November 2019 Newsletter

November 2019
































































Savoy United Methodist Church Office Hours (217) 352-3993

3002 W. Old Church Rd. Monday-Friday 7:30am-noon [email protected]

Champaign, IL 61822 Savoyumc.org

Pastor Marc Brown










In the Bible there is this great story of a man named

Abraham who left his home and moved to a new territory to
do God’s work.


Did he know when he moved we would still be talking about

him today? Did he know how his actions would change his
life and the world? My guess is that the answer to these

questions would be “NO.” Abraham wanted to be faithful
and obedient and because he was God used him to change the world. Isn’t it amazing that a choice
could have an impact that would have a lasting impact that would impact generations?


On November 10, we will celebrate Savoy UMC’s 150th Birthday. When the forefathers of Savoy

UMC came to town sharing the Gospel and the good news of Jesus Christ, they were being faithful
to God. They didn’t know what was going to happen, they were just being obedient.


Because of them, we gather under the banner of the Savoy United Methodist Church to “Journey

with Jesus to be like Jesus.” Countless lives here and around the world have been transformed for
the glory of God. God has blessed Savoy UMC over the years and we are going to give thanks and

celebrate!
Starting on Sunday, November 10 (our actual birthday as a church) we are going to celebrate by

having one service at 10am and then sharing in a birthday meal (sandwiches, salad, chips, and
cake). Please join us!


But that will not be the end, we are planning to keep celebrating and remembering for the next
year with other special services and events, stories and photos and more! Look for more details in

the future.


For now, mark your calendar for Sunday, November 10 at 10am for a day of celebrating and giving
thanks for God’s goodness and for those who were obedient to take a step of faith that changed our

world.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY




To US!!!




Who: Everyone


What: 150 Years Worship Celebration

 Single service  Unveiling of new banner

 Special sermon  Lunch (Jimmy John’s sandwiches, chips,


salad, and cake)
 Great Music



When: November 10, 2019

Time: 10:00 AM


Where: At our church, of course!




















[email protected]

Thanksgiving Baskets


There are certain things you come to expect for
Thanksgiving: turkey; pumpkin pie, and a good nap.
Maybe for your Thanksgiving you take a trip to
somebody’s house or somebody comes to yours.
Maybe you go Black Friday shopping before the night
is over. There are many traditions that matter for
Thanksgiving and for us at Savoy UMC we do

thanksgiving baskets. In a season of giving thanks, we
help others who for one reason or another struggle to
place a Thanksgiving dinner on the table.

In years past, we have had fun and even some
entertainment in raising funds for this ministry. We have had costumes, pitted the men against

women and even had a pastor have pink hair ( oh Lord I pray those photos have been lost!). No
matter what we did the main focus was sharing the love of God with those in need by providing
food.

I realize there is not as much fan fair this year, but the need is just as big as ever. I pray that you will
take a few moments to reflect on the blessings God has given you and help support this ministry.
Because of the Fall Bazaar, we are over half way to reaching our goal of $7000 to cover the costs of
the baskets. Thank you to those who helped put that together! The cost for each basket will be

around $43 and will provide plenty of food for a great Thanksgiving meal. You can put your
donations in the plastic container in front of the display in the big room. We will still take your
pennies, cash and checks (please make checks to Savoy UMC and put Thanksgiving baskets on the
memo line).

We will start putting the baskets together on Friday November 22 and complete them on November
23. We will be distributing the baskets on Saturday, November 23 with half of them being picked up

and half being delivered. This means we will need more hands to make this happen. This would be a
great opportunity for your family or a group of you, or for you to invite a friend to help be an
ambassador for God and deliver baskets.

There will be more details coming soon. I hope you will put these dates on your calendar and plan to
be a part of the ministry. This ministry is a tradition that has not lost its meaning. Let’s give thanks
for God’s goodness to us.



Goal: 160 baskets

Progress so far: 100 baskets


Still need: 60 baskets ($2,580)

Charge Conference: November 9, 2019


Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend our Iroquois River District Charge Conference Annual Meeting on
Saturday, Nov. 9th from 3:00 - 4:00 pm in Tuscola (don't worry, we'll be back in time to enjoy the Chicken Noodle
Dinner at SUMC!).


