September 2019 Newsletter

September 2019

































































Office Hours
Savoy United Methodist Church (217) 352-3993
Monday-Friday 7:30am-noon
3002 W. Old Church Rd. [email protected]

Champaign, IL 61822 Savoyumc.org

Pastor Marc Brown













Getting Started


Our kids have started back to school! I am not certain they were ready, but it wasn’t because Laura, my wife and
their mother, didn’t do her part. She checked the lists, searched the stores and the web, and purchased every sup-
ply they needed and even a few items that were wanted. Even with all of the supplies, a big part of the transition
would be their attitudes. You can have all the “stuff” in the world, but if your heart is not in the right place, you will
stumble and struggle.

th
In November we will celebrate our 150 Birthday! That is pretty amazing! Recently I found an article with some
history of the church and it confirmed how the Savoy Episcopal Church started (this was the name before we be-

came the United Methodist.) It wasn’t in a grand building with comfortable chairs, big screens, good coffee and
snacks, and air conditioning. It started with Dr. A. J. Jutkins preaching a message at the Illinois Central depot here in
Savoy in 1860. Maybe a church depot doesn’t sound like a good place for church to you. At first I thought about all
of the inconveniences – moving people, outside noises, not good seating, no musical instruments and I am sure I
could make this list go and on.

Then God whispers, “Marc, all I need is people. Worship is not based on what you have, but on my presence.” A
train depot would have people, people who are hurting, struggling, wondering, questioning, confused and looking

for hope. I have been reading in Acts as God begins the church. God uses individuals who did not have a speaking
tour at all of the best churches (synagogues). There were no tour buses announcing his arrival. There were no mu-
sicians going before to prepare the people for the message. They did not have complimentary coffee and donuts
before or after the message (just think what impact this would have had had!)

No, each individual simply had a message, a love for God, the Holy Spirit moving in his life and a heart to honor God
by doing what God asked him to do. Sometimes the individual was well received and sometimes they were har-
assed, abused, rejected and chased out of town. Yet, the book of Acts captures God was enough to make it happen

and use people who trusted the Almighty was all they needed. That was the heart of Dr. A. J. Jutkins – God was

enough and he was willing to do what Jesus said, “ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

As we get ready to celebrate what God has done in and through us for the past 150 years, are we ready to get start-
ed for the next 150? God wants you to be his messenger, are you ready? God wants us to be his body, the church,
to be his witnesses. This fall and beyond there will be opportunities for you to play a part in God’s Kingdom. It is
time to get started!

September 4, 2019
Dine with a Doc—From 11am-1pm at the church. RSVP to 217-303-8840.

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

September 9, 2019
Journey Men at 6:30pm at the church.

September 11, 2019
United Methodist Women at 9:00 am at the church.

September 14, 2019
Fall Bazaar from 10:00 am-2:00pm at the church. Cost is $1 to shop or bring an
item for the food pantry.

September 18, 2019
Prayer Team Meeting at 5:00pm at the church.

September 19, 2019
Church Council Meeting at 6:30pm at the church.

September 21, 2019
Journey Men at 7:00am at the church.

September 22, 2019
All Church Discussion from 3:30-5:00pm.

September 23, 2019
Journey Men at 6:30pm at the church.

September 30, 2019
GriefShare begins! Mondays from 6:00-7:30pm at the church.





All Church Discussion


Please join us on Sunday, September 22 from 3:30 - 5:00 for an all church discussion about the
impact of General Conference 2019. We will have small group conversations to look at how this

decision impacts us as individuals, as a church and as a denomination and how we can move
forward as the body of Christ. Childcare will be provided.

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 (beginning September 29th)

Women’s Sunday Group—every other Sunday at noon (beginning September 8th)

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




Doug Bauling (12)
Franni Vlahovich (1)
Patty Prout (16)
Diane Lough (5)
Cheryl Lehmann (18)
Dick Starkey (6)
Danielle Bates (19)
Marc Brown (7)
Brooklyn Ladage (20)
Todd Salen (8)
Luella Westfall (22)
Diane Adams (9)
Phil Mohr (22)
Marilyn Mohr (10)
Debby Drysdale (25)
Trisha Smith (10)
Mary Bauling (27)
Ben Rear (11)
Madelyn Grindley (28)




Rebeccah & Andrew Anderson-September 1st

Robert & Nancy Hoeft-September 1st

Betty Jean & Wayne Roberts-September 3rd

Gary & Audrey Ricketts-September 14th

Barb & Dan Davies-September 15th

Brittany & Josh Campbell-September 16th

Andrea & Jacob Shaw-September 18th

Briana & Zach McDade-September 27th

Savoy UMC Celebrating 150 years!!



