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

Sent:                                           Friday, April 22, 2022 11:43 AM

To:                                               office@woodridgeumc.org

Subject:                                     Resurrection Practice" - Woodridge United Methodist Church Newsletter

Attachments:                          165064571304.24.22_Worship_Guide.pdf

 

    Woodridge United Methodist Church

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

Instructions can be found below.
All are Welcome!

 

 

 

 

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

 

 

"Resurrection Practice"

This week we are talking about practice. (“Practice, man! Practice!”)

Most of us are very familiar with the popular sayings about practice: it makes perfect. Or at least perfect practice is supposed to make perfect.

Then there’s the idea that practicing 10,000 hours will make you an expert. (Though it turns out that’s only part of that particular story.)

 

Some may remember a few years back we suggested that a better way to talk about practice might be this: Practice makes possible. Meaning, if there is a skill you cannot do today, you can become capable of performing that skill through practice.

 

Practice opens us up to new ways of living, new ways of being. Even when we are afraid. That seems to be a piece of what is going on in this week’s familiar story from the Gospel of John featuring Thomas.

 

Pastor Dave will explore that story and more this Sunday, April 24th, in his sermon, “Resur rection Practice.”

 

Here’s a hint at one way we can practice resurrection: by advocating for policies that will help end hunger locally and globally. Thus, this Sunday and next Sunday we offer space, time, and materials for an Offering of Letters to Congress. There is both a hand-written option and an online option.

 

We will talk much more about this Sunday, but to learn more about an Offering of Letters, click here.

 

If you are the type who likes to work ahead:

 

Click here to email Congress about feeding the 12 million US American children experiencing food insecurity.

 

Click here to email Congress about preventing malnutrition for the 800 million people across the globe who don’t have enough to eat.

 

If you want to be reminded who your Congressional Representatives are, click here.

 

To learn more about our partner organization in this effort, Bread for the World, click here

 

Worship with Woodridge UMC Sundays at 10:00 a.m. in person or online via our Woodridge UMC YouTube channel.

 

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

 

Saturday, April 23rd

  • Noon Gulbrandsen Memorial

Sunday, April 24th

  • 10:00 am Worship Service
  • 11:00 am Confirmation/Youth Group
  • 11:30 am Worship Band Practice
  • 4:00 pm Filipino Baptist
  • 6:30 pm CSA Committee

Monday, April 25th

  • 7:00 pm Den 2

Tuesday, April 26th

  • 10:30 am Tuesday Bible Study
  • 7:30 pm Health Team

Wednesday, April 27th

  • 6:00 pm Bible Study

Thursday, April 28th

  • 7:00 pm BSA
  • 7:00 pm Den 4
  • 7:30 pm Toastmasters

Saturday, April 30th

  • 2:00 pm Wiley Memorial

Sunday, May 1st

  • 10:00 am Worship Service
  • 11:00 am Communion (in person)
  • 11:00 am Confirmation/Youth Group
  • 11:15 am Ad Council Meeting
  • 11:30 am Worship Band Practice
  • 4:00 pm Filipino Baptist

 

 

 

Worship Services

In Person

WUMC considers the good health and well-being of not only our members, but also our community, an act of Christian stewardship. We continue to seek to avoid harm and do good as we attend to the practices that help us grow in the love of God as the COVID-19 Pandemic continues toward an endemic status. As a result of guideline changes from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, we have updated our COVID Safety Guidelines:

  • For worship services and Sunday School, masks are optional but strongly encouraged.
  • Nursery attendants are required to wear masks.
  • Masks are encouraged, but not required for all other meetings, gatherings, or groups. We recommend each group consult with each other on how to do good and avoid harm as a group in consideration of each other's needs and desires.
  • We will continue to practice COVID-19 safety best practices throughout our building including cleaning protocols and air circulation.

If you are feeling sick, please stay home and join us via livestream on YouTube. If community transmission spikes in our area, we may return to mask requirements for all activities.
 

Online

Where to find the YouTube Live Stream

The worship service is live-streamed every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. on our Woodridge UMC YouTube Channel. All available worship service recordings are on our channel too.

 

The weekly worship guide is attached to this email for ease of access. 

 

OFFERING OPTIONS

There are different options for getting your offering to the church.

  • 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.

 

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

If you watch the online service, 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.
 

