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University United Methodist Church
Non-Profit Org U.S.
The Link
2818 N. University
Postage Paid
Peoria, IL 61604
Peoria, IL
Address Service Requested Permit NO. 650
Reaching out and welcoming all people to the love of God and Jesus Christ as we worship together and grow in faith.
MAILING LABEL
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What’s our Why?
This year we can expect some new things. Soon a new change in government leadership will take place. Our
denomination will surely look different. Millions of the new COVID-19 vaccines will reach communities. And
hopefully we will see justice for those marginalized and suffering in Peoria and throughout the world.
Most of us do not hold powerful positions to make sweeping and decisive changes. Knowing that can make us
feel small, helpless, and apathetic. Yet, we have the greatest power at our fingertips, the gospel of Jesus Christ.
He gave us the power and authority to go into the world and change it by making disciples. In fact, our mission at
University is, “to make disciples of Jesus Christ by reaching, teaching, and serving Peoria.” We can be agents of
change because we have been spiritually changed by a God that never changes.
Over the last year we have experienced amazing opportunities. We have served in ways that we never thought
we would. We’re doing great things and on a great path. I invite you to share our ministries and worship experi-
ences with someone who doesn’t attend church. This is a new year, so let’s not miss out on where God takes us.
Let me ask you a question. What will be our greatest resource in 2021? I believe the answer is prayer. I want to
invite you to pray with me a specific prayer this year. “God, breath in us a revival.” You know the saying, ‘be
careful what you ask for.’ Friends, who knows what God will do at University United Methodist Church as we
pray this prayer! I’m praying that prayer because I’m discerning my own pastoral ministry. As the pastor, I am
the vision caster and lead disciple. But I am just one part of the team. Officially, my job is to: teach, preach,
administer the sacraments, and order the life of the church. But I want to ask you, “what is your role?” I invite
you to discern your role as we anticipate a revival.
Mark 13:35 says, ‘stay awake’. I love that! Join me in staying awake so that we don’t miss out on mission, minis-
try, and a revival of relevance. In order to help us stay awake, excited, and in-tune with what is and could be
happening we will be offering an exciting quarterly opportunity. In 2021, join us quarterly for: Congregational
Check-In’s. Mark your calendar for the tentative dates below. The purpose of these gatherings is to hear from
ministry leaders about what is happening. It’s your opportunity to hear about what’s coming and offer your own
ideas. (This is not a suggestions box for complaints).
As your Directing Pastor, I know your expectations for me are high. You should know, my expectations for you,
the staff, and leaders will be equally high. If I give 100%, I will expect nothing less back. I want to invite you to ask,
‘what’s our why?’ What differentiates us from over 100 Christian churches in the Peoria area? What keeps us off
the top 10 best churches in Peoria according to Yelp? (Yes, I was surprised such a list exists too). What differenti-
ates us from over 10 United Methodist Churches in the greater Peoria area? What’s our why?
I look forward to reaching, teaching, and serving with you in 2021! Pray for revival and let’s discover our why!
Congregational Check-Ins:
April 25, 2021
July 25, 2021
October 24, 2021
January 30, 2022
Pastor Ethan
ethan.carnes@gmail.com
309-368-9216
@revecarnes
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Worship Time Contact us
Sunday Service: 10:00 am E-mail: peoriauumc2818@gmail.com
www.uumcpeoria.org 309/688-3486
January Birthdays
1 Gary Kerr
6 Jonna Wallace
8 Sam Richardson
10 Dale Risinger
12 Allen Beecher
13 Kim Wolpert
14 Joe McCarty
15 Drue Kelly, Cindy Vanek
17 Vickie Snyder
Prayer for family and friends 19 Jayne Ferguson
20 Julie Reed
Demetrio Ramirez Jeanie Childs 21 Ron Rich, Steve Roach
Gary Emery Dick Phillips 24 Loretta Arnold, Irene Sherman,
Marge Schussele Sandy Boyer Ben Siebenthal
Debra Hoelscher Ricardo Custodio 26 Joan Reider
27 Nancie Smallberger
Jack & Bev Keller Burnside Family
Mark Allsworth Ralph & Juanita Nelson January Anniversaries
2 Peter & Jolie Jennetten
Loved Ones Lost
5 Dick & Bonnie Brown
The Quickstad Family 30 Gary & Linda Millen
The Ruelos Family
The Adams-Wenger Family
Our precious church family member, Barbara
Quickstad passed away on December 23rd. Our
Offering Total for December 2020 sincerest love and heartfelt sympathy’s are with
$ 25,871.00 her family and loved ones. She will be sincerely
missed by all who knew her.
