1. No category

POPLAR GROVE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
FEBRUARY 2015 MESSENGER
FEBRUARY 2015 MESSENGER
Lent - - What are you Taking On?
Typically, during the season of Lent many people decide to give up things like chocolate, or television
or other habits and practices that are not healthy for them physically, emotionally, spiritually, or
socially. They put themselves through a rigorous cold turkey journey in an effort to experience a
better life or healthy life at the end of the season. What usually happens is that there is nothing to
replace what they are giving up in an effort to help support them. And in many cases, the reason for
giving up is about how other people view them.
The season of Lent is much more than engaging in a practice of giving up foods and activities. It is a
spiritual journey designed to move us closer to God through participating in spiritual disciplines of
prayer, fasting, study, self-denial and self-examination.
Let us consider the following understanding: Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays,
which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word
lencten, which means "spring." The season is a preparation for celebrating Easter. Historically, Lent
began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and then became a time for
penance by all Christians. the first Sunday describes Jesus' temptation by Satan; and the sixth
Sunday (Passion/Palm Sunday), Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem and his subsequent passion
and death. Because Sundays are always little Easters, the penitential spirit of Lent should be
tempered with joyful expectation of the Resurrection. Not only were converts prepared for baptism,
but it was also a time when persons who had committed serious sins, and had separated themselves
from the community of faith, were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to
participation in the life of the church. In this way the whole congregation was reminded of the mercy
and forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the need we all have to renew our faith.
I do hope this helps in our understanding of what Lent is all about. So the question is what are we
taking on in an effort to get closer to God during this season? What spiritual disciplines will we
increase or grow in during our Lenten season? What are the areas of our faith journey in which we
could grow stronger? Perhaps, we could make a commitment to join in the Lenten study that will be
offered; perhaps we could make a commitment to attend worship during the whole season of Lent
though Easter; perhaps, we could make a commitment to read a book of the Bible in which we are
not familiar like Thessalonians, or Colossians, or the Minor Prophets; perhaps we can commit to serve
in a ministry opportunity in the church. The list of ways to grow are numerous, but the question
remains, what are we taking on in an effort to grow in our faith and relationship with God?
As you ponder the question and reflect, I do invite you to our Ash Wednesday worship service on
Wednesday February 18 at 7 pm with the expectation that you can begin your journey of growth.
Happy reflecting and planning in preparation for the season of Lent.
Grace and Peace
Pastor Chris
Page 2
FEBRUARY 2015 MESSENGER
A 6-week Lenten Study
“The God We Can Know” will be offered
on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings during
Lent. This study explores the “I am” sayings of Jesus found
in the Gospel of John and features a weekly DVD segment
filmed on location in the Holy Land. Participant books are
$10, scholarships are available. Tuesday study begins
February 24th, Wednesday study begins February 25th.
Facilitator: Pastor Chris Druce Jones.
Please sign up for the desired study day on the clipboards
in fellowship hall.
Sermons for February & March 2015
Sermon Series: Healing our Land
31-1
"Seek God's Face"
2 Chronicles 7:12-14
7-8 Feb.
"Turn From Wicked Ways"
2 Chronicles 7:12-14
14-15 Feb.
“Jesus Used Text Messaging”
Matthew 4:1-11
18 (Ash Wednesday)
“Marked for Death”
Matthew 16:24-26
Ash Wednesday Worship with Imposition of Ashes and Communion
7pm on February 18th
All are welcome.
Sermon Series: Getting to Know Jesus
21-22 Feb.
“The Bread of Life”
John 6:22-35
28-1 Mar.
“The Light of the World”
John 8:1-12
7-8 Mar.
“The Good Shepherd”
John 10:7-16
14-15 Mar.
“The True Vine”
John 15:1-8
21-22 Mar.
“The Way, Truth and Life”
John 14:1-7
28-29 Mar.
