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Lead Story Mike’s Upcoming Sermon Series for January Reflections and Prayer for January Celebrating the Joys of Life Lift Up Our Concerns to the Lord in Prayer A Night of Southern Gospel Music Bingo Night Snow – God’s Message to Us Ushers’ News UMW Thank you Needed Book Review Growing in Grace Getting to know our church family Thirty Years of Dedication to God’s Work By Gary Ricketts Some might say that J. Michael Smith was born with preaching in his veins. Pastor Mike is a fourth generation pastor. Included are his father, a brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and two great uncles. It appears that he grew up surrounded by pastors. His calling to the ministry was not a "lightning bolt" out of the sky. It was more like a gradual growing into the idea at a young age, with his grandparents being very influential in this endeavor. As an undergraduate Mike attended SIU-Edwardsville and served churches at Olney and Madison, Illinois. While attending Wesley Seminary in Washington, D.C. he pastored three churches in Harper’s Ferry, WV. Mike and Sharon were married in 1979 prior to his completing seminary. Mike’s first appointment following graduation from Wesley was at Carmi, where he served for 1 ½ years. Next came a three year stay at Carbondale where Mindy was born. Granite City was the next appointment where he served four years. It was here that Alison joined the family. Mike then served the church in Glen Carbon for 13 years before being appointed to Urbana Grace in 2001. During these 30 years serving the Lord, Mike has felt called to each church he has served. Mike has learned that he works for God and not the reverse. It doesn’t take long for one to learn about the importance of Bible study and how much Mike enjoys his teaching role. He believes in people and really values the time he spends helping people. Mike has been described by some as being relentlessly optimistic. Mike has provided excellent leadership in the districts, conferences and communities where he has served. In addition he has chaired many key committees and teams. At the churches where Mike has served, he, the Lord and the congregation have been able to work together to steady the ship and move it forward again. Here at Grace we have had Mike’s services for approximately 1½ years. In that time, Mike has worked extremely hard to develop leadership, encouraged the development of teams and small groups, conducted one-on-one interviews and introduced us to a variety of worship patterns. In addition, he has worked diligently to bring about healing and greater unity in the congregation, taught Bible studies, emphasized the importance of music and encouraged the development of programs for all ages. Mike continues to be sports-minded, though relegated to the
bench after he was found to be injury-prone. On the bench, he could root and
pray, but not play. Pastor Mike, we thank you for your 30 years of dedication to God and His Son, Jesus Christ. You have shared of yourself unselfishly to serve the needs of the people. We greatly value your wisdom, your insight and your desire for our church to be alive and growing. May God continue to bless you and your family in the years ahead. We give to you our love, our dedicated efforts, our cooperation and our support. The congregation of Grace United Methodist Church November 24, 2002 Mike’s Upcoming Sermon Series for January " ’ And God Created them Male and Female’—What Was God Thinking?""Does the Bible Really Say that Wives Should Be Submissive to Their Husbands?" "A Word to the Boys" "The Ideal Woman" Click picture to enlarge it.
Reflections and Prayer for January Gary Ricketts It doesn’t really seem that December is nearly over and January 2003 is at our doorstep. This is a time to reflect on the year past and plan ahead for the new year. What New Year’s Resolutions have you made or will you be making? Is God a part of your resolutions? Here are some to consider for your list for 2003: 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. The are answered in his way and in his timing. Please lift up in prayer the joys and concerns of our congregation and others. Our Prayer Dear Lord and Heavenly Father, we thank you for the many blessings you have bestowed upon us in 2002. We look forward to your blessings in 2003. Help us to use our talents to better serve you. We need your guidance every day Lord, so that we can follow the path you have laid out for us. We love you Lord, and will make a better effort to serve you in the new year. Every day is your day, Lord, because you created them all. Help us to be more in tune with you on a daily basis. Give us spiritual eyes to see and spiritual ears to hear the needs of others. We lift up the joys and concerns of our church family and our own personal prayers. Guide and direct us Lord so that we might be better servants of yours. Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen "May God richly bless you and watch over you throughout the coming year!" — The Forum Staff
