February
VOL. 62 No. 2 February 2016
CircuitRider
NEWSLETTER OF:
CHANNAHON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
PASTOR STEVE GOOD
24751 W. EAMES, CHANNAHON IL 60410 / 815-467-5275
WWW.CHANNAHONUMC.ORG
Our mission is to create disciples who nourish faith and work in ministering to the community.
The ‘GOOD’ News
Upcoming Events
Pastor Steve Good
The measure of a church’s effectiveness can never be limited to
numbers, but these numbers help to tell the story of this church’s
compassion and love for our neighbors in need, wherever they live.
Thank God for the resources God has blessed us with that enabled us
to strongly support our outreach efforts in the year 2015. The
following is a summary of that giving.
2/7
2/10
2/14
2/16
2/22
Haiti Mission Team Speaks
Senior Luncheon
Ash Wednesday Service
Scout Sunday
Lent Bible Study begins
Northern IL Food Bank Service
2015 Total Outreach in Christ’s name: $52,110
Our Apportionment of the Globally Shared Ministry of United
Methodists Support for Ordained Leadership/Mission & Evangelism,
Strengthening the Connection:
Total 2015 Apportionment, Paid in Full 100%
UMW local, national, and global outreach
CROP Walk to Fight Hunger
Construction of new Grace Children’s Hospital
Grace Children’s Hospital and Pediatric Clinic
One Great Hour of Sharing
Feed My Starving Children
Coal City Tornado Relief
Garrett-Evangelical Seminary – Good Scholarship
Morning Star Mission
Imagine No Malaria
United Methodist Global AIDS Fund
JUST of DuPage (County Jail Ministry)
Children’s Fund for Christian Mission
Facing Forward to End Homelessness
Red Bird Mission
$27,564
$19,146
$1,180
$1,689
$ 142
$ 362
$ 325
$ 162
$ 174
$ 209
$ 489
$ 144
$ 96
$ 84
$ 71
$ 59
Continued on page 2...
FEBRUARY 10TH
You are invited to worship with us for
our special Ash Wednesday event on
February 10th at 7pm in the
sanctuary.
It will feature music, a message, and
the imposition of ashes as together
we begin our journey into the season
of Lent.
“Good News’ Continued
Native American Ministry of Presence
Bolivia Partnership
Heifer Project (from Sunday School)
$102
$ 20
$ 92
New Adult Bible Study!
About 175 bags of groceries to local food pantries
About 225 lbs. of Personal Care Kit donations for Haiti
(from VBS and others)
Blessings,
Steve
Stories from Haiti
During Sunday worship on Feb. 7th, the Haiti Mission team will be sharing
some of their stories from their recent mission to Grace Children’s
Hospital in Port-au-Prince.
Come and hear the results of their year-long preparation as they share
their learning, inspirations, and thanksgivings.
Led by Pastor Steve, the groups includes Jim Waller, Katie McSteen,
Mary Caher, Joan Ferguson, and Joi Walker.
Pastor Steve will be leading a brand new
adult study on the Gospel of John during the
season of Lent. John was the disciple ‘whom
Jesus loved’, and so will you. For 6 sessions
on Tuesday nights at 7 pm, we will explore
“The Gospel of Light and Life” through
reading, discussion, and a dvd presentation
by author Adam Hamilton. John is the most
deeply spiritual of the four Gospels. He
includes some of the loftiest and most loved
verses in all the Bible. This study on John, a
study of spiritual growth and renewal, could
change your life.
Cost for Participant book is $13.
Please sign up for this exciting study in the
narthex, or by calling the church office at
815-467-5275.
Meet our New Members!
On January 31st, CUMC welcomed six new members to our family of faith!
Travis and Kirby McConnaughay and their two children, Liam and Layla live at 24337 S. Blackhawk Dr. in Channahon.
