October 2019 Newsletter
Prospect United Methodist Church
C.A.L.M. in the Chaos
With Kingdom Quest having launched into a new school year, choir and our 525 Praise Team back in action, new youth ministries beginning under Aaron Hisey’s leadership, Purple Panda Preschool and aftercare up and going, Turkey Dinner and Silent Auction preparations in full swing, preparing our leadership vision (and budget) for 2020…things are hectic here at Prospect. I imagine things are hectic in your lives, too!
Many of us run at a hectic pace. The world is full of uncertainty. Life can feel out of control. There is much to feel anxious about.
God has an answer…His name is Jesus. Jesus died on the cross to bring us back into an eternally lasting relationship with God. And Jesus is sitting on the throne of heaven today so that we can experience a measure of CALM right now.
King Jesus’ prescription for the anxious condition of His subjects?
Philippians 4:4-8
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul writes,
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
This is a Hall of Fame, highlight it in your Bible, create a verse image on your Bible app, write it on your heart, memorize it as a family Scripture passage if ever there was one!
Living into this Word from our Maker can bring CALM into our chaos.
C.A.L.M.
Celebrate God’s Goodness (Rejoice in the Lord always.)
Ask God for Help (Present your requests to God.)
Leave your Concerns with God (Do not be anxious about anything; (live) with thanksgiving.)
Meditate on Good Things (Think about excellent, praiseworthy things.)
There’s trouble out there…it often goes by the names of division, difficulty, divorce, disaster, disease and death.
Join us in worship this fall as we learn to trade our anxiousness for God’s gift of CALM. We will lock in on Celebrating God’s goodness (even in the midst of life’s storms) as September turns into October; we will spend a few weeks learning to Ask for God’s help; we will wrestle with the difficult task of Leaving our concerns with God; we will enter the Thanksgiving season with our own focus on Meditating on the good things God has offered. Throughout our worship, we will cling to the best thing: Jesus!
I hope that you can join us. Life is hard. The world can be cruel. Storms and stress are always looming on the horizon. But God is good…all the time.
<><, Pastor Steve
OCTOBER CALENDAR
You can also download the printable version by clicking on the link!
Treasurer's Report
I read this poem this morning and wanted to share with you:
“Secure in Him”
By Helen Steiner Rice
"Faith makes it wholly possible
To quietly endure
The violent world around us
For in God we are secure.”
As you think about this world and even in Peoria about the violence we need to remember this poem. With your help we can continue to be a place where people can come and feel secure whatever their trials may be.
We have paid our financial obligations and those to the Conference.
The trustees have continued to be very busy updating and fixings things around the church.
We are thankful for those who have done the labor as this has saved the church much money.
It is that time of year when the finance committee will be setting the budget for 2020. This will be brought to the Ad Council for approval before the Charge Conference for a vote.
Our really big fund raiser for the year is the Turkey Supper and Silent Auction and we would like all to participate as this is to welcome the whole community into our church for fellowship and a good meal as well as check out the items at the auction. This is a time when we as a congregation can work together and get to know each other. Hope to see all of you there.
We continue to be able to pay more each month on the mortgage than the minimum payment and I say thank you to those who are giving so faithfully to the building fund. It great to see that mortgage number get smaller each month.
May all of you have a great fall and enjoy the colors as they begin to show.
God Bless, Bonnie Mankle, Treasurer
Thankful Hearts
Stewardship Note
AUTOMATED WITHDRAWAL FORMS
If you use the Automated Withdrawal System to make your regular offerings to Prospect, and your pledge will include a change in your giving amount (or you want to change the timing of your withdrawals), you will need to complete a new Automated Withdrawal Form. The forms will be located in the binders you will receive during the Stewardship campaign or you can download a copy below.
As always, your commitments of time, energy and finances are all greatly appreciated!
Dunlap Homecoming Parade Activities @ PUMC
The Methodist Men and Congregational Care Team will be serving hot dogs, chili and lemonade under the pavilion during the DHS Homecoming Parade. Stop on by for refreshments and good food!
