The Banner “The Lord Is My Banner” —Exodus 17:15 barringtonumc.com Barrington United Methodist Church February 2015 Journey to Jerusalem: The Road to the Cross Why Lent? With every step we take during Lent, we experience—along with the disciples—the unexpected direction of Jesus' path. We want to know the true joy of Easter, but must experience the sorrow of Jesus' death on the cross. Rather than running to the resurrection, walk the journey with Jesus to Jerusalem, the path that leads to victory over death. Lent is a season of forty days, not including Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. It is a time of preparation for celebrating Easter. Every Sunday is a "little Easter," so Sundays are not included in the count of days in Lent. Historically, the season of Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and then became a time of penance by all Christians. (The United Methodist Book of Worship, 1992) Today, Many Christians observe Lent by disciplines of self-examination, repentance, prayer, fasting, self-denial, reading and meditating on the Word of God. Richard J. Foster says that joy should be the keynote of all spiritual disciplines because the purpose of discipline is “liberation from the stifling slavery to self-interest and fear.” (Celebration of Discipline, 1988) For example, Foster indicates that fasting reveals the things that control us. We often hide our deepest fear inside us with food and other things, but in fasting, these things surface. Lent is not just about giving things up but also adding practices that allow us to engage more deeply in our relationship with God and with our neighbors. So in this holy season, may we find our own practices through which our inner spirits experience freedom and the abundant grace of God! Ash Wednesday Lent Holy Week Easter February 18 February 18 - April 4 March 29 - April 4 Sunday, April 5 In this Issue Pastor’s Column, Connection Point, page 2 Lay Ministry Celebration, page 3 Adult Ministries, Noah's Ark Christian Preschool, page 4 Children's and Youth Ministries, page 5 Did You Know?, United Methodist Women, page 6 Calendar, Crossroads Worship, page 7 Staff contact information, Upcoming Events, page 8 Pastor's Column by Rev. Chris Winkler Three Things You Need to Know: nation and world. Because we want to respond to these needs we are currently considering how we might make our worship experiences available to more people through a newly configured Sunday morning schedule. We are also working to develop an exciting, new and refocused faith development program for Sunday mornings as well as new small group and fellowship opportunities that will take place throughout the week. We want to know what would make your worship and study experience more accessible and meaningful so you will have an opportunity to hear about these plans and make comments and suggestions at an upcoming Town Hall meeting as well as in focused conversations. Stay tuned! Finally, “The Well” gathering place is just about ready to open. We are awaiting the furnishings and some accessories that should be in place within the month. Even before the official opening people have begun to use the space for informal meetings, one-on-one conversations and as a place to have a cup of coffee or tea and to read or meditate while their children are in Sunday school or a spouse or partner is in a meeting. The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive, especially from people who are comfortable in more contemporary informal settings. Of course, I have also heard from a few people who wonder if the space is in keeping with our style and décor. My response to this question is that the church has spaces that are created for a variety of purposes and circumstances. For example, we have a formal parlor, a youth room, toddler and infant space, worship space, dining space, office space, etc. We are excited about this new space and that we are able to meet the diverse needs of many different people. I am excited about the challenges and opportunities in front of us. I ask you to be in prayer for our church as we discuss, envision and move toward the future. In January of 2014 the Church Leadership Council made a bold step forward in faith. We believed that there were plentiful signs that God was working in our lives and our church. After much prayerful consideration and trusting that God would provide, we affirmed a budget that included a significant gap between what was pledged and what we needed to spend to continue the programs, ministry and mission of this church. I am delighted to bring you the good news that through God’s