(815)255-2355. Travis (transfer from Minooka UMC) works in sales and management for the Acres Group and enjoys
anything outdoors or involving tools. Kirby is a stay-at-home mom for Liam (age 4) and Layla (age 1). Kirby was baptized
during the 9 am Jan. 31st worship service! She enjoys DIY crafting, gardening, and spending time with family.
Steve and Diane McConnaughay live at 104 San Carlos in Minooka (815)467-1580. They are transferring from Minooka
UMC. Steve works in Industrial Sales with Motion Industries. He enjoys doing home improvement projects in his leisure
time. Diane is a Teacher Assistant with the Bonnie McBeth School in Plainfield. She enjoys bike riding, working out, craft
projects, and helping Steve with those home improvements. They have three adult children: Travis, Katie, and Jennifer.
Warren and Kayla Wendell are new to the area, living in the Del Webb community in Shorewood (536 Pleasant Drive).
They transfer their membership from Oregon UMC (where Pastor Steve’s sister, Barb Good, is pastor). Warrren is retired
and especially enjoys golfing and bicycling. Kayla is also retired and enjoys baking, reading, walking, and counted crossstitch. They have three adult children: Kearie, Kevin, and Kurt.
Please be sure to introduce yourself to our newest members and make them feel welcome
at Channahon United Methodist!
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Youth Group Reflection
From
Roger Beitzel
Hello & Remembering…
I’m wondering how many of you have heard Adele’s Hello? I’m guessing pretty much everyone—right?
I’ve heard it on the radio, in Target, on the TV, and even in my sleep.
And, as of December 31, 2015, people throughout the world have viewed the video more than
860,000,000 times! Which means that as a planet, we have invested 87,720,000 hours glued to Adele,
which equates to over 34,000 years watching her saying hello from the other side.
I think Adele had us at hello—don’t you?
In that same amount of time, we could watch all 6 Star Wars films more than 22 million times, or walk
around the world 3,000 times, or, better yet, read the entire Bible 186,000,000 times!
But I don’t think anyone who has seen the video or listened to Adele’s masterpiece would desire that
time back, because Hello has obviously struck a major chord with pretty much everyone in the civilized
world.
But why?
In my opinion, the genius of the lyrics doesn’t lie in the obvious theme of a breakup/makeup relationship
thing. No, this song also strikes at the heart of humanity on a deeper level. In fact, that’s one of the
reasons Adele said she wrote the song:
“I'm so attached to my whole life here. I get worked up that I'm missing out on things. So Hello is about
wanting to be at home and wanting to reach out to everyone I've ever hurt—including myself—and
apologize for it.” (Source: songfacts.com)
In other words, one way to interpret the song is through a time-bending lens where Adele is calling her
younger self (from a flip phone, no less)
Hello, it's me.
I was wondering if after all these years you'd like to meet,
To go over everything.
They say that time’s supposed to heal ya,
But I ain't done much healing.
Hearing the lyrics from that perspective sure gives us a whole new perspective, doesn’t it? It is obvious
that Adele views at least some of her past with great pain and regret, as would most of us. Perhaps this
is why the song has obliterated records both for downloads and views. Because to be human is to make
mistakes. And the fact that we regret the mistakes we make makes us a remorseful species indeed.
So what would you tell your younger self if you had a chance? Would you like to meet with him or her?
Unfortunately—or perhaps fortunately—none of us will ever be able to do that. But this doesn’t mean
that pondering such a conversation would be a waste of time, by any means. Reflecting on our past can
help us gain insight into how to plan and live in the future. That’s one of the reasons the Bible has this
“hello from the other side” story from thousands of years ago:
When the whole nation was finally across, God spoke to Joshua: “Select twelve men from the
people, a man from each tribe, and tell them, ‘From right here, the middle of the Jordan where
the feet of the priests are standing firm, take twelve stones. Carry them across with you and
set them down in the place where you camp tonight.’”
Reflection continued….
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Reflection continued….
