February 2021 MUSTARD SEED - Minooka United Methodist ...
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Volume 52 February 2021
MUSTARD SEED
Issue 2
The Joy Is In The Giving
Our church family offers us many ways to learn
And Being Together! and grow together in ministry. Thank you to
everyone who has given of their time and
talents!
Worship Meeting
New Year Resolutions
UPCOMING EVENTS
~February 7th & 14th - “Live in Harmony” Sermon Series
~Monday, February 15th @ 7 PM - Finance Meeting
~Wednesday, February 17th @ 7 PM - Ash Wednesday Service
~Saturday, February 20th @ 3:45 PM - Lenten Bible Study (In-person)
~Monday, February 22nd @ 6 PM - Lenten Bible Study (Zoom)
~Monday, February 22nd @ 7 PM - Book Study
~Tuesday, February 23rd @ & PM - Church Council
~Wednesday, February 24th @ 6:30 PM - Lenten Bible Study (In-person)
~Friday, February 26th @ 6 PM - Virtual Fellowship
2
Pastor’s Page - February 2021
“The Lord has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does
the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and
to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)”
Happy New Year! I pray that the new year has brought you joy and hope in the Lord! Following the challenging year in
2020, I am grateful for the resilience and faith of our congregation. Thank you for your flexibility, patience, and ongo-
ing support of our ministries.
On December 24, we celebrated our online Christmas Eve service. Thank you to everyone who pre-recorded readings
and musical offerings. Thank you to everyone who served as liturgists and AV techs. While it was not ideal to worship
apart from each other, we gathered for worship and celebrated the birth of our Savior.
After Christmas, my family was able to get away for several days. We spent a few quiet days at a retreat center where
we could recharge and reconnect with each other. I am grateful for the SPRC support of my time away. One of the
highlights from the retreat was walking on an outdoor labyrinth. It was covered in snow when we arrived, but I found it
and cleared the space. Every day, I found myself drawn to walk along with the steps of the labyrinth in the morning,
afternoon, and evening. As I walked, I heard only the sounds of my footsteps and breathing. This walk became a time
of prayer. (The picture above is a picture of me walking on this labyrinth.) As I circled the steps of the labyrinth, I lift-
ed up prayers for vision, MUMC’s future, my pastoral plans, and our congregation. I felt the encouragement and pres-
ence of the Holy Spirit with each step.
In some ways, 2021 is an extension of 2020. As we await the administration of the vaccine, we have to protect one an-
other and follow all safety guidelines. We need to continue to be patient, resilient, and flexible this year.
In East Asian culture, 2021 is the year of the ox. The ox is known for its patience and resilience. I encourage us to em-
brace the virtues of the ox this year. Instead of grumbling, let’s be grateful for each day and patiently watch the COVID
-19 positivity rate drop. Instead of getting frustrated and angry about canceled and/or postponed events, let’s find hope
in the positive things we are still able to do. Instead of being doubtful and cynical about ongoing safety regulations,
let’s find joy in God’s simple gifts every day.
We have endured so much as a nation (and world,) but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. With faith and hope
in Jesus, I am confident that MUMC will emerge from the pandemic stronger than before.
In several weeks, we will begin the season of Lent. This is the season of 40 days preparing ourselves for the celebration
of Easter. During Lent, I invite you to join our Lenten Bible Study on the kings and prophets of 1 & 2 Kings. The cur-
riculum is entitled, “Set Apart,” by Jessica LaGrone. This curriculum will help us grow and deepen our faith. Stay
tuned for more information about sign-ups. As we approach Easter, may we learn to “act justly and love mercy and
walk humbly with our God” (Micah 6:8).
I am excited to serve alongside the new MUMC leaders of MUMC, who were consecrated on Jan. 10th. I ask for our
congregation to pray for our 2021 leaders and support them as they lead our ministries throughout the year. 2021 will
be a vital time in MUMC’s history as we start building and transitioning our ministry to Ridge Rd.
As we wrap up our January sermon series, “Heal us, Lord,” I pray that all of you are taking small steps (today) to make
yourself stronger and healthier (tomorrow). Every week, we have covered a different area of health: physical, relation-
al, financial, etc. In the first two weeks of February, we will focus on the topics of friendship and companionship. I
encourage you to invite family and friends to these services that will focus on strengthening our marriage and friend-
ships.
