MarchNewsletterOnline

March 2018

Marc Brown

When our kids were infants and were eating baby food, I made it my responsibility to taste test eve-
rything they were eating. I can still remember that the fruit flavors did not taste bad and it was no
wonder why they quickly consumed them. For the most part the vegetables were good, but there
were a few that you needed to have glass of water nearby. Then there were the meals with meats.
There was a beef vegetable stew that has left me scarred to this day! It was no wonder why more of
that ended up on floor than in the child.

I remember thinking to myself after I had tasted that beef vegetable stew, that it was not what it
was supposed to taste like. In my mind, real beef stew has the flavor of the beef, the onions, carrots,
potatoes and seasonings. I am trying not to drool now as I think about it. If the kids could have eat-
en what I remembered it tasting like, it would have been a quick meal. I realize you have to intro-
duce certain things to infants slowly because their digestive systems are developing. As their sys-
tems grow, they are able to process more complex foods and get the necessary nutrients to be
healthy.

I wonder if in our Journey with Jesus we are tempted to stay at the “baby food” level. We do our
Sunday morning worship and we sing “Jesus Loves Me,” but we don’t take the steps to take on more
challenging aspects of what it means to “Journey with Jesus to be like Jesus.” Do we read scripture
frequently? I get there some scriptures that are challenging, but I believe they are there for a reason
to understand God with a new perspective. Do we live our faith out in actions demonstrating to
those around us the importance of our faith? No one likes to be persecuted, yet if we aren’t willing
to stand for our faith in Jesus, is it really that important to us? Are we investing and sharing with
others our knowledge and our questions? I know it is easier to be by myself, yet I don’t believe this
is God’s way.

God’s invitation to you and I is to grow and mature in our faith continually so that we are trans-
formed into the image God created us to be. Yet, we often reject this invitation and stay where we
are comfortable. We are not the first or only people to do this. In the book of Hebrews in the New
Testament, the author confronts his audience on this very matter –listen:

11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to
understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you
the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who
lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But sol-
id food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
6 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to ma-
turity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,[a] and of faith in
God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites,[b] the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and
eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so. (Hebrews 5:11-6:3).

Do you feel the challenge! The author, probably Paul, wants his audience to receive so much more
from God and their identity in Christ Jesus, but they have to move on from “baby food.” Is your rela-
tionship with God bland or not what you expected? Are you eating real spiritual food? During this
season of Lent I want to invite you to “Journey with Jesus to be like Jesus.” There are a variety of
ways you can grow:
 Read your Bible daily and ask “What is God wanting me to learn about who He is?” and then ask

“What does this mean for me?”
 Pray. Pray by yourself or join with someone else or join the prayer team at Savoy UMC
 Join a small group – there a couple of new ones for Lent and there are several others or start a

new one.
 Get involved in a ministry at the Savoy UMC - there is the children’s and youth ministry, the

Home Friendship Team, food pantry delivery, the music or media ministry, be a greeter/usher
 Ask to help with worship – read the scripture, lead the prayer time, share the announcements

and welcome people to worship, give a testimony with how God is working in your life

I could keep going with other opportunities. Our Journey with Jesus is not about checking off tasks,
it is about being open to encountering Jesus and allowing him to change us into who God created us
to be. Further on in Hebrews 6, the author writes:

11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may
be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and
patience inherit what has been promised.

God has prepared much for you and I, but we have to be ready to receive it. May we grow and ma-
ture in our relationship with God, so that we can receive what God has for us and find that nothing
satisfies us better.

Marc Brown

March 1, 2018
Maintenance & Grounds Meeting at 6:30 pm
Lenten Small Group 6:30 pm

March 5, 2018
“Tortured for Christ” playing at Carmike 13 Theater at 7:30 pm. Get tickets online!
Lenten Small Group 6:30 pm (at the church)

March 7, 2018
“The 5 Love Languages” Parent Seminar at Savoy United Methodist Church at

6:30 pm. The event is free but childcare is available with prior registration. ($5 per child
or $10 max per family.) Register now!
March 8, 2018

Lenten Small Group 6:30 pm (at Harvest Market)
March 10, 2018

Church Council Meeting from 8:00 am-noon. Anyone is welcome to attend!
March 12, 2018

Lenten Small Group 6:30 pm (at the church)
March 13, 2018

Stewardship and Finance Meeting at 6:30pm
March 15, 2018

Lenten Small Group 6:30 pm (at Harvest Market)
March 19, 2018

Lenten Small Group 6:30 pm (at the church)

March 22, 2018
Lenten Small Group 6:30 pm (at Harvest Market)

March 26, 2018
Lenten Small Group 6:30 pm (at the church)

March 28. 2018
Trustees Meeting 5:30 pm

March 29, 2018
Maundy Thursday Salad Supper and Communion at 6:00 pm.
RSVP requested to [email protected] or click here.