providence and your generosity we finished the year meeting all of our obligations and carrying a small surplus into 2015. Further, the pledges we have received thus far for 2015 reflect increased commitment and generosity on the part of the people of Barrington United Methodist Church. If those who have not yet returned their pledges do so, we will be able to move confidently into the future God is calling us to. Perhaps more importantly, when we tally all of the monies we sent to missions of charity, mercy, and justice we easily exceed $300,000 dollars. This amount is equal to about 30% of our total budget. The biblical standard for a tithe is 10%. I believe our support of local, national and international outreach and mission represents a church that is bold, compassionate and sacrificial in its care of the last, the least and the lost. If you have been listening to me speak or reading my columns over the last 18 months you probably know that I believe that there are three things people want their church to do well. We desire and are engaged by vibrant and vital worship. We want to experience study and fellowship opportunities that help us grow closer to God and neighbor. And, we seek to make a difference in the world by effective and compassionate outreach and service to the community, Connection Point by Gayle Richard “Where do I start?” We all hear in worship services and at offering time about how we live our faith, how we walk the journey together, how we serve the world. But how do I start? Where would I even begin? How do I take the first step? The process of engaging with our faith is a cycle that is repeated over and over throughout our lives: just ad 1. Listen. As you look through the bulletin inserts or the Banner, as missions and ministries are highlighted during worship announcements, as you see events on Facebook, pay attention. Listen with your heart as well as your ears. Is something calling you a little tiny bit? Is there an event that sticks in your mind? 2. Pray. When you feel your heart “strangely warmed” or when an event or ministry keeps coming to your mind, pray about it. Ask God for guidance and direction and allow yourself some time of stillness and space to listen and hear. 3. Ask questions. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to find out information. Ask the people you sit near during services or that you chat with during fellowship times. Reach out to me or to any2 one in the church office with questions and we will help you find the answer. We will spend time with you in conversation, asking and answering questions and putting you in contact with ministry leaders for more information or next steps. 4. Try it out. Take a leap of faith! Once you have listened, prayed, asked questions – participate on a trial basis. No long term commitment, no promises – drop in for a single class session, go to List the different worship service, try a half-day service project, e purchase a few items for donation. 5. Reflect. After the event, class or experience spend some time in prayer and reflection. Did the experience leave you with a positive feeling about your service to God, to the church, to the world? Did you find a sense of God, faith, and community? Do you feel that you made a difference? How did the experience impact you? 6. Readjust. If you didn’t find a “connection” or a “fit” with that experience, don’t give up! Take some time and start back at “Listen” and “Pray” and allow yourself time to go through the cycle again. Don’t rush it - have faith and see what other direction the Holy Spirit is leading you toward. PrayA s k  n ect Re Refl  Try it Out Celebration of Lay Ministry Together We Serve Celebrating Lay Ministry on February 8 The Lay Leadership Team has worked over the last few months to recognize the many gifts among our congregation and celebrate the various ways those gifts have been shared in our faith community and also in our local communities. As you come to the service on February 8, you will be asked to wear your name tag with a colored ribbon which will indicate your passion and participation in different areas of ministry. The worship services will be led by a group of lay people which will be followed by a time of fellowship and engagement in the lobby. What a privilege and joy to live out our faith together and bless God’s world through our humble service! We thank God for each of you - your leadership, your diligent work, and your dedication to the ministry of Christ that we are called to serve in grace. So please come and join us on this special day of celebration, and let us give thanks and praise to God