Friends, life is a beautiful journey. While there are those unexpected and painful twists and turns, there are beautiful
sights and unforgettable experiences along the way. Of course, life is better when we walk with companions who can
love and laugh and serve one another. May God bless MUMC as we journey through 2021 together. Let’s remember to
keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author of our faith. Let’s be patient and faithful as we heed the invitation of Jesus
Christ, who calls us to boldly take new steps of faith.
Pastor Sarah
3
Minooka United Methodist Saturday 5:00 p.m.
In-person Worship
Church
205 West Church Street Sunday 9:30 a.m.
Online & In-person Worship
Minooka, IL 60447
815-467-2322 Please keep us informed of Tuesday & Friday 5 p.m.
minookaumc.com members who are critically ill Online Devotion
Facebook: Minooka United Methodist or in the hospital:
Office 815-467-2322
Church Pastor Sarah 815-212-5166
To be on our Prayer Chain,
Saturday Worship please call the Church Office.
5:00 p.m.
In-person Amidst this troubling time of insecurity, we have a celebration! One of our fam-
ilies has graduated from the pantry. They feel their lives are on a positive path
Sunday Worship Schedule and are more secure financially. They are confident they do not need our sup-
port. We wish for this for all of our families.
9:30 a.m.
Online & In-person In appreciation, they celebrated by donating some paper goods and detergent.
They gave all who supported the Pantry a heartfelt thank you. We will miss
Blended Worship Service seeing them but are happy for their good fortune.
December was a fantastic month for donations! The community is always gener-
Online Devotion ous, but in these unsettling times, it was extraordinary. Several organizations
Tuesday & Friday 5:00 p.m. took the initiative to organize and deliver an abundance of food and good-
ies. With people not socializing and not being out in the community, this was a
challenge! Thanks to the Middle School, churches, Scouts, and individuals who
Church Office Hours: made Christmas cheerier and the daily lives easier for the families of our pantry.
Wednesday & Friday Another “Thank You” must be given to Virginia, Bob, Johanna, and the teens
9 AM - 2 PM who helped date, organize, and put all the donations away. It is a BIG job!
Finally, we have another small celebration. Operation St. Nicholas and Costco
Administrative Assistant have added us to their networks. Costco donated 9 crates with 30 pounds each
Katie Wojcieszak of huge potatoes. They also gave us 3 boxes of onions. Our families were
thrilled.
Church Phone: 815-467-2322 Operation St. Nicholas donated money for our Christmas dinner and called me
Church e-mail: to let me know they are willing to help us in the future.
admin@minookaumc.com Every month as I think about what to write for this article, I always find some-
thing positive that has happened. I realize how fortunate our pantry is and how
much support and comfort we bring to the communi-
Pastor Sarah Hong ty, which benefits everybody. As a result of all the
815-212-5166 good news, we should all be thankful for a New Year
that is more positive and hopeful for better times.
pastor@minookaumc.com
Music Director Jean Jun, Virginia Guertin, and the Pantry Team
Jill Kohler
jlager97@gmail.com
“Peace is a Gift”
Peace flows from knowing whose we are and who we are. It flows from
knowing that God is in control, this is His world. Peace flows from time spent
in His presence. It flows through hearing Him speak to us in His word and by
His Spirit. It flows from giving all that troubles us to Him and trusting that
He will direct and guide us.
God gives us His peace in the hurried, broken, impatient world. We all need
His peace. “The Lord sits enthroned over the flood, the Lord is enthroned as
King forever. The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his peo-
ple with peace.” (Psalm 29:10-11). Sometimes it seems as if the demands of
life conspire to keep us from God. In this moment Lord, quiet our hearts and
minds, and breath peace into our souls as we wait on You.
In Christ,
Pearl Lindley, Certified Lay Servant
4
2020-21 Class Information
Virtual Sunday School
Videos will be uploaded on Friday afternoon on the Minooka UMC Children & Youth Facebook page to use at
your convenience. Family lesson packets are available outside of the church entrance.