March 30, 2018
Good Friday Tenebrae Service at 6:30 pm

April 1, 2018
Easter Services at 6:22 am (sunrise), 9:00 am, & 10:30 am

Parent Seminar

Wednesday, March 7 at 6:30pm
LOVE is the basic foundation, the most
powerful biblical commandment and
what every human being deeply needs.
Bring a friend and come hear from our
speaker, Christine Leeb of Real Life Fami-

lies, and learn:

 The 5 Love Languages of kids,

 Gain strategies to identify your child’s primary love language

 Discover sim- ple, practical
ways to fill your The event is free and childcare is available child’s “love
tank” every day with prior registration ($5 per child with
$10 max per family paid at the door).

Register Now!

Committee
News

2018 SUMC Committee List
Staff Parish Relations Committee– Sybil Phillips (Chair), Cyndi Jensen, Angie Ervin, Jeff
Grau, Rose Redmon, James Maggio, Phyllis Adelman
Nominations—Marc Brown (Chair) Angie Ervin, Audrey Ricketts, JoAnn Warnes, Dick
Gossett, Amy Markstahler, Nancy Hoeft, & Todd Salen
Maintenance & Grounds—Jean Huddleston (Chair), Mike Grindley, Stan White, Michael
Maggio, Steve Setzler, Don Maase, Brian Markstahler, Mark Akers, & Jeff Redmon
Stewardship & Finance—Angela Hancock (Chair), Larry Inman, Charlie Finn, Mike
Brownlee, Kelly Schumacher, Donna Grunder, & Eva White
Trustees—Bob Hoeft (Chair), Bruce Branham (Co-chair), Sue Maggio, Linda Frizzell, Jean
Huddleston, Angie Hancock, Travis Heath, & Karen Tow
Missions—Teresa Kelnhofer, Linda Frizell, Michelle Grindley, Kim Schultze, Nancy
Heiser, Laura Brown, Deb Forertsch, & Cindy Cook
Kitchen Team—Cindy Cook, Billie Krueger, Kay McCoy, Barb Davies, Jon Fridgen, Jean
Huddleston, Michelle Horvat, & Nicole Haegele
Leadership Team—Mike Adams (Chair), Andrea Taylor (Co-Chair)
Annual Conference Representatives—Angie Ervin & Mike Adams
Technology—Steve Setzler
Treasurer—Mike Brownlee, Kelly Schumacher
Financial Secretary—Eva White
Counters—Kay Poshard, Linda Payne, Sherri Akers, Dick Starkey, & Charlie Rohn

Maintenance & Grounds

Building – We are working with Ameren and REMCO in upgrading our lighting to LED
fixtures in the parking lot and hopefully in the sanctuary. Ameren has a program where
they share the cost for such upgrades. It is based on $.45 per kWh saved. We are cur-
rently working on seeing if we can put LED lighting into the big lights in the sanctuary
area. We are also looking at the costs to upgrade the lighting in the portico area. IF we
can accomplish all of this it is a $2,500 a year savings in our electric bill. This along with
a $1,500 a year savings due to the lights in the church that have already been upgraded
to LED. This will total a savings of approximately $4,000 a year. Also there will be no
ballast to replace and bulbs last longer so maintenance costs also come down.

Fellowship Team

Thank you to those who have signed up to serve during our Fellowship Time! There are
a few dates we still need volunteers to fill: March 11th & April 22nd. The sign up sheet
is located in the kitchen!

Church Council

Church Council will meet from 8 am – noon on Saturday, March 10 at Savoy UMC.
Meetings are open to the congregation.

Thanks to everyone that showed up for our first Informational meeting on Sunday, Feb-
ruary 25th! It was very helpful to hear from the congregation. Remember that the
Church Council appreciates and values your input. Feel free to contact Mike Adams:
[email protected] or 217-841-1345 with any comments, suggestions, or con-
cerns. We look forward to future informational meetings with the congregation!

