SHARING SOME THOUGHTS by Joyce Jeffries

I’m a Nebraska girl, born and raised. While I’ve lived in Illinois for many years, I still have deep roots in the ‘Cornhusker’ state. My mom and dad nurtured me there in love and faith. That faith has become the bedrock of my being, growing always stronger in its ability to comfort and sustain me.

It was just six years ago that my husband, John, and I found a church home at UMCL. We met people who have become family over the years. When John suffered a fatal stroke in 2015, these friends became a strong support system. Then a diagnosis of breast cancer and all the treatment involved took that need to a new level. How comforting to know I have these prayer warriors holding me in their thoughts and being available for day-to-day practical help, if that becomes necessary. I can tell you firsthand, their prayers have been working. Can you begin to see why our church means so much to me?

Two groups have come very important to me. First is the Wednesday afternoon ladies Bible Study. I have learned so much about the Bible through that group. I love that book! The loving friends there are a part of the ‘family’ I mentioned. Secondly, is my membership on the Endowment Committee. My work career included fund-raising, so raising money for our church endowment was interesting to me and a natural fit. The endowment fund supports the future of the church by providing funds in perpetuity for the missions of the church.

My personal giving to our church is three-pronged. First, I support the annual giving which covers the yearly operating expenses of the church. Second, I have pledged to the Capital Campaign for our sanctuary renovation. Third, I give a yearly gift to the Endowment Fund.

The third giving opportunity, the Endowment Fund, is one that I would encourage you to consider in your personal giving plan. In my situation, I could have left money to the fund in my Estate Plan; but I look at the future as being more uncertain than I did in years past. Frankly, I may not be living in this area for all the years I have remaining. So, I decided to support the Endowment Fund now. It turns out that giving during my lifetime has actually been very satisfying on a personal level.

I share this information with you because UMCL means so much to me; and I know many of you, like me, are committed to keeping it strong and vital for future generations. Am I asking you to rethink your financial gifts to your faith? I guess I am, but, that is the role of a fundraiser. People used to ask me “don’t you hate begging for money?” The fact is I found that those who give do so because they are eager to support their favorite organization. In my case, it is my church.

United Methodist Church of Libertyville

Li ing Up Christ, Using Our Gi s, Ministering To All

June 1, 2016 Volume 2016, Issue 10

Our Mission Is To Glorify God By

Page 2

Announcements, Joys & Concerns

PRAYER CHAIN—Please hold in prayer all those in our church family who are ill, hospitalized or recovering at home Also please pray for our pastors and committees as they work to discern and shape our future in ministry. If there are specific prayer requests you would like circulated through our prayer chain, please contact the church office, Mickey Donahue, Karen Kuhlman, or Kathy Locke, using our new email address: prayerchain@umcl.org.

PastorSCWilliams@umcl.org PastorJHWilliams@umcl.org

Ruth.Ross@umcl.org Ben.Hallett@umcl.org

Amanda.Seibert@umcl.org Brittney.Stephan@umcl.org

Destiny.Koch@umcl.org Joyce.Bedell@umcl.org

Jim.Grace@umcl.org Jeff.Brown@umcl.org

Blair.Brockman@umcl.org info@umcl.org

Valerie.Baker@umcl.org

PASTORS: Rev. Dr. Stephen C. Williams Rev. Dr. Jamie Hanna Williams Business/Operations Manager: Ruth Ross Director of Contemporary Worship & Spiritual Growth: Ben Hallett Children/Family Ministries: Amanda Seibert Youth Pastor: Brittney Stephan Junior High Youth Minister: Destiny Koch New Member/Ministries Coordinator: Joyce Bedell Director of Music: Jim Grace Director of Adult Choir: Jeff Brown Children’s Choir Director: Blair Brockman Church Office/Administrative Secretary: Melinda Bryant Communications Secretary: Valerie Baker

WE WANT TO CELEBRATE YOU!! Email CelebrateMe@umcl.org with your name(s), birthday and/or

your anniversary date. We will be putting the information in our new section in memos. Please be sure to send at least

one week prior to the next issue of memos.

Congratulations to parents Jamie and Andrea and big sister, Lillian on the birth of ELLIOTT WOOLF TWEDELL

on May 17, 2016.

