June Newsletter 2018
Prospect United Methodist Church
20/20 Vision for 2020: Growing DEEP in Christ; Reaching WIDE for Christ
Last month, I shared an update on our 2020 Mission Statement (“Growing DEEP in Christ; Reaching WIDE for Christ”) along with an articulation of our Discipleship Pathway (from Waking to Christ to Worshipping Christ to Walking in Christ to Working for Christ to becoming a Witness for Christ). I believe that understanding discipleship as a path will help us identify the next steps that every believer must make in their quest to becoming more fully devoted followers of Jesus. I also shared some core bridge-pieces of the DEEP and WIDE discipleship path: Daily Devotions, Ecclesia (or small group) participation, Community Engagement, Prospect Member Care, Passionate Worship, Societal Impact, Discipleship of Children & Youth and Embracing Radical Hospitality. It is my earnest belief that a DEEP and WIDE disciple will be recognized by their involvement in these pieces of the disciple-making puzzle.
This month, I want to share our 2020 Vision Goals. As we look into the not-too-distant future, what are the measurable, and we hope attainable, goals that will help us measure our progress towards become a Growing DEEP and Reaching WIDE congregation?
It has been said that “Only hindsight is 20/20,” but we hope our 16 months of prayer-filled discernment has yielded a clear vision for our future. We believe that this future includes:
- 250 attendees in Sunday worship
- 50% of regular worship attendees in a small group, Bible study or other “+1” discipleship connection.
- 150+ members serving outside the church in “Prospect sponsored” service and/or mission opportunities.
- 50+ Children and Youth actively connected to the life of Prospect.
- 6+ adults first time visitors to Prospect each month.
250 in Worship: For many, regular worship is the centerpiece of a growing relationship with God and with a faith community, so we are dedicating ourselves to pursuing passionate, excellent worship experiences that will both engage our current members and help us welcome perspective new followers of Jesus. Our average worship attendance on Sunday mornings may not be above the 250 threshold by the end of 2020, but we are driven towards getting to the place where seeing that many in worship is a regular weekend occurrence.
50% in +1 Discipleship Connection: The Willow Creek Association’s Reveal research discovered that “reading and reflecting on Scripture,” “developing core Christian beliefs,” and “personal spiritual practices” represented the top three most significant catalysts for spiritual growth, particularly within the early stages of one’s faith journey. Helping people understand the Bible in greater depth was also the single most requested benefit sought by respondents from their local churches (87% of respondents).
Failure to help Christians take this worship “plus-one” step in their faith journey is to seriously risk allowing them to remain spiritual infants for an entire lifetime. Our Walk with Christ discipleship team will be tasked with developing “plus one” discipleship opportunities for children, youth and adults that offer a breadth of scheduling options and variety of depth in the hopes that more than half of our regular worship attendees will find a connecting place for such spiritual growth.
150+ serving in “Prospect sponsored” service and/or mission opportunities: Willow Creek’s research revealed that serving is “THE most catalytic experience offered by churches” for sustained spiritual growth. As Christians more fully Wake to Christ and embrace the core beliefs/practices of the faith, they must find opportunities to express their faith and utilize their Spirit given gifts to keep from stalling in their growth. Many of our members are already serving Christ in the community, but we want to provide more intentional opportunities for collective service because we believe that such organization will both facilitate relationship building within the Prospect family AND provide clarity for newer members of our faith community to recognize opportunities to get involved in using their gifts for Kingdom purposes.
6+ adults first time visitors to Prospect each month: Prospect has done much over the past several years to reach out to the Dunlap/North Peoria community with the message of God’s goodness and grace. We want to continue facilitating ministries that help us become Witnesses for Christ within the community. How will we measure our effectiveness as a Witnessing Congregation? …by the community’s response to our relational/invitational efforts. Both through the organization of “outreach events,” and a spirit of hospitality within the community, we expect to see at least 6 new adults coming to “check out” Prospect each month.
Are these goals highly aspirational? You bet they are?
Are these goals attainable? We believe that with God’s power, direction and grace…coupled with our diligent service, they are!
And I sincerely hope that you are as excited as I am about the journey we are on to make this 2020 life-transforming, disciple-making vision become a reality!
<><, Pastor Steve
JUNE 2018 CALENDAR
You can also download the printable version by clicking on the link!