Staff Parish Relations Committee

Sybil Phillips, Chair

The Staff/Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) focuses on building strong relationships
between the staff and the congregation under God’s leadership.

The Lord has shown the SPRC and Rebeccah Anderson that she is equipped and pre-
pared to transition into leadership of our youth ministry. Rebeccah’s leadership of
our children is exemplary, but the Holy Spirit has been prompting both the com-
mittee and Rebeccah to shift her ministry to work with youth and young adults.

The SPRC is working with Rebeccah and the children’s ministry team for a seamless
transition. This transition will begin March 4 when Rebeccah will devote 10 hours/
week to the children’s ministry and 10 hours/week to the youth and young adult
ministry. This “split” in her work duties will end April 15 when she will fully transi-
tion to 20 hours/week devoted to the youth and young adult ministry. Her initial fo-
cus will be working with youth (6th-12th grade) with future development of ministry
goals that include young adults age 18-25.

We want to assure you that we are proactively working together to assure that the
children’s ministry here at SUMC remains strong. We have started a search for a
new Children’s Pastor. If you are interested in the position or know someone who
would be a good candidate, please let us know. A job description is available in the
church office.

The Staff/Parish Relations Committee
Sybil Phillips, Chair
Rose Redmon, Co-Chair
Phyllis Adelman
Angie Ervin
Jeff Grau
Cyndi Jensen
James Maggio
Pastor Marc Brown

Finding Our Way Forward

On November 14, 2017 Bishop Beard issued a statement on Finding Our Way Forward. I want to
summarize that statement to provide some basic information on the issue at hand.

The 2016 General Conference was set to vote on issues of human sexuality within the United Meth-
odist Church, but they ultimately deferred all votes on this issue to a later date. They convened a
special commission, later named the Commission on a Way Forward to take up this issue and make
recommendations prior to a special General Conference that will be held in February of 2019.

This Commission has been meeting for over a year now, and they have come up with three sketches
of possible models to address this topic. THERE IS NO FINAL DECISION APART FROM THE ACTION OF
THE SPECIAL GENERAL CONFERENCE. It is very likely that additional models will arise, or that the
sketches listed here are significantly changed as the process continues. The Commission has not ex-
pressed a preference for any of the three models outlined below.

One sketch of a model affirms the current Book of Discipline language and places a high value on
accountability.

Another sketch of a model removes all restrictive language and places a high value on contextualiza-
tion. This sketch also specifically protects the rights of those whose conscience will not allow them
to perform same gender weddings or ordain LGBTQ persons.

A third sketch of a model is grounded in a unified core that includes shared doctrine and services,
and one Council of Bishops while also creating different branches that have clearly defined values
such as accountability, contextualization, and justice.

It is clear from reading these three sketches that there are a lot of details to resolve. In addition, we
must remember that anything can happen at the actual meeting next February, including brand new
recommendations from the floor.

In order to help answer your questions, Savoy UMC Church Council will be setting up discussion op-
portunities to share additional information and provide opportunities to hold small group discus-
sions with the congregation.

Please find time to intentionally pray for the mission of The United Methodist Church to make disci-
ples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world and for the work of the Commission on a
Way Forward. For more information on the Commission on a Way Forward, visit their website:
http://www.umc.org/who-we-are/commission-on-a-way-forward



On February 2, 2018, members of our congregation slept in a card board box in
downtown Champaign to raise awareness regarding homelessness. The weather was
cold, the wind was strong, but the passion for the participants was unbreakable!

Briana McDade-One Winter Night really gave me a new perspective on how much
we take for granted in life. It was uncomfortable sleeping on the street; however, the
experience was only a small glimpse at what real homeless people deal with on a
daily basis. I had police patrol, others participating around me, unlimited snacks, a
24/7 warming center, and boxes provided to me. I was able to wrap myself up in 5
layers of clothing and had more blankets than I needed. Homeless people don’t have
these luxuries. Homeless people don’t normally have that comradery or friendship
either. It can be so easy for us to turn our backs to people or look the other way
when someone asks for help. It’s so easy to judge them and blame them for their cir-
cumstances but in fact we don’t know their story. I have learned to not be afraid to
acknowledge these people, to reach out and offer friendship, food, money or prayer.

Zach McDade-My experience with One Winter Night can best be described as an
awakening. It was enlightening to catch a glimpse into the lives of those without a
safe, warm place to lay their heads at night. It was difficult and challenging even
though there was a place we could go to warm up anytime we needed it and police
actively patrolling to ensure our safety. The experience really opened my eyes to the
issue of homelessness in our community and has caused me to reevaluate how I in-
teract with those less fortunate than myself.