November 2019







From a train depot, the maple grove behind Senator’s Inn, 210 Church Street, 402 Graham Drive and
now 3002 W Old Church Road, Savoy United Methodist Church has been many places over its 150
years. No matter what location, the Savoy UMC has been a loving, caring church family worshiping
and serving God.



On Sunday, November 10 we will begin our year-long observance of this milestone with one
worship service followed by a church family meal. More details will be coming, but for now we

want you to put this date on your calendar.


Look forward to learning more about the church’s history and plans for the future over the coming
months as we celebrate God’s faithfulness to us.

Mondays from 6:00pm-7:30pm





Savoy United Methodist Church





Beginning September 30, 2019









Help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child,


family member, or friend OR those grieving from a big


change in their life.







Contact JoAnn Warnes for more info (217) 317-9176

Membership Class


Are you interested in becoming a member at Savoy UMC? We will be having our next membership

class beginning in October. Membership Class is an informal meeting with lay leaders, Pastor Marc

and people, like you, who have an interest in becoming members, or learning more about Savoy
UMC. During the class, you will learn about the United Methodist Church core beliefs and about

opportunities for you and your family to connect, serve and grow within our church family. You will
also have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have. We do not require official

membership for you to attend services or participate in congregational activities; however, we
would be honored if you do choose to join. Contact the church office for more info.

[email protected]



























Do you have an idea for a story or

article to fill this space? We would

love to hear your ideas or suggestions

for next month’s newsletter!

The Missions Team




Philippines Mission Trip 2019

This year’s Philippines mission trip will support the repair of
Sabang United Methodist Church. Their vital ministries
include Bible studies and gatherings in different homes and
neighborhoods each day of the week, a daycare center and a
senior’s group.

Through the years, the church building and parsonage
have fallen into disrepair, mostly due to typhoons and lack
of funding. The congregation has been raising funds on their
own to repair the church building but in a rural community
in the Philippines, it is difficult to raise the 1,700,000 Php or
$34,000 needed to repair the church. At church on Sunday,
August 25 Missions presented $1,000 check to help with the project. Individuals are also invited to donate by
September 9. Please be sure to note Missions-Philippines on your check to SUMC.
After years of use and through many major typhoons, especially a super typhoon which hit the region in 2013, the
church building had become dilapidated. In 2014 their church building was condemned.

Last year in Legazpi we paired off to pray with each other. My partner was Jesusa, who is now Pastor Jesusa Mapa
of Sabang UMC. You can see her crying with joy at the table during a planning meeting. She and I have kept in touch
and encouraged each other this past year.

Our Christian brothers and sisters in the Philippines are excited that we are coming back. Thank you for all of the
items you gave to help fill the 33 boxes we sent in June.
In October our team members will be in Sabang teaching workshops. We have also each been asked to give daily
devotionals, both morning and evening. Even though I still do not see public speaking as a gift of mine, I am honored
to be your representative and will do my best to share the love of God around the world through my words and my
work. I hope you will pray with me that all we do will glorify God. Thank you for your support! Cindy Cook






SUMC September Mission Opportunities
It’s just about here! The Fall Bazaar is right around the corner—Sept. 14—and it’s not too late to volunteer to help
out. The sign-up sheet is outside of the Church office.


Could your family or small group extend a hand of Christian fellowship to UI international students? Let’s reach out
and get involved with International Friendships Inc. (IFI). Please contact Michelle Grindley to get started. Email her
at [email protected] or call 217-979-2265. And look for IFI-SUMC activities to come!


Other upcoming mission opportunities: Thanksgiving baskets and Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.



Fellowship Team


Hello from the Fellowship Team

Thank you for joining Paula, Cyndi and Rose

in serving our congregation.


To our extended family, the congregation of Savoy UMC, thanks you. Paula, Cyndi and Rose would

like to thank all that volunteered to serve at Fellowship time. We know anyone that enjoyed a treat
thanks you as well.

