| Welcome, from the People of Urbana Grace! |
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 March,
2005 - Volume 4, Issue 3Getting to Know Our Church Family… Norma Ripkey —by Karen Knight
Norma was born and raised in Marion County, Iowa. She attended Iowa State Teachers College at Cedar Falls where she earned a BS in Vocational Home Economics. During her senior year, she married a fellow soon-to-be-teacher. The family eventually settled in Boone. Norma has quite a work background including teaching, babysitting while at home when her children were small, clerical work, and doing telephone surveys. Later, she returned to college and earned a Specialist Certificate in Long Term Care Administration and has done everything in that field from nurse aide, activity director, cook, and administrator. Today, Norma works at First United Methodist Church in Champaign as a secretary/receptionist.
At Grace, Norma has sung in the Chancel Choir, been wedding coordinator, and served in several ministry areas. One of the most visible and appreciated areas has been her work with the Altar Guild.
Norma does various crafts. She especially enjoys sewing and has an alteration and repair business she runs from her home. She plans to retire in three years and looks forward to traveling. With five children (Her three sons are in the military and move every few years.) and nine grandchildren living in seven states, as well as her siblings in three states, Norma has quite a variety of places to visit.
Two years ago, Norma became involved with the United Methodist Primetimers. She said, “I had gone on several mission trips in ‘my younger days’ and am thrilled with the opportunities presented by the UM Primetimers.” She has been on Primetimer mission trips to North Carolina and to Southern France. The United Methodist Women were fortunate to have her share her experiences. Norma is very enthusiastic about the work this group does and said, “If you don’t know about Primetimers, ask me!!”
(See Norma’s article below) PrimetimersBy Norma RipkeyPrimetimers is an outreach program specifically organized to offer older (over age 50) adults opportunities for educational forums, cross-cultural exposures, faith-filled reflection, and a greater understanding of the work of the United Methodist Church and the church universal. It is a great way to travel with peers (couples as well as singles) and also continue to be involved in mission. The Board of Global Ministries began with the first events in 2000 and has continued to grow in participant numbers and events. There have been events at our own Midwest Distribution Center, Bayou Teche (the Sager Brown location very similar to MDDC), Sondernach, France, the United Nations, Cascade Mountains studying the Native American culture and the geological history of God's creation there, England - with an in-depth study of the history of Methodism, the Bay St Louis & New Orleans with a study of the contributions made by African-Americans in the arts and the history of the Gulfside Assembly. I have been fortunate to participate in two events: one at the Hinton Rural Life Center in North Carolina, and with the encouragement of my children and friends, flew last September to Lyon, France, where I began the most fantastic 2 week experience I have ever had. I've dreamed of going to Europe & feel so fortunate to have been able to be accepted for this event. It was jam-packed with exchanges with local residents, sight-seeing, learning about the history of the Protestant religion and of their modern day struggle to bring Christ to the people of France. As a high school student, I remember thinking what a neat name "Huguenots" was. I finally learned a little about who they were and why they were important in the history of France. Expenses range from $300 - $1800, with participants providing their own transportation to the event site. It would be possible to send your registration fee & not spend another cent - if you didn't shop - because all food, lodging, daily travel & admission prices - are included. You do not stay in 4-star hotels, but accommodations are adequate & clean. Our groups included varying health and physical mobility problems, but everyone was accepted on their own level (which, after all, is one of the first rules of mission) and allowed to participate in whatever they felt capable without feeling left out or that you were a burden on the rest of the group. Events still available for 2005 include: Putting Children First: Brazilian Methodists in Action, Exploring Your Faith with Lewis & Clark (Oregon), and Life on the Bayou Teche: History, Culture & UMCOR Sager Brown, Louisiana. For further information or application forms, call me, Norma Ripkey (403-1346) or check the website http://gbgm-umc.org/vim/features/primepro.htm. Primetimers goes to Oregon Alton Collins UM Retreat Center near Portland, Oregon. Come explore the parallels of your own faith journey and the Lewis & Clark Journey on this 200th anniversary of the Corps of Discovery. Registrations are due April 5, 2005, so sign up today!
"EXPLORING YOUR FAITH WITH LEWIS AND CLARK" Alton L. Collins UM Retreat Center - Eagle Creek, Oregon May 22 - 27, 2005 Learn about the struggles and triumphs of Lewis and Clark as well as the native peoples they met along the last leg of their journey to the Pacific Ocean in 1804. Visit Fort Clatsop and a replica plankhouse being re-created by tribes. With more than 250 Native American tribes present in the Portland area, Primetimers will meet and work with Native Americans who live and work in urban Portland today. Field trip choices will include sights documented in the Lewis and Clark journals: Mt. Hood, the magnificent Columbia River Gorge including Multnomah Falls, and Mt. St. Helens (still recovering from its latest eruption in 1980). Come and discover how Portland / Vancouver fulfilled Lewis and Clark's description as a fine place for a port and "a handsome valley" where Jason Lee and other missionaries would soon begin to spread the Good News in the Northwest.
