The month of January brings us excitement of newness as we start a new year. Though the first day of the new year we awake to is not any different from other days, our hearts still flutter as we make new resolutions and cast new hopes and dreams for our unknown future, envisioning a year of health and happiness. We, the FUMCAH family, also enters the year of 2016 with great enthusiasm, celebrating the fruit of our ministries and anticipating God’s blessings stored for us. As we look forward to embracing new ministry possibilities God is creating in our midst, there are three visions God is calling our church to: 1. develop passionate and equipped leaders; 2. extend radical hospitality and welcome of God in all facets of church life; 3. create innovative spaces to encounter God through worship and faith formation. The first vision aims to better support existing leaders in their roles and also help them identify new ministry opportunities, and to recruit new leaders and equip them with leadership skills. We want our leaders, both existing and new, to be competent and effective in their ministries. The second vision focuses on how our church can model radical hospitality in the church and in the world. As a reconciling congregation, we welcome all God’s children without condition. Our visitors tell us how welcoming we are. But how can we extend our hospitality beyond the walls of our church? How can we create a radically diverse congregation? The third vision calls us to be creative in making room for new people. What changes can we make to welcome the people who are not with us yet? For the last few months, our church leaders have been working together to develop some concrete objectives, strategies, and action plans for these visionary goals. They are expected to be finalized and approved at the Church Council meeting later this month. Please pray for the leaders that their work will be guided by the Holy Spirit. According to the Chinese zodiac, this is the year of the monkey. Monkeys are cheerful, energetic, and clever by nature, and represent openness, tolerance, flexibility, and innovation. The year of the monkey promises us positive changes. It sounds like this will be a great year for us. I am confident that the work of accomplishing our new ministry goals will be filled with energy and excitement. We will be flexible and playful in our work and not be afraid of making changes. May God be with us and bless us throughout the year, as we diligently work together, faithfully fulfilling the mission of our church: “To be a nurturing and inclusive community, actively connecting faith and life and empowering our congregation to serve in the world.”

Pastor Ouk-Yean

January 2016

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“Walking in the Light” An Epiphany Sermon Series

If Jesus is really the light of the world, shattering the darkness of our shame and freeing us for abundant life, where might we be called out of darkness and into the light? Throughout his ministry, Jesus performed miracles, called out leaders, and challenged the status quo, so that the whole world might find themselves fully alive in the light of God’s love. In this Epiphany season, join us in worship, as we explore where the stories of Jesus’ life and ministry might illuminate the path we are called to walk.

January 3: “Going Home by a Different Road”

January 10: “Walking into the Water” Renewal of Baptismal Vows

January 17: “Walking the Other Way” Guest Preacher, Rev. Chett Pritchett

January 24: “He Stinketh”

January 31: “Called into the Light”

February 7: “In a Whole New Light” ASP Ministry Celebration

Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope is our multi-facetted Sunday morning program for all adults. The focus changes from week to week with various topics and frequent guest speakers, all hoping to offer interesting perspectives on life and faith. Whether you come once a year or every Sunday, you are welcome; youth are invited, too. Kaleidoscope meets after worship, about 10:40, in the Wesley Room on the lower level. January Kaleidoscopes include:

January 3 – FUMCAH’s Reconciling Task Force members will lead a program on ministry with LGBTQ persons.

January 10 and 17 - An American Experience: Chautauqua - Parts 1 and 2. Come learn about a nineteenth century lakeside retreat for training Methodist Sunday School teachers that has become a 21st century recreational, artistic, intellectual, and religious community with a global reach. Jean Wood will share the Chautauqua tradition as well as her personal experience.

January 24 and 31 – Join Rev. Dr. Suk-Hwan Jueng during his visit from Korea as he shares at these two Kaleidoscopes.

Life Groups for Lent

Our church is filled with group life. We have study groups, affinity groups, book groups, movie groups, social groups, program groups, administrative and planning groups, and more . . . these are indispensible to our community of faith. What we do not have, however, are life groups – groups whose primary focus is to challenge and support members on the journey that is Christian discipleship. During Lent, you will have an opportunity to get a taste of life groups as we launch our Threshold Groups. Meeting weekly during Lent and led by our pastors, these gatherings are designed to be more transformational than informational. Schedule and registration are forthcoming.