Joshua called out the twelve men whom he selected from the People of Israel, one man from each tribe. Joshua
directed them, “Cross to the middle of the Jordan and take your place in front of the Chest of God, your God.
Each of you heft a stone to your shoulder, a stone for each of the tribes of the People of Israel, so you’ll have
something later to mark the occasion. When your children ask you, ‘What are these stones to you?’ you’ll say,
‘The flow of the Jordan was stopped in front of the Chest of the Covenant of God as it crossed the Jordan—
stopped in its tracks. These stones are a permanent memorial for the People of Israel’” (Joshua 4:1-7, The
Message).
When God’s people entered the Promised Land, God commanded them pick out a “stone of remembrance” to mark the
historic event. God wanted them to remember how God provided for them by parting the Jordan River so they could enter
the land they so desperately desired and needed for their nation.
And, I’m certain you could look back in your past and remember circumstances where God has helped you. It is important to
keep track of these memories, and find a way to mark them with your own “stone of remembrance,” so that in the future
when you are discouraged, you can find strength and hope as you remember how God has provided for you in the past.
So, as we think about saying “Hello” to our past selves, let’s remember that despite the regrets we might have, God has been
there all along, forgiving us, redeeming our mistakes, and creating new opportunities for us. And God is here now, offering a
bright future.
Remember that, won’t you?
upcoming
youth
group
dates
Feb. 3
Feb. 10
Feb. 13
Feb. 17
Feb. 24
Junior High Small Group
Junior High Small Group
Ash Wednesday
Youth Group
“ Minute to Win It ”
Junior High Small Group
Junior High Small Group
6 – 7:30 p.m.
6 – 7:30 p.m.
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
6 – 7:30 p.m.
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Education Team News
Let the little children come to me… Matthew 19:14b
A Word From Sunday School…
February 28th is Sunday School Mission Sunday -We will be writing Love Letters to Shut-In’s, Peace-corp, Service people, etc.
JR. High Sunday School Update - From Regan Caher
In class we talk about who wrote the Bible, we share our high's and low's first, and
then we start our lesson.
On Sunday January 17th, we brought a movie. It is called "Our Friend Martin". We
thought that since we don't have school on Monday because of Martin Luther King
Day we could learn a little about him.
From the Jr. High Room
Regan
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Our Mid-Week Kids Ministry
Children 1st thru 5th grade are welcome.
KIDZ CLUB Meets EVERY Wednesday 6-7PM in the Fellowship Hall.
These last few months we have had an indoor "snow ball" challenge, decorated cookies
for the UMW cookie sale, made tie blankets for Ronald McDonald Charities, gone on a
scavenger hunt, gone indoor ice-skating, had relay races, and made stained glass art.
The Center’s Mom
Who remembers the Cleveland Browns of the 1980s? I doubt anyone who was in Chicago back then
will raise their hands, but I remember them for a player named Mike Baab. Mike was the center,
front man for quarterback Bernie Kosar, but he was also a giant of a man who was an all around
great guy that often came into local schools to talk about how it was important to stay in school and
that he thought teachers should make more than he did, as their job was more important.
Dolores Baab, his mother, was probably in her 60s, taller than most women, and most often seen on
Sunday evenings at our church in jeans and a Browns sweatshirt, teaching me, a skinny 7th grade
girl, that anyone could play football regardless of gender, age, or level of eye-hand coordination. I
was the preacher’s kid, even among the youth of the local church a misfit and somewhat feared as
a possible enemy spy. I might tell my dad if others misbehaved. I might not understand what
NORMAL was.
But to Dolores, I was just a girl who wasn’t a little kid but not an adult either, full of both sets of
emotions, and just as much a child of God as her two boys had been as 7th graders and beyond. To
her, I was precious and full of mystery, and deserving of love just like anyone else. And it wasn’t
because she had any special youth leader training, or any advanced degrees. I think she was a high
school graduate who just got married and became a mom. Nothing extraordinary. And she wasn’t
under 30. Her sons weren’t either. She had the benefit of age: wisdom and experience.
