In Mark’s Gospel, a common but often overlooked character is “they.” The gospel author uses the non-descriptive third person to refer to the crowd that forms around Jesus. But “They” are not mere passive spectators nor are “They” consumers of Jesus’ performance of miracles. “They” are the witnesses to what God is doing. In some regard “They” add legitimacy to the author’s words by having a group to which one could verify the account. “They” also account for how word spread about Jesus so quickly. What I most enjoy about the subtleties of “They” is how Mark uses them to prove that Jesus is the real deal. “They” come from the surrounding villages and towns to see if God can really reach out and welcome everyone, bring healing and wholeness to those who needed it, to see if the prophets were right about God not giving up on them yet. Sure enough, “They” observe Jesus in ministry and from what “They” see and hear, “They” too believe that God hasn’t given up on them yet.

Just last week, I found myself providing counseling and rent assistance out of the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund to a new friend of the church whom I had never met before. This person came on the elbow of “They.” ‘“They” said you could help me,” is what this relative stranger said with a voice that believed there was no help to be found for one’s own circumstances. After a long and honest conversation and by brokering a deal with our new friend’s landlord, “They” were vindicated and our new friend seemed much relieved. Yet at the same time this new friend thanked me with a look of surprise, as if to say real help was not at all expected from a church.

The following Sunday a different “They” greeted me on the way out of worship. I had never met this person who was now tightly gripping my hand. “They” introduced themselves as an acquaintance of the new friend I had helped earlier that week. “They” wanted to come to worship, not because of some pressing need of their own, but because “They” couldn’t believe how our mutual friend’s life was changed. “They” wanted to extend thanks on behalf of their friend, but to also see if we (UMCG) were the real deal. “They” assured me that we are.

I’m so grateful to be a part of a church that has a “They,” people who come to see if God really does reach out and welcome everyone, bring healing and wholeness to those who needed it, and to see if the prophets were right about God not giving up on them yet. I’m even more blessed to know that when “They” show up, they are able to see that UMCG is the real deal, because of how you support the ministry of UMCG with your time, talents and treasure.

I know from experience that to be ‘the real deal’ is hard work. It takes discipline in following Jesus; forgiveness for when we fail and humility for when we succeed; and a community that takes its baptismal vows seriously to nurture one another in the Christian faith.

I pray that 2013 is filled with more hard work and many more “Theys.”

Worship in January; Women’s Ministries 2, 3

Church in Society; Missions Committee 4, 5, 6

Third Tuesday Supper; Education Opportunities 7, 8, 9

January Youth Education News 10

Inside this issue:

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AJANUARY

2013

January Youth Events & Group Meetings 11

Why We Pledge 12, 13

This ‘n That 14

January Birthdays and Special Birthdays & Anniversaries

15

Inside this issue:

The Real Deal

Page 2

Worship in January

THE ME SS EN GER

Our next SERVICE OF HEALING will be held on Sunday, January 6th, 5:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Geneva. We hold this joint service on the first Sunday of each month, rotating between UMCG and St. Mark’s. For more information, please call Joan Peterson at 630-443-0007.

January 6 – Epiphany – Holy CommunionThe visit of the magi is told in Matthew 2:1-12. Even in infancy, even as the world-wide meaning of Jesus is

symbolized, Herod’s scheming means there is danger for God’s Messiah. Holiness is never safe in our world. Pastor Bill Obalil will proclaim the good news that God nevertheless keeps infusing creation with vulnerable holiness. Holy Communion will be celebrated at all three services.

January 13 – The Baptism of the Lord

There is something about hearing words like, "That's my girl!" or "That's my boy!" expressed genuinely from a parent or from someone we respect that is soul healing. Such words can affirm us, give us purpose, provide assurance and let us know that we are loved. When such words are shared with the third-party with bravado and are accidentally overheard, it makes those words even more meaningful! In Pastor Rob Hamilton's sermon on January 13th, we'll experience how God speaks words like this to us in his sermon titled "You are mine" based on Isaiah 43:1-7 and Luke 3:15-17,21-22.