Newsletter Mailing Date: The FEBRUARY LINK will be sent on Friday, February 5th.
All articles are due by Monday, February 1st. Thank you!
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“Thank you so much! You have no idea how much this helps our family. Thank you. At least my kids will
have something to open. Merry Christmas.”
Dear UUMC Family,
The above is a thank you that I received from one of the Tazewell/Woodford Head Start families that we
helped this past Christmas. As you know, I was apprehensive about how it would “work” this year with
helping needy families as we had done in the past. But, the response to my plea for help was overwhelm-
ing! God did, indeed, answer my prayer. Thanks to Julie Cramer, Jayne Ferguson and Donna Ashley for
helping to purchase and wrap gifts for the first family with four children. As I had thought might happen, a
2nd family with SIX children was in need of gifts at the last minute. However, Tara Agama contacted me and
told me that she wanted to give gifts to all six of those kids! Oh, my goodness! I was so thankful!! I
thought, how in the world are we going to buy and wrap gifts for six more children at this late date! Not
only did Tara purchase the gifts, but she wrapped them too! Words cannot express how grateful I
was. So! THANK YOU to ALL of you who contributed money so these families could celebrate Christ-
mas. Not only did the children receive gifts, but we filled clothes baskets with “essentials” for the families
too. Laundry detergent, toliet paper, paper towels, dish soap, towels, dish clothes, Christmas paper plates/
napkins, hot chocolate, underwear and socks for the kids and several special gifts for the Mom and
Dad. Without all of your help and generosity, this would not have been possible! Thank you from the
bottom of my heart. May God richly bless each of you in 2021 and keep you healthy!
God Bless!
Joanne Barnwell
ADDITIONAL WORSHIP OPTIONS…. HOW TO USE ZOOM
Unable to listen online? No problem! Did you know?
Give us a call if you would like a copy of You can participate in ZOOM with a landline, cell-
the Sunday sermon. phone, smartphone, or computer!
Tutorial Resources: https://support.zoom.us/hc/
en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-Video-Tutorials?
_ga=2.213697940.1428979513.1596129946-
1735166787.1588697354
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Missions Committee
Good News!! The Adopt A Turkey project brought in $2,715 for Missions to use to help spread
Jesus’ love among the hungry and hurting, wherever they are. We are grateful for your faithful
support, thank you.
At a recent meeting, plans were made for spending the money and for other areas that Missions is
now responsible for.
For designating the money, our first priority is to use the “5 Star Church” guidelines throughout the
year. There are five points that have to be met to be a 5 Star Church.
1st. Pay our Conference claims, and Jim Dooley sees to it that happens with your pledges.
2nd Give salary support to a missionary. The missionary we have supported for several years is
Priscilla Jaiah in Liberia.
3rd Take at least three of six special offerings recommended by the Annual Conference. We have
chosen, as a minimum, UMCOR (One Great Hour of Sharing), Native American Ministries and Peace
with Justice.
4th General Advance Specials: There are many, but we have chosen Heifer International, Church
World Service Blanket Sunday (which is an all church offering), and Ganta Mission Station Support.
Our missionary, Priscilla Jaiah, is superintendent of this Mission Station.
5th An Illinois Great Rivers Conference Advance Special. There are many options, but we think
Bethel United Methodist Church’s “Feeding God’s Children” ministry would be good and hopefully,
we could physically help them. Another is Common Place’s food pantry and tutoring programs.
Depending on the money, United Methodist Midwest Mission Distribution Center is another one.
We also have budgeted money and would donate some to local food programs.
