August 2019

Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!

CORN BOIL & POTLUCK

Sunday, August 11 �

Come and fellowship at 5 p.m. Eat at 5:30 p.m.

Meat, Drink and Corn is provided. Bring a dish to share. Volunteers Needed!

Sign up at the Welcome Desk or Gym

Sweet Corn Sale Church grown sweet corn will be sold on Aug. 4 and Aug. 11 in support of tuition for children attending Agnes Labala Memorial United Methodist School in Saclepea, Liberia.

Kindergarten Graduates-Class of 2031

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SACLEPEA SCHOOL Special offering Sunday, August 25

I/we will make it possible for children in Liberia to attend the Agnes

Labala United Methodist School in Saclepea for the 2019-20 school year. Donor’s name(s)_______________________________________________________________ will provide scholarships in the amount of $_____________________. My donation will go towards the following scholarships: _____ Sr. High @ $144 _____ Elementary @ $110 _____ Jr. High @ $130 _____ Kindergarten @ $100 Please make checks payable to Morton United Methodist Church with “Saclepea Scholarship” written in the memo line. Your donation will be shown on your financial giving statement from the church. Our goal is $19,000.00.

MAY GOD CONTINUE TO GUIDE US AS WE SHARE

Contact Information

420 North Tennessee Avenue Morton, IL 61550

(309) 266-7174 Phone (309) 263-1498 Fax info@mortonumc.org www.mortonumc.org

Worship Services

~Sunday~ Celebration

8:00 am 9:30 am

(Sanctuary)

Cross Connections 10:45 am

(Gymnasium)

~Tuesday ~ Communion

8:00-8:30 am

Sunday Christian Education

September-May 9:30 or 10:45 am

Sunday School Age 2-High School

Adult Classes

During the week, our Office Volunteers lend a helping hand in the Gathering Area of f ice—answ er ing the phone, greeting visitors, taking messages….

Contact Kim Gregur ich 253-0908 to volunteer for a morn ing or af ternoon

shift—or as a substitute. Thanks!

Sermon Series

Growing Up Into Christ In Ephesians 4:15, which says, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ...”, Paul helps us see that God’s plan for our life is to become more Christ-like in every way. In this gem of a chapter, Ephesians 4, Paul urges us to ‘walk in a manner worthy’ of the calling Jesus has

given us. He reminds us that we have been given gifts for the express pur-pose to do the work of ministry for which we have been called. He ad-monishes us to not be ‘childish’ in regard to spiritual things but to be mature and growing up, so we are more like Jesus. And he helps us see that a healthy Body of Christ is robust in agape love! So, the challenge is to begin walking out this manner of life...the ‘Jesus Life’...with all humility, gentleness, and patience...all the while bearing up one another in agape love! Let’s do this, brothers and sisters of Morton United Methodist Church! We will begin this journey in August. Please be reading Ephesians 4:1-16 and ask Jesus to help you become more mature in Him! August 4 1. We Are Called Ephesians 4:1-6 August 11 2. We are Gifted Ephesians 4:7-13 August 18 3. Are You Growing Up? Ephesians 4:14-15 August 25 4. Equipped to Love! Ephesians 4:16

Retirement Party for Don Chapman

The church is cordially invited to a retirement party in honor

of Don Chapman at the Knapp Johnson Funeral Home on August 11, 2019. 1-3 p.m.

MUMM SUMMER GAMES

The Morton United Methodist Men invites ALL MEN, to the 2019 Summer Games at Ackerman Farms.

Mark your calendar: Monday, August 12

5:00 PM.

For more informa on or to sign up for any of our

Connect Groups— contact Pastor Gabe

gabew@mortonumc.org.

�Connect with God!

Volunteer!

Join a Class!

Connect with People!

Use God’s Gift!

Leaders are Needed!

Here’s Y Invita on: �

JOIN A CONNECT GROUP

TO GROW IN YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE!

Where to start? Talk with Pastor

Gabe or JoAnn Kra . Want to start a class? We can make a place

for you. We need some new

leaders!

Medical Ministry Everyone needs more...

