File - First United Methodist Church

The Messenger
MAY 2015
Issue 141
First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines
668 Graceland Ave.
Des Plaines, IL 60016
(847) 827-5561
www.fumcdp.org
Office Hours:
Monday—Friday
9:30am—5:30pm
IMPORTANT DATES

FLEA MARKET & CRAFT FAIR
Sat, May 9 — 9a.m.-3p.m. (Rain Date—May 16)

MOTHER’S DAY WORSHIP SERVICE
Sunday, May 10, 10:00a.m.
What’s Inside:
Note From Pastor
2
Upcoming Events
3
Announcements
4
Finance News
5
Worship News
5
Missions News
7
Youth Group
8
Education News
9
FUMC Good News 10
Caring Ministry
12
Manna Gift Cards
13
Meet Pastor Irene 14
May Calendar
15

PESCHE’S FLOWER SALE (YOUTH
FUNDRAISER)
Friday-Sunday, May 15—17

PENTECOST WORSHIP & ‘FIELD DAY’
Sunday, May 24, 10:00a.m.

YOUTH LED WORSHIP SERVICE
Sunday, May 31, 10:00a.m.
I think we can count on a lot of
flowers this spring. If you know the old
saying, “April showers bring May flowers,”
then you know what I’m talking about. As
the old saying goes, “As sure as carts
follow horses” we will end up with spring flowers. The world is full of these “old
sayings”. One of the early ones that I learned was “Fore-Warned is Fore-Armed.”
Of course, when I first heard this one as a child, I was thinking that I was hearing
“Four Warned is Four Armed.” I thought how cool it would be to have four arms!
Childhood misunderstandings aside, to know that something bad can
happen before it happens can be a wonderful thing. You can be prepared ahead
of time for whatever it is. This recently came into practice in my own life. While
on the first of two trips that I made back to Indiana to help move my mom back
to Illinois to be closer to my sister and I, I bought fuel at a gas station. I paid for
gas with my credit card which I pay off in full EVERY month (I’m rather reluctant
to pay interest when I don’t have to). I also try not to pay for things that I have
not received, but this will take a bit of explanation. (Cont. on next page)
Page 2
(Continued from previous page)
Some years ago, I heard about a very simple
scam that was being perpetrated on unsuspecting
people. The scam was simple, when you hand your
credit card to the cashier to swipe thru their cash
register; the cashier swipes the card twice. So you end
up getting charged twice for the same thing. The
person behind the counter “pockets” (steals) the cash
from the second transaction and you (the card holder)
get stuck paying twice for the same thing. The only
way to avoid this scam is to carefully check your credit
card statement every month. I have and I continue to
do exactly that every month. But not everyone bothers
to check their monthly statements, so it is easy for this
one to slip by.
The Messenger — May 2015
took a close look at the four $20 bills I had left. In the
bright sunlight, one of them looked very different from
the other three.
After visiting at the hospital, I drove back to my
bank and showed the teller the odd looking bill I’d
received. Fortunately for me, this was a small bank in a
small town with only a couple of tellers, both of whom
knew me not only by name, but knew that I was a local
pastor. The teller said something along the lines of “oh
my” and walked over to her boss. The manager, who
was also the other teller, came over holding the odd
looking bill in her hand, reached into the drawer and
pulled out another twenty. After examining the two
bills side by side, she handed me the bill from the
drawer and said something like, “Thanks for bringing
this to our attention pastor and we’re sorry about this.”
Well, on this last month’s statement, for the
She too knew me by name. I never heard whether or
first time ever, this happened to me. I was charged
twice for exactly $42.17 at the same gas station on the not the counterfeiter was ever caught, but I never got
same day. The credit card reader on the pump was not another funny looking bill at the bank.
working, so I went into the station to pay for my fuel. I
Unfortunately, counterfeiting is here to stay. As
handed my card to the attendant and paid for my gas.
long as there is paper money being used, there will be
But according to my statement, I paid the $42.17 twice. those who want to pass off their own home made
I don’t mind paying for the fuel I bought once, that’s
versions in place of the real thing. And even more
the way things are supposed to work. But I just refuse unfortunately, the same thing takes place in the church
to pay for the same thing twice!
but I’m not talking about money.
It was wonderful to have been warned about
this a few years ago. Another one to watch for is when
you use your credit card at a store whose machine
always asks if you want to get some “cash back.”
Apparently, some store clerks used this opportunity to
also get some “cash back” from your account. The
clerk would ask, “Do you want cash back?” If you said,
“yes,” they’d ask, “How much?” If you said, “$20.00”
they’d hand you $20, charge you for $30, and pocket
the $10 difference. As they say, “Nice work if you can
get it.” At least until you get caught.
As your pastor, I have to forewarn you about
another scam going around. This scam has to do with
the difference between what is authentic and what is a
forgery. Some years back, I got cash at the bank when I
deposited my check. The teller counted out my money
and I pocketed the bills and went on my way. A day or
so later, I heard on the radio that there were
counterfeit $20 bills showing up in the area. I had just
pulled into the parking lot of the hospital at which I was
going to visit on a bright sunny day. So, just for the fun
of it, I pulled out the cash I’d gotten at the bank and
There are those who want to change the plain
ordinary meaning of things in the Bible. They want to
redefine what the words mean away from the
definitions that have been understood for well over
2000 years for the Old Testament and almost as long for
the New Testament. They do this because they believe
