SEPTEMBER 2017images.acswebnetworks.com/1/2930/septembernewsletter2017... · Sermon Shapers Join...

8
Dare Greatly…Fail Boldly In 1910 eodore Roosevelt gave a speech called “Citizenship in a Republic” that is sometimes called “e Man in the Arena.” e following passage is what made the speech famous: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. e credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly….” e one in the arena is all in. e one in the arena is willing to risk the pain of failure and humiliation for the sake of living fully. Brené Brown, in her book, Daring Greatly, writes, “When we spend our lives waiting until we’re perfect or bulletproof before we walk into the arena, we ultimately sacrifice relationships and opportunities that may not be recoverable, we squander our precious time, and we turn our backs on our giſts, those unique contributions that only we can make.” ere are many stories of failure in the Bible. ere are stories of moral failure, failure to understand, failure against enemies, failure in ministry. During September we will spend time with three Biblical failures: the disciple Peter, who tried to walk on water and he sank. Adam and Eve, who got themselves kicked out of the Garden of Eden. And Moses, who didn’t get to actually lead his people into the Promised Land. eir stories, like our stories, are messy and complicated and don’t always get wrapped up in a neat red bow. I hope that in ruminating on these stories we might finds ways to accept our failures, forgive the failures of others, and give ourselves permission to “dare greatly.” Pastor Melissa Earley SEPTEMBER 2017 September 3: e Rules of Forgiveness – Matthew 18:21-35 Worship Schedule Failing Boldly September 10: Peter Who Took a Risk and Sank September 17: Adam and Eve Who Had it Good and en Lost it All September 24: Moses: Who Didn’t finish What He Started Sermon Shapers Join Pastor Melissa to talk about upcoming sermons for the series "Failing Boldly." We'll meet Tuesdays, September 5, 12, and 19, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, in the Pastor’s office. Come once, twice, or all three times.

Transcript of SEPTEMBER 2017images.acswebnetworks.com/1/2930/septembernewsletter2017... · Sermon Shapers Join...

Page 1: SEPTEMBER 2017images.acswebnetworks.com/1/2930/septembernewsletter2017... · Sermon Shapers Join Pastor Melissa to talk about upcoming sermons for the series "Failing Boldly." We'll

Dare Greatly…Fail Boldly

In 1910 Theodore Roosevelt gave a speech called “Citizenship in a Republic” that is sometimes called “The Man in the Arena.” The following passage is what made the speech famous:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again,because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause;who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly….”

The one in the arena is all in. The one in the arena is willing to risk the pain of failure and humiliation for the sake of living fully. Brené Brown, in her book, Daring Greatly, writes, “When we spend our lives waiting until we’re perfect or bulletproof before we walk into the arena, we ultimately sacrifice relationships and opportunities that may not be recoverable, we squander our precious time, and we turn our backs on our gifts, those unique contributions that only we can make.”

There are many stories of failure in the Bible. There are stories of moral failure, failure to understand, failure against enemies, failure in ministry. During September we will spend time with three Biblical failures: the disciple Peter, who tried to walk on water and he sank. Adam and Eve, who got themselves kicked out of the Garden of Eden. And Moses, who didn’t get to actually lead his people into the Promised Land. Their stories, like our stories, are messy and complicated and don’t always get wrapped up in a neat red bow. I hope that in ruminating on these stories we might finds ways to accept our failures, forgive the failures of others, and give ourselves permission to “dare greatly.”

Pastor Melissa Earley

SEPTEMBER 2017

September 3: The Rules of Forgiveness – Matthew 18:21-35

Worship Schedule

Failing Boldly

September 10: Peter Who Took a Risk and SankSeptember 17: Adam and Eve Who Had it Good and Then Lost it AllSeptember 24: Moses: Who Didn’t finish What He Started

Sermon Shapers Join Pastor Melissa to talk about upcoming sermons for the series "Failing Boldly." We'll meet Tuesdays, September 5, 12, and 19, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm, in the Pastor’s office. Come once, twice, or all three times.

