Weekly Update
October 27, 2021
Good morning, Mattoon First UMC!
Here are our prayers and announcements for the week:
Prayers –
Bruce Smith Family (Gennell Hankins’ son-in-law)
Sean Gerdis Family (Schillings)
Nancy Loucks
Sharyl King
Timothy Tutt
Jack Martin
Annette Grass Bryant
Doug Nevius
Kathy Wright
If you would like to add a prayer request, please reply to this message or call the church office at 217.235.5676.
Announcements –
There will be a Church Council meeting tonight at 6:30 to discuss a marketing plan for Advent.
A meeting will be held for anyone interested in joining the church Thursday October 28th at 6:30.
UMW Fall Bazaar November 6 from 8-1 (Breakfast 8-10, Lunch 11-1 for $8). Crafts, baked goods, jewelry, candy will be sold with proceeds supporting local and global missions. Wanted for the bazaar: gently used purses clean and ready to sell; bakers to bake breads, cookies, cakes, and non-cream pies; and crafters to make crafts.
The United Methodist Women have enough sugar for the Bazaar. They are now taking donations for generic white corn syrup.
New this year! The UMW is offering 8″ x 8″ pans of Chicken Casserole for $20 for PREORDER. Pick up during Bazaar. Call 217-317-1197 or 217-246-1622. All orders needed by October 25.
All Saints Sunday is November 7th. If you have a name you would like to add to the list for that Sunday, please reply to this email or put the name in the drop box outside the office door.
You are invited to join a new Bible study on Ecclesiastes starting October 21st, Thursday in the lower level. This will be a 7 week study and 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.
One Stop Community Christmas is back!!
If you have never experienced One Stop, it is held at Lakeland College and there are many organizations that come together to provide various items to families in need. (Toys, cleaning supplies, paper products, food, household items, socks and underwear, blankets, stocking stuffers, books, scarves and hats.) It is not unusual for One Stop to serve over 1,000 families with this project. Onset of COVID has brought new challenges, this year the number of families to sign up is most likely to be larger than before.
Historically Mattoon FUMC provided paper products and volunteers. Starting October 17, there will be a large box located in the narthex for toilet paper to be handed out at One Stop.
Friday, December 10 will be the date to “set-up” our table at Lakeland (time to be determined). We will need six volunteers for that task. Sign up sheet in the narthex.
Saturday, December 11 is hand out day when we will need volunteers for 3-hour shifts. If you are interested, there is a sign-up sheet in the narthex or contact Susie Beaumont at 217-923-1333 for more information.
Please consider giving of your time or monetary donations to buy the paper products to support this project.
First Fridays at Mattoon First UMC: Need a break? Bring your K-5 kids to Mattoon First UMC for a FREE fun night with a meal and movie.
6-8 pm Friday November 5 – Incredibles 2
6-8 pm Friday December 3 – The Grinch
All are welcome! Masks REQUIRED. Bring a blanket and pillow. Registration is required the link on the church’s home page – http://www. mattoonumc.com.
______
Join the church Green Team and Youth Group on an Autumn Nature Walk at Lake Charleston Sunday November 14th at 2pm. Cider and donuts will be provided. Email Christina Krost at christina@faithinplace.org for more info.
The deadline for the December/January Circuit Writer newsletter will be November 15th. Email articles, announcements, and photos to mattoonfumcnews@gmail.com.
Hanging of the Greens decorating for Advent and Christmas will be Sunday November 21s after the 9 o’clock worship service. Volunteers are needed to prepare our church for the coming of the Christ child.
It is time!! The Christmas Basket Program for December 19th, 2021 will begin collecting donations September 26. There will be a basket (cart) located near the information desk, for easy drop off of food items. Monetary donations are welcomed and can be dropped by the office. Please identify the donation as a Christmas Basket Program. Thank you for your participation in providing food to those less fortunate.