Over 150 box dwellers raised $159,446.00 for C-U At Home!
Thanks to all who donated and visited us on the street!

Sole Hope

Denim, denim, denim….Remember all those shoe patterns we cut out
and sent to Uganda?

Facts from 2017:
31,104 jiggers removed
1,704 patients treated
5,651 pairs of shoes made

Thank you Savoy UMC
for making a difference
in these young people’s

lives!

Shop for a Cause

Did you know you could shop online and earn money for a local
school or non-profit?

eScrip helps schools and nonprofit organizations earn thousands of dollars for much
needed programs and activities. They’ve been making a difference since 1999, with
over $420 Million raised for great causes that you care about!
They partner with generous merchants in our communities to give back to the causes
that matter to their loyal customers. It’s good for business and great for our communi-
ties.

Founded by Electronic Scrip, Inc., the vision was to establish relationships
between commerce and community, and to support education and projects that bene-
fit children. Today, that idea has grown to benefit over 45,000 schools and nonprofits
across the United States.

Transforming REAL kids into REAL followers of Jesus.
DIG IN to scripture…
During the month of March, our children are studying the books of 1

and 2 Kings. We are excited to share and learn stories of what hap-
pens when we look to others to bring peace rather than our Sover-

eign King, Jesus! Don’t miss out!

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” Psalm 119:105

Dear Church Family,

I just wanted to share my gratitude for the opportunity to shepherd your flock
of young children for the past 4 years. It has been a joy-ride and we have grown
together in wisdom and JOY in the Lord! With that, I consider it an honor to now
move into ministry to our youth and young adults. I have a deep-seeded passion
for teenagers and am again, honored, to use the Word of God to shepherd their
hearts closer to the King, Jesus. My vision as we move forward will be Jesus: the
name, the power, the promise.
This is a ministry that cannot be fulfilled by just one, so if the Spirit of the Lord is
calling you to help serve alongside me and this flock of youth, I pray that you will
respond in faithful obedience! May He be glorified in our satisfaction of Him.

Sincerely, Rebeccah Anderson



Even in the world’s greatest food-producing nation, children and adults face poverty and hunger in
every county across America. In 2016, 41 million people struggled with hunger in the United States,
including 13 million children. In 2015, 5.4 million seniors struggled to afford enough to eat. A house-
hold that is food insecure has limited or uncertain access to enough food to support a healthy life.

Several years ago the people of our church recognized the need for food deliveries in our communi-
ty and began a food pantry ministry. At that time volunteers shopped for one week’s groceries and
delivered to needy families. We did not have a physical pantry until 2011 when we cleaned out a
closet and stocked shelves with a few non-perishable items. Now we are able to be better stewards
of the money and food you donate by supplementing with sale items bought in bulk. Perishable
items are still bought at the grocery store. Last year our County Market charge account was extend-
ed to ValuCheck Foods. This stretches our dollars even further.

By the end of 2011, we had become an agency served by Midwest Food Bank, now located in Nor-
mal, IL. On Tuesday of the first full week of each month, a couple of volunteers drive a small U-Haul
van to pick up food, some paper products and a few toiletries at the Midwest Food Bank. One family
donates the rental of the van every month. All items are offered to us at no cost for distribution in
our food ministry. It is an exciting surprise each month to see what the food bank has to offer. The
volunteers at the food bank pack our van full to the brim!

A friend of a church member purchased our cold food blanket in July 2015. They had been talking
about Midwest Food Bank and our food distribution. Now we are able to bring back cold and frozen
foods, in addition to non-perishables and fresh items. From the food bank this month we received
some nice hams, turkey lunch meat, pizzas, sausage, ice cream, soups, canned goods, candy, nap-
kins, fresh greens, pudding, and many more items.

The van first stops at Shadowwood Mobile Home Park in Champaign. We have been serving resi-
dents there since June 2015. We have gone enough times that we are now
establishing relationships with some of the people there. They are happy to help unload the truck,
some help to set up tables, some help to set out the food. Some have asked for prayer. It is a bless-
ing for all of us to pray together before we get started. Bibles are offered to anyone who wants one,
both in English and Spanish translations.