We will also be providing an outreach activity for the community before, during and after the homecoming parade to benefit our own Prospect food pantry. For the price of $1 or a can of food, kids will be able to run through an inflatable obstacle course. Make sure to stop by and see us!
Charge Conference: Sunday, October 20th
Our annual “Charge Conference” with District Superintendent, Rev. Jim Barnett is set for Sunday, October 20th from 3-5:00 PM at Bloomington Wesley UMC. All administration, Board Members and Committee Chairs should plan to attend.
ALL PUMC members and friends are invited.
PUMC CHURCH CLEAN-UP DAY: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26TH
Roll Up Your Sleeves & Help Make Our Church Beautiful!
Our annual fall church clean-up day is Saturday, October 26th starting at 8:00 am. This is a great time to come out in fellowship with others to 'shine up' the church in preparation for our upcoming Turkey Dinner and Silent Auction! There are many jobs large and small & tasks for all ages!
**A sign-up sheet is located in the gathering area divided into specific tasks and locations around the church. If the 26th doesn’t fit your schedule, please sign up for the task you want to tackle and perform that task at a time that works for you.**
Many hands make light work, so sign up today!
Highway Clean-up-Last One for the Year!
The good weather means that Highway Cleanup time is upon us. 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.
Last date is Saturday, October 26th! See you in the Banner School parking lot at 9:00 am!
TRUNK-OR-TREAT
TRUNK-OR-TREAT VOLUNTEERS
Interested in hosting a parking spot on October 27th?! A volunteer sign-up is available at the Welcome Desk or you can shoot Dani an email to get you on the list.
TURKEY DINNER & SILENT AUCTION
ANNUAL TURKEY DINNER & SILENT AUCTION
WHAT: PUMC Annual Turkey Dinner and Silent Auction
WHY: PUMC’s largest community event
WHEN: Sat. November 2 from 4:00 to 7:00pm
(Silent Auction 3:30 – 7:00pm)
COST: $14 adult, $6 child (5 to 12 yr.) in advance, Tickets at the door $15 adult, $7 child
Did you Know: Proceeds from the Turkey Dinner and Silent Auction allows PUMC to contribute to additional community outreach initiatives (i.e. Food Pantry, Local, Conference and Worldwide Mission Programs, Youth and Children)
What we Need: Your time! It takes our complete church family to support this event! Church Prep, Set up, Food Prep, Serving, Carry Out, Clean up, Silent Auction. Something for everyone at every age!
Next Steps: Ticket Sales and Sign-up sheets will be available beginning on Sunday Sept 29
Any questions, please contact a Turkey dinner team member. (Ben Hafele, Mike Pollard, Craig Stroup, Jim Durand) or Silent Auction team members ( Dana Stroup and Bayaraa Carlson)
**New health department rules for homemade desserts for 2019 Turkey Dinner:
Homemade desserts are allowed! A sign will be posted informing that the desserts may contain ingredients that some guests could be allergic to. No “custard based” dessert that requires refrigeration is allowed, those will have to be store bought.**
SILENT AUCTION
We are now accepting Silent Auction donations! Forms are available at the Welcome Desk or download a form below.
Need an idea on what to donate? Below are items that where a huge success in the past: antiques and collectibles, trips, or use of vacation homes or time shares, gift certificates to anywhere, artwork, photography, floral arrangements, themed baskets, handcrafted items, sports equipment or sport packages, event tickets, and services (donate your time or talents i.e.), baked goods, catered meals, lawn care, snow removal, baby-sitting, handyman for a day, painting, or a lesson. We will accept new items only, except for any antiques or collectibles pre-approved by the auction committee.
Dunlap Senior Center at Prospect UMC!
