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Founded in 1878
To the Glory of God
May 1, 2015
Newsletter No. 05-15
925 West Walnut Street
Metamora, Illinois, 61548
Telephone (309) 367-4603
www.christianunionchurch.com
Church Office: mcuc@mtco.com
Pastor
Gary Salm: pstrgary@mtco.com
Youth Pastor
Brandon Bogue: brandonbogue1@mtco.com
I am continually reminded how important
getting together is for our church. Our Lenten
meals serve us for a season, to gather and
hear a short talk. That blessing has inspired
some members to suggest that we meet once a month to
do something similar and have a guest provide our program.
Starting May 26th, at 6:00 PM (the fourth Tuesday
of the month) the men of the church will be hosting a
catered dinner for the entire church. Just like our Lenten
meals, our food selections will come from some of our
favorite local eateries. Everyone is invited and guests are
welcome.
We plan to modify our program month to month and
appeal to the wide and varied interests of our congregation. We will have signup sheets to plan for the meals,
but plans change so come anyway, signed up or not.
We chose Tuesday so that there would be no conflicts
with other church events. We also chose to do this once
a month in order to keep things fresh.
If you would prefer not to receive this newsletter,
Please email us and write ‘unsubscribe’ in the body
of your message.
Thank you for your interest in the Christian Union
Church Family, and God Bless You.
We hope to host five to six events this year through
November. Greg Minger, states attorney, will be our first
guest. Greg will share about some of the dangerous
trends he sees in our community and society.
Watch for the sign up sheet during the middle of May.
Hope to see you there!
Pastor Gary
Tuesday Gathering
May 26
6:00 pm
Fellowship Hall
Join us for dinner and fellowship.
Then stay to hear our
guest speaker,
Greg Minger,
Woodford County
State’s Attorney
Mr. Minger will be
discussing some of the dangerous
trends he sees in our community and
society. This is a great opportunity
to learn and gain from his unique
perspective.
Invite a friend!
(A free will donation will be received for dinner.)
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NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
is May 7.
We ask God’s direction and protection
for our country’s leaders. May they
hear His voice and follow His will,
leading with honesty, integrity and
courage.
Praise our Lord for the many faithful and godly women
in our midst. May each one be blessed, encouraged, and
extravagantly loved on this Mothers Day.
Spring is here and the earth is vibrant with the colors and
scents of new life. Our God is wonderfully creative and
we give thanks for His constant blessings.
Praise God for the blessing of new life. Jason and Merrie
Jo Allen welcomed a little boy, Cooper, on April 10. He
joins big brother Liam and big sister Kara.
Please pray God’s protection and strength for Andrew
Dahl, stationed in Georgia. We continually lift up all
men and women in uniform serving throughout the
world.
Continue to pray for Carolyn Rauh, Linda Jones, Deryl
Schertz, Merle Lotz, Shirley Lindsay, Hazel Dyar,
Danielle Gregait, Dave Kimbro, Lyle Schertz, Floretta
Blachek, Donna Schifeling, Mary Christy, Brooke
Poling, Leona McClary, Pastor George & Faye Hines as
they deal with on-going health issues.
Our Partners in Mission: Willow Hill UMC
Martin Smith, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
Open Arms Food Pantry
Camp Good News
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If you were asking me, I would say that one of the things we
need, as Christians, is to get the thinking of the Resurrection
into our everyday lives. No, I don’t mean that we need to
think more about the Resurrection (though maybe it wouldn’t
hurt for us to do more of that). I’m thinking that we need to
weave the implications of the Resurrection into the fabric of
our daily lives. That’s what the Church in the New Testament
did — and that is what turned them, and their world, upside
down.
You see, the Resurrection introduces another whole point of
view to life. Without the Resurrection, we must all face up to
the fact that we can only go so far and no further in life. We
are confined to the limitations of our human situation. With
death lurking in the shadows of each life, we are reminded
that all things must ultimately run down or run out. In the
language of the marketplace: there is a point where our
currency runs out. When its gone, it’s gone! The key word in
the light of such reality, is SAVE. Be sure you’ve left enough
for a rainy day—enough for tomorrow’s needs—enough to
slip you through the tight places.
be taken out from the middle of it. Death is not an experience
to be avoided. It is an experience to be overcome! THAT IS
THE THINKING OF THE RESURRECTION WE NEED TO GET INTO OUR
DAILY LIVES.
Without the Resurrection, this Scripture (and our experience)
doesn’t make much sense. God did not save Jesus from
death. But He did save Him in death. If He can do the same for
us, then we can approach life from a whole different standpoint. Can we afford to spend ourselves in the face of another’s demands. Why not? Jesus found life in death. Can we
afford to live for principle, rather than survival? Why not?