As I begin my term as Chairperson of Youth Council for CUMC, I keep the image of this woman
firmly in mind as I look for volunteers to work with our youth. It’s a high standard, but our youth
deserve someone like this. And I know they are out there among us, former teachers,
grandparents, people who may never have had their own kids but were always there to give
perspective to someone younger who asked questions. You notice the youth. You wish you heard
more about what they were doing, because you recognize the same fact I see.
They are the future of this church. They are voting members of our Charge Conferences, they serve
on Youth Council (and could on other committees, if asked), they almost single-handedly RAN our
VBS last summer… they are vital and alive, and so are we as long as we continue to invest in them.
And not just by allocating funds to Youth Council. They need our time. They are crying out for
mentors to just hang out with them, to put on jeans and a sweatshirt on a Sunday evening and show
them that they even OWN jeans and sweatshirts, to start. Prove you are real, they are asking. Be
here, listen to me, be an adult besides my parents who treats me like just a person and share your
wisdom with me, even if it’s something that seems small to you.
When we become members, we promise to uphold the church with our prayers, our presence, our
gifts, our service and our witness. I call you now to this ministry of presence, which is so much
more than showing up on Sunday morning. I ask you to prayerfully consider being Dolores, no
matter your age or background. The only thing we ask is that you come with an open mind and a
willing heart, and that if this is something you could see yourself doing, come find us if we don’t find
you.
Small Group Leader
Rachel Lynch
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Baby its cold outside...
JULY 17 - 21
…but that's not stopping the Education Committee or this year’s VBS leaders from
looking forward and thinking ahead to the dog days of summer and our annual
Vacation Bible School in July.
Last year our VBS served over a 130 children and connected, again, with the community
in the spirit of faith, hope, and love. Anyone that participated surely can attest, in all
the craziness, there is an energy and enthusiasm that can only come from teaching
children how to grow in their faith and trust in their God.
As the 2016 VBS approaches please keep in mind it takes a village to care for our
children and with the wealth of talent, care, and compassion our congregation has
please give consideration to how you are able to help support VBS this year.
To borrow some meaningful words from The Lorax, "Unless someone like you, cares a
whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
There is no shortage of volunteer opportunities or gratitude for all the work that goes
into VBS and as each year passes not only do the children grow and learn from their
experiences, but we do too! Please consider helping us make the 2016 Vacation Bible
School Year our best one yet!
We will be sending out more specific volunteer requests within the next month or so
but if there are any questions before then please feel free to contact Amanda Francisco
([email protected]) or Katie Diaz-Hughes ([email protected]).
Church & Committee
News
A Word from
Witness Committee
Thank you to everyone who graciously
donated and contributed to our
Winter Food Drive.
56 bags were delivered to
Living Manna Food Pantry in Channahon
on January 17th.
Rachel Circle
Ruth Circle
Feb 8 - 10am
@
B. Allen’s
Hannah Jessup
Feb 10 - 7pm
@
C. Pappas’
Feb 9th - 6pm
@
N. Allen’s
UMW
Circles
Circle of Hope
Feb 11 - 7pm
@
N. Geldean’s
Ladies Aid
Feb 4th - 9a
In Thrift Shop
Nurturing News!
Nurturing’s “Meals That Heal” ministry is looking for families who are willing to prepare a meal and deliver it to families in need
due to an illness, surgery, injury, death, etc. If you would like to help with this ministry, please sign up on the Rotation list in
the Narthex. Nurturing will also be planning the Easter Sunday weekend events.
Saturday Night Movie ~ 6am Sunrise Service and Easter Breakfast More details available soon.