Treasurer's Report
I do believe summer is here even though it is not June 20th. It has been very hot and so many things going on with graduations, Mothers Day, and of course vacations.
We have been able to pay our mission budget in full except for the Annual Conference items which will be paid the first week in June. We have been up to date with our Conference apportionments all year.
We have much to be thankful for. As you know we are now raising funds for our parking lot resurface this summer. It is just like having a house, there is always things to fix or update. Thanks to all of you that have generously given to this project.
We have come to the part of the year when our income seems to drop due to people not being in church due to vacations and such. Please remember Prospect United Methodist Church this summer and keep your pledges up to date.
There are several things to consider for our finances such as the second worship service that is being planned. We have the adult mission trip coming up, VBS, and our rummage sale. There is much going on in the life of PUMC.
Have a great summer and do keep COOL. -Bonnie Mankle, Treasurer
PARKING LOT PROJECT UPDATE
PARKING LOT PROJECT
Dear Friend:
On behalf of the Admin Council, the Trustees and the Finance Committee, we’d like to bring you up-to-date on the Parking Lot situation. This project has been discussed many times over the last two years and our committees have come to the conclusion that it can’t be put off any longer.
The low bid on the project was submitted by Hoerr Asphalt of Kickapoo for $85,250 for resurfacing, striping and sealing the entire lot front and back. Hoerr’s proposal is structured so that, while the entire project would be completed before the start of school this fall, we would only be required to pay half of the bill, or $42,625, with the balance to be paid evenly over the next two years.
An appeal to the congregation regarding the parking lot resurfacing project was made by e-mail and letter the week of May 7th. We are now four weeks into our campaign. The responses received as of June 1st include $32,243 in 2018, $12,300 in 2019, and $2,075 in 2020 for a total of $46,618! This is an additional $3,175 pledged since our last update to you a week ago. For this we are very, very grateful – thank you!
Despite the encouraging support received so far, the Finance Committee is reluctant to approve the work until we have the bulk of the $42,625 in hand for this summer and strong commitments from the congregation for the remaining two payments of $21,312 each that will be due in 2019 and 2020. The committee’s caution stems from wanting to keep any possible shortfall within range of what could be reasonably covered by our “normal” operating income and NOT wanting to create debt we can’t pay.
So, with that background, we urge those of you who have not responded yet to PLEASE consider joining those of the church family who have already committed to this project with a pledge. We are confident that, together, we can complete this much needed project.
Thank you for your support!
Dave Wickness, Lay Leader
Allan Spangler, Chair-Trustees
Bob Johnson, Chair-Finance Committee
2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE-IGRC TORNADO TUB DONATION KITS
The 2018 Annual Conference will be June 7th-9th at the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria.
The theme for the Annual Conference is Let's Get Fired Up: Moving Forward.
The purpose of the annual conference is to make disciples of Jesus Christ by equipping its local churches for ministry and by providing a connection for ministry beyond the local church. The annual conference consists of clergy and lay members.
This year, we are collecting supplies to create 'tornado tubs' that will be brought with us to annual conference. Kits contain the following items:
-$9 donation for 2 totes
-2 pairs of work gloves
-2 boxes of gallon-size plastic bags
-2 permanent markers (ie Sparpie)
-1 roll of duct tape (prefer colored, to label household items)
-2 dust masks (no surgical)
-24 heavy duty trash bags rolled (33-45 gallon)
-24 clear trash bags (30-33 gallon)
-1 canister of disinfectant wipes
*You can also contribute to the Advance Special #6620 and indicate "Tornado Tote" on the memo line.
If you would like to donate any of the above items, you can drop off your supplies or monetary donation to the church office anytime before June 7th.
PUMC ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE
Mark your calendars for Friday, June 29th and Saturday, June 30th from 8:00am-3:00pm, for our next Church Rummage Sale!
Please note: we will NOT be accepting items/donations until the week of the sale!
You can drop off starting Sunday, June 24th (until 1:00pm) and throughout the week of June 25th during the church hours of 9-1:30.
Volunteer sign-ups will be coming soon!
We will not accept the following items: TV’s, monitors, mattresses or clothing.
We will accept shoes and purses!
Contact Teri Durand at 339-7490 if you need an alternate drop-off time or have further questions!
