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New Beginnings
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you
have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.—John 17:24
Bonfield Grand Prairie Parish UMC
Pastor’s
Corner
Pastor Mel Nielsen
pastormel1@hotmail.com
cell: 1-815-922-9161
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for
this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by
my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter,
and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of
Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of
the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will
be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth
will be loosed in heaven.” Then he ordered his disciples
not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
- Matthew 16:17-20 (N.I.V.)
Way back when I was a green horn “younger” man
who had been fully convinced of a calling from God to
go deeper into my faith, I never dreamed it would lead
to becoming a pastor. I recall telling God how difficult
that journey would be, as most of you know, God
removed every obstacle from my path. I did what I
needed to do and God did everything you would expect
a powerful and loving King would do.
One of the many obstacles in my path were the tests
I needed to pass. There were the basic intelligence
courses of math, english and science as well as several
psychological exams. I recall one of those psych tests
had 200 yes /no questions. Here is an example of one of
them; “Do you like to watch a fire burn?” Well I had to
stop and ponder that a minute. I thought, “Yes I love to
sit around a campfire on a chilly fall night, but then
again I wouldn’t like watching my neighbor’s house
burn!” Despite the latter, I answered yes. I wondered if
there was a right answer, how could there be?
Now many years later in my ministry I thought of
that fire question again, only reworded a little. How
much do I like watching the church burn? Not a
physical fire from Hades like Jesus was eluding to in
Matthew, but a slow burning fire from within.
Make no mistake, the church is on fire and not in
the good way. The church is suffering from many ills
June 2015
like John Wesley indicated, “I am not afraid that the
people called Methodists should ever cease to exist
either in Europe or America. But I am afraid, lest they
should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of
religion without the power. And this undoubtedly will
be the case, unless they hold fast both the doctrine,
spirit, and discipline with which they first set out.
What was their fundamental doctrine? That the
Bible is the whole and sole rule both of Christian faith
and practice. Hence they learned,
1 That religion is an inward principle; that it is
no other than the mind that was in Christ; or, in other
words, the renewal of the soul after the image of God,
in righteousness and true holiness.
2 That this can never be wrought in us, but by
the power of the Holy Ghost.
3 That we receive this, and every other blessing,
merely for the sake of Christ: And,
4 That whosoever hath the mind that was in
Christ, the same is our brother, and sister, and
mother.”
Christians have been taught to point a finger of
blame in every direction except where it squarely
belongs most of the time. I say it is high time we stop
looking to how and why the fire started and get to
work putting it out. If one of the churches in this area
was actually on fire there would be a rush of
Christians from every denomination working together
to save it. We would exhaust the water supply to save
it from being destroyed.
Yet I see a metaphorical fire destroying the
church just the same, yet there is no line of Christians
dragging fire hoses to save the “Body” of Christ. I
believe many Methodists have traded the power of
God for too many worthless idols. So I have updated
Wesley’s old English verbiage to match today’s
language.
1. Renew your mind by giving yourself over to
the transformative power of God, set aside the
distracting unimportant things of this world and seek
true Godly Holiness and seek to have the mind of
Christ.
PLEASE SEE “PASTOR” ON PAGE 10
Bonfield Grand Prairie Parish UMC
Page 2
Parish Fellowship Breakfast
At IHOP Scheduled
The next Fellowship Breakfast has been
scheduled for Tue., June 2, 8:30 at IHOP in
Bourbonnais. Come enjoy a great breakfast and even
better fellowship with other church members and
friends. Everyone is invited to attend.
Lion’s Hall Rental
If you have ever wanted to rent the Bonfield
Community Center at the Lion’s Hall, 148 S. Stanford,
Bonfield, IL please call JoCarol at 815-545-5563. You
do not need to live in Bonfield or be a member to rent
the hall. Kitchen is included in rental price.
Thanks To You
I am incredibly grateful again this year
for those who could donate to the American
Cancer Society’s Relay for Life this year.