How many fruits and vegetables did you eat yesterday? If you can count on one

hand, then you have got some work to do! It is recommended that you eat 5‐9

servings a day, or be er yet, at meal me fill half of your plate with colorful fruits

and vegetables. They are low calorie but high in fiber, minerals, vitamins and

phytochemicals.

What counts as a serving? For fresh fruit, 1 medium size fruit such as an apple or

pear, or a small banana. For canned or frozen fruit, a ½ cup would be a serving.

A cup of green, leafy vegetables or a ½ cup of frozen or canned counts as 1

serving . Fruit and vegetable juice can be a part of a healthy diet, but beware…

the juices can be high in calories, sugar and sodium. Be sure to select 100% juice

instead of juice drink or cocktail.

There are probably many excuses why your consump on of fruits and vegetables

is low… too busy, don’t have me to prepare them, it’s more convenient to get

something out of the cupboard and they are too expensive. There are some easy

steps you can take to make increasing fruit and vegetable intake easy:

Wash and dry fruits and place them in a bowl in a convenient, easily

accessible place.

Chop up fresh fruits and vegetables at the beginning of the week and store

them in the refrigerator.

Keep canned fruits and vegetables on hand, they can be a part of a healthy

diet.

Select fruits and vegetables when they are “in season” to keep costs low.

Seven of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States are from chronic

diseases. Ea ng a diet rich in fruits and vegetables daily can help reduce the risk

of developing many leading causes of illness or death, including heart disease,

type 2 diabetes, some cancers and obesity.

Please visit the websites listed below for more informa on about incorpora ng

more fruits and vegetables into your diet daily. Be colorful

www.choosemyplate.gov

www.diet.com

www.cdc.gov

www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines

Stop by the Gym to get a free blood pressure reading.

It’s a great way to care for the gift of life God has given you.

9:00-9:30 & 10:30-10:45

Blood Pressure Sunday, Aug. 18

Children’s Education and Music August Important Dates

15 Choir Potluck, 6pm 22 First Adult Choir Practice, 7:00pm 28 Acolyte Training, 5-6pm

Volunteer Opportunities Sunday School is quickly approaching. It is our mission, our passion even, to stand alongside parents and educate our children in the ways to lead a life with Christ. We cannot achieve it by ourselves! Children’s ministry requires many volunteers every week. We have a wonderful Sunday morning ministry and it begins with YOU! PLEASE PRAYERFULLY consider where you might serve! Nursery— always in need of care givers for all 3 services 4 year Old Class— We have openings for teacher to sign up online and teach one Sunday a month, based on your availability Shepherd—a leader who meets with the elementary children at the tables in the gym each Sunday, takes attendance, builds relationships, and takes them to their rotational class for the day, assisting with discipline, potty breaks and class involvement. Long term involvement, but can team teach it! K 1st—2nd 3rd 4th Rotation Teacher—a leader chooses a specific station, preps the lesson and teaches it 4 times to different elementary age groups, making adjustments as necessary. All supplies provided, minor prep work involved. Short term involvement.

NEW THIS FALL In past years, we have included our 5th and 6th graders in the rotation classes. Even though the curriculum is sufficient for this age, we feel as if our students would benefit more from a class that focuses on preteens and presents the material in a way that draws on their maturity and pushes them to think more about their faith. They have learned some of the stories in Scripture, so now let’s live it. I am hoping to make this a rotational teacher class, as you sign up online to teach a Sunday that fits in your schedule. All lessons provided and we will help you with any needed supplies. Email Amy at amys@mortonumc.org for any questions! Blessings!

There will be Acolyte training for students 4th –6th grade on

Wednesday, August 28 from 5-6pm. RSVP so Amy knows how much

pizza to order!

Thoughts... Well, here we are, midsummer, and anticipating the new building and lots of SPACE! I am THRILLED and FREAKED OUT at the same time! There is so much to do and so much up in the air, I am not sure where to begin. At this point, we are planning for a later Rally Day, more like a Celebration or Dedication Sunday in October. Will we have enough time to get in there and create a fun learning environment? Will we know where all of the supplies go, or even where they are now? Hehehe As we prepare the next couple of months, I am coveting your prayers! Please be in prayer for peace and patience in this new phase. Please pray for creative ideas to flow so that the walls and rooms become an exciting sanctuary for learning. Pray for excited people to volunteer to jump in and create, move supplies, organize, volunteer to lead, love our kiddos, and so much more! I know there is power in prayer and prayer works! And I know that this church is mighty in prayer! Please join me and seek our good, good Father!