Book Club

Looking for a good book suggestion? Trying to find a reason to get out of the house in January? Come to the inaugural book club meeting on January 25! The book to read is Ordinary Grace, by William Kent Krueger. Sound familiar? You may have read it during Arlington Heights’ “One Book, One Village” in 2014. From the book cover: “Ordinary Grace is a brilliantly moving account of a boy standing at the door of his young manhood, trying to understand a world that seems to be falling apart around him. It is an unforgettable novel about discovering the terrible price of wisdom and the enduring grace of God.” This book club will be held in rotating individuals’ homes. Need a copy of the book? Want to join us? Contact Sarah Van Huis (call or text 773-344-6901, email sarah.vanhuis@gmail.com), or Anna Koruba (akoruba@yahoo.com). We are reading books geared toward adults, but have no restrictions on who should plan on coming. Let us know if you need child care to attend.

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January Mission: Journeys the Road Home Most of us are familiar with our PADS ministry, which provides a warm bed and a meal to area homeless each Monday night in the ROC from October through April, but many of us are less familiar with Journeys the Road Home, or simply Journeys, for short. It would be very difficult to operate PADS by ourselves without the services of Journeys. Journeys is like PADS’ corporate headquarters. Journey’s, located in the Hope Center at 1140 East Northwest Highway, Palatine, near the Highway 53 entrance ramp, screens and qualifies our homeless guests for participation in the PADS program to ensure safety for all. While we are one of 18 churches who provides emergency shelter for the winter months, Journeys provides all the necessary services our guests need to survive and to ultimately get back into affordable housing. Journeys provides free services to the homeless and those at risk of being homeless. Journey’s Hope Center offers case management, vocational counseling, mental health counseling, and supportive housing counseling, as well as referrals to pro-bono doctors, dentists, and state and federal entitlements. Additional services include a food pantry, hot breakfast and lunch, a clothing closet, laundry and shower facilities, access to voicemail and mailbox, and transportation to medical appointments and job interviews. Without Journeys, our homeless population would have a very difficult time surviving and moving out of our PADS program into affordable housing. We deeply appreciate our congregation’s financial support of our PADS program, but please take one more step, and write a check for our January Missions offering to provide Journeys the Road Home assistance in helping people move out of our PADS program into more stable environments.

Visit www.journeystheroadhome.org for more information.

PADS Food Donations Needed

PADS is a community program to shelter and feed our homeless neighbors. Our church has been a Monday night site for over twenty years and is completely supported through volunteers. On January 10 and January 17, we will be in the loggia asking for church members to prepare meals, donate food, and fill in a few positions to work on Monday nights. Your help is needed, so please stop and see how you can help. Plan to arrive early (so you have first choice about which dates you can help out) and bring your calendar! We especially invite our new church members to learn about the program and how you and your family can participate in this very worthwhile program. Please contact Nancy Dorsey (njdorsey@comcast.net or 847-956-4392) if you have questions.

Meals on Wheels

Once again, THANKS to our dedicated Meals on Wheels drivers during the month of November. In a world so demanding of our time, time is one of the most precious commodities we have to offer and you have chosen to give this gift to assist shut-ins and those with disabilities. Those delivering Meals on Wheels were: Rob Bearden, Bill Bublitz, Betty Hopkins, Mike Mikels, Ralph and Pat Peterson, David Piper, Ron Reed, Bob Robertson, and Frank Scott. Russ and Marlys Guilford

Save the Date - FUMCAH Service WeekendApril 30 - May 1

The Missions committee is working to organize a weekend full of service projects for the entire congregation. More details to follow! Please contact Wendy Dunnington (wadunnington@gmail.com or 847.342.1956) if you are interested in organizing a service project.Bicycles Needed at MMDC!

Do you have an old bicycle that is cluttering the garage? Or, have you received a new bicycle for Christmas and don’t know what to do with the old one? Midwest Mission Distribution Center (MMDC) is currently looking for donations of bicycles. Bicycles of all kinds are accepted, they are then evaluated and repaired as needed. MMDC assembles and distributes disaster relief, humanitarian aid, medical and educational goods to people in need all over the world. FUMCAH has supported MMDC for several years and a team will be working there in April. We would love to take a few bikes with us at that time. Please contact Naoki Nakamura at naokin33@gmail.com or 847-650-3608 for questions.