CHURCH FAMILY —The visitation team would like to know of any shut-ins or folks that haven’t been able to get out to church. We’d like to send them a card or visit if they would like….Just to let them know their church family has not forgotten about them. We have folks who visit each week and we also have the HOMETOUCH magazine that goes out for each month to those requesting it. Let’s not let our members feel alone and forgotten. In Matthew it says ”I was sick and you visited me...” Please contact Jeris or the church office.

PAULETTE AND CHARLES PETERS on their 45th Wedding Anniversary

May 22, 2016

BILL AND DEBBIE VANNI on their 39th Wedding Anniversary

May 28, 2016

JR HIGH AND SR HIGH SUNDAY SCHOOL—Beginning June 5, classes will be worshiping together in the Sanctuary. This Summer is an excellent time to be a part of our worship experience on Sunday mornings to be in unity with the rest of the congregation, especially when we begin our blended worship service in July. If there is an interest among the youth to sit together during worship, I am more than happy to offer a space that would be designated specifically for our youth during this time. We will continue to have very active youth programs on Sunday and Wednesday nights to gather with one another for fun, fellowship, and devotion! Starting in the fall, we will be kicking off our Sunday School program once again.

Page 3 Volume 2016, Issue 10

Endowment Committee 2016 Awards

Take Action!

Take action on Pastor Steve’s sermon from May 22. Join in a conversation about racial equity and structural racism. Using film

clips, book excerpts, and other media, we will explore both the external drivers—policies, laws, structure—AND our internal influences of bias and privilege. “The truth is, to interrupt the self-perpetuating system of inequity; we need to engage both the head and the heart.”

Make UMCL your place to start or continue your journey toward peace, equity, and justice.

For more information, go online to: www.umcl.org/worldtrust or contact Janet Mason, mnjmason@sbcglobal.net.

Center For Changing Lives (CCL) Fundraiser

Celebrate our Chicago baseball teams and the expansion of Center for Changing Lives’ Bridge Program, from 2 to 36 clients, bridging clients from low paying jobs

to career pathways in IT by working towards CompTIA A+ Certification in partnership with Chicago Colleges.

JOIN us for fun & friendship while donating to a good cause on June 4 from 5-8 PM. Baseball Park food & drink provided, with 50-50 raffle, baseball trivia games & more! Suggested donation: $30/person and $50 per couple.

Tickets can be purchased online through Brown Paper Bag at www.baseballbbq.bpt.me; or Elise at 847-362-0029 (eliseng1005@gmail.com), Diana at 847-362-1385 (dnatsch1@gmail.com)

IT’S BASEBALL SEASON & BOTH CHICAGO TEAMS ARE IN FIRST PLACE!

Two Sundays, June 5 and 12, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

The Endowment Committee is happy to announce the continued good use of a small portion of the ever growing interest from the Endowment Fund for the following:

Building Committee – New Coffee System in the Community Room AWARD: $2,500 New Member/Hospitality Committee - Advertising AWARD: $1,400 Ben Hallett - Seminary AWARD: $1,000 Mission Trip, Scholarship AWARD: $1,000 Jim Stewart - Breakfast Club AWARD: $700 Children's Ministry Committee - Decorating AWARD: $500

Thank You We had a full house for our May 22 praise concert. Indeed we did shake the rafters of this good church! It was a wonderful way to praise God and reach out in hospitality to our community! Thank you all for your prayers and hard work, including the over 100 volunteers who helped us these past five weeks. A special thank you to the core team leaders who went above and beyond to bring us this event: Peggy Berryman (hospitality), Susie DiCello (prayer group), Mickey Donahue (publicity), Mike Foley (concert manager), Gladys Griffin (facilities), Sandy Marquardt (publicity), Mark Mason (A/V) and Tom Seibert (A/V).

Page 4

Christian Education

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE NEEDED JUNE THROUGH AUGUST!

Since people are busy with summer travel

we are changing our teaching commitment to a week at a time. This means we need A LOT more volunteers than usual!

Please contact Amanda Seibert at Amanda.Seibert@umcl.org if you are able

to give up an hour or two of your summer!! SUMMERSUNDAYSCHOOL

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Register now for Vacation Bible School on July 18th – 22nd from 9:00AM to noon.