who works among us and through us. Together we serve united by love Inviting God's world to the glorious feast We work and we pray through sorrow and joy Extending Your love to the last and the least Preparing candles for the Christmas Eve Worship Service Preparing snacks for the children at Vacation Bible School Together by grace we witness and work Remembering Jesus in whom we grow strong Together we serve in Spirit and truth Remembering love is the strength of our song (The Faith We Sing, p. 2175) Youth Group members serving dinner at Epworth UMC in Chicago It's Time to Update Our church pictorial directory is an important tool that we use in fellowship and ministry in the life of the church. A task force is forming to plan for our next directory. This group would first select a photography firm with the capabilities of taking photographs and preparing and printing the directory, then would handle the scheduling of the photo sessions and work with the company to produce an attractive directory on a timely basis. Please contact the church office at 847-836-5540 if you have questions or would like to participate in the production of this new directory. Laity Convocation - February 14 The “Wesley” Way TODAY Can Show You! “I continue to dream and pray about a revival of holiness in our day that moves forth in mission and creates authentic community in which each person can be unleashed through the empowerment of the Spirit to fulfill God’s creational intentions.”-John Wesley Saturday, February 14, 2015 Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178 Phone: 815-895-9113 All Laity and Clergy Invited! Bishop Sally Dyck will be the speaker. A schedule can be viewed at www.umcnic.org. Contact: Natarsha Gardner at [email protected] to register. Cost $15 per person. After February 7, $20 per person. 3 Adult Faith Development Sunday Mornings at 9:15 a.m. —Drop In Chapel Noah's Ark Christian Preschool Contact Susan Brown, director, at 847-844-3738 or [email protected] The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel From the book cover: Retracing his own spiritual journey from atheism to faith, Lee Strobel, former legal editor of the Chicago Tribune, cross-examines a dozen experts with doctorates who are specialists in the areas of old manuscripts, textual criticism, and biblical studies. Strobel challenges them with questions like How reliable is the New Testament? Does evidence for Jesus exist outside the Bible? Is there any reason to believe the resurrection was an actual event? Strobel’s tough, point-blank questions make this bestselling book read like a captivating, fast-paced novel. But it’s not fiction. It’s a riveting quest for the truth about history’s most compelling figure. What will your verdict be in the The Case for Christ? If you have any questions, please contact John Watson at john.f.watson@ comcast.net Monday Mornings 9:15-11:15 a.m. —Mom's Group in the Parlor Jeremiah: Daring to Hope in an Unstable World by Melissa Spoelstra In the Book of Jeremiah, we find God calling out to His people with a message of hope—a message that intentional living is possible even in an unstable world. But how do we do this? Where do we start? Jeremiah offers women hope for living in an uncertain world by learning to navigate the challenges and circumstances of their lives. This six-week study examines God’s words of instruction to His wayward people through the prophet Jeremiah, and provides women six guidelines for intentional living to overcome fear, worry, and doubt as they surrender their wills to God’s and put their hope in Him alone. This class is open to any mom interested in spending time with other moms in an atmosphere of encouragement – all are welcome! Childcare will be provided for infants, toddlers and kindergartners not in school that morning. Contact Jody Horton at horton4062@ gmail.com. Thursday Mornings 9:30-11:30 a.m. —W.O.W. (Women of the Word) Join women for fellowship, study, and great conversation. Meet in the Parlor. Contact C Watson, [email protected]. Friday Mornings 9:30 a.m. —Breathing Spaces Join us at Cook Street Coffee in Barrington (Corner of Station and Cook Streets). All are welcome to this low key, fun, and tasty setting to read and pray the Scripture. Contact Pastor Mi-Sook Yoo at [email protected] for information. Saturday Mornings 8:30-10:00 a.m. —United Methodist Men’s Study 8:30-9:00 a.m. Coffee/food/fellowship 9:00-10:00 a.m. Meet in the Parlor A study of the letter to the Colossians 4 Facilitator: Brian Kramper (briankramper@yahoo. com) February happenings at NACP Stop by and tour our school, we will show you why we