Parade of PalmsParade of PalmsParade of PalmsParade of Palms————March 26th & 27thMarch 26th & 27thMarch 26th & 27thMarch 26th & 27th Thank you to everyone who gave during our annual special Parade of Palms offering for our missionaries. Thanks to your generosity, we will be able to pay each missionary a total of $1,400.00.

Wednesday Night Live!Wednesday Night Live!Wednesday Night Live!Wednesday Night Live! Mark your calendars for April 27!Mark your calendars for April 27!Mark your calendars for April 27!Mark your calendars for April 27!

We will wrap up another great year of Wednesday fellowship meals and God’s Treehouse with a fun night for the whole family.

First, from 5:30-6:30, our Senior High youth work campers will prepare and

serve supper as a benefit for their mission trip to Pocahontas, Virginia, July 17-23.

Second, the evening will also feature a silent auction of pies, fancy desserts and other items to benefit the work campers. Calling all talented bakers and crafters! Would you be willing to donate items to help the cause? Contact Barb Horsch and watch the bulletins for more information.

Third, from 6:30-7:30 in the sanctuary, God’s Treehouse kids will share special music and messages in an end of year celebration. There will also be an extra musical treat from the talented and ever-entertaining Fairchild Family! Please plan to join us!

Gibson City Food Pantry at the Gibson City Food Pantry at the Gibson City Food Pantry at the Gibson City Food Pantry at the HospitalHospitalHospitalHospital The food pantry supported by our church along with eight other area churches is now in its second year of service. We will be looking for UMC volunteers to be ready to take our turn for a distribution. We are looking for members to help set-up, distribute or deliver from 8:00 to noon on Saturday morning, April 23rd, as well as help on Friday evening, April 22nd starting at 6:30pm. Students from 6th grade on up may volunteer.

Please sign up with April. Training will be on the job. Any questions email Rick Ertel Wesleyana CircleWesleyana CircleWesleyana CircleWesleyana Circle The Wesleyana Circle will meet on April 12 at 1:30pm at the home of Chris Hazen. Special MusicSpecial MusicSpecial MusicSpecial Music————Summer 2016Summer 2016Summer 2016Summer 2016 If you are interested in sharing your gift of music during a traditional worship service this summer, please contact either Terri Snyder, Kathy Eagleson or the office. The worship committee is currently looking for individuals and groups to share music during the months of June, July and August. Music can be vocal or instrumental.

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Visit us at gcumc3.org or Find us on Facebook: “Gibson City UMC”

Pastors—John Tennyson Church Phone 217-784-5452 Church Email gcumc@sbcglobal.net

Saturday • 5:30pm—Casual Worship Sunday • 8:45am—Traditional Worship

Sunday • 11:00am—Contemporary Worship

Sunday School—10:00am

General Conference Needs Our PrayersGeneral Conference Needs Our PrayersGeneral Conference Needs Our PrayersGeneral Conference Needs Our Prayers General Conference may seem remote to our daily 21st century lives, and to the life of our local church; but seemingly remote or not, next month the General Conference of our global church could have a drastic effect on us all. Our prayers are essential. General Conference is the official voice of the United Methodist Church. Equal number of clergy and laity are elected from each annual conference from around the world every four years. General Conference, the denomination’s top policy-making global body, will meet at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland on May 10-20. 864 delegates will spend long hours in debates that could dramatically change the laws and vision of our church. Tom Albin, Dean of the Upper Room Chapel, states the impact on our large and diverse denomination, “With every decision made, there will be some across the connection who will be hurt and angry; others will be grateful and rejoicing; and yet others will be confused and uncertain.” General Conference needs our prayers. Bishop Grant Hagiya, over the Northwest Episcopal Area, had a vision while praying: God said, “What if there was a General Conference where argumentation and advocacy to one’s personal biases were set aside, and we pulled together to work on some life-transforming initiatives? What if the mission of God became so overwhelmingly compelling, that our own theological and social disagreements disappeared, and we worked together for a new future?” Think of the possibilities! General Conference needs our prayers. Two aids to prayer for General Conference have come to my attention: (1) The 2:14 Prayer Group; see Barb’s article in this

newsletter; (2) 60 Days of Prayer, which provides 60 daily

prayer meditations which you can view online, receive as an email or as a text. Go to www.60daysof prayer.org to sign up. Our prayers are essential. Thank you for praying.