January 20 Jesus preached his inaugural sermon in hometown Nazareth, as recorded in Luke 4:14-21. Jesus took as his

text the prophet Isaiah, chapter 61, verses 1 & 2. For his sermon, he added just one sentence: “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” All preachers wish they could have such impact with such economy! Pastor Bill Obalil will probe what impact Jesus’ preaching might have on us.

January 27 Luke 4:21-30: Nazareth, Part B. Jesus adds a strangely provocative postscript to his sermon, and just seven

verses after “all spoke well of him,” Jesus’ neighbors drive him out of town and try to throw him off a cliff to kill him. Talk about instant feedback! Why isn’t God’s long-expected Messiah more popular? What is it about Jesus that evokes such rabid response, pro and con? Do we commit ourselves to the whole Jesus, or just to a Jesus we construct of selective parts of the Biblical witness? Pastor Bill Obalil will wrestle with such questions to discern the good news in the Jesus who manages to get his neighbors to want to kill him.

90's Women's Birthday Club

Over ten years ago, our Women's Ministries formed the Naomi Book Club to honor women in our church family who celebrate their 90th birthday. As Ruth held her mother-in-law Naomi in high regard, we also want to honor the women of our church who have reached the age of 90. We select a book and donate it to our adult church library in their honor. Please let us know of any women in our church family who will be turning 90 in 2013 by contacting Joan Hansen 630-365-9217.

Women’s Ministries

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Women’s Retreat

The Women’s Retreat at LaSalle Manor in Plano is not to be missed! Here’s what you can expect:

Explore and deepen your relationship with God in a tranquil settingMake lasting friendships with women you only know casually at church Feel part of a group of women who love to laugh, enjoy life, while making a difference in their community and around the worldBegin the season of Lent with time for thoughtful contemplation and journalingTake walks or ice skate on the pond enjoying the beauty of winter Practice yogaGet a massageEnjoy delicious meals that you don’t have to cook Escape momentarily from life’s busy paceWake up to a beautiful winter scene outside your own private room

Talks and small group discussions will center around the book Open the Door: A Journey to the True Self. Author and spiritual guide Joyce Rupp invites us to explore the image of a door as a means of spiritual reflection and growth.

Quotes from Open the Door: “Opening the door of our heart allows us entrance to the vast treasure of who we are and to the divine presence within us.” “When I open the door of my heart to God, I do more than simply extend a smile of recognition or a nod of welcome. I open myself to grow and change in ways I may never dream likely.”

While reading the book is suggested as a means to deepen your retreat experience, it is not a re-quirement to attend the retreat. The book will be available for purchase before, during, and after the retreat in fellowship hall or in the church office.

Retreat dates: Beginning at 6:00 pm on Friday, January 25 Ending Sunday, January 27 at 10:30 am Saturday only participants are welcomeCost: $150 including meals

$75 for Saturday onlyQuestions: Contact Judy Burgess, Sharon Anderson, Jane Siarny, Staci Lockman, or Nancy NusserSign up in Fellowship Hall between services in December or January.

Women’s Ministries (continued)

The Women's Ministry would like to thank the following individuals for contributing to a beautiful Advent Service that was enjoyed by so many women from our church and visitors to our church: Judy Burgess, Kitty Ganzel, Nancy McQueeny, Jen Unger Kroc, Jane Siarny, Julie Popplewell, Katie Gibbons, Liz Carson, Joy Abts. Vox Gloria: Mary Jane Bellezzo, Nicole Bernas, Maureen Cahill, Liz Carson, Lisa Dussault, Jean Eakins, Susan Fortino, Sonja Gallagher, Katie Gibbons, Vicki Dvorak Isely, Maria Isely, Sophie Kamen, Wendy McKeehan, Margot Monaghan, Pamela Palmer, Julie Popplewell, Lizbeth Reszel, Barb Schinderle, Nancy Tweed, Jen Unger Kroc, Deb Vensel

Thank you to Val Erickson and Kristie Dienst who chaired the tea and all the MANY women who helped make that a lovely event, from those who created beautiful centerpieces, baked delicious items, helped set up and clean up. Thank you to Debbie Sampillerwho coordinated the programs.