“The Resurrection and the Life”
John 11:17-27
Worship Schedule: Saturday 6:00pm, Sunday 8:00am and 10:00am
FEBRUARY 2015 MESSENGER
Page 3
February 2015 Spotlight on Staff of PGUMC
Ward Haselhorst, our media specialist, has found many ways
to touch people’s lives and serve Christ here at Poplar Grove
United Methodist Church (PGUMC); not in just the obvious
ways with his multimedia expertise during our three worship
services, but in many other unique and equally talented
ways. But first, let’s learn a little about Ward.
Ward is married to Judy and in August they will celebrate
their 50th anniversary. They have 2 children, Kathe and
Brian. Kathe is married to Phil Keithley and they have 2
sons, Payton and Hunter. Brian is married to Jessica and
they have 2 daughters, Taylor and Ryah and son Zander.
Ward received his Masters of Physics from Purdue and
Masters of Education from the U of I, in Champaign-Urbana.
He taught physics and was head of the science department
at Proviso East High School, retiring in 1994. A definite
highlight of his career as a physics teacher was time spent
at Fermi Lab where he became acquainted with several
renown physicists of the time, one being a Nobel Laureate
(ask Ward with whom he was talking at the time this man was announced as a Nobel winner). He
and Judy have been members of PGUMC since 1996 and live in Candlewick.
Much of Ward’s inspiration for his duties here at PGUMC has come from church conferences, which
highlighted groundbreaking, multimedia programming for larger churches presented by two lead
pastors, Adam Hamilton and Mike Slaughter.
As previously mentioned, Ward’s talents and creativity are not limited to the “big screen”. He has
built with his own two hands many of the woodworking items you see around the church: the
frames for the stained glass windows in the Narthex and sanctuary, the Welcome Center and most
notably, the lectern which he fashioned out of pews from the old church. As well, Ward has used
his love of music and knowledge of computers to establish a data base for the music used here at
PGUMC.
Ward absolutely loves music and finds it difficult to narrow down to one favorite hymn; he likes
both traditional and contemporary. Just don’t give him any song that is repetitive ad nauseam.
Many of the church’s multimedia needs that have surfaced over the years as technology advances
have been generously provided for. And as media director he has been a wise steward of those
donations to ensure we get the “best bang for the buck”, providing not only his technical talents
but also his physical ones in the installation of the various pieces of equipment acquired over the
years.
In his free time, Ward loves to travel. He and Judy have traveled all over the world and once
Judy’s hip gets back to 100%, they and their family are looking forward to a Golden Anniversary
celebratory cruise to the Caribbean.
In the meantime, let’s celebrate all that Ward has done, is doing, and will do to glorify God through
his many talents here at PGUMC.
P.S. Ward would like to thank Star and Jacob Babcock and Payton Keithley for being integral parts
of the media team.
Page 4
FEBRUARY 2015 MESSENGER
Concerning Congregational Care
Sharing Our Giftedness
As I return from medical leave there were some things that became very evident to me that I was in
need of during my recovery. First there was the need for someone to be with me at all times during
the first week as I learned to maneuver with a walker, get dressed, prepare meals, get in and out of
bed correctly, let the dog out, and tidy up the house. One of you took a day off of work to stay with
me. Then after that there was a need for rides to appointments, to the pharmacy, and for meetings.
Many of you gave me rides. Many of you brought my husband and I meals during my recovery and
what a blessing this sharing of your gift of cooking was to us. Many of you sent a get well card and
they so lifted my spirits. Thank you for sharing your gifts this way. A few of you covered my usual
ministries at the church so they could continue seamlessly. I am so very thankful for your help in this
way.
During the time of my recovery Christmas Eve was celebrated and I could not be with you. This was
very sad for me to miss the first time in 18 years, but some of you sent greeting cards, small gifts,
and even a dvd of the service so I could feel the experience as much as possible. Thank you for
sharing your gifts in this way. I also celebrated a birthday during this time and again some of you
remembered to send a card to let me know you were thinking of me. What a blessing you have been
to me!
