Worship this Week – Palm Sunday Scripture: Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29 Sermon: A Lenten Journey Through the Psalms: Palm Sunday Chancel Choir Anthem “Shout for Joy, Jerusalem” arr. Stan Pethel with words and music by Janet McMahon Announcements – March to The Haven United Women in Faith, Rebecca Circle invites all church members to help in their “MARCH TO THE HAVEN….MATTOON HOMELESS SHELTER” event. During the month of March, they will be collecting cleaning supplies and other necessities for the Haven. There will be a designated box for donations collected starting February 26 through the end of March in the Narthex. Each Sunday in March donated supplies will be delivered to the Haven after church service. “March to the Haven 2023” needs: * Paper towels * All-purpose cleaner * Dish soap * Toilet paper * Window cleaner * Dish sponges * Disposable coffee filters * Bleach * Bath towels * Reusable cups – all sizes * Laundry Soap We thank you in advance for your generosity in assisting our friends at the Haven. Circuit Writer Articles A new edition of the Circuit Writer newsletter is in the works and will be published after Easter. To submit an article or photos (with caption), please email them to mattoonfumc@gmail.com. Holy Week For Holy Week we will have a Maundy Thursday service April 6 at 6 pm and Good Friday service April 7 at 6 pm. Finance Committee Meeting Wednesday April 12 at 6:30 Fifth Sunday in April – Staff Appreciation with Potluck April 30 is a fifth Sunday so there will be one worship service at 10 with Sunday School for children and a potluck afterwards. We will celebrate our new staff members Jayden Currie (praise band drummer), Nate Huddleston (praise band guitarist), Brittany Aitken (custodian), Brooke Kepley (office manager), and Paige Campbell (finance manager) and their families by recognizing them during the service and enjoying the potluck afterwards. District Youth Rally Our church is hosting a district youth rally Sunday April 30th from 1 until 4:30. Our very own praise band lead worship, there will be a youth-oriented sermon, snacks, games, and mission project. We expect around fifty to sixty youth from the newly formed Eastern District to participate. If you would like to volunteer during the rally, please let Pastor Todd know or reply to this message. Holy Land Pilgrimage January 2024 Pastor Todd is leading a group Holy Land Pilgrimage departing January 29 and returning February 6, 2024 led by Educational Opportunities (www.eo.travelwithus.com). The trip is open to anyone interested in experiencing where Jesus walked, ancient history in general, Israel and Palestine, cats, or archeology. The cost from Chicago, St. Louis, or Detroit is $3,398 and from Indianapolis is $3,446 which covers airfare, breakfast and lunch daily, first class lodging, deluxe transportation, entry fees to sites, and professional tour guide. It is a nine day trip with two nights in Bethlehem, two in Galilee, and three in Jerusalem. Visit here for more information and to register: https://www.eo.travelwithus.com/tours/hl24012924m58232#.ZBs1r2ROkWN You will see Bethlehem, the Church of the Nativity, Shepherds’ Field, Qumran, the Dead Sea, Jericho, the Sea of Galilee, Mount of Beatitudes, Church of the Loaves and Fish at Tabgha, Chapel of the Primacy, Magdala, Nazareth, Tel Megiddo, Caesarea, Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, Mount Zion, Upper Room, home of the High Priest Caiaphas, Davidson Center, Southern Wall Excavations, Teaching Steps, Western Wall, and much more! Please contact Pastor Todd by replying to this message if you’re interested. 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. ____ REGULAR EVENTS Office Hours: Tuesdays 11-4 & Thursdays 9-2 Weekly Choir rehearsal Wednesdays at 5:30 The Youth Group meets weekly at the church from 5:30-7 every Sunday. Bring a friend! Thursday Morning Bible Study weekly at 8 am in the Choices classroom (accessible by stairs or elevator). There is always plenty of time for class discussion. Please join us whenever you are able. Linda Hance is the leader. Pastor Todd’s Tuesday Morning Bible Study meets at 10 a.m. in the downstairs worship center. Please join us as we grow together in our hearts and minds! Cross Training Prayer Group meets weekly for prayer and sharing Wednesdays at 7:00 a.m. at 2620 Western Avenue. Men’s Bible Study meets 2nd and 4th Saturday at Denny’s, 8:30 a.m. Monthly worship services are held at Brookstone Estates North on the first Wednesday, Copper Creek Cottages on the second Wednesday, and Brookstone Estates South on the third Wednesday at 10 a.m. Mattoon Community Food Center grocery delivery packing is at 5:15 at the MCFC (600 Moultrie) on April 11, May 9, June 6, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10, November 7, and December 12. |