAYER REQUESTS FOR ONLINE WORSHIP

If you want a prayer request shared during online worship, please email the Pastor Danita at pastordanita@woodridgeumc.org by 8:00 am on Sundays.

 

THANK YOU REID AND JAIDYN SPEARS

For the past couple of months, we have been blessed by the ministry of music provided by Reid and his daughter Jaidyn.  Reid stepped in and became our Interim Director of Music when Katrina moved to Italy to get married.  Reid has filled in previously and was of course not a stranger to how our worship service happens "behind the scenes” but doing that during this COVID pandemic was a different experience.  But he stepped right in with little difficulty and Jaidyn followed.  We will miss them as a regular part of the "Sunday Worship Team" but know that they will join the rest of you who are watching on YouTube.  Thank you so much Reid and Jaidyn for your awesome ministry of music!!!
 


CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Church Office Hours: Mondays & Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. – noon
                                     Wednesdays - Fridays 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Our building is not ready for full activity, so we ask that you call before visiting.

 

 

 

Bible Study - Via Zoom


THE BIBLE FOR CURIOUS PEOPLE

Join us Tuesday mornings at 10:30am on Zoom as we explore the Gospel of Mark.
 
Reading Assignment for Tuesday, February 2nd:
Chapters 6-7 of the book of Mark, plus any notes your bible provides.


Questions to consider:

—What do you make of Jesus’ inability to access his power in his hometown? Are you surprised to read that he was surprised? Have you ever had an experience of rejection by your home crowd?

—What do you suppose Jesus did after sending out his disciples?

—How do you respond to the feeding miracle and the second water-and-wind miracle?


Due to the pandemic, this class is meeting online through Zoom on Tuesday mornings at 10:30AM. Please contact Pastor Dave (pastordave@woodridgeumc.org) to join the conversation. It is a great way to stay connected and all are welcome.
 
No prior bible reading or knowledge or expertise needed. No question is dumb and no one is forced to read the bible in one particular way. We will all learn as we go along exploring what the text says, what it leaves unsaid, what history and tradition tell us about the text, and how our own experience influences our reading.


 
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY ON ZOOM

The Wednesday Bible study class is examining the scriptures for the following Sunday. Please contact Pastor Danita if you are interested in joining the group.

 

Employment Opportunities 

Small Miracles Preschool is Looking for an Office Assistant

We are in need of a person for 2-4 hours per week for a temporary position with possibilities of long term.  Responsibilities are very minimal and include but are not limited to answering/making phone calls and emails, updating and managing website and other social media.  Must have high school education. If interested, please send letter indicating such to PastorDanita@woodridgeumc.org.  No phone calls please.    



Small Miracles Preschool Open Director Position
Woodridge United Methodist Church's Small Miracles Preschool is seeking a Preschool Director to start immediately in preparation for the 2021-2022 school year. The Director is responsible for maintaining the daily operations of Small Miracles Preschool, a warm and friendly environment, and a quality Christian-based, child-centered program. The Director must meet and maintain the minimum State Licensing Requirements of Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) for the State of Illinois, and lead and support the staff through teamwork and mutual respect to achieve individual and classroom goals. The Director reports to the Small Miracles Preschool Board of Directors with day-to-day accountability to the Lead Pastor of Woodridge United Methodist Church. You can find the requirements and how to apply at https://www.woodridgeumc.org/small-miracles-preschool/.


Opportunities/Events 

DUPAGE COUNTY CDC COVID VACCINE REGISTRATION
DuPage County CDC has set up a COVID Vaccine Registration page on its website as they transition to Phase 1b of the vaccination plan (adults age 65+ and front line workers). 
Please note: you will not be able to schedule an appointment until the time is right! Signing up here allows DuPage County CDC to contact you with specific information when appointments or clinics are available.  If you want to register please click here.  

  • Vaccination is  by appointment only  and  dependent on vaccine supply.
  • Eligible individuals will be asked to provide verification  of their eligibility through either photo ID to confirm age-based eligibility or employment verification (Employee ID Badge, check stub, state licensure or certificate) to identify occupational eligibility.

 

Youth Ministry Winter/Spring of 2021

Youth Group on Zoom returns today, Sunday, January 31st at 1:30pm. All 7th-12th grade students are welcome. Contact Pastor Dave (pastordave@woodridgeumc.org) for the zoom link.

Youth Group on Zoom continues throughout February. But watch for special events and opportunities for safe in-person gatherings.

Please Note: Most years, our annual Pizza Sale happens the first weekend of February. Due to the pandemic, we are postponing in hopes that we will be able to hold the sale later this year.

 

Register for a Zoom Webinar Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.

On Sunday, January 31 at 3:00 pm, the NIC Conference Commission on Religion and Race, in collaboration with Black Methodists for Church Renewal, invites you to a virtual celebration via Zoom webinar of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and ministry.

Registration is required to receive the Zoom link for the event. 
Please click here to register. 
The featured speaker is Rev. Dr. Stacey Cole Wilson, Executive Minister of Justice and Service (Baltimore-Washington Conference), whose presentation will assess the current state of affairs in our progress along the path of racial justice and equity for all. 
The program will also include a short Q&A time with our speaker, music and invited prayers.