that what the plain reading of the Bible teaches is
wrong. So they resort to redefining what the words say
so that the text of the Bible no longer says what the
church for all these centuries has believed and taught.
Years ago in seminary, I heard a great saying
that I cannot find who it was that created it. It goes like
this, “If the plain sense makes sense seek no other sense
lest you create non-sense.” Let’s stop trying to redefine
the words in the Bible to fit our preconceived ideas as
to what it ought to say and let the Word of God change
us into people fit for God’s kingdom. To put it positively
I will quote from a song that’s a few years old, “God said
it, I believe it, and that’s good enough for me.”
In Christ’s service,
Pastor Brad
Page 3
The Messenger — May 2015
ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
9:00am
Ed Kush on guitar
11:00am Classical Music Group
12:00pm ‘MDB Martial Arts’ Demo
12:30pm ‘Barefoot Hawaiian’ Dancers
1:30pm
John Aspromante on guitar
2:00pm
‘Artistry in Motion’ Dancers
2:30pm
McNulty Irish Dancers
FLEA MARKET & CRAFT FAIR ON FRONT LAWN
Saturday, May 9, 9:00a.m. — 3:00p.m.
(Rain date— May 16)
Adult Missions Team has been working VERY hard on making sure this years Flea Market
will be the biggest one yet! 35 local vendors selling a variety of unique items, local
entertainment performing (see schedule above) and delicious food!!
*We are still looking for a few performers to fill morning slots, if you (or anyone/group you
know) is interested — please contact the church office ASAP (847) 827-5561.
CHILDREN’S DAY CELEBRATION!
Saturday, May 2, 4:30p.m. — 7:00p.m.
EVERYONE is welcome to come to this FREE COMMUNITY EVENT,
fun for all ages! Games, face painting, clowns, crafts, cotton candy
machine, popcorn machine and delicious food!! Nuevo Amanacer is
hosting this event in Honor of Children’s Day in Fellowship Hall.
YOUTH MISSION TRIP TO WESLEY WOODS, WI
July 19—24, 2015
All youth welcome to join us for a fun week!! Adult volunteers needed
also. Please contact Nicole Novy (Youth Minister) for more info at
[email protected] or call the office at (847) 827-5561.
Page 4
WORSHIP & LUNCHEON IN HONOR OF PASTOR BRAD WILSON
Sunday, June 14, 10:00a.m.
Pastor Brad has been called upon to serve God in Rockford, IL beginning
July 1, 2015. FUMC Des Plaines will be honoring Pastor Brad’s service to
us with a special Worship Service & Luncheon after.
THURSDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY
Every Thursday, 6:00pm
Join us every Thursday in Fellowship Hall at 6:00pm
for an enlightening Bible Study class led by Pastor
Brad. You may bring your own supper if you wish.
RICHARD POFAHL—CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE
Saturday, June 13, 10:00a.m.
A Celebration of the Life of Ric Pofahl will be held at FUMC Des Plaines on
June 13, 10:00a.m. in the sanctuary.
PESCHE’S FLOWER SALE (YOUTH MISSIONS FUNDRAISER)
Friday—Sunday, May 15—17
Stop by Pesche’s on River Road & support our Youth Missions Team! They will
be having a bake sale as well as raising money for the mission trip! Purchase
lovely flowers May 15-17 & 15% of your purchase will to go towards youth
missions. Don’t forget to ask one of our youth for a coupon to give to cashier!
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
*Submit Application & Essay by May 10
FUMC Des Plaines Scholarship Program is an educational service providing
scholarships to help supplement the financial needs of today’s students.
Scholarships are awarded on an academic year basis. Funding is provided
through designated gifts and memorials. Applications are reviewed by
Trustees members. The amount of each scholarship is $500.
How Do Students Apply?
Submit a scholarship application and essay to the church office by May 10, 2015.
Applications can be found on our website, on the literature rack, as well as the office.
Page 5
The Messenger — May 2015
FINANCE COMMITTEE NEWS
Next Meeting: Tues, May 19—7:00pm
Gifts given to God through First United Methodist Church
Three Months Ending March 31, 2015
Budget
Offerings
$57,515
Expenses
57,515
Apportionment 7,029
Net
Actual
$60,375
57,271
4,500
Variance
$2,861
244
2,529
$3,104
Month of March
Budget
Offerings
$19,172
Expenses
19,172
Apportionment 2,343
Net
Actual
$32,924
17,937
1,500
Variance
$13,753
1,235
843
$14,987
Our Capital Campaign Fund is still
open, additional contributions are
welcome. We have a balance of
$20,510 of which $6,032 will be
used to pay down our Mortgage
loan for the parsonage and
$14,478 for Roof Repairs and
Window Cover repairs. Additional
donations much appreciated.
Chair: Linda Trinite
Next Meeting: May 4— 7:15pm
SUNDAY WORSHIP — 10A.M.
May 3 — Communion Sunday
Liturgist: Anne Cowin
May 10 — Mother’s Day Worship
Liturgist: Jackie Pofahl
May 17
Liturgist: Adina Walters
May 24 — Nicole Novy Preaching
Liturgist: Richard Ludwig
May 31 — Youth Led Worship
Liturgist: FUMC Youth Group
IMPORTANT DATES
 Mother’s Day — May 10
 Pentecost — May 24
Please bring red geranium plants to be
planted by children’s Sunday School class.
 Youth Sunday – May 31
 Outdoor Worship – June 7
Bring your lawn chairs & enjoy the
outdoors! worship on the front lawn at 10!
 Service for Pastor Brad —June 14
Luncheon to follow
 Father’s Day – June 21
Page 6
The Messenger — May 2015
MAY COMMUNION OFFERING
The Communion Offering for the month of May will support Salute Inc. located
in Arlington Heights. This non-profit organization provides financial support for
our military men & women through a variety of fundraising activities.
HISTORY OF MOTHER’S DAY
IN THE METHODIST CHURCH
The celebration of Mother's Day can be traced back to
ancient Greece, but the mother of Mother's Day in the U.S was
Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis, the wife of a Methodist pastor in WV.
Her daughter, Anna, led a successful campaign in the early 1900s
to have Mother's Day recognized as a national holiday.
Anna was not quite 2 years old when her family moved to
