September 2019 Newsletter
Prospect United Methodist Church
(The church’s) responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. - Ephesians 4:12-13 (NLT)
On this take-a-break-from-Labor Day, I decided to wash my car. It was just going to be a quick wash…to get some of summer’s grime cleaned off. The Pichaske girls were off running errands, so I drug a hose, along with my bucket and sponge from the garage and started cleaning. The whole car was washed in just a few minutes, and the drying process began. When I was done, I surveyed my work…only to find more than a few missed spots. Since a job worth doing is worth doing well, I sprayed the car down and rewashed it, giving special attention to the spots I knew I had missed the first go around. Once again, it was a fairly quick process.
But then I thought, “Now that it’s clean, what can I do to help keep it clean?” So I went back to the garage for my car wax…and the wheel cleaner. An hour later the car looked great…except for the windows. They had lots of water spots and weren’t clear at all. So I spent some time with a bottle of glass cleaner and another dry rag.
When it was time to move the car back into the garage, however, I realized that the inside wasn’t nearly as clean as the outside. So the next steps in the cleaning process included a vacuum cleaner, Armor-All and some leather cleaner.
Finally, the entire car had been cleaned to my personal satisfaction.
What is the purpose of all of our church activities and ministries? In part, certainly, we hope to make our wonderful facility available as a gathering place for our members and the Dunlap community. More importantly, however, we want to provide opportunities for every part of your “spiritual vehicle” to get cleaned up and presentable to the Lord and to others as you witness to what God is doing in your life. Paul writes, “Work hard, so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval” (2 Timothy 2:15).
We are returning to a Sunday morning schedule with worship services at different times and with different styles of worship to help welcome more people into the presence of Christ.
We have invested in Children’s Ministries that include our Sunday morning Kingdom Quest and regular seasonal activities so that our youngest members can begin learning about the love of God that has been revealed in Jesus.
Aaron Hisey joins the Prospect staff this week to help nurture the faith of Prospect’s middle school and high school youth, and to assist our efforts to reach wider with God’s love within a population struggling with issues of image and identity.
Our choir begins rehearsal this Wednesday, and we will continue to utilize the musical gifts of our members, to help enhance worship at Prospect. Our 525 Praise band will be rehearsing at 6:00 on Thursdays. Both the choir and praise band would love to welcome the musical gifts of more members.
Adult Bible study and small groups will also begin reconnecting. Our Tuesday morning “Breakfast with Jesus” meets on Tuesdays at 8:30. Our women’s small group will begin their new study on “Heaven” on Wednesday evening, September 11th. Adult classes for Sunday mornings are also in the planning stages.
Our Missions Team is growing partnerships with Dunlap Grade School, Peoria’s Neighborhood House, Southside Mission, and a host of other area groups to bring opportunities for intentional service to Prospect.
Why so much? So your whole “spiritual vehicle” can get clean and ready to hit the road. So you can find opportunities to help others grow in their faith. After all, that our purpose.
At the end of the day, all of these ministries are only as effective as your involvement (a sponge in the garage cleans no cars). So only one question remains, “Is there a part of your spiritual vehicle that you’ve been neglecting?”
If so, this would be a great season to dive in! Believe me, the water feels great!
<><, Pastor Steve
SEPTEMBER CALENDAR
You can also download the printable version by clicking on the link!
Treasurer's Report
It is raining right now, what a blessing, and we need much more.
Summer has gone so fast and now school has started. Where does the time go?
We have paid the required payment on the parking lot for this year and now have one more payment due next year. We are current with our conference askings which is great.
The Purple Panda has made their yearly payment for utilities and such and we thank them for that.
The Trustees have been very busy this summer. They had 18 trees taken down and the stumps ground out. They have worked on the lighting in the church, worked on the air conditioner, and entered into a new contract with the copier company. We really owe them a debt of gratitude for all their work.
A big thank you to all of you because we have been able to pay for all of this.
It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success comes from GOD. (2 Corinthians 3:5) Good thing to remember .
We have much planned yet this year so please remember the church in your giving so we can continue to spread the Gospel to this community, country, and world. Thank you
God Bless, Bonnie Mankle, Treasurer
Stewardship Note
Choir Kick-Off: Wednesday, September 4th
It’s that time again! Choir practice will resume this Wednesday, September 4th at our normal 7:00 rehearsal time. We'll talk through plans for the upcoming year and begin practicing a few songs that can be used in worship. Feel free to invite your friends!
BACK TO CHURCH CELEBRATION!
We will also be returning to Discipleship Hour following the first service on September 8, as well as our 525 Contemporary service starting at 10:45.
Highway Clean-up Needs your Help!!!
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.
Next date is Saturday, September 28th! See you in the Banner School parking lot at 9:00 am!
SAFE SANCTUARY TRAINING @ PUMC
EVERYONE currently working with youth and/or children OR who plans to in the future in any capacity is required to take this course.
Please RSVP to the office.