We will be blessed with a message from Randy Robinson, hear an update about the United Methodist Church state-
wide, and meet many fellow United Methodists from East Central IL.
I am driving my van, leaving SUMC at 2:30pm, and I would love to have some company if anyone would like to
carpool. Feel free to contact me for more information: [email protected] or 355-2031. Hope you'll come with
me!
Andrea Taylor, Church Council Chairperson

November 2, 2019
GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays—at 9:30 am at the church. Contact JoAnn
Warnes to sign up. (217) 317-9176. Cost: $10
Journey Men at 7:00am at the church.

November 3, 2019
Youth Outing to Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch from 3:30pm-7:30pm.

November 4, 2019
GriefShare from 6:00pm-7:30pm.

November 5, 2019
Maintenance and Grounds Meeting at 6:30pm at the church.

November 6, 2019
Dine with a Doc from 11:00am-1:00pm. RSVP by calling 217-303-8840.
Prayer Team Meeting at 5:00pm at the church.

November 9, 2019
Charge Conference in Tuscola at 3:00pm.
Chicken Noodle Dinner from 4:30pm-7:00pm at the church.

November 10, 2019
Combined worship service at 10:00 AM followed by Anniversary meal!
Last day to drop off boxes for Operation Christmas Child!!
Youth Meeting from 5-7pm at the church.

November 11, 2019
GriefShare from 6:00pm-7:30pm.
Journey Men at 6:30pm at the church.

November 13, 2019
United Methodist Women at 9:00 am at the church.

November 14, 2019
Stewardship & Finance Meeting at 6:30pm at the church.

November 16, 2019
Journey Men at 7:00am at the church.

November 17, 2019
Youth Meeting from 5-7pm at the church.

November 18, 2019
GriefShare from 6:00pm-7:30pm.

November 20, 2019
Prayer Team Meeting at 5:00pm at the church.

November 21, 2019
Church Council Meeting at 6:30pm at the church.

November 22, 2019
Thanksgiving Basket preparation day

November 23, 2019
Thanksgiving Basket Distribution Day!

November 24, 2019
NO YOUTH MEETING!

November 25, 2019
GriefShare from 6:00pm-7:30pm.
Journey Men at 6:30pm at the church.

November 27, 2019
Trustees Meeting at 5:30pm at the church.

November 28, 2019
Thanksgiving Potluck at noon at the church. Bring a dish to share.
THANKSGIVING! OFFICE CLOSED.

November 29, 2019
OFFICE CLOSED!






10: 00 AM


















November 10


December 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29!

Recurring Small Groups

Parkinson’s Support Group—Mondays at 10:00am

AA—Tuesdays at 7:30pm

Men’s Breakfast/Bible Study—Wednesdays at 6:30am at the Pancake House

Praise Band Practice—Wednesdays at 6:30pm

Choir Practice—Wednesdays at 7:00pm

Chick Chat—Thursdays are 9:00 am

Finders/Seekers Bible Study—Sundays are 10:30am

Chapter & Verse Bible Study—Sundays at 3:30pm

Women’s Sunday Group—every other Sunday at noon

United Methodist Women—Second Wednesday of each month usually at 9:00 am

Journey Men Group—1st and 3rd Saturday at 7:00am and 2nd and 4th Monday at 6:30pm
Prayer Team—1st and 3rd Wednesday at 5:00 pm

Quilters—Every other Saturday at 10:30 am









Carol Apperson (8th) Doris McGee (16th)

Riley Akers (10th) Laura Taylor (17th)

Don Maase (13th) Arleen Wise (18th)

Kay McCoy (15th) Riley Thompson (18th)

Ed Wise (15th) Jean Huddleston (23rd)
Penny White (25th) John Horvat (24th)

Anthony Rozier (27th)













Don & Vera Maase (November 4)

Tim & Angela Hancock (November 15)

Bev & Larry Inman (November 27)

October 21, 2019






Dear Savoy United Methodist Church Family,


With the holiday season soon upon us, we are asking you to take time to

remember our Pastor and staff, who faithfully perform the pastoral and
administrative functions of our church.


With this in mind we are collecting money to present to Pastor Marc Brown,
Rebeccah Anderson, Gail Taylor, Cecil Billingsley, and Briana McDade for our staff

Christmas gifts. We hope you will consider this and pray about it as you determine
an appropriate amount.


There are a couple of ways you may give:

-You may place a check or cash in the offering, clearly marking in the memo
area "Pastor and staff gift".
-Send or drop your gift off at the church office, clearly indicating “Pastor and

staff gift”.


We would like to have donations collected by Thursday, December 19.


Thank you for your generous support of our Pastor and staff.