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Channahon UMC Job Opening
‘Director of Christian Formation’
"Christian formation is the process of being
conformed to the image of Christ by the
gracious working of God's spirit for the
transformation of the world. In short, it is the
journey of becoming more Christlike."
Anyone interested can contact the church office
for more details 815-467-5725
Closing Date: February 12th, 2016
Opportunity
February Shop Dates
Thursday
Sunday
Monday
Wednesday
Feb. 4th
Feb. 7th
Feb. 8th
Feb. 10th
Thursday
Monday
Feb. 18th
Feb. 22nd
- 10a - 2p
- 10a - 11a
- 6p - 8p
- 11a - 1p
Senior Luncheon
10a - 2p
- 6p - 8p
-
Ladies-Aid would like to invite anyone interested in
volunteering with the Thrift Shop to see Lana Stafford,
Susie Eaton or Donna Buckley for more information!
The Thrift Shop will be open the 1st Sunday of the
month at 10am for shopping convenience to our
church family and friends.
Spring Craft & Vendor Fair
Attention:
Crafters and Vendors
rd
Our 3 Annual Spring Vendor & Craft Fair
April 30th ~ 9a - 2p
Our first 2016 date to serve at
Daybreak Shelter in Joliet is
At Channahon United Methodist Church
24751 W. Eames (Rt. 6) - Channahon
Monday, February 22nd
www.channahonumcm.org / 815-467-5275
Details and contracts are available on the church website,
or call the church office.
We hope you can join us this year!
Proceeds to benefit the
CUMC Outreach Adult Mission Trips
Departing the church at 6pm
Outreach
News!!
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Food and serving items donations are needed
as well as volunteers to serve.
Please see the sign-up sheet and donation
item list in the Narthex/Fellowship Hall.
Church & Community
News & Events
Northern Illinois Food Bank
Needs Our Help!!
At Channahon UMC
Wednesday
February 10th @ 11:30am
Help Us Pack 150,000 meals for the Northern
Illinois Food Bank!
Many church groups are helping this February to
reach the goal of 150,000 meals packed for the
Northern Illinois Food Bank, which serves many
counties, including Will County. Churches are
serving throughout the third week of February to
make that goal.
Our church would like to take several car
loads of people to work at the Geneva
warehouse for Northern Illinois Food Bank
on Monday February 22nd. Our serving time
at the Geneva facility is 1-4 pm.
Please contact the church office 815-467-5275
or Outreach Chair Jodi Landes
[email protected]
if you can help serve that day.
Suggested Meal Donation is $4 per person
Reservations are requested by calling
815-467-2569 before Jan. 4th
(please just leave a message)
February Menu:
Meatloaf, whipped potatoes, gravy,
carrots, and fruit salad.
Delicious dessert prepared by the church
ladies of Channahon UMC.
A fellowship group for men & women
age 55 & older
The group will participate in the working at
the Northern IL food back on February 22nd
with a lunch outing before.
Contact Sharon Hedgren or Lana Stafford if
you are interested in going with the group.
Book online at
www.cedarlakemistries.org
or
call the church office
for more info on
additional discounts
and a lodging block
with CUMC.
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8
Thank You…
Thank you Channahon UMW for the generous donation to the
Guardian Angles of Joliet - Groundworks Program
Thank you so much to the ladies who volunteered their time to help
cover the office while I was away for Stephen Ministry Leadership
Training. It helps to know it was left in good hands… Rose Admonis,
Dottie Priddy, Vickie Breen, Tammy Self. And also Roger who
covered the phones on Thursday!