NEW LECTIONARY BEING USED
Since Advent, Pastor Dave and I have utilized a new "arrangement" of scripture lessons.  We have been using "A Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church, Year W" by Dr. Wil Gafney.  While there are some texts that have been challenging, the majority of it has been refreshing.  We are not "abandoning" this lectionary, but are planning to be a bit more flexible in our choices from week to week, especially with summer approaching and our inclination to be more thematic (following a particular theme).  We will share those details each week in the "sermon blurb" portion of the e-news.


SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION 1ST SUNDAYS
We will be celebrating the Sacrament of Communion in person on the first Sunday of each month immediately following the livestream of our worship service. We will need a few moments to set up our ZOOM link for those who are not able to be with us in person.  Please remain seated following the postlude on the Sundays that we are serving communion.  Please remember that communion is available every Sunday via ZOOM.  Please contact the church office or Pastor Danita for the ZOOM link.

There is NO ZOOM Communion on Sunday, April 24 or Sunday, May 1st

 

PRAYER REQUESTS FOR WORSHIP

Starting on Easter Sunday we will no longer share specific joys and concerns during the livestream of the worship service.  We are planning a new entrance for the beginning of the worship service and need to make some adjustments.  Our joys and concerns will be printed and placed on the table in the narthex as you come into the sanctuary.  We will continue to do this going forward.  Therefore, all joys and concerns must be emailed to Pastor Danita (PastorDanita@woodridgeumc.org) no later than 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.  If joys and concerns are received after that, they will be sent on Monday to the Prayer Ministry Team.  Thank you for your flexibility as we make updates to our worship services.

(There have been requests that we include full names and/or more detailed information for people on our list of Joys & Concerns.  Please remember our services are broadcast on YouTube and are available to anyone who has internet access. Details are shared with our Prayer Ministry Team on Monday mornings.  You are invited to join them in prayer and share in this information by contacting the church office).


PASTOR DANITA IS AWAY THIS SUNDAY
Pastor Danita will be away on Sunday.  She is preaching at the Community UMC in Hazelcrest for their Annual United Women in Faith (formerly the United Methodist Women) Day at 10:00 a.m..  Their theme is "Love In Action".  Our prayers are with our pastor this morning.

 

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Church Office Hours:   Easter Monday - CLOSED
                                       Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - noon.

                                       Wednesday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
We ask that you call before visiting.

 

 

 

Opportunities/Events 

No Zoom Communion
There is NO ZOOM Communion on Sunday, April 24 or Sunday, May 1st


Youth Ministry 2021-2022

TODAY, Sunday, April 24th: Confirmation and HS Youth Group continue their exploration of the Timeline of Faith Heritage in the style of TV game shows.

Sunday, May 1st: Confirmation and HS Youth Group at regular time, ~11am-12noon.

Saturday, May 7th: Confirmation Retreat! Meet at Nelson’s at 8am; pick up there 9pm.

Sundays, May 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th: Confirmation and HS Youth Group at regular time, ~11am-12noon.
Sunday, June 5th: Confirmation Sunday! This will be built into the regular 10AM worship service.


The Bible for Curious People 
This study is open to all and meets Tuesday mornings at 10:30am. This class will be on Zoom only. Please contact Pastor Dave (pastordave@woodridgeumc.org) for the Zoom link.

This week, Tuesday, April 26th: our Lent study (now the Lent+ study?), “Faithful Lent: Connecting the Practices of Lent & Anti-Racism,” concludes with Chapter 6 “Right Relationships” and still pondering the questions: How should we respond to those opposed to our purpose? How do we defend those being harmed?


Wednesday Bible Study
The Wednesday Bible study class with Pastor Danita will resume on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m..  The Wednesday class is a hybrid class (in person and ZOOM simultaneously).  We will be studying Hebrews:  Grace and Gratitude by David A. deSilva.  You are invited to join us on this journey.  If you wish to participate via ZOOM, please contact Pastor Danita (PastorDanita@woodridgeumc.org) for the ZOOM link.
 

Radical Hospitality Volunteers
We are in need of volunteers to practice our church's radical hospitality and make the family and friends of our sisters and brother in Christ feel welcome. We are in need of your smiling face and cheerful spirit for the following Memorial Services:

Saturday, April 23rd:  we will be celebrating the life of founding member Mildred Gulbrandson;

Saturday, April 30th: we will be celebrating the life of Lisle Faith UMC's Glenn Wiley;

Friday, June 17th:  we will be celebrating the life of Florence Wentworth.  (A meal will also be included with this serve.)