February’s giveaway didn’t have as many people show up due to weather. BUT the great part was we
asked them to take food that was still left to their neighbors and families who could use the food. It
was a wonderful sight to see people thinking of who they could help and share the food with. They
were willing to be the hands and feet of Jesus also. We would love to have you also come out and be
the hands and feet of Jesus.
We currently have three different missions that are served by this monthly trip to Midwest Food
Bank. When choosing items at the food bank we keep in mind the different needs of the entities that
need food.

We look for non-perishable items for our food pantry. so that we may help those who are in need of
food. We get referrals from members of our church and also Empty Tomb. We have a group of vol-
unteers who deliver these groceries to people in need. On a food delivery we are able to talk with
the family, pray with them and just have an interaction with them. On every food delivery we give
the family a Bible, a list of some helpful Bible verses, and a list of area food pantries. One older wom-
an volunteers by making hot pads to give with our food deliveries.

The third group to get food is the Canteen Run. Individually packed items are used in sack lunch-
es. On average 150 -200 sack lunches are made each week to be taken when the Canteen Run truck
goes out. These are given to people who have no permanent address for the most part. Some times
this may be the only meal they have that day. Again we would love to have you also come out on the
run. Talk with Dan or Barb Davies about when and how you can help.

Once a year for the past three years the Savoy Post Office has given us a donation of food picked up
by their mail carriers. There is a group that one church member belongs to who have an ugly sweater
party. They have been filling our grocery cart for about four years. All of these donations sound like a
lot of food. I wish I could tell you how many tons of food we have delivered. I know we would all be
amazed by the work God is doing through each of us giving just a little bit! In January, volunteers
made 13 deliveries to 28 adults and 34 children.

In March the food pantry needs applesauce, macaroni & cheese, toothbrushes and laundry deter-
gent. These are just suggestions of what the pantry is low on. You may donate any non-perishable
food items at any time. Food may be left in the grocery cart in the hallway. Take a look at the bulletin
board near the cart when you drop off your donations!

Contact Cindy Cook or Jan and Charlie Rohn. We are al-
ways looking for volunteers, suggestions and ideas that will
benefit and grow YOUR church food ministry.
The third group to get food is the Canteen Run. Individual-
ly packed items are gotten for use in sack lunches. On av-
erage 150 -200 sack lunches are made each week to be
used when the Canteen Run truck goes out. These are
people who have no permanent address for the most
part. Some times this may be the only meal they have that day. Again we would love to have you al-
so come out on the run. Talk with Dan or Barb Davis about when and how you can help.

Connect with Jesus and one another
through Sunday worship as well as
meaningful ministries throughout the

week.

Fellowship Time—Sundays as 10:00 am

A connection opportunity between Sunday worship services at 10:00 am to grab a complimentary
cup of coffee, snack and to visit with each other!

Senior Saints—Next meeting on Thursday, March 15 at ___________

Meets monthly, usually on the third Thursday, for fellowship, field trips and food!
Contact Gary or Audrey Ricketts at 367-2098 for more information!

United Methodist Women

A multigenerational group of women who meet monthly in service and
fellowship.
Kay [email protected] or 351-9106

Middle/High School Youth Group—Sunday from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm

As most of you know, Rebeccah Anderson will be shifting from Children’s Ministry into Youth Minis-
try beginning on March 5th. She will then work half and half before completely transitioning to
youth on April 15th. We know Rebeccah will be a great role model and leader for our youth! Please
pray for the perfect person to step into our Children’s Ministry role!

Girl’s Night at the Mezzanine—Next meeting in April TBA

All 30 & 40 somethings are invited to join us for fellowship and connection on the first Monday of
the month. Grab dinner or just dessert &
coffee and meet us upstairs at the Harvest Market mezzanine. No Bible study or scripture to read,
just chatting and getting to know other women in the church. Questions? Drop us a line!
Kim [email protected] OR Ginger [email protected]

The Quilters

SUMC QUILTERS meet every other Saturday from 10:30 am-1:00 pm. Some of us make baby quilts
for church babies! If you cannot join the quilting group but would like give a baby quilt you have
made, give it to Cindy Gones or Cindy Cook and we will see that a label is placed on it and given to a
new baby on Sunday. During our meetings, many of us are also working on other projects. We are a
compassionate group who enjoys sharing the gifts God has given. Stop by any time just to see what
we are doing or bring your own project. It does not matter what your skill level is, we can also help
you with your first-time quilt! We love to share skills along with our joys and concerns in a safe envi-
ronment. Contact Cindy Cook 841-0420 [email protected] for more info. Upcoming meeting dates
are March 10 & 24.

