Weekly Update

Worship this Week

Scripture: Luke 3:16 & Luke 11:13

Sermon: The Holy Spirit: Matthew, Mark, & Luke

Holy Communion at both services

Announcements 

Church Building Seasonal Transition

Over the coming weeks the church building will be transitioned from air conditioning for the warm months to heating for the coming cold months. As much as the church staff tries to get the timing right, there may be days when the weather does not cooperate making the building feel too hot or too cold. This is part of the normal process with a building as large as our church in the fall and spring so we ask for your patience during the seasonal transition. 

Endowment Committee Announces Benevolence Fund Recipients

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, the church Endowment Committee is announcing the disbursement of a total of $10,500 to the following organizations: $1,500 Mattoon Community Food Center, $1,500 Rotary Club Access Ramps Ministry, $500 Barakah Orphanage in the Democratic Republic of Congo, $2,000 Salvation Army, $1,000 EIU Wesley Foundation, $500 Lake Land College Adult Education Program, $500 Project 61 Ministries, and $3,000 for Little Grassy United Methodist Camp mission camps.  What a joy it is to be generous to such ministries locally and globally! 

EIU Wesley Foundation Silent Auction & Dinner

The EIU Wesley Foundation will host its annual dinner and silent auction 6-8 pm, Saturday November 7th at Charleston Wesley UMC. There will be food from Villa Pizza, musical entertainment, and great silent auction items: handmade crafts, local business gift certificates and merchandise, and trips and memorabilia from Auction in a Box by All American Classics.  Entry is $15 for adults and $5 for children twelve and under.  Payment is taken at the door or online at http://eiuwesley.org/give or Venmo @eiuwesley.

Annual Bazaar Saturday, November 7

FINAL BAZAAR REMINDERS

Thank you to everyone who has been helping to organize and make preparations for our annual Holiday Bazaar on November 7.  Here is a list of final reminders for the next two weeks.

IF YOU WISH TO DONATE JEWELRY, please bring items to church office or give directly to Jan Allison or Jerie Brown NO LATER THAN November 1.

If you are donating anything OTHER THAN BAKED GOODS OR CANDY, you may bring them to fellowship hall on Tuesday, November 3 through Friday, November 6.  PLEASE HAVE YOUR ITEMS PRICED IF POSSIBLE.

IF YOU ARE DONATING BAKED GOODS, please bring them to Fellowship Hall on Friday, November 6.  Workers will price them at that time. If you need help weighing and pricing your CANDY, please contact Mona Buckley by Monday, November 2, and she will have information.  All candy and confectionary items may be brought to Fellowship Hall on Friday, November 6.

IF YOU HAVE ORDERED A CASSEROLE, you may pay and take these home on Sunday, November 1, between services or the day of the Bazaar.  IF YOU HAVE NOT YET ORDERED A CASSEROLE, several are still available at these times.  Get one before they’re gone!

IF YOU HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO HELP during the week or the day of the Bazaar, we THANK YOU in advance and look forward to your help in making everything run smoothly.  We never have too much help!

Finally, be reminded that nothing will succeed in this endeavor without the Lord’s direction and guidance in all that we do.  Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!

Special Guest Speaker at Rebecca Circle

If you’ve ever felt as if your life were spinning out of control, perhaps you can relate to the testimony we will hear at our next Rebecca Circle meeting on Monday, November 9.  Tabatha Ames, a former member of FUMC, will speak about her family’s tumultuous journey through the adoption process, the challenges of raising a special-needs child, and then learning of the presence of a tumor on her brain.  She will share her doubts, fears and ultimately total faith in the power of God to overcome the worst circumstances that life can use to threaten us.  You will be inspired and encouraged by her testimony to the grace and love of God.  It is a message for us all.  Please mark the date–Monday, November 9, at 10 A.M.–in the downstairs worship center.  Bring a friend.  Gentlemen are always welcome.

Spirit of the Holidays Bazaar @ Arthur UMC, November 13-14

Come enjoy the bazaar that even Santa’s talking about! Arthur UMC (128 E. Illinois St.) will host its annual bazaar in its fellowship hall 9 am to 3 pm on Friday and Saturday, November 13-14. There will be crafts, baked items, a cookie walk, and more.   

All Saints Sunday November 15th
We will remember those who have gone on to be with God in glory at both services on Sunday, November 15th by saying their names. If you have a family member or friend whose name you would like said out loud during the time of remembrance, please send an email to the church office at mattoonfumc@gmail.com by Thursday, November 12th.

Hanging of the Greens with One Worship @ 10 November 22nd
Join us for a special day of worship and celebration on Sunday, November 22nd. We’ll gather together for one combined worship service at 10:00 a.m. Following worship, we’ll share in our annual Hanging of the Greens, as we prepare our sanctuary, downstairs worship center, and hearts for the Advent season. Plan to join us as we enjoy fellowship and the joy of decorating together. Come be part of this meaningful tradition as we begin the journey toward Christmas!  

Thursday Morning Bible Study

We have begun a new book for the fall, entitled You Can Trust God to Write Your Story by Nancy and Robert Wolgemuth.  The authors “write personally and beautifully, infusing readers with a Christ-centered vision, hope, and trust for the future.”  From the inside cover:  “Learn why you really can trust God to write your story–no matter what plot twists you may encounter along the way.” New and used books are available on Amazon.  (We have found used books to be in almost perfect condition.)   Please join us whenever you can–with or without a book–at 8:00 A.M. in downstairs Room 102.  This study will continue until the first week of November.

One Stop Community Christmas
For the past 15 years, over 200 area organizations have joined hands to bring joy, hope, and essential items to more than 1,000 vulnerable families across Coles, Clark, Cumberland, Edgar, Shelby, Moultrie, and Douglas counties. This incredible project provides families the opportunity to “shop” at Lakeland College for Christmas necessities such as stocking stuffers, books, scarves, hats, blankets, and—thanks to your generosity—much-needed paper products.
■ Sign-Up for Families – Registration will take place in November and December. For exact dates, visit: OneStopCommunityChristmas.com
■ Our Local Partners – We are grateful to Mattoon First Presbyterian Church, Mattoon First United Methodist, Salem United Methodist (Toledo), United Christian Church (Mattoon), Lake Ridge Christian Church (Paris), Marshall First UMC, Wesley Methodist (Charleston), Greenup IGA, and Lorenz Wholesale (Mattoon) for helping provide both paper products and volunteers.
■ Mattoon First United Methodist’s Role for 2026 – A donation collection box will be placed in the Fellowship Cafe for collections through December 2.
■ This year’s total project paper products goal: 1,480 four-packs of toilet paper
■ First United Methodist Church individual goal: 199 four-packs Together, we can reach this milestone and bless families in a very practical way!
■ Volunteer Opportunities – Would you like to be part of the joy? We have openings for:
– Set-up day (date to be announced)
– Shifts to hand out paper products (date to be announced)
Thank You! If you need more details send an email to the church at mattoonfumc@gmail.com. Your generosity—whether through donations or your time—truly makes a difference. Each pack of toilet paper, each blanket, each smile shared is a reminder of God’s love in action.