Please let either Pastor Danita or the church office know if you will be available for any of these dates.

 

The Seven Last Words
The Good Friday Speakers Series The Seven Last Words of Christ well be held at the Chicago Temple (First United Methodist Church) on Friday, April 15th 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the sanctuary. Our very own Pastor Danita will be one of the 7 preachers. Face coverings are required to enter.  The event will also be live streamed on the Chicago Temple's  Website or Facebook Page.

 

Worship Band

Here is the schedule for rehearsals and services:
Mandatory rehearsals (11:30 am-12:30 pm) after the Sunday services on
April 24          May 1
Play at the service on May 8 (Mother’s Day).
 
If you have further questions or need clarification, please reach out to Carrie.


All Church Workdays
Green thumb?! Black thumb?!  Any kind of thumb!!  All levels of skill are welcome!   On Saturday, May 14th, we will do weed and debris removal, complete transplantings and install mulch and herbicide.  These events have been setup on Facebook under the name of Angelique Drzik-Edman for the public to view. Attendees are requested to come dressed to get dirty and bring gloves, a bucket, a hand trowel and a weeder or old screwdriver (and a scooping shovel and wheelbarrow on mulch installation day).  Tools will also be provided to attendees who do not bring their own.  The events are from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, but come anytime, for any amount of time-any and all help is welcome! Snacks and water will be provided.  A perfect opportunity for service hour completion!  Please contact Angelique Edman at 630.267.4591 or rangelfish@hotmail.com with questions or for further information.  See you there!


Upper Rooms
Upper Rooms for May-June are now available in the narthex with a limited number in the mailbox.

Woodridge Jubilee
Summer doesn’t begin until you attend the Woodridge Jubilee! The annual summer festival, organized by the Woodridge Park District and the Village of Woodridge, will take place Wednesday, June 15 - Sunday, June 19 at Town Centre (corner of Woodridge & Center Drives). Featuring free admission, carnival rides, live music and a variety of food, the Jubilee is sure to please every type of crowd.

 

Birthdays

May Birthdays

2       Robert Kettell
4       Deb Cortez
6       Karen Smith
10     Amanda Smith
11     Jean Lamorena
12     Marisa McGinty
14     Larry Cash
18     Charlotte Ashworth
21     Kathy Manderfield
22     Dione McConnell
23     Velma Getty
23     Robyn Harris White
25     Drew Byczynski


 

Outreach Opportunities

Drive to End Hunger
The 9th Annual West Suburban Community Pantry Golf Outings is Wednesday, June 22nd at Seven Bridges Golf Club.  Check In is at (:00 am and the shot gun start is at 9:00 am.  Register by June 1st to lock in early birdie pricing (includes greens fee and cart, breakfast, lunch, drinks and more).  Register at wscpantry.org/golf-outing.


ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES

Suits for Success

There are donation boxes in the hallway by the coat rack just outside the narthex for both men and women's clothing.  The clothes are picked up, dry cleaned and then taken to area men and women's prisons for people being released.  NO belts, shoes or underwear.

 

"Goin' Green" Shoes & Clothes Recycling Box

Located in the northeast corner of our parking lot, this receptacle is a convenient place to recycle any shoes and your clothes that are at or near the end of their usefulness.

Did you know discarded clothes account for more total landfill space than any other waste item? The “Goin’ Green” Box helps us reduce our waste.

How is this different from our “Suits for Success” ministry?

The big difference is that “Suits for Success” cannot accept shoes of any kind, nor can they accept belts, ties, or underwear. “Goin’ Green” accepts all shoes and clothes.

In summary: Keep bringing your gently used clothing donations to the “Suits for Success” collection boxes in the hallway.

For all shoes and any other clothes, instead of throwing them in the trash, put them in the “Goin’ Green” receptacle in the northeast corner of the parking lot.
 


West Suburban Food Pantry

We have a basket that we "inherited" from the Faith, Lisle church that is waiting for donations.  It sits in the narthex, usually near the sanctuary doors.  They did not stop operating during the pandemic and there is pending legislation in our state and nation that might cut their corporate donations in large amounts.  Let's replenish our basket!!!

 

Used Eyeglasses
There is a basket also in the narthex for collecting used eyeglasses.  Jorie would see that her sister, Kendra, got the eyeglasses and that they are recycled to the Lions Club and Gift of Sight groups.  Kendra is continuing this important mission. (Prescription eyeglasses only).
 