Made by Cindy Cook

Grow in relationship with others and Jesus
by joining a small group or Bible study.

Sunday Night Live Small Group

Our Sunday Night Live small group meets the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, 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 dis-
cussion. Contact Amy Markstahler at [email protected] for more information.
On February 18th, they started a Right Now Media video discussion series entitled "Whisper: How
to Hear the Voice of God" with Pastor Mark Batterson, author of The Circle Maker that was lead by
Jeff and Peggy Grau.

Finders/Seekers—Sundays at 10:30 am at the church

Adult Bible study led by Jana Waite. We will be starting to study the Gospel of John. We would love
for you to join us!

Chapter/Verse—Sundays at 3:30 pm at the church

Adult Bible study led by Jana Waite. We will be starting 1 Corinthians in March. We would love for
you to join us!

Women’s Group—Every other Sunday at noon at the church

The Sunday Women’s Small Group is a group of women ranging in age from almost 50 to almost 70.
You would think we have a lot of wisdom with our combined ages, but we are always learning from
one another and from Scripture! New members are welcome to join us at any time!
We meet every other Sunday at noon at the church for fellowship, prayer, a study (and snacks!).
Our next DVD and 7-session bible study will begin Sunday, April 15th at noon.
Jonah by Priscillia Shirer
Led by Ginger McKee. To order a book, please contact [email protected]

Women’s Group packing goodie boxes for college students

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 James and would love for others to journey
with us!

Men’s Bible Study—Wednesdays at 6:30 am at The Pancake House

A group of men that meet every Wednesday at the Original Pancake House for Bible study, discus-
sion, and fellowship! Led by Paul Taylor: [email protected]

Chick Chat

Chick Chat is a women's small group that
meets at the church on Thursday morn-
ings from 9:00 am-11 am. We begin with
coffee and snacks in the kitchen then
move on to our Bible study. We are cur-
rently studying "Becoming a Woman of
Strength" by Cynthia Heald on Right Now
Media. Occasionally we are asked to help
around the church. Coming up, we'll be
preparing the salads for Maundy Thurs-
day dinner. In the past, we have helped
others by straightening the Canteen Run storage, helped each other pack for moving, helped set up
VBS, sat at the Salvation Army Angel Tree, and taken books to Urbana for Books for Prisoners. We
had a wonderful tour of Orphans Treasure Box and all found books we bought for 25 cents each. We
all love the fellowship and friendships that have formed in this group. Please come and check us
out, you will be greatly blessed, as we all have been!

Prayer Team—First and Third Tuesday of
each month at 5:30 pm

What is the prayer team?

Among the ministries in our church dedicated to building
our relationship with God and other believers in our
church is the ministry of prayer. You may ask “What is
Prayer?” Prayer is a “conversation with God that involves
praise, thanksgiving, or intercession”. More than anything, God wants to have a relationship with
us. Prayer is one of the ways we build a relationship with God.

The Savoy UMC Prayer Team comes together twice a month to give our praise and thanks to God
and to pray for our church, our church staff and leaders, our church families and their friends and
families. This practice of praying for others is called intercessory prayer.

The Bible says “Don’t worry, pray about everything” and we do! We pray about church, local, state,
national and world events and concerns. Though our efforts at communication are at times clumsy
and imperfect, we know that God is waiting to hear the prayers of his people. We also know that
God answers prayers, not always in our time frame or according to our expectations, but He does
answer prayers!

Those of us who are in our Church Prayer Team as well as others in our church who pray regularly,
recognize that our relationship with God grows, especially as a habit for praying between scheduled
meetings is developed. We also find that as we pray for people, we develop relationships with the
people for whom we pray.

The SUMC Prayer Team would like to invite others in our church Family to join the Prayer Team!

Who is qualified? Anyone who would like to strengthen their relationship with God and other be-
lievers.

Do I have to speak eloquently? We already discussed that sometimes our efforts are clumsy, and
remember, God already knows the contents of your Heart.

When does the Prayer Team meet? We meet on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 5:30
pm for a little over an hour for the purpose of prayer and sharing updates regarding existing and
new prayer concerns.

Please consider joining us! If so or if you have any questions, please contact Marilyn Hancock, Coor-
dinator of the Prayer Ministry at [email protected] or at (217) 359-0654.

