Volume

XII

Issue 7

Friends, Last spring we participated in the study, ―40 days of Community.‖ This was an important event that explored the ways in which ―we are better together.‖ During these 40 days, we re-discovered and experienced the fact that we are better Christians and a better church when we join together in Christian community. Our study culminated with a final service at the Marengo High School. As part of this service, we invited you to place two paper hands with your name on our ―volunteer‖ wall. This wall listed a number of community ministries. By placing your hands upon these ministries, you expressed your interest in serving in these community min-istries. I am pleased to report that work has begun on a number of these ministries. For example, our ―Fine Arts Academy‖ is in the planning phase for a January/February community program. We have met with representatives of Samaritan Counseling Center of the Northwest Suburbs, who advised us on the process of forming a new counseling center in Marengo. As a result, we hope to form a Board of Directors by the end of the year. We are also working on the housing issues in Marengo as part of Habitat for Humanity. In addition to these congregational projects, many of the community projects begun in our small groups are continuing into the fall. We are hosting a new blood drive, fixing homes, collecting school supplies and starting new ministries. Far from a ―flash in the pan‖ experience, we are seeing continued interest in building our church community by reaching out to the wider community. This fall we will continue to build up our congregational and community ministries. As you read through this newsletter you will notice that there are many new children and family events and ministries. A new computer lab is being constructed for the use of the congregation and community. The list of volunteers we collected as part of our 40 Days of Community will be contacted and new ministries will be formed. We are better when we do things together. That is why I also want to encourage you to reach out and invite new persons and families into our community. If you happen to find an invitation card to Sunday School in this newsletter, please write a note on it and send it on to a family you would like to invite to church. If you know of someone on your street or have a friend that is not part of a church community, invite them to join us at Marengo United Methodist Church. People are just waiting to be invited! Let’s all try to build our community by inviting others to become part of our church community. Invite someone to join us on Rally Day, September 13th. Yours in Christ, Pastor Keck

September

2009

PAGE 2 MUSTARD SEED VOLUME XI I I SSUE 7

United

Methodist

Women

Consider this a "heads up." The UMW will resume general meetings beginning Wednesday, October 14th at 12:00 pm. All get-togethers are for fun, food, fellowship and most importantly spiri-tual growth as sisters in Christ. The highlight of the day will be Christian Book Review given by our own Ann Stein. Ann will give us many ideas for our fall and winter reading. There will also be a catered luncheon by Flatlanders. These are great reasons to mark your calendar! Flatlanders food is great! Ann has promised that the book re-views will not be "ho-hum" for readers and non-readers alike. The cost of the luncheon is $10. Please call Brenda Rommel at (815) 568-3501 for reservations. Ruth Circle will be meeting on Thursday, September 17th at 7:00 pm in the home of Naomi Adams, 759 Cherokee Trail. Esther Circle will resume Wednesday, September 23rd at 1:00 pm in the home of Marie Urban, 818 White Tail Drive. Even more upcoming UMW fun. . . On Tuesday, October 13th, at 1:00 p.m. Esther Circle will host a birthday party for the residents of Florence Nursing Home, and on Wednesday, Oc-tober 28th, Alice Jenne will hostess as the group meets at the church in the Friendship Room at 1:00 pm. Ruth Circle will meet on Thursday, October 15th at 7:00 pm in the home of Betty Jacoby, 850 Cayuga Trails.

Agape Group

Christian writers have generally described agape, as expounded on by Jesus, as a form of love which is both unconditional and voluntary. Tertullian, in his 2nd century defense of Christians remarks how Christian love attracted pagan notice: "What marks us in the eyes of our enemies is our loving kindness. 'Only look,' they say, 'look how they love one another'" (Apology 39) We are starting a new group that will extend this love to others on a weekly basis. The Agape Group will be a group of volunteers who take turns reaching out to members and visitors to our church. This group will meet on Tuesday evenings for 30 minutes to call and write letters to persons who have visited the church or members who have not been in church for some time. This is a very important outreach to people. It is an act of love (agape) that distinguishes us as a Christian community. We actively look after and love one another. This is not a weekly commitment, due to the fact that only two or three persons will be needed each week. It is also a short meeting, lasting only 30 minutes. The impact, however, will be enormous. You can become part of this group by signing up at the Welcome Center or by speaking with Pastor Mowry.

Trevor and Tyler enjoying their Youth Trip to Mount Olympus Park in the Wisconsin Dells.