Jesus found life in death. Can we afford to give up our
dearest convictions and run the risk of facing the full force of
our fears? Why not? Jesus found life IN death. The power of
the Resurrection dares us to risk our little in God’s battle for
truth. After all, it promises to save us “out from within” the
power of death.
And all God’s children said, “Oh God, teach me to spend my life,
knowing YOU hold the keys to death.” Amen!
Rev. Roger Ruhman
But life after death radically alters that viewpoint. If there
are resources beyond our final payment, we are not limited
by our limitations. The key word, in the light of such reality, is
SPEND. Don’t worry about saving for a rainy day! Beyond the
last that you can give there is still enough for tomorrow’s
needs—enough to get you through the tight places.
In Hebrews 5:7, the writer says: “during the days of Jesus’ life on
earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears
to the One Who could save Him from death…” Why did He put so
much into these prayers? It was because He was asking for
the miracle of Resurrection. The Greek has two words which
can be translated by our preposition “from.” One meant
“from the edge of,” the other meant “out from within.”
When Jesus prayed to be delivered from death, He was NOT
asking to be snatched from the edge of it. He was asking to
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Philathea — will meet Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 pm in Fellowship
Hall. Hostesses are Elaine Newell and Sherrie Harper. Sue Devine
will lead devotions.
Women’s Guild — meets Tuesday, May 26 at 1:15 pm in Fellowship Hall. Dona Parks will host and Joan Robison will lead
devotions.
Winter Mission Project — During the first quarter of the year we
received funds to support Matt and Amanda Hadden at Pine Ridge,
South Dakota. They are involved in full time ministry with the
Lakota Indians. You can learn more about them on their website
(haddenjourney.com). Thank you to everyone who made a
contribution. We received a total of $4,360! Please continue to
pray for the Haddens and their teammates in this important and
life-changing mission.
Fellowship Committee is hosting a
Fun Fling to Springfield
Thursday, June 11th
This day will feature a docent-led tour of the Lincoln Museum.
We will also visit Lincoln’s Tomb, Scheels,
and the Shoff Lakeside Home.
Dinner will be at the Chesapeake Seafood House.
(Don’t panic….steak and chicken are also entrée choices)
More details coming soon.
Sign up and pay by May 28th — $55/person.
(this includes transportation, tour and dinner)
Come enjoy a day of fellowship and fun with our church family.
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Spring Project — Through the month of June we are receiving
funds to support the church and orphanage that we helped build
through Christ for India. All contributions -- 100% -- will go directly
to the church and orphanage with no money being deducted for
administrative costs, shipping fees, etc. If you would like to make a
contribution, please use the special envelope in your giving packet
or mark a pew envelope "Spring Project." To date we have received
$300. Thank You.
Dining Out
is going to
Mona’s in Toluca
Thursday, May 14 at 6:00 pm
Meet at the restaurant. Please sign up by
Tuesday, May 12 to secure your reservation.
For more info call Sallie Lotz.
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Do you know
someone who is GRADUATING?
We want to honor our graduates in the June
newsletter and bulletin, but we need your help gathering
information. We are interested in anyone completing Jr.
High, High School, College or Graduate Degrees. Please
contact Heidi (367-4603) and let her know WHO is graduating, from what SCHOOL, with what DEGREE or diploma.
We’ also like a PICTURE. You may also email your information to mcuc@mtco.com. THANK YOU!!
P.S. Information needs to be in the office by
Monday, May 18.
Plan Ahead — Philathea will
once again sponsor a garage
sale at the church during the
Community Wide Garage
Sales. The sale will be in
Fellowship Hall on Friday
(6/5) from 8 am—4 pm, and
on Saturday (6/6) from 8—noon. If anyone has clean, usable
articles they would like to donate for this project, please save
them until we are ready. (No clothing, please.)
Morning Joe —
Meets at 8:30 am on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month.
We gather at Historic Grounds (on the Metamora Square) for
coffee, fellowship and whatever goodies the bakery has on that
particular day. It’s a great time to get better acquainted and
enjoy the support of our church family.
Join us on Monday, May 4 or 18. See you there!
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May 2015
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
1
Sat
2
8:30 Men’s Breakfast
and Work Day
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4
9:00 ‘1st Look’ Worship
KidZone (both hours) 8:30 Morning Joe
10:00 Coffee Hour
10:45 ‘Take 2’ Worship 6:30 ACES of Wdfd. Cty.