Dale Johnston – he and Marsha’s 14th wedding anniversary - thanks for Cody’s and Kenneth’s help with ushering Margaret Tsiang – daughter and son-in-law visiting from CA Luann Wiedenmann – Jill King’s Thanksgiving craft day for children - for all involved in Christmas play Jill King – thanks to those attending craft day and for all who helped Chuck & Dorothy Collins – Genelle Ingram’s 91st birthday Berniel Stinebring & Genelle Ingram – Elsie Beck’s 93rd birthday Linda Entwistle – dedication of those working with youth - Callie Knight’s work with Spirit Ringers - many volunteered time and talent on First Fruits Survey Matt Peters – getting to see grandparents - being with friends and family Judie Swanson – God’s blessings Georgia Hillery – Cathy Moeller is back home - we are so very blessed Gary & Audrey Ricketts – visiting relatives in Ohio - beauty of the day - Pastor Mike’s 30 years of ministry - very enjoyable trips to Montgomery, Al and Branson, MO Dean & Lois Schafroth – Bill and Marilyn Gladson’s wedding anniversary Howard & Ruth McIntosh – being back with children, friends and church family Martha Rosenbery – Pastor Mike’s 30 years of ministry - thanks for prayers involving loss of her mother - mother is in heaven - having grandchildren in church with her - beauty of Christmas Marcia Burns – mother’s visit Richard King – God’s blessings - Benjamin’s birthday - Benjamin’s trumpet recital Carolyn Dickey – two little girls discovering God Pam Lukemire – Aunt doing well following open heart surgery Ritchie Barnett – grandmother’s birthday Benjamin King – 12th birthday Lisa – joy to see Kyra back Jessica Smith – thanks to the Lord for true love, family and friends Terry Morgan – The Urbana H.S. wrestling team Janice Roy – for beautiful tapestries on church wall made by Virginia Sadler Jill King – thanks for prayers and concerns Mary Bradley – visit from sister-in-law, Glenda Wood - son Clarence starting back treatment Gordy Wilson – thanks to everyone helping with concert, especially Callie Alison Smith – seeing Mindy’s play at Bradley Helen Koss – passing driver’s test - celebrating 85th birthday Danielle Routh – thanks everyone for your prayers and concern for Jared’s eye surgery Genelle Ingram – great granddaughter will bring her piano students to Canterbury Ridge for a recital Karilyn Newnam –having Connie Alagna with us Carolyn Dickey – having Beulah Noel back in church - for wonderful Christmas Season Brenda, Jeff & Joe Carter – having friends, Teresa & Jarrett here George & Rosemary Woods – being with children at Thanksgiving - seeing great grandson for first time Kyra & Eli Entwistle – Grandma Ary will be able to attend Christmas Concert Melissa Hays – blessings of music during advent Mike & Diane Pittman – welcomed friends, Michael and Heather Armintrout, and their nephew Nick Norma Ripkey – having Alec and Abby stay overnight Ellen Fondren – for the "Reason for the Season" – Jesus Becky Withers – Blake has transferred here for school - Amanda temporarily living at home. Valentines – great music program Shirley Jenkins – spending time with grandson, Nathan, home on leave Shirley Judy – June Michelson is back after recent illness Janet Frederick – Brian is healing from an attack he received at college Dale Johnston – thanks for Cody and Kenneth’s help with ushering Much appreciation to Virginia Sadler who made the new "Noël" wall hanging Lift Up Our Concerns to the Lord in Prayer Matt Peters – travel mercies for grandparents Richard & Sharon King – Jennifer’s recovering from injury - Jennifer’s health and school work Georgia Hillery – Jeanne Barr’s knee surgery - Beulah Noel’s health - Nancy Bible is ill - Linda Sollers (her niece) having surgery Gary & Audrey Ricketts – Aunt Ada’s health - travel mercies for trip to AL A concern for sister who had bypass surgery Mandy Wood – friend going through rough time Jeannie Barnett – concern for daughter - friend’s daughter Shelby, is in intensive care Richard Barnett – loss of his uncle Howard & Ruth McIntosh – son Jim having kidney transplant - their daughter is the kidney donor Miranda McCarthy – friends house burned down Martha Rosenbery – concern for father Mandy Wood – the mother of one of her students has been diagnosed with bone cancer - Concern for family and friends of Rev. Solomon Jadhar, District Supt. Of Okaw River District. (died in auto accident) Janice Roy – June Michelson in Urbana Manor Care Jill King – Peter Dumich having bone marrow transplant - concern for family of Barb Nolechek Linda Halbach – niece’s health - travel mercies for nephew and family Alison Smith – co-worker has a friend who passed away recently - friend going through