PAGE 3 MUSTARD SEED VOLUME XI I I SSUE 7

Rosebud Trip

The Rosebud team would like to thank everyone who helped support us while we were in Rose-bud, S.D. We all had a great time and got to meet a lot of wonderful people. The people on the reservation were very thankful and great hosts. Some of the things we did while we were there were build a deck and paint and work in the welcome center. We were also invited to a Sundance, which was a great honor. We made so many great memories and friendships while we were there. Thanks again for all of your prayers and support, we couldn’t have done it without your help. Liz McGowan , Rosebud Team

During our recent trip to the Rosebud Indian Reser-vation, we all spent at least one day working in the Welcome Center. The center serves about 150 people a day. While there, we noticed that there is a big demand for certain items. The MUMC Youth will be collecting the following items through the end of September to be sent to the Rosebud Welcome Center. Hand Soap, Laundry Soap, Dish Soap Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair care products, Lice

shampoo, Shower Gel, Hand Lotion Infant Products: Shampoo, Detangler, Baby

Bath, Lotion, Powder, Disposable Diapers (larger sizes: 3, 4, 5, 6), Baby Wipes, Sippee Cups, Brush/Comb Sets

Toothpaste, Tooth Brushes, Denture Cleaner Deodorant for men and women Razors, Shaving Soap Facial Cleanser, Acne Preparations Feminine Products Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Napkins, Paper Towels Cleaning Sponges, Cleaning Products There will be a drop box located outside the church office. We will also be taking cash donations to help cover the cost of shipping the items to the Warm Welcome Center, or if you want us to do the shopping, you can designate the funds for purchasing items needed. Thank you in advance for your support!

Youth Sponsored Rosebud

Health Supplies Drive

Laughter strengthens the immune system, improves breathing and blood pressure, relieves stress, and lifts our spirits. Ms. Jill League, a Certified Laughter Leader, from Sherman Health Education and Community Wellness will meet with Stephen Ministers and other interested church members to show us how laughter benefits us physically, mentally, and socially. Please plan to join us at MUMC on Monday evening, September 21, 2009, from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M., for a fun and healthful evening. Dress comfortably as we will participate in a session of the Sherman Health Laughter League.

Join the Stephen Ministry Team for

Laughter: Live Happily Ever After

In September, we will resume our attention to the library. Neglect shows its face! Somehow time flies and best-made plans don't materialize! We will review all the offerings and ways to improve. Would you like to see more books, music, videos? Would you like to see certain kinds of selections? Would you be interested in a get-together reviewing a particular book? Would you like to consider a story-teller for the children? Continued FREE items? A better use of the donated Bibles? Perhaps if we pass along the scripture, we could also issue an invitation to a Wesley fellowship group study. We are a great church with so many wonderful opportunities. Among them is an up-to-date library.

Church Library

PAGE 4 MUSTARD SEED VOLUME XI I I SSUE 7

So what can you get for five bucks these days? Maybe a cup of coffee, or if you’re lucky, two gallons of gas! The best five dollar value going is a Seniors Com-puter Class. Starting in late September, Marengo United Methodist Church will offer classes targeted for the ―Over 50‖ audience. The classes will intro-duce students to the basics of computing, from the ground up, at a gentler pace than the non-senior classes. Each class lasts about two hours and meets in The Church Computer Lab. Seniors have a maximum of ten students per class, allowing more time for the instructor to interact with each student. COMPUTER 101 This is a 2 session course meeting once a week to teach basic skills needed to begin computer usage, or help the struggling or overwhelmed user gain confidence. It teaches proper use of the mouse and keyboard and how to open programs and properly start and shut down your computer, how to copy text and move text into new locations, how to work with menus, and other skills beginners may find confus-ing. It is designed to help you feel comfortable using your computer. INTERNET & EMAIL This is a 4 session course meeting once a week to introduce you to the joys of the World Wide Web (WWW) and Email. You will learn how to find things using search engines, how to reply to, forward, and

originate email messages, what you need to get started, and how you connect to the WWW. DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY Learn basic photo editing skills, including downloading and uploading your favorite pictures, how to get the best shots possible with your digital camera, online photo sharing, and emailing your finest work! Have you wondered what to do with all your old photos? We’ll share some great new ideas for using those great old photos. You will also learn about digital art, how to display and gift your wonderful creations, and how to store all your photos. OPEN LAB Any current or former student is welcome to join us during open Lab times. During this time, an in-structor will be present to answer questions, help with issues, or provide one-on-one assistance that a student might need. This is also an excellent chance to simply get out of the house for quiet time! Sign up for mid-morning, afternoon or evening classes. Call or visit the Church office 9 am -1 pm Monday - Friday at 815-568-7162. For the tech savvy, sign up online at www.marengoumc.org. The Marengo United Methodist Church is located at 119 E. Washington Street in downtown Ma-rengo, Illinois 60152.

Computer Classes: Five Bucks...Five Bucks...

Have you found yourself out of coffee before it is time to re-order?? We may have what you are looking for! Many times we have leftover coffee. If you are finding yourself thirsty, call Judy Andrews (815) 568-7746 or see her at church to see if we have your coffee.

Fair Trade Coffee

The Senior High Youth Fellowship will begin meet-ing weekly beginning on Sunday, September 13th at 6:00 pm. Hope to see you there! Bring a friend!