are the place for you. We are having the best time this year and the only thing missing is …YOU! Your child will have a Christian education that will help them succeed in life. Annual Dinner and Dance Auction We will have our annual Dinner and Dance Auction on February 7 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. If you are interested in coming to our event and would like to meet other parents, stop by my office or call. The price is $30 for the family. We will have pizza, a DJ, crafts, and lots of fun items to auction off. Butter Braid Sale Coming in March Our Butter Braid sale will be at church on March 1 and 8. We will have a table for you to stop by and order your favorite breads. Youth Ministries February 2015 Schedule Contact Pastor Christal Bell at [email protected] All youth in 7th-12th grade are invited to come and join the fun! Sunday, February 8 Sunday School in the Youth Room, 9:15-10:20 a.m. Sunday, February 15 Sunday School in the Youth Room , 9:15-10:20 a.m. Youth Group *Special Time* 1:00-3:00 p.m. Service project: meet at the Willow Creek Care Center. Space is limited please call Pastor Christal to sign-up. Saturday, February 21 Confirmation class, 9:00 a.m.-noon, Youth room Sunday, February 22 To celebrate African American History Month, the Youth Group will worship with a congregation in Chicago followed by lunch. Saturday, February 28 Service Project, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Carpool from BUMC at 8:00 a.m. to Epworth UMC Chicago “Church Mission Day” Adults are welcome to join the youth in service! Random Acts of Kindness Children’s Ministries New Children & Families Facebook Page! Are you on Facebook? Want to stay current with what’s happening in Children’s Ministries? I created a page just for you! Please find “Missy Konopka” on Facebook and I will add you to our “Secure Group”. Mardi Gras Family Event Mark your calendar for Sunday, February 15 for our Mardi Gras Family Event. The fun will begin right after the 10:30 a.m. worship service in Fellowship Hall with a meal and then family activities! Please see the sign-up sheet in the Lobby. Walk With Jesus Churchwide Event March 29 Please plan to join us for an exciting new Easter Event here at BUMC. We will all enjoy the UMM Annual Pancake Breakfast together immediately following the 10:30 a.m. worship service and then begin our “walk”. Groups will truly experience Holy Week as we journey through 4 different stations; The Last Supper, Gethsemane, Good Friday and lastly the Easter Resurrection. We are looking for Greeters and Station Leaders. If you have an interest, please contact Pastor Mi-Sook or Missy Konopka. The Youth of BUMC will also be participating from January-March in RAK: Random Acts of Kindness. We will be sharing the love of Christ in various ways with the BUMC congregation. If you are RAK’d, please email [email protected] and describe the experience! FYI: No Good Friday Children’s Event Serving at Epworth UMC in Chicago Sixty people had a great time together at the Frozen Movie Night sponsored by Children's Ministries We will not host a Children’s Good Friday Event this year since we will all “Walk With Jesus” on Palm Sunday. If you and your children have enjoyed our Good Friday Event in the past, we hope to see you at our new event on March 29 after the 10:30 a.m. worship service. 5 Did You Know? The founder of Methodism, John Wesley, preached that the role of the church was to endorse the rights of all religions. Today, the United Methodist ministries follow those social principles by establishing guidelines based on our calling to be neighbors to the world, and that we should show love and compassion to all. At Barrington United Methodist Church, we bring these principles to life through our sharing of the pulpit and sermons in times of turmoil that remind us of One God, our support for interfaith studies, and participation in area conferences with all faiths. Reach— serve, influence, involve, concern, help, assist, impact, contact, inspire, engage, care, save, encourage, benefit, minister, nur ture Written by the Church and Society Ministry Group of BUMC United Methodist Women News Flash! Slight change in programming for Grace Circle in February Grace and Faith Circles will meet in the Dining Room on Thursday, February 5. At 12:15, Carolyn Schneider will share about her trip to Cuba and show a DVD about "Weavers of Hope" a small group of women in Matanzas who meet twice each week to create woven handicrafts and community. Those who would like are invited to bring their own sandwich at 11:30 for lunch fellowship before the presentation; beverages and dessert provided. On Saturday, February 14, Elgin District United Methodist Women will be having an Ubuntu Day of Service at Feed My Starving Children (FMSC), Libertyville. We will meet at UMC of Libertyville at 11:30 a.m. for a light lunch and proceed to FMSC to work from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Registration forms are available on the bulletin board in the lobby and are due February 7. Turn your Valentine's Day into a day of showing God's love for the least and the lost. (Ubuntu is a Zulu word and concept that captures the concept “I am human because you are human.”) Contact Linda Osikowicz. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events: Saturday, May 23 Northern Illinois Conference United Methodist Women Spring Retreat at Barrington UMC Saturday, July 11, Mission u One Day Event at Oak Lawn UMC Thursday, July 16-Sunday, July 19, Mission u at NIU, DeKalb 6 Day of Spiritual Renewal, Saturday, April 18 "How Is It with Your Soul?" Join Elgin District United Methodist Women for a Day of Spiritual Renewal at Calvary United Methodist Church, Villa Park. We will begin the day at 8:30 and conclude at 2:30. The program will be presented by Rev. Young-Mee Park, DeKalb District Superintendent. Registration forms will be on the bulletin board in the lobby; cost is $15 (includes continental breakfast and lunch) and RSVP's are due on April 6. Questions? Contact Linda Osikowicz, . Come… explore how to pray and learn in ways that restore, revive, and revitalize who you are…leave with a resounding “It is well with my soul!” Reading Program United Methodist Women have a Reading Program with books in five categories. There's something for everyone to enjoy, including children and youth. Information can be found at: http://www. unitedmethodistwomen.org/reading-program Some of the titles include Pat Summitt's autobiography, Sum It Up: 1,098 Victories, a Couple of Irrelevant Losses, and a Life In Perspective, Whatever Happened to Dinner? Recipes and Reflections for Family Mealtime, and The Seven Paths: Changing One's Way of Walking. The Youth selections touch on current topics and offer interesting reading for adults as well: Bully.com by Joe Lawlor, Refuse to Do Nothing: Finding Your Power to Abolish Modern-day Slavery. And children's selections offer humor and connection: Because Amelia Smiled, The Eye of the Whale: A Rescue Story, and I Can Pray. February Calendar 2015 For the most up to date information go to barringtonumc.com Sunday 1 Monday 2 Tuesday 3 Wednesday 4 Thursday 5 Friday 6 Saturday 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 8:00 AM Worship 9:15 AM 9:15 AM Moms' Group Faith Development Classes 10:30 AM Worship 11:45 AM Faith Development Summit 11:45 AM Women's Retreat Meeting 8:00 AM Worship 9:15 AM Inquirer's Class 9:15 AM Faith Development Classes 10:30 AM Worship 5:00 PM Inquirer's Class 8:00 AM Worship 9:15 AM Faith Development Classes 10:30 AM Worship The Banner Deadline 8:00 AM Worship 9:15 AM Faith Development Classes 10:30 AM Worship 9:15 AM Moms' Group 7:00 PM Preschool Parent Association 9:15 AM Mom's Group 7:00 PM Worship and Arts 9:15 AM Moms' Group 7:30 PM Leadership Council 6:30 PM Welcoming Ministry 7:00 PM Trustees' Meeting 7:30 PM Handbell Rehearsal 1:00 PM Prayer Shawl Ministry 7:30 PM Staff Parish Meeting 7:30 PM Handbell Rehearsal 1:00 PM Traveling Tea Party 6:30 PM Preschool Board-Regular 7:00 PM Adult Faith Development 7:30 PM Handbell Rehearsal 7:00 PM Missions Ministry 7:30 PM Handbell Rehearsal 7:00 PM Disciple Study 7:00 PM Spiritual Gifts Team Meeting 7:00 PM Disciple Bible Study 9:30 AM Women of the Word 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal Ash Wednesday 9:30 AM 7:30 PM Worship Women of 8:30 PM Chancel the Word Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Disciple Bible Study CROSSROADS Barrington United Methodist Church Informal and Engaging Worship Saturday, February 14 at 5:00 PM 9:30 AM Women of the Word 11:30 AM Grace/Faith Circle 7:30 PM Chancel Choir 9:30 AM Breathing Spaces 9:30 AM Breathing Spaces 9:30 AM Breathing Spaces 9:30 AM 9:30 AM Women of Breathing Spaces the Word 7:00 PM Administrative Team 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal 8:30 AM Men's Bible Study 5:00 PM Preschool Dinner Dance 7:00 PM Red & White Party 8:30 AM Men's Bible Study 11:30 AM Feed My Starving Children— Libertyville 5:00 PM Crossroads Worship 6:00 PM Food and Fellowship at Rosati's 8:30 AM Men's Bible Study 9:00 AM Confirmation Class 8:00 AM Youth group Epworth UMC in Chicago 8:30 AM Men's Bible Study Crossroads is an intimate and informal worship experience