Grafton, four miles south of Webster, W.Va. According to
historical records, Anna heard her mother express hope that a
memorial would be established for all mothers, living and dead.
After the death of her father in 1902, Anna — along with her
mother and sister, Lillie — moved to Philadelphia to reside with
her brother, Claude. After Ann's death May 9, 1905, Anna began
an intense campaign to fulfill the wish of her mother.
On May 10, 1908, the third anniversary of Ann's death, a
program was held at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in
Grafton and in Philadelphia, launching the observance of a general
memorial day for all mothers. Subsequently, the church observed
Mother's Day on the 2nd Sunday of May each year, making
Andrews the mother church of Mother's Day.
For the first official Mother's Day service in 1908, Anna
sent 500 white carnations to the church to be given to the
participating mothers. During the next several years, she sent
more than 10,000 carnations there. Carnations -- red for the living
and white for the deceased -- became symbols of the purity,
strength and endurance of motherhood.
The first Mother's Day proclamation was issued by West
Virginia's governor in 1910. The day was celebrated in most states
in 1911. In 1914, the U.S. House and Senate approved a
resolution proclaiming the second Sunday of May as Mother's
Day. President Woodrow Wilson endorsed it, and Secretary of
State William Jennings Bryan proclaimed it.
Today, countries around the world celebrate Mother's
Day. Some -- including Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia and Belgium
-- have joined the United States in observing it on the second
Sunday in May.
*Join us on May 10 as we celebrate not only the
mothers, but all women in our congregation.
HISTORY OF PENTECOST
“When the day of Pentecost had come, they
were all together in one place. And suddenly
from heaven there came a sound like the rush
of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house
where they were sitting” (Acts 2:1-2).
Pentecost was originally a Jewish festival, also
known as the Festival of Weeks or Shavuot. It is
celebrated 50 days after the Passover. It served
as a celebration of the grain harvest as well as
a celebration of the Torah, which was received
by Moses on Mt. Sinai 50 days after the
Hebrew people were delivered from slavery in
Egypt. It is also known as the Festival of Weeks
because one counts a week’s worth of weeks
(7×7=49 days) after the Passover (+1=50 days)
to arrive at the date. The Old Testament book
of Ruth is often associated with Pentecost
because the barley and wheat harvest plays an
important role in the story.
For Christians, Pentecost is when we
remember and celebrate the gift of the Holy
Spirit and the Church. Following Jesus’
ascension, the disciples met together, prayed,
and waited. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy
Spirit empowered them to spread the Good
News about Jesus Christ, and thus the church
was born. We are especially mindful of this
event on the Day of Pentecost, but throughout
the season of Pentecost, we seek to celebrate
the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives and
the world and to remember the role of the
Church in God’s work in the world to bring
about the reign of God.
*Join us May 24 as we celebrate
Pentecost with the blessing of
red geraniums to be planted
outside & maintained by youth.
Page 7
The Messenger — May 2015
MISSION COMMISSION NEWS
UMCOR RELIEF CLEANING BUCKET
Our church has been challenged! You’ve heard about the Ice
Bucket Challenge, but we have something better: the Cleaning
Bucket Challenge. Each year at Annual Conference, a challenge
for local churches to bring items that go towards relief efforts
through UMCOR or a partner of UMCOR like Church World
Service. This year, each church is challenged to assemble at least
one Cleaning Bucket to bring to Annual Conference on JUNE 14.
When disaster strikes, United Methodists respond. In 2013,
floods throughout the Northern IL area meant that families
needed help immediately. Emergency Clean-up buckets were
one of the first ways that we showed Christ’s care. In 2013, in
the midst of flooding in Illinois, 2700 flood buckets were
released in our area through partner organizations of UMCOR.
When the waters are muddied, Cleaning Buckets bring relief.
*ORANGE BUCKET FOR DONATIONS AND
SIGN UP SHEET TO BRING SPECIFIC
ITEMS CAN BE FOUND IN THE PARLOR.
ADULT MISSION TEAM NEWS
On April 16, the Adult Mission Team met to talk about several items on the horizon. The
Community Flea Market will be taking place on the front lawn on May 9 from 9am– 3pm. Adult
Mission Team will be heading up this fun event that will consist of food, local talent, Jules the
Clown and of course lots and lots of shopping!! Please come join us and consider working an
hour or two….we can always use the help!
With the Adult Mission Trip fully funded, talk turned to how to direct the funds in the
account to benefit the church. Several ideas were brought up that included replacing the stair
treads in the family entrance, the possibility of an electronic sign, making our church become
a disaster relief center, and finishing the women’s restroom in the basement. The electronic
sign will involve a lot of work including research, dealing with City Hall and of course more
fundraising, but the team thought it was definitely something to look into!
Of course, there is always a need to volunteer at the Allstate Arena! On May 13 we will
be working ‘The Who’ concert, then on May 23 & 24 ‘New Kids on The Block’ will be playing. It
is important to know that an event can be cancelled at any time due to ticket sales, so nothing is
in “ink” until a day or two before the event. It’s a lot of fun, a lot of hard work & very profitable
for the church. If you think you would like to try it there is a sign up link on the church
website or talk to one of the many people in the congregation who have worked an event.