Then came the time of set backs in my recovery and many of you prayed for me. Never
underestimate the power of prayer. I thank those of you who practice this gift. One of you even
attended to my medical needs during this time to help me become more comfortable. I can’t thank
her enough for sacrificing an afternoon to attend to me. Another of one of you drove me to two
medical appointments despite it being a working day and never complained. I thank you for sharing
your gift of availability with me.
As I look back at this experience, I can see how so many of you, known and unknown had a hand in
my recovery. This is truly how the church acts as the body of Christ. Each of us has been given at
least one gift that we can share with others. Whether you are a member or a person who is new to
attending Poplar Grove UMC, we have a place for YOU to share your gifts. We invite you to speak
with Pastor Chris, myself or Phil Keithley the church lay leader about how you can get plugged into
ministries that match your gifts. You will find that in blessing others, you also become blessed.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Danice Loveridge, Deacon
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and
sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same
Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but
the same Lord; and there are varieties of
activities, but it is the same God who activates
all of them in everyone. To each is given the
manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
1Cor:16
FEBRUARY 2015 MESSENGER
Page 5
Monthly $500 Benevolence Gift Recipient: Shelter Care Ministries
Each month the Administrative Council of PGUMC discusses and
then selects a local or global charity to be the recipient of a $500
benevolence from Poplar Grove United Methodist Church. The
January 2015 benevolence was given to Shelter Care Ministries of
Rockford which helps provide shelter for Rockford’s homeless
population and a day center for those with mental illness. Thank
you for your financial support to our ministry. Together we are
making a positive difference in our world.
Food on the Fourth Weekend
The 4th weekend of every month we collect non-perishable food donations for the North Boone
Christian Food Pantry. There is a collection bin located under the coat rack in the education hallway
for donations any time.
The North Boone Christian Food Pantry serves people in need residing in Poplar Grove, Capron and
rural northern Boone County. This pantry is housed at Capron United Methodist Church and is
supported by churches in northern Boone County including PGUMC. If you would like to make a
monetary donation, please make donation checks payable to North Boone Food Pantry. On the
fourth weekend of each month (“Food on the Fourth Weekend”) we collect non-perishable food
donations for the North Boone Food Pantry.
Non-perishable food items most needed by the North Boone Christian Food Pantry:
•
Canned vegetables
•
Canned fruits
•
Canned meats
•
Soups
•
Peanut butter
•
Boxed foods like mac & cheese, hamburger helper, etc.
•
Noodles
•
Rice
•
Cereals
•
Cake mixes, brownie mixes, frostings
Page 6
FEBRUARY 2015 MESSENGER
The Glowing Embers invite all seniors
to a potluck on Thursday, February 26th
at 11am. A movie will follow lunch.
HOLY COMMUNION
Would you like to help serve Holy Communion at 10 am service? Servers are being lined
up ahead of time and we would love to have you help! The only time requirement is
during worship itself. Contact Jenny Campbell (815-713-4178) to get more information.
FEBRUARY 2015 MESSENGER
Page 7
PGUMC participates in the Pacemaker Countryside
Markets “Community Sharing Program”
For every dollar you spend at either Poplar Grove or Belvidere
Pacemaker Stores the church will earn a 2.5% rebate. Here’s
how:
Pick up a community sharing program card from the “Info to
Grow” brochure rack at PGUMC. Present the card every time you make a purchase at Pacemaker.
It is not too late to make a giving pledge
for 2015. Pledge forms are available at the “Info
2015 Picture Directory update
to Grow” wall display.
Directories will be printed after February 8th
when we welcome new members to PGUMC.
A reminder from your financial secretary When giving to more than one fund, please indicate
on your envelope or check the amount you are
giving to each fund to insure your giving is recorded
correctly.