Children, preschool through 5th grade are invited to come and experience a week at Cave Quest!

Where kids learn to follow Jesus, the light of the world.

For more details and to register visit www.umcl.org/vbs or grab a registration form outside of Ms. Amanda’s office door.

*Volunteers needed! Forms also available outside Ms. Amanda’s door.

DEADLINE IS JULY 10TH!

JOIN US FOR A FUN-FILLED WEEK AT CHURCH CAMP!

This is an incredible opportunity for both junior and senior high school students. The junior high students will be going to Camp Adventure, while the senior high students will be going to Epworth Forest. Both camps are located in North Webster, IN and include action-packed adventures including swimming, blobbing, tubing, paintball, high ropes, etc. Most importantly, there is a deep focus on Christ through an amazing spiritual program including small groups, modern worship, and opportunities to ask the tough questions.

Come & join us June 26-July 1 and invite your friends! Contact Brittney Stephan at brittney.stephan@umcl.org w/ questions.

Second Mile Giving For June Will Support:

Capernaum (Young Life) – Meeting at our own UMCL, Capernaum allows young people with disabilities an opportunity to experience the abundant life God intended for them. Capernaum is part of Young Life, a non-profit, non-denominational ministry founded in 1941. Funds for Capernaum will help support camp scholarships and other programs in order to help disabled teens discover and enjoy acceptance, adventure and fun. Please see www.younglife.org or call 877-438-9572 for general information. United Methodist Children’s Fund for Christian Mission – This fund, jointly sponsored by GBGM (General Board of Global Ministries) and GBOD (General Board of Discipleship), enables children to learn about others, the importance of mission, and opportunities for mission giving. Four projects,

two international and two US-based, are chosen each year. Projects change from year to year in order for children to have a variety of learning experiences and a diverse understanding of children in other states and countries. New projects are generally listed each May or June, and additional information and materials can be found in the Project Listing at www.umcmission.org. A contact for the fund can be reached at 212-870-3690.

Volume 2016, Issue 10 Page 5

United Methodist Women

PRISCILLA CIRCLE

Priscilla Circle will be meeting on Tuesday, June 21st in Fellowship Hall.

We will meet at 11:30 a.m. and have a picnic meal and a time to enjoy one another's company. You do not have to bring any food, as I will have it all there. Look forward to seeing you then.

Any questions, please call Shirley Mason at 847-362-0523.

Rev. Jamie Geiger Retiring

RUTH CIRCLE

Ruth Circle will be taking time to "smell the roses", as we have a garden walk planned for our meeting on Wednesday, June 15th!

We will meet at the home of Nancy Sullivan (17309 W. Westwind Drive, in Gurnee; 847-533-4440), at 6:00 p.m. (please note the time change) and will carpool to the various homes. We will have refreshments following the tour.

Faith Circle will be joining us, and we encourage and welcome newcomers too!!

PAT M. DAVIS—2016 UMW SUNDAY SPEAKER

June 5th, Pat M. Davis (former member of UMCL and now active in the Great Rivers Conference of Illinois will be our speaker for UMW Sunday. She will be speaking at both services and, yes, her husband, Bob, will be here also!

A farewell and retirement reception is being held for Sherry and Jamie Geiger at Gary Memorial UMC, 224 N. Main Street, Wheaton, on Sunday, June 12 from 2-4 pm. Rev. Geiger is retiring this June after almost 40 years of ministry in the UMC. All are welcome.

Adopt-A-Garden

Yeah Spring… and a big thank you to our gardeners for their work “beautifying” our gardens.

These volunteers lovingly tend the Church gardens by planting, pruning, weeding, and watering to keep everything looking beautiful. The Trustees are hoping for others to join our crew so that all the gardens are cared for. If you’d like to join us in serving our Church in this way, please consider adopting a garden plot or two. You can care for your plot yourself or team up with family and friends to make it a group effort. We’ll supply all the tools you’ll need and hoses for watering too.

To “adopt” your plot or for questions, please contact Ruth Ross at Ruth.Ross@umcl.org or call the church office at 847-362-2112.