The Advent Service and Tea is a group effort and is such a beautiful and meaningful way to start the Advent Season that is so appreciated by many. It is a real group effort and to all those who volunteered their time and who attended - we thank you.

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Church in Society

THE ME SS EN GER

Important dates of service to those in need within our communities:

Holy Casserolers, Monday, January 14th, 10:00 a.m.

Hesed House, Monday, January 14th

Lazarus House, Tuesday, January 1st and 17th

Northern Illinois Food Bank, Thursday, January 17th, 9:00 a.m.

Please sign up at the carousel in Fellowship Hall. For more information, please call the church office at 630-232-7120.

This was our BEST season to date. Our congregation not only made a difference, but is one of the highest, if not THE highest amount, collected by a group with thanks to a generous community. People helping people and we are the conduit. Many thanks to all of our bell ringers. The total dollar amount will be announced in January.

Mark Weber, Coordinator

Wishing you a Blessed Christmas

Dear Friends,May I share with you a letter recently received...

(Edited with permission)

"Dear Liz,Just thought I would drop you a line and say hello. I know many residents probably don't contact you after they leave. I wanted to give you an update but also say thanks.

As far as my family we are doing very well compared to last year... "Joe" has a job that now pays well enough that I can be an at home mom with my kids. He has turned into the hard worker most didn't think he could. We are living in a new area and it seems to have been a great decision for us as a family unit. We now have our apartment, under our names and keeping up with bills. We rent a 3 bedroom out here and couldn't be happier. Our oldest "Jamie" is soon going to school, "Johnnie" is still quiet but progressing, and "Jill" is turning 1 this week and loud as ever.

"Joe" and I decided around Christmas that we will be donating our time to a shelter close to here to give back, it's something we dearly want to do.

I would love the facilitators of my parenting classes to know if it wasn't for them...not sure I would of completely made it through Laza-rus House. Living at Lazarus House was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. But I gained humility from it. Lazarus House helped my family more then I can ever give enough thanks for. I may not have valued all that it did while I was there 'cause at the time I was far too angry for where my family was to let anyone in my life.

So for all you and the staff did...I thank you. I know you guys don't receive thanks enough.. I thank "WCC Ops. Staff #1" for her wis-dom on my hardest days. She is an angel sent from heaven. For "WCC Ops. Staff #2"...who without her laughter and different outlook on life at Lazarus House I wouldn't have made it as long as I did.

Anyways...just wanted to send a thanks and say we are doing well. God Bless!"

May you find you are as blessed this Christmas as this precious family is, who have begun their journey toward the good life God has planned for them. Merry Christmas!

Serving Him with you,

Liz Eakins, Executive Director

JA NU AR Y Page 5

Church in Society

Dear Pastor,

I am requesting your assistance in promoting literacy and helping us recruit volunteers for the Waubonsee Community College Adult Literacy Project.

The Adult Literacy Project has over 175 active volunteers who teach reading and English skills to adults from 64 countries around the world. Your support helps to publicize our efforts so we can recruit new volunteers.

There are many other options for church involvement. A church can become a tutoring site, display brochures, or start their own group of literacy volunteers. Speakers are available to present to church groups about the Adult Literacy Project.

Please contact us if you have questions or for further information. Your help in recruiting volunteers is greatly appreciated by the Adult Literacy Project and the many adults in our community who benefit from the help of a tutor.

Sincerely,

Elsie Mills Sherry WoodwardVolunteer Tutor Coordinator Adult Literacy Manager

Adult Literacy Volunteers NeededTo tutor adults in reading or speaking English

Contact the Waubonsee Community College Adult Literacy Project

(630) 801-7900 ext. 4221

Training: January 19 & 26 (both days required) 9:00 am to 3:30 pm

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Missions Committee

Dominican Republic Kids Alive Missions Trip

Ephesians 2:10 tells us “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Another missions trip to Jarabocoa, Dominican Republic, June 29-July 7, 2013, is currently being planned. As the Dominican Republic might be better known to Americans as a hot-spot for beach vacations, the stories of the people who live there tell a much different story. Over 62,000 Dominicans are living with HIV/AIDS—and these are just the ones who know about their infection. Children in the Dominican Republic are vulnerable to malaria, chronic diarrhea, Hepatitis A and typhoid fever—all diseases that can be vaccinated against. Almost half of the population lives below the poverty line—surviving on less than $2 per day.