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Winter Warming

Join FUMCAH on January 16, as we host Winter Warming, the annual Reconciling Training and Worship event in Northern Illinois. We’ll gather for a time of learning, training, and education. Chett Pritchett, the Executive Director of the Methodist Federation for Social Action, will lead a forum on General Conference, followed by worship that will feature Bishop Minerva Carcano as our preacher. For more information on Winter Warming 2016, or to register, visit www.radicallyinclusive.org, or call the church office at 847-255-5112.

Would you like to contribute your talents with hosting of this conference? We’re looking for helpers to set up, welcome/greet, serve as workshop aides, help serve a buffet dinner, and then put the church back together. Contact Barbara Lips at biotechoutreach@yahoo.com or 314-518-8911. Help us out at Winter Warming 2016 SignUp Genius.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Faith in Action Assembly

Help reclaim the prophetic voice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by joining Faith in Action Committee members at the First Baptist Congregational Church in Chicago, on Monday, January 18, from 9:30am – 12:30pm. Hundreds of people of faith will come together for prayer and historical witness to Dr. King’s legacy; for dialogue with elected officials; and for presentation of action items on police brutality, inadequacies of the criminal justice system, and the need for restorative justice. Last January more than 1,400 of us gathered from Community Renewal Society (CRS) churches and partner organizations at Liberty Baptist Church in Chicago. We won commitments from more than 25 public officials in support of issues on the CRS Platform for Renewal. Pastor Ouk-Yean Kim Jueng led an opening prayer. FUMCAH had 12 representatives present. It was an inspiring morning! Look for the signup sheet during Coffee Hour after worship on Sundays. If enough people sign up early, we’ll get a bus! Contact Joe Salvato (augjas2@cs.com), Barbara Lips (314-518-8911), or Nancy Duel (847-259-3793, nduel@aol.com) for more information. ACT TO REPAIR JUSTICE, RESTORE LIVES AND REBUILD COMMUNITIES!

“Care for the Care Giver” You may be a care giver yourself or you may have a care giver helping you care for a family member or friend. Either way, all care givers need to be cared for. Insights and resources on “Care for the Care Giver” will be presented at the Gathering of United Methodist Women, January 19, 11:30am. Our speaker, Janice Ropp, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She is Director of Transitions Counseling Center in Schaumburg, a ministry of Christ Community Mennonite Church.

We will begin with a hot lunch. Women and men are welcome. Invite a friend. If child care is needed, please contact Sarah Hunter (shunter26@hotmail.com). For questions or more information, please contact Anita Herr (arherr@aol.com or 847-962-3397).

United Methodist Women Book Study After doing so much for others throughout the Christmas season, why not do something for yourself? Recharge, revitalize, and fill your soul so you can take on the new year with God by your side, doing what God intends for you to do this year. Join our United Methodist Women in the study of Priscilla Pope-Levison and Jack Levison’s book, How is it with Your Soul?Thursday mornings, 9:00 - 10:30am, February 4 through March 10, orWednesday evenings, 6:15 - 7:00pm, February 17 through April 20 (excluding March 23)Cost for the book is $13. To sign up, contact Terry Clements by January 17 (terry.clements@rocketmail.com or 847-687-2696).

Crossroads Family Game Night

Bring the whole family to church on Sunday afternoon, January 31, at 4:00pm. It will be our first-ever Family Game Night, a time to have fun with Crossroads friends and allow families a chance to get better acquainted as well. After games, we’ll order some pizza for an early supper. Child care is available for younger children by reservation. All you have to bring is your favorite game! RSVP to Pastor Lynn (l.mikels@fumcah.com).

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Preschool/We-e Care Registration

The First United Methodist Church Preschool/We-e Care Program (DCFS licensed and NAEYC Accredited) is currently accepting registrations for the 2016/2017 school year. (Placements will be made at the end of January.) Preschool classes are offered for children ages 2-½ to 4/5 years. Preschool hours are 9:00 to 11:30am beginning in September, days in session depending on the age of the child. (Monthly tuition rates for preschool: 2 days per week - $150; 3 days per week - $185; 4 days per week - $230; non-refundable registration fee is $75 per child.) We-e Care classes are offered for children ages 16 months to 2-½ years. We-e Care hours are 9:30am - 1:00pm on Wednesdays or Thursdays beginning in October. (Monthly tuition for We-e Care: $90; non-refundable registration fee is $75 per child.) For more information or to schedule a tour, call 847-255-5119 or send an email to fumcps@sbcglobal.net.