Kris Hayden
Surgeries/Hospitalizations
Nancy Simpson, friend Allyson(Walker),
Bob Manion, Barb Bush, Kellen Walker,
Dawn Kulousek, Tom Flora(Easton) Helen
Warren(Fletcher), Dar Sneed
Health Issues
and General Prayer Requests
Our Deepest Sympathy
Prayers for Frieda Manion and family
on the recent death of her
brother Phillip Skibinski
and Sister-in-law Helen Love
Prayers for Roger Beitzel and family
On the recent death of his mother
Esther Beitzel
Friend Jamie(Caher),
Braeden Belcher(Fletcher),
my grandfather(Swanson),
Haiti Mission Team
Prayers for Keta Lindstrom and family
On the recent death of her Uncle Robert
Prayers for the Pirc family on the
Recent death of Frank Pirc
Song of Songs 8:7a
“Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away.
If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.”
Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
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February Birthdays
Allison Landes
Michael Novak
Hayleigh Knott
Kelly Sanchez
Michael Traver
Lila Barrett
Morgan Beaudry
Janet Sanders
Chad Van Meter
Kevin Knott
Jack Hawkins
Sara O’Connell
Joseph Arnold
Dylan Good
Connor Knott
2/3
2/3
2/5
2/5
2/5
2/7
2/7
2/7
2/7
2/8
2/8
2/8
2/9
2/10
2/10
Larry Schuler
Brandon Vong
Al Mondrella
Brent McMurtry
Donna Buckley
Aileen Cotter
Alice Ridenour
Dave Stafford
Robert Novak
Leonard Hoffman
Elizabeth Porter
Amy Powell
Nicki VanMeter
Mark Thelo
February
Anniversaries
2/10
2/10
2/11
2/13
2/14
2/14
2/15
2/20
2/21
2/25
2/26
2/26
2/26
2/27
Bob & Elaine Coen
Doug & Sylvia Downing
Tim & Cherri Taylor
Greg & Lynette Bassett
Justin & Karianne Craig
Bill & Robbin O’Connell
If we have missed your birthday or anniversary and you would like it to be added to the weekly
bulletin announcement and monthly Circuit Rider calendar, please contact the church office
@ 815-467-5275 or email: [email protected]
February 2016 Sunday Service Volunteers
Church Ambassador: Tammy Self
Counters: Wilson Young & Jim Waller
February 7th - Communion Servers
9am:
10:30am:
Janet Robb, Donna Szoke, Barb Powell, Lana Stafford
Nancy Geldean, Mary Caher, Mary Essary
February 7
February 14
February 21
February 27
Greeters
Lehmans
Platt Family
Jack & Vickie
Breen
George & Georgia
Johnson
Liturgists
9am
Stan Yenerich
Rachel Lynch
Donna Buckley
Barb Powell
Liturgist
10:30am
Mary Caher
Mary Essary
Nancy Geldean
Gwen Tunney
A/V
9am
Tim & Adam Taylor
Steve Olson &
Mark Lindstrom
Mike & Amy
Geldean
Anita Young &
Zach Wasilewski
A/V
10:30am
Liam & Brendan
O’Brien
Liam O’Brien &
Connor McKay
Tim Wasilewski
& Erin Sweet
Connor McKay &
Tim Wasilewski
John 12:26
If anyone serves me, he must follow me;
and where I am, there will my servant be also.
If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
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2/14
2/17
2/21
2/22
2/25
2/27
Channahon
United Methodist Church
The
CIRCUIT
RIDER
Volume 62, No.2; February 2016
Editor: Kris Hayden
CUMC reserves the right to edit all submitted materials.
24751 W. Eames (Rt. 6),
Channahon, IL 60410
www.channahonumc.org
Pastor: Steve Good
Cell #: 815-922-6872
[email protected]
Youth Leader: Roger Beitzel
[email protected]
Office Ministry Assistant:
Kris Hayden
[email protected]
SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Traditional Worship
Contemporary Worship
Coffee Fellowship
Sunday School (all ages)
Office Hours
Mon. – Fri.: 9:00am-1:00pm
Phone: 815-467-5275/ Fax: 815-467-7435
CHANNAHON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
24751 W. Eames St. Channahon, IL 60410
We are especially grateful for:
9:00am
10:30am
10:15-11:00am
10:30am