Sincerely,

Sybil Phillips, on behalf of the Staff/Parish Relations Committee


2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not

reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

The Missions Team


Operation Christmas Child
The Missions Committee is working with our Children’s Ministry to pack, ship, and send shoe box gifts for Operation
Christmas Child. This is an amazing ministry through which children around the world receive a simple gift (packed
by you) and hear the transforming Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Did you know that once you pack your boxes, you can pay the shipping cost online, and print a label that will track
your box to its destination? For more information and to track your boxes go to https://www.samaritanspurse.org/
operation-Christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/. Pack your boxes today!!! Bring your shoe box gifts to church by
Sunday, November 10!

International Friendship, Inc.
Bill Erickson of IFI came to speak this past June about opportunities to share the Gospel with the whole world right
here in our community. IFI helps members of the C-U community build friendships with international students at U
of I. Although many from our congregation expressed interest in this impactful ministry, we need someone to be a
point-person between IFI and Savoy UMC. Please prayerfully consider how you can be involved, and let Laura Brown
([email protected]) know if you are interested in helping in this way.


December 29 Outreach Project
Mark your calendar for Sunday, December 29, 2019. We will again have an opportunity to work together to pack
food for Midwest Mission. More details coming soon!


Philippines Mission Trip
Thank you to all who joined the Missions Committee in financially supporting the efforts of the mission trip to the
Philippines - more than $3,000 was sent to help in the repair of Sabang UMC. Cindy Cook has just returned from an
amazing time sharing the love of Christ there. Stay tuned for Cindy’s powerful report of the work that was done by
the Volunteers in Missions group!





Fellowship Team


Greetings from Fellowship Team!
We would like to thank everyone who so graciously served at Fellowship in October, and also to those have signed to
serve in November. Here is the November schedule:

11/3 UMW

11/10 Sunday School-Compassion International Children
11/17 Kathy and Karen Wise-Ed and Arlene birthdays
11/24 Ladies Sunday Small Group-Ginger

We appreciate each and everyone who helps in anyway! Signups sheets for 2020 are now on the clipboard in the
kitchen, and will be on the table during fellowship times. Please look for dates you might be able to help. A group, a
family, individual, and friends are welcome to help us out! If you have any questions please ask one of us. (Paula
Goebel, Rose Redmon, Cyndi Jensen) We also would welcome another person to join us on the team, in fact we

would LOVE to have you join us!
Thank you all!

Blessed to be a Blessing

By Marilyn Hancock


The Call of Abram

I will make you into a great nation
And I will bless you;
I will make your name great
And you will be a blessing.
I will bless those who bless you,
And whoever curses you I will curse;
And all people on earth
Will be blessed through you.
Genesis 12:2-3

I think about this scripture often but especially during this season of Thanksgiving because I
know I am blessed in so many ways. As I give thanks for the many blessings I have received

from God, family, friends and yes, strangers. I consider, “Am I a blessing to others?”

I think this is what God intended when he gave this blessing to Abraham. God said, I will bless
you and make you famous, and I will make you a blessing to others. All families of the earth
will be blessed by you.

To me, a blessing is a gift. A gift from God that should be used to bless other people. It should
not be hidden, ignored, minimized, or used in the wrong way.


When God called him, Abraham moved out in faith, leaving his homeland. God promised to
bless Abraham and make him famous but there was one condition. Abraham had to do what
God wanted him to do. This meant leaving his home and friends and traveling to a new land.

God may be trying to lead you and me to a place of greater service and usefulness for him.

We can’t let the comfort and security of our present position make us miss God’s plan for us.

Do we pray about how God might use us to be a blessing to someone else?
Do we pray about how we might put ourselves in a position to become equipped to be a
blessing to others and about the changes and sacrifices we might have to make?

As we give thanks for the blessings we have received, pray to God to give you a sign of his plan
for you to be a blessing to others. Then trust that his plan will be accomplished through you.


Amen.

Transforming REAL kids into REAL



followers of Jesus.






Child and Family Ministry is letting the Holy Spirit lead us. Our faithful volunteers, our children,

our community, our church family, friends…

What does that mean? The Holy Spirit is part of the triune God who LIVES IN US. He is our intercessor and our
comforter. He touches the hearts of people with a response of faith. What do we do? We are to be ready to do the

work for those that the Holy Spirit sends us. Love on people, acts of kindness, give generously, listen, show
empathy, be compassionate, encouraging – always pointing to Jesus as the answer for why we do this. Becoming
more like him on this journey of life!

