First United Methodist Church of Oak Lawn

Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World

www.oaklawnchurch.org 708-423-1170

Turning Pumpkins into Golden Carriages"

I never thought a pumpkin could be a means of transportation until I

saw the movie Cinderella.

You know the story: Cinderella was left behind by her wicked step-mother and step-sisters. She didn't have a

way to get to the ball. Fortunately, her Fairy Godmother magically created a way by turning a pumpkin into

a golden carriage and friendly mice into the horses and coachmen. Problem solved...and a grand new adven-

ture began for Cinderella as she made her fashionably late entrance to the ball!

Ah...fairy tales. If only we had the power to turn pumpkins into carriages imagine the places we might go!

But what if we do have that power and just haven't realized it? We don't have a Fairy Godmother, but we

have One who is even more amazing who can turn a yard-full of pumpkins into something far more valuable

than coaches.

In just a few more weeks a semi-truckload of pumpkins will arrive for our annual Pumpkin Patch. Many

church members and community volunteers will come together to unload the truck and set out the pumpkins

for sale. Our members and friends will sit in a chilly tent and sell the pumpkins to individuals and families

from around the area.

So where's the magic?

The magic happens when we gather around the pumpkins before the sales begin and pray for the people who

will be receiving them to be blessed and to know the love of God in this season.

The magic happens when conversations happen. People who have never been to the church are greeted with

a friendly welcome. Children have an opportunity to have some fun on a mini-hayride or get their picture

taken with a straw-man. And a new relationship begins between our church and our community members.

The magic happens when some of the funds raised by the Pumpkin Patch are used to support poor Native

American families that help grow them back in Arkansas. The magic grows as a portion of the funds stay

with our church: to support our Christian Education programs for children, youth and adults; to support our

inspiring worship services; to assist with dynamic programs like Friendship Fridays; and to keep our building

ready for hosting community groups that make people's lives better: AA, NA, AlAnon, Scouts, and exercise

groups (Fit Your World, Jazzercise).

The Pumpkin Patch is way more than just a fund-raiser. It's God's

way of turning pumpkins into Golden Carriages in our very midst!

Come join in the magic this month!

Pastor Jon

October, 2014

Come share the magic of the

Pumpkin Patch!

Oct. 18 -- Pumpkins arrive

Oct. 19-31 -- Sales, 10-am to Dusk

Great Worship in October!

Revival:

Faith as Wesley Lived It

Concluding our 6-Week

Sermon Series

The 1700’s were a time when society was polarized, when rationalism had led people to

believe they no longer needed God, when the rich struggled with materialism and the

poor with lack of necessities. Sound familiar?

Into this world a priest and Oxford professor named John Wesley came to trust in Christ

and then began preaching a faith that would bring a revival of Christianity throughout the

British Isles and across America. Wesley’s message and his faith continue to speak to

21st Century Christians – calling for a revival of our hearts and souls so that our lives and

our world might be changed.

Sunday, Oct. 5, 10:30 a.m. (World Communion Sunday) “Sanctification: Perfected in Love”

Sunday, Oct. 12, 10:30 a.m. “The Latter Years”

Laity Sunday Sunday, Oct. 19, 10:30 a.m.

Come celebrate the leadership and special gifts of our regular church members!

You’ll be amazed at the spiritual gifts and spiritual insights that lay members

will share.

A Political Answer Sunday, Oct. 26, 10:30 a.m.

Matthew 22:34-46

The next election is Nov. 4. What would Jesus do?

WORSHIP@FUMC-OL

Study@FUMC-OL

New Study Groups Starting Soon!

The 3 Colors of Ministry

Over this four-week study, learn how to discover your God-given

potential, how to grow as a “Three-Color” Christian, and how to apply your gifts in the life of the church and community.

Starting Wednesday, Oct. 29 (through Nov. 19)

Offered two times each week at the Church:

Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.

Contact the Church Office to sign up.

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SUNDAY SCHOOL ISN’T JUST FOR KIDS!

Was the last time you went to Sunday School in your childhood? Here is a

great opportunity to go “Back to the Beginning” as we begin a wonderful new study for adults each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. .

“An Invitation to Genesis” takes us into the rich tapestry of Genesis exploring the

interaction between God and very human people - pride, family relationships, conflict and journey all showcase the best known stories of Creation, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Rebekah and Joseph.

Come join us as we investigate our physical and spiritual beginnings!

No registration required.

Join us any Sunday at 9 a.m. in our Church Conference Room.