2021 CHRISTMAS BASKET PROJECT
SCHEDULE OF ITEMS NEEDED
OCTOBER 24 Mac and cheese/saltine crackers
OCTOBER 31 Soup (no creamed)
NOVEMBER 7 Au gratin or scalloped potatoes
NOVEMBER 14 Brownies/cookie mixes
NOVEMBER 21 Hamburger/tuna helper
NOVEMBER 28 Canned vegetables and fruit
DECEMBER 5 Dry cereal/Oatmeal
DECEMBER 12 Canned chicken or tuna, rice/ramen, noodles/pasta
Parsonage Christmas Open House – Pastor Todd and his family invite you to join them for a Christmas Open House at the parsonage (3 Western Avenue Heights) Saturday December 11 from 12 noon to 3 pm. Refreshments will be served.
A candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols held Christmas Eve at 7 pm.
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 Delta 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. Coles County is currently considered “substantial” and has only a 37% vaccination rate for those over twelve years old. 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 (such as children twelve and under) 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.
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 beginning Sunday September 12 with lessons, games, and snacks. Bring a friend!
The New One-der Class has started on 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. We will finish each week around 10:25 so attendees can worship at the 10:30 service if they wish. This is an opportunity for families to enjoy some time together and with other families while learning about God’s love. Don’t have school age children? No problem! You are still welcome to join us to grow your faith and explore the wonders of the Lord with others of all ages.
The Thursday morning Ladies Bible Study led by Linda Hance meets at 8 a.m. in room 102. Come and join the ladies for a great time of fellowship!
Pastor Todd’s Tuesday Morning Book Study meets at 10 a.m. in the downstairs worship center. They are currently reading “Difficult Words of Jesus” by Amy-Jill Levine. The book is $18. 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 worshipping at home. —
October 20, 2021
Good afternoon, Mattoon First UMC!
Here are our prayers and announcements for the week:
Prayers –
Missionaries kidnapped in Haiti
John Burton Family
Bruce Smith Family (Gennell Hankins’ son-in-law)
Sean Gerdis Family (Schillings)
Nancy Loucks
Sharyl King
Phyllis Dickinson
Melissa Ferguson
Timothy Tutt
April Faller
Bishop Frank Beard – eye surgery
Family of Don Perry
Jack Martin
Annette Grass Bryant
Jack Ferguson
Doug Nevius
Kathy Wright
If you would like to add a prayer request, please reply to this message or call the church office at 217.235.5676.
Announcements –
There will be a Church Council meeting tonight at 6:30.
A meeting will be held for anyone interested in joining the church Thursday October 28th at 6:30.
The United Methodist Women have enough sugar for the Bazaar. They are now taking donations for generic white corn syrup.
New this year! The UMW is offering 8″ x 8″ pans of Chicken Casserole for $20 for PREORDER. Pick up during Bazaar. Call 217-317-1197 or 217-246-1622. All orders needed by October 25.
All Saints Sunday is November 7th. If you have a name you would like to add to the list for that Sunday, please reply to this email or put the name in the drop box outside the office door.
You are invited to join a new Bible study on Ecclesiastes starting October 21st, Thursday in the lower level. This will be a 7 week study and 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.
One Stop Community Christmas is back!!
If you have never experienced One Stop, it is held at Lakeland College and there are many organizations that come together to provide various items to families in need. (Toys, cleaning supplies, paper products, food, household items, socks and underwear, blankets, stocking stuffers, books, scarves and hats.) It is not unusual for One Stop to serve over 1,000 families with this project. Onset of COVID has brought new challenges, this year the number of families to sign up is most likely to be larger than before.
Historically Mattoon FUMC provided paper products and volunteers. Starting October 17, there will be a large box located in the narthex for toilet paper to be handed out at One Stop.
Friday, December 10 will be the date to “set-up” our table at Lakeland (time to be determined). We will need six volunteers for that task. Sign up sheet in the narthex.
