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

Sent:                                           Friday, September 30, 2022 1:29 PM

To:                                               office@woodridgeumc.org

Subject:                                     Making Room for More" - Woodridge United Methodist Church Newsletter

Attachments:                          166456248210.02.22_Worship_Guide.pdf

 

    Woodridge United Methodist Church

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

Instructions can be found at the end below.
All are Welcome!

 

 

 

 

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

 

 

"Making Room For More"

This Sunday is called World Communion Sunday.  You can read in other parts of the E-News about the importance of the offering for this day that supports the Crusade Scholarship and other scholarship programs for ethnic United Methodist students.  As a former Crusade Scholar, I say "thank you" for support given down through the years.

 

However, this day is also celebrated in other denominations as a reminder of what we all share in common....the Table of Christ.  The time of memory and redemption.  The table that is big enough to have room for all who wish to be in community with their neighbor.  The table set for those in need of forgiveness and faith, hungry for mercy and thirsty for grace.  A table that has a place for everyone....even children.

 

Our world seems to be in such disarray that nothing can possibly make a difference. We sometimes look around our world and think..... "I don't have enough patience/time/tolerance/grace/faith/resources for what is going on!". Our beloved community has lovingly embraced this attitude of scarcity and allows it to permeate every fiber of our being... even in church!!!!  Our lament seems to be...."We don't have enough to do what God has called us to do".  And yet, over and over, This proves not to be the case!

 

The Gospel message for this week, according to Luke, tells us that we should have a different approach in our thinking.  It is a reminder that we need to be "MAKING ROOM FOR MORE".  Understanding who we are and what we really have available for our use..... just as small as a mustard seed. 

 

In our scarcity-driven world how does that work?  What kind of answer or options do we really have?  Maybe that would be a good place for us to start our conversation on Sunday........ Join us at 10:00 a.m. in person or on our Woodridge UMC YouTube Channel to help find some answers.

 

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.      

 

The weekly worship guide is attached to this email.

 


Calendar

 

Saturday, October 1st

  • 9:00 am Sorority

Sunday, October 2nd

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

Monday, October 3rd

  • 7:00 pm Den 3
  • 7:00 pm Den 5
  • 7:30 pm Square Thrus

Tuesday, October 4th

  • 10:30 am Bible Study (online)

Wednesday, October 5th

  • 6:00 pm Bible Study 

Thursday, October 6th

  • 7:00 pm BSA

Sunday, October 9th

  • 10:00 am Worship Service
  • 11:30 am Adult Choir
  • Noon Communion (online)
  • 4:00 pm Filipino Baptist

 

Church Office Hours

Monday & Tuesday: 9:00 - noon
Wednesday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

We ask that you call before visiting.

 

Pastor Dave's Blog Post

“…Pray like this…”
We are so blessed to have multiple gospel accounts of Jesus' birth, life, teaching, death, and resurrection. It is freeing to know that God's love is so expansive that it could never be encapsulated in one singular version of one particular story. That also goes for the prayer commonly known as The Lord's Prayer: there is no, one, singular way to formulate that prayer.
 
Many of you asked about having a copy of the versions we used last Sunday. Done! Here you go:
 
“Our Mother, who is in heaven and within us…”
 
[
Read the rest of Pastor Dave’s blog post here]

 

 

 

Ministry Opportunities

World Communion Sunday

On World Communion Sunday, we partner with other UMC congregations in a special offering to support young adults and make a global impact for Christ. Half of the offering benefits World Communion scholarships for graduate students from the U.S. and other countries. The remainder assists Ethnic Scholarships for U.S. and international undergraduate students in the U.S. and Ethnic In-Service Training. These funds are administered by the General Boards of Higher Education and Ministry  and Global Ministries. The United Methodist Church, the world and our communities are in a time of transition. Together God’s church can be a beacon to navigate the ongoing global trauma of the COVID pandemic, the impact of a tumultuous political climate in the U.S. and the anxiety of a looming denominational separation. Now, perhaps more than ever, we are called to be part of extending healing and hope that can guide us to becoming a new creation in Christ. Through our gifts and support, we partner with God and God’s people to strengthen Christ’s loving presence in a hurting world. United Methodist Special Sunday celebrations invest in servant leadership, community building and ministries of peace with justice. Concentrating our resources to support shared ministries equips us to step into a grace-filled new beginning with faithful determination. When you give generously on World Communion Sunday, you partner with talented, qualified students from around the globe to transform the world as witnesses for Christ.