HIGHWAY CLEAN-UP: JUNE 30th
Highway Clean-Up Needs your Help!!!
For all of you new members and friends, PUMC is responsible for cleaning Cedar Hills Dr. From Knoxville/Rt. 40 to Bland Rd. (See map below.)
We need 6-10 people meeting in the Banner School parking lot at 9:00 a.m. for approximately 1 hour on usually the last Saturday of the month. If there is a Sunday School class or family that would like to do it as a group but at a different time/day, that is great -- just get in touch with Lois Yoches (243-5062).
The county supplies the neon, reflective vests and trash bags; each person should bring working gloves and sturdy shoes. The cleanup works best if one person stays on the top portion of the ditch and one covers the lower part so no one has to walk up and down the steep ditch.
Next date of the season is Saturday, June 30th! See you in the Banner School parking lot at 9:00 am!
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
MISSION TRIP BRUNCH
A “love gift” can also be made to Chaddock. Checks can be made payable to Prospect UMC and note “Chaddock volunteer expense” or “Chaddock School” on the memo line. Thank you for your support!
CHADDOCK MISSION TRIP
The small maintenance staff always finds work opportunities to match our skills. We often don't know what jobs we'll be doing, however, all that we do demonstrates God's love to the children in residence and the staff. We plan to travel to Quincy July 22 and return on July 27th.
Reservations have been secured, but it is never too late to join! Some of us stay all week, others a couple of days. Please contact the office if you are interested in joining us!
If you are unable to participate in the mission trip you can support our effort by coming to brunch on June 10th.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE AT PUMC
RED CROSS PLATELET DRIVE
The American Red Cross had decided to transition its mobile apheresis program in the Heart of America Blood Services Region. Effective June 30, 2018, the Red Cross will continue to collect much needed platelets at Red Cross blood and platelet donation centers, rather than mobile apheresis drives.
Beginning in July, the Peoria Center will be open 7 days a week to make collection more convenient, consistent and cost-effective.
Our last drive will be on June 25th, there will not be a drive held here in May. To make an appointment you can contact our Red Cross coordinator, Sue, directly at 636-4407. If you would like more information on platelet donation, please feel free to contact the office for additional brochures. Please make your appointment soon! Every person makes a difference!
FOOD PANTRY NEWS
We could still use the following items: carrots, paper towels, chili beans, flour, sugar & Jell-O.
Thanks again, for coming to the Pantry's rescue, regularly! -Gloria & Nancy
SUKKAH IN JULY
SUKKAH is set for Sunday, July 9th and Sunday, July 15th.
Donation lists will again be grouped by your LAST NAME initial.
You can download the lists below or pick up a copy in the gathering area!
SCHOOL SUPPLY COLLECTION
Backpack Sunday will arrive sooner than we think, and PUMC will again be collecting supplies for our local grade schools. Below is a list of the school supply list. We will once again be donating to Dunlap Grade School. We will be collecting school supplies in the gathering space starting July 15th and the missions team is asked to help sort items and stuff backpacks after service on August 5th. We will look to have separate totes for each supply like last year. Thank you all in advance for all your help and donations!
Below is a list of supplies we are collecting:
*Regular Sized Book Bags (no wheels)
*Clorox Wipes
*Hand Sanitizer with a pump
*Small Scissors (blunt end)
*Spiral Notebooks (wide ruled)
*4 oz. Elmer’s Glue (White only)
*24 count boxes of Crayola Crayons (brilliant colors)
*Plain two pocket folders with clasps (no plastic)
*Large box of Kleenex
*Plain yellow #2 pencils (already sharpened)
*Large erasers
*Yellow highlighters
*Box of 8 washable markers
*Box of 12 colored pencils (sharpened)
*Ruler (standard and metric combined-not bendable)
*Fine tip black Expo markers (preferably washable)
Wilder -Waite has asked for donated Wal-Mart gift cards for students who need a change of clothes or clothing items. Unfortunately this has become a great need and usually teachers go and buy clothing items with their own personal money. If you are willing to get a Wal-Mart gift card or give money for this you can give to Corey Campbell or drop off in the office. Thank you!
ON-LINE SERMONS
No problem! Our Sunday sermons are now posted on-line! You can find them on our website and Facebook page!
MUSIC NEWS
CALLING ALL SPECIAL MUSIC PARTICIPANTS!