These conditions leave hundreds of thousands of children desperately in need of care and destined to repeat the cycle of poverty. Currently, Kids Alive provides an education, nutritious meals, medical care and the love of Christ to more than 1200 children in the Dominican Republic.

There will be an informational meeting for this missions trip Sunday, Jan 20th between the 9:00 and 10:45 service in the Parlor. Come and be a part of this ministry and experience, as we continue to partner with our mission’s partner – Kids Alive. For more information or to sign up, please contact Sharon Anderson (630-208-0659; sanderson2257@sbcglobal.net) or Kelly Wagnitz (630-845-9586; kpm930@att.net).

JA NU AR Y Page 7

Next Third Tuesday Supper - January 15

How many of you have come into church over the years on certain Monday mornings--and smelled the DELICIOUS home made beef stew that the Holy Casserolers have made? Guests at Hesed House have enjoyed the slow cooked treat for years--now it is time for the Third Tuesday Supper community to enjoy the treat.

Join us from 4:30-7:00 pm for the delicious treat of slow cooked oven beef and vegetable stew, served over buttered noodles, Caesar salad and hot rolls and butter. Of course we will have our legendary dessert buffet. (THANK YOU BEAUTIFUL BAKERS!) Hot dogs and chips are always available as an alternative meal.

Kids Corner will continue in the library this month--with a creative family friendly event that is a great place for an after supper stop. If you are interested in helping out--contact Staci Lockman at the church office.

Winter days are short and the evenings are dark and long. Is there a person you know who you could invite to join you for supper? Could you take a carry out and join a shut in at their house for supper? Let's all think creatively this month on how we can bring that hospitality of Third Tuesday to someone who hasn't joined us yet.

Please email or call me if you would like to be added to our Third Tuesday Community email list: 630-513-8670 or beth@littlebohemiaantiques.com.

Hope to see you in January--Beth Kucera and Gayle Taylor

Third Tuesday Supper

Education Opportunities

HUGS to study “The God I Never Knew”

HUGS, a women’s study group will begin the year with a study on the Holy Spirit.

Have you ever wondered who or what the Holy Spirit is, and what the Spirit does?

In The God I Never Knew, Robert Morris clearly explains that the Holy Spirit’s chief desire is for relationship--to offer us the encouragement and guidance of a trusted friend. This insightful and biblically-based book moves beyond theological jargon, religious tradition, and cultural misconceptions to clarify what the Holy Spirit promises to do in your life:

This study will begin on Monday, January 14, 6:30-8:00 P.M. and last for 8 weeks in the Parlor. The cost for materials is $15. For more information, call Joy Nelson at 331-248-0434.

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Education Opportunities (continued)

Spirited WomenA Year of Biblical Womanhood: How a Liberated Woman Found Herself Sitting on Her Roof, Covering Her Head, and Calling Her Husband "Master" by Rachel Held Evans.

Evans is a popular blogger and author, who attempted to spend a calendar year trying to live according to various mandates in Scripture aimed at women. Each month, she focuses on a different virtue or scriptural directive and tries to literally live the scripture. From not cutting her hair, to sewing her own clothes, to praising her husband at the city gates, Evans immerses herself (and her husband) into exploring the concept of “Biblical Womanhood.” Told with wit and humor, there is also serious reflection on how scripture is interpreted and how those interpretations have impacted women through the ages.

This study will begin Wednesday, January 9 at 9:15 A.M. and run 4 weeks. The cost of the book is $10. For more information, please contact Carol Szabo at carols@genevaumc.org.

Claiming the Promise

Beginning on January 8 and continuing for eight sessions, Rob Hamilton and I will jointly lead a class entitled Claiming the Promise. The material focuses on Biblical passages frequently cited in the larger church’s struggle to find a faithful way to minister with homosexual persons. Sessions at 9:30-11:00 am and 7:30-9:00 pm will cover the same material each Tuesday.