Choir Let’s get together and fellowship before the year begins! Join Amy on Thursday, August 15 for a potluck! RSVP to Amy! Better halves and families are welcome! First Choir Rehearsal will take place on Thursday, August 22 at 7:00pm!

Building Committee Meeting July 2019

In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. Ephesians 2:21 NIV

As the rain has abated, progress has really picked up on our new church addition. Thanks to the construction crew from PJ Hoerr and to the all the prayer support! Design At this point, design is pretty much determined and construction is in full force. Landscaping has become “center stage” in meetings lately. Primarily concerning the courtyard where it has been decided to go with brushed concrete. There will be seating at the four corners of the courtyard with various foliage around the perimeter. Finance The balance in the building fund is $1,670,881.60 as of July 11, 2019. For any questions, contact Chuck Birchenough. We continue our thank you Lord for blessing us with the funds to expand Your church for making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world! Timeline The tentative plan for construction for the rest of July into August:

Framing remains for three interior classroom walls in the southeast corner. Hanging of drywall begins. Roof underlayment is well underway. Wall blocking continues (reinforcement for hanging TVs, etc.) . Canopy work at the entrance is nearing completion. Parking lot concrete is in place and is curing. Retention pond is to depth. Repurposing of current rooms will begin:

The current pod area for primary grades will be made into 2 classrooms, a prayer room (chapel), and a connecting hallway from the new addition to where the kitchen starts. The hallway will give privacy to the sanctuary during services.

The current ministerial office area will be reconfigured to add an office for the youth minister. The current staff area (to the left as you come through the front doors) will be totally enclosed. The current Youth room/meeting room will be Library and meeting room. The current pre-school rooms and supply/copier room will be utility room (for the lift and custodi-

al supplies).

Due to Mother nature and the building process we are expecting occupancy in October, 2019. Remember! Your questions and comments can be fielded by the Building Committee: Steve Zimmerman (co-chair), Mike Tewksbury (co-chair), Kirk Schick, Jayne Benckendorf, Sam Churchill, Bob Lichti, Jan Sampson, Paul Uhlman, Maureen Lyons, Chuck Birchenough, Cathy Bowen, Dan Czubak, John Ackerman, Matt Milby, Tim Beutel, Joe Crowe, Jason Potts, Dave Jones. They need your continued prayer support! Blessings, Mike and Steve

UMW Board Linda Coon, President

Lynn Goers, Vice President

Carrie Hoefling, Secretary Nicole Potts, Treasurer

Traci Sullivan, Education/Interpretation

Sarah Losey, Social Action and

Kitchen Coordinator

Mary Barrick, Membership Cheri Patterson, Spiritual Growth

Linda Clauser, Program Resources

Erin Jones, Nominations

Kathy Churchill, Products

Barb Howard, Funeral Dinners

Sharon Gilbert, Funeral Dinners

Kathy Dallinger, Communications

C i rc le Leaders

ABIGAIL .

HANNAH Kathy Churchill 263-7524

JOANNA Mary Barrick 360-3689 Lauren Middleton 530-9133 RUTH Lois Lichti 263-0562

SARAH

CHRIST-Centered AND MISSIONS-Focused WOMEN OF FAITH

MORTON UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

August

UMW BOARD MEETING No scheduled UMW Board Meeting

until September CIRCLE MEETINGS ABIGAIL ) HANNAH ) NO meetings until JOANNA ) September. RUTH ) SARAH )

You Are Invited! IRD Day Apart in East Peoria at the

Day Spring United Methodist Church. Monday, August 12

8:30 a.m. — 2:00 p.m. ——- $10

Please join us for this inspiring day of friendship and fellowship. Contact

Linda Coon (266-9357) .

A nice selection of RADA products is always available at the church. Any questions,

please contact Kathy Churchill.