Sr. High Youth Fellowship

PAGE 5 MUSTARD SEED VOLUME XI I I SSUE 7

Thank you!

Cody and I would like to thank our church family for all of the support that Cody received during his stay at the Children's Hospital in Madison, WI. The prayers, cards, calls, and e-mails were greatly appreciated as were the visits by Tom Mangano and Dorothy Otis. Special thanks to Tom Mangano for being a father to Cody with his love and support, not only during his hospital stay, but for the last several years. To Doris Mulasmajic, Bill & Clara Piper, Judy Andrews, Ann Stein and Lisa Kirchoff of the Yada Yadah fellowship group for the meals and the offers of meals in the weeks since we have been home. We feel we are truly blessed to be a part of such a caring and compassionate congregation. Thank you all so much, Cathy & Cody Koplin

AUTOMATIC GIVING TRANSFERS : QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Recently folks have asked again about automatic transfers to the church for contributions. Once again the Finance Team has had the representa-tives from Harris Bank come and talk to us. While it is easy, it is costly to have this kind of setup for contributions. One thing that can be done right now and is easy to do is to set up Online Bill pay through your own bank with online banking. Make Marengo United Methodist Church, 119 E Wash-ington Street, Marengo, Illinois 60152 815-568-7162 (in the memo line you could put Attn: Sally Hoesel, finance secretary) a "bill" that can be paid through the bank. You can set this up for a weekly payment or manually go in and make the payment. Your bank then sends a check to the church for you. There are a few people who have begun us-ing this type of giving. The check comes to the church and gets put through the counting process and credited to your giving account. If you have questions, please call me at: 815-544-5963

A Word from Your Finance Team Leader

To Pastor Keck and my church family: Thank you for your prayers for healing, phone calls, cards, and visits while I was a patient at Swedish American Hospital. Your acts of kind-ness brightened my day. Marcia Simons

My family and I were so blessed this summer by being able to get away for long weekends and a couple of weeks to our trailer in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. This would not have been possible without the help of volunteers to work in my place in our church office,

Marilyn Stone Clara Piper

Judy Andrews Jan Perkins Ann Stein

Barbara Carder Lisa Kirchhoff Carol Johnson

Thank you! Dawn Hoffman

Sunday, September 6th Hymn Sing Sunday

Sunday, September 13th

Return to Church Sunday—Rally Day Open Wide Your Heart Message: ―Open Wide‖

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:1-13

Sunday, September 20th Friendship First

Message: ―Who’s Your Friend?‖ Scripture: I Corinthians 12:12-26 (NIV)

Sunday, September 27th

Friendship First Message: ―What a Friend We Have. . .‖

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42 (NIV)

Come Worship with Us!

PAGE 6 MUSTARD SEED VOLUME XI I I SSUE 7

"Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth in song, rejoice and sing praises - Psalm 98:4 MUMC has the best music ever! Many years ago (1992) when we moved to Marengo I applied for a job at Centegra Hospital. The lady at the desk asked if we had selected a church home yet and she suggested we visit the Marengo United Methodist Church, that the music was especially great! From our first visit to MUMC, we realized she was so right! I always loved to sing ( for fun, not for profit!) As I thought about this, so many songs came to mind, songs that are fun to remember: I've Been Workin’ On The Railroad, She'll Be Comin' Round the Mountain, Someone's in the Kitchen with Dinah, It Ain't Gonna Rain No More, The Old Gray Mare She Ain't What She Used to Be, Lazy Bones (sleepin’ in the sun...), Daisy, Daisy, Marzeed-oats, One-Eyed Purple People Eater, Playmate, Come Out and Play with Me, Found A Peanut (there are many, many verses of the peanut song!) Do Your Ears Hang Low? Think about these selections! Perhaps seniors should accept some responsibility for the younger generation's music appreciation ! Some of the old songs ( oldies and goodies!) listed in a Good Old Days Magazine: How High The Moon, The Tennessee Waltz, Sh-Boom (Life Could Be A Dream), Goodnight Irene, Mona Lisa, Mister Sandman, The Little White Cloud That Cried, Three Coins in The Fountain, How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?, Come On-A My House, Wheel of Fortune, Oh My Papa. In Sunday school - The B-I-B-L-E (yes, that's the book for me!) and We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder (in summer camp we sang many, many verses of Jacob's Ladder. Sunday School will always mean singing Jesus Loves Me! He does love us and what a reason to sing! Some of my dearest Marengo United Methodist Church musical memories: ―Standing On The Promises‖ - Pastor Joy and an enthusiastic front row group, Pastor Al’s "Here I Am Lord" complete with hand motions, Pastor Steve's trumpet solos, Pastor Keck's ―O Savior Where Art Thou?‖ Jane McDonald's men (!!) doing ―Days of Elijah,‖ Jane's great ―Take Me Out To The Community,‖ Susan Gieseler on bells and her patience teaching the children's bells, Ashleigh Oranger singing ―Breath of Heaven‖ on Christmas Eve, Ed Richard singing ―The Lord's Prayer,‖ Betty Meinders "tickling" the ivo-ries and the heart and soul of Grateful Praise. Ed and Nancy's Sunday morning intros, Grateful Praise Sunday morning intros and ethnic songs, etc., etc., etc. My memory "ain't what it used to be;" I know there are many songs I will recall later. (Actually, my memory was never, ever anything to brag about!) Marengo Methodist, continue to make a joyful noise! All age groups are included in joyful noise making! Thank you to all of you in our music ministry. You have given us a wonderful gift. "I don't know about tomorrow, Nor what coming days will bring; But I know my Lord is with me, And His praise my heart will sing" "Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; break forth in song, rejoice and sing praises. Psalm 98:4