Reflections and Prayer for MarchBy Gary Ricketts
March is here, and with it comes Easter, the time when we celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This is also the time when Spring begins to bring new life to trees, shrubs, flowers, and lawns. Isn’t it interesting that what God does in nature he also does in you and me? Sometimes our lives are more like Winter, where everything appears to be resting. Then, through God’s miraculous ways, our lives bloom forth like Mother Nature in Spring. As you study the Bible, have you come to realize that failure is not an option from God’s point of view. He did not create us to fail. Each of us has God-given talents that can help us to be successful, and that is God’s plan for us. The real key is whether or not we are seeking his direction in our lives. Are we striving to do things his way or our way? If our life is Christ-centered, then failure is not an option. As Christians, we will face rough spots on life’s highway, but we will never be without God’s love, direction, caring, and grace. When we get knocked down, God will pick us up and point us in the right direction. Remember, for the Christian, failure is not an option. Prayer has a powerful impact on both the one being prayed for and the one praying. We must never forget that God still answers prayers. They are answered in his way and in his timing.
PRAYERDear Lord and Heavenly Father, we thank you for our many blessings. We thank you for your love, power, understanding, and grace. Jesus carried our sins to a cross on Calvary, even though he was sinless himself. He died on a cross, but rose again the third day. Jesus’ resurrection provides hope and meaning for us all; providing eternal life for all believers who open their hearts and let Jesus Christ enter in. Help us Lord to see you in the activities of each day, and in the natural beauty that surrounds us. Work through us, Lord, and help us to be your faithful servants. We lift up the joys and concerns of our church family and our own personal prayers. Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. I Said a Prayer for You Today
I said a prayer for you today And know God must have heard – I felt the answer in my heart Although He spoke no word. I didn’t ask for wealth or fame. I knew you wouldn’t mind. I asked Him to send treasurers Of a far more lasting kind. I asked that He’d be near you At the start of each new day, To grant you health and blessings And friends to share your way. I asked for happiness for you In all things great and small, But it was for His loving care I prayed the most of all.
(Author Unknown) "What's in a Name?" "Always United?""From What Roots?" -by Paul KunkelThe Forum interest group said, "History!" The pastor said, "History!" But the well was dry. I’m old, but not that old. I'm not a contemporary of John Wesley. But they still said, "History about United Methodists, or history of Grace Church." Then they said, "You know that we have not always been United Methodists. How about checking into that?" So I checked a little.
I found several facts. Our denominational name has evolved (a treacherous word). We have not always been united, though sometimes "untied." And though we praise John Wesley as our founder, there were actually other deep roots which are needed to complete the story of Methodists in America. And I couldn't come up with a good title for this assignment!
If you'd like to know more, there's no shortage of reading material, some biased one way or another. For about as close as you can come to a brief “Historical Statement” (about 12 pages), check the chapter by that name in The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church. Take note of the following:
1. John and Charles Wesley led a lively renewal movement within the Church of England, following their own transforming religious experience in 1738. 2. Some Methodists relocated to the American colonies, and organized Methodism there began as a lay movement. 3. Wesley sent lay leaders, including Francis Asbury, to America to help shape the early Methodist societies. Following the American Revolution, he also sent ordained clergy. In 1784 in Baltimore, the movement organized officially as the Methodist Episcopal Church in America. 4. At the same time, a similar message was being shared with German-speaking Americans by Phillip Otterbein (a German Reformed pastor) and Martin Boehm (a Mennonite), and their followers formally organized in 1800 as the United Brethren in Christ. 5. A Pennsylvania Lutheran farmer, who had been nurtured under Methodist teaching, helped officially organize The Evangelical Association in 1803. In 1946, the Evangelical and the United Brethren Churches came together, and in 1968 they merged with the Methodist Church to form the United Methodist Church. 6. In the intervening years, issues and pressures caused some serious divisions. The questions of slavery and the Civil War ultimately ended with the creation of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and after the war, the creation of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church (now the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church). 7. Other significant problems were also faced, including lay representation in the governance of the church, women's rights to ordination, as well as some theological developments and controversies, pacifism, ecumenical cooperation, and the problems of racism in both the nation and the church. 8. Since its creation in 1968 when it was one of the largest Protestant churches in the world, the United Methodist Church has become increasingly international. Membership in the U.S. and Europe has declined, but grown significantly in Africa and Asia.
And now are you ready for the history test? Maybe next month! United Methodist WomenHomemade Soup & Sandwich Luncheon , March 13, immediately after the 10:30 worship service in the Fellowship Hall. Free will offering to be used for the youth mission trips this summer.