MISSION@FUMC-OL

When the proceeds are used to touch people’s lives with love and care!

The UMW RUMMAGE SALE held on Sept. 26 & 27 raised $1,200 that

will support crucial missions serving people around our area.

Thank you to all who sorted, set up, organized, sold, and cleaned up to

make this possible!

100% of the funds raised by our sale support organizations like Southwest

Chicago PADS; the Crisis Center of Southwest Suburbia; local food pan-

tries, and programs for returning war veterans.

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WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND OUR ANNUAL CHURCH CONFERENCE?

We will celebrate a great year of serving and

worshiping God together!

We will look forward to our ministry together in

2015:

We will elect and commission our leaders

for 2015!

We will think about how we can continue

to impact our neighbors, especially

children, over the next year!

Join us on Monday, Oct. 6, 2014, in the Church Sanctuary for an inspiring time of celebrating

and preparing for God’s work among us!

ANNUAL CHURCH CONFERENCE

MONDAY, OCT. 6, 7:00 P.M.

CHURCH SANCTUARY

MISSION@FUMC-OL

HERE COMES THE PUMPKIN PATCH

The Pumpkin Patch is coming to town!

Arriving October 18, our pumpkins will need a lot of TLC!

don’t miss this chance to enjoy beautiful Fall weather,

the company of church friends, and the beauty of the harvest!

Call Marty at 708-903-2868 to sign up today!

And tell everyone you know about our wonderful patch!

MISSION@FUMC-OL

“SHARE THE HARVEST! Produce from our church garden

delivered to Evergreen Park Community Food Pantry in early August

.

"I'm in awe of what your garden team has accomplished

this season! What a bounty of beautiful, healthy, fresh

produce you have all grown and shared with neighbors.

A huge "thank you" to everyone at First United Methodist Church of Oak

Lawn who has contributed to your amazing ministry -- addressing food in-

security in your community and helping us reconnect to creation!

Rev. Linda Wygant,

Grace Seeds Ministry

FRIENDSHIP FRIDAYS NEWS

Meeting on the 1st & 3rd Friday of each month.

Friendship Fridays is a non-denominational youth group for teens & young adults with intellectual & de-

velopmental disabilities. If you are interested in volunteering with the program, please contact me via

phone or email.

Tracy Abernathy

708-710-6019 or tracy_abernathy@yahoo.com

MISSION@FUMC-OL

Roof Campaign Update

CAN YOU HELP US PAY OFF THE LAST 15% of our Roof Campaign?

Your faithful giving and generous support of the mission and ministry of our Church make it possible to

impact lives directly through our church programs and indirectly through all the organizations that use our

building! Thank you!

As of September 1, 2014, you have given $28,489 toward our roof campaign. That means we’ve covered

85% of the cost of the roof repairs made last fall that eliminated pesky leaks in several areas and rechan-

neled roof drainage so water no longer gathers on the roof. Please consider making an additional gift so we

can completely pay off the outstanding balance of the work.

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If you love to bake—we need you to help make our

Bake Sales a success. This is a great opportunity to try out your new recipes or bring your tried and true ones. Bake Sales are the second Sunday of the month.

MISSION@FUMC-OL

Using Our Building for Mission & Ministry

We invite these people regularly….

Rev. Jim Barry District Programming 7:00PM (Monthly)

Narcotics Anonymous Tuesdays & Fridays 7:00 PM

Nar-Anon Tuesdays 7:30 PM (2nd & 4th week)

Al-Anon Thursdays & Sundays 7:30 PM

Alateen Thursdays 7:30 PM

Alcoholic Anonymous Fridays 7:00 PM

Girl Scouts & Boy Scouts

Fit Your World Exercise Monday—Friday 6am & 6:30PM Sat. 8:45AM

Jazzercise Mon. Wed. Fri. 9:15-10:15AM

Do You Know About PADS? (Public Action to Deliver Shelter)

“Who Are We?” Southwest Chicago PADS is an ecumenical and community endeavor which recognizes the

dignity, uniqueness, goodness and giftedness of all persons. Southwest Chicago PADS is impelled by the Gos-

pel chal-lenge to feed the hungry and minister to the poor. We seek to:

Provide emergency shelter, food, clothing and referrals for addi-

tional assistance to persons who are homeless.

Prevent homelessness in our community by providing immediate

referral assistance to persons facing a housing crisis.

Make the wider community aware of the plight

of people who are homeless and the need for advocacy on their

behalf.