We are nearing the end of 2019 and looking at our volunteer schedule for the last 3 months of the
year we see a lot of Sundays without volunteers to serve fellowship to the congregation.



The Sundays with no one volunteering there will be no Fellowship snacks, coffee or juice served, un-
fortunately.

Please look over the schedule as a group, family or committee and sign-up to volunteer to serve.
Any of us on the Fellowship committee will be happy to guide you. Advance notice is sent each

month to those that have volunteered with the General Directions for Fellowship attached.


Again, thank you to those that have already volunteered and to those that will volunteer to serve

Fellowship in the future.

—Paula Goebel, Cyndi Jensen, Rose Redmon








Vision Team



During the month of September, the Savoy UMC Vision team will be meeting with various small

groups and individuals to get feedback regarding a long-term vision for the church. You will be
asked to fill out a form sharing your thoughts on five specific areas: Community Outreach, Worship,
Children/Youth, Discipleship and Technology. On the next page, you will find a screenshot of the

form. This form will be handed out during Sunday worship as well as emailed in digital survey

form to those with an email address. You only need to fill out the information once whether it is
digital or hard copy. Please return hard copy forms to the church office by placing them in the offer-

ing plate or dropping them in the labeled bin at the Welcome Center.



Transforming REAL kids into REAL



followers of Jesus.






EACH NEWSLETTER I WILL BE HIGHLIGHTING A SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER.

This month we will start with Nicole Haegele.



What is your favorite food?

Orange chicken and rice.

What is your favorite bible verse?
Phil. 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything”.



What words do people use to describe you?

Kind.



What is something quirky about you?

I love animals. I have chickens, horses, mini ponies, a dog, and cats.



Where is your favorite place to be?

Sitting; alone; at night with the kids in bed.



Why do you teach Sunday school?

I want our kids to learn about God and see God’s love and plan for them every Sunday. Kids need to see adults that
care about them, get to know them, pray with them, and importantly, just love them.





We thank God for you, Nicole. Truly.

God Bless You! Over used words? Yes, they can be. What about powerful words? Absolutely! I am asking in prayer
for God to Bless You! Bless in ways He only knows how to do.



NURSERY SONG BOOK – I made a binder of 16 songs with colored pictures to correlate to the lyrics. Nursery will
be using it every week with the toddlers and songs about Jesus will be planted in their hearts. Church nursery is not
just childcare; it is Jesus care.

NEW ACOLYTERS are Jessa Gaines, Ezra Schultze, and Anthony Rozier. They are doing an amazing service to Jesus.
They understand they are bringing the light of Jesus into the church and then into the world. The “seasoned” aco-

lyters are paired with a new one for various reasons. I am shouting out how wonderful they are at being patient and
kind as they work with the young ones. Much thanks in your faithfulness.
th
OCTOBER IS NATIONAL BULLYING MONTH – We will have a speaker Christine Leeb come on Friday, October 11 ,
from 6-8pm come and talk about it from different angles. RSVP for free childcare by contacting Gail.
th
DECEMBER HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS PARTY on Friday, December 6 from 6-8pm. More information in October
newsletter
th
TRUNK OR TREAT AS A COMMUNITY EVENT – Saturday, October 26 from 4-6pm. We are looking for families/
people to provide “trunks” (25-30 trunks are needed) and donations of candy. If you know of someone I can contact
to get free candy – a company, store, etc. please let me know. Our goal is to provide as much of the candy as possi-
ble. The trunks can be decorated, or not decorated. We will have free hot dogs to pass out, Kona Ice Truck will be

there and Savoy will have a fire truck there again.
Some families do not live in a safe area to trick or treat and some live in areas that are hard to get around in. This is

a safe place for families!

The children love seeing the trunks as much as they like getting the candy. They get to taste a bit of our hospitality
and outreach. You will enjoy the fellowship with the families you meet and the children’s costumes. Last year God
sent 700 people to our event. It could only have been God! We hope to have something set up for prayer requests
also families may have.