Page 2: SEPTEMBER 2017images.acswebnetworks.com/1/2930/septembernewsletter2017... · Sermon Shapers Join Pastor Melissa to talk about upcoming sermons for the series "Failing Boldly." We'll

Kaleidoscope Color your living with faith at these weekly forums presented by your Adult Faith Formation Committee. Stand-alone presentations, as well as mini-series, explore topics relevant to contemporary Christians. Whether you come every week, or whenever the spirit moves you, you are sure to discover something new.

Thank you for your support of Missions givingMay - WINGS $2,266June - Reconciling Ministries Network $432July - Sustainable Action International $807 (Pays shipping costs for 6 boxes!)

September Mission - United Methodist Global AIDS FundBishop Sally Dyck has chosen the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund (UMGAF) as the 2017 Bishop’s Appeal recipient. Each congregation in the Northern Illinois conference is asked to support the appeal with a goal of raising $50,000 this year. Twenty-five percent of funds raised remains here in Northern Illinois to fund our efforts for advocacy, education, and prevention. At the beginning of 2016, approximately 37 million people around the world were living with HIV or AIDS. Nearly half of those who are infected are women. The UMGAF assists 287 projects in 44 countries. The goals of the UMGAF are the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV; the prevention of HIV in young people and high-risk populations; increased access to HIV counseling, testing, and

treatment services; stigma reduction and psychosocial support to people living with HIV.In our own Northern Illinois Conference, neighbors on the south and west sides of Chicago, continue to experience higher rates of infection than neighborhoods along the lake shore and on the north side of Chicago. We continue to see higher rates of infection in rural areas ravaged by poverty and or little or no access to prevention and care services. In the southern and southwestern suburbs of Chicago, access to care is limited with a decreasing number of physicians willing to accept patients infected with HIV/AIDS. The need for prevention education and direct care continues to stress limited resources. Live faithfully. Love boldly. Give generously.

September 17 - Faith in PlaceOur fall presentations begin with Dan Huntsha of Faith in Place. Dan has been a resource person for FUMCAH’s Green Team.

September 24 - Judie KingFUMCAH member Judie King will share highlights of her summer mission experience in Guatemala.

Rainbow CircleRainbow Circle will continue to meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at 7 pm for conversation meant for LGBTQ+ people of faith. Worship will resume in September and is open to everyone. Check our meetup page https://www.meetup.com/rainbowcircle/ worship dates and conversation topics. Contact Liz Evans ([email protected]) for more information.

2

Page 3: SEPTEMBER 2017images.acswebnetworks.com/1/2930/septembernewsletter2017... · Sermon Shapers Join Pastor Melissa to talk about upcoming sermons for the series "Failing Boldly." We'll

Calling All Knitters, Crocheters, and Sewers FUMCAH's October mission is the Tree of Life Ministry which serves the Lakota Nation residing in Mission, South Dakota. This ministry feeds, clothes, shelters, and loves this tribe. Their soup kitchen

provides breakfast and lunch for free, and boxes of food to help supplement the evening meal. One of their needs for October is hats and mittens. For those who knit, crochet, or sew, this is an opportunity to start making these items. Terry Passolt ([email protected]) has patterns to share with those who crochet and sew. Hats and mittens may also be purchased to donate. Visit treeofliferelief.org to learn more about the mission.

FUMCAH is a Rainbow Covenant Church!Rainbow Covenant churchs must go through two steps each year to receive this designation.1. Pay 100% of Church’s apportionmentsThe first step in becoming a Rainbow Covenant church is to fully participate in the mission and ministry of the Northern Illinois Conference through 100% apportionment giving. These apportionments are financial gifts that go beyond one local setting and work with the United Methodist churches across a district, conference, and throughout the globe. Each year FUMCAH works to pay 100% of our apportionments through the church budget. 2. Support Advance GivingThe Advance is the United Methodist program for voluntary, designated mission giving. 100% of gifts through the Advance go directly to the mission project. For each Advance, there is a system of accountability in place to ensure all gifts reach the intended ministry. The Missions committee selects at least one Advance project in each of the six color bands of the rainbow for the congregation to support through monthly mission giving.