Donations are used to educate people, find a
cure, and especially assist survivors in day to
day life. As a 19+ year survivor, I realize
how important it is for everyone to have
access to the support they need! Please
consider coming to McNamara High School
Saturday, June 13, starting at 2 pm to
experience this tremendous event.
Irma Jean Berghouse
Thank You
The Salina Fire Department just wanted to
say thank you to all three churches for
having an appreciation service for the fire
department. We wanted you to know that
we were touched that you went out of your
way to show how much you appreciate us.
It meant a lot to us. We truly do love what
we do for the community.
Thanks again,
Salina Fire Department
June 2015
Sunshine Report
The Sunshine Circle met at the home of Jan
Green on Thurs., May 21, 6:30 p.m. for a delicious
meal. Following the meal Green gave devotions
remembering our Mothers. Each member received a
paper on How to Treat a Mom. 1.) Moms need faith.
2.) Moms need patience. 3.) Moms need appreciation.
4.) Moms need a life. 5.) Moms need wisdom. 6.)
Moms need communication. Each of these “needs”
was followed by a scripture. Mom’s are a gift of God.
The business meeting followed with roll call,
minutes and treasurer’s report which showed a balance
of $398.21. New business included a motion with a
second approving a gift for the Salvation Army of
$100.00 to help send children to summer camp. The
ladies also welcomed Janis Cadieux as a new member.
Plans were completed for the garage sale on June
5 & 6. Items for garage sale may be dropped off on
June 3, 6-8 p.m. and June 4, 1-7 p.m. Hours of the sale
will be 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The breakfast menu will
include biscuits and gravy; cinnamon roll; sunshine
mcmuffin; coffee, milk & O.J. Lunch menu will be
walking tacos; hot dogs; chips; soda & water.
The next meeting will be Ladies Night Out on
June 18 at Olivers at Quality Inn at 6:30. The meeting
adjourned. Green served cake and ice cream for all
spring and summer birthdays along with a small gift.
Evan Vote Passes
The Bonfield Evangelical United Methodist
Church held a Church Conference on May 19, led by
Vermilion river District Superintendent, Leah
Pogemiller. 44 Members were present to vote on a
resolution to approve financing; builders contract and
final blueprints. The vote totals were 44 yes and 4 no.
The church plans to break ground on the new addition
this summer.
Thank You
A big thank you to the Sunshine Circle for
the lovely and thoughtful May Day basket,
and also for the nice visit from Jan Green &
her husband.
God Bless you all.
Fostine Schwark
Bonfield Grand Prairie Parish UMC
Page 3
$30 Men’s Club
The $30 Men’s Club are a group of committed
Christian Men who are dedicated to alleviating
suffering in the Bonfield area. Every member pays the
dues of $30, those dues are collected and used to help
in local mission work. The men also lend their time
and talents to help with small home projects for those
who are unable to help themselves.
Other than local projects for the needy, the group
also sponsors such mission as Salvation Army, Gift of
God Street Church and the youth group’s Motown
Mission. For more information or to join, please call
Gerry Meyer 815-939-2912. All men are invited to
join.
HELP
WANTED
Garage Sale & Bake Sale
The Evan UMW and Sunshine Circle are
seeking good used items for the Rummage
Sale on June 5 & 6. They are also requesting
donations of baked goods for the bake sale.
Please drop off Bake Sale items Thurs.,
June 4, 1-8 p.m.; Fri., June 5, 7-9 a.m.
or Sat.,June 6, 7-9 a.m.
Please drop off Garage Sale items Thurs.,
June 4, 1-8 p.m. If you have trouble getting
any item(s) to the sales, please contact Ardis
Messer 815-932-0180 or any other UMW or
Sunshine Circle member.
Garage Sale & Bake Hours
8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Fri., June 5 & Sat., June 6
Breakfast - Biscuits & Gravy, Cinnamon
Rolls, Breakfast Surprise, Coffee, Milk & OJ.