For all four decades of my ordained ministry, The United Methodist Church (with most other traditions) has been wrestling to frame a righteous response to homosexuals in church and neighborhood. Welcome or reject? Offer marriage or not? Ordain or not? No consensus or resolution has been found. Christ’s body in the United States remains deeply divided over such questions. Rob and I believe God’s people need to continually engage each other with love, listening, respect, Biblical seriousness, honesty, and humility. We trust the Holy Spirit uses such dialogue for Christian formation. So we are convening this conversation.

The guidebook, written by Mary Jo Osterman, will be available at the first session. Please sign up on-line or by phone so we will have enough copies. The material is produced by the Reconciling Ministries Network and is in favor of full inclusion. Rob and I are not interested in converting anyone to a predetermined position. All material on this subject has a position to promote. Our desire is to ponder, “How can faithful Christians who love God and neighbor, who take Scripture seriously, interpret the Bible so differently and be led to such different conclusions?”

-Bill Obalil

New Program - 1045 Experience

We would like to announce a new program for Sunday school during the 10:45 a.m. service starting in January. It will be called 1045 Experience and will be a replacement for the current Godly Play program. It will be for a mixed-age group of children from 3 years old through 4th grade.

continued on next page

JA NU AR Y Page 9

ADULT BOOK CLUB NEWS

We typically meet the fourth Friday each month in the church library at 9:30 AM. We choose a variety of books available in paperback, e-readers or our local libraries. Upcoming selections are:

January 25, 2013: Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter, Tom Franklin. "In the 1970's, Larry Ott and Silas "32" Jones were boyhood pals in a small town in rural MS. Their worlds were as different as night and day: Larry was the child of lower middle class white parents and Silas, the son of a poor, single black mother. Yet, for a few months..."

February 22, 2013: The Warmth of Other Suns: the epic story of America's great migration by Isabel Wilkerson. "One of the NY Times Book Review's 10 Best Books of the Year (2010). In this epic, beautifully written masterwork, Pulitzer Prize winning author, Isabel Wilkerson chronicles one of the great untold stories of American history: the decades long migration of..."

March 22, 2013: When You Come Home: The True Story of a Soldier's Heroism and His Wife's Sacrifice by Nancy Cavin Pitts. "This is based on a true story of my mother (Daphne) and her soldier husband, who was killed while fighting in France in WWII. The book tells of their young love in the heartland at the brink of war, and of the crushing uncertainty and fear as they find themselves a world apart." The story first appeared in Tom Brokaw's book, The Greatest Generation. Mr. Brokaw states, 'Daphne Cavin's poignant story of love, loss and sacrifice was one of the most memorable I encountered..."

We welcome new members. Come join us for interesting discussions and fellowship. Any questions, call Joan Hansen (630) 365-9217.

Education Opportunities (continued)

New Program - 1045 Experience (continued)

1045 Experience will have lesson plans crafted specifically for our children by staff and lay leaders in the congregation. Each week will start off with a Bible lesson in the former Godly Play area, but then the children will go to a different area of the church to experience worship, ministry, service, etc. The goal is to allow the children hands-on experiences in a variety of different areas. The experiences will be open-ended letting the children respond to the topic of the week with little guidance; similar to the Godly Play work time.

We will be taking advantage of all the rooms of the church that are unused during the 10:45 service. We will do art in the Journey of Faith art room, drama in the Journey of Faith drama room, watch videos in the Route 56 room, make treats in the kitchen and play music in the music room. Each week will be its own, stand-alone experience that relates to the Bible story.

With that in mind, we are looking for people to lead this group in their experiences. Each volunteer will only be responsible for one Sunday lesson and will have the opportunity to help plan it if they wish or a lesson plan can be provided if they wish. We need people with a love for art, drama, video, music, service projects, building, and all sorts of others. Please contact Jodi Borger in the church office or at home at 630-879-1229, if you would be willing to devote one Sunday to helping this new program get started.

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January 2013 Youth Education News

PraXis – Sunday School/Confirmation Preparation for grades 7 and 8 meets in the Youth Room on Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:15 am.