A Senior Moment by Ann Stein

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 10:45 a.m. - Golden Diners 3:00pm - Girl Scouts 6:00 pm - PDO Open House 7:00 pm - TRUSTEES 7:30pm - Al-Anon Pastor Vacation

2 9:00 a.m. - Yoga 10:45 a.m. - Golden Diners 6:00pm - Jr. Choir 6:30 pm - Jr. Bells 7:00 pm - Sr. Choir 7:00 pm - Cub Scouts 7:00 pm - Stephen Ministry Training 7:00 p.m. - Yoga Pastor Vacation

3 10:45 a.m. - Golden Diners 7:00 pm - Grateful Praise Rehearsal 7:00pm - WF@ MUMC Pastor Vacation

4 10:45 a.m. - Golden Diners Pastor Vacation Secretary Vacation Fill in– Ann Stein

5 8 am—Men’s Breakfast Pastor Vacation

6 9:30 am - Worship Hymn Sing Pastor Vacation

7 Labor Day Church Office Closed 7pm - WF@Meinders’ 7:30 pm - AA

8 9:00-1:00 pm - PDO 10:45 a.m. - Golden Diners 3:00pm - Girl Scouts 7:00 pm - Pastor Parish Meeting 7:00 pm-WFG @ MUMC 7:30pm - Al-Anon

9 9:00-1:00 pm - PDO 9:00 a.m. - Yoga 10:45 a.m. - Golden Diners 6:00pm - Jr. Choir 6:30 pm - Jr. Bells 7:00 pm - Sr. Choir 7:00 pm - Cub Scouts 7:00 p.m. - Yoga

10 9:00-1:00 pm - PDO 10:45 a.m. - Golden Diners 6:00 pm - Brownie Troop Meeting 7:00 pm - Grateful Praise Rehearsal 7:00pm - WF@ MUMC

13 9:00-1:00 pm - PDO 10:45 a.m. - Golden Diners

14

13 RALLY DAY 8:00-1pm - Blood Drive 8:30 am - Worship 10:15 am - Worship 10:15 am - Sunday School in Fellowship Hall 2:00pm - Marengo Historical Rehearsal 6:00pm - Sr. High Youth Fellowship

14 9-1:00 pm - PDO 10 am - Marengo Wmn Club Board 10:45 am -Golden Diners 1:30p.m.-WF @ Brenda Rommel’s 5:00 p.m. - Weight Watchers 7pm - WF@Meinders’ 7 pm - WFG @ TBA 7:30 pm - AA

15 9:00-1:00 pm - PDO 9:00 am - WF @ Judy Andrews’ 10:45 a.m. - Golden Diners 3:00pm - Girl Scouts 6:30 pm - Agape Group 6:30 pm - LEAD Team 7:00pm - WF@MUMC 7:30pm - Al-Anon

16 9:00-1:00 pm - PDO 9:00 a.m. - Yoga 10:45 a.m. - Golden Diners 6:00pm - Jr. Choir 6:30 pm - Jr. Bells 7:00 pm - Sr. Choir 7:00 pm - Cub Scouts 7:00 p.m. - Yoga

17 9:00-1:00 pm - PDO 10:45 a.m. - Golden Diners 7:00 pm - Ruth Circle 7:00 pm - Grateful Praise Rehearsal 7:00pm - WF@ MUMC

18 9:00-1:00 pm - PDO 10:45 a.m. - Golden Diners 12:00pm - Mgo Wmn Club UMW Spiritual Congress@ Elgin NIC

21 UMW Spiritual Con-gress@ Elgin NIC Buras Mission Trip

20 8:30 am - Worship 10:15 am - Worship 10:00 am - Sunday School meet in Fellowship Hall 11:15 am - Cherub Bells 6:00pm - Sr. High Youth Fellowship UMW Spiritual Congress@ Elgin NIC

21 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 9-1:00 pm - PDO 10:45 am -Golden Diners 1:30p.m.-WF @ Brenda Rommel’s 5:00 p.m. - Weight Watchers 7 pm - WFG @ TBA 7:30 pm - AA