Health Kits (Urgent Appeal from UMCOR) There is an urgent need for supplies for health kits. One health kit includes the following: *1 hand towel (not bath towel) 1 wash cloth 1 comb (regular size; not pocket size, no rat-tail combs, no barber combs) 1 fingernail clippers (not toenail) *1 bar of soap (4.5 oz or larger in original wrapping) 1 toothbrush (in individual wrapper) *1 tube of toothpaste (5 oz. or larger in original wrapper – Aim & Pepsodent have no expiration dates; 6 adhesive bandages (band-aids; regular size) *asterisk indicates most needed items These supplies will be taken to Midwest Mission Distribution Center on April 2. A collection box will be located in the church narthex. Thank you for your generosity.
April 2 (Saturday) work at Midwest Mission Distribution Center, Chatham, Il until noon. For those interested in going, please contact Karilyn Newnam (328-2913)or Joy Valentine (367-1683).
April 7 (Thursday), 7 pm, UMW meeting in Fellowship Hall. Peg Zimmer from Empty Tomb will present the program.
Everyone is welcome to participate in these events. Notices:World Day of Prayer 2005 “Let Our Light Shine!” Sponsored by Church Women United This year’s World Day of Prayer celebration is written by women of Poland. The theme encourages women and men to respond to Jesus’ challenge in the Sermon on the Mount: “Let Our Light Shine”. We are asked to share the talents which we have received, as well as the special gifts of grace and light received in Christian baptism. Our light, after all, only reflects the great LIGHT which came into the world and identified Himself as that light – Jesus Christ. Come to this service and enjoy this reflection and celebration. The service will be Friday, March 4, 2005 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Salem Baptist Church 500 E. Park, Champaign ____________________________
Holy Week – March 20 -27 Palm Sunday – March 20 – regular service times Maundy Thursday – March 24 – 7:00 p.m. Good Friday – March 25 – Joint UMC service at Savoy UMC at 7:00 p.m. Easter Vigil – March 26 – 7:00 p.m. service, with meal following in Fellowship Hall Easter – March 27 – Sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. One worship service only at 9:00 a.m.
Easter Flowers At the time of this publication, I do not have prices for the Easter flowers. We will be having Easter lilies, tulips and hyacinths. If you would like to purchase one in memory or honor of someone, you can fill out the form below. I will publish the prices as soon as I get them, or you can check with the office. Name_______________________________ In memory/honor of ____________________________________ _____ Easter lily _____Tulip _____Hyacinth
XYZs (Extra Years of Zest) On March 10 we will meet at the church at 11:30 to go to the Jolly Roger restaurant for lunch. Then return to the church to play bingo. Please call Irene Millikan (367-6904) or Rhoda Willard (367-1875) with your reservations by March 8. All retirees are invited to participate.
Notice Please pick up cookware that you have left at the church. We are accumulating a rather large amount. If this is not picked up we will be putting it in the Garage Sale, which is planned for April 16th.
Provena Covenant Hospice Care Program is currently recruiting compassionate and caring individuals for various volunteer opportunities. Volunteer training classes will begin on Saturday, March 12, 2005 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (The training consists of a total of 20 hours.) Please call 337-2296 for more information or to sign up. ____________________________ Thank YouI just want to thank all the members who signed the card for me. What a lovely thing to receive on my birthday! The names made me realize how much I miss seeing you. I’d like to invite you to come to a lovely (Grace Years) service here at Parkview. We meet every other Sunday at 2 P. M. I am so happy that it is “my” church and I am proud of Rev. Mike and Gordy. Many thanks to them. Sincerely, Sylvia “Sally” Ormiston Thank You To my Church Family, Maribeth, Brad, and I want to express our thanks to our church family for the love and prayers that they gave us during Patsy’s sickness and passing away. We want to thank Mike for the comfort that he gave to Patsy and us during these very painful times. We also want to thank the ladies for the terrific lunch they fixed. In God’s Love, Blair, Maribeth, and Brad Many thanks for the cards, prayers, and flowers from WellSpring sent after the loss of our loved one, Michael Lain. Barbara Carrrington, Mother Bill and Joy Valentine, Uncle and Aunt Thank you, Christian Buddy, for the lovely gifts I received for our anniversary and Christmas. We are enjoying the beautiful azalea plant I received for Valentine’s Day. Bee Allen March Birthdays 1 – Audrey Ricketts Terry Morgan Irene Millikan 3 – Margaret Grindley Mary Thompson Eleanor Tudor 5 – Jim Ferguson 6 – Kody Alexander 7 – Truman Price 11 – Bill Fears 13 – Linda Entwistle Kyra Entwistle 14 – Bill Carter 15 – Darlene White 16 – Mandy Wood 18 – Jill King Shirley Nortrup 19 – Pauline Anderson 22 – Alice Robinett 24 – Joan O’Connell 29 – Harriett Cline 30 – Greg Styan 31 –Lisa Searing
March Anniversaries 1 – Rudy & Rosemary Taborn 5 – Charles & Alpharetta Preston 18 – George & Rosemary Woods 20 – Richard & Jeannie Barnett |