Sunday School Lesson Plans
Date Pre-K through 5th Grade Date 6th through 8th Grade
2/7 John Baptizes Jesus 2/7 Who is the Greatest? (Mark 9:33-37)
2/14 The Meaning of Lent 2/14 The Best Seats at the Table (Luke 14:7-14)
2/21 Parables of Jesus 2/21 Collecting Treasures (Matthew 6:19-34)
2/28 Parables of Jesus 2/28 The Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)
February Class Schedule
~Sunday, February 7th - 11:00 AM (Zoom)
~Sunday, February 14th - No class
~Wednesday, February 17th - Ash Wednesday
~Sunday, February 21st - No class
~Sunday, February 28th - 10:45 AM (In-person)
Please pray for our Confirmands and their mentors.
Zachary Beitler (Marlin Hartman)
Mason Smith (Gordon McCoy)
Ava Staley (Cindy White)
5
Finance Committee
MUMC Finance Committee Highlights
All things considered for 2020, MUMC had a good year financially. In accounting terms, we ended the year in the black. We
were able to achieve this because of your faithful generosity. Our committees did a very good job of monitoring their spending
as well. A big thank you goes out to everyone for your ongoing support of our mission here at MUMC.
As we start opening things up, the offering plate will remain in the back of the sanctuary so please drop off your offering in
the plate as you walk by. If you are not worshiping with us in person, you can mail in your offering or take advantage of the
e-offering option. If you have questions regarding the e-offering, please reach out to
Mary Ray.
Looking forward to a successful 2021!
Shari Millard
(Finance Chair)
APPALACHIA SERVICE PROJECT
ASP 2021 is scheduled for June 12 - 19th in beautiful Kentucky. MUMC is
Soccer
looking forward to helping those in need this summer. Please contact Sunday
Marlin Hartman or the Church with your interest in completing our 2021 ASP
Mission trip.
We are looking for youth who have graduated 8th Grade and are still in High
School. They can be your child, grandchild, a neighbor kid, or just a good kid We will make the
you know. Besides the age qualification, they only need a good heart. There official announce-
will be a $200 deposit per youth required within the next couple of months. ment on the 2021
Scholarships are available if necessary. Soccer Sunday
Giving is a gift that reaps rewards for a long time. Give your time with members season after the
of our church in Kentucky in 2021. It will be an Adventure of a February Church
Lifetime. Council meeting.
Marlin Hartman 815-405-2978
Card Donations Appreciated Minooka UMC Leadership decided to forgo
our annual Fish Fry this year due to the con-
The Outreach Committee cerns of the COVID-19. We are very sad-
is welcoming donations of dened and disappointed but our top priority
unused greeting cards. We is to keep everyone safe and well. Let us
will be sending cards embrace this decision positively. The Fish
thought out the year and Fry usually brings in $400 to $500 in profits for our general
gladly accept cards for fund. If you would like to make a special donation to make
any occasion. Your gen- up for the lack of this fundraiser to go toward our general
erosity is greatly appreci- fund this year, we would truly appreciate it.
ated. There will be a col-
lection bin located in Fellowship Hall. Please join us in 2022!
College Care Valentine Card Project
Packages
The Outreach Committee would The Outreach Committee is asking for help with those who
like to send your college student a need extra care and love on Valentine’s Day. They are
simple gift of encouragement to looking for hand-written or handmade cards for local hos-
help finish this semester strong and pice patients and local nursing homes. Drop off your cards
let them know the church is thinking about them. If by Wednesday, Feb. 7th for distribution. You can also send
you would like your child or grandchild, who is cur- a card to our MUMC servicemen Dutch Nave and Ethan
rently attending college, to be included please provide Staley as well as their co-servicemen and women. You can
the office with your college students name, the col- drop off your Valentine’s cards for us to mail no later than
lege they are attending, their full mailing address, Wednesday, Feb. 3rd (We need time to mail them.) or you
and the name and contact information of the person can contact the office to obtain their addresses to mail
making the request. them directly.