Lunch - Walking Tacos, Hot Dogs, Chips,
Soda & Water
June 2015
Upcoming Worship Schedule
The following is a tentative schedule for
June 2015 worship.
(Readings & message may change without notice.)
June 7
2nd Sunday after Pentecost
“We Want What We Want”
Altar Color - White
OT: 1 Samuel 8:4-20 & 11:14-15
NT: None
Gospel: Mark 3:20-35
June 14
3rd Sunday after Pentecost
“King David”
Altar Color - Green
OT: 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13
NT: None
Gospel: Mark 4:26-34
June 21 - Father’s Day
4th Sunday after Pentecost
“David & Goliath”
Altar Color - Green
OT: None
NT: 1 Samuel 17:37-49
Gospel: Mark 4:35-41
June 28
5th Sunday after Pentecost
“Faith Healing”
Altar Color - Green
OT: None
NT: None
Gospel: Mark 5:21-43
July 5
6th Sunday after Pentecost
“Two by Two”
Altar Color - Green
OT: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
NT: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Gospel: Mark 6:1-13
Bonfield Grand Prairie Parish UMC
There is POWER
in PRAYER
Pastor Mel invites you to join in praying
for the following names and causes.
Friends and Family Close to Home
Nursing Home:
Heritage Village:.........................................Vi Morse
Manteno Veterans:.............Bob Grob, Byron Warren
Assisted Living:
Harvest View:.............Roscella Piper, Randy Riegel,
Betty Wenzelman
Westwood Oaks:.............Fostine Schwark, Don Mau
Butterfield:..................Bernice Schultz, Luella Fecke
At Home:..........................Ruth Ohrt, Marian Buente
From Our Church Bulletin
Luis Alvarado, Rev. Donna Baker; Irma Jean
Berghouse, Judy Bolatto, Shirley Brunner, Tyler
Coffman, Scott Cleeton, Mary Denney, Lecia
Geiger, Dennis Hertz, Butch Lambert, Janice
Logsdon, Allen Messer, Merle Penrod, Judy
Ralston, Randy Riegel, Lisa Stewart, Kathy Buente
Holmes; Richard Wildman, Pam Wilking.
Compassion International Kids
Latif Korogo........................................Burkina Faso
Maria Clara Maciel Da Silva “Clara”..............Brazil
Dayava Sanchez.........................................Columbia
Jose Arriola..............................................Guatemala
Shan Toppo.......................................................India
Junior Okwii Barasa .......................................Kenya
Genesi Marisol Martinez Vasquez.............Honduras
Samuel Juda Lopez Miranda.........................Mexico
Mohini Ahirwar.................................................India
Cinthia Yolany Carranza Aguila...............Honduras
Sonaton Soren.........................................Bangladesh
Yeferson David Ortiz Cortez.....................Colombia
Nevada Eric..................................................Rwanda
Anielka Carolina Garcia Roque................Nicaragua
Schekinah Jean Louis........................................Haiti
Salome Vicente Melo....................................Mexico
Benjamin Sewu...............................................Ghana
Other requests
The persecuted church; missionaries; the least-thelast and the lost; our government; our cabinet,
district and parish leaders; military; the Middle
East; domestic violence and First Responders, The
Rev. Steve Goodin.
Page 4
June 2015
Graduation
by Art Young
Though we have grumbled and complained
More times than we can tell
About tough days here at school,
It’s hard to say farewell.
Our classes oft were troublesome;
Our homework oft a chore,
And there were days when we thought
We could take nothing more.
And there were nights when we dreamed of
Our home and jolly friends;
We would have given anything
To have our school days end.
Yes, we looked forward to the time
When we should graduate
And longed with greatest eagerness
For that ecstatic date.
And now that day has come at least
Now we should shout and cheer.
But, gosh, the tears flow from our eyes;
We wish we could stay here!