SUCCESS OF FELLOWSHIP FOR COMPASSION INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN – We collected $203.00 for our two chil-
dren Wood and Marisol. Please continue to support them throughout the year. We just received a new picture of
Wood and he is 6 years old now. It is posted on our children’s bulletin board and in the jar in the crossroads room

along with new bookmarks. Thank you to everyone who made it happen and supported it.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD – boxes will be out soon and we ask that you take as many as you want to fill. De-
cide on the sex and age of child (2-4, 5-9, 10-14) and then fill with appropriate items for that age. No candy, guns or
war like items, etc. Clearance sales are big now for kids summer shoes, clothes, toys. You can also catch some
school supplies on sale still. Kids of all ages need good school supplies. Select a “wow” gift such as a doll, soccer ball
with pump, or stuffed animal. Other needed items are Chapstick, brushes, combs, hair bows, barrettes, good jump
ropes, card games, and so much more. Include $9.00 check inside the box to cover costs to Samaritan Purse. For
more information go to samaritanspurse.org/occ. And, remember, a child is given a box ONCE in their lifetime –
please make it memorable. We will have our Sunday school packing day in November.

SUNDAY SCHOOL WORKING ON A DIFFERENT FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT EACH WEEK – each week in

Sunday school we are learning about these fruits; kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control. I
would like for you to see what a lesson might look like.





Welcome and thank children for coming. See if anyone is celebrating a birthday.

Introduce the lesson: Last week we learned about the fruit of the spirit – patience. This week

we’ll learn that kindness is a Fruit of the Spirit. Today we will find out the being friends with God
helps us to be kind to others.

Share: Today we’ll hear a Bible story about one of God’s friends who had a special visitor. Let’s
start by talking about visitors who come to our homes. Share about a visitor who came to your
home. Let children share.

Summarize: Open the Bible to Genesis 18:1-15. God’s friend Abraham had some really special
visitors who came to his home. And Abraham showed them kindness. Today we’ll learn ways to
show kindness, too, and we’ll find out that when we’re friend with God, he helps us show kind-
ness. (Set up a pretend tent with sheets and have a flashlight)

Bible story: Have kids sit around the tent and tell them you’ll need their help. The Bible says one

day Abraham was sitting at the door to his tent. It was the hottest part of the day. Whew! It’s
hot out here! Lead kids in fanning themselves. While Abraham was there, he looked up and
saw three men passing by. When Abraham saw them, he got right up! Lead kids to run in place
for 10 seconds. And he bowed to them. Lead kids to bow. Abraham as kind because kindness is
a fruit of the spirit, and Abraham’s friendship with God helped him be a very kind man. Abra-
ham invited the 3 men to take a break from their trip and sit under his tree where it was cooler.

Shine flashlight on the kids. Remember, it was the hottest part of the day, so the sun was shining
right down on them! But Abraham took the men to a tree where they could be in the shade.
(pretend to go to the tree). Then Abraham washed their feet. That was very kind of Abraham, be-
cause their feet were probably extra dirty from walking in the desert! Let’s pretend to wash our
feet. Abraham felt special to have his visitors, and he told them that. Abraham was even kind

with his words by saying encouraging things to them. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit, so God
helped Abraham be kind with his words. Let’s say kind words to our friends like Abraham said
kind words. Lead kids to say “God loves you” to at least one other child. Next, Abraham told his
three visitors that he wanted to give them food so they’d have energy for the rest of their trip.
He asked his wife to make some fresh bread. Lead kids to pretend to knead bread, form it into a
loaf, and put it in the oven. Abraham went and got one of his cows so he could cook some meat

for his guest. Abraham shared his very best food with his guests, because God had helped Abra-
ham be a kind man and kindness is a fruit of the spirit. Let’s take turns serving food to our
friends. Have kids clean their hands and give HALF the children a cracker and cup of water.
Abraham gave them food and didn’t ask them to share. He wanted them to enjoy their break
under the tree. Have the kids who waited patiently and let them enjoy the snack. As the visitors

sat under the tree, they told Abraham that his wife Sarah, was going to have a baby. But Sarah

and Abraham were really old, so Sarah didn’t believe it when she heard it. The visitors said
nothing is too hard for God, and they encouraged Abraham and Sarah by saying that they really
would have a baby. The visitors were kind too! Kindness comes from God, so anyone who is
friends with God gets his help with being to others.



Talk about it: We’re friends with God, so God will help us be kind too. Share about a way one of
God’s friends has been kind to you. Maybe a friend prayed for you when you were sad or someone
bought you a coffee when you went to spend time with him or her.