6
SPECIAL DAYS SPECIAL PE0PLE February
2 Brad Gunderson 18 Kathy Joerger
2 Ethan Klug 19 Rodney Hiser
2 Joshua Yenser 20 Ethan Klug
3 Carol Lockwood 20 Helen Miller
5 James Kloiber 20 Alan Spencer
7 Judy Clusen 23 Andrea Miller
7 Avianna Giacomi 23 Trinity Staley
7 Shari Millard 23 Bob White 12 Claude & Karen Crawshaw
8 Margaret Lyons 24 Rosalynn Ehteshami-Afshar 23 Danny & Martha Ann
9 Anna Geyer 25 Les Dilday Harvey
9 William Kohler 25 Taylor Simios
9 Angela Van Winkle 26 John Larabee
10 Jay Giacomi 27 Marlin Hartman
11 Cindy Gossen 27 Mindy Closen
11 Connie Morris 28 Ross Gunderson
13 Michael Beitler 28 Dave Kasmer
13 Kaytlyn Harvey 29 Kim Coffman
15 Karen Hinds
February 2021
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6 Communion
6:00 PM AA 5:00 PM Online 5:00 PM Prayer 5:00 PM Online 9:00 AM Food Pan-
Meeting Devotion Partners Devotion try
5:00 PM Worship
7 Communion 8 9 10 11 12 13
9:30 AM Online & In- 6:00 PM AA 10:00 AM Food 9:45 AM Food Pan- 5:00 PM Online 5:00 PM Worship
person Worship Meeting Pantry try Devotion
10:45 AM Online Sun- 5:00 PM Food Pan-
day School 5:00 PM Online
try
10:45 AM Senior High Devotion
5:00 PM Prayer
Sunday School Partners
11:00 AM Confirmation
(Zoom) 6:00 PM Outreach
14 15 16 17 Ash Wednesday 18 19 20
9:30 AM Online & In- 6:00 PM AA 8:15 am Sr Exercise 5:00 PM Prayer 8:15 am Sr 5:00 PM Online 3:45 PM Lenten
person Worship Meeting 9:30 am Sr. Exercise Partners Exercise Devotion Bible Study (In-
10:45 AM Online Sun- 7:00 PM Fi- 5:00 PM Online 7:00 PM Ash 9:30 am Sr. person)
day School nance Devotion Wednesday Service Exercise 5:00 PM Worship
10:45 AM Senior High
Sunday School
No Confirmation
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
9:30 AM Online & In- 6:00 PM AA 8:15 am Sr Exercise 5:00 PM Prayer 8:15 am Sr 5:00 PM Online 3:45 PM Lenten
person Worship Meeting 9:30 am Sr. Exercise Partners Exercise Bible Study
10:45 AM Online Sun- 6:00 PM Lenten 5:00 PM Online 9:30 am Sr. Devotion (In-person)
6:30 PM Lenten
day School Bible Study Exercise 6:00 PM Virtual 5:00 PM Worship
Devotion Bible Study Fellowship
10:45 AM Senior High (Zoom) (In-person)
Sunday School 7:00 PM Book 7:00 PM Church
No Confirmation Study (Zoom) Council
28
9:30 AM Online & In-
person Worship
10:45 AM Online Sun-
day School
10:45 AM Senior High
Sunday School
10:45: AM Confirmation
(In-person)
11:00 AM Sunday
School Meeting (Zoom)
7
Life Line Screening, the nation’s leading provider of preventive health screenings, will offer afforda-
ble, non-invasive and painless health screenings at Minooka United Methodist Church-The An-
nex on Monday, February 22, 2021.
Why should I get screened?
For 4 out of 5 people who have a stroke, the first symptom of any illness is the stroke.*
Screenings provide Peace of Mind or Early Detection
A package of five screenings to identify risk for stroke, heart disease and other chronic conditions
will be offered. What's included?
Carotid Artery Screening (Plaque)
Ultrasound evaluation of the carotid arteries that screens for buildup of fatty plaque — the leading
cause of strokes.
Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening
Uses ultrasound and blood pressure measurements to check for peripheral arterial disease (plaque
build-up) in the lower extremities.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Ultrasound is used to screen for the existence of an aneurysm (enlargement) in the abdominal aorta
that could lead to a ruptured aortic artery.