~ Pastor John

April Sermon SeriesApril Sermon SeriesApril Sermon SeriesApril Sermon Series CONNECT: Integrating Guests Into the Life of the Church

• Every Christian’s Calling

• The Power of Appreciation

• The Skill of Listening

• A Genuine Heart of Caring

Learning in CommunityLearning in CommunityLearning in CommunityLearning in Community

All are invited on a field trip to Cunningham Children’s Home, Urbana, on Tuesday, April 19th! In an effort to learn about each of the 10 Golden Cross Ministries our Conference Supports, this tour

is scheduled for our group at 10am and will familiarize us with the ministries. Cunningham provides for/with at-risk teens. (We also provide support through our Mother’s Day Offering). Please let Susan Schultz know if you’d like to be a part of this tour; sign-up sheet on bulletin board in the Narthex; susans@mchsi.com; 784-8833. We will meet at the church at 9am and carpool to the Home.

Barb Horsch, Director of Education and Missions, shared from our Illinois Great Rivers Conference (IGRC) Board of Discipleship (BOD) on which she serves. In order to encourage prayer throughout the connection for upcoming General, Annual and Jurisdictional Conferences, the Board chose Ephesians 2:14, “For He is peace; in His flesh He has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, hostility between us,” as a guiding theme. A prayer for unity based on a prayer from the 1964 Methodist Book of Worship was selected and will be promoted in all IGRC Districts. All in our family of faith are encouraged to pause at 2:14 each day to ask for God’s guidance for our denomination’s leaders.

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2:14 Prayers2:14 Prayers2:14 Prayers2:14 Prayers

Have you set a reminder for yourself to pray at 2:14 each day?

Why? Because we are people of prayer and our global United Methodist Church has a big meeting coming up May 10-20 called General Conference. Delegates will sing, pray, learn and debate together as they seek God’s direction for the global connection. The conference can revise church law as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. (See Pastor John’s article). After General Conference meets, there are also five jurisdictional conferences covering the U.S. which will be meeting to elect bishops and select members to our general boards and agencies. These elections will effect the leadership and direction of our denomination and our annual conferences. And you have an important role to play! Holding this gathering in prayer is essential so your conference Board of Discipleship (BOD) is suggesting an easy way for us to be disciplined in prayer. Using Ephesians 2:14 as a theme -

For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall,

that is, the hostility between us. the BOD invites us to pray daily at 2:14 for General Conference. We are a large, global family of faith whose members represent a wide range of traditions and world views. Our diversity is a blessing and a challenge that always contribute to lively debates. Prayer reminds us that Christ remains at the center of all we do. You may want to mark your calendar, set an alarm on your phone or join the Facebook group at www.facebook.com/214prayer. Praying 2:14 covers the

General Conference, Annual and Jurisdictional Conferences this year so you are invited to continue your 2:14 prayer for 111 days, Easter Sunday through July 16. Thank you! Reminder Reminder Reminder Reminder ---- Summer CampSummer CampSummer CampSummer Camp 2016 Camping Guides are available at church or online at www.igrc.org/camping. The deadline for the early bird registration discount is April 15.