The Holy Spirit does not just come and go in us. He remains in us forever. We can have life changing effects on our
family, friends, and neighbors by listening to that small still voice. Let’s model and mentor that to everyone we
come in contact with, especially our children. Children learn so much just by watching their parents. Let them
watch you more than the TV or social media. The Holy Spirit resides inside of children also. Expect marvelous

things, new insight, God interventions! With a little faith, we can move mountains!!!



SUNDAY SCHOOL MEETING FOR TEACHERS

This went well. We had five in attendance and lunch was provided. We talked about
dismissal, communion, going through a Dig-In lesson, discipline, being prepared,
consistency, and more. I have small binders here with that information in it if any teacher
(who missed the meeting) would like one. I will be sending out notes to all teachers and
would love feedback. Then, I will send a note out to parents of Sunday school families.




NEW HIRE FOR NURSERY AND CHILDCARE

th
We have added a 4 person to the team of childcare providers. There have been too many times when we needed
more care for Bible studies, special events, etc. This new hire is Emily Hoffman who lives in Savoy, and she has met
several families already. She will start in the nursery in November.




“NO MORE BULLYING” with speaker Christine Leeb

We did this in October during National Bullying month. We had 10 families signed up, but due to bad weather and
sicknesses we had 4 at the meeting. Thank you, June, for the delicious homemade baked goods you brought us. It
was very much appreciated. Parents, if you have never heard Christine Leeb speak before she is amazing and has so
much knowledge. I will be having her back in spring - let me know if you have specific things you would like to hear
about. She probably has something right up that alley!

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD BOXES

th
We started the first week of October and they need to be turned in by November 10 . Sunday school had their
th
packing party on October 27 and packed 22 boxes. Sunday school is putting special labels on them to track where
they go. Missions is paying for the shipping of those boxes. Thank you very much!



HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS PARTY

Birthday invitations went out at our Trunk or Treat! We are inviting our church friends and families along with our
th
community friends and families to attend this joyous birthday. It is on Friday, December 6 from 5:30-8:00pm.
There will be a light dinner at 5:30 and games, karaoke, picture booth, and more starting at 6:00pm. The evening
will end with a Happy Birthday Jesus cake. Every family is asked to bring a canned good (for our food pantry) as a gift
to baby Jesus.




TRUNK OR TREAT

Last year we had about 700 people. This year, again, I know God is in control. How do I know that? We planned for
Saturday, but because of the weather we had to reschedule it for Sunday. Most “trunkers” could still do it. That, in

itself, is a miracle. God has intervened. He is preparing us for the people he is sending. That is so exciting to me!
We greet, smile, encourage, talk about costumes, and let the Holy Spirit fill the space. We had 18 trunks, Kona Ice,
and the Savoy Fire Truck here on Sunday with gorgeous weather! A HUGE thank you to all who donated candy! That
was so helpful to the people with the trunks. They came with bags of their own candy, but when they ran out we
could provide them with more from the donations! We had just enough to serve every child. And a huge thank you

to Sam Smith who is a fire fighter at the Savoy fire station and got us the truck!

By partnering with parents

we are helping youth FOCUS,

and fix their eyes on Jesus,


in order to know the Truth …





NOVEMBER


 3rd (Sun) - Outing to Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch!! (3:30-7:30pm)

Rebeccah gone for maternity leave, parents helping through Christmas


 10th (Sun) - Regular Youth Group (5-7pm)

 17th (Sun) - Regular Youth Group (5-7pm)


 24th (Sun) - NO YOUTH, Happy Thanksgiving!



DECEMBER


 1st (Sun) - Regular Youth Group (5-7pm)


 8th (Sun) - Regular Youth Group (5-7pm)

 15th (Sun) - Youth Christmas Party (5-8pm at the Brown’s home)


BREAK from all youth activities until January 5th






Rebeccah will be on

maternity leave most of

November through
December. If you have a

question or a specific need

regarding youth or young
adult ministry, please

contact the church office.

Thank you to all parents

and adults helping in this
season!!

Connect with Jesus and one

another through Sunday worship as

well as meaningful ministries
throughout the week.


Fellowship Time—Sundays at 10:00 AM
A connection opportunity between Sunday worship services at 10:00 am to grab a cup of coffee, snack and to
visit with each other! Contact Paula Goebel ([email protected]), Cyndi Jensen ([email protected]),
or Rose Redmon ([email protected]) if you would like to sign up to help serve during fellowship.