Red - International Advance ProjectsOrange - Emergency Relief ProjectsYellow - US Based AdvancesGreen - Northern Illinois Conference Advance ProjectsBlue - Elgin District AdvancesPurple - Missionary Support

Congratulations and thank you for your continued Missions support!

Sisters: A Study Group for WomenAll women from the church and community are invited to enjoy the warm fellowship and rich conversation of Sisters. The women gather each Wednesday evening, beginning on September 27, from 7:15-8:30 pm in the parlor. Book selection for fall is "Waking up White" by Debby Irving. Contact Pastor Lynn ([email protected]) for more information.

Soothing StitchesSoothing Stitches members meet on the third Tuesday of the month in the church parlor, knitting and crocheting for people in our church family and the community. The work of their hands gives tangible expression to the prayer of their hearts – a prayer that all persons should feel surrounded by the love of God and know that others pray with them. Shawls are given to those who are ill, grieving, or facing challenges, as well as to those celebrating a special event. We also complete other projects, such as baby hats for children in church and preschool as a sign of shared joy at the birth of a little one. This fall we are adding mittens to our repertoire as we support Tree of Life Ministry in South Dakota, FUMCAH’s October mission project. If you would you like to learn more about mittens, please join us for our September meeting when we will share some patterns and techniques. Want to learn to knit or crochet? We would be happy to help you learn. Contact Pastor Lynn ([email protected]) for more information.

2 3

Page 4: SEPTEMBER 2017images.acswebnetworks.com/1/2930/septembernewsletter2017... · Sermon Shapers Join Pastor Melissa to talk about upcoming sermons for the series "Failing Boldly." We'll

JAMAnother season of JAM (Jesus And Me) – choirs, puppets, bells, church mice, DINNER and more – begins on Wednesday, October 4. JAM is our mid-week program for children and their families. Children may register for one

or more of the JAM segments. Our basic schedule is: 5:00-5:45 pm

• Cherub Choir(ages 3-pre-K)• Grace Note Singers(Kindergarten-2nd grade)• Worship Arts (grades 3-6): Puppets and Chimes

5:45-6:15 pm• Dinner

Dinner is free for JAM kids. Families are invited (we really look forward to it!) to come for dinner. We request a $3.00 per person donation.

6:15-7:00 pm• Saints and Singers Choir (grades 3-6)• Church Mice -

A variety of different activities for those in Kindergarten through 6th grade. Art, computer time, and service projects at church are just some of the things that Church Mice do.

Child care is available for younger children. Registration is required and forms are available in the Registration Station or online go.fumcah.com/jam2017. There is a place for every child from age 3 through 8th grade in JAM! No charge for JAM – this program is priceless!

Student Ministry Mentors It is our goal to help students become active and engaged in the life of our church through relationships with people in our congregation. One way we accomplish this is through mentoring. Once a month,

mentors meet with the confirmand they have been assigned. Mentors serve as a friend, walking alongside their confirmand, listening, guiding, and providing support when things are difficult.Our students need you and benefit by seeing their congregation gather around them in a real, tangible way. Are you willing to journey together with our confirmands as they undertake their own spiritual pilgrimage? Please contact Anthony Livoti to sign up and learn more about mentoring ([email protected] or 414-331-3146). Visit fumcah.com/student to read more about student ministry leadership roles.

Sign up to be a JAM LeaderJAM Junior Leaders: Any 7th or 8th grader may apply to serve as a JAM Junior Leader. Junior Leaders will help with activities as well as dinner set-up and clean-up.Parent help is also an essential component of JAM – and can be

lots of fun, too. Parents volunteer to serve as choir helpers as well as with dinner set-up and clean-up. Sign up at go.fumcah.com/jamvolunteer.

Join Sound Foundation Sound Foundation will be starting up again on Sunday September 3, and running through May. It is a group for 7th-12th graders that sings once a month in worship. They meet every Sunday at 8:45-

9:30 am in the chapel. Please contact Lorena Cory for more information and to sign up ([email protected]).