22 9-1:00 pm - PDO 9:00 am - WF @ Judy Andrews’ 10:00am- Comp class 10:45 a.m. - Golden Diners 2:00pm - Comp Class 3:00pm - Girl Scouts 6:30 pm - Agape Group 6:30 pm - LEAD Team 6:30pm - Comp Class 7:00pm - WF@MUMC 7:30pm - Al-Anon

23 9:00-1:00 pm - PDO 9:00 a.m. - Yoga 10am - Comp class 10:45am-Gold Diner 1:00 pm - Esther Circle 2:00pm - Comp Class 6:00pm - Jr. Choir 6:30pm—Advanced Confirmation 6:30 pm - Jr. Bells 7:00 pm - Sr. Choir 7:00 pm - Cub Scouts 7:00 p.m. - Yoga

24 9:00-1:00 pm - PDO 10 am - Comp Class 10:45 a.m. - Golden Diners 2 pm - Comp Class 6:00 pm - Brownie Troop Meeting 7:00 pm - Grateful Praise Rehearsal 7:00pm - WF@ MUMC

25 9:00-1:00 pm - PDO 10-12pm - Comp Lab 2-4:00pm - Comp Lab 10:45 a.m. - Golden Diners 6:30pm - Comp Class

26 10-noon - Comp Class 2 - 4pm - Comp Lab Noon-4:00pm - Fellowship Hall Reserved

27 Fellowship Hall Reserved 8:30 am - Worship 10:15 am - Worship 10:00 am - Sunday School meet in Fellowship Hall 11:15 am - Cherub Bells 2:00 pm - Marengo Historical Rehearsal 6:00pm - Sr. High Youth Fellowship

28 9-1:00 pm - PDO 10:45 am -Golden Diners 1:30p.m.-WF @ Brenda Rommel’s 5:00 p.m. - Weight Watchers 7pm - WF@Meinders’ 7 pm - WFG @ TBA 7:30 pm - AA

299-1:00 pm - PDO 9:00 am - WF @ Judy Andrews’ 10:00am- Comp class 10:45 a.m. - Golden Diners 2:00pm - Comp Class 3:00pm - Girl Scouts 6:30 pm - Agape Group 6:30 pm - LEAD Team 6:30pm - Comp Class 7:00pm - WF@MUMC 7:30pm - Al-Anon

30 9:00-1:00 pm - PDO 9:00 a.m. - Yoga 10am - Comp class 10:45am-Golden Diner 1:00 pm - Esther Circle 2:00pm - Comp Class 6:00pm - Jr. Choir 6:30pm—Advanced Confirmation 6:30 pm - Jr. Bells 7:00 pm - Sr. Choir 7:00 pm - Cub Scouts 7:00 pm - Yoga

PAGE 8 MUSTARD SEED VOLUME XI I I SSUE 7

My name is Emily Hoffman. I am nine and a half years old. I will be ten on October 20th. This year for my birthday I decided I am going to have my friends and family give gifts to the St. Jude kids and not for me. I wondered if maybe you would want to help out, too. The nice people at St. Jude’s sent me a list of items that the patients and families need. If you would like to help me help the kids of St. Jude’s, you can drop off your donation at the Marengo United Methodist Church office during the week between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. (815) 568-7162. Or if you need the donation to be picked up, call (815) 568-0997 and let my parents know. All items need to be dropped off by September 30th. Thank you for your help and donations! Emily Hoffman

Suggested Items from St. Jude’s Research Hospital: All items must be new Play Dish Sets and Play Food Fisher Price Little People (Figures) Action Figures Lego Bionicles/Clikits (Spiderman, Hulk, Batman, Transformers, Superman) Hello Kitty/Polly Pocket Strawberry Shortcake (Small Dolls) Board Games and Travel Games Pre-paid phone cards (International and Domestic) Coloring Books Crayola Washable Markers/Crayons Construction Paper DVD Movies (New releases G, PG, or PG13)

Gift Certificates Toys R Us JCPenney Wal-Mart Target Best Buy Blockbuster American Eagle Sport’s Authority Macy’s Old Navy Itunes Gap, Baby Gap & Gap Kids Visa/American Express

St. Jude cannot distribute or use any of the following items: Stuffed Animals Food Items Toy Guns Candy Cloth Body Dolls Balloons Porcelain Dolls VHS Movies Religious Items Soap/Bubble Mix Used Items of Any Kind There are donation receipts available at Marengo United Methodist Church. You can pick one up when you drop off your donation. The office is open, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Or call (815) 568-0997 to schedule pick up of your donation and one will be provided at that time. Emily will give the receipts to St. Jude so you get credit for your donation. Also, Emily would like to send you a thank you.