Thank You’s!Thank You’s!Thank You’s!Thank You’s! A BIG THANK YOU goes out to Matt & Danielle Brown for assistance in working with our Wednesday youth in producing the video shown at all three Easter worship services! Kudos too to our children who spoke from their hearts in answering tough questions such as “Who is Jesus?” and “Why did some people not like Jesus?” and “How do we follow Jesus?” Thanks to parents, grandparents and church leaders who have planted seeds of faith over the years. One never knows where or how those seeds will bloom but when they do…. as we saw in the video, what a blessing to behold! Thank you also to all of you who provided Easter candy for our egg hunt! We had a fun egg-filling ‘party’ the Wednesday before and beautiful weather for the hunt on Easter morning.

Community Resources RoundtableCommunity Resources RoundtableCommunity Resources RoundtableCommunity Resources Roundtable The next Community Resources Roundtable will meet Wednesday, April 20, at 1:00 in the Moyer Library community room. All interested are welcome to attend. The roundtable facilitates awareness and connection of social service resources with community needs.

CONNECT, GROW, GO! . . . take hold of the life that really is life (I Timothy 6:18-19)

By Barb Horsch, Connection Coordinator

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Audrey Apperson 2 Jarad Cox 2 Jeremy Rotramel 3 Lance Minard 3 Heather Reum 4 Kenneth Farmer 4 Sheila Bennett 8 Ima Jean Ping 8 Jeff Glascock 9 Katie Spangler 9

Bryce Adkins 9 Helen Dueringer 10 Kent Bielfeldt 11 Karissa Baillie 11 Ann Young 12 Becky Young 14 Kyah Lee 14 Ryne Roderick 14 Carol Steinman 15 Karen Leenerman 15 Lisa Lange 15 Ann Spangler 15 Kate Main 15 Betty VanSwol 16 Meaghan Sharp 17 Bonnie Farmer 18 Virgil Rosendale 18

April Rotramel 18 Oleta Lantz 22 Mike McCall 22 Payton Baillie 22 Maysen Frashier 22 Lisa Farmer 24 Malinda Lutz 24 Mick Horsch 24 Emily Young 24 Audrey Glascock 25 Connor Engel 28 Jon Clark 29 Richard Bennett 30 Glenn Kummerow 30

Day Years Greg & Sharon Pool 3 34 Dean & Lisa Farmer 8 37 Terry & Cindy Bell 10 Todd & Amy McNutt 11 24 Jeff & Audrey Glascock 19 36 Josh & Sarah Chase 20 14

Nursing Home Residents

Manor Ruth Fisher Judy Peters Annex Mary Rosebraugh Ronald Bowen Evelyn Hoover Robert Peeken Edith Stoltz Cecil Paul Davis

Paxton Health Care Michael Morano Bill Dueringer Servicemen and women PFC Colton Young SGT Cody McCoy Health Concerns Loveta Borton Cathy Breeden Mildred Davis Ruth Fisher Doug Hager Ruth Harris Jane Hastings Mike & Judy Morano Barb Murrell Norma Patterson Carolyn Williams

Jan-Mar 2016 Offering for Budget $72,905.53

Jan-Mar 2016 Budgeted Expenses $80,760.29

Weekend Sat 5:30

Sun 8:45

Sun 11:00

February 27th & 28th 17 128 28

March 5th & 6th 17 125 33

March 12th & 13th 18 129 23

March 19th & 20th 22 140 36

March 26th & 27th 21 251 43

PPPPRAYERSRAYERSRAYERSRAYERS, B, B, B, BIRTHDAYSIRTHDAYSIRTHDAYSIRTHDAYS, A, A, A, ANNIVERSARIESNNIVERSARIESNNIVERSARIESNNIVERSARIES

Mission Socks will be collected on April 18th & 19th and will benefit Busy

Hands Preschool.