7:00 Boy Scouts
6:00 Sr. Hi Elevate
7:00 Church & Ministry
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Mother’s Day
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9:00 ‘1st Look ‘Worship
KidZone (both hours)
10:00 Coffee Hour
6:00 Mission Com.
10:45 ‘Take 2’ Worship
7:00 Church Council
7:00 Boy Scouts
6:00 Sr. Hi Elevate
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9:00 ‘1st Look’ Worship
KidZone (both hours)
10:00 Coffee Hour
10:45 ‘Take 2’ Worship
2-4 pm Bridal Shower
NO Sr. Hi Elevate
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1:30 Pastor’s Tea @
Asst’d. Living
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6 MCPS Last Day
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National Day of
Prayer
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9
15
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1:00 Staff Meeting
6:00 Choir
7:30 Praise Band
7:00 MCPS Graduation
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6:00 Jr. Hi Elevate
1:00 Staff Meeting
7:00 Philathea
6:00 Choir
7:30 Praise Band
6:00 Dining Out
6:00 Jr. Hi Elevate
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8:30 Morning Joe
1:00 Staff Meeting
7:00 Chris. Ed. Com
7:00 Boy Scouts
7:00 Woman’s Club
6:00 Choir
7:30 Praise Band
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25 Memorial Day
9:00 ‘1st Look’ Worship
(office closed)
KidZone (both hours)
10:00 Mission Brunch
10:45 ‘Take 2’ Worship
6:00 Sr. Hi Elevate
5 MCPS Last Day
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Webelos at
Camp Wildwood
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12-3:00 pm
Tyler Graduation Party
6:00 Jr. Hi Elevate
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1:00 Staff Meeting
1:15 Women’s Guild
Jr. Hi Elevate
6:00 Choir
7:30 Praise Band
7:00 UFO Night @
Malones
Wedding Rehearsal
Reynolds/Slama
Wedding
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9:00 Family Worship
NO KidZone
10:00 Coffee Hour
10:45 ‘Take 2’ Worship
12:00 Choir Picnic
6:00 Sr. Hi Elevate
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Summer Reading Program
With June approaching we are getting ready to
start the Summer Reading Program. This is for
all ages and for anyone who likes to read. Please
sign up in the church library if you would like to
participate. For each page that you read the
sponsors will donate a penny. Books must be from
the church library. The program starts May 24
on Memorial Day Weekend and goes until Labor
Day Weekend, September 6.
For those of you who don’t have
the time to read… consider
signing up to be a sponsor. All
pages submitted by readers will
be added together and then
divided among the sponsors. This way, no sponsor
will have to pay more than any other sponsor.
(The more sponsors we have, the less each will
pay!) All money raised will go to buy new material
for the library. Thanks to the many who have
participated
the past, our
church 27-28
is blessed
Jr. HighinEvent
March
with a wonderful assortment of current Christian
books. Please consider
Cost joining
is $65us! Thank You!
Margie
Hahnby
& Deb
Houch
Sign-up
Mar.
8th
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EAT, ENJOY, and HELP
send our mission team to
South Dakota in July
Sunday, May 24
10:00 am—Noon
The Mission Committee will be hosting a free-will fundraiser
brunch in Fellowship Hall for our mission trip project at Pine
Ridge this summer.
The brunch will consist of breakfast casserole, fruit, muffins
and breads along with coffee and juice.
All donations will go toward the purchase of materials needed
for a 30X40 outbuilding that will be used to expand the Life
Skills ministry at the camp.
One of the biggest obstacles kids face there is the lack of
practical training they can use to find work off the reservation. In this new building, young people will learn the skills of
welding and construction equipment service and repair. We
are praying for $8000 in donations for this project.
Please join us for brunch and help support this worthy cause.
Your Mission Committee
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Mission Updates
Martin and Dana Smith (Intervarsity Christian Fellowship)
Every year, Intervarsity holds a student missions conference called “Urbana”.
It is a discerning space to discover where gifts, dreams, and calling meet
God’s global mission. Attendees find friends and mentors who share their
passions, who welcome their partnership, and who can put their skills and
education to work. This year’s event takes place on December 27th-31st, in
St. Louis, Missouri.
Dan and Christi Ucherek (Orphan Outreach)
Orphan Outreach is dedicated to glorifying the Lord through reaching out to
the millions of orphaned and vulnerable children around the world. Your gift
enables us to serve orphans and vulnerable children by developing and
supporting programs that prepare them for a fulfilling, independent Christian
life in their community. Your support is making a difference to the precious
children we serve.