We are now able to provide year round ordering of Terri Lynn products. You may be familiar with their

assorted nut and fruit selections. Log into: https://mortonUMC.terrilynncares.com

UMW Fall Kick-Off

Come join us for the UMW Fall Kick-Off on Monday, September 9th at

6:00 p.m. We will have a light supper in the Gym before moving to the Sanctuary for our speakers from Family Core. They will speak about their

Single Parent Program. We will be collecting these suggested items: Wal Mart Gift Cards ($20+) Shell Gas Cards Feminine Products Reversible Car Seats (2-3) Size 5 & 6 Diapers Laundry Detergent Toilet Paper Toiletries School Supplies

Pastor Gary and Pastor Gabe have been preaching from the book of Ephesians and emphasizing on how each of us is God’s masterpiece. As it says in Ephesians 2:10. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” How blessed could we be? God created each of us in His image and set us to do good works.” On July 10, I saw God’s work in action, as our UMW craft work day was attended by 44 women who shared their gifts by creating things to sell at the November Craft Sale. It was a great day of not only work but fellowship. Knowing that all we sell supports missions locally and abroad makes all work a JOY. Thank you to all who shared their God-given gifts.

Linda Coon, UMW President

Our next book club meeting will be September 30, at 6:30 in the Gathering Area. We’ll be reading The Same Sky by Amanda Eyre Ward. This book is on our UMW bookshelf in the church library. I will request that it be brought into the Morton Public Library on reserve for us starting six weeks prior to our meeting date.

Linda Coon

United Methodist Women

XYZ…Extra Years of Zest Events

August 2 – Game Day @ 11:30 a.m. We will play Mexican Train Dominos. Lunch will be served.

August 4 – For those who have signed up to go to Conklin Dinner Theatre in Goodfield, we will meet at the church at Noon. We will go together in the van or if you want to drive yourself you can meet us there or follow us.

August 13 – We will be going to Fired Up in Peoria Heights a place to paint ceramics and have lunch in the Heights afterwards. Meet @ the church @ 10 a.m. Cost is $8 per person plus the cost of the item you want to paint. Please sign up at the front desk by August 11th.

August 20 – We will be going to Metamora Fields in Metamora for lunch, Meet @ the church @ 11 a.m. Please sign up at the front desk by August 18th.

August 21 – Brandon Wood Retirement Center is having from 2-3:30 p.m. A meet your community Service Leaders with Apple Pie and coffee being served.

Please note that there will not be a Movie Day this month because of the Youth Room being used for storage during our construction phase. We should be back up in September for Movie Day.

Walking for exercise every Monday, Wednesday & Friday @ 8:00 a.m. Pickle Ball every Thursday @ Birchwood Park—10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Dear Morton United Methodist Church, Thank you for letting me use your church for my Eagle Court of Honor! The venue was perfect for the large group of people and we really appreciated how well stocked the church was with tables and chairs. Thank you again for letting us use the venue, we really

appreciate your generosity.

Sincerely, Drake Misfeldt

ALL CHURCH BIKE RIDE Sunday, Aug. 18 - 2:00 p.m. Bike lot on Jefferson St. across

from Kmart parking lot. For more information please

contact Myra Walker 264.6661

Josh Hutchison Benefit

A special benefit account has been established at Morton Community Bank for Josh

and his family. Please visit any MCB branch to contribute.

MUMCYouth Mission Survivor 2019—6 Teams of Jr. High students led by their

Sr. High peers were challenged to out love, out worship and out serve

one another as they shared the love of God in simple ways through‐

out central IL. Serving the servant, students lived out their faith by

helping those who help others on a daily basis. They shared food,

water, cleaned yards and vehicles and shared and showed the love of

Jesus in countless ways. Thanks to all who made this a HUGE success!

