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

Sent:                                           Friday, June 3, 2022 10:09 AM

To:                                               office@woodridgeumc.org

Subject:                                     To Be Continued..." - Woodridge United Methodist Church Newsletter

Attachments:                          165426890006.05.22_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

 

 

"To Be Continued. . ."

Confirmation Sunday is always one of the best days in the life of the church. Young people publicly profess their faith in God, their desire to follow God in the Way of Jesus, and their willingness to do so as members of this congregation, Woodridge United Methodist Church.

 

On Confirmation Sunday we experience the future melding into the present. On Confirmation Sunday we sit next to parents, siblings, grandparents, and other family members beaming with pride. On Confirmation Sunday we celebrate commitments made - by the teenagers, sure. But also by their parents and the entire congregation. Everybody has a vital role to play on Confirmation Sunday!

 

But wait, there’s more! This Sunday is also Pentecost Sunday: a time when God’s Holy Spirit ignites a brand new day! Some speak like never before, others hear in ways they never thought possible. Questions and wonderment abound!

 

Pentecost and Confirmation together? That makes for a Sunday in which we embody hope.

 

In his sermon, “To Be Continued…” Pastor Dave will celebrate the unique attributes of this current Confirmation class, while also  considering the example of past Confirmation classes as he explores what is possible for our future together.

 

Congratulations to Jacqueline, Mikki, Sophia, Jovie and all their families!

 

Pentecost and Confirmation together make for a great day to participate in worship in person Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Of course we will also live-stream the worship service via our Woodridge UMC YouTube channel. Participating online is a good option too. Whether online or in person, what could be better than witnessing hope embodied?!

 

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, June 4th

  • 9:00 am Sorority

Sunday, June 5th

  • 10:00 am Worship Service
  • 11:00 am Communion (in person)
  • 4:00 pm Filipino Baptist

Tuesday, June 7th

  • 10:30 am Bible Study

Thursday, June 9th

  • 7:00 pm BSA
  • 7:00 pm Toastmasters

Sunday, June 12th

  • 10:00 am Worship Service
  • 11:00 am Safe Sanctuaries Training
  • Noon Communion (in person)
  • 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 and Sunday School teachers 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.

 

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).


CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

Church Summer Office Hours: 
Wednesday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Summer Hours run through Labor Day
We ask that you call before visiting.

 

 

 

Special Gifts 

Maintenance and Upgrade to AV System

Our audio visual system is in desperate need of some maintenance and upgrades.  Some of the areas of concern include:  the aging of our projector and screen and computer replacement and upgrades that are needed.  These items are not in the budget we recently approved but are greatly needed very soon.  The total cost of this project is $10,000.  We invite you to help us with this effort through your gifts.  Please make sure to specify "media ministry" on your gift, whether it is a check or through electronic giving. We need your help in making this happen.  We would like to complete this project during the next couple of months.  Any questions, please contact Pastor Danita or Kevin Read.


Opportunities/Events 

Summer Sunday School Volunteers
School’s out!  That means Summer Sunday School starts on Sunday, June 5th.  We are looking for a couple of summer Sunday school teachers to help fill in during Sunday School teachers’ vacations and work travel.  Lessons will be provided.  Please contact the church office or Pastor Danita if you are interested.


Safe Sanctuaries Training - Sunday, June 12th at 11:00 am

Safe Sanctuaries is an overt expression in making congregations safe places where children, youth, and elders may experience the abiding love of God and fellowship within the community of faith.  It is very important that any church employee or volunteer who will be supervising children, youth, or vulnerable adults during church related ministries complete this training, and it affects our insurance coverage if persons do not go through the training. The Northern Illinois Conference (NIC) of the United Methodist Church is requiring all of these people to complete annual training by August 31st of each year. We will be having onsite training on Sunday, June 12 at 11:00 am.  Other members of the congregation are also welcome to become certified. 
If you are unable to make that session the NIC is offering in person and Zoom sessions on:

  • June 23rd at 6:30 pm at Plainfield UMC
  • June 29th at 6:30 pm at Plainfield UMC
  • July 16th at 1:00 pm at Des Plaines: First UMC
  • July 30th at 10:00 am at Plainfield UMC
  • Aug 6th at 10:00 am at Plainfield UMC

For more information click here and to register for these sessions go to www.umcnic.org/calendar/safe-sanctuaries-training


Youth Ministry 2021-2022

Sunday, June 5th: Confirmation Sunday! Congratulations Confirmands!