Page 6

Service Opportunities

Fellowship and Nurture

ANNUAL CONFERENCE MISSION CHALLENGE

This year the challenge going out to the districts of the Northern Illinois Conference is to collect school supplies that will be pulled together to make up School Kits and sending them to the United Methodist disaster relief supply center near Springfield, IL. Our district (which is the Elgin district) is being asked to bring boxes of crayons (24 count only) and pencil sharpeners. Please note: All items must be new and free from advertising, religious, patriotic, military or camouflage symbols. Also, no hand prints, foot prints or paw prints. We will be collecting these beginning May 1st and will end on June 5th. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Bonnie Lill via cell phone at 847-987-2541.

PRIME TIME POTLUCK LUNCH

Prime Time will meet on Monday, JUNE 6 at NOON for a potluck lunch. After lunch we'll play Bloomin' Bingo. No cost to play and there will be prizes for the winners!!

Please RSVP to the church office by 10 AM. Thursday, June 2. (847-362-2112 or info@umcl.org)

Bring your rabbit's foot, lucky charm or whatever brings you winning luck! Mary Montgomery and Jan Grigsby

ENVIRONMENT DAY JUNE 4—COLLECTING PLANT POTS

June 4 is Environment Day and Plastic Plant pots will be collected for recycling at the Botanic Gardens. We will be collecting pots in tubs in Fellowship Hall from now until then so, as you plant your gardens, bring the pots, etc. and place in the tubs.

Thank you, The Earth!

PS. We continue to recycle Styrofoam also, so continue to bring it and place in the tubs located in the same foyers.

April month-end financial results show the Church to be in a positive position. Income is positive to plan, both for the month and year-to-date, primarily due to favorability in pledge offerings. Expenses too are favorable to plan and an income to actual expense "gap" that is 50% less than anticipated to be at this point in time. Your continued generosity will help continue this favorable trend. Thank you!

Month-To-Date Year-to-Date Offerings/Revenue $81,500.16 $284,330.00 Expenses $65,517.72 $308,281.23 Actual Difference ($15,982.44) ($23,951.23) Anticipated Difference $4,454.12 ($52,002.93)

As of 4/30/16 APRIL 2016 MONTH-END RESULTS

Finance Notes

Stephen Ministry is your ministry. It is an important way we care for one another. If you are going through a difficult time, consider having a Stephen Minister. If you know someone who is facing

difficulties, suggest that they request Stephen Ministry. Make use of it. Stephen Ministry belongs to you.

If you would like to talk with a Stephen Minister, contact Kevin Garren (847-816-7340), Mary Spooner (847-548-3703) or the Pastors.

Stephen Ministry Minute

UMW SAVE THE DATE UMW Retreat Rev. Young-Mee Par October 1, 2016

Calendar

MEMOS & BULLETIN PUBLISHING POLICY—It is the policy for the MEMOS and Sunday bulletins to publish items related only to the United Methodist Church of Libertyville or the specific activities, programs, and missions it sponsors. Any items submitted to the MEMOS or Sunday bulletins will be subject to editing as available space may require. Likewise, the timing of publishing articles is an editorial decision.

Deadlines for MEMOS articles: WEDNESDAY, June 8 by 10 AM; for Sunday Bulletins: the Wednesday before by 10:00 AM. Helping hands are always appreciated to help assemble MEMOS; we’ll next meet at 8:45 AM, Wednesday, June 15, in Room 101!!

Volume 2016, Issue 10 Page 7

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat May 30

Memorial Day Church Office Closed

May 31

12:00 & 7:30 PM– Living Free / AA 9:45 AM—Lectio

Divina-

Offsite

June 1

8:45 AM—Memos

9:30 AM—Staff Mtg

7:00 PM—Spiritual

Growth Mtg

7:00 PM—JrHI TIDE

June 2

12:00 PM—Living

Free / AA 7:00 PM—Disciple 7:00 PM—Praise Band

June 3 First Friday Friends

June 4 8:00 AM—Men’s Study 1:30 PM—Praise Band

June 5

UMW Sunday 8:00 AM—Adult Class 8:15 AM—Adult Class 9:30 AM—Traditional Service 9:30 AM—Youth & Adult Sunday School 9:30 AM—BIG Time Sunday School 10:30 AM—Coffee Time 11:00 AM—Contemporary Worship 11:00 AM-Kids’ Own Worship 4:00 PM—Conversations On Race 6:30 PM—SR High