We can use your talents for the next PADS season. We serve on the 4th Thurs-

day of each month. If you are interested please contact Maggie O’Bradovic.

MISSION@FUMC-OL

August 2014

Total Income $ 9,862.77

Total Expense 10,966.95

Net Loss (1,104.18)

Year to date

Total Income 84,819.19

Total Expense 107,505.13

Net Loss (22,685.94)

Total Apportionment paid 4,556.00

See the church secretary if you would like a complete

copy of this finance report.

PayPal is now available on our church website—www.oaklawnchurch.org.

If you want to donate, make a pledge or any other donation, you can go to the church website

(www.oaklawnchurch.org) and click on the “Donate” button to go to the PayPal website. You don’t have to

have a PayPal account to donate, you can use a credit card or debit card. Be

sure to identify the purpose of your donation. PayPal will send a confirma-

tion of your donation directly to your email account.

CONNECTION@FUMC-OL

UMW October Calendar

9-Dorcas Circle-Yvonne Michko

14-Rachel Circle-Helen Davie

Deborah Circle will not meet this month.

SAVE THE DATE

and dig out your recipes

COOKIE BONANZA is coming,

Saturday, December 6.

“FOOD FOR THE SOUL” DINNERS

Have you participated in a small-group dinner yet? "Food for the Soul" Dinners are an excellent way to get to know Pastor Jon and family, and other church members better!

This is a free meal with 10-12 others from the church. We feast, we fellowship, we laugh, and we enjoy the community of faith that God has given to us!

So don't wait -- We only have one date left for 2014 (in November). Act soon! For more information or to sign up for a dinner, please contact Dorothy Wertzbauger at 370-7504.

CONNECTION@FUMC-OL

A couple of reminders……

Deadline for submissions to the November newsletter is October 15th.

Please keep our pastor and church family informed! Hospitals and nursing homes can no longer contact church

offices to notify them the church members have been admitted unless you specifically ask the nursing or medi-

cal staff to do so. If you desire a pastoral call during your admission, please contact the church office at 708-

423-1170.

E-Mail Address

If you haven’t given your e-mail address to the office please do so. We send newsletters via email.

OFFICE INFORMATION

Church Office Hours –Eleanor

M-F 8:30-Noon

Pastor Jon’s Open Office Hours (at Church Office)

Tues. 10-Noon

Wed. 1-3pm

Thurs. 11-1 (Panera 10553 S. Cicero)

Other times by appointment

Please Note: Office hours can vary from week to week. Please check the

bulletin or call pastor Jon to confirm the schedule on a given day.

Contact Us:

Church office: 708-423-1170 First United Methodist Church of Oak Lawn

elanorfumc@att.net 10000 S. Central Ave.

Oak Lawn, IL. 60453

Pastor Jon:

revcrail @oaklawnchurch.org WEBPAGE: ww.oaklawnchurch.org

Cell: 630-956-2368

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

CONNECTION@FUMC-OL

October Birthdays

5th-Bertha Williams

9th-Robert Sweeney, Sr.

10th-David Czemske

13th-Joanne Bartlett

14th-Joan Wyma

21st-Daniel Kendryna, Jr.

28th-Fran Feulner

31st-Helen Ende

2nd-Pete & Helen Gesell 5th-Jim & Jeanette Vendel

8th-Bob & Kim Sweeney 20th-Harry & Joan Wyma

27th-Pat & Dede McFarlane

CONNECTION@FUMC-OL

Dear Church Members,

The trustees have accepted a donation of 4 cemetery plots in Chapel

Hill Garden South at 11333 S Central Ave. in Oak Lawn.

The plots are all side by side and are in the Garden of Prayer section

block 20 lot 3 Spaces #1, #3, #5, #7 they have a value of $7500.00

each. We are checking with our members and there families to see if

there is any interest in purchasing them at a discounted rate. Prior to

advertising outside of church.

CARE@FUMC-OL

Do you know why we have teddy bears in the Sanctuary?

There is now an assortment of Teddy bears scattered throughout the pews in the

sanctuary. They each wear a tag that introduces them as a Teddy who has wor-

shipped with our congregation, and who comes bringing our prayers and hugs.