Senior Saints—November 21st at 11:10 am (meet at the church to carpool)

Senior Saints meets monthly in various locations, usually on the third Thursday, beginning with a program or
outing mid-morning, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Each month brings a different event, so you can
participate whenever you are able. Contact Gary & Audrey Ricketts at [email protected] or 217-367-2098.


The next Senior Saints activity will be held on Thursday, November 21. Be at the church by 11:10. Then we will
travel to Attie's for lunch at 11:30. Following lunch, Dawn Rear, a member of our congregation, will be our
program speaker. Dawn is the Program Manager of the Regional Planning Commission and is involved with
Senior Services and will be speaking about available assistance programs in our area. If you plan to attend, please
call or email the church office by Monday, November 18.

United Methodist Women—November 13th at 9:00 am at the church.
A multigenerational group of women who meet monthly in service and fellowship. See the “Serve” section of the
newsletter for upcoming meeting details and events.
Kay [email protected] or 217-351-9106

Children’s Ministry—During 9:00 AM & 10:30 AM Sunday worship services.
A great way to connect with other families at Savoy UMC! See the Children’s Ministry dates for additional fun, kid
friendly events!
Contact Gail Taylor [email protected].

Middle/High School Youth Group—Sundays from 5-7pm (See the Youth Page for specific dates)
Contact Rebeccah Anderson [email protected].


The Quilters—Every other Saturday from 10:30am-1:30pm

For more information contact Cindy [email protected] . Contact Cindy for exact dates.


Dine with a Doc—November 6 from 11:00 am-1:00pm
The Dine with a Doc® program was designed to allow the seniors to get out of their homes, fellowship with their
peers, extend their available financial resources, promote enhanced living, and educate them (from a
preventative standpoint) with the goal of ensuring their quality of life and providing them with the resources and
information to make an informed choice about their healthcare.

A different doctor will speak each month on a topic, a free lunch will be provided, and you will have the
opportunity to ask questions! RSVP is requested one week before! RSVP by calling Carriage Crossing 217-303-
8840.

Grow in relationship with others


and Jesus by joining a small


group or Bible study.









Finders/Seekers (Adult Sunday School)—Sundays, 10:30-11:30 AM, Southeast Classroom
Leader: Jana Waite, [email protected], 217-351-9386

We will soon be finishing our study of Psalms. We will then begin a study of "The Coming of Jesus," looking at the
events leading up to the birth of Jesus.










Chapter/Verse Adult Bible Study—Sundays, 3:30-4:30 PM, Southeast Classroom
Leader: Jana Waite, [email protected], 217-351-9386


We are continuing our study of 1 and 2 Timothy. All adults are welcome!













Tuesday Morning Bible Study—Tuesdays at 9:30 AM at the church

On Tuesday mornings, we meet to study the Bible and apply the truth we encounter to our lives and the situations
we are facing. We are currently studying Genesis and would love for others to journey with us! Led by Marc Brown
[email protected]










SNL—Contact Amy for dates and location

Our SNL small group meets 1-2 times each month on Sunday beginning at 6 pm with snack foods and fellowship,
followed by a Scripture-based study, and finishing with shared praises and prayer requests. Group members
volunteer to host in their home and/or lead the discussion. Contact Amy Markstahler at [email protected]
for more information.

Chick Chat—Thursday mornings at 9:00 AM


Chick Chat meets every Thursday at 9am in the church kitchen.
We then move into Crossroads room for our Bible Study. We
have started a study on “Finding Truth” by Francis Chan. We
hope you will join this sisterhood of fun ladies! Contact Cindy
[email protected]







Journey Men—1st and 3rd Saturday at 7:00 AM AND 2nd and 4th Monday at 6:30pm at the church.

This men’s group meets on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month at 7:00 am AND the 2nd and 4th Monday at
6:30pm at the church. The Journey through this world was not intended to be a SOLO mission, in order to be the
BODY of CHRIST we have need to spend time and learn to worship, live and work together, there are discussions
occurring that need your input. Our purpose is to provide an opportunity for men to grow and support each other
in the Journey with Jesus to become more like Jesus. Contact Brian Markstahler [email protected]








Women’s Group—Every other Sunday from noon-1:30pm

We know Jesus works in miraculous ways, but do we believe he can do it with our own circumstances?