June 6

12:00 PM—Prime Time 7:00 PM—Inquirers

June 7

12:00 & 7:30 PM– Living Free / AA 9:45 AM—Lectio Divina

June 8

9:30 AM—Staff Mtg

7:00 PM—Childrens

Min. Committee

7:30 PM—Troop 72

Committee

7:00 PM—JrHI TIDE

June 9

9:30 AM—Faith Circle

Offsite

12:00 PM—Living

Free / AA 7:00 PM—Praise Band

June 10 No Scheduled Activities

June 11 ASP Departs

1:30 PM—Praise Band

June 12 8:00 AM—Adult Class 8:15 AM—Adult Class 9:30 AM—Traditional Service 9:30 AM—Youth & Adult Sunday School 9:30 AM—B.I.G. Time 10:30 AM—Coffee Time 11:00 AM—Contemporary Worship 11:00 AM-Kids’ Own Worship 4:00 PM—Conversations on Race 6:30 PM—SR High

June 13 1:00 PM—Book Talkers 7:00 PM—Inquirers

June 14 12:00 & 7:30 PM– Living Free / AA 7:00 PM– Stephen Ministry 9:45 AM—Lectio

Divina

June 15

8:45AM—Memos

9:30 AM—Staff Mtg

7:00 PM—Ruth Circle

7:00 PM—JrHI TIDE

June 16

Libertyville Days

12:00 PM—Living

Free / AA 7:00 PM—Praise Band

June 17 No Planned Activities

June 18 10:00 AM— Libertyville Days Parade 1:30 PM—Praise Band

DONATE YOUR OWN flowers to decorate our altar. You can coordinate with DeLynn Vang on donating flowers to the church or go to our website (www.umcl.org/altar_flowers) and fill out the online form. Altar flowers each Sunday are given in honor of, or in memory of, special people and events.

Questions? Contact DeLynn Vang at delynnvang@comcast.net.

Volume 2016, Issue 10

MEMOS is a bi-weekly publication of the United Methodist Church of Libertyville

429 Brainerd Ave., Libertyville, IL 60048-2198

PASTORS: Jamie Hanna Williams; Stephen C. Williams

Sunday: Traditional 9:30 AM—Contemporary 11:00 AM Office Hours: 8:30 AM—3:30 PM weekdays

Phone: (847) 362-2112 Fax: (847) 362-8146

E-mail: info@umcl.org

Return Service Requested

A Stephen Ministry Congregation

Website:

www.umcl.org

Twitter: @UMCLibertyville

Page 8

SUMMER WORSHIP AND COMMUNITY 2016 UMCL JUNE SPIRITED WORSHIP AT 9:30 TRADITIONAL & 11:00 CONTEMPORARY

JULY/AUGUST SEPTEMBER 4

Beginning in July and continuing until September 4, Labor Day Weekend, we will have ONE SUMMER UNITY SERVICE at 10:00 am. One service allows us get to know one another and celebrate our unity in Christ. Worship will be creative and engaging with music and elements from both the contemporary and traditional styles.

GREAT FELLOWSHIP EVENTS are being planned for before and after the service:

If you are interested in helping to plan or work on any of these events, contact the church office or Pastor Steve at pastorscwilliams@umcl.org. All Helpers Welcome!!

SUNDAY SCHOOL for children in K-5th grade and Nursery Care for children up to age 4 will be provided during the service throughout the summer.

DON’T MISS SUMMER WORSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP AT UMCL!!

SUMMER UNITY WORSHIP 10:00 AM

July 10 FABULOUS PANCAKE BREAKFAST before the service

July 24 SIZZLING COOKOUT – Hot Dogs, Brats, Burgers on the Grill following the VBS and ASP Celebration Youth Worship Service

August 7 ALL CHURCH POTLUCK - Bring your favorite dish to share

August 28 RALLY DAY PICNIC - Food and Fun for Kids and Adults