Submitted by Lorraine Wildman
Joke Of The Month
Army of the Lord
A pastor said: “You need to join the Army of the
Lord!” My friend replied, “I’m already in the Army of
the Lord, Pastor.” The puzzled Pastor questioned,
“How come I don’t see you at church except at
Christmas and Easter?”
He whispered back, “I’m in the secret service.”
Martha Circle Report
Martha Circle met May 12, 2015, at the home of
Marilyn Ohrt. Six members were present.
Ohrt presented devotions relating Bible verses to
items in a survival kit. For example, a mint means that
we are worth a mint, John 3, 16 and 17.
President, Janet Boyer brought the meeting to
order. She stated that Cunningham Children’s Home
has been doing very well with its fundraising so far,
and that the United Methodist Women are trying to
help undeveloped countries in many ways. The
treasurer’s and secretary’s reports were read and
approved.
Future meetings are scheduled for July 21,
September 15 at Ronda Wenzelman’s, and November
17 at Linda Scholl’s.
Wenzelman shared information on Restart
Augusta, a group making and delivering beds to
people without, many of whom are veterans.
Wenzelmen also motioned to give $100 to the
youth group fund for their mission trip. Ohrt seconded
the motion. Boyer announced that a group will be
visiting the Veterans Home the first part of July.
Anyone is more than welcome to join in.
Boyer concluded the meeting with a prayer.
NOTICE
TIMES BELOW WILL BE
EFFECTIVE AS OF JULY 5
Time For
Church
Bonfield First
172 Church Street
9:15 a.m. Sunday Services
10:30 Adult and Youth Sunday School
Bonfield Evangelical
348 Smith Street, Bonfield
10:30 a.m. Sunday Services
9:15 Adult and Youth Sunday School
Grand Prairie
Rt. 17 Bonfield
8:00 a.m Sunday Services
9:15 a.m Adult and Youth Sunday School
Page 5
June 2015
Bible Quiz
Which of the following is an accurate husband-wife
match from Scripture?
A. Abram and Ruth
B. Boaz and Ruth
C. Hosea and Ruth
D. Ananias and Ruth
See answer below
Quotes Of The Month
My father used to play with my brother and me in the
yard. Mother would come out and say, “You’re tearing
up the grass.”
“We’re not raising grass,” Dad would reply. “We’re
raising boys.”
—Harmon Killebrew
“There is not a thing that God expects of a person but
that God will give him or her the power to do.”
—A.B. Simpson
“How we walk with the broken speaks louder than
how we sit with the great.”
—Zig Ziglar
©Newsletter, Newsletter
June Memory Verse
There is more happiness in giving than receiving
– Acts 20:35
+ Christian Symbols +
Thistle
The thistle, a thorny bush, symbolizes the Fall and
humanity’s bondage to sin. In Genesis 3, God tells
Adam that one consequence of his sin will be the hard
work of bringing forth crops: “[The land] will produce
thorns and thistles for you” (v. 18, NIV). Because
thistles crowd out everything growing nearby, they’ve
also been equated with the weeds or thorns in some of
Jesus’ teachings (e.g., Matthew 7:15-20; 13:24-30, and
Mark 4:2-9). Finally, Christ’s crown of thorns may
have been made of thistle branches.
Answer: B (See Ruth 4:13.)
Bonfield Grand Prairie Parish UMC
Bonfield Grand Prairie Parish UMC
June Birthday’s
June 1...........................................Mike Jackubowski
Diane (Dittus) Lawrence
June 2...................................................Laura Gronert
June 4..................................................Logan Gronert
June 5...............................................Alyssa Williams
Robert Osenga
Christine (Meissen) Lade
June 7...............................Rita (Wildman) Overacker
Mark Ouellette
Justin Vaughn
June 8.............................................Timothy Holohan
Marcia (Riegel) Jackson
Michael Panozzo
Randy Charter
Toney Erazmus
June 9...............................Nanette (Bouchard) Wood
Andrew Marcotte
June 10...................................................Kyle Buente
Peyton Riegel
June 11.................................................Alan Buckley
Zachary Jensen
Denise (O’Connor) Fecke
June 12.....................................................Jared Sikes
June 13.......................................................Bill Smith
June 14.....................................................Rick White
James Messer
Jimmy Vilt, Jr.