ASP Bluegrass Sunday

Be sure to save the Date for this year’s ASP Pancake Breakfast and Bluegrass Sunday on February 7. Join us for a time of bluegrass worship, followed by pancakes and fellowship in Fellowship Hall. Free-will offerings will be accepted to help support this year’s ASP team. To volunteer to help with the pancake breakfast, or to support ASP, please contact Pastor Will (will.ed.green@gmail.com). For more information about ASP, visit the website at www.asphome.org.

Register Now for ASP 2016

Are you thinking about serving with Appalachia Service Project this summer? We hope you are, and if so, we have news to share! This year, FUMCAH youth will travel to Kentucky on June 18 and return on June 25. While there, we will provide home repair for families in need, engage in evening gatherings that connect our service to our faith, and learn a bit about life in the Appalachian mountains. If you would like to join us for this transformational week of faith, fellowship, and service, the deadline to sign up is February 1. Please contact Pastor Will with any questions at will.ed.green@gmail.com. The cost to participate this year is $315, and financial assistance is available.

Welcome New Members

Dick Brown Upon discharge from the military in the fall of 1944 after having served with the 158th Regimental Combat Team in the south pacific, a very attractive young lady appeared on the scene which led to the marriage of Dick and Alice, and 64 marvelous years of wedded bliss, three beautiful children, two wonderful grandchildren and a very successful business. Dick had a long career (40 plus years) in the insurance business. During this time, Dick and Alice set up their own operation, Dick authored a monthly column on life insurance sales and concepts for the Insurance Exchange magazine, and Dick and Alice received awards for many of their innovations. Dick’s family loved to golf and cross country ski and enjoyed doing both in the U.S. and Austria. The family moved to Arlington Heights in 1957 and joined the First Methodist Church, which was located on the site of the current Arlington Heights Library parking lot. Dick served on the Evangelism Committee, ran the fund drive, and was a head usher at the time three ushers in charge were needed, one for each of three services because of the high attendance the church was experiencing in concert with the population growth of Arlington Heights.

Thank You From Connie

I would like to thank my church family for all they have done for me and my family through the last 50 years. You helped make me the loving, caring person I am and words can’t express how much all of you mean to me. I hope to find a church in South Carolina that will touch me as much as you have. I am living temporarily with my brother whose address is 800 Dills Farm Way, Greer, South Carolina 29651. As soon as I have a home I will let the church office know my new address. God’s blessing to each and every one of you. Connie Heath

Congregation News

BirthVivian Kritselis-Dowling on December 1, daughter of Tim Dowling and Michelle Kritselis

BaptismOliver Daniel Macias on December 13, son of Dan and Ellen Macias

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Elizabeth (Liz) and Frank DiazFrank and I are married 49 years. We have enjoyed raising our three children here in Arlington Heights for 39 years. They are all close by and for that we are grateful. We spent many years taking our family to Mexico to be close to the Diaz’s. The rich culture and family made those years precious. We spent many summers with the kids in Banff and Jasper, Alberta, Canada. We found the country spectacular and the people among the friendliest and most helpful we’ve ever meet. Later we spent winter vacations in Eleuthera, Bahamas, known as the “out” islands where tourism is less intense. Like any island, everybody knows and helps everybody else. It’s nice to be in a place where everybody waves and says “Hi.” The snorkeling and fishing are unforgettable. We are now enjoying our four grandsons and waiting on a baby girl in March. Frank and I have had health issues but enjoy what we have been given. Infinite Love and Gratitude.