The weekend of February 14-15 is the target
date to have a display of new directories in
blue folders ready for the taking. Please take
one directory per household.
FEBRUARY 2015 MESSENGER
Page 8
Thank you everyone who took an angel from the Angel Tree for Park
Place of Belvidere residents at Christmas. I wish you could have seen their
faces when they opened their gifts. It was priceless. Thank you all for the
blessing and love you provided for them at Christmas, and thank you from
me for your Christian love and caring.
- Kay Parris
Altar Flowers
Do you have a family member
If you would like to provide altar flowers for
worship, please sign up on the wall chart
near the entrance of fellowship hall. Please
add details if celebrating an event or in
memory of someone.
serving in the military?
Please have floral arrangement or flowering
plant in place prior to the 6pm Saturday
service. You can order from the Flower Bin
Etc or Barr’s Florist (both in Belvidere) for
Saturday delivery or bring them in yourself.
Take your flowers home following the 10am
service or pick them up on Monday or
Tuesday during office hours.
and a picture of
Please send us their name, branch of
service, address
them in
uniform. We will
add them to our
"Pray For Our
Troops" display.
Places for more information on Sharing Our Gifts
www.Rickwarren.org/devotional/english/make-the-most-ofyour-talents is a small article written by Rick Warren that reminds us
that we are a manager of the gifts God has given to us. They may be great or small in our
eyes, but they matter to God. "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must
prove faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:2 NIV).
www.projectinspired.com/how-to-find-your-God-given-talent/ Another small article that
helps us identify how simple it is to find our God given gifts.
www.spiritualgiftstest.com/tests is a website where you can actually take a spiritual gifts
test for youth and adults and print out your results to bring to your church leadership.
FEBRUARY 2015 MESSENGER
Page 9
COMMUNITY TABLE IS PROVIDING MEALS EVERY WEEK!
There are five churches that help with this effort and several teachers from the North Boone School
District. This is a free offering of food and hospitality to anyone in Boone County. The meals are
nutritious and the building of community is even better. Come join us! There is never a charge as the
food is provided by the Belvidere Boone County Food Pantry. There is always a meal at the table for
you! If you or your group would like to volunteer your services at the Community Meals, please
contact Danice Loveridge @ 815-765-2001. We are also in need of Food Certified individuals.
•
•
•
Every Thursday evening 5:30-6:30pm, Poplar Grove UMC
Third Wednesday of month 5-6:30pm, St John's UCC, 401 N Main, Belvidere
First Friday of month, 5-7pm, Apostolic Christian Church, 8675 Townhall, Belvidere
DID YOU KNOW? POPLAR GROVE UMC IS LISTED AS A WARMING AND COOLING
CENTER in Northern Boone County during our normal hours of operation, and a feeding center
during our Community Meals. In the event of inclement weather, the Thursday evening meals
will follow the Inclement Weather Plan for PGUMC as outlined below.
Inclement Weather Plan for PGUMC
If school and/or activities in the North Boone School District are
cancelled, church activities will be cancelled as well for that day.
Watch the TV station cancellation lists.
Please use discretion when deciding whether to venture out into the weather for church
activities. It may be worse along the way than it is at your home.
Overall, worship will not be cancelled, unless roads are absolutely impassible - but people
should still use their own judgment. Attendance is important, but not worth an injury or auto
accident.
FEBRUARY 2015 MESSENGER
Page 10
Hello Church! Did you know we have a Stephen Ministry program here? Do you know what a
Stephen Minister is? Stephen Ministers are people from this congregation that have received 50
hours of specialized training and numerous hours of ongoing training to be compassionate listeners
and spiritual partners with persons who are struggling through a difficulty in their life. This is a one
to one confidential and caring relationship with the same person throughout your journey that never
costs you anything. The church provides the training and ensures the ongoing supervision and
training of the Stephen Minister to ensure quality care is given to the care receiver at all times. If
you or someone you know is struggling with a difficulty and could use a person to journey with you
in a confidential and caring relationship, please contact me and I will get you connected with the
proper Stephen Minister.