Dunlap Homecoming Parade
On Thursday, October 3, 2019 the Methodist Men and Congregational Care Team will be providing hot dogs, lemonade and water in the park along with fun activities to help support our food pantry, during the DGS homecoming parade. Any assistance in serving would be greatly appreciated. Come out and join us!
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.
TURKEY DINNER IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!
2018 ANNUAL TURKEY DINNER & SILENT AUCTION
When: Saturday, November 2nd
Time: (Silent Auction) 3:30-7:00 PM & (Dinner) 4:00-7:00 PM
Help needed: Approximately 140
Ticket Sale & Help Sign-ups: Beginning of October
SILENT AUCTION
It’s not too early to start thinking about our Annual PUMC SILENT AUCTION held during the Turkey Dinner. We had so much fun last year, but for us to be successful again this year, we need your help. Please prayerfully consider what you and your family or business will donate. In October, we will begin accepting your donated items.
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.
Also, we ask you to prayerfully consider helping with the auction. If you are interested, the Auction Committee would love to have 5-6 new members to share in soliciting businesses for donations, coordinating the congregations donations, paperwork, communications, set up and clean up after the event.
CHURCH MONITORS NEEDED
We are looking to add to our team of property monitor volunteers on Sunday mornings during worship hours. Some of the responsibilities include locking and unlocking the doors before and after worship as well as browsing the hallways during worship and keeping an eye out for late attendees who need let in after services have started.
If you would be interested in volunteering as a property monitor OR are interested in learning more about this volunteer role, please contact Randy Juskiv (370-5023) or the church office for more information.
Turkey Dinner 2019
Turkey Dinner: Saturday, November 2nd
Our annual Turkey Dinner and Silent Auction is just over 2 months away...which means we need to start planning now!
If you have been a team leader in the past, or are ready to step into a team leadership role in 2019, we would love to discuss these opportunities with you!
New to Prospect? Looking for an opportunity to get better connected?
The Turkey Dinner and Silent Auction is a tremendous short-term commitment that involves our entire congregation...and nearly 800 members of the community!
CHADDOCK NEWS
FOOD PANTRY NEWS
Soup season is upon us and we are still running low on our staples. Please keep the pantry in mind when you shop.
We are in need of: chicken noodle, chicken & rice, cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, beef stew, clam chowder and chili & chili beans.
Thank you-Gloria & Nancy
SNACKS FOR DGS STUDENTS
BANDAGE PROJECT
We will resume rolling bandages for Global Health Ministries in October. Global Health Ministries sends containers of medical supplies to mission hospitals all over the world. We would love to have you join us!!!
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. Today Communion is more often referred to as the Eucharist. Eucharist means 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, is an event that transcends denominations and writes all to the community in the 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.” Therefore, our focus on October 1st will be on how to get over our differences and find common power to live in Christ. The Eucharist is to be a positive celebration, reunion, prayer for healing, and a sacred time to put others before ourselves. As a part of doing so, there will be an opportunity to give a special offering to bless the lives of all God’s children.
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!
SENIOR 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, September 9th 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 resume on Monday, September 30th 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
The next gathering will be at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, September 23, to talk about The Underground Railroad (336 pp) by Colson Whitehead. This award-winning novel imagines that the underground railroad is an actual physical railroad, with several “stations.” Cora, a young slave, travels north on this railroad, desperately hoping for freedom. She encounters many different people in many different stations along the way.
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.
DHS Homecoming Parade-Want to Help?
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.
DGS SCHOOL SUPPLY COLLECTION
SOUTH SIDE MISSION
Many thanks for the delicious dinners, visits, cards and phone calls I received during my recent hospitalization and rehab. You're very thoughtful people - truly God's helpers.
Lots of love, Gloria
Thank you to everyone for the food, cards and calls when I had my hip replaced. Your help and friendship is greatly appreciated! -Helen Lewis
PROSPECT KIDS
What a great summer for Children’s Ministry at PUMC! In Kingdom Quest we are completing our summer study on “Cereal” and learning to “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8)
We journeyed back to Athens during Vacation Bible School and had a great time learning about Paul and his ministry. Between 45-50 excited kids joined us during the week and also enjoyed a fun time at our pool party on Friday evening. Thanks to all who donated funds, snacks, supplies, and time to make VBS a great success!!!
We would like to invite everyone to join us on Sunday, September 8 following the first service for our annual Back To Church Celebration. We will return to Kingdom Quest following the first service on Sunday, September 15. We will be serving hot dogs, chips, dessert, and drinks and fun activities with a bouncy house and bike parade.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the Dunlap Homecoming Parade on Thursday, October 3. PUMC will provide hot dogs and drinks in the park along with fun activities to help support our food pantry. Stay tuned for more details.
And looking further ahead, mark your calendars for Sunday, October 27 for our annual Trunk or Treat event.
PURPLE PANDA PRE-SCHOOL & AFTER CARE
Preschool has kicked off and we are having a great time!
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 has resumed, but we will still take applications for new students for the 2019-2020 school year. Contact Dani if you would like to register your child for after care!
SEPTEMBER 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/