Atrial Fibrillation
A quick and easy test using EKG electrodes placed on the arms and legs to identify the presence of
an irregular heartbeat at the time of screening. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of stroke by 5
times.
Osteoporosis Risk
An ultrasound measurement of the shin bone to determine abnormal bone mass density.
These 5 vital screenings are offered for only $149 and take 60-90 minutes to complete. If you regis-
ter today, you will receive a $10 discount. We also offer four screenings (plague, vascular disease
and heart rhythm package) for only $139.
Register by calling toll free 1-888-653-6441 or text the word "circle" to 797979.
8
Join us for a 2 week sermon series.
“Live in Harmony” – Blessings of friendship,
church, family, and marriage.
~Feb. 7th – “Live in Harmony” (Romans 12:16)
~Feb. 14th – “Live together in unity” (Psalm 133:1)
When I was a child our school was right across
from the church. All grades went to the same
school. I always felt that the Methodist Church
and Catholic Church watched out for the school
kids. Remember this was a time when Minooka
was a very small town. You could walk every
street in Minooka and a car would never drive by
you.
Lenten Bible Study I knew people died and went to heaven, but I
never realized that children did. Everybody knew
All-Church Lenten Study each other well. When I was in school a 13-year-
“Set Apart: Holy Habits of Prophets and Kings” old boy died. His name was Johnny Holt. All the
Join us for this 6 week study by students from school walked in a line to the
Jessica LaGrone Methodist Church to say good-bye to Johnny. As
(A bible study on 1 & 2 Kings). I saw him in the casket I was devasted to think
A sign up sheet is available in the narthex. God took children.
Weekly Topics I stayed away from church for a while. When I
Lent Week 1 – Set Apart by Being Consecrated came back I realized that Johnny’s parents, Cecil
(King Solomon) and Helen Holt, were singing in the choir. I
Lent Week 2 – Set Apart by Listening (Prophet Eli- couldn’t believe it. Why weren’t they home cry-
jah) ing? They had lost their son.
Lent Week 3 – Set Apart by Mentoring (Prophet Eli-
jah to Prophet Elisha) When I went to Sunday School I asked the teach-
Lent Week 4 – Set Apart by Practicing Humility er why God takes children and why are Johnny’s
(Prophet Elisha and General Naaman) parents were here at church? That Sunday School
Lent Week 5 – Set Apart by Worshipping God (King teacher was so kind and told me that God loves
Hezekiah) everyone. Johnny’s parents will always miss him
Lent Week 6 – Set Apart by Discovering God’s but he is with Jesus smiling and not hurting any-
Word (King Josiah) more. She said his parents will see him again in
Three Sessions to Choose From heaven.
Saturday 3:45-4:45 PM (In-person)
Dates: Feb. 20, 27, March 6, 13, 20, & 27 That kind and caring Sunday School teacher
taught a young girl a valuable lesson about fami-
Monday 6:00-7:00 PM (Zoom) ly and the power of our church. Today as I look
Dates: Feb. 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 at our windows I remember the Holt family and
Wednesday 6:30-7:30 PM (In-person) their love for our church. Every window in our
Dates: Feb. 24, March 3,10, 17, 24, & 31 church has a story to tell.
Sign up sheets are located in the Narthex. ~Gail Flatness
9
February 9:30 a.m. SERVICE VOLUNTEERS GROUPS/BOOK STUDY
February 7th Communion Book Club
LAY READER Shari Millard Book Club will meet on
February 22nd at 7:00 PM
____________________________ ______________________
February 14th
(Zoom).
LAY READER Mari Kirsch
_________________________________________________
The next book selection is
February 21st Mudbound by Hillary Jordan.
LAY READER Karen Gaba Contact Cindy White for more
_____________________________ _____________________
February 28th information.
LAY READER Shari Millard All are encouraged to join!
Communion February 6th & 7th
Pre-packaged Communion cups will be set out on
Mark Your Calendar for February 26th at 6:00 PM
February 6th at the 5:00 p.m. service and on The Zoom meeting link will be sent in email blast in
February 7th at the 9:30 a.m. service for you to take advance.
to your seat when you enter the sanctuary for in- Stay safe and well.