Each summer we rely on the talent in our congregation to provide us with excellent musical selections. In the past, we have had members sing, play piano, play a solo instrument, dance, read poetry… anything you can think would be worshipful. This would be a great way to get involved if you are too busy to be involved in choir or a regular group.
The following dates are STILL IN NEED of special performances to share for offertory:
July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
August 5, 12, 19, 26
Contact Kirsten at 309-361-5200 if you would like to sign up through me or you can walk over to the choir room (which is located at the end of the hallway adjacent to the sanctuary) and sign-up.
Looking forward to a wonderful summer! -Kirsten
MUSIC AND WORSHIP
Our kids aren’t (or shouldn’t be) the only ones still in school. As a church that wants to help you grow deep in Jesus so that we can reach wide for Jesus, we believe that Bible study and small groups are essential for our individual and corporate lives. You can join at any time, there is always room for you!
KYLE SMALL GROUP at PUMC, 6:00PM every other Monday, open invitation, CO-ED
*June 11th & June 25th
CAMILLA SMALL GROUP, Wednesday evenings @ 7:00 PM - Camilla’s house, women's group. Next study to start sometime in June with more details to come!
ADULT GROUP 10:15(-ish) Sunday mornings - Conference room, open invitation
BIBLE STUDIES: Breakfast with Jesus
Tuesday mornings from 8:30-9:30 (more details below)
(Feel free to contact the church if you're interested in starting/hosting a group at another time and/or location.)
Breakfast with Jesus: the Book of James
Our Tuesday morning Bible study is in the midst of a 12-week study of the Book of James. There’s no homework to do between sessions (although many choose to “read ahead”) and nothing to purchase. Each week we will read the text for the day, study it as a group, watch a short video led by Pastor Francis Chan, and close with some more discussion and prayer. And, just like the early disciples, we’ll eat together as we study together! Even if you have to miss a week, the videos are available to watch at home through the RightNowMedia website. (Contact the office if you need help accessing our church account.) We would love to have you join us!
METHODIST MEN
The United Methodist Men is on summer break! We will gather again on Monday, August 6th. We will announce more information on location and time when the is closer.
Please consider joining us when we return from break. All are welcome-young and old!!! Enjoy the good food & company! If there are questions, let Perry Camp know @ 309-678-5767 or pcamp1960@yahoo.com.
MARY MARTHA
Next Meeting: Monday, August 27th at 7:00pm.
*And mark your calendars for our fall bake sale on September 9th!
We chose the name Mary-Martha after we remembered the story in Luke 10: 38-42. Some of us in the group feel we’re like Martha moving from task to task. But we aim to be like Mary too, able to be still and learn from Jesus.
We give to Crittenten, Lessie Bates Neighborhood House East St. Louis, Cunningham Children's home, Silent Auction, Chaddock Christmas Child, 100% of our funds are given to mission.
We welcome all ladies to join us!
PROSPECT BOOK DISCUSSIONS
Everyone is welcome to join us as we talk about the PUMC book of the month. You don’t have to say anything if you’d rather not. You don’t even have to read the book!
We will meet again on Thursday, July 19, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss, Hillbilly Ellegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis, by J.D.Vance, 2016, 272 pp.
Questions? Suggestions for books to discuss? Contact Nancy Varness at 274-8124 or
CONGREGATIONAL CARE:
Our next meeting is set for June 3rd @ 8:00am before church in lounge.
Thank you x100 for ALL the help we got for the DHS graduation breakfast. We were able to serve around 170 seniors and the line was out the door!! God is so good and the Holy Spirit was truly alive in the PUMC fellowship hall (pics sent in previous email). I have to send an EXTRA special thank you out to my mother, Mary Pietreniak, for orchestrating this entire event and worked her magic to make sure enough food was provided and not much left over!!
THANK YOU!
We have been blessed beyond words and PUMC is one of those blessings. Every day is a phenomenal journey and we want everyone to know how important you are to us!
Thank you!
-Carol & Rick Boyer
Youth News
FUEL NEWS
Hey Prospect!
As we enter the summer months, Fuel will be gearing up for the fall to come!
This summer we are going to be extremely intentional with instructing students how to share their faith. Sunday mornings throughout the summer will focus on stories in the Bible that encourage to share our faith and how God can use us. We’re calling this “Summer Sunday Morning Snippets.”