Preschool Class OpeningsThere are still openings in the FUMCAH Preschool 4-year-old afternoon class. This class is a dual language class, which gives an introduction to the Spanish language. The class is in session Mondays through Thursdays from

12:30pm till 3:00pm. Monthly tuition is $230 with a one time registration fee of $75. Classes begin after Labor Day! For more information or to schedule a visit, please call (847- 255-5119) or email us ([email protected]).

Blessing of the BackpacksSave the Date and plan now to bring your backpack to worship on Sunday, September 10.

Save the date! Preschool Fall FundraiserJoin us at the Arlington Ale House on November 4, for beer tasting and fundraising. If you have items or experiences you are willing to donate to the silent auction, please contact Liz Nierman ([email protected]) or Amy Neumann ([email protected]).

4

Page 5: SEPTEMBER 2017images.acswebnetworks.com/1/2930/septembernewsletter2017... · Sermon Shapers Join Pastor Melissa to talk about upcoming sermons for the series "Failing Boldly." We'll

Bible Presentation for Third GradersThird Graders and their families will not want to miss our 9:30 am Worship Celebration on September 24, when FUMCAH offers the gift of a Bible to each Third

Grader. Parents will come to the sanctuary and sit with their children. Parents and children will be invited to come forward together during the “Children’s Moment” for the Bible presentation. Afterwards, children may participate in church school or remain with their families in worship. We celebrate that these children are growing in faith and in their ability to be independent readers.

Family Communion WorkshopChildren in 2nd grade and above and their parent(s) are invited to a Family Communion Workshop on Saturday, September 30 at 10:00 am. We’ll bake bread for the next day’s

celebration of communion in worship, which happens to be World Communion Sunday. We will talk about what Communion means to us. United Methodists welcome children and adults of all ages to the Communion Table and recognize the mystery that our sacrament contains. This workshop offers a way for families to actively participate in preparation for Communion and discuss its importance in our lives of faith.Pre-register by calling the chuch office (847-255-5112), visiting go.fumcah.com/familycommunion, or emailing Pastor Lynn ([email protected]).

Night OwlsWe are excited to begin the 2017-2018 season of our special parents' night out, Night OWLS (Night Out With Loving Sitters.) Special needs children and their siblings are invited to FUMCAH on the

third Saturday of each month from 6:00-9:00 pm for dinner and a variety of activities. Each special friend has a teen or adult “buddy” who stays with him/her all evening. This year, we hope to involve more families in Night OWLS. Please feel free to share information with those who might enjoy it. We also welcome more adult and youth volunteers. Please contact Pastor Lynn ([email protected]) if you would like to help or if you know a family that might like to attend. We believe that ALL children are special!

Sunday Morning Faith Formation for ChildrenOur fall program kicks off on Sunday, September 10, “Promotion Sunday”, when children advance a grade at FUMCAH. On Sunday mornings, children are invited to worship in the sanctuary for all or part of the service, or attend Sunday School. Sunday School is anything but boring at FUMCAH. Our unit themes are explored through games, computers, cooking, storytelling, art, music and more – making all our programs memorable for students and leaders. Sunday Schedule 9:30 am

• Nursery care - Infants and toddlers• Deep Blue - Separate classes for preschoolers, pre-kindergartners, and kindergartners

• FESTIVAL - All first through sixth graders 10:30 am

• Celebration Station -A unique, multi-age education experience for those ages 4 and older while still providing nursery/toddler care.

Night OWLSNights Out With Loving Sitters

Night Out With Loving Sitters is a monthly program for special needs children and their families. Parents bring children ages 2 through 12, to the church for dinner and planned activities while the adults have an evening to themselves. Drop off is between 5:45 and 6:00 pm and pick up by 9:00 pm. This schedule provides a potential three hour time span for the family.

Each special needs child has a buddy while additional staff helps with programming for siblings. Arts and crafts, games, stories, puzzles and movies are just a some of the choices for each evening.