ADULT MISSION TRIP
TO
MCLEOD, MONTANA: JULY 11-19, 2015
Page 8
YOUTH GROUP NEWS!
JR/SR High Sunday School every week at 9:00a.m. in Youth Room!
Faith, Friends, Fun! The place to be! EVERYONE always welcome to join any activity!
Questions? Call Nicole Novy at (815) 922-2982 or email [email protected]
2015 YOUTH MISSION TRIP
WESLEY WOODS, WISCONSIN — JULY 19-24
If you haven’t signed up for the trip, you can still come! Invite friends!
What do you need to do? Fill out Mission Trip Application & give to Nicole ASAP. You must also
participate in 10 total UMYF meetings, Sunday school, church services, service projects, &
fundraisers between now and the trip to cover your cost. UPCOMING FUNDRAISERS BELOW!

FLEA MARKET & CRAFT FAIR: SATURDAY, MAY 9
Need volunteers to run table in 2 hour shifts. Have fun & earn money for the Youth Mission Trip!

PESCHE’S FLOWER SALE: FRI—SUN, MAY 15—17
Shop at Pesche’s Flower Shop on River Rd to support our youth mission team! 15% of your
purchase will go towards Youth Mission Fund. Don’t forget to give cashier coupon from youth.

CAR WASH & VACUUMING: SATURDAY, JUNE 6

MANDATORY MEETING FOR YOUTH & PARENTS: JUNE 7, 11:30AM

FRONTIER DAYS: FRIDAY, JULY 3RD & SUNDAY, JULY 5TH
Exact details to be announced but tentatively we will be working 11:30am-9:30pm both days.
Youth and adults are needed as we will need 12 people for every 3 hour shift!

ALLSTATE ARENA EVENTS FUNDRAISER Sign up for event(s) on fumcdp.org
YOUTH GROUP MEETINGS: SUNDAYS, 6:00—7:30P.M.
May 3 What Does it Mean to be Methodist?
Discussing what the Methodist Church’s stance on issues are in comparison with our own
May 10
*NO YOUTH MEETING , Mother’s Day!
Tell your mother or any woman role-model in your life how important they are to you!
May 17
‘Not a Fan’
Starting a series talking about how we are not simply a fan of Jesus. Come to find out why!
May 24
Minute to Win It
Compete in ‘Minute to Win it’ games against other teams.
May 31
10:00am—Youth Led Worship
6:00pm— Not a fan pt. 2
Youth leading Worship, come at 9am for run through. Bring family/friends to support you!
Youth also meeting at 6pm when we will do part 2 of our ‘Not a Fan’ series!
Page 9
EDUCATION COMMISSION NEWS
Chair: Karen Boesche
Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 5—7:00pm
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
JULY 7—10, 2015
Supper—5:30pm
JULY 7
7—
—10
Program—6:00pm
REGISTER NOW! Registration Forms can be
found on www.fumcdp.org or in the office.
Education Commission is also looking for
volunteers for the program. If interested,
please contact Karen Boesche!
MOTHER'S DAY OUT PROGRAM — THURS & FRI, 9:30A.M—1:45P.M.
Registration open for 2015/16 school year, forms on website: fumcdp.org
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES — 9:00A.M.