Peoria Rescue Ministries
Our prayer here at Peoria Rescue Ministries is that folks in our area will
prayerfully seek the Lord in defending the lives of the vulnerable. Here we
honor the value of every life – the homeless man, the unborn child, the drug
addict, the prostitute, and the woman suffering the after-effects of having an
abortion. Your support of Peoria Rescue Ministries is helping us to defend the
lives of the vulnerable and honor the value of every life. Thank You!
Heartline / Heart House
We need you to become a Heart-to-Heart MENTOR. Being a mentor is
essentially being a Godly friend. You are reaching out and touching the heart
of another woman who may be broken and discouraged or one who needs
Godly guidance in Bible study and prayer. You may very well be the
beginning of a miracle someone is patiently waiting for. For more information,
please call Brandi at 467-6103.
Amanda King (Serving In Mission)
Our Lord Jesus Christ lived a perfect life. He died a sacrificial, atoning death,
cancelling our debt of sin. And on the third day He rose victorious, conquering sin and sorrow. Today, He calls His people to minister to the world,
spreading the good news of His love and His victory. Thank you for responding to the call with us. We are honored you choose to partner with us to see
lives and communities transformed by the gospel.
Josh Frederick (Youth for Christ)
Thank you for your support of Campus Life. You are a blessing to these
students and your gifts are a fragrant offering to our King. Please continue to
pray for us and for these students. God does not wish that any should perish,
and neither do we. So the next time you pass some kids ‘hanging-out’, pray
for them because God loves them very much.
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5 – 03
5 – 04
5 – 08
5 – 10
5 – 13
5 – 14
5 – 15
5 – 16
5 – 17
5 – 18
Sharlette Metts
Emily Ries
Carter Keller
Hannah Spangler
Donna Schifeling
Jared Alig
Jeff Bernius
Madalyn Bachman
Glenn Hamilton
Deryl Schertz
Ross Spangler
John Madsen
Dorothy Fahlberg
Lauren Ries
Mary Anne Jern
Wayne Thomas
5 – 12
5 – 17
5 – 24
5 – 25
5 – 27
5 – 29
5 – 30
5 – 31
5 – 22
5 – 22
5 – 23
5 – 24
5 – 26
5 – 27
5 – 28
5 – 29
5 – 30
Joni Bequette
Jesse Mischler
Sadie Martinez
Scott Shoff
Tina Kough
Abigail Kough
Allison Kough
Paulette Thompson
Shirley Lowery
Joan Robison
Joyce Stromberger
Harrison Lynam
Ivan Jern
Maria Smith
Lowell Baker
Roger and Nancy Jern
Gary and Barb Barke
Dave and Jenny Poling
Stan and Cyndi Deatherage
Jim and Jan Swartz
Rev. Rick and Marilyn Mortimer
Brandon & Mandi Bogue
Ron and Cheryl Robison
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Attention, Snyder Passengers!
We are happy to present weekly bus service to anyone who needs a ride
to church. We have a wonderful transportation team and we’re grateful for
their faithful service. The bus runs for the 9:00 am service.
If you know someone who might like to ride, or if you would like to become a part of this
important ministry, please contact Judy Winkler at 383-4680.
May Schedule
Driver
Helper
3-May
Dick Schertz
Carol Schertz
10-May
—- NO BUS —-
—- NO BUS —-
17-May
Bruce Pearce
Caroline Pearce
24-May
John Madsen
Sandy Madsen
31-May
Cathy Gregait
Sue Devine
May Ministry Leaders
Sound/
Video
Lay
Reader
Nursery
Nursery
Helper
Greeters
Flowers
May 3
Dan W.
Rich S.
Angie K.
Jolene
Pelton
Liz K.
Lauren R.
Hailey M.
Paulette T.
Marty & Joyce
Stromberger
Chris & Liz
Keller
May 10
Gary B.
Denny H.
Matt
Kibmro
Crystal B.
Lori S.
Darrell K.
Melody S.
Sue Devine
May 17
Stan D
Denny H.
Rich S.
Bob
Harper
Sandi R.
Kathy S.
Autumn R.
Jan S.
Dorothy
Fahlberg
May 24
Stan D.
Matt G.
Rich S.
Dick
Schertz
Rhonda R.
Jenny P.
Emily R.
Sue Z.
Sue Devine
Audrey
Salm
—
—
Doug & Jean
Long
Date
May 31
May Ushers: Bob & Jan Skaggs, Stan Deatherage, Jim & Jan Swartz
Communion Stewards (5/3 @ 9:00 am) : Dennis Hahn,
Jim & Gloria Hicks, Darlene McDaniel
Welcome Rep: Barb Mishler
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