Saturday, December 11 is hand out day when we will need volunteers for 3-hour shifts. If you are interested, there is a sign-up sheet in the narthex or contact Susie Beaumont at 217-923-1333 for more information.
Please consider giving of your time or monetary donations to buy the paper products to support this project.
First Fridays at Mattoon First UMC: Need a break? Bring your K-5 kids to Mattoon First UMC for a FREE fun night with a meal and movie.
6-8 pm Friday November 5 – Incredibles 2
6-8 pm Friday December 3 – The Grinch
All are welcome! Masks REQUIRED. Bring a blanket and pillow. Registration is required the link on the church’s home page – http://www. mattoonumc.com.
If anyone already knows or would be willing to learn how to run a cash register for the UMW Bazaar Saturday November 6th, please contact Bev Dennis at 217.232.6859.
______
The deadline for the December/January Circuit Writer newsletter will be November 15th. Email articles, announcements, and photos to mattoonfumcnews@gmail.com.
_____
Hanging of the Greens decorating for Advent and Christmas will be Sunday November 21s after the 9 o’clock worship service. Volunteers are needed to prepare our church for the coming of the Christ child.
_____
It is time!! The Christmas Basket Program for December 19th, 2021 will begin collecting donations September 26. There will be a basket (cart) located near the information desk, for easy drop off of food items. Monetary donations are welcomed and can be dropped by the office. Please identify the donation as a Christmas Basket Program. Thank you for your participation in providing food to those less fortunate.
2021 CHRISTMAS BASKET PROJECT
SCHEDULE OF ITEMS NEEDED
OCTOBER 17 Cooking oil/sugar (4-5 lbs.)
OCTOBER 24 Mac and cheese/saltine crackers
OCTOBER 31 Soup (no creamed)
NOVEMBER 7 Au gratin or scalloped potatoes
NOVEMBER 14 Brownies/cookie mixes
NOVEMBER 21 Hamburger/tuna helper
NOVEMBER 28 Canned vegetables and fruit
DECEMBER 5 Dry cereal/Oatmeal
DECEMBER 12 Canned chicken or tuna, rice/ramen, noodles/pasta
UMW Fall Bazaar November 6 from 8-1 (Breakfast 8-10, Lunch 11-1 for $8). Crafts, baked goods, jewelry, candy will be sold with proceeds supporting local and global missions. Wanted for the bazaar: gently used purses clean and ready to sell; bakers to bake breads, cookies, cakes, and non-cream pies; and crafters to make crafts.
Parsonage Christmas Open House – Pastor Todd and his family invite you to join them for a Christmas Open House at the parsonage (3 Western Avenue Heights) Saturday December 11 from 12 noon to 3 pm. Refreshments will be served.
A candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols held Christmas Eve at 7 pm.
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 Delta 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. Coles County is currently considered “substantial” and has only a 37% vaccination rate for those over twelve years old. 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 (such as children twelve and under) 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.
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 beginning Sunday September 12 with lessons, games, and snacks. Bring a friend!
The New One-der Class has started on 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. We will finish each week around 10:25 so attendees can worship at the 10:30 service if they wish. This is an opportunity for families to enjoy some time together and with other families while learning about God’s love. Don’t have school age children? No problem! You are still welcome to join us to grow your faith and explore the wonders of the Lord with others of all ages.
The Thursday morning Ladies Bible Study led by Linda Hance meets at 8 a.m. in room 102. Come and join the ladies for a great time of fellowship!