Sarah Meyer
David St. Germaine
June 15.........................................Beth (Faga) Meyer
Tim Marcotte
Warner Diefenbach
June 16.....................................................Burt Taylor
Somar Powell
Ceri Dorsey-Tyler
Ryan Coffman
June 17............................Leigh Ann (Gagnon) Turro
Lee Ann (Higginbotham-Horn) Kenley
Gwenyth Jackubowski
Logan Michael Kuipers
June 18.....................................................Todd Bauer
June 19.................................................Donald Dubie
Noel Strahan
Duane Krieg
Annette (Abell) Riegel
Tami (Cordes) Lockwood
Michael Kingsland
Page 6
June 2015
June 20..........................................Ruth (Piper) Laird
Mary Katherine Buckman
Isabelle Lowey
June 22.............................................Vanessa Longtin
June 23.................................................Emmery Rice
Kenneth Dato
June 24...................................................Paige Meyer
Bryce Overacker
June 25................................................Thomas Pitkin
Susan (Abell) Diefenbach
June 26.................................................David Wilson
Crystal Melhorn
Irma Jean (Kirchner) Berghouse
June 27.......................................................Leo Smith
Dale Dittus
Patterson Friese
Deborah (Charbonneau) Meyer
June 28.....................................................Eric Hawks
Jakob Bouk
Mark Reising
Debbie Nielsen
Leila Wood
June 29....................................................Mike Bland
Lori (Hertz-Kirchner) Marquis
June 30.....................................................Ann Meyer
Mary (Warren) Krieg
Derek Brinkman
Please notify the church office of any names and
birthdays which need to be added, removed or
corrected. Office number 1-815-802-9805.
What is a dad?
A dad is someone who wants to
catch you before you fall
but instead picks you up, brushes you off,
and lets you try again.
A dad is someone who wants to
keep you from making mistakes
but instead lets you find your own way,
even though his heart breaks in silence
when you get hurt.
A dad is someone who holds
you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you even when you fail.
—Unknown
©Newsletter, Newsletter
Tue., June 30
Mon., June 29
Journey Prayer
Group @ First UMC,
10:00 a.m.
John Bible Study
@ Parsonage 10 am
& 6:30 pm
Sun., June 28
YOUTH MISSION TRIP
TO DETROIT
YOUTH MISSION TRIP
TO DETROIT
YOUTH MISSION TRIP
TO DETROIT
YOUTH MISSION TRIP
TO DETROIT
Father’s Day
Wed., June 24
Men’s Prayer @
Evan, 6:30 a.m.
Tue., June 23
Mon., June 22
Journey Prayer
Group @ First UMC,
10:00 a.m.
Sun., June 21
YOUTH MISSION TRIP
TO DETROIT
Thurs., June 25
First UMW
@ First, 7 p.m.
Sunshine Circle
Out to Dinner
YOUTH MISSION TRIP
TO DETROIT
Fri., June 26
July
Newsletter Deadline
YOUTH MISSION TRIP
TO DETROIT
Sat., June 27
Sat., June 20
Fri., June 19
Thurs., June 18
Wed., June 17
Men’s Prayer @
Evan, 6:30 a.m.
Community Lunch
@ Lion’s Hall, Noon
Tue., June 16
Mon., June 15
Journey Prayer
Group @ First UMC,
10:00 a.m.
John Bible Study
@ Parsonage 10 am
& 6:30 pm
PASTOR GONE TO
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
PASTOR GONE TO
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
PASTOR GONE TO
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
PASTOR GONE TO
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Sun., June 14
Sat., June 13
Fri., June 12
Thurs., June 11
Wed., June 10
Men’s Prayer @
Evan, 6:30 a.m.