The Senior Center is located in the Fellowship Hall at PUMC and is open every Tuesday and Thursday (except for holidays) from 9:00am-3:00pm for men and women 50 years and older. The Senior Center provides a warm & free setting where you can meet people, join a card game, put together a puzzle, play Mexican Train dominoes, or just sit and chat with a cup of coffee. Questions? Please email the coordinators at dunlapscac@gmail.com.
CHOIR NOTES
Choir is back and happy to start the 2019-2020 season! However, we do need more singers. If you can't make it to Wednesday practices at 7:00 PM, come join us at 8:15 on Sunday mornings. We will practice each Sunday's song at that time.
Please join us! As a member of the choir once said, "Not only is it fun, but it's good exercise."
FOOD PANTRY
We are a member of the Peoria Anti Hunger Coalition. Our food pantry feeds people in the Northern Peoria County. We serve an average of 75-80 people per month.
The pantry is open on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00am - 11:00am.
“COATS FOR KIDS” SPONSORED BY THE SALVATION ARMY
It might seem early, but colder weather is on the way, and we want to provide coats to those in need before it gets cold!
The Salvation Army is in need of new or CLEAN, gently used coats for all ages. Prospect UMC will have 2 barrels available beginning Tuesday, October 1st in which to place these much needed coats.
Coats for ALL ages, infant through young adult, are needed. Donate CLEAN, gently used coats or shop the sales and buy a new coat for someone in need.
Cold weather will be here before you know it, and all of God’s children deserve to be warm.
You may donate your coat through October 28th!
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY: A TIME OF THANKSGIVING
When we come together to celebrate the Lord’s Supper old energies are to be centered on the marvelous works of grace God has so extravagantly given us. Communion is also often referred to as the Eucharist, or The Great Thanksgiving. The most important thing we do when we come to the Communion Table is say, “Thanks!” to Christ for the gift of mercy.
World Communion Sunday (October 6th) reminds us that we are all part of the global Body of Christ. This world would really be enhanced if all focused on that which is held in common rather than differences, Holy Communion reunites the Church. “Because there is one loaf, we who are many, are one body in Christ.”
BANDAGE PROJECT
We will be rolling bandages for Global Health Ministries on October 17th at the church at 3:30 pm. Global Health Ministries sends containers of medical supplies to mission hospitals all over the world. We would love to have you join us!!!
“SHARE A LITTLE CHRISTMAS!”
The holidays will be here before we know it. PUMC will again be asked to open their hearts to remember those residents of Chaddock Home with Christmas gifts. Please watch for details in the next newsletter detailing all the information you might need. Thank you to all those who wish to show they care.
FOOD PANTRY NEWS
The pantry is looking for a few people to help out on service days (Tuesdays & Thursdays 9-11:00am) when Gloria or Nancy aren’t available. This includes working with the guests and restocking the shelves. Please let us know if this might be a way for you to serve.
Plans are also in the works for our upcoming Holiday Food Baskets. More details coming soon.
We are in need of: stuffing, canned pasta, peanut butter (reg & crunchy), juice boxes, fruit cocktail & shampoo.
Thank you for your continued support! Gloria & Nancy
SNACKS FOR DGS STUDENTS
New Members and Baptism
ON-LINE SERMONS
No problem! Our Sunday sermons are now posted on-line! You can find them on our website and Facebook page!
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!
ALL-CHURCH LUNCHEON: Meets on the last Tuesday of the month at Noon; potluck, open invitation
CAMILLA SMALL GROUP, Wednesday evenings @ 7:00 PM - Mary Pietreniak's house, women's group, open invitation. We will be reading the book One Minute After You Die by: Erwin Lutzer
DEEPER STILL 10:00 Sunday mornings - Conference room, open invitation
BIBLE STUDIES: Breakfast with Jesus
Tuesday mornings from 8:30-9:30, open invitation (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
Our Tuesday morning group meets at 8:30 am in the church’s conference room. Contact the church office if you would like more information about either group, or would like to talk to Pastor Steve about forming your own midweek or Sunday morning small group for intentional Bible study, Christian discipleship and fellowship!