Pastor Todd’s Tuesday Morning Book Study meets at 10 a.m. in the downstairs worship center. They are currently reading “Difficult Words of Jesus” by Amy-Jill Levine. The book is $18. 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 worshipping at home. —
October 13, 2021
| Good morning, Mattoon First UMC! Here are our prayers and announcements for the week: Prayers – ~John Burton – Visitation 4-7 and Funeral Service at 7 tonight at the church. Click here for his obituary: https://www.mitchell-jerdan.com/obituaries/John-Burton-16/ ~Kathy Wright – Cancer surgery recovery ~Sharyl King – Does not have a diagnosis for her trouble breathing, speaking, and swallowing. She is waiting on the results of genetic testing. ~April Faller ~Bishop Frank Beard – eye surgery If you would like to add a prayer request, please reply to this message or call the church office at 217.235.5676. Announcements – The Mission Team presented a $1,000 check from the church benevolence fund to the Mattoon Police Department to provide for those in need of emergency funds. The funds will be used for those in need of shelter, food, and transportation. The annual Charge Conference will be this Sunday October 17th at 2 pm at Shelbyville First UMC. All members of Mattoon First UMC are encouraged to attend. There will be a Church Council meeting Wednesday Wednesday October 20 at 6:30. New this year! The UMW is offering 8″ x 8″ pans of Chicken Casserole for $20 for PREORDER. Pick up during Bazaar. Call 217-317-1197 or 217-246-1622. All orders needed by October 25. All Saints Sunday is November 7th. If you have a name you would like to add to the list for that Sunday, please reply to this email or put the name in the drop box outside the office door. You are invited to join a new Bible study on Ecclesiastes starting October 21st, Thursday in the lower level. This will be a 7 week study and 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. First Fridays at Mattoon First UMC: Need a break? Bring your K-5 kids to Mattoon First UMC for a FREE fun night with a meal and movie. 6-8 pm Friday November 5 – Incredibles 26-8 pm Friday December 3 – The Grinch All are welcome! Masks REQUIRED. Bring a blanket and pillow. Registration is required the link on the church’s home page – http://www. mattoonumc.com. If anyone already knows or would be willing to learn how to run a cash register for the UMW Bazaar Saturday November 6th, please contact Bev Dennis at 217.232.6859. The deadline for the December/January Circuit Writer newsletter will be November 15th. Email articles, announcements, and photos to mattoonfumcnews@gmail.com. Hanging of the Greens decorating for Advent and Christmas will be Sunday November 21s after the 9 o’clock worship service. Volunteers are needed to prepare our church for the coming of the Christ child. It is time!! The Christmas Basket Program for December 19th, 2021 will begin collecting donations September 26. There will be a basket (cart) located near the information desk, for easy drop off of food items. Monetary donations are welcomed and can be dropped by the office. Please identify the donation as a Christmas Basket Program. Thank you for your participation in providing food to those less fortunate. 2021 CHRISTMAS BASKET PROJECT SCHEDULE OF ITEMS NEEDED OCTOBER 17 Cooking oil/sugar (4-5 lbs.) OCTOBER 24 Mac and cheese/saltine crackers OCTOBER 31 Soup (no creamed) NOVEMBER 7 Au gratin or scalloped potatoes NOVEMBER 14 Brownies/cookie mixes NOVEMBER 21 Hamburger/tuna helper NOVEMBER 28 Canned vegetables and fruit DECEMBER 5 Dry cereal/Oatmeal DECEMBER 12 Canned chicken or tuna, rice/ramen, noodles/pasta UMW Fall Bazaar November 6 from 8-1 (Breakfast 8-10, Lunch 11-1 for $8). Crafts, baked goods, jewelry, candy will be sold with proceeds supporting local and global missions. Wanted for the bazaar: gently used purses clean and ready to sell; bakers to bake breads, cookies, cakes, and non-cream pies; and crafters to make crafts. A Service of Lessons and Carols held Christmas Eve at 7 pm. If you would like to become a member of the church, please contact pastor Todd to join the new member class. 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 Delta 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. Coles County is currently considered “substantial” and has only a 37% vaccination rate for those over twelve years old. 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 (such as children twelve and under) 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. 