April Outreach Offering

The Reconciling Ministries Network


Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) mobilizes United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to transform our Church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love. Website: rmnetwork.org. RMN works to influence the UMC to be more inclusive and resources and empowers local churches to participate in this ministry. The network has a presence in all jurisdictions of the UMC.
 
The Reconciling Ministries Network is made up of over 700 Reconciling communities and over 34,000 individuals…
 
Mission:
Reconciling Ministries Network equips and mobilizes United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.
 
Vision:
Reconciling Ministries Network envisions a renewed and vibrant Wesleyan movement that is biblically and theologically centered. As committed disciples of Jesus Christ, we strive to transform ourselves and the world by living out the Gospel’s teachings of grace, love, justice, and celebration of all of God’s children.

 

Northern Illinois Conference
General Conference Postponed until 2024

Statement from Bishop John L. Hopkins
 
The Commission on the General Conference has announced the further postponement of the 2020 General Conference of The United Methodist Church. The next General Conference will be in 2024.
 
In response to the decision, Bishop John L. Hopkins said:
 
I want to express appreciation to the Commission on General Conference that is made up of elected delegates. They were entrusted to represent General Conference and have consistently upheld the principle of having everyone at the table.
 
If we believe in a church with a strong democratic foundation, we need to support the decision to meet in 2024 whether we agree with it or not. God does not stop working when we cannot gather at a General Conference and neither should we.
 
There are many questions about a General Conference in 2024 that we cannot answer at this time. Between now and our annual conference, we will know more about the possibility of electing bishops, changing representatives on church agencies, resetting the general church budget, and how a postponed 2020 conference and a 2024 conference can be held at the same time.
 
Do not let the news of General Conference being postponed take your attention away from the suffering of our United Methodist churches in Ukraine. I have gathered, sung, and prayed with our United Methodists brothers and sisters in Kyiv and in Moscow who are both led by Bishop Eduard Khegay. Support them with your prayers, offerings, and actions. Your gifts can be received through your local church and designated to Ukrainian assistance.
 
In the meantime, keep thinking globally and acting locally to serve Jesus and his Church. Use this Lenten Season to focus on what is most important and pray for peace.
 
~Bishop John L. Hopkins

 
Read Commission on General Conference Statement
Read Council of Bishops Statement


Ukrainian Assistance

The 2022 Northern Illinois Annual Conference Bishop's Appeal special offering will go toward Ukraine assistance, as the needs will be long term. Stay tuned for more details but in the meantime, you are encouraged to give through your local church designating gifts “Ukraine Assistance."


Prairie Central District
The new names of the districts, which went into effect July 2021, are Lake North, Lake South, Prairie Central, Prairie North, and Prairie South. We will be in the Prairie Central district.  Click here to read the list of churches in each district. Find the new district webpage here.


Becomging the Beloved Community Workshop
Join us for a respectful conversation on Saturday May 14th  from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm at Elgin: First UMC exploring the harm of racism to ourselves and others during this in-person workshop developed by the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force.  Facilitated by Dr. Richard Guzman, we will take a deep faith-based look at the systems that underlie and support racism.  Pre-registration is required by Friday, April 30th, with a suggested donation of $20 that includes materials and light snacks throughout the morning. 


Prairie Central Monthly Lay Meetings

Please join the district superintendent and your lay colleagues in the PCD every SECOND Thursday of the month beginning on January 13th and ending on May 12 at 7pm.  We will share news, have some prayer and devotion, hear the call story of a colleague and laugh with your friends.  We try to keep it to an hour but if something is really important and we need some extra time, we can do so.  This is a no-stress way to stay connected and get lifted up and know you are not alone. 
 
Please note that ALL lay persons who are in leadership at their churches are invited. This is not just for designated "lay leaders" but anyone who has an interest in the church and gathering with other lay persons.  So, please share this with anyone in your church who is a lay "leader" and might like to join us on Zoom.  Call the church office for the link. 

 

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  

      
April 22nd, 2022, Volume 12, Edition 16

 

 

 

Facebook

Twitter

Link

Website

 

 

 

Copyright © 2022 Woodridge United Methodist Church, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.
If you unsubscibe, you unsubscribe from all emails using the database.

Our mailing address is:
2700 75th Street
Woodridge, Illinois 60517


Add us to your bookmarks.

 

If you would like to not receive any more emails from Woodridge United Methodist Church, then click here to unsubscribe.