Nick and Katy Jones Nick and Katy met in 1995 at WIU, they were married on December 22, 2001, right here in Arlington Heights. They have owned their home here in the FUMCAH neighborhood for 13+ years. In those years they have been blessed with three beautiful children: Tye who is in the fourth grade and is 9 years old; Tori who is in the first grade and is 6 years old; and Tessa who is anxious to start kindergarten in the fall and she is 4. Nick owns his own State Farm Agency here in Arlington Heights and Katy has worked for NSSEO (Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization) for 14 years. Tye is a dedicated football player, martial artist and student; Tori is a fantastic gymnast who loves school and friends; and Tessa is a fish and loves to swim. Monday through Friday they run a very hectic fast paced schedule but on weekends the family of five enjoys spending time on the lake in Burlington, Wisconsin, or at home in their yard. During the cold winter weekends you can catch football on their television while crafts and baking and home cooking go on in the kitchen. They are thrilled to have found their “church family” at FUMCAH.

Alan OwenI grew up in East Tennessee and have been a lifelong Methodist. Professionally, I’ve been in consumer packaged goods virtually my entire career, having spent 13 years each at Campbell Soup and Dean Foods. My loves include the Tennessee Volunteers, attending Super Bowls, and Boston Terriers.

Kayla Stanford and Alisa Leoni Kayla and Alisa live in Hoffman Estates with their two dogs, Maddie and Jay Gatsby. They both work at OptumRx (formerly Catamaran) putting their talents to work supporting Medicare Operations. When not at work, Kayla and Alisa enjoy finding new places to eat and new vacation spots. Alisa grew up in Mokena, Illinois, and previously worshipped at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Frankfort, Illinois. She attended Olivet Nazarene University and graduated with a degree in K-12 Physical Education. Kayla grew up in Plainfield, Illinois, and previously worshipped at the Compass Church in Naperville, Illinois. She is completing her accounting studies at Benedictine University.

Chris and Mary WickleinWe’re the Wickleins, Chris, Mary, Mason (8) Noah (6) and Grace (4). We are so happy to have found this new church family at FUMCAH. Everyone has been so welcoming and our children are loving Sunday School. It was important for us to have our children grow up in a community of church (even if we are a little late to the party). Chris comes from a Methodist background and Mary from a Catholic one. As a former social worker, Mary feels that service is a very important life lesson to instill in her kids. We are looking forward to becoming more involved with service projects and events. Thank you for welcoming us with such open arms; we love all the friendly hellos on Sunday mornings.

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An Expression of Thanks to Our Church Leadership The work of the church is accomplished by our pastors and staff along with a community of volunteers from the congregation and beyond. We are grateful to the leaders who will serve on the Church Council this year.

Chairperson Sheryl AndersonVice Chairperson Doug LeipprandtSecretary Debbie WilliamsTreasurer Patrick NudoLay Leader Judy Standefer

Committee/Board Chairpersons:Adult Faith Formation Carolyn ConleeBuilding Tom HerrChildren and Family Education Jenny Bornhorst / Sharon NudoDepression Bipolar Support Alliance Leah NakamuraFaith in Action Joseph SalvatoFinance Larry JohnsonMissions Wendy DunningtonNominations Pastor Ouk-Yean Kim JuengOutreach Team To be determinedPreschool Cindy Smiskol and Sarah Van HuisReconciling Ministries Pastor Will GreenStaff Parish Relations Beth WilliamsStewardship Jim AbdnorTrustees Rich BaldinoUnited Methodist Women Anita HerrWorship StaffYouth Becky McClaney

At Large Members Nancy Dorsey [representing PADS], Greg Ford, Karen Garst, Jacqueline RaitanoLay Members/Annual Conference Nancy Duel, David Rich, Mary Stitt, Anna Voinovich, Beth WilliamsAlternate Members/Annual Conference Stuart Jones, Mike Mikels A sincere “thank you” is extended to the following individuals whose leadership role and term of service concluded during 2015:

Larry Johnson, Treasurer Janet Sprague, Preschool Board Dale Ford, Adult Faith Formation Committee Steve Berry, At Large MemberDave Piper, Finance Committee Peter Hynes, At Large MemberJennifer Jones, Outreach Team Jenny Bornhorst, Alternate Member/Annual Conference

A special “thank you” is also extended to the many individuals who work in support of these committees and groups in accomplishing this important work. If you are interested in serving on any of these committees or groups, you are encouraged to contact the church office or speak with one of the pastors.

PRST STD Non-profit US Postage PAID Palatine P&DC IL Permit No. 593

or current resident

January 2016