As for Sunday night Fuel, we’ll be finishing up our series “Going Fishing” (it’s been a long series I know), which we’ll be talking about:
*How to Be Praying for Your Friends
*How to Not Be a Jerk When Talking About Your Faith
*Does God Actually Call Me to Suffer for Him?
*Fears Related to Sharing Our Faith (Pt I) - This will be a Q&A
*Fears Related to Sharing Our Faith (Pt II) - This will be a Q&A
*Fears Related to Sharing Our Faith (Pt III) - This will be a Q&A
*Fuel Prayer Night
Not only this, but we will be introducing worship to Fuel Sunday nights!
Thanks and God Bless! Evan Penn
FUEL YOUTH SCHEDULE
June 3rd: 5:30-7:30pm COMBINED (WITH A MEAL!)
June 24th: 5:30-7:30pm COMBINED (WITH A MEAL!)
July 8th: 5:30-7:30pm COMBINED (WITH A MEAL!)
July 29th: 5:30-7:30pm COMBINED (WITH A MEAL!)
August 5th: 5:30-7:30pm COMBINED (WITH A MEAL!)
Children's Ministry NEWS
KINGDOM QUEST
Summer is here and we are gearing up for a fun-filled summer of exciting activities for kids and adults. Starting Sunday, June 3, we will begin the summer schedule with Kingdom Quest during worship after the Children’s Message.
Thanks to Beth Pichaske, Jamie Hafele, Nikki Pollard, and Brittany Schwindenhammer, our awesome Kingdom Quest leaders. Please consider and let me know if you are interested in joining our Kingdom Quest team. We have an exciting new curriculum, SeedBed Kids, Trackers of Truth, which we will be rolling out this summer.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
And mark your calendars – Vacation Bible School is July 30 – August 3. Rolling River Rampage is coming to Prospect! Our kids will take a white-water rafting adventure to experience the ride of a lifetime with God. Along the river, they will discover that life with God is an adventure full of wonder and surprise, and that they can trust God to be with them through anything. Action-packed songs, exciting science, creative crafts, fun recreation, and memorable Bible stories will help the kids know that God is always with them as they ride the rapids of amazing grace.
Download a copy of the registration form below! Registration and volunteer forms will also be available online with hard copies available at the Welcome Center.
Please contact Pat Campbell if you have any questions.
PURPLE PANDA PRE-SCHOOL & AFTER CARE
Purple Panda Preschool is spending the summer making preparations for the next school year. Our staff will remain the same for the 2018-19 school year with Jamie Hafele and I continuing in our teaching roles in the Pre-K classroom and Cheryl Wolfe and PJ Hagerdorn and Missy Utley teaching our three year olds. We do still have a few openings for 2018-19 in our two day a week (Thursday-Friday) 3 year old class. We have also started a waiting list for afternoon Pre-K as of this writing, if there is enough interest there will be both a morning and afternoon session of Pre-K. We are also busy adding new materials to our library and some new toys and manipulatives for the classrooms.
We are also adding new equipment and activities to the after care classroom.
Please contact me through Dani in the Church Office at 243-7300 or e-mail me at pollard724@comcast.net if you have any questions or you would like a tour or if you are interested in enrolling a child in preschool.
Nikki Pollard—Director, Purple Panda Preschool & Prospect After School Care
CONGRATS TO OUR 2018 PRE-SCHOOL GRADUATES!
JUNE BIRTHDAYS
Right Now Ministry (online small group and devotional resources)
Prospect subscribes to the RightNowMinistry (“the Netflix of Christian Bible study”) resource, which provides all of our members with access to 1000’s of video led curriculums including offerings specifically geared towards books of the Bible, Parenting, Marriage, Single Living, Men, Women, Teens, Children, Leadership and Finances from a Christian perspective, and more.
Contact Pastor Steve if you do not have access to the rightnowmedia.org site (or have forgotten your log-in).
BIBLE ONE YEAR READING PLAN
Click the link below to download the 52-week Bible reading plan!
Prospect UMC
Email: dani.pumc@gmail.com
Website: www.pumcdunlap.org
Location: 300 E Ash St, Dunlap, IL, United States
Phone: 3092437300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DunlapProspectUMC/