divorce - three sorority sisters who were injured Rose McCarthy – Jop Long and family will be moving to Indiana soon Bell Choir – Matt Peters’ health Genelle Ingram – a sister of Alice Robinett passed away recently Beth Morgan – daughter, Alena having surgery - Norma Ripkey’s health Bill & Joy Valentine – Dale & Darlene White - Helen Knight - Diane Bass taking chemo again - Agnes Tobias George & Rosemary Woods – Rosemary’s sister, Inez Helm Ted & Jessica Hartke – friend going through a divorce - those alone during the Holidays due to loss of a loved one Becky Withers – Blake’s health - Blake continues to have health problems (viral infection) Melissa Hays – younger sister moving out on her own - concern for Eric during final exams Norma Ripkey – son Steven, hospitalized with heart problem - Alena recovering from surgery - families traveling during the holidays Ellen Fondren – the Kearns family whose mother died Genelle Ingram – Dorothy Collins’ accident Lisa – brother’s health problems Carolyn Dickey – Beulah Noel - family member waiting for test results Judie Swanson – health concerns for parents Janet Fredrick – needing medical guidance and help in making decisions about health and work Truman & Pat Price – Estelle Wade having health problems Ted & Sue Livengood – niece has been having seizures and may have brain tumor Tom & Nancy Welch and Marilyn Wright – concern for Lella Lancaster and family upon death of Karl Jen King – one more week of classes then final exams Janice Roy – eye surgery for grandson, Jared Pat Price – concern for daughter Liz in finding work Jim, Susan, Ian & Alex Ferguson – Jane Ferguson’s recovery from blood clot in her leg Richard King – Jennifer and all other college students taking exams at this time - travel mercies for his mother - Elizabeth now has driving permit Debbie Shoemaker – Matt Peters finding relief for blood disorder Shirley Jenkins – travel mercies for grandson - niece Lori, is having surgery Pam Lukemire – for family of Harold Whitlatch who passed away recently Pat Zeibart – Jane Ferguson’s leg pain Judy Wright – her mother’s health Shirley Judy – that June Michelson’s recovery will continue and be complete Dale Johnston – Marsha’s health A Night of Southern Gospel Music An opportunity to make new friends and enjoy good music Host Anthony Neaville Presents THE NORTHMEN QUARTET ARLIE NEAVILLE AND VARIOUS GUESTS Sunday, January 5, 2003 at 6:30 p m Grace United Methodist Church A free will offering will be taken and snacks will be served by Grace’s Loaves and Fishes Group. Please come and take this opportunity to show our Grace hospitality to those who are new to our church! Tell them who you are and that you’re glad to see them!
6:00 p.m. Come one, come all A night of food and fun We will first serve tacos You can fix your own one After we eat we’ll play A game for all sizes Be the first to call BINGO And get one of the prizes Presented by the Loaves & Fishes Group Inspired by God Penned by Gary Ricketts December 6, 2002
God can send a message to us In many different ways. It can be something we hear Or perhaps something we see. The beauty of new fallen snow Is one of those messages for us. It’s pure, clean, and spotless, And it sparkles in the sunlight and moonlight. This description of snow reminds me of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was without sin, but gave his life As a sacrifice for our sins. Pure and spotless as new fallen snow Is how God wants our lives to be. But sometimes our lives look more like The slush at winter’s end. Each new snowfall should remind us Of the great sacrifice Christ made for us, And the spotless person he was. It is a reminder that God is still working. Christ made that great sacrifice On the cross at Calvary, So that our sins could be forgiven, And we could be pure in God’s sight. So during this winter season, View new snow as a message from God, That he still loves us and wants us To follow the example of his son, Jesus Christ. — Richard Barnett January I would like to meet with all my ushers (old and new) in the Church Office on Wednesday the 15th at 7:00 p.m. If you are unable to attend please call me at 384-0130 or 778-3199. Ushers January
Thursday, Jan. 9, 7 pm in Fellowship Hall All persons interested in UMW are urged to come to this important meeting. The future of our unit will be discussed. Please make plans to attend as we need many ideas. If you have ideas to offer about meeting times, programs, or the unit in general and are unable to come to this meeting, please send your ideas, by e-mail or letter, to the church office. We will share them Jan. 9. Please come! Thank you to everyone who brought gifts for Cunningham Children's Home during the "Walk to the Manger". Many items were collected and taken to Cunningham the next day. They were all appreciated very much. Thank you for your generosity.