Golden Cross Ministry: The Baby FoldGolden Cross Ministry: The Baby FoldGolden Cross Ministry: The Baby FoldGolden Cross Ministry: The Baby Fold

February’s field trip was to The Baby Fold (TBF) in Normal. TBF began after the Civil War as Methodist Deaconesses saw a need for baby/toddler care as a result of the Orphan Trains. Older children given up by their families were selected on train platforms by local residents to help with farm work; these littlest, were not. The deaconesses took them in. The organization evolved as the needs of the community changed: first an orphanage, then adoption agency, and now a multi-faceted resource for at-risk families, from maternity care through high school graduation. Medical science provides evidence of the affects of stress during pregnancy and early childhood years on children. High levels of cortisol and adrenaline affect brain development and the ability to assess survival needs. Children who feel safe have normal levels and are able to ‘think’ better. Children whose brains are wired differently due to higher levels of these chemicals, ones which stimulate the ‘fight-or-flight’ reflex, are unable to self-regulate their thinking ability. For instance, those who were not rocked as babies (soothed, comforted) are less likely to feel safe. Although TBF does not house babies anymore, at-risk children of all ages still need to be ‘rocked’; the ‘rocking’ just looks different now. Preventative measures taken with at-risk mothers and families often prevent the need for intervention later. The agency serves 24 residential youth, 120 foster children, and 170 adopted children throughout a 22-county radius. Decreased funding and the changing landscape of familial care now point TBF to in-home support. Their “Keeping the Promise” program helps

families with adoption success. Hammitt Elementary and Junior-Senior High Schools provide non-traditional classroom structure for at-risk students living within a 60-mile radius with the environment they need for educational success. TBF partners with other schools and community programs in connecting families with support. The 285 employees put in 500,000 miles annually. This is not an agency solely for Bloomington-Normal residents! “We never give up on a child” is the motto and focus of their mission. TBF’s idea of success is keeping a child from entering DCFS or juvenile detention. They have a 98% success rate! May we keep the servant hearts and those they serve in our prayers, and consider the agency in our giving. If you would like to learn more about The Baby Fold, please contact Susan Schultz or visit www.thebabyfold.org. Graduation SeasonGraduation SeasonGraduation SeasonGraduation Season

Yesterday they were learning to crawl. Today they are getting ready to graduate! Each year we recognize the youth and young adults in our congregation who are graduating Junior High, High School, and College Programs. Please let the office know if you have someone in your family whom should be recognized for their achievements!

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Guest SpeakerGuest SpeakerGuest SpeakerGuest Speaker

We will have a guest speaker on Sunday, May 1st. Rev. Jeff Rasche, from Chaddock in Quincy, will be giving the message at both the 8:45am and 11:00am services that Sunday. Here are a few things you may or may not know about Chaddock: • Chaddock has been a ministry of our Annual

Conference since 1853, and is located in Quincy, IL. However, in recent years it has grown to become a nationally-known leader in offering healing and help for children recovering from extreme child abuse, neglect, and other childhood trauma.

• Chaddock’s Foster Care and Adoption Program currently is currently serving more than 160 children from Western Illinois; the average age of these children is 5, and for most, it is their first time to be removed from their biological family and placed in the care of the state. Chaddock’s program is consistently rated as one of the top 3 foster care & adoption programs in Illinois. Last year, we found “permanency” for 51 children—nearly one per week, meaning either our work with the biological family resulted in the courts allowing the child to return home permanently, or we found new parents to adopt children after the courts determined that would be best for the child.

• We love for people to get connected to Chaddock’s exciting and progressive ministry:

• We have a quarterly newsletter, and a weekly email “Prayer Chain” that shares the joys and concerns our children bring during their weekly Chapel Worship Service.

• We love to host tours for individuals or groups.

• We have volunteer opportunities for mission teams, from youth to adult.

• We love to go out to speak to church or civic groups about Chaddock’s work.

Celebrations of EasterCelebrations of EasterCelebrations of EasterCelebrations of Easter

“Wait. What? WHAT?! Something that died is beautiful, and in fact will result in new life? A new creation, full of promise? Oh, yes! Did you hear? Jesus IS alive, and when we die to self, we too, become new creations in Christ.

New creations of Love. Alleluia!