Tue., June 9
NOW Committee
@ First Church,
7 p.m.
Mon., June 8
Journey Prayer
Group @ First UMC,
10:00 a.m.
Sun., June 7
Sat., June 6
Fri., June 5
Thurs., June 4
Evan UMW @ Evan,
1:30 p.m.
Wed., June 3
Men’s Prayer @
Evan, 6:30 a.m.
2 0 1 5
Tue., June 2
Mon., June 1
Journey Prayer
Fellowship
Group @ First UMC, Breakfast @ IHOP,
8:30 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
J U N E
Bonfield Grand Prairie Parish UMC
Page 7
June 2015
Bonfield Grand Prairie Parish UMC
Page 8
June 2015
Are your kids ready for an epic adventure?
Then they won’t want to miss a minute at Camp Kilimanjaro, the most exciting place around!
At Camp Kilimanjaro, kids will learn to walk in God’s wisdom as they enjoy
songs, crafts, games, goodies, and dramas.
Vacation Bible School at Camp Kilimanjaro will be filled with excitement, so contact us today! We’re
calling all trekkers to join us in an epic expedition through Proverbs!
Camp Kilimanjaro
An Epic Expedition Through Proverbs
When: July 6-10, 2015
Ages: Pre-K - 6th Grade
Time: 9-11:30
Where: Grand Prairie United Methodist Church
11474-11906 W. State Rte. 17
Herscher, IL 60941
Note the change in location and time!
For more information call 815-802-9805 or go to:email bonfieldgp@sbcglobal.net
VBS Volunteer Registration July 6-10, 2015
Volunteers must be age 13 or older (NO Exceptions)
Anyone younger than 13 will be a VBS participant
Before VBS, I would like to help by:
Praying
Preparing craft materials
Helping with administrative tasks
Planning decorations
Decorating classrooms
Building sets
Planning publicity
Age Level Preference
3-5 years 6-12 years
Trekker Group: (teacher)
Crafts:
Helper
Snacks:
Helper
Games:
Helper
Music:
Helper
Leader
Helper
Wherever needed most
Name __________________________________________________ Phone _________________________
Email _________________________________________________________________________________
Days Available ______________
Every day Y / N
Certain days (please specify) ____________
Please scan and email this form to: bonfieldgp@sbcglobal.net -OR- Mail this form to VBS Registration c/o Tricia
Coffman, 159 N. Church St., Bonfield, IL 60913
Bonfield Grand Prairie Parish UMC
Page 9
June 2015
Register me for Camp Kilimanjaro! July 6-10, 2015; Ages: Pre-K - 6th Grade
Child’s name _________________________________________________________________________________________
Gender:
Male
Female
Birthdate _________/_________/_______ Grade completed _________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________ City _______________________
State _______ Zip ______________
Parents/Guardian______________________________________________________________________________________
Home phone _______________________ Work phone ______________________ Cell phone ______________________
Email ________________________________________________________________
Emergency contact ____________________________________________________________________________________
Relationship to child ________________________________________________ Phone _____________________________
Name of home church __________________________________________________________________________________
Food allergies Y___ N___
List_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Medical concerns Y___ N___
Explain______________________________________________________________________________________________
Please scan and email this form to: bonfieldgp@sbcglobal.net
Or
Mail this form to VBS Registration c/o Tricia Coffman
159 N. Church St.
Bonfield, IL 60913
Bonfield Grand Prairie Parish UMC
Page 10
June 2015
Evan UMW Report
First UMW Report
The Bonfield Evangelical UMC met at the home
of Christine Meyer for a 9 am breakfast on May 7,
2015. Donna Tanner of St. Mark’s UMW, our
Sheperdess talked a bit about Legacy Fund giving.
Mar. 23, 1869 eight women gathered in Boston, MA,
to organize for mission. We begin this celebration to
lead up to our 150th anniversary in 2019. More
information to follow in the months ahead.