Emily’s Birthday Project

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VOLUME XI I I SSUE 7

September Anniversaries Ray & Angela Richardson 2 Buck & Kim Burgraff 3 Chris & Debbie Oakes 5 Matt & Nicole Misiura 5 Joel & Jane Cowan 10 Don & Marie Urban 11 Justin & Sarah Jefferson 14 Ken & Connie Dennison 15 Dennis & Barb Koplin 26

September Birthdays Fred Trask 1 Ashley Mikkelsen-Lueders 2 Kaitlyn McGowan 2 Sydney Koplin 3

Janet Swonguer 3 Nicholas Esunis 5 Bill Weirich 5 Jacob Bourke 7 Cynthia Koplin 8 Betty Jacoby 9 Dawn Hoffman 10 Jennifer Haas 11 Anna Mangano 11 Dennis Koplin 12 Clara Piper 13 Gene Knisley 14 Frances Wilson 15 Coye Beebe 15 Judy Griebel 17

Lifting up our church family in prayer Prayers for Health and Healing: Belle Cassel, friend of the Dennisons; Albert Duffey, Clara Piper’s father; Linda Haefner, friend of the Hoffman family; Freedom, Susan Gieseler’s niece-in-law; Ann Locovare; Marge Epich, Susan Gieseler’s sister; LaVerne Ryman, Debbie Oakes’ mother; Ryan Justen; Sean Romine; Karen Apel; Gary Stoklosa; Frank E. Gualillo of Yorkville, NY, father of Frank D. Gualillo; Jackie Roberts, Brenda Ferreira’s Aunt; Sydney Ives, friend of Bonnie Voller; Arthur Overhage, friend of Brenda Ferreira; Don Duthron, friend of Audrey Anderson; Fred & Barb Trask; Janet Swonguer’s father. Prayers for Comfort and Support: Stan McDonald and family on the death of his father; Ross & Carol Fruin family on the loss of their son Grant; Isaiah Burnside, Pat Merritt’s grandson serving in Afghanistan; Cindy Clavey; Steve Tradewell; For those facing unemployment; Our Country’s leaders; Military Men & Women and their families Prayers for the Homebound: Katie Loomis Prayers for those in Nursing/Rehab: Martha Esmond, Jane Cowan’s mother; Ann Locovare; Bev Parke; Norm Finnell; Genelle Skeels; Mildred Wal-ters If you have updated status on someone on our prayer list or would like to add a loved one, email to info@marengo-umc.org or call the church office at 815-568-7162. Thank you.

Alexis Mortimer 17 Barb Trask 18 Walter Jakubowski 19 Jayme Sandman 20 Justin Jefferson 21 Rebecca Perkins 21 Heidi Cowan Valerio 23 Libby Lohff 24 Allison Justen 24 Darrell Knisley 26 Pat Merritt 27 Rachel Gailloreto 27 Jennie Adamson 30 Evelyn Thompson 30 Alice Jenne 30

Anniversaries & Birthdays

If you are interested in participating in the planning of the Fine Arts Academy or just have ideas to share, please call Doris Mangano (815) 568-2932.

Fine Arts Academy Don’t forget your aluminum cans. Drop off your aluminum cans in the Gas Can Car (different vehicle!) on Sunday mornings! The Gas Can Mission provides gas money for our mission trips.

Gas Can Mission

PAGE 10 MUSTARD SEED VOLUME XI I I SSUE 7

We are a safe-sanctuary church, which means that we have estab-lished certain parameters that help to provide a safe environment for our children and students when they are attending our church or a church function. They are also in place to help insure the integrity of our volunteers, teachers, and staff. There is a copy of the Safe Sanctuary Policy on our church website at www.marengoumc.org CHILD/ STUDENT VOLUNTEERS Are you working with or interested in volunteering to work with the children/students in our church? If you have been working with them since 2006, you will need to have your background check re-certified. If you could stop in the office and fill out a request form that would be great! If you have never volunteered with the children/students and would like to, you need to have been a mem-ber of this church for at least one year, and fill out a volunteer application. The application just helps us to get to know you better. You also have to have read the Child Protection Policy for our church. All of this is available at the church office. Another requirement is CPR training and for those who have had it in 2006, it is up for renewal. Watch the bulletin, E-seed, and Mustard Seed for more information on when that class will be held. Our children are one of our most valuable assets. That is why we have in place these regulations to in-sure the best possible care and guidance for them. Thanks so much for being willing to go the extra mile for them. CHILD/ STUDENT SAFETY GUIDELINES We, as a congregation, have promised to provide an atmosphere of safety for our children and our stu-dents. In order to do this, we have some regulations that must be followed. A child in classes up through 4th grade must be signed in and out of that class. There must be two (2) teachers/adults in the classroom or present for each event. If there is only one (1) teacher or adult present, DO NOT sign your child into the class until another teacher comes, or stay in the room until such time. Once the child is signed into the class, they MUST stay in the classroom or the class area until the end of the session and until signed out by the same person who signed them into the class. All children should use the restroom facilities that are closest to the activity in which they are involved. Only parents and other family members can take pictures of the children/ students. We do not publish in ANY FORM pictures of our children/students without the written consent of the par-ents/guardians. Thank you for helping keep our children/students safe by following these simple regulations.

