Weekly Update
Worship this Week
Fifth Sunday of Lent
Scripture: Luke 6:37-38
Sermon: Christian Essentials: Give
Chancel Choir @ 9: “I Need Thee Every Hour” by Gary Matthews
Announcements
Help Hang the Bell Tower Cross Lights
The trustees are seeking your financial assistance to install refurbished and updated bell tower cross lights. They will be powder coated for extra durability and outfitted with new LEDs that can change color with the liturgical seasons. The trustees are excited about this project and are asking for donations to help with the $3,000 cost. If you would like to make a contribution, write a check to the church with “cross lights” in the memo line. The sooner we reach our goal, the sooner the lights can once again grace our beloved bell tower as a sign of Christ’s presence in downtown Mattoon.
Cornerstone Cafe Help Needed
Larry and Bev Dennis will be giving up the scheduling and setting up of the Cornerstone Café at the end of March. Anyone (or two) people interested in taking over this Sunday ministry is encouraged to contact Pastor Todd. The Dennis’ are willing to train anyone (or more) of those who are interested in assuming this service to our congregation. The Cornerstone Café schedule will be the same as it is now thru July if we get someone to take over before the last of March. Otherwise, the current Cornerstone Café cooks schedule will only continue through the last of March.
March to the Haven
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.” -Proverbs 19:17
We have been supporting the local homeless shelter “The Haven” for some years now in various ways. Annually we have gotten needed supplies and brought them to church each Sunday in March. This year look for the contribution containers to be in the entryway making it convenient for all. On any March Sunday, you are invited to bring in any of the following items. This list is very different from past lists. THANK YOU FOR ANY AND ALL PARTICIPATION.
Here is the list of what is now needed at the shelter: Shampoos, Conditioners, Body Wash, Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Dish Soap, Sponges for kitchen, dishes and clean-up, Salt and Pepper, Sugar-used mostly for coffee, Creamers, Instant coffee, Ground Coffee, Keurig Coffee K-cups, and Little Craft Projects that residents can do.
March Fifth Sunday Celebration
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Celebration Sunday March 29th, which coincides with Palm Sunday. There will be one combined worship service at ten in the sanctuary followed by a luncheon and games led by the Rebecca Circle. We will need a headcount to ensure adequate amounts of food for the ‘Baked Potato and Dessert Bar’. There will be a sign up sheet in the lobby starting this Sunday. Please sign up by Sunday March 15th if you are planning to attend.
The other fifth Sundays this year are in May, August, and November (Sunday after Thanksgiving and first Sunday of Advent). If your group would like to organize a luncheon for one of these Sundays for something to celebrate, please let Pastor Todd know.
Holy Week
The week after Palm Sunday and before Easter is a time to commemorate the death of Jesus by gathering for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. Our Maundy Thursday service will be Thursday, April 2nd at six in the downstairs worship center to remember the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his closest followers. The Good Friday service will be Friday, April 3rd at six in the downstairs worship center to hear the gospel accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Invitation to Lenten Bible Study on Thursday Mornings
During the season of Lent, the Thursday Morning Bible Study will be reading and discussing the book Give Up Something Bad for Lent by James W. Moore. He suggests that instead of suffering through 7 weeks of deprivation with our mind focused on something we can’t wait to resume doing or eating again after Easter, we should look at some aspect of our life we should really get rid of–bitterness, envy, discouragement, for example.
If you’ve never attended a Bible study before, this might be the one for you. Give it a try for 7 weeks. There are plenty of extra chairs for newcomers. You will find the book on Amazon for a modest price. Please contact Ardis Larvick if you have questions.
Hope to see you beginning February 19!
Lenten Holy Club Starting
Inspired by John Wesley’s small group discipleship model, Deaconess Christina and Pastor Todd are planning five Wednesday night gatherings in the downstairs worship center from 6:30-7:30 on March 4, March 11, March 18, and March 25, and April 1. This Lenten practice will invite us to examine our spiritual lives and encourage growth in our faith walk. A simple dinner will be provided. Small group discussion will follow. All are welcome to attend. Please call or email Christina.krost@gmail.com or todd.krost@gmail.com to rsvp.
IGRC/NIC Advocacy Day 2026
The Northern Illinois Conference and the Illinois Great Rivers Conference are planning an Advocacy Day in Springfield on April 15, 2026. We will advocate for just policies around the environment, education, and immigration. Specific legislative asks are still being worked out. To indicate your interest and to help us sort you into legislative districts, please complete this form:
If you have any questions, email christina.krost@gmail.com. Information for the Orientation and Training Session on Saturday, April 4 @ 10-11AM will be shared to the email address you register with. This training will be recorded and shared. Registration will close at 5PM on Friday, March 20.
Celebrate Spring Game Night
Second Wind Card Game as in the past where there is opportunity to change tables and chat with others throughout the playing. Bring a snack to Mike and Diane Snow’s house at 23 St. Andrew’s Place Mattoon, Illinois on Friday, April 24th at 5:00 p.m. See poster in the narthex. Sign up and join in the fellowship! Questions? Call or text the Dickinsons @ 618.741.4848 or the Snows @ 217.418.9393
Miracle Sunday May 17th
This spring, United Methodists around the world are stepping into a shared movement—and the Illinois Great Rivers Conference is invited to step in together. Through the Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously & Miracle Sunday Initiative, United Methodists are investing in theological education beyond the United States—supporting pastors, forming disciples, and strengthening the bonds that hold us together as a connectional church. For the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, this moment matters. It’s a chance to remember who we are, renew our ties with the global church, and participate—together—in something far larger than any single congregation. Every congregation, large or small, rural, suburban or urban, has a vital part to play. When we unite our prayers, our generosity, and our hearts, God works miracles. Your congregation’s participation will not only bless those far beyond your local community—it will also deepen your own sense of mission, purpose, and connection with the world-wide body of Christ. Churches in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference are asked to set aside the designated Miracle Sunday May 17th for worship and celebration. Your church can take up an offering or pray boldly for God’s work through your congregation. Together, we can make a difference. To make a contribution, write a check to the church and write “Miracle Sunday” in the memo line. For more information, click here: https://www.igrc.org/miraclesunday
Thank You From the Mattoon Community Food Center
Dear Members:
We would like to acknowledge and thank you for the charitable contribution that you recently made to the Mattoon Community Food Center.
Thank you for this generous donation and helping the Mattoon Community Food Center to continue in its efforts to feed the less fortunate in our community.
In Grateful Appreciation,
MATTOON COMMUNITY FOOD CENTER
Kyle Browning
Chairman
Keep up with the latest events in the denomination with United Methodist News (umnews.org). To keep up with the latest news and events from the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, visit www.igrc.org/current.