More Help Wanted
Another one of the fun events of our church "pre-COVID" was our Hanging of the Greens time.  What's that you say??  It is the time we set aside to "begin decorating" the inside of the building for the Advent/Christmas season.  This always occurs on the 1st Sunday of Advent which usually falls on the Sunday after Thanksgiving!!!  Over the years we have done a number of things, knowing it is a difficult weekend for those who may be traveling and/or with family.  Hanging of the Greens is usually supervised by our Worship Committee. However we are in need of persons to coordinate with the Worship Committee chairs our event for this year.  The date is Sunday, November 27th.  The time is to be determined by the coordinator(s).  Please let one of the pastors or Karen Miller know if you are interested and/or need additional details. 


Emergency Contact List?? Emergency Contact List!! 
In our never-ending effort to enhance our community and take good care of one another, we have an Emergency Contact List! What’s that? Our Emergency Contact List is a way for the church to keep track of who we should contact in the unlikely event you experience a medical emergency while in the building or at a WUMC function.
 
That’s why we’d really like you to participate. Don’t worry, the information you provide will remain confidential. There are two ways to fill out a form:

1. Click the link here and email the completed form to the office at office@woodrigeumc.

2. Fill out the paper form in the Narthex and return it to the office.
 

The Bible for Curious People 
This bible study meets Tuesday mornings at 10:30am on Zoom. The Bible for Curious People is currently reading through the New Testament epistle, 1st Peter.
Reading assignment for Tuesday, October 4th: Chapter 3 of 1st Peter and any notes your study bible provides. This chapter is so meaty and good and frustrating that we need another week with it!


Questions to consider:
—Just when you thought we were done with awful-sounding texts…welcome to chapter 3! How do these first 7 verses connect with the “submit” section from the previous chapter? What purpose (if any) can they serve today?
—Do you, as the letter instructs, have a humble and respectful defense for why you live in hope? How about as a congregation?
—This chapter ends with an apt representation of ancient cosmology. How would you rewrite that for our day?


Contact Pastor Dave (pastordave@woodridgeumc.org) to learn more or to join in the adventure.


Wednesday Bible Study
Our Wednesday night Bible study class is on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.  We are using the resource "JESUS REVEALED" by Matt Rawle.  Through this study we will examine the "I AM" sayings of Jesus as found in the Gospel of John.  If you are interested in joining us, please let Pastor Danita know.  This class will be in-person and via ZOOM simultaneously.


Panera's Crop Walk Fundraiser
Panera of Downers Grove (160 Ogden Ave) is having a fundraiser for South DuPage Crop Hunger Walk on Tuesday, October 4th from 4:00 – 8:00 pm.  Bring the flyer with you and give it to the cashier when you make a purchase (or use the code FUND4U online) and Panera will donate 20% of the net sale to South DuPage Crop Hunger Walk.  There are flyers in the narthex and here.

 

Youth Ministry 2022-2023

Thanks to all who attended our kickoff event this week! We have a very busy October planned for Youth Ministries:

Sunday, October 9th: Youth Group in the Youth Room after the worship service.

Sunday, October 16th: Participate in the CROP Walk. Register here!

Saturday-Sunday, October 22-23rd: Sleep Out Saturday! More details very soon

Sunday, October 30th: Participate in Harvest Fest with our WUMC family.
 
All students in 7th-12th grades are welcome in Woodridge UMC’s Youth Ministry activities.


Let's Get Back to First Friday Lunch!
Join us for lunch on the first Friday of each month for a lunch of easy conversation and even some laughs. It’s so easy! Bring your own sack lunch and beverage.  Our first lunch will be Friday, October 7.  EVERYONE is invited!


Upcoming Music Opportunities

Do you have hidden musical talent? You no longer have to hide it. You are cordially invited to share your musical gifts in one of our three music ensembles: the Worship Band, Adult Choir, and/or our Handbell Choir. These ensembles are LOW commitment. Please attend the rehearsals leading up to the service at which the ensemble will provide the music.  See the schedule here.

First up is:
Adult Choir (singers will be provided with a “singer’s mask”)

Rehearsal

Oct. 9

11:30AM-12:30PM

Music Room

Rehearsal

Oct. 16

11:30AM-12:30PM

Music Room

Service

Oct. 23

10 AM

Rehearse in the sanctuary at 8:30 AM

 

Adventurers
Hooray! After 2 1/2 years of restrictions, Adventurers is back!   Adventurers is a group of adults from WUMC who have been socializing once a month for many years, and EVERYONE is invited.  We may go to a restaurant, a play or someone's home. A host volunteers each month then chooses the activity, gets the facts to the church office so they can be in the enews (office@woodridgeumu.org) , and possibly hosts the group at their house for dessert and more easy conversation. 
 