Safe Sanctuary

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Rally Day 2009

Join us on Rally Day Sunday, September 13th for worship at 8:30 am and 10:15 am. Between services sign up your children for Sunday School!! Head down to Fellowship Hall to sign up for Sunday School and to sign in your chil-dren, age 3– 6th grade, for special Rally Day activities, including a spe-cial visit from a Heartland Blood Center Blood Drop, who will explain about the gift of blood donation, decorating heart shaped cookies for the blood donors and themselves of course, a balloon launch and other fun surprises!

Sign yourself up now to donate blood for our Rally Day Heartland Blood Center Blood Drive! The Heart-land Mobile Coach will be parked in the spots on Taylor Street to the East of the church for a community blood drive. You can pick your time slot to donate now. Sheets are in the Narthex at the Welcome Center or you can call the church office (815) 568-7162 to secure your spot now. Don’t forget to pick up your specially decorated cookie down in Fellowship Hall after your donation!

Sunday School classes will begin on Sunday, September 20th for our children age 3—6th grade. You can sign them up on Rally Day, or there are reg-istration forms available on our website at www.marengoumc.org or you can pick one up in our church office. This year the children will begin their day of worship as they gather downstairs in our Fellowship Hall beginning at 10:00 am for a time of fellowship and singing. Our Sunday School leaders and teachers will accompany the children as they join the congregation for Children’s Time. The children will then be dismissed with

their teachers to return to their Sunday School classrooms. You will need to take your children down to Fellowship Hall and sign them in for the day and then go to your children’s classrooms to pick them up and sign them out after worship.

It is with great pleasure that I introduce our Sunday School Team for the 2009-2010 Church year. Sunday School Co-Superintendents: Kim McMenamy & Liz McGowan Sunday School Teachers: Nursery: Doris Mangano, Jill Rucker & Nicole Misiura - Assisted by Anna & Joseph Mangano 3-4-5 year olds: Dyan Miller & Libby Lohff 1st & 2nd Grades: Connie Sandman - Assisted by Jackie Piggush 3

rd & 4

th Grades: Char Esunis - Assisted by Lisa & Melissa Esunis

5th & 6th Grades: Debbie Oakes - Assisted by Connie Dennison and Lisa Hillner Sunday School Gathering Worship Assistant: Singing 10:00 am: Dawn Hoffman I wish to thank our Sunday School Team for their dedication and skills as they embark on this very important ministry area for our church. They will be teaching children and giving them the values and knowledge that they will be able to use in life. May God bless our Sunday School Team. Yours in Christ, Gaye Anne Anderson Director of Children’s and Family Ministry

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Habitat for Humanity Marengo United Methodist Church is now a partner with Habitat for Humanity of McHenry County. We will be helping them with projects in the area. Currently they are building a home in Marengo; our first chance to help will be on Saturday, August 29th. We need to send six people to help with insulation. Then, on Saturday, October 24th, we will need four people to help with installing countertops and painting. Due to limited funding, Habitat is only able to complete 2 to 3 houses a year, and work one time per week. In the future, things look bright. There will be more funding coming in to do more. Not only will they be building houses, but fixing existing homes in the area. We have a great opportunity to make a difference in the future by volunteering to help. Information on this project and future opportunities will be on the information table at the church. If you would like to sign up to help, contact Duane Oranger at (815) 347-8091 or by email at dso729@yahoo.com. Thank you.

Monday Monday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. you will find Marcia Simons leading a women’s group who meet at Brenda Rommel’s home (765 Mallard Drive in Ma-rengo). This group is open to women of all ages. You can reach Marcia at 815-568-8735. On Monday nights at 7:00 p.m., Dewey and Betty Meinders host a group at their home in Union (17913 Meadow Lane). Spirited discussions and fellowship are the tone of this fellowship. Men and women of all ages are welcome to join them. If you would like to be a part of this group, you can reach the Meinders at (815) 923-3411. Also on Monday evenings, Chuck & Judy Andrews host a group in their home (529 E. Prairie Street in Marengo) at 7:00 pm. This diverse group of men and women enjoy fellowship and invigorating discus-sions. All ages are welcome to attend. You can reach the Andrews at 815-568-7746 for more infor-mation. Meeting every Monday evening is a group of moms, led by Elizabeth McGowan. The group meets at the church at 7:00 p.m. This group’s focus is supporting mothers with small children in dealing with the chal-lenges of everyday life. You can reach Liz at 815-568-0992.