Our Charge Conference has approved two other areas to begin work in this year. One is racial
justice/racial equity. Our church is one of six churches in a Faith Alliance for Racial Equity. This
group is working alongside the Black leaders in our community. Our Police Chief is retiring soon,
so we are going to try to influence the criteria used for selecting the next chief.
One other area to explore this year is to resettle a refugee family or at least help a new refugee
family to resettle.
We ask God’s blessings and your support as we endeavor to do God’s
work on earth. Barb Gurtler, Chair
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Outreach Committee
January, 2021
Happy New Year from the Outreach Committee! What a year 2020 was and although we were not able
to do much outreach in person, many in our church were involved in virtual outreach. Our thanks to
those who worked with James on his outreach efforts to families and young people in our community,
also to the Congregational Care Committee which provided small gifts and Christmas Cards to many in
our congregation. A number of other committees continued to function and bring people closer to Christ.
2021 gives us an opportunity to restart many of our efforts and to promote new ideas that will enhance
the spiritual relationship within our church and in the greater Peoria Community. The committee will be
meeting in mid-January to discuss how we can best accomplish our goal of reaching people and making
disciples for Jesus Christ.
We want YOUR input. Do you have an idea for us to consider and present to the Ad Council? Is there a
volunteer activity we can be involved in while remaining socially distanced? Would you like to be part of
the committee? If you answered ‘yes’ to either question, please contact me at the phone or e-mail
below.
May God bless us in our efforts to enhance our church offerings for our membership and the greater
Peoria community.
Jan Deissler – 635-1872
Jandeissler77@gmail.com
During these “post” Holiday days, it might be a good time “Altar flowers will be suspended until in-person
to color some pictures for our “Coloring Ministry”, for worship resumes. There are still several Sun-
our shut-ins. Grab a cup of hot chocolate and color
days open through November if you wish to
away! After you are finished, you can take the pictures to
James Newlan and he will see that they get to the appro- reschedule your arrangement. Hopefully the
priate people. It is just nice for some of our people, who mitigation will be lifted sooner than later.
are unable to get out and about, to know that we are
thinking about them! No artistic skills required. They Blessings,
won’t even care if you color outside of the lines! Jane Bell and Karen Mohnen
Joanne Barnwell
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Grief and Me
If you find yourself in a season of grieving, these sessions are for you. The purpose of this group is
to support one another by grieving in a shared community. Grief is a shared process and a jour-
ney. Healthy grieving takes place in a community. There is no right or wrong way to
grieve. Whether your loss was yesterday or decades ago, a loss is a loss. Grieving is a vital pro-
cess. Grief can come from any loss or change in life. If you feel like you are stuck, anxious, lost,
alone, or misunderstood, join us. The group is led by a trained facilitator. Due to the pandemic,
Grief and Me will be 100% online and self-paced. Because of the online format, this group may
appeal to persons who may be shy. However, all participants may support each other through a
shared discussion platform.
Sessions involve grief guidance, coping strategies, clinical expertise, communal guidance, and tools
for environmental adaptation. Grief and Me is open to all people, regardless of faith-community
or belief. This is formatted for adults.
Details:
How do I sign up: Sign up begins on February 7. You can sign up online at: www.uumcpeoria.org/
ministries. The Grief and Me section will be found on that page, along with resources, details, and
session videos. Only those signed up will have access to Grief and Me resources. Sign up closes on
February 14.
Format: Grief and Me will be 100% online, so you will need web access. The group is self-paced,
formatted for individuals. A new session will be posted each week, along with sessions materials.
Resources: Participants will have access to a weekly on-demand video topic. In addition, a ‘grief
workbook’ will be available to use based on the weekly video. A discussion chat function will be
available for participants to use to find support.
Follow Up: Pastor Ethan will serve as the facilitator. However, other clinicians and experts will be
included in various sessions. Participants are always welcome to contact
Pastor Ethan for pastoral care and counseling anytime.
Sessions and Posting Dates: Sessions will be posted on Sundays at 6
pm. Participants can utilize the posting anytime in the week.
