Weekly Update
This week at church:
Worship this Sunday
Sermon: “The Sermon on the Moun: The Beatitudes”
Scripture: Matthew 4:23-5:12 NRSV
\Special Music @ 9 Traditional – Chancel Choir Anthem
Announcements –
____Bishop Frank J. Beard is inviting IGRC laity to attend one of two sessions today — either at 3 p.m. or at 5:30 p.m. This will be the first time Bishop Beard will have to visit and listen to laity since returning from his medical leave. There isn’t really any set agenda other than a word of encouragement from Bishop Beard and time to answer questions you may have. We are asking you to register your attendance in order that the link is not published unless you register. Each session is limited to 500 persons. Follow this link to register: https://igrc-reg.brtapp.com/conversation?fbclid=IwAR23GoK1OiiaGHnv3qWZu_HVmpQ3yNne5NmTp3xZo_J43cz-BLzgTVT5JT8
____The New Member Class will meet Monday January 24 at 6:30 to learn about the sacraments – communion and baptism.
____Jiafeng Yang, the traditional service accompanist, will perform a classical music concert in the sanctuary featuring his family on Sunday, February 27th at 1 pm. Jason Yan, 8th grade, will play the piano and cello. James Yan, 7th grade, will play the piano and violin. And Jing Hao, Jiafeng’s wife, will perform a piano trio with Jason and James.
___The church’s United Methodist Women are seeking someone who is already or is willing to be trained to get their food service license from the county health department.
____A team is being formed to freshen up the church’s Advent and Christmas decorations. If you would like to be a part of it, please reply to this message or contact Pastor Todd.
_____Winter and spring office hours are 9-3 Monday & Friday, 9 – noon Wednesdays.
_____Pastor Todd’s Tuesday morning Bible Study will discuss Dr. Amy-Jill Levine’s latest book, “Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven”. You’re invited to join us Tuesdays at 10 am in the downstairs worship center for an opportunity to grow in your faith through study and fellowship. _____Bev Dennis is looking for more Cornerstone Cafe bakers or buyers. Two people are needed each week to supply some of the baked or bought goods that are enjoyed each Sunday between services. If you think you would like to do this, contact Bev Dennis at 217-232-6859 and she can give you the details of how this ministry works.
_____ The new edition of the Upper Room daily devotional for January & February 2022 is available in the narthex.
____The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has updated its recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people about wearing masks indoors. Due to the increasing spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19, the CDC is now recommending in areas with “High” or “Substantial” risk that fully vaccinated people wear a face mask when indoors in public spaces such as church worship services. Pastor Todd strongly encourages everyone, whether vaccinated or not, to wear a mask while in the church building in compassionate ministry for those who cannot be vaccinated or have a higher risk of catching the virus. *Pastor Todd encourages anyone who is not vaccinated to do so or discuss it with your doctor. The Coles County Health Department highly recommends that all eligible residents get vaccinated and boosted ASAP.*
______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 WEEKLY EVENTS
Choir rehearses every Wednesday at 5:30. Join us!
The Youth Group meets weekly at the church from 4-5:30 every Sunday. Bring a friend!
The One-der Class meets Sundays at 9:45 in the Worship Area downstairs. Everyone is welcome. This class will be a multigenerational exploration of the Bible and God’s teachings.
You are invited to join a Bible study on Ecclesiastes Thursdays in the lower level. All women of the church are invited to join us for worship and fellowship at 8 a.m. There is no workbook for this study. We will be using your favorite “textbook”….the Holy Bible. Please bring yours with you. If you have never participated in a Bible study, this would be a good chance to see how Bible study can enrich your relationship with God. You don’t need to sign up….just show up, and think about inviting a friend as well.
Pastor Todd’s Tuesday Morning Book Study meets at 10 a.m. in the downstairs worship center. Please join us as we grow together in our hearts and minds!
Men’s Bible Study meets 2nd and 4th Saturday at Denny’s, 8:30 a.m., to study Romans.
The 9 am traditional service audio will be recorded and available to listen to on the church website (https://mattoonumccom/sermons/) for those worshiping at home. —