We are starting out this season by dining at Malahini Terrace Chinese Restaurant, 321 W 75th St E, Willowbrook. If you haven't come to Adventures before, this is a perfect time to join us on Saturday, October 15, at 5:00.  Please contact Bud and Gwenn at 630-985-3974  or 
email by October 13 so reservations can be made.  It's sure to be a great night! 


Weekly Sunday School

Sunday School for Preschool and Elementary School-aged children is offered every Sunday. We use inspiring stories, creative crafts, and fun games—all done with guidance of loving, dedicated teachers—to engage our students.

Here’s our process: Children are invited to begin the worship service in the sanctuary with their family. Following the prayer time, the children will be invited up to the chancel steps for conversation with the pastors. Following the conversation, the Sunday School teacher will meet the children in the Narthex and walk them to their room (either Trinity Room in the main hallway or Blue Room in the Preschool wing).

Crop  Walk
Are you looking for a concrete way to help neighbors experiencing hunger both locally and globally? Then the CROP WALK is for you! On Sunday, October 16th starting at 2:00pm at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Downers Grove, people from all over the south suburbs walk together to raise awareness, funds, and food to help people who are hungry and hurting.
 
Registration pamphlets available now on the round table in the Narthex or—even easier!—register
online at our Woodridge UMC Team Page!

Thank you, Karen for volunteering to be our CROP WALK Team Captain!

Race, America, and the Church
A Speaker Series from the Northern Illinois Conference on the History, Causes and Effects of Racism and the Role of the Church in America
This 4-part series that extends into December and includes a 6-week book study in the fall, we will journey together to prayerfully learn, engage, and tackle our personal and corporate role in addressing racism.

The journey continues with:

CALLED: DOING GOD'S WORK FOR THE BELOVED COMMUNITY
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2022, 12:00 - 1:30 PM
Dr. Hart addresses what the local church can do to combat the continuation of racism in the church and in society. In-person and via Zoom
Speaker: Dr. Drew G.I. Hart
Go
here for more information


Northern Illinois Conference 

Help for Immigrant Families Arriving from Texas
The United Methodists in Northern Illinois are people with big hearts and a passionate witness for missions. We are called to provide shelter, clothing and food to the sojourner among us.

In the past few weeks, more then 750 asylum seekers from Central and South America have arrived in the Chicagoland area. These people have nothing but what they have carried with them on their long journey.

Churches have begun collecting items needed for these sojourners among us and volunteers are needed to give assistance.
There are multiple drop off sites across our districts.  Please see this flyer (click here) and help us extend the hand of Christ to those in need by donating needed items or volunteering to help.


Prairie Central District Informal Gatherings with the District Superintendent
Beginning Thursday, September 8 and every second Thursday through May 11.  Zoom Links (The links will stay the same for all meetings, though clergy links and lay links will be different).  Lay Gathering 7:00 pm link.
Lay persons: This is NOT for Lay Leaders only. It is intended for all lay persons who want to know more about what is going on and be connected.



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

Outreach Opportunities

UMCOR Continues to be Present in Puerto Rico
Hurricane Fiona, the first major hurricane of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, caused catastrophic damage in Puerto Rico and brought torrential rains to the Dominican Republic. It has left millions without power and running water, and only continues to gain strength as it batters Turks and Caicos and heads for Bermuda.
 
UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) is in close contact with the disaster response coordinator of the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico and has continued to be present since Hurricane Maria.  We support UMCOR through our apportionment giving as well as our special outreach giving.



October Outreach Offering

West Suburban PADS


The mission of West Suburban PADS is to transition people from housing crisis to housing stability. West Suburban PADS is the primary provider of service-supported housing in west DuPage County. The PADS Emergency Shelter is at the foundation of our solution to homelessness, which spans six program areas (including housing, prevention, out-reach, employment, & supportive services). The PADS Emergency Shelter provided overnight shelter to over 1200 homeless men, women and families last year. The shelter operates through broad ecumenical support from the community, involving more than 1,000 volunteers and 40 support congregations at 10 rotating sites.
Since the pandemic, West Suburban PADS has been housing clients in hotels and supplying meals at these locations. Because of this, our monetary donations are more critical than ever. Hopefully at a point in the near future, we can return to hosting and feeding these people in need. 

 


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.  Kendra Manderfield Moore makes sure  that they are recycled to the Lions Club and Gift of Sight groups.  (Prescription eyeglasses only).

 

 

 


Worship Service


Wellness Guidelines

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.  We follow the CDC guidelines.
 

Online Worship

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.

 

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.

 

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.
 

Prayer Requests for Worship
Our joys and concerns are announced during worship service and 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).


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.

 

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.        
 




September 30, 2022, Volume 12, Edition 40

 

 

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