We are still looking for helpers and bakers for
the Bonfield Community Garage Sale on June 5th and
6th. We are combing efforts with Sunshine Circle to
prepare a breakfast and lunch as well as baked goods
to sell and those Treasured Gems you no longer use or
need that someone else could use in the place they
call home.
Another upcoming date to mark on your
calendar will be July 16 when we will go to Harvest
View in Herscher for 1 p.m. for a time of fun with
residents.
August 18 will be a mission work day at
Midwest Distribution Center near Springfield.
Mark your calendars now.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday June 4 at
Bonfield Evangelical UMC with Pat Bland and Dayle
Seitz providing lunch and a program before we join
together to set up for the Community Sale, so keep
looking for those Treasured Gems in your basement,
attic and closets for others to enjoy.
The group welcomed their shepherdess, Ellen
Liehr, at the May 14 meeting. Liehr’s presentation
focused specifically on Holy Week as she graciously
shared photos and information regarding her recent
trip to the Holy Land. Her well-organized power point
presentation included breath taking shots of the area
as well as interesting facts and Liehr’s own
perspective of what the trip meant to her. During the
business meeting the group voted on the pledge for
next year and also finalized the meeting dates/
programs. Irma Jean Berghouse promised there’d be
pie…and she delivered!
Annual Conference Prayer
All churches in the Vermilion River District
have been invited to pray for the Annual Conference
of the Illinois Great Rivers on Sat., June 13. We have
been specifically asked to pray for safe travel for all
the lay and clergy members who will be traveling
home on that day.
Apr. 2015 Attendance
Evangelical
First
Grand Prairie
TOTALS
4/5
64
44
31
139
4/12
60
19
30
109
4/19
67
21
29
117
4/26
59
21
30
110
PASTOR
CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
2. Stop believing that you have control over your
life and what you are or will be, only the Holy Spirit
has the power to make us righteous.
3. What we are and who we will be is determined
by the Holy Spirit and is only for the benefit of
building the kingdom of God.
4. We are all in this together, we need each
other’s help, a church is not meant to be one, but
many.
To summarize we have far too often tried to
become God ourselves. We have tried to take on the
responsibility of controlling all that we are, we have
supplanted God’s commands for our own
determination of right and wrong. We have tried to
build a church yet leave God out of it for the most
part. That’s dangerous, wrong and leads to death.
If I am wrong than look at the image again above.
If what we made with our hands, the physical church
building were burning, we would stop at nothing to
save it, yet it is obvious the Body of Christ is suffering
and where is the call of “Fire!” We make ourselves
out to be God when the things we create are more
important to us than the thing God wants to create
within our souls. What are we binding on earth?
–Pastor Mel
Bonfield Grand Prairie Parish UMC
Page 11
June 2015
New Bible Study
“Invitation to John”
Beginning June 15
Choose the morning session at 10 a.m.
or evening session at 6:30 p.m.
All classes held at the Parsonage
225 Country Lane, Bonfield
Call Pastor Mel 815-922-9161
for more information.
This is an Eleven Week
Beginners Bible Study
focusing on the Gospel of John.
All are welcome.
Participant’s Guides are available through Cokesbury at $13.99 each.
If you want Pastor to order a book for you, please use this form!
Name
Phone
Please order
Email
book(s)
Bonfield / Grand Prairie Parish
prayerful Box 66
Bonfield, IL 60913
Return Service Requested
Non Profit Organization
US Postage
PAID
Bonfield, IL
Permit #2
Bonfield Box Holder
Bonfield, IL 60913
JUNE 2015
It’s That “Time” Again
AS OF JULY 5, 2015
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP TIMES WILL
CHANGE TO THE FOLLOWING
GRAND PRAIRIE UMC
8:00 A.M.
BONFIELD FIRST UMC
9:15 A.M.
BONFIELD EVANGELICAL UMC
10:30 A.M.