Wednesday Night WorshipWednesday Night WorshipWednesday Night WorshipWednesday Night Worship

“Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous? Do not be terrified, do not be

discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you, wherever you go!”

Joshua 1:9

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Wednesday Night Fellowship

5:30pm—Fellowship Meal 6:30pm—God’s Treehouse (PreK—5th Grade) 6:30pm—MS Youth Group 6:30pm—HS Youth Group 7:30pm—Sanctuary Choir 8:30pm—Jake’s Boys

1 2 Communion 5:30 PM Saturday Night Light Worship

3 Communion 7:00 AM Men’s Breakfast 8:45 AM Traditional Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Contemporary Worship

4 9:00 AM Prayers 5:30 PM SPRC 7:00 PM Trustees

5 1:00 PM Communion Manor/Annex 5:30 PM Praise Team

6 WEDNESDAY NIGHT FELLOWSHIP 1:00 PM Connection Team

7 6:00 PM Worship 7:00 PM Finance

8 9 5:30 PM Saturday Night Light Worship

10 8:45 AM Traditional Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Contemporary Worship

11 9:00 AM Prayers 7:00 PM Covenant Council

12 1:30 PM Wesleyana Circle 5:30 PM Praise Team

13 WEDNESDAY NIGHT FELLOWSHIP 7:00 PM Pie Night/Manor

14

15 6:00 PM Wedding Rehearsal & Dinner

16 Mission Socks 2:00 PM Wedding 5:30 PM Saturday Night Light Worship

17 8:45 AM Traditional Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Contemporary Worship

18 9:00 AM Prayers 6:45 PM Children’s Ministries

19 5:30 PM Praise Team

20 WEDNESDAY NIGHT FELLOWSHIP

21 22 6:30 PM Food Pantry Help

23 8:30 AM Food Pantry Help 5:30 PM Saturday Night Light Worship

24 Mission Socks 8:45 AM Traditional Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Contemporary Worship

25 9:00 AM Prayers

26 5:30 PM Praise Team

27 WEDNESDAY NIGHT FELLOWSHIP

28 29 30 Communion 5:30 PM Saturday Night Light Worship

APRIL 2016APRIL 2016APRIL 2016APRIL 2016

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT NO 13 Gibson City, IL 60936

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Gibson City United Methodist Church 206 East 10th Street Gibson City, IL 60936

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Pastor—John Tennyson cell 217-249-5453 email: pastorgcumc@sbcglobal.net Director Education/Missions—Barb Horsch cell 217-781-8048 email: mgf@leapstream.net Administrative Assistant—April Rotramel office 217-784-5452 email: gcumc@sbcglobal.net

Church Custodian—Jeremy Rotramel Organist—Beverly Nagle Choir Director—Ruth Davis

Nursery Attendants—Melissa Jamison Susan Schultz, Volunteer

OUR STAFF

Liturgist Greeters

(West, South, North) Acolytes

Sound Room (8:45)

Projector (8:45)

Projector (11:00)

April 3 Kim Fisher Dorothy Shields & Deonna Sauer

Bill & Joan Pool Larry & Kathy Littlefield

Olivia Hawthorne Steve

Hawthorne Dani

Eckerty Katie

Quinley

April 10 Morgan Hazen

Dorothy Shields & Deonna Sauer Bill & Joan Pool

Larry & Kathy Littlefield

Keegan Frashier & Wrigley Maxey

Jon Clark Erin

Arsenault Rachel Quinley

April 17 Doug

Eckerty

Caryl Kietzman & Jane Tankersley

Doug & Ellen Maxey

Olivia Hawthorne & Addison Farmer

Lonnie Engel

Zander Wier

Katie Steidinger

April 24 Kathy

Eagleson

Caryl Kietzman & Jane Tankersley

Doug & Ellen Maxey

Steve Hawthorne

Taylor Engel

Jeremy Steidinger

Head Usher for April is Tom Borton.