CHILDREN’S CLASS
Sunday, May 3 — ART LESSON! Teachers: Karen Boesche & Jan Weber
Sunday, May 10 — Teacher: Missy Holmberg
Sunday, May 17 — Teachers: Karen Boesche & Janine Forney
Sunday, May 24 — Outdoor Sunday School! Planting red geraniums for Pentecost

JR/SR HIGH CLASS: Scary, Gross, & Weird Stories from the Bible
*Nicole Novy (Youth Minister) teaching Sunday School every Sunday at 9am in the
Youth Room upstairs! Lots of fun each week, see you there!
Sunday, May 31 — YOUTH LEADING WORSHIP, meet at 9:00am to practice!

ADULT CLASS: “Being United Methodist”
Leader: Don Ankeny
Sunday, May 3 — A People of Head and Heart (Ch. 4)
Sunday, May 10 — What Methodist’ Believe (Ch. 5)
Sunday, May 17 — A People Moving to Perfection (Ch. 6)
Sunday, May 24 — The Redeemed Person in an Unredemed Society (Ch. 7)
Sunday, May 31 — *NO CLASS (Memorial Day Weekend)
Page 10
The Messenger — May 2015
GOOD NEWS FROM ‘GRACIE’ THE MOUSE

New friends, I cannot begin reporting on the month of April without
mentioning the memorable YOUTH LED PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE on
March 29th. Our youth also provided & served EASTER BREAKFAST, April 4th.
Sunday
Worship
Bravo and many
thanks toTimes
JULIA BOESCHE, MATTHEW AND LIBBY
JACOBSunday
AND SARA
HARTNESS, JOEY HOLMBERG, MELISSA
9:00amEDMONDSON,
– Youth & Adult
School
MAKUCH,
LETHRESE
LEVINWorship
ROSETE, and
our YOUTH MINISTER, NICOLE NOVY. They gave
10:00
am – AND
Blended
in Sanctuary
us food for thought and to nourish the body. If you missed Nicole’s Palm Sunday sermon about
11:00 am – Nuevo Amanacer Worship
Jesus’ modest entry into Jerusalem
on Palm Sunday,
here’s
the take-away: Jesus was
September
Worship
Schedule
intentional in His humility and acts, and we are meant to be, too.

Good news for April includes MIKE DUCE recovery from knee surgery at the end of March.
Mike was back to work in only two weeks! While Mike was away, SAM TRINITE kept the
church spic and span, although, I have to say, I’m glad the church is heated, because neither
Mike nor Sam leaves so much as a scrap of paper or speck of lint so I can line my nest properly!

And whose grandma was so proud of her for competing in swimming nationals in
Greensborough, N.C., early in April? JULIA BOESCHE’S! Can you tell me who Julia’s grandma
is? RUTH GAFRICK! Look for Ruth in ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL, at 9 a.m. on Sundays. Better
yet, sit down and join the group! (By the way, I am still working out who is who & who is
related, here at the church. It would help if you all wore your name tags. Would you?)

Another triumph: KIDS’ EASTER PARTY, April 4th, in Fellowship Hall, was one of the most wellattended in recent years, with 29 children plus more than double that number of family
members in attendance. EDUCATION COMMISSION members, who plan this annual event,
were elated! So! Want to make some good memories with your own young family members
and friends? Put Kids’ Easter Party at church on your 2016 calendar and come for lots of fun,
FREE activities! There’s fun not only for kids and their parents, but for grandparents, too.

While we’re rejoicing, let’s congratulate ANNE HOLMBERG, who has a NEW JOB. Ask her
about it! Anne has a grin a mile wide. Prayers helped, didn’t they?

Also, at the April 12th Church Council meeting, BILL KNOPF reported (for the Finance Comm.),
that CHURCH FINANCES are in the black again for the first quarter of 2015. Smiling faces all
around. (Bet there were prayers offered for that, don’t you think?) We may be happy for Bill,
personally, too, because his first knee surgery (Nov., 2014) is a success! He is using a cane now
because his other knee is acting up, but he expects that to be taken care of this fall.