In Miracles of Jesus: A Study of What Jesus Makes Possible we will spend time exploring all four gospels of the Bi-
ble and discovering the ways Jesus healed, provided, calmed, and resurrected. This study is about believing in the

power of God who can accomplish anything. Through this study, we will discover how:


Week One: Jesus Responds to Our Needs
Week Two: Jesus Calms Our Storms
Week Three: Jesus Offers Peace
Week Four: Jesus Intervenes in the Impossible
Week Five: Jesus Knows Our Hunger
Week Six: Jesus Conquers Death
Week Seven: Jesus Empowers Us


We will meet every other Sunday to view a RightNow video followed by a discussion, which includes Scripture. No
book outside or outside homework is required however we will encouraged by reading a daily devotion. Questions?
Contact Ginger McKee at [email protected].

Serve through your time, talent,


treasure and witness to spread


the love of Jesus to others.







Welcome Team
From opening the front door on Sunday mornings, serving at the welcome kiosk, greeting and ushering, handing out
bulletins or simply being available to answer questions, there are many ways to serve on the Welcome Team!
Contact Ginger McKee at [email protected].

Media Booth - Sound, Lights, Powerpoint—Work in the media booth on Sunday mornings and for special
events. Contact Steve [email protected].

Fellowship Team—Be a part of the crew that provides and serves the coffee and snacks between worship services
on Sunday morning! Contact Rose Redmon at [email protected]


Children’s Ministry—We are looking for volunteers to help teach our children’s ministry classes during worship
services. If you would like to help, please contact Gail Taylor at [email protected].

Youth Ministry—If you feel God calling you to help serve the youth whether it be once a month or twice a year,
please contact Rebeccah at [email protected]. (Rebeccah is on maternity leave until January 2020. Please
contact church info for more info at [email protected] or (217) 352-3993.)



Choir—After a break during the month of August, choir rehearsals will resume on Wednesday, September 11. We
meet at 7 pm in the Choir Room and invite anyone enjoying singing to join us then. Our anthems are not difficult to
learn. We enjoy singing, laughing, sharing and a great fellowship. Come join us!


Praise Band—Do you love to sing? Our praise band performs a variety of contemporary songs at 10:30 am worship
on Sunday mornings with rehearsals Wednesday evenings. If you are interested in joining this wonderful group of
people, contact Amy Markstahler at [email protected].


United Methodist Women —On Wednesday, November 13, United Methodist Women will meet at 9 am for a
time of fellowship before the meeting begins at 9:30 am. Please feel free to join us. Hostesses for November are Elsie
Bray and Bettie Murphy. World Thank Offerings should be brought to this meeting as they must be turned in this
month as well as pledges. Please see Dee if you have questions. The program will be on the World Thank
Offering. The plan for year- end disbursement of funds will be voted on. We will also be discussing plans for our
December luncheon. Come join us! We may even have a “fun” guest.

Food Pantry News for November



We’ve so much to be thankful for this November! Praise God for our “regular” helpers who transport the food,
unload and stock the shelves, distribute food to our neighbors at Shadowwood, and deliver groceries to families in
our communities. Praise God for your generous donations and prayers! And praise God for new helpers--some of
our Crossroads and Trailblazer kids! They have decorated grocery bags with seasonal pictures and encouraging Bible
verses. These bags are used in our food pantry deliveries and bring extra joy to families receiving the blessing of
food. We are so thankful.


Shopping List for November: Let’s restock!

• Soup—We still need soup, especially “kid friendly” varieties.
• Pasta sauce—We’re out of this.

• Canned “heat and eat” foods (getting ready for cold weather)—canned beef
stew or chili, ravioli, spaghetti-o’s, pork & beans, etc.


Food Pantry Update

• Food deliveries-- From September 30-October 24, food was delivered to 11 families (23 adults, 27 children) with
referrals from empty tomb and SUMC members—some big families this month!

• For Canteen Run-- About 150 sack lunches are made every week.
• Shadowwood Distribution-- On October 8, food was distributed to 18 families, a total of 62 persons.






Meal Train for the Anderson Family!

Faith Noëlle Sabina Anderson has arrived! The family is home and we still have dates available for people to bring
meals to bless this new family of six! You may sign up here or call the church office at (217) 352-3993.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday 7:30am-noon












Contact Us


Briana McDade, Office Administrator…………………………...………….……[email protected]

Marc Brown, Pastor..…………………………………………………………….……………[email protected]


Cecil Billingsley, Director of Operations…………………..…...…………….………[email protected]


Rebeccah Anderson, Director of Youth Ministry……………...…………[email protected]


Gail Taylor, Director of Children’s Ministry……………………….………….………[email protected]