January 6 – Topic: Confess - TrustJanuary 13 – Topic: Confess - PromiseJanuary 20 – Topic: Confess - UnityNo Sunday School January 27, due to women’s retreat

Senior High Sunday School (grades 9 – 12) meets in the Parlor on Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 am.

January 6 – The AvengersJanuary 13 – The AvengersJanuary 20 – Appalachia Service Project education session (8th grade students are invited to attend this, as well)No Sunday School January 27, due to women’s retreat

All YouthService Opportunity January 15 at 3:30 pm – Help make sandwiches for Lazarus House Lunches. This is on a 3rd Tuesday, so we will need to meet in the Counter’s Room in the office complex to assemble the sandwiches. Just show up and help us.

…and another service opportunity on January 15! Kids’ Corner will feature dramatic readings of a children’s book (to be determined later) and we need readers. We will be offering 2 readings at 5:30 and 6:30 pm. Preparation is minimal. Contact Staci at staci@genevaumc.org if you’d like to help with this.

Coming this June…Senior High Youth Retreat at LaSalle Manor – June 21, 22, and 23. Watch your e-mail, snail mail, and newsletters for more information as it becomes available.

JA NU AR Y Page 11

January Youth Events & Group Meetings

Youth EventsBand JamJan. 11th, Friday from 6pm-8pm Ring in the New Year with Music. Youth who are music lover's join us, share your love of music. Bring your instrument whatever it may be and let’s rock out. (For 7th- 12th Grade)

Pen & PaperJan.14th, Monday from 6pm-8pmThe story thus far: In the harsh winter of 2088, two Heroines have begun the search and rescue mission of survivors in "Old Chicago". But in cold shadows of the old city, a super vil-lain waits to stop them. Join us for the next installment of Pen & Paper. (For 5th- 12th Grade)

Youth Ice Skating 2013Like last year, we will be going to the Fox Valley Ice Arena for their open Ice Skating. This will be set a little later in the month of January on a Saturday. The official date will be posted in the youth email.

Youth Group Meetings

Jan. 6th: Route 56 – Path – Oasis This is the first youth group of the year. Come and be a part of the merry crew. All groups will be meeting at their specific times. Hope to see everyone there; remember to be your-self and be accepted.

Jan. 13th : Route 56 – Path – Oasis The youth groups will be doing Lazarus house prep for the first half hour of youth group. Jan.15th will be the food packing day; youth are invited to come church and join us in the Counters Room.

Jan.20th : Route 56 – Path - OasisWhat bugs you that you can let go of for this new year? Topic of the youth group and spe-cial activity, the introduction of the “Drop it Box”.

Jan.27th : Route 56 – Path – OasisThe more the merrier! Invite a friend to youth group! Remember all are welcome to be part of our crowd. Come as you are and be accepted.

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Why We Pledge….

Pledging is about others—not us.

On the back of the 2013 pledge card was an area to share your thoughts about why you pledge. We share some of those responses with you. In keeping with confidences, names have not been included.

I pledge every year as part of my membership vow. It’s important to me to pledge to UMCG so they can count on my financial support to continue the vital programs that are an integral part of my church life.

I am proud of my church. It has always been a big part of my life—from my child-hood until my much later life.

We are thankful for this church and everything that this church does for the community. By pledging, this is one way our family can help the church keep on helping.

1. So the church can budget.

2. Because the church does good work.

3. Because we believe in God and prayer.

It is my little way to show I CARE!I love my church.

It takes money to run a wonderful church like ours—great staff, great music program, electricity, heat, air conditioning, excellent programs, extensive mission opportunities, etc. It is our responsibility to pay for our church.

I consider it a debt I owe to all the folks who have supported this church through the years so UMCG would be here for me. We pledge so that the church can plan for the year.

I truly believe in the work of the Methodist Church. I do what I can to support that work.

I pledge because:

1. it’s the ‘right’ thing to do along with an obligation for being a member of UMCG, and

2. God has blessed me with so much, a small portion should be given back—yet I always feel guilty for not giving enough. Guilt can be overwhelming at times.