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 beginning Sunday September 12 with lessons, games, and snacks. Bring a friend! The New One-der Class has started on 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. We will finish each week around 10:25 so attendees can worship at the 10:30 service if they wish. This is an opportunity for families to enjoy some time together and with other families while learning about God’s love. Don’t have school age children? No problem! You are still welcome to join us to grow your faith and explore the wonders of the Lord with others of all ages. ~The Thursday morning Ladies Bible Study led by Linda Hance meets at 8 a.m. in room 102. Come and join the ladies for a great time of fellowship! ~Pastor Todd’s Tuesday Morning Book Study meets at 10 a.m. in the downstairs worship center. They are currently reading “Difficult Words of Jesus” by Amy-Jill Levine. The book is $18. 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 worshipping at home. |
October 6, 2021
| Good afternoon, Mattoon First UMC! Here are our prayers and announcements for the week: Prayers – John Burton – at Sarah Bush Medical Center Kathy Wright – Cancer surgery recovery Sharyl King – Does not have a diagnosis for her trouble breathing, speaking, and swallowing. She is waiting on the results of genetic testing. April Faller Bishop Frank Beard – eye surgery If you would like to add a prayer request, please reply to this message or call the church office at 217.235.5676. Announcements – The annual Charge Conference will be Sunday October 17th at 2 pm at Shelbyville First UMC. All members of Mattoon First UMC are encouraged to attend. All Saints Sunday is November 7th. If you have a name you would like to add to the list for that Sunday, please reply to this email or put the name in the drop box outside the office door. First Fridays at Mattoon First UMC: Need a break? Bring your K-5 kids to Mattoon First UMC for a FREE fun night with a meal and movie. 6-8 pm Friday November 5 – Incredibles 2 6-8 pm Friday December 3 – The Grinch All are welcome! Masks REQUIRED. Bring a blanket and pillow. Registration is required the link on the church’s home page – http://www. mattoonumc.com. If anyone already knows or would be willing to learn how to run a cash register for the UMW Bazaar Saturday November 6th, please contact Bev Dennis at 217.232.6859. It is time!! The Christmas Basket Program for December 19th, 2021 will begin collecting donations September 26. There will be a basket (cart) located near the information desk, for easy drop off of food items. Monetary donations are welcomed and can be dropped by the office. Please identify the donation as a Christmas Basket Program. Thank you for your participation in providing food to those less fortunate. 2021 CHRISTMAS BASKET PROJECT SCHEDULE OF ITEMS NEEDED OCTOBER 10 Pudding/Jello OCTOBER 17 Cooking oil/sugar (4-5 lbs.) OCTOBER 24 Mac and cheese/saltine crackers OCTOBER 31 Soup (no creamed) NOVEMBER 7 Au gratin or scalloped potatoes NOVEMBER 14 Brownies/cookie mixes NOVEMBER 21 Hamburger/tuna helper NOVEMBER 28 Canned vegetables and fruiDECEMBER 5 Dry cereal/Oatmeal DECEMBER 12 Canned chicken or tuna, rice/ramen, noodles/pasta UMW Fall Bazaar November 6 from 8-1 (Breakfast 8-10, Lunch 11-1 for $8). Crafts, baked goods, jewelry, candy will be sold with proceeds supporting local and global missions. Wanted for the bazaar: gently used purses clean and ready to sell; bakers to bake breads, cookies, caks, and non-cream pies; and crafters to make crafts. If you would like to become a member of the church, please contact pastor Todd to join the new member class. 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 beginning Sunday September 12 with lessons, games, and snacks. Bring a friend! The New One-der Class has started on 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. We will finish each week around 10:25 so attendees can worship at the 10:30 service if they wish. This is an opportunity for families to enjoy some time together and with other families while learning about God’s love. Don’t have school age children? No problem! You are still welcome to join us to grow your faith and explore the wonders of the Lord with others of all ages. The Thursday morning Ladies Bible Study led by Linda Hance meets at 8 a.m. in room 102. Come and join the ladies for a great time of fellowship! Pastor Todd’s Tuesday Morning Book Study meets at 10 a.m. in the downstairs worship center. They are currently reading “Difficult Words of Jesus” by Amy-Jill Levine. The book is $18. 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 worshipping at home. |
September 8, 2021
Announcements –
The choir has begun weekly rehearsals on Wednesdays at 5:30. If you love to sing, join us!