When has someone been kind to you? (Said something nice, share a toy or snack, gave them a
hug when sad) Kindness comes from God, and God helps people be kind to one another. It’s not

always easy to be kind, but with God’s help, we can be kind instead of mean. Abraham was kind
because he was friends with God, and God helps us be kind. God is kind to us all the time, too.
Let’s thank God for ways he’s kind to us. (share some of those ways)

**Some classrooms can do a one-person puppet skit or show a short video on kindness.

**On hands activity is making hearts out of cold play doh. It will not be easy to mold. Say: It’s
not easy to be kind to people who are mean. Sometimes people with hard hearts are angry or sad.
But God’s kindness can soften their hearts. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit, so God can help us be
kind even when it’s hard. We’ll see if our hands can bring kindness to some hard play doh by

softening it, kind of like God can soften people’s hearts.
**Craft using a paper plate

Closing: wrap it up and pray – take turns praying.

Kids can always have a few minutes of free play or older can go outside with you on playground.

Dates you can shadow or check out what goes on in the Sunday school classrooms

– ANY SUNDAY. Just step inside the room and watch – catch Jesus in action!

By partnering with parents

we are helping youth FOCUS,


and fix their eyes on Jesus,

in order to know the Truth …





SEPTEMBER



 1st (Sun) — NO YOUTH, enjoy the holiday

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


 15th (Sun) — Regular Youth Group (5-7pm) - Permission forms DUE!

 20th—22nd— All-Youth Retreat at Camp One Way


**Register online @ savoyumc.org, cost is $60 **

 25th (Wed) — See You At the Pole, @ your school flagpole with parents


 29th (Sun) — Regular Youth Group (5-7pm) — visit to Curtis Orchard





OCTOBER


 6th (Sun) — Regular Youth Group (5-7pm)

 13th (Sun) — Youth / Parent Game Night!! (5-7pm)


** Parents please join us for a fun night of dinner & competitive games **

 20th (Sun) — Worship together at ISU campus Cornerstone Church

 26th (Sat) — SERVE @ Trunk or Treat from 4-6pm


 27th (Sun) — Regular Youth Group (5-7pm)












1) ALL parents, please sign-up on the church website to help provide a snack supper

2) New Permission Forms for 2019-2020 (required for all youth), due September 15th!

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—TBD

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.


United Methodist Women—September 11th 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
Contact Rebeccah Anderson [email protected].

The Quilters—Every other Saturday at 10:30 am

Take a look at the beautiful work the quilters are doing! We still have room for more of you to join us. It would be
wonderful if there were so many of us that we had to move into the Sanctuary on Saturday mornings. We have
been sewing our own quilts and crafting items for the bazaar in September. Contact Cindy at
[email protected] or 217-841-0420 for quilting dates.

Dine with a Doc—September 4th 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

Finders/Seekers explores in-depth the Bible. We are continuing on our journey through the Book of Psalms, our Old
Testament devotional guide, prayer book, and hymnal. Open to all adults.





Chapter/Verse Adult Bible Study—Sundays, 3:30-4:30 PM, Southeast Classroom
Leader: Jana Waite, [email protected], 217-351-9386
Beginning Sept. 29, 2019

The 2016 Book of Discipline (p. 97, 98) says: “This ministry of all Christians in Christ’s name and spirit is both a gift
and a task. The gift is God’s unmerited grace; the task is unstinting service...the church is either faithful as a
witnessing and serving community, or it loses its vitality and its impact on an unbelieving world.” On Sept. 29,
Chapter & Verse will begin a study of 1 and 2 Timothy. The Apostle Paul wrote these pastoral letters to his young
associate Timothy, who had been sent to help set a troubled church in order and to become a faithful witness in
Ephesus. Paul’s instructions, encouragements, and exhortations have much to say to the church today. Come and
explore how we are called to be faithful to our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of
the world.







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


Please join Chick Chat in a new Bible study series! We gather in the church kitchen at 9 AM on Thursdays where we
begin our chatting. We finish up our study session and prayer time before noon, and you can come and go as
needed. Won’t you join us? We welcome all ladies! Contact [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 starting September 8th 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].


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 —Wednesday, September 11 is the meeting date for United Methodist Women
th
(9am). Hostesses are Bettie Murphy and Charlotte Pritchard. We will be finalizing plans for the 150 celebration on
September 29. The district’s fall meeting is Saturday, September 28 at Tuscola UMC (9 am). If you plan to go please
bring your check or cash for your reservation ($10) made payable to Tuscola UMW. The program is on the Blessing
Basket Project. Are you remembering your World Thank Offering? A reminder – pledges need to be turned in by
the October meeting. If you have questions about your status, see Dee Smith. Thank you Vera and Elsie for
arranging our fun lunch at Flesor’s in August. Looking forward to seeing everyone on September 11.