A new FUNERAL COMMITTEE led by KAREN FITZGERALD formed at the April 12th Church
Council meeting, and just in time, as there was a need the very next weekend for its members
to set up and serve refreshments following Charlottle Storer’s Memorial Service at the church.
And yes, that was JIM BLUE drying dishes, and MIKE MURPHY putting them away. Volunteer
for this committee and enjoy the company of other members of the church, all while spending
a few hours performing a useful service. If you’d like to help, speak with Karen Fitzgerald.
*See more Good News on next page!!
Page 11
The Messenger — May 2015
MORE GOOD NEWS FROM GRACIE

Guess what! I survived my first Metra Train ride, April 18th! I thought, no
problem! I’ll just follow the TRIVIA TRAIN people aboard. Well! Trying to avoid
being stepped on was mind-boggling, and there were no ‘accommodations’ for
mice. I grabbed the underside of a seat – no seatbelt! – for the ride out, stuck to
that seat for dear life for the ride out to … Barrington, was it? Getting off, while
gawking – that town is soooo big! – I lost my people! I was frantic until I heard familiar voices and
saw my folks returning. I don’t know about everyone else, but after we got back to the church, I
was ready for my nest! I am sorry I missed the best part, the games, but I think CHERYL BURKE,
TERI BARNES & KARA BARNES can tell you about them.

The upcoming FLEA MARKET on May 9 (rain date May 16), will be held right on the church lawn, so
I just have to put my paws out the front door to join in. EDUCATION and OUTREACH
COMMISIONS, ADULT MISSION TEAM, AND COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE members have
rented out 30 tables to vendors already, but there are 5 more available if you or a group of you
would like to rent one. So, have you been crafting all winter? Have you done your spring cleaning
and accumulated a pile of things to part with? Price all of it and find your things new owners, at the
Flea! There’ll be entertainment while you’re there: karate demos, 50 Park District dancers, a
violinist, guitarist, our own Jules the Clown, and rumor has it Pastor Brad may play the banjo! Look
for a flyer in your mail. The Flea Market will run from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. See you there!!

There was some sad news as well, this month. Services were held Sun, April 19th, to say goodbye to
a longtime member of the church, CHARLOTTE (MRS. RICHARD ‘DICK’) STORER. Charlotte and Dick
were married for 60 years, Mr. Storer said; how lovingly he spoke of his wife; we listened carefully
to him and to other family members and friends who shared appreciative and admiring
recollections of Mrs. Storer. As well, do you remember the very moving poem read to us during the
service, in which a departing ship is the metaphor for a dying person? I think I found it!! Didn’t it
end like this: “Just at the moment when someone at my side says, ‘There, she is gone,’ there are
other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: ‘Here she
comes!’ And that is dying.” The poem may be found under the title “The Horizon,” in the book
A Fifth Portion of Chicken Soup for the Soul by Jack Canfield, c1998, p. 228-9.

And, more sad news for us: PASTOR BRAD will be leaving FUMC at the end of June. The
announcement was made weeks ago – one of those you-could-have-heard-a-pin-drop moments. It
has taken me a while to come to terms with it. I am sad, and I have overheard so many of you
saying why you are, too. Will you tell him, or write to him, so he can take with him the memories of
what his presence among us has meant to you? Maybe come to BIBLE STUDY, Thursday evenings, 6
p.m., if you are free. Pastor and the participants have been exploring the concept of Kosher, this
month, and why Christians don’t keep kosher. The topics arise from questions the participants ask.
Bring a brown bag supper for yourself (and for me, Gracie!), join in the lively discussions, ask your
own questions, and enjoy Pastor Brad’s company a while longer.