______
The New One-der Class starts this Sunday 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. We will finish each week around 10:25 so attendees can worship at the 10:30 service if they wish. This is an opportunity for families to enjoy some time together and with other families while learning about God’s love. Don’t have school age children? No problem! You are still welcome to join us to grow your faith and explore the wonders of the Lord with others of all ages.
_____
The Youth Group will meet weekly at the church from 4-5:30 every Sunday beginning Sunday September 12 with lessons, games, and snacks. Bring a friend!
_____
The Brass Wave Bell Choir will rehearse Wednesday September 15th at 7.
______
The deadline for articles and photos with captions for the October/November of the Circuit Writer newsletter is September 15th. Please send them to mattoonfumcnews@gmail.com.
______
Harvest Worship Band Parking Lot Concert
Charleston Wesley UMC
Saturday, September 18, 6:00 p.m.
On September 18th @ 6PM, Wesley invites you to a night of music and worship with Tim Price and Harvest Ministry. You’ll enjoy a mix of songs for all ages! Bring your chairs to sit outdoors for this great evening of music! Tim Price and Harvest Ministry are based in Troy, IL (St. Louis area) and the ministry has been going since 1996. Though group members change each season, Harvest has recorded music available on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon, and more. The worship team leads for conferences, camps, and churches all over the Midwest. Don’t miss this night of music and worship at Wesley, 2206 Fourth St., Charleston. There will be a free will donation.
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United Methodist Women Sunday is September 19th. Conference UMW Vice President Christina Krost will preach at both services. A collection will be taken up of new socks for children, men, and women to be distributed to local charities.
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Lay Servant Ministry Basic Course
This course is foundational for all courses in lay servant ministries. Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in discipleship.
REQUIRED TEXT: Lay Servant Ministries: Basic Course Participant’s Book by Sandy Jackson (ISBN 978-0-88177-626-3). Individuals are expected to read and complete this text prior to the first class. Available from Cokesbury, Amazon (book or kindle),
and the Upper Room Bookstore (book or ePub) or from the Embarras River District Office.
DATES: Saturdays, October 2 & 9, 2021, 7:30am – 4:00 pm (registration begins at 7:15am) (attendance on both dates is required to receive a certificate)
LOCATION: Stewardson United Methodist Church, 216 S Cedar St, Stewardson 62463
COST: $25.00
MEAL: Bring your own sack lunch. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required. To register on-line go to: https://igrc- reg.brtapp.com/ERD2021FallBasicLayServantClass
If you experience any difficulties with the on-line registration or need to edit your registration please contact the Embarras River District Office at 217-347-3915 or EmbarrasRiver@igrc.org.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Monday, Sept 20, 2021
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Advanced Lay Servant Class – “Heritage”
This course will explore the special gifts of theology, witness, and organization that The United Methodist Church brings to the church universal, how we got where we are today, and how our distinctive emphases are still needed in the 21st-century church.
Counts towards the Certified Lay Speaker Tract.
Required Text: Living Our Beliefs: The United Methodist Way by Kenneth L. Carder. (ISBN 9780881775716). Available from Amazon, Cokesbury and Upper Room Bookstore.
Participants are expected to read and complete the text prior to class. The instructor will notify the participants of any additional assignments.
DATE: Saturday, Oct 2, 2021
TIME: 7:30am – 4:00pm (registration begins at 7:15am) LOCATION: Stewardson UMC, 216 S Cedar St, Stewardson 62463
COST: $25.00
MEAL: Bring your own sack lunch. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required and must be done through the conference website at https://igrc-reg.brtapp.com/ERD2021FallAdvancedLayServantClassHeritage.