Celebrating 150 years in Mission


Sunday, September 29 will be United Methodist Women’s Sunday, and we will be observing 150
years of being in mission to women, youth and children worldwide. There will be one worship
service that day (10:00) and following you are invited to stay for lunch provided by Savoy’s UMW.
Since it is basically a “birthday” party, we will also have cake and ice cream. Along the lines of being

a “birthday” party, we would like our church family to bring a small gift item wrapped or in a gift bag
for Crisis Nursery or layette items for empty tomb for new moms and babies. This is an activity we
will invite the children to participate in which we will explain later. Suggested items are listed below.
There will be activities for all ages.


Please join us for some fun and great fellowship as we celebrate this milestone of women whose
purpose is to know God, to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop a
creative, supportive fellowship and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the
global ministries of the church.


Suggested items:
Crisis Nursery – boxed treats like Goldfish, animal crackers, pretzels, fruit snacks,

sizes 4, 5, 6 diapers, 4T and 5T pull-ups, toddler bed sheets


Empty tomb – layette items – sleepers, booties or socks, cotton t-shirts, onesies,
baby bottles, receiving blankets, warm blanket

Food Pantry News for September



Food News

• We are collecting clean, empty laundry detergent bottles! Midwest Food Bank has received a semi
-truck full of bulk laundry detergent, and John will take our empty bottles to use on Sept. 3 and Oct.
8. Put your “empties” in the tote near the coat rack. Thanks!



• With the start of a new school year and the re-organization of your family calendars, could you fit
in a food delivery or two? Delivering food to the needy can absolutely fit into your schedule, and
you won’t need to go it alone. If you’re ready to take on a new-to-you service opportunity, please
call the church office, or give Deb Foertsch a ring: 352-3636.



Shopping List for September

• Jelly to accompany the peanut butter we send out

• Low-salt, low sugar items—soup, canned veges, etc. (frequently requested by those under doctor’s
care or recovering from surgery)



… Your food contributions and monetary donations are very appreciated. And thank you so much
for your continued prayers!



Food Pantry Update

• From July 30- August 23, food was delivered to 12 families (14 adults, 18 children) with referrals
from empty tomb and SUMC members.

• About 150 sack lunches are made every week for Canteen Run.

• At Shadowwood on August 6, food was distributed to 21 families, a total of 71 persons.

The Art of Prayer



"I am praying to you because I know you will answer. O God, bend down and listen as I pray." (Psalm
17:6) OK, now that we have had a word of prayer, why don't we have a word about prayer? Why does
the thought of talking to God intimidate us so much? Is it because we think we must sound so stiff and
formal?

No doubt, prayer is important to God. Jesus prayed consistently and taught his followers to do the
same. He wants to hear from us in the same way. Yet we fret too much over what to say and how to
say it. If we speak, we want it to sound like a "work of art" in God's ears. However, we get so busy
agonizing over our would-be-prayer life that we actually forget to pray.


Today, let's freshen up our approach to conversation with God.

Think about you favorite friend. This friend knows the sound of you voice, your tone, the words you're
likely to use and the ones you never use. You know the same about your friend. You know each other
inside and out. Guess what, God knows you inside and out. His desire is for you to know him intimately
as well. Jesus desires comfortable communication with you.

 So forget the fancy lingo.

 Forget how someone else might address the Almighty.

 The Lord wants you to talk to him the way you talk.



Imagine yourself pulling up a chair and chatting with Jesus as your dearest friend. The more you chat
the dearer you become to each other. And you know, prayer has wonderful benefits:

 God will never be in the middle of a meal when you call.

 He abhors gossip, so your secrets are safe with him.
 He understands anger, confusion and fear.

 You can tell him anything.

 He loves honesty.
 He lives to forgive.


 You'll feel better after talking things out with him.

As you pray, remember: God is leaning close to hear you. To him, your words are a masterpiece.

Daily Challenge: Spend time today talking to Jesus. Simply start by telling God what you like about
him, thanking him for what he does, and telling him about your needs.

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]