– Marlin & Adrienne Hartman.
person worship.
*No other food or drink will be permitted in the
church building . “World Religion” Group Study
Class will take a break until Easter. We encour-
Offering Envelopes age all those who attended these classes to par-
2021 Offering envelopes are now in ticipate in our Lenten Bible Study on the same
use. If you previously had enve- day and time. Lenten Bible Study information is
lopes and haven’t gotten them yet, located on page 8.
please check your mailbox in the
Fellowship Hall. If you would like Sign-up sheets are located in the narthex.
envelopes, contact Mary Ray at 815
-467-4101 or maryray1107yahoo.com. Please make
any checks payable to “MUMC” or “Minooka United Do you need a prayer partner?
Methodist Church”. For electronic Karen Gaba (Co-lay reader of
giving options, see instructions for My E-Offering MUMC) will be available for
below. prayer with you and stand in
agreement with you for your
Don’t forget to use My E-offering to donate on-line or concerns and needs. We meet
set up recurring giving! Go to www.minookaumc.com in the sanctuary every
and click on the red “Give” button on the top of the Wednesday at 5 PM.
webpage.
Senior Exercise
Classes will resume
February 16th! These classes are
You can visit our website at minookaumc.com to find the
monthly calendar. The Mustard Seed, Happenings, and free to attend and registration
bulletins can be found under our Resources on the website as is not required.
well.
Classes are held at:
March 2021 news is due into the office no later 8:15 & 9:30 on
than Monday, February 15th.
If you have any questions or articles you would Tuesdays & Thursdays
like in our next issue, please contact the office in the annex.
at 815.467.2322 or mumc2322@gmail.com.
10
Prayer Needs Healing & Recovery: Prayer Needs Healing & Recovery: All Military - Church Family
Amanda & Michael Michael Troy Herath
(Chris Vause) (Karen Crawshaw) Joe Ingraham
Anna Tom Morris
(Chris Vause) (Dennis Morris) Aleks Jones-LeDuc
Mary Bledsoe Jerry Knudson Charles Loverude
(Pegi Laneuville) Shane
(Cyndi Campbell) Matthew Kasmer
Don Brown
(Becky Brown) Stephanie Dutch Nave
Cindy (Shari Millard) Bret Nemitz
(Mary Ray) Ed & Debbie Thompson
Julie Thompson Kyle Platz
Erlene Crater
Denny & Michael
Tom Brian Riegler
(Gerry Pubentz)
(Marlin & Adrienne Hartman) Becki Wagnon Duane Schmitke
Dan (Gail Girard) Ethan Staley
(Debbie Thompson) Marie Webb’s grandson
Gus DeGuzman Joan Yunker Scott Tomlinson
Martha Ann Harvey (Kim Nave)
Bob Hammerstein Rev. Lora Zink
(Bonnie Davy) (Mari Kirsch)
Tianna Juley
Ray Lindley
*Please let the office know when someone’s name can be taken off the list.
Congratulations to: Sympathies to:
Kaitlyn Harvey (Danny & Beth (Paul) Froidcoeur on the passing of her sister
Martha Ann Harvey granddaughter) on -in-law Kristi Aupperle.
being accepted into the Masters of
Social Work Katherine Rushing on the passing of her brother
program at the University of Chuck Anderson.
Illinois Chicago. Danny and Martha
Ann are also happy to announce Kait- Connie Morris on the passing of her Aunt Gertrud.
lyn’s engagement to Danny Strohl
over Christmas Jill Kohler on the passing of her step-grandmother,
Joyce. Keep Jill’s grandfather, Barry in your pray-
ers.
Ray & Pearl Lindley on the passing of Ray’s sister
Esther.
Connie Morris on the passing of her cousin Bon-
nie.
Paige Vause and her family on the passing of her
grandfather, Ed. B.
Beth (Paul) Froidcoeur on the passing of her
brother-in-law, Pete B.
Brian (Jo Lyn) Lamping for the passing of his
father, Clarence.
Thank you to everyone who prayed for
me and sent cards.
~Glen Yunker
Minooka United Methodist Church
205 West Church Street
Minooka, IL 60447
815-467-2322
Www.minookaumc.com
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