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Feb 14: Understanding Grief • The stages of grief and affect
• Grief myths
• Caring for yourself & expectation
Feb 21: Reacting to Grief • Coping exercises
• Reactions to grief
• Normalizing your grief
Feb 28: Sharing Grief • Sharing the story
• Coping with emotions
• Naming loss
Mar 7: Roles in Grief • Family dynamics and changes
• Moving forward in new roles
• Mourning and knowing
Mar 14: Changed by Grief • Spirituality and grief
• Moving forward
• Disabling
Mar 21: Grief Rituals • Mourning and rituals
• Saying goodbye
• Naming your healing
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2021 Leadership
Elected at the October 7, 2020 Charge Conference
Administrative Leadership
Administrative Council* Worship Team
Doyle Long, Chair Jan Deissler, Marcy Wilson, Doyle Long, Brian Wilson,
Dave Barnwell, Vice-Chair James Newlan, Susie Brown
Jan Deissler, Secretary
Linda Millen, SPPRC/Lay Leader Congregational Care Team
Mike Snyder, Trustee Chair Sherry Emerick, Linda Millen, Lorene King, Darlene Athey,
Bill Meyersick, Finance Chair Cari Borland, Jan Deissler, Barb Gurtler
Joanne Barnwell, Nominations Vice-Chair
Lorene King, Congregational Care Chair Family Ministries Team
Barb Gurtler, Missions Chair James Newlan, Susie Brown, Mary Lou Littlejohn
Jim Dooley, Treasurer Discipleship Team
Cari Borland, Discipleship Chair Cari Borland, Small Groups Leaders, Lori Miller, Linda
Renee Kilkduski, UMW President Millen, James Newlan, Susie Brown
Max Shelton, Finance Secretary
Brian Wilson, Building and Grounds Outreach Team
Program Staff: James Newlan, Susie Brown Jan Deissler, Renee Kilduski, James Newlan, Jayne
Ferguson, Barb Gurtler, Linda Millen, Lorene King
Finance Committee*
2021: Fred Rutter, Cari Borland Mission Team
2022: Bill Meyersick, Louis Krick, Jim Mosher Barb Gurtler, Mike Snyder, Bettie Meeks-Bennett, Jim
2023: TBD Hutcheson, John Allsworth, Loretta Arnold
Board of Trustees* Decorations Team
2021: LInda Hahn, Steve Van Winkle, Brian Wilson Loretta Arnold, Max Shelton, Karen Mohnen, Jane Bell,
2022: Pat Stuart, Gary Millen, Dave Barnwell Sharon Burke
2023: Steve Roach, Emil Deissler
United Methodist Women
Staff/Pastor Parish Relations* Renee Kilduski, President
2021: Cari Borland Joanne Barnwell, Sherry Emerick: Pricilla Circle
2022: Dave Fauser, Jim Mosher Louise Krick: Ruth Circle
2023: Linda Millen, Kristy Worrell
Usher Captains
Nominations & Leadership Development* Doyle Long, Kristy Worrell, Jim McCollum, Jayne Ferguson
2021: Joanne Barnwell, Judy Van Winkle
2022: Pat Stuart, Jane Funk, Loretta Arnold Staff
2023: Steve Roach, Jack Keller
Rev. Ethan Carnes, Directing Pastor
Other Committees and Teams Marcy Wilson, Office Manager
Susie Brown, Director of Worship Ministries
Building and Grounds
James Newlan, Director of Family Ministries
Brian and Marcy Wilson, Julie Cramer, Gary Millen, Linda
Sherilyn Robinson, Accompanist
Millen, Jayne Ferguson, Keith and Cari Borland, Loretta
Praise Team: Katilin Adams-Wenger, Trevor Hoskins,
Arnold, Sam Hammon
Jennifer Walker, Caitlyn DePriest
Memorials Committee Accounting: Jacob Auge
Loretta Arnold, Janet Colvin, Mike Snyder, Bev Keller, Custodians: Bettie Meeks-Bennett, Tara Agama
Louise Krick, Max Shelton, Jim Dooley, Jacob Auge (staff)THE LINK PAGE 12
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