Questions? Please contact Lennox Iton (
itonpere@comcast.net) or Nadia Kanhai (nadia.kanhai@yahoo.com). 

 

Youth Pizza Sale Postponed

Most years, our annual Pizza Sale happens the first weekend of February. Due to the pandemic, we are postponing in hopes that we will be able to hold the sale later this year. We are so grateful for your many years of supporting our Youth Ministries.


Puzzle Exchange

WUMC has started a PUZZLE EXCHANGE.

Every puzzle deserves a second, third, or even fourth shot. Let’s share the wealth!

There is a bin on the northwest side of the building labelled "Puzzle Exchange" by the north narthex doors for easy exchange anytime you would like.  Bring a puzzle.  Take a puzzle.  Please make sure that the bin is closed properly.

 

Birthdays 

February Birthdays

1         Jennifer Manderscheid
5         Gwendolyn Cortez
7         Nancy Viernes
10       JoAnn Cihlar
           Nicole Mueller
15       Rebecca Sprague
16       Molly Mullane
17       Rick Hultgen
           Jessica Morman
18       Magnus Borgehammar
19       Benjamin Cortez
20       Paul Santucci
27       Nicole (Cihlar) Griffin


 

Outreach Opportunities

January Outreach Offering: Family Crisis Fund


The Pastors of our church use our Family Crisis Fund to assist persons who come to our doors through the week needing help with food, utilities, prescription medicine(s), gas, emergency rental payments, and similar. The Family Crisis Fund is also available to church members in their time of need for the same types of assistance (food, utilities, etc.) In addition to your monetary donations, we can also utilize gift cards from grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations. These are also very helpful. The Pastors are grateful for your faithful support in helping the church do the work of Christ on a daily basis. Emergency needs have nearly depleted the fund this year, so your generosity is greatly appreciated.


DUPAGE PADS
Due to the continuing pandemic, DuPage Pads will not be using Downers Grove FUMC or any church to house Pads guests until late 2021.  They will continue to hotel guests at the guidance of the DuPage Health Department for both the Pads guests and the volunteers’ safety. 
 
DuPage Pads has enough funds to house 70 hotel rooms through March 31, 2021.  Their goal is 115 hotel rooms (approximately 150 guests) per night.  Each hotel room is approximately $45 a night which requires them to raise approximately $450,000.  Additional federal government funding is uncertain at the moment.
 
Cold weather has arrived, and people are still very much in need. There are several ways you can help:
 

  1. Food and Toiletry Donations: Please consider donating essential items using this link using curbside drop off boxes located in the DuPage PADS parking lot of 703 W. Liberty Wheaton, IL 60187. Drop off hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am-8:00pm and Saturday-Sunday 8:00am-4:00pm. Please do not leave donations outside of the scheduled times, especially food items overnight.

 

  1. Monetary Donations: A special fund has been set up for this purpose. PADS is working hard to maintain and add additional housing in hotels for guests, as well as provide them with food. This requires significant financial resources to sustain this long term.  Visit the PADS website here and look at the very top for the link to donate.

 

  1. Bring Food or Monetary Donations to DGFUMC:  First United Methodist in Downers Grove is collecting microwave meals to bring to PADS guests starting November 5th. Microwave meals may be brought to the church Monday thru Friday 10am-1pm and monetary donations can be made on the church website dgfumc.org using the Giving tab. The church is located at 1032 Maple Avenue in Downers Grove.

Please call or email Larry Cash with questions at 630-808-8713.

 

Northern Illinois Conference 
Get to Know Interim Bishop John Hopkins
With the new year, we welcome retired Bishop John L. Hopkins, who is serving as the interim bishop for the Northern Illinois Conference through 2021.
Typically we would host a meet-and-greet event or a formal welcome, but because COVID-19 prevents us from gathering we are introducing him through a Zoom interview.
Did you know Bishop Hopkins served in campus ministries? NIC Dir. of Communications Anne Marie Gerhardt "sat down" with Bishop Hopkins to ask a few questions about his background and ministry to help all of us get to know him a little better.

Watch and share this video
.

 

New District Boundaries Set
While the boundaries of the new districts for the Northern Illinois Conference are set, churches have until January 15 to submit a request for a change with a rationale to their District Superintendent. Interim Bishop Hopkins and the Cabinet will make a final determination by January 31.
The names of the districts, which go into effect July 2021, are Lake North, Lake South, Prairie Central, Prairie North, and Prairie South.
Click here to read the list of churches in each district.


2021 Aurora District Lay Academy



2021 Laity Convocation



Prayer Booklet For Times Like These from Our Conference

Don’t worry about anything? That’s pretty hard to do these days! Yet it is when we pray that we are able to pour our hearts and minds out to God. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, the NIC Discipleship Task Force asked clergy and laity to submit daily prayers, which were shared on the conference social media sites and website. Those prayers have been assembled into an online booklet, "Times Like These – Prayers of the People," for your reflection and devotion.
 

Click here to view the booklet online
Click here to download

 

Amazon Smile 

Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to Woodridge United Methodist Church whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.       

AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.  Support WUMC by starting your shopping
here.  


Ways to Connect

Northern Illinois Conference
Find out about upcoming events in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church by clicking this link  

      
January 29th, 2021, Volume 12, Edition 5

 

 

 

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