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 usher-
ing, 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 at
[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

The Children’s Ministry Team at SUMC has so many opportunities for you to serve whether it be
teaching, welcoming families, or simply holding babies. We can find a place for you! Contact Rebec-
cah Anderson 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].

Missions Team

We serve the community through a variety of local outreach programs. The team meets the 4th
Thursday of each month and meetings are open to anyone.

Contact Briana McDade at [email protected]

United Methodist Women

Officers for 2018 were reintroduced at the first meeting of the year of United Methodist Women
(Cyndi Jensen, Spiritual Growth Coordinator; Mary Hackl, Secretary of Program Resources; Elsie Bray
and Deb Foertsch, co-Secretaries; Anita Althaus, Treasurer; Dee Smith, Vice President; and Kay
McCoy, President). Dee Smith explained the plan for the World Thank Offering this year, each
month we will be grateful for a different item. Each month’s item will be listed in the program book-
let. Anita shared letters from Cunningham and Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House thanking us
for our financial donations. It was decided to cover the cost of lunch for any of our youth wanting to
attend Mission Day at Cunningham on March 10, a day set aside for youth to experience an inspiring
day and get a firsthand look at the mission and programs offered at Cunningham. The Festival of
Quilts is coming right up on April 13 and 14. If any of you crafters or quilters want to donate or show
quilts, gift shop items or baked goods, please check with Kay McCoy or Ginger McKee. Information
is also on the UMW bulletin board in the hallway. There is also a quilt sponsored by the Friends of
the Festival that is a patriotic quilt (Quilt of Valor) for which raffle tickets are available. Kay has them
also ($2 each or 3 for $5). The quilt is on display at Sew Sassy in Urbana. Our March meeting will be
Wednesday, the 14th. Hostesses are Sarah Chaudoin and Vera Maase. The program will be the Call to
Prayer and Self-Denial led by Deb Foertsch. Envelopes for the voluntary special offering were dis-
tributed. Won’t you join us? There’s always more room around the tables.

Canteen Run runs on Sunday,
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday

nights!

The Canteen Run Spaghetti Supper and
Silent Auction raised $5493.00. Thank
you to all who volunteered, donated,

and made this event possible! Your
support to the Canteen Run is very

important to us!

Want to volunteer? cucanteenrun.org/home/volunteer Current Needs
Want to donate? cucanteenrun.org/home/donate Men’s Underwear

Gloves
Socks
Toiletries
Volunteers to organize!

John 3:16 For God so loved the
world that he gave his one and only
Son, that whoever believes in him

shall not perish but have eternal

This verse is probably familiar to you. If we memorize verses, this is most likely the first
verse someone can recite. It’s good to know that verse but it’s just not enough to learn
it, we have got to live it.
To many times have I seen people just walk around a homeless person. Maybe they
need someone just to talk with them or buy them something to eat. Better yet, eat
with them while you’re talking to them!

In the week of 2/11/18,
the Canteen Run took

care of 196 guests!

Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3
Chick Chat 9:00 AM 9
Troop 101 7:00 PM 10
16 Lay Lea
7 8 23 Church
Chick Chat 9:00 AM 30 The Qu
Men’s Bible Study 6:30 AM Troop 101 7:00 PM
(Pancake House) 17

IGRC Order of Saint Luke 9:00 24
AM Lay Lea
The Qu
Parent Seminar 6:30 PM
31
14 15
Men’s Bible Study 6:30 AM Chick Chat 9:00 AM
(Pancake House) Troop 101 7:00 PM
Praise Band Practice 6:30 PM
Choir Practice 7:00 PM 22
Chick Chat 9:00 AM
21 Troop 101 7:00 PM
Men’s Bible Study 6:30 AM
(Pancake House) 29
Praise Band Practice 6:30 PM
Choir Practice 7:00 PM

28

Bethany Parker Phyllis Adelman
Timothy Davis Mike Brownlee
Audrey Ricketts Debbie Clark
Kathy Wise Kay Gilliland
Jerry Tow Clayton Knierim
Charles Rohn Wayne Roberts
Mike Lehmann Randy Clark
Cindy Cook Joe Horvat
Betty Jean Roberts Garrett Knierim
Olivia Taylor Marilyn Hancock
Keith Wessel Jenna Adams
Sherri Akers Logan McDade

Happy Birthday! May God continue to bless you with all the wonderful
things in life!