Please keep sending me good news to share in the Messenger. Write a note, or e-mail what
you want to share to JEANETTE FRANK, the church secretary, at [email protected]
On the subject line, put: For Gracie. See you in this space next month!
Thank you all for sharing your good news; I’m happy to hear from you, & to be with you at FUMC.
Page 12
The Messenger — May 2015
Caring Ministry
Please keep the following People in your prayers:
Joy Raczka, Jim Stenstrom, June Blue, Judy Stettner, June Griessmer,
Bob Weber, Pam Schultz, Ed Swanson, James Forney, Rich Scheffers,
Sandra Trevino, Mary Louise Shakespeare & Beverly Zuccarini
Recent Prayer Chain Requests
- Please pray for Beverly Zuccarini, she had colon surgery on April 27 and is currently at Lutheran
General Hospital.
- Nicola Veach (Anne Hardy's daughter) is requesting prayers for the family of her cousin Amy
who has given birth to a baby boy on April 17 weighing only 1 pound, 10 ounces. Please pray for
the baby's well being.
- Please keep Mary Louise Shakespeare in your thoughts and prayers, she was recently released
from the hospital after getting a pacemaker installed.
- Continued prayers for James Forney for the healing of his leg wound. James was released from
the hospital recently and is now home.
- Please pray for Sandra Trevino (Rosa Villareal & Ceci's Diaz' niece) who has been hospitalized
for more than a week in serious condition. Keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
In Loving Memory of Charlotte Storer
Longtime member, Charlotte Storer (affectionately known as
“Good Ol’ Mom”), passed away peacefully at the age of 85
on April 11 from complications due to dementia. A Memorial
Service for Char was held at FUMC on April 19.
Memorial Gifts in Honor of the Life of Charlotte Storer may
be given to First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines.
A Message from Karen Fitzgerald
Thank you so very much to all who donated baked goods for Char Storer's Memorial Service on
April 19. The table of baked goods was both generous and lovely, and your efforts were very
much appreciated! Also, a huge thank you to Anne Holmberg, Anne Hardy and Harolyn
Thogersen for helping me from start to finish with my first attempt at a reception of this type,
to Audrey Nankervis and Beverly Zuccarini for ushering, & to Jim Blue and Mike Murphy for
clean-up assistance! It was wonderful to work with so many willing volunteers! Thank you all!!
Page 13
The Messenger — May 2015
Updates
MANNA GIFT CARDS PROGRAM
What is Manna? Turning Everyday Spending into Cash for Our Church!!
The Manna Gift Card Program is an on-going church fundraiser. The Program enables you
to buy a variety of gift cards at face value, not a penny extra. (i.e. $25 for a $25 gift card)
Your purchase of grocery, restaurant, clothing, gas station and entertainment gift cards
nets our church between 2% -- 20% of your purchase price.
HOW TO ORDER GIFT CARDS — ORDER FORMS DUE MAY 10
Order forms found on bulletin board in hallway & www.fumcdp.org
 Orders due 2nd Sunday each month, gift cards delivered 3rd Sunday.
 Put order form & payment in mailbox #55 or give to church office.