We give as a gesture to acknowledge the saving grace of God that has shaped our lives.

My reason for pledging is not the same as my reason for giving—two different things.

I pledge because the church needs the money to keep going. Pledges help you know how much we will have to put in the budget. Even though my pledge is small, every little bit helps pay the light bill. My pledge is for practical reasons.

To keep the boat afloat! To honor God by co-creating the church that was born at Pentecost.

I pledge to help with the missions our church supports near and far. This church has given me a peaceful presence in my life, and I want to help support it.

We pledge so the church can carry on the administrative work it needs to accomplish all of its needs. We need the church, and we love our church.

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Why We Pledge….

To continue to maintain our church’s obligation and faith to serve one and all.

We are blessed to call UMCG our family, our home—a place where we sense God’s presence and love. Contributing money, time and talents is a part of taking care of our “family”.

We pledge because we were taught to share our blessings given to us by God.

As Christians we are called to give back what we have been given to God’s purposes within the church. It is our desire to support the church and it’s missions in the community and the world as well as a place to come for worship and Christian fellowship. Our hearts and souls are nourished here as we grow and seek God’s will and faithfulness in our faith journey.

We believe that we are blessed to be a blessing. God has given to us so we may give to others so that they may know God’s love for them.

The church needs to have an idea of how much money it is going to have available to do God’s work.

We love the Lord.

I pledge because I believe it is my responsibility to financially support my church in its mission to open our hearts, minds and doors to all so that they may know Jesus Christ as their Savior.

We pledge to help UMCG live out its Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors ministries inside and outside the church.

To help our church do the Lord’s work.

The church has become an important part of our lives. The people, the mission, the faith. We realize that planning for sustaining and expanding programs and missions takes some financial planning and knowing how much there is to plan with is important.

We have been graced with many blessings and want to “give back”.

To support the church’s efforts in following Christ’s love for all.

It makes no difference the amount that we give as long as we give what we can afford. We will be helping our church with their expenses and also helping those less fortunate than we are.

On the back of the 2013 pledge card was an area to share your thoughts about why you pledge. We share some of those responses with you. In keeping with confidences, names have not been included.

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This ‘n That

Did you know that we have a Columbarium and Tree of Life on the north side of our building?You are invited to have an engraved leaf put on our Tree of Life to celebrate special events or in memory of a loved one.

The Columbarium is a fitting tribute to members of our faith community who lived their lives in Christian service. The Columbarium also offers a quiet setting for family and friends to gather and remember those who now dwell eternally with God.

We encourage you to visit our Memorial Garden and enjoy the serenity and peace of this special area.

If you would like information about our Memorial Garden, Columbarium or Tree of Life, please contact Debbie in the church office at 630-232-7120.

On behalf of the Hospitality Committee, thank you to everyone who hosted coffee fellowship on Sunday morning in 2012. Many thanks as well to those who attended the training session earlier in December. We look forward to a wonderful 2013, providing refreshments to those who share fellowship on Sunday mornings.

Keith Johnson, Hospitality Coordinator

Meghan, Lily and I want to extend our thanks for the many Christmas wishes and greetings extended to us by the congregation this Christmas.

We wish and pray for you the very best in 2013.

Pastor Rob Hamilton

The last date to bring your contributions to the church office to be recorded on your 2012 statement is Thursday, December 27. Donations received in the mail postmarked on or before December 31, or in the offering plate on December 30, will be considered a 2012 contribution and will be on your 2012 statement.

If you have any questions, please call the church office at 630-232-7120.

FOR ALL WHO USE OUR CHURCH FOR GATHERINGS OR MEETINGS:

PLEASE REMEMBER TO TURN OFF THE LIGHTS AND CLOSE AND LOCK ANY WINDOWS THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN OPENED. ALSO, IF YOU ARE THE LAST GROUP IN THE BUILDING FOR THE NIGHT, PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL DOORS ARE LOCKED.

THANK YOU!

Thank you for all of the Christmas cards that I received from UMCG folks. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.