Tuesday, June 14th: Serve at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora! Contact Pastor Dave by Tuesday, June 7th to reserve your spot (pastordave@woodridgeumc.org).  Meet at FMSC at 8:45am. 555 Exchange Ct., Aurora 60504. After our packing session, we’ll get an early lunch together — our treat! — finishing about 12noon.

— Watch this space for future summer events!


The Bible for Curious People 
Our Tuesday bible study meets at 10:30am on Zoom. This study is open to all. Email Pastor Dave for more information and the Zoom link: pastordave@woodridgeumc.org
 
Reading Assignment for Tuesday, June 7th

1 Thessalonians chapter 5 and any notes your bible provides.
 
Questions to consider:

  • Is it possible to read this chapter without reference to an other-dimensional, plane-of-existence afterlife? If so, how then do we understand it?
  • What do you make of Paul’s instruction to “test everything and hold fast to what is good”? When have you followed that advice? When should you have followed it but didn’t?
  • Here at the end of this letter, what do you think was the main point(s) for the church at Thessalonica? What is the main point(s) for us today?


Wednesday Bible Study
The Wednesday Bible study class with Pastor Danita is at 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and is a hybrid class (in person and ZOOM simultaneously).  We are studying Hebrews:  Grace and Gratitude by David A. de Silva.  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:

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

Please let either Pastor Danita or the church office know if you will be available.

 

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.


Gratitude Picnic for Woodridge Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Wednesday, June 15th at 5:00 PM
Under the Tent at our Woodridge Jubilee site
(Corner of Woodridge and Center Drives)
 
We’re Celebrating You, our NHN Neighbors,
All our Volunteers, Sponsors and Partners!
 
Please kindly
RSVP to Mayor Gina by Sunday, JUNE 5th
 provide family name and how many will attend
630.780.0770 or
gcunningham@woodridgeil.gov
 
Thank you so much and we can’t wait to see you!  Celebrating together with Care and Gratitude for each other and ALL the helping hands - means so much! 
See the flyer here.


 

Birthdays

June Birthdays
 1   Roger Ford
     Avery Stock
6   Rey Aquino
     Jovie Santucci
7   Karen Miller
10 Wally Jeske
13  Chris McConnell
15  Michael Manderfield
16  Judy Krohn
      Kelly Lamorena
17  Walt Read
18  Kevin Mullane
20  Jane Borgehammar
27  Carole Strong
      Cory Aquino
28  Ed Krohn
      Nikole Krughoff
29  Dennis Nelson

 

Job Opportunities

Love INC
 
Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC) is a Christian ministry that has been helping churches help people in DuPage County for the past 36 years.  This ecumenical ministry is seeking a part-time Executive Director to lead the organization. Please contact barbLoveinthenameofChrist@gmail.com for details.


Tutors Needed
We are on a mission to hire 1400 tutors for grades 3-8 in Illinois School Districts.  Governors State University is an Institutional Partner Office with the Illinois Tutoring Initiative and we want to hire tutors for grades 3-8 in the subjects of Math and English.
 
Our goal is to hire as many tutors as possible to fill over 1,400 positions by August.  It would be my pleasure to meet with someone within your department and talk about how we can build a partnership.  Please
see here for tutor criteria and how to apply.

 

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 (8:00 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).
 

June Outreach Offering

Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON


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.

Rosecrance - Kinley Charity Care Fund


Founded in 1916 as an orphanage by Methodists, Rosecrance now provides addiction and mental health treatment services to thou-sands of individuals and families each year…many of whom do not have the means to pay for services. The inability of State government today to provide an adequate safety net to meet the growing needs of those neediest families is at a crisis level. Rosecrance is committed to serving these families by redoubling our efforts to increase charity care funded by the generosity of individuals, churches and others.  Website: rosecrance.org

 

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.


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  

      
June 2nd, 2022, Volume 12, Edition 22

 

 

 

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