05/08/2026
Worship this week
Scripture: Acts 16:9-15
Sermon: “Lydia”
Chancel Choir @ 9: "Home of Grace" by Joseph Martin
Announcements:
Rebecca Circle Meeting May 11
All women of the church are invited to the next meeting of the Rebeca Circle, to be held on Monday, May 11, in the downstairs worship center at 10 A.M. This will be our last meeting until August. We are excited to feature church member Adam Flack who will share his experiences working in Vocational Rehabilitation and Home Services in Decatur and Mattoon. We will be inspired!
This will be the last day to bring contributions for Mother's Day at Choices.
See you there! Bring a friend!
Rebecca's Circle Collecting for Choices Pregnancy Center
Rebecca’s Circle will be collecting for Choices Pregnancy Center with items needed for new moms. The annual baby bottle drive is moving to September. We will collect items from now until May 11th and deliver that week just following Mother’s Day. Items in need… Toilet Paper, Dish Soap, Paper Towel, laundry detergent, razors, hair brushes, larger diapers, cabinet door locks, electric outlet plugs, feminine hygiene products. Other items are welcome but these are those most needed by mom’s at this time.
Thank you in advance for supporting this effort! Rebecca’s Circle
Office Hour Changes May 15 and 22
Regular office hours are Thursday 9-12 with Pastor Todd and Fridays 9-2 with office manager Brooke Kepley. However, other obligations arise and we alter that schedule from time to time.
Friday, May 15 noon - 3
Thursday, May 21 9-3
Friday, May 22 office closed
VBS at Charleston Wesley Coming Up (6.28-7.2) - volunteer meeting May 12th
Roadtrip themed Vacation Bible School! We will partner with Charleston Wesley UMC again this year for VBS 6-8pm. June 28th - July 2nd.
There is a volunteer meeting May 12th @ 6PM Charleston Wesley UMC. To register as a volunteer or participant, follow this link:
https://vbspro.events/p/events/wesleyroadtrip
Miracle Sunday May 17th
This spring, United Methodists around the world are stepping into a shared movement—and the Illinois Great Rivers Conference is invited to step in together. Through the Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously & Miracle Sunday Initiative, United Methodists are investing in theological education beyond the United States—supporting pastors, forming disciples, and strengthening the bonds that hold us together as a connectional church. For the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, this moment matters. It’s a chance to remember who we are, renew our ties with the global church, and participate—together—in something far larger than any single congregation. Every congregation, large or small, rural, suburban or urban, has a vital part to play. When we unite our prayers, our generosity, and our hearts, God works miracles. Your congregation’s participation will not only bless those far beyond your local community—it will also deepen your own sense of mission, purpose, and connection with the world-wide body of Christ. Churches in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference are asked to set aside the designated Miracle Sunday May 17th for worship and celebration. Your church can take up an offering or pray boldly for God’s work through your congregation. Together, we can make a difference. To make a contribution, write a check to the church and write "Miracle Sunday" in the memo line. For more information, click here:
https://www.igrc.org/miraclesunday
May Fifth Sunday Celebration - Worship at ten with confirmation, graduates, and Yan family concert at one
Our next Fifth Sunday Celebration will be Sunday, May 31st with one combined worship at ten in the sanctuary which will include receiving two confirmands into the membership of the church and recognizing high school graduates, with a concert by the Yan family at one. Light refreshments will be served for the concert and a donation will be taken up to recognize the Yan family. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us for the special occasion!
Summer Special Music
The June - August summer special music schedule is being compiled for the 9 o'clock traditional service. So, if you would like to bless the congregation with a special piece, please reply to this message or contact Pastor Todd with the Sunday that you would like to perform.
Tuesday Bible Study on the Lord's Prayer
You're invited to join the Tuesday Bible Study group at 10 (except the third Tuesday of each month) in the downstairs worship center to read and discuss Adam Hamilton's book, The Lord's Prayer: The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught. Through the six week study pastor and bestselling author Adam Hamilton guides us to really know―and really pray―the Lord’s Prayer. He explores each of its rich lines and their meaning in the Bible, illuminating what we ask of God and what we ask of ourselves through its words. And he teaches us how to use it as a pattern for our own prayer life. Click here for an introduction: https://youtu.be/-nMolsgVM2k?si=AqQlqDBbpuiOK5cS
Hope for Hard Times
The Thursday Morning Bible Study will be reading and discussing the book Hope for Hard Times, by Magrey R. deVega. The focus will be on the lives of Old Testament prophets Elijah and Elisha, as they are found in First and Second Kings. The stories are exciting, and the lessons are profound. Please join in as often as you can at 8:00 every Thursday morning in downstairs Room 102. This study will last several weeks. Books are available through Amazon. Check with Ardis Larvick if you have questions.
Keep up with the latest events in the denomination with United Methodist News (umnews.org). To keep up with the latest news and events from the Illinois Great Rivers Conference, visit www.igrc.org/current.