If you feel that God may be calling you to provide this type of one to one care for others and would
like more information, I will be happy to meet with you and explain more. We are also looking to
train another Stephen Leader. Stephen Leaders do not have to be Stephen Ministers. They train the
new Stephen Ministers, provide supervision, match care receivers and Stephen Ministers together,
and provide for ongoing education and training. The church has a budget to pay for the training of
Stephen Ministers and Stephen Leaders. Most of our Stephen Ministers are involved in some sort of
caring relationships. Some are bringing communion to the home bound, and some are helping with
hospital visits. Others are leading specialized ministries. The opportunities are endless.
For February 11th at 6:30pm, we are planning to discuss materials from the American Cancer
Society that cover types, causes and treatments of cancers, and how ACS can help. This
information is open to the public should you be interested. For more information on anything
related to Stephen Ministry, please contact Dan Wilson (815)319-2090, or myself. You will be glad
you did!
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Danice Loveridge, Deacon
GriefShare is a friendly, caring group of people who will
walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult
experiences. You don’t have to go through the grieving
process alone. GriefShare seminars and support groups are
led by people who understand what you are going through and want to help. A person may join the
group at any time.
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 pm
~
Beginning March 3, 2015
Cost to participate: $15 participant booklet (scholarships available if needed)
For more information contact:
Evelyn 815-236-9247 or Steve 815-765-3284
FEBRUARY 2015 MESSENGER
Sunday 10am Greeter/Ushers:
Feb 1: Gordon & Maryann Akey, Steve & Leona Mundy
Feb 15: Agustin & Kristi Juarez, Sid & MaryLou Brooks
Feb 8: Roy & Sharon West, Judy Noe, Bob Edwards
Feb 22: Tom & Fayne Kniep, Bill & Donna Louis
Worship Times: Saturday 6pm, Sunday 8am & 10am
Nursery Care: Sunday 8:45am—11:30am
Page 11
Prayer Concerns & Around the
Corner Mid-week Announcements
Having a Hospital Experience?
Would you like to receive the monthly newsletter,
weekly prayer concerns and mid-week
announcements via email? Please visit our
website, pgumc.us
and click on the
“SUBSCRIBE” tab
to be added to our
email list. Contact
Linda in the church
office for
assistance.
the hospitals call the pastor or
We’re Recycling!
Please bring in your used ink cartridges, old
cell phones, old digital cameras, and laser
cartridges for recycling. The church receives
office supplies in exchange
for items recycled. A
collection box is on the
“Mission Collection Zone”
coat rack shelf in the
education hallway.
Contact Us:
People sometimes assume that
church to let us know when
someone is hospitalized. They do
not. We want to be there when
people need us. Please call the
church office, 815/765-2001.
Computer Lab
Do you need to access the internet for
school or work?
PGUMC has a community laptop available on:
• Wednesdays, 10:00am-3:30pm
• Thursday evenings, 4:00-7:00pm
Just drop in no appointment necessary.
Poplar Grove United Methodist Church
105 E. Grove St., Poplar Grove, IL (1-1/4 mile east of the intersection of Hwy 173 and 76)
Mailing address: P.O. Box 217, Poplar Grove, IL 61065
Office phone: 815-765-2001
Office hours: M,T,W,F 8:30am-4pm (closed Thursday)
Email General Office: [email protected]
Rev. Christopher Druce Jones, Senior Pastor: [email protected]
Rev. Danice Loveridge, Dir. Congregational Care: [email protected]
Kathe Keithley, Dir. Christian Educ. & Youth Ministry: [email protected]
Linda Geishert, Administrative Assistant: [email protected]
Poplar Grove UMC website: pgumc.us
Northern Illinois Conference website: umcnic.org
March Messenger Deadline is Friday, February 20, 2015