Happy Birthday! Patricia Ficht 08/01 Abigail Smith 08/01 Alexis Wraight 08/01 Skyler Schwartz 08/02 Roberta Beutel 08/03 Joyce Lanier 08/03 Wallace Beeler 08/05 Carolyn Dentino 08/05 Brenda Eyster 08/05 Twila Foster 08/05 Brian Newman 08/05 Lois Stetzler 08/05 Samuel Churchill 08/06 Pat Jones 08/06 Brian McFeeters 08/06 Lexi Campbell 08/07 Betty Dial 08/07 Marilyn Martin 08/07 Bill Knapp 08/08 Mary Jane Davis 08/09 Brycen Deppert 08/09 Brianna Wolfe 08/09 Audry Redpath 08/11 Gene Modugno 08/12 Ellen Edwards 08/13 Beth Wirth 08/13 Louie Nowlan 08/14 Greg Orth 08/14 Joann Ackerman 08/15 Gloria Addis 08/15 Darrel Haynes 08/16 Cathy Bowen 08/17 Allison Werries 08/17 Richard Tish 08/18

Lincoln Yerby 08/18 Linda Young 08/18 Linda Barton 08/19 Arlene Bute 08/19 Linda Millslagle 08/19 Brooklyn Schwartz 08/19 Bailey Brown 08/20 Melissa Smallenberger 08/21 Ray Heiman 08/22 Bobbi Simpson 08/22 Laura Hoyland 08/23 Mary Anne Betteridge 08/25 Stephen Heritch 08/25 James Redpath 08/25 Ryan Cole 08/26 Mary Alice Whitsitt 08/26 Gretta Edwards 08/27 Alexander Smith 08/27 Logan Wehnes 08/28 Connie Klein 08/29 Gary Motta 08/29 Henry Potts 08/29 Jordan Zimmerman 08/29 Bob Barrick 08/30 Alan Newhall 08/30 Carter Jones 08/31 Ryder Scheffler 08/31 Margaret Weygand 08/31

July 7 356 July 14 359 July 21 365

Average: 360

Administrative Notes:

Hospitalized

Wade & Marilyn Martin, Kay Modugno

Financial Stewardship

Report Please contact the church office if you would like

to donate flowers ~ thanks!

Flower Ministry

August 4 John & Linda Coon August 11 Lynn & Sarah Losey August 18 Burdell & Doris Hall August 25 Flowers Needed

Attendance June 2019

ATTENTION: FOOTPRINTS CREW We are folding Footprints on

Thursday, August 29 in the Gym

General Fund $98,875.29 $52,172.49

INCOME EXPENSE

Year to Date

$357,540.01 $344,779.71 INCOME EXPENSE

General Fund Ending Cash Balance: $152,879.55

Our Income exceeded our Expenses for the June Budget

by: $46,702.80

August 16, 2019

Sympathy

To the family of James Warfield who passed away on July 6.

Building Fund

June Ending cash and money market accounts :

$1,614,058.49

BULK RATE NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

MORTON, ILLINOIS

PERMIT NO. 26

420 North Tennessee Avenue Morton, IL 61550-9706

420 North Tennessee Avenue Morton, Il 61550

office: 309-266-7174 FAX: 309-263-1498

email: info@mortonumc.org www.mortonumc.org

Monday–Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m. - Noon

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

LEAD PASTOR Gary L. Feldman garyf@mortonumc.org ASSOCIATE PASTOR Gabe Wanck gabew@mortonumc.org MINISTER of MUSIC & EDUCATION Amy Smith amys@mortonumc.org MINISTER of CONGREGATIONAL CARE JoAnn Kraft joannk@mortonumc.org MINISTER of CC MUSIC/ BELL CHOIR DIRECTOR

Kerry Brenkman kerryb@mortonumc.org XYZ COORDINATOR:

Lynn Zimmerman zimmo5@comcast.net OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Shelli Trone shellik@mortonumc.org Barbara Maison (part-time) barbaram@mortonumc.org FINANCIAL SECRETARY

Shelli Trone info@mortonumc.org CUSTODIAN Russ Johnson russj@mortonumc.org Jim Howard info@mortonumc.org ORGANIST

Jane Chapman janec@mortonumc.org A/V COORDINATOR

Nick Graff nick@mortonumc.org NURSERY COORDINATOR

Leslie Wenzel lrbart79@hotmail.com DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT Rev. Mary Kathryn Pearce

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS

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