that incorporates a variety of musical expressions—songs you might hear on Friday night at a club to those you’d expect to hear on Sunday morning—from contemporary Christian, to hymns, to country or Gospel. Through scripture, study and conversation, we seek to connect our faith with the way we live every day. This worship service is for everyone, from those who are just beginning their journey of faith to those who have been pilgrims for some time. Crossroads meets every second Saturday at 5:00 p.m. A fellowship opportunity follows every service with an optional meal out at Rosati’s on Route 25 in Carpentersville. (117 N. Kennedy Drive) 7 Barrington United Methodist Church Building community. Worshiping God. Creating Disciples. Serving all people. 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington, IL 60010 Phone: (847) 836-5540, Fax: (847) 836-1644 Web: barringtonumc.com Noah's Ark Christian Preschool: 847-844-3738 Senior Pastor: Rev. Chris Winkler, ext. 102 [email protected] Associate Pastor: Rev. Mi-Sook Yoo, ext. 103 [email protected] Administrative Assistant: Paula Gordon, ext. 105 [email protected] Children’s Ministries Coordinator: Missy Konopka, ext 106 [email protected] Communications Director: Christine Streed, ext. 110 [email protected] Connections and Engagement Ministries Director: Gayle Richard, ext. 107 [email protected] Financial Director: Lynne Richardson, ext. 104 [email protected] February 2015 Sunday Mornings 8:00 a.m. in the Chapel 9:15 a.m. Faith Development for all ages 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary Second Saturdays Crossroads Worship at 5:00 p.m. Director of Music and Worship Arts: Karen Maxwell, ext. 134 [email protected] Organist: Jeffrey Neufeld, ext. 133 [email protected] Director of Contemporary Music: Seth Durbin [email protected] Preschool Director: Susan Brown, ext. 121 [email protected] Reception and Facility Scheduling: Elizabeth Laverd, ext. 101 [email protected] Youth Director: Rev. Christal Bell, ext 109 [email protected] Upcoming Events and Opportunities Interested in Finding out More about BUMC? Have you been attending worship services here for a few weeks, months (or even years) and are ready to take the next steps toward becoming more involved or exploring what it means to be a member? If so, join us for the upcoming Inquirers Class! Pastor Chris and Pastor Mi-Sook will lead an informal, conversational-style class covering the history and theology of the United Methodist Church, the vision and mission of Barrington UMC, and ways to take the next steps on your spiritual journey in and through our missions and ministries. The class meets for two consecutive weeks, Sunday February 8, from 5-8:00 p.m. and Sunday, February 15 from 9:1510:15 a.m. For more information or to sign up, please contact Gayle Richard at [email protected] or at 847-836-5540. Bible Study at Trinity UMC As part of the developing relationship between Trinity UMC and Barrington, Trinity UMC would like to invite members of Barrington to join them in a study of Adam Hamilton’s Not a Silent Night, a portrait of Jesus’ life through the eyes of his mother, Mary. Often done as an advent study, the 5 week class begins with the Resurrection and joins Mary in a retrospective of her son’s life. We will meet on Tuesday’s at 1pm with a luncheon offered at noon beginning February 3rd. Trinity UMC is at 1647 Ravine Road in Carpentersville very near the intersection of IL-25 and IL-68. The study will be led by Pastor Uziel Hernandez; for more information, please contact Sig Sundholm. In the Gospel of John, Jesus gives us the "I Am" sayings, meaningful metaphors such as “I am the bread of life” and “I am the light of the world,” to reveal his mission and purpose. The study book offers a weekly reading based on biblical study and personal reflections written by Pastor Rob Fuquay. Each short DVD segment was filmed in the Holy Land and takes us on location to where the “I Am” sayings of Jesus actually were spoken. Join us Sunday mornings in Lent for this insightful study series as we learn more about the God we can know and as we seek to answer Jesus’ question to us, “Who do you say I am?” February 22: Introduction to the “I Am” Sayings of Jesus: Knowing God March 1: “I Am the Bread of Life”: Knowing God’s Satisfaction March 8: “I Am the Light of the World”: Knowing God’s Guidance March 15: “I Am the Good Shepherd”: Knowing God’s Care March 22: “I Am the True Vine”: Knowing God’s Power March 29: “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”: Knowing God’s Way April 12: “I Am the Resurrection and the Life”: Knowing God’s Possibilities