Lois Devine

Dear church staff and members of the congregation:My family and I much appreciated your prayers and caring thoughts following my father's death, and around the holiday season. I'm grateful for being a part of such a caring church community.

Sincerely, Veronique Saxe

JA NU AR Y Page 15

1/1 Karry JacksonBarbara AndersenMelinda ThomasSydney Koepke

1/2 Katy Campbell1/3 Bob Lilien1/4 Connor Barney

John KembleBen Winkler

1/6 Betty KeelerBrian Upper

1/7 Anthony RomeroSuzanne Lang

1/8 Pam Zimmermann1/9 Beckett Tucker

Hazel Clauter1/10 David Dias

Bob RowlandSteven Cornwell

1/11 Jerry WhiteJohn ElmendorfLinda BensteinPaul Berberet

1/12 Robert AndersonWaleska BrochIan Rice

1/13 Leah PopplewellRob ProhaskaGale Weber

1/14 Char JohnsonRuth Arrott

1/15 Alana GoodrichCharlie Popplewell

1/16 Mary BerresPatricia Rupp

1/17 Pamela WhitfieldMandy McDowallJames GoodwinBill Doeckel

1/18 Beulah DreesElaina AsimorJean Narimatsu

1/19 Candan SpellmanScott Stevenson

1/20 Emily BelangerJosh RodgersKen McNeilTrevor FoilesBill GriffinDominique GaidoBrian Baumgartner

1/21 Kelly BastinMatthew TumaAshley LandrumTracey RubendallDeb VenselCara DrexlerLiz Carson

1/22 Eric DonovanTony ZefronCatherine ByarsSeth DickinsonRyan Thomas

1/23 Denise MartinesDaniel WhiteEvan Heckman-TrathenNicole FriesemaStefan Friesema

1/24 Allison Eifler1/25 Shea McKeough

Kathryn KaarRob LivingstonPatricia Peterson

January BirthdaysCarrie FisherLisa DussaultMarcia SmithKathryn Berberet

1/27 Marcy StrohmJennifer LudwigSteve Kennedy

1/28 Melody UlinMary OsborneJim KaferChip Barber

1/29 Caroline GoodrichRobert RolandKathy McNeil

1/30 Austin McDowallChase McDowallScott Narimatsu

1/31 Ryan TruffelliAlexander LangBrenna Baumgartner

Access the UMCG Calendar online at www.genevaumc.org

click on “Calendar” on the right hand side under “Just for You”.

Church Staff Church Council

Steve Lillie ChairVice Chair

Betsy Sitch Recording SecretaryDan Edwards, Bob Van Nest, andNancy Weckler Annual Conference Lay MembersCarolyn Sprawka, Gary Dittmer Church & Society Co-ChairsNancy McQueeny Discipleship Council ChairJoAnn Cregier Finance Committee ChairBrad Bradley Marketing/Communications CommitteeJami Johnson Membership Connection ChairGeorge Graham Men’s Club PresidentSharon Anderson Missions Committee ChairRichard Sitch Scholarship Committee ChairJennifer Gondorchin Staff Parish Relations Chair

Stewardship Committee ChairRolland Lang TreasurerKeith Eakins Trustees ChairKathleen Dytrych Women’s Ministries RepresentativeJudy Burgess Worship Committee ChairBill Obalil Senior Pastor, without voteRob Hamilton Assoc. Pastor, without vote

Bill Obalil Senior PastorRob Hamilton Associate PastorScott Stevenson Director of Music MinistryMichael Popplewell Asst. Director of Music MinistryCarol Szabo Director of Christian EducationJodi Borger Asst. Director of Children’s EducationStaci Lockman Asst. Director of Youth EducationEric Reniva Director of Youth ActivitiesJami Johnson Director of Communications Debbie Sampiller Director of Administrative Ministries Lorie Montanye Secretary/ReceptionistKathy Kein Nursery Coordinator

Mission Statement

To make and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ who serve the

community and the world.

211 Hamilton StreetGeneva, IL 60134

Phone: 630-232-7120www.genevaumc.org

UNI TED METH ODI ST CH U RCH OF GENEVA

The deadline for articles for the February newsletter is January 21, 2013.

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