300+
GIFT CARD CHOICES AVAILABLE.
SEE BELOW FOR IDEAS!
GROCERY
Caputo’s, GFS, Jewel, Mariano’s, Meijer, Ultra Foods, Garden Fresh
GASOLINE
BP, Exxon, Speedway, Shell, Circle K, Marathon
HOUSEHOLD
Target, Walmart, Sears, Kmart, Walgreens, CVS
RESTAURANTS
Outback, Olive Garden, Longhorn, Bahama Breeze, Seasons 52, Eddie V’s,
Yardhouse, Chili's, Houlihan’s, PF Changs, Ruth Chris Steak, Restaurant.com,
Old Country Buffet, Gino’s East, Lou Malnati’s, Bucca di Beppo, Domino’s
FAST FOOD
Arby's, Burger King, Buona Beef, Chipotle, Dunkin Donuts, KFC, Noodles,
Oberweis, Panera, Starbucks, Steak & Shake, Subway, Taco Bell, Wendy's
ONLINE
Amazon, iTunes, Groupon, Overstock.com
EQUAL EXCHANGE COFFEE FOR SALE
Benefiting coffee growers sponsored by UMCOR. Have coffee with a friendly bunch Sunday
mornings between 9—10am, in Goodyear Hall. Large cup only $2! Bags of ground coffee
available. Questions? Ask Arnie Ladd, Audrey Nankervis or Donna Catlett. See you for coffee!
SIDE BY SIDE CEMETARY LOTS FOR SALE
The Church acquired two cemetery lots side by side at Ridgewood Memorial Garden in
Des Plaines. All proceeds will go to the Trustee’s ‘Working Fund’. If you are interested in
purchasing them, please contact Marion Pugh, or the church office.
Page 14
The Messenger — May 2015
INTRODUCING PASTOR IRENE
FUMC’s New Pastor beginning July 1, 2015
Reverend Dr. Irene Taylor is the Senior Pastor of The Living Faith United Methodist Church of
Waukegan, Illinois. She has served in this capacity since 2012. Prior to her appointment to Living Faith
UMC, she served 15 years as the Senior Pastor of Ivanhoe Community UMC in Riverdale, Illinois. In
December of 2005, Pastor Taylor received a Doctorate of Ministry Degree in the area of Spiritual
Formation from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. The focus of her project was on
Christian Spirituality: A Resource for Equipping, Enabling, and Empowering African-American Youth.
She received the Masters of Divinity Degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in
Evanston, IL and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago.
Pastor Taylor acknowledged her call to ordained ministry in 1983 and
was licensed to preach while serving at Second Baptist Church of Evanston
under the pastorate of the Reverend Dr. Hycel B Taylor. She was ordained in
1989 at Christian Church Baptist in Chicago, IL under the pastorate of Reverend
Brenda J. Little.
In 1997, she sought to have her credentials recognized by the Northern
Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church and was granted full
membership as an elder in the United Methodist Church in June of 2001.
Pastor Taylor for more than thirty years has faithfully served the Lord by
spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through her preaching, teaching, and
conducting various seminars and workshops for numerous churches and organizations. Her ministry is
a holistic ministry that seeks to bring wholeness to the lives of God’s people through spiritual
formation and development, using the spiritual disciplines of the Christian faith as a means to
transform and empower God’s people.
She has held several positions in ministry including being a member of
the Field Education Department at Garrett- Evangelical Theological Seminary
in Evanston, Illinois. Associate Minister at Bethany Baptist Church and
Assistant Pastor at Second Baptist Church both located in Evanston, Illinois.
She has served on the executive board and as assistant pastor of Women
Spiritually Empowered an outreach ministry to women and teen girls. She is
also a retired Chaplain of the United States Army Reserve, and former
Director of Admissions & Recruitment at Northern Baptist Theological
Seminary in Lombard, IL Rev. Taylor served as a member of the discussion
group Black Women’s Leadership Roundtable that deal with violence against
women and girls. She was also a board member and presenter with Women Ministry in the City, an
outreach educational program to female seminarians throughout the country and worldwide.
After 18 years of pastoral ministry in the United Methodist Church, she states, “I am still excited
about my ministry because there is never a dull day. Today’s church is in constant transition; because we
are planted in the midst of communities that are constantly changing. I see this as an opportunity for God
to do great things in our midst if we remain open to the leading of God’s Spirit. My heart’s desire has been
to pastor, and God has blessed me richly. Because of the love, compassion, and mercy God constantly
shows to me, I cannot think of anything I’d rather do than serve God by serving God’s people.”
MAY 2015
Sun
Mon
*See Calendar on our Website
www.fumcdp.org
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
9:30am
2 3:30pm
Moms Day Out Wedding
4:00pm- Piano
4—7pm
6pm-Wedding
Children’s
Rehearsal
Day Party!
3 9am- Sun. School 4 5:30pm
5
6
9
BESSIE’S
10am- Worship
Communion Sunday 7:15pm
Worship
11am- Nuevo
Amanacer Worship Comm.
Meeting
6pm- Youth Group
9:30am
Moms
Day Out
4—8:15pm
10am- Ladies 9:30am
Piano Lessons of the Church Mom’s Day Out 4—8:15pm
3:30—6pm
4:00pm- Piano Piano Lessons
7:00pm
8—11pm
Piano Lessons 6-7:00pm
Education
Nuevo Aman.
7:00pm
BIBLE STUDY
Comm. Mtg
Praise Team
7:30pm- Choir Youth Night
10 9am- Sun. School 11
12
16
15
10am– Mother’s
Day Worship
5:30pm
11am- Nuevo
BESSIE’S
Amanacer Worship
*No Youth Meeting
17 9am-Sun School 18
19
9:30am
3:30—8:15pm 3:30—6pm
Mom’s Day Out
Piano Lessons Piano Lessons 4:00pm- Piano
6-7:00pm
7:00pm
7:00pm
BIBLE STUDY
Finance
Praise Team
7:30pm- Choir
Comm. Mtg
22
26
29
12:00pm
Martha’s
Circle
5:30pm
BESSIE’S
24 9am-Sun School 25
10am- Worship
11am- Nuevo
Amanacer Worship
6pm- Youth Group
20
27
14
8
9:30am
3:30—8:15pm 3:30—6pm
Mom’s Day Out
Piano Lessons Piano Lessons 4:00pm- Piano
6:30pm
6-7:00pm
7:00pm
Trustees
BIBLE STUDY
Praise Team
Meeting
7:30pm- Choir
10am- Worship
11am- Nuevo
Amanacer Worship
1pm– Wedding
6pm- Youth Group
13
7
21
28
9:30am
3:30—8:15pm 3:30—6pm
Mom’s Day Out
Labor Day
Piano Lessons Piano Lessons 4:00pm- Piano
*NO
6-7:00pm
7:00pm
7:00pm
BESSIE’S
BIBLE STUDY
Outreach
Praise Team
7:30pm- Choir
Meeting
9:30am
Moms Day Out
9am-3pm
Flea
Market
on front
lawn!
Flea
Market
Rain Date
4—8:15pm
Piano Lessons
23
9:30am
Moms Day Out
4—8:15pm
Piano Lessons
30
9:30am
Moms Day Out
4—8:15pm
Piano Lessons
31
*NO ADULT
SUNDAY SCHOOL
10am– Youth Led
Worship
11am- Nuevo
Amanacer Worship
6pm- Youth Group
*Pesche’s Flower Sale Fundraiser for Youth Missions — May 15-17
Phone: (847) 827-5561
Web: www.fumcdp.org
First United Methodist Church
668 Graceland Avenue
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Join us on Sundays!
First United Methodist Church
668 Graceland Avenue
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 827-5561
Web: www.fumcdp.org
Email: [email protected]
9a.m. — Sunday School
Children, Youth & Adult Classes
10a.m. — Family Worship
Nursery Care Available
11a.m. — Nuevo Amanacer Worship
6p.m. — Youth Group Meetings