Night OWLS

Seize the Sunday! Serve in Sunday School.Don’t miss the chance to make a difference in the lives of children, grow in your own faith, and work with others who value children as part of FUMCAH. You, too, can teach or help in Sunday School!High School students and adults are needed as teachers, substitutes, helpers, and adventure guides in our preschool classes and FESTIVAL (our elementary age program.) At FUMCAH, all materials and lesson plans are provided. Teachers and helpers are scheduled to serve every other week from September through May, providing flexibility for teachers and continuity for the children. Want to know more? Contact Pastor Lynn ([email protected]) for more information. She will be excited to hear from you – that’s guaranteed – as will the fact that your students will be excited to meet you.

“We are a Safe Sanctuaries Church.”

Thanks For Supporting the School Supply DriveThank you to the many generous folks who contributed school supplies for the families of Faith Community Homes! We filled every backpack, and the children and their parents were thrilled.

4 5

Page 6: SEPTEMBER 2017images.acswebnetworks.com/1/2930/septembernewsletter2017... · Sermon Shapers Join Pastor Melissa to talk about upcoming sermons for the series "Failing Boldly." We'll

9th Annual FUMCAH Golf & Dinner Event

The 9th Annual FUMCAH Golf & Dinner Event will take place Saturday, September 9, at 11:00 am, at Rob Roy Golf Course in Prospect Heights. Online Registration is open!Visit go.fumcah.com/golf to register online or pick up a form at the church office.

Get into the Act and Get Ready to LaughThe ACT 2 Group will be heading to the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre on November 18, at 7:30 pm for a night of comedy and "Defending the Caveman". For more information on the show, visit www.metropolisarts.com.

If interested in attending and to purchase your ticket, contact Patty

Neuswanger at [email protected] or call 630-550-0125.

The Pew and the Picket LineJoin FUMCAH’s Faith in Action Team for "The Pew and the Picket Line: A Panel Discussion on Christianity and Social Justice" on Friday, September 8, 6:30 pm at Chicago Temple, 77 W Washington, Chicago.The speakers, Professors Chris Cantwell, Heath Carter, and Janine

Giordano-Drake, are the editors of a new collection of essays on Christianity and the role of religion in working class life. They will share their wisdom about this history and our current crisis in working class politics. We have to look to the workers, the parishioners, the people who lived in the space between the pew and the picket line to truly understand American society. Members of the Faith in Action Team will take public transportation to this event. If you’d like to join us, call or text Allison Anderson (847-525-7518).To register, visit the event's Facebook page at http://go.fumcah.com/pew-picket.Come help Veronica celebrate 3 years of

teaching Zumba® at FUMCAH!In honor of another wonderful year of teaching Zumba® dance fitness to both church and community members, Veronica Biazo will be sponsoring coffee hour on Sunday, September 10th. Please stop by and say "Hello!" She will also be offering her 9:30 am class on Wednesday, September 13, and her 6:30 pm class on Thursday, September 14, for free, along with her 10:00am Zumba® Gold class on September 14, at Grace Lutheran Church in Mt. Prospect. Veronica also offers Zumba® Toning at Twin Lakes Recreation Area in Palatine and additional Gold classes at the Arlington Heights Senior Center. If you have never tried Zumba® before and would like more info, please contact Veronica ([email protected]) or check out her full class schedule at www.veronicabiazo.zumba.com.

Art Classes Return September 7Explore your creative side this fall. Sign up for a Youth or Adult art class! All classes are $6, $20 for a 4-class punch card. Material costs are covered for the majority of all classes, with the exception of some canvases and special craft projects that require non-standard materials. Current offering are:Mixed Media Youth Art ClassIn this class, a variety of art projects are created with input and suggestions from students. Projects can vary from clay, painting, pen ink, jewelry, and much more. Thursdays, 4-5:30 pm, ages 8 and up (younger with special permission).Drawing and Painting Open StudioWhether you are a beginner or have experience, our open studio allows you to work at your own pace on projects of your choice, such as painting, printing, drawing, mosaic tile, glass fusing, and more. Drop in either day for however long you wish in our relaxing supportive setting. Thursdays, 6:15-9:00pm and Saturdays, 9:30-11:45am. Open to ages 13 and up.Coming Soon: Mommy, Me and the MastersA fun 45-minute class for moms (or dads) and preschool kids. We will explore art and make a quick project based on well-known artists and their masterpieces. Thursdays, at 1:00 pm. Classes begin September 14. For more information, you may contact the instructor, Thom Frerk (773-965-5340 or [email protected]).