Wesley Fellowship Group Opportunities Tuesday Judy Andrews leads a group at her home (529 E. Prairie Street in Marengo) on Tuesdays at 9:30 am. The group is open to women of all ages. You can reach Judy at (815) 568-7746. Gina Rickerd will be leading a group that meets at the church on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. If you are interested in joining this group of men and women, contact Gina at (815) 568-0524. Thursday Marge Murray leads a group that meets at the church on Thursday nights at 7:00 pm. The focus for this group is to write encouraging notes and cards to members of the church who are in our thoughts and prayers. Following a short devotion, this group is task orientated and welcomes men and women of all ages. You can reach Marge at (815) 568-5739. Saturday The first Saturday of every month Chuck Andrews leads a group of men at a breakfast meeting. This group meets in the Fellowship Hall in the church basement at 7:30 am. Following a hearty breakfast, the men study topics from vari-ous books. Open to men of all ages and denomi-nations, Chuck encourages lively discussion, opin-ions and feedback. You can contact Chuck at (815) 568-7746.

PAGE 13 MUSTARD SEED VOLUME XI I I SSUE 7

Great New Programs for our Children!

Dear Children age 3 through 3rd Grade, We’re back for Date Nights! Barbara, Jack, Gaye Anne, and Richard can hardly wait to see you on Date Night! This year we will be having two date nights. Date Night One for children age 3 through kinder-garten will meet the last Tuesday night of the month starting October 27, 2009, from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. Date Night Two for children in grades 1 through 3 will meet the last Thursday night of the month starting October 29, 2009, from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M. Plan on having some Halloween Fun! Boys and girls, remember to bring your parent(s), grandpar-ent, or an adult friend to Date Nights. Since Thanksgiving and Christmas fall at the end of No-vember and December, we will skip these months, but will resume meeting each month from January through May in 2010. We will be sending personal invitations to you be-fore each Date Night. For those who would like to participate but did not attend last year, please ask your parent to call Dawn Hoffman at the church office (815-568-7162) to let us know of your inter-est as soon as possible. Fondly, Barbara & Jack Carder Gaye Anne & Richard Anderson

Parents, is this just what you have been waiting for? It’s a program designed to give parents of young children a time to have a quiet dinner or free time for your enjoyment. Your children will get to have a snack, a devotion, free play, stories, art, games, etc. Just to have a supervised fun time without their parents. The church adult helpers for this program include the following: Pastor Mowry, Brenda Rommel, Bob and Jill Rucker, Fred and Betty Struckmeier, Maureen Whiting, Richard and Gaye Anne Anderson. This Parent’s Time Out program will start on Friday, October 2, 2009, from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at the church. Children between the ages of 3 years through 3rd grade may participate. We do need to have on file an emergency form for each child prior to your participation. The form may be obtained from Dawn Hoffman in the church office (815-568-7162). We would appreciate a phone call to know if your child or children will be in attendance. This will help in our preparations. Please call your reservation to any of the following persons at least 2 days prior to the scheduled event: Dawn Hoffman (1-815-568-7162), Betty Struckmeier (1-815-568-6179) or Gaye Anne Anderson (1-815-568-8806). We hope you will share your children with us and enjoy the free time yourselves. Gaye Anne Anderson Director of Children’s and Family Ministry

Date Nights! Parent’s Time Out!

Choirs meet in the choir room on Wednesdays

Senior Choir - 7:00 pm.

Junior Choirs begin Wednesday, September 2nd Junior Choir Junior Bells 2nd - 8th grades 3rd - 8th grades 6:00 pm 6:30 pm

Choir Notes

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

MARENGO, ILLINOIS 60152

PERMIT #28

We are on the web!

www.marengo-umc.org

www.marengoumc.ning.com

119 East Washington Street Marengo, IL 60152

815-568-7162 Fax: 815-568-7163

Email: info@marengo-umc.org

We are a loving community of faith, offering compassionate fellowship,

Bible-based teaching, Christ-centered worship, and opportunities to serve,

in order to equip people with a faith that works in real life.

The fourth year of the Parent’s Day Out preschool program is nearly underway. The four year old students will return on Tuesday, September 8

th. They will be

welcomed with a new director this year. Jennifer Haas, last year’s co-teacher for the 1 and 2 year olds, is the new director of PDO. Jennifer has been with the pro-gram since the beginning, starting as one of the board members and moving into the

position of co-teacher with Amanda Ham. Amanda continues to teach all three classes, along with her assistant Emily Mortimer. Lori Wolf has also joined the program this year. She has been a substitute for the past two years, but will now be a permanent aide in the 3 and 4 year old classrooms. Jennifer will continue to co-teach the 1 and 2 year olds. PDO is filling up very quickly, but there are still a few openings in each of the classes. The 1 and 2 year olds meet on Mondays, the 3 year olds meet on Wednesdays and Fridays, and the 4 year olds meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. What is especially nice for parents is that the hours of this program are from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M., which allows them the flexibility to run errands out of town, work a part-time job, or take a college course. PDO will have a ―giving tree‖ once again this year, located outside of the classroom. On the tree will be a list of items that can be donated to the program. Last year, the tree was a very success-ful way to help keep down the cost of running the program. We appreciate all of the many dona-tions we received!