METHODIST MEN
Methodist Men will meet again on Monday, October 7th at 6:00pm. Mark your calendars: We will also be serving hot dogs during the Homecoming Parade on October 3rd.
Please consider joining us for our meetings and events. All are welcome-young and old!!! Enjoy the good food & company! If there are questions, let Randy Juskiv know @ randaljday@yahoo.com.
MARY MARTHA
Mary Martha will meet on Monday, October 28th at 7:00pm!
Please consider joining us this fall! We give to ministries that include 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
Our last 2019 gathering will be at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, November 11, to discuss We Fed an Island: The True Story of Rebuilding Puerto Rico, One Meal at a Time by Jose Andres. Led by Chef Andres, a team of volunteers, including other chefs, fed hundreds of thousands in Puerto Rico after the terrible devastation of Hurricane Maria in the fall of 2017. Many of the Americans living on the island were without clean water, food, electricity, gas, and means of communication or travel. They were desperately in need of assistance in order to survive (and, sadly, many did not survive the hurricane and aftermath).
Questions? Suggestions for books to discuss? Contact Nancy Varness at hvarness@mchsi or call 309-274-8124.
SOUL CAFE
We would just like to thank everyone who signs up to help with Soul Cafe, whether it be bringing treats/drinks or serving it is VERY appreciated. Many have truly been enjoying the fellowship in between the services!
HOME COMMUNION
Please see Mary Pietreniak if you are interested in serving or receiving home communion.
YOUTH NEWS
Hello church!
For the month of October, I’d really like the church to pray for the heart of a specific youth you know needs to be present. Think of a friend or family that loves the Lord or hasn’t yet met Him. Prospect can be a new home, and I believe it starts with intentional prayer.
Please pray this prayer with me:
Almighty God there is wondrous potential in store for Dunlap. Make your name known to all of your children. I pray the church welcomes new kids with open arms and glorifies your name. Let that potential be unleashed and see the beauty of your will in action. The future of the church isn’t here yet, but they’re coming. Set them on fire Lord. Amen.
We will continue Sunday morning discipleship (10:00-10:45) in the basement youth room. We are getting to know one another while answering faith/theology-based questions that the youth have asked. Aaron is also looking to meet with youth (and families) over lunch on Sundays following the 525 Worship Service. Contact Aaron if your teens want to be a part of this lunch gathering. (Or just have them show up.)
PROSPECT KIDS
Join us for the Dunlap Homecoming Parade on Thursday, October 3. Come see us under the
before and after the parade for free lemonade, chili & hot dogs!!! For the price of $1 or a can of
food, kids can run through an inflatable obstacle course! Proceeds to benefit our Prospect Food Pantry!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 27th from 4-5:30 for our annual Trunk or Treat event!
PURPLE PANDA PRE-SCHOOL & AFTER CARE
During our first month of preschool, we have been busy getting to know our students. Our three year olds are off to a great start and they have been busy learning the preschool routine, playing, making art projects.This past month the 3 year old's celebrated Grandparent's Day during class! They treated their family to snacks, crafts, a photo-op and a special song they prepared for them. It was a great day! Our Pre-K has been busy reading books about Pete the Cat, learning how to write their first names, cutting with scissors, and have already learned 3 letters of the alphabet (sounds, recognition, and printing). Both classes have learned about apples and even went on a joint field trip to Tanners Orchard on a Friday afternoon.
We have a few openings in our 4's afternoon class. It runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Noon-2:30. We are also wait-listing for our 3's Thursday/Friday class. Students must be 3 years old and fully potty trained to begin preschool! Please email Mrs. Pollard at purplepandapreschool@gmail.com if you’d like more information or a tour!
After Care is also is full swing and we have a great group of kiddos! Registration reaming open for full time, part time and drop-in students. Applications for new/returning students for the 2019-2020 school year are available in the church office. Contact Dani if you would like to register your child for after care!
OCTOBER 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/