--Karilyn Newnam "Simplicity – Finding Peace by Uncluttering Your Life" by Kim Thomas The author of this book offers specific ways to simplify our lives by examining a three part process based on 1 Thessalonians 5:23. The three parts are body (simplicity in our physical world), soul (simplicity in our relational/emotional world) and spirit (simplicity in our spiritual world). This book is written from a woman’s perspective, but offers insights for everyone. The author gives personal anecdotes (sometimes funny) and presents questions and challenges to the readers. Kim Thomas states that when our lives become so full of things, we can easily block the image we were meant to reflect, the image of God. She states that simplicity is not a call to a life of austerity and doing without, but a call to contentment, which is the core of the abundant life, a life patterned after God. After reading this book, you might have wished you had your own copy so meaningful phrases could be highlighted and read again. There is a lot of "food for thought". "Simplicity" is available in the library and is included in the UMW reading list. Have you read a book that you would like to share with others? Are you interested in writing a book review for the newsletter? We hope to offer different perspectives and different interests. If you are interested, please feel free to contribute.
in Grace Happy New Year everyone! I’m usually not the type of person to make a lot of New Year’s resolutions,. You know the adage about teaching old dogs new tricks. However, I would like to share a few possibilities for growing our faith lives in 2003. Back in November we spent some time considering the financial aspects of our life and their relation to our faith and our church. The response from you was quite exceptional and is appreciated. As we all know God has gifted us bountifully and we were called to respond to him, not just as a thank you for His gifts, but also out of our personal need to give. As significant as it is in contemporary America, the financial sphere of life is only one small part. As we begin this new year let’s spend some time considering growing and strengthening our faith. "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." —Psalm 119:105 (NRSV) We have been blessed with a tremendous resource in Scripture. Please consider increasing the time you spend reading the Bible this year. If you don’t do this at all, begin with just a few minutes a day. The four gospels with their stories of Jesus would be a good starting point. You might also consider joining or starting your own bible study group this year. James 5:16 (NRSV) "Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective." Our life of prayer is a three-fold blessing: First, it benefits those we pray for. Second, it pleases God that we take the time to speak with Him. Third, it blesses the one who prays by focusing on what is important. Please spend more time in prayer this year. Also look for new opportunities to understand our prayer life better and raise it to new heights in 2003. The final area of growth I would like you to consider involves increasing our love for each other and for our world in general . I feel that this is the most important area of all. I know we can do this, because , from my experience on many occasions, the people of this church are already gifted with much love. Let’s share our love with our neighborhood, our world, and even our enemies in new and exciting ways this year. "Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we shall know that we are from the truth and reassure our hearts before Him." (1 John 3:18-19, NRSV) Let’s make 2003 a very special year! Thank you, Bob de Jong Spiritual Formation Getting to know our church family…
Virginia Sadler Most of us are familiar with the story of the industrious ant that worked to store up food for the winter while the more laid-back grasshopper procrastinated. If we had that ant at Grace, it would certainly be Virginia Sadler; however, she would not only store up food for herself, but also for the entire congregation! Virginia has been a part of Grace for 47 years. During that time she has taught Sunday School (21 ½ years), been Sunday School superintendent when the current building was built, served on the finance committee, been a trustee, ushered, helped on a weekly basis with fellowship time, been a part of UMW activities including the quilting group and bazaar, and worked on the corn mission project, to name a few things. She was also employed as janitor for 13 years. Over the years, Virginia says that the people of Grace have become friends and she feels comfortable with them. Growing up in rural Urbana, Virginia married another Urbana native, Pete Sadler. Her family also includes four children and three grandchildren. Virginia has enjoyed being a part of her grandchildren’s lives. She is a Cardinal baseball fan and also enjoys football and basketball. Virginia worked as a seamstress in her home for many years. Her hobbies include sewing and gardening, talents that she willingly shares with her church family. Have you noticed the beautiful hangings that brighten the sanctuary for the holidays? Have you noticed the beautiful flowers in the yard during the summer? Whatever Virginia does, she does well. As Christians, we sometimes think of ourselves as being various parts of the body of Christ as we do His work. Virginia seems to manage to be several of those parts at once. Her energy and willingness to give her time make Grace a better church. If you see Virginia buzzing by, take time to stop her and thank her.
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