If you experience any difficulties with the on-line registration or need to edit your registration please contact the Embarras River District Office at 217-347-3915 or EmbarrasRiver@igrc.org.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Monday, Sept 20, 2021
______
It is time!! The Christmas Basket Program for December 19, 2021 will begin collecting donations September 26. There will be a basket (cart) located near the information desk, for easy drop off of food items. Monetary donations are welcomed and can be dropped by the office. Please identify the donation as Christmas Basket Program. Thank you for your participation in providing food to those less fortunate.
2021 CHRISTMAS BASKET PROJECT
SCHEDULE OF ITEMS NEEDED
SEPTEMBER 26 Spaghetti and spaghetti sauce
OCTOBER 3 Peanut butter/jelly
OCTOBER 10 Pudding/Jello
OCTOBER 17 Cooking oil/sugar (4-5 lbs.)
OCTOBER 24 Mac and cheese/saltine crackers
OCTOBER 31 Soup (no creamed)
NOVEMBER 7 Au gratin or scalloped potatoes
NOVEMBER 14 Brownies/cookie mixes
NOVEMBER 21 Hamburger/tuna helper
NOVEMBER 28 Canned vegetables and fruit
DECEMBER 5 Dry cereal/Oatmeal
DECEMBER 12 Canned chicken or tuna
DECEMBER 19 Rice/Ramen noodles/pasta
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Church-in-the Park – Sunday September 26 @ Peterson Park | Combined Service at 10:30 followed by potluck at 11:30
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2021 Literary Event – October 7 at 6:00 in the Old Fellowship Hall. Featuring pie and beverage for $5. Our discussion book will be “The Day the World Came to Town” by Jim Defede. This book is a compilation of stories about the town of Gander, Newfoundland in the days following September 11. When US airspace was closed, 38 planes with more than 6,500 passengers were diverted to Gander. This town, with fewer than 10,000 people, responded by putting their lives on hold to meet the needs of these travelers while showing love, kindness, and generosity. This truly is an inspirational read. Books are available for checkout at Mattoon Public Library. Please read them and return them quickly so that others can access them. Sign up for this event in the church office or call 235.5676.
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UMW Fall Bazaar November 6 from 8-1 (Breakfast 8-11, Lunch 11-1 for $8). Crafts, baked goods, jewelry, candy will be sold with proceeds supporting local and global missions. Wanted for the bazaar: gently used purses clean and ready to sell; bakers to bake breads, cookies, caks, and non-cream pies; and crafters to make crafts.
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The annual Charge Conference will be Sunday October 17th at 2 pm at Shelbyville First UMC. All members of Mattoon First UMC are encouraged to attend.
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If you would like to become a member of the church, please contact pastor Todd to join the new member class.
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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 Delta 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. Coles County is currently considered “substantial” and has only a 37% vaccination rate for those over twelve years old. 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 (such as children twelve and under) 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.
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There will be church-in-the-park Sunday September 26th at Peterson Park at 10:30 followed by a potluck at 11:30.
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Join Pastor Todd at Leadership Institute 2021 at United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City September 29 to October 1 for inspiration, practical ministry tools and proven strategies to strengthen your church and your own leadership. Its keynote speakers (including authors Bob Goff and Adam Hamilton) are uniquely positioned to address today’s toughest issues and will challenge, provoke and inspire you to lead boldly into the future. To attend virtually the registration fee is $99 and to attend in-person with Pastor Todd it is $299 (plus lodging, meals, and transportation). Click here for details: https://leadership.sharechurch.com/
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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.
The Thursday morning Ladies Bible Study led by Linda Hance meets at 8 a.m. in room 102. Come and join the ladies for a great time of fellowship!
Pastor Todd’s Tuesday Morning Book Study meets at 10 a.m. in the downstairs worship center. They are currently studying the various denominations. The book is $15. 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://mattoonumc.com/sermons/) for those worshipping at home.
Todd Krost, Pastor