STUDIO 1903

6

Page 7: SEPTEMBER 2017images.acswebnetworks.com/1/2930/septembernewsletter2017... · Sermon Shapers Join Pastor Melissa to talk about upcoming sermons for the series "Failing Boldly." We'll

Financial Report through July 2017July Revenue: $66,206 Year-to- date Revenue: $436,976July Expense: $58,260 Year-to- date Expense: $428,614We have paid seven months ($52,920) of our $90,720 apportionment for 2017.Consider Electronic Funds Transfer – no need to worry that you don’t have your checkbook or cash with you! And, please let me know if you’d like any help looking at your pledges and contributions on our church database, Access ACS. With Access ACS, you can also set up contributions, through your bank account or credit card. Please consider rounding up your donation to cover the fees for this service, especially on credit card charges (2.25%). We really encourage EFTs and it’s great for church budgeting! Contact Melinda Kirby ([email protected]) with any financial questions or concerns.Thank you very much for your good stewardship in 2017!

Parking Lot ReconstructionThe Trustees in, cooperation with the Building Committee, have approved a plan to reconstruct the West Side of the North Parking Lot. This project will bring that section of the parking lot up to Arlington Heights Village Code. The construction will follow the existing Plan Unit Development (PUD) that has previously been submitted and approved by the Village. This project was originally included in the next phase of the building project, which is the Welcome Center.The Scope of the project will include extending the parking lot about 20 feet west towards the garage. A new storm sewer will be installed that will connect with the existing storm sewer leading to the detention basin. The project also includes new curbs and streetlights that will meet Village Code. The western half of the current parking lot will be removed and replaced. The eastern half of the current lot will be patched, seal coated, and restriped. The eastern half of the parking lot will not be replaced because of concerns that construction traffic associated with the new Welcome Center may cause damage to the parking lot and replacement will have to be done again.The North Parking Lot project will be paid for by the cash reserves that have been saved from Land Sale Proceeds and a loan from Village Bank and will not affect the church’s operating budget. The project has been approved by the Finance Committee and Church Council. The North Parking Lot renovation is slated to be complete by this fall. Please stop by the Trustee table that will be in the loggia for more detailed information including a schematic of the plan and the projected budget. This information will also be posted on the church website.

PADS Pizza PartyPADS is a program to help house and feed the homeless in our community, and FUMCAH is one of the Monday night sites. The PADS coordinators invite

you to a pizza party on September 11, at 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. We wish to thank everyone who helped with the program last season and to kick off the new season. If you worked a shift, cooked, served food, donated food or other items, please join us. We also invite those who are interested in learning more about the program to serve the homeless. Please contact Nancy Dorsey (847-956-4392 or [email protected]) to let us know that you’re joining us. Those who attend will have first choice on dates to volunteer, cook or donate!PADS coordinators will be across from the elevators on September 17 and September 24 to sign you up to cook, bring food, or volunteer to work.In order to volunteer when guests are present, it is required that you attend an orientation session at the Journeys office, 1140 East Northwest Highway in Palatine. The September dates are September 15 and 27, at 6:30 pm, and September 24 at 10:00 am.

BaptismElliott Paul Miller on August 6, son of Emily and Paul Miller, grandson of Cathie Schwarz and Jeff Schwarz

DeathsHarriett Wachlin - July 29Mary Clark - August 12Larry Frerk - August 17

Congregation News

Meals on WheelsFUMCAH will be delivering a "Meals on Wheels" route the month of November. Please mark your calendars if you would like to volunteer to deliver, please contact the Guilfords (847-392-5512).

6 7

Page 8: SEPTEMBER 2017images.acswebnetworks.com/1/2930/septembernewsletter2017... · Sermon Shapers Join Pastor Melissa to talk about upcoming sermons for the series "Failing Boldly." We'll

or current resident

8