Your job is to take these representatives out to those in need….a neigh-bor, a

friend, a co-worker who needs to hear that we, and our Lord, care for them and

are holding them in prayer. Recipients can keep the Teddies, pass them on, or

return them at any time. If you have any questions about this ministry, or bears to

donate, please contact Marty Linderborg. Thanks

Your Nurture Committee

CARE@FUMC-OL

PRAYER LIST

Our Members

At Home: Lorraine Harton, Dorothy Prohaska, Barbara Spanier

IN NURSING OR REHABILITATION HOMES

Pat Major-Lexington Health Center; Eileen Morganthal-Tinley Courts

Elderly: Pearl Jerousek, Dorothy Prohaska, Violet Rowe

Other Needs

The World: Peace in the Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan

In Military Service: Loretta Caplinger, Air Force, Christine Boyd, in Bah-

rain, Army; Scott Boehm, Marines, Eileen McKinney, Navy

Other Loved Ones

Short Term Ongoing

Judy Tondu (Lynn Neumann’s Mother) Bill Legge (Friend of Yvonne Michko)

Diane Lucas(Friend of Lori Konecki)

Ongoing Marvin Locum (Brother of Arlene Hlad)

Ron Barth (Friend of Yvonne Michko) Maria, Martin, Rachael (Noel’s Mom & children)

Briana (Friend of the church) Eileen Murphy (Friend of Neumann Family)

Carrie (Friend of Yvonne Michko) Ann Myslewieck (Friend of Helen Gesell)

Mickey Contras (Jean Krolak’s Grandson) John O’Bradovic (Son of Maggie O’Bradovic)

Karen Diesel (Daughter-in-law of Diesels) Patrick O’Hare (Friend of Santoro Family)

Diane Dunlap (Friend of FUMC) Gretchen Pankratz (Sister of Linda Joscht)

Tom George (Friend of Jeanette Vendel) Majorie Pankratz (Mother of Linda Joscht)

Debbie Halderman (Daughter of Lorraine Bakutis) Andy Russel (Father of Helen Gesell)

Andy Hamilton (Grandson of Will & Arlene Diesel) Eleanor Senkpiel (Church Administrator)

Cindy Helmker (Step-Mother of Shellie Cholke) Virginia Szczudlo (Friend of McEllen Family)

Jill (Sister of Penny Millslagle) Jill Watson (Friend of FUMC)

Ron Kirchman & Family(Friend Koschnitzki Family) Wanda Wigglsworth (Friend of Pennie Morris)

Laverne Koschnitzki Aunt to Koschnitzki Family) Ellen Wyma (Daughter-in-law of Harry & Joan Wyma

ANNE BOYD GREG GREIMAN ABBY MATHIAS DAN SWALLOW

GARY CZEMSKE, JR. RUTH HARPER PENNY MILLSLAGLE BOB UTIGER

VIOLET CZEMSKE JEANNINE JANULIS LYNN NEUMANN SHIRLEY WALKER

FRAN FEULNER EVA JEAN KISH ABBY OBERG BERTHA WILLIAMS

JIM GEHRING CAROL LONG DAWN PLEASANT JOAN WYMA

SERVICE@FUMC-OL

October Worship Leaders Schedule

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Have you thought about Volunteering?

The Nursery during Worship. If interested please contact Susan Czemske at 708-599-5048.

Greeter Sign-Up Sheet is available in the Fellowship Hall. Anyone wishing to greet should sign the sheet or see

Penny Millslagle (630-251-3664). Come and show your beautiful smiles and strong handshakes. Just what we

need to start a Sunday morning.

Coffee Hour. Do you enjoy Coffee Hour? Don’t we all! If you’ve never signed up give this a thought. If you

don’t want to do it alone, you could find a partner and share the expense and work. It can’t always be the same

people. Get together and help do your share you’ll feel connected with our Church and members.

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Sunday Liturgist Greeters Coffee Hour

10-05-14 Linda Sarracino Maggie O’Bradovic

Penny Millslagle

Donna, Dawn

Jeannine

10-12-14 Maggie O’Bradovic Lynn & Robin

Neumann

NEED

VOLUNTEERS

10-19-14 John Metzger Karen & John

Miguel

NEED

VOLUNTEERS

10-26-14 Susan Lane Marilyn & Joe

Stefanko

Metzger

Family

If you’re thinking about ways to participate in the Worship?

You can purchase flowers for the altar in honor of or in memory of

someone. Saunoris Florist does not charge sales tax, just mention the

church.

You can donate the bulletin covers in honor of or in memory of some-

one. The donation is $12.50. Bulletin Chart is on the wall in Fellow-

ship Hall.

The first Sunday of the month is Communion Sunday. Anyone wishing to be a communion server please con-

tact Yvonne Michko 708-822-8962. Also it would be appreciated if any worshipper would bring food to re-

plenish our pantry.