May 2011 - Reynolds UMC

MAY 2011
Volume 1, Issue 1
REYNOLDS N EWS W RAP
Reynolds
United
M E M O R I A L DAY R E M E M B R A N C E
O B S E RV E D M AY 3 0 T H , 2 011
Methodist
Church
2496 Reynolds Road
Ashton, IL 61006
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Pastor’s letter
2
Prayer Concerns
3
Serving in May
3
Committee Reports
4
Letter of Thanks
5
Upcoming Events
7
MEMORIAL DAY HISTORY
PRAY
FOR
OUR
TROUPS
Memorial Day, originally called
Decoration Day, is a day of
remembrance for those who
have died in our nation’s service.
Memorial Day is not
about where or when it was
first started , but about reconciliation; it is about coming
together to honor those who
gave their all.
Traditional observance of Me-
morial day has diminished
over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At
many cemeteries, the graves
of the fallen are increasingly
ignored or neglected. Most
people no longer remember
the proper flag etiquette for
the day. While there are
1
towns and cities that still hold
Memorial Day parades, many
have not held a parade in decades. Some people think the day
is for honoring any and all dead,
and not just those fallen in the
service to our country.
There is a petition to restore the
celebration to the original date of
May 30th of each year.
Dear Reynolds UMC and Community,
As I reflect about our trip to Haiti, from March 28-April 6, I cannot thank the Church enough
for giving Linda and I the opportunity to go on this mission trip. But if anyone was to ask me,
“What is my favorite part about Haiti?” I would have to say, “It’s the beautiful children of
Haiti.” They are always singing, smiling, and willing to share what they have. But for every
child we helped there were hordes of others just next door that we wished we could help. I
wish they could go to school, but they have to spend their days carrying 5-gallon buckets of
water on their heads up and down the mountain and wondering where the next meal will
come from. Yet these children are more than ever more serious about sharing their faith
and telling their friends about Jesus. If only our youth were as bold and serious, it would
change our churches, communities, and our nation. I will always remember them in my
prayers. I was also made very aware of the amount of work the earthquake left behind is still
overwhelming, and the exhaustion in the Haitian eyes can be seen in the faces of everyone
we saw living on the streets. There are so many who are still homeless and in need of the
basic necessities of life. We were able to provide Canaan with 22 totes filled with children’s
cloths, tools and treats for the children. Here are some facts that I learned about Haiti:
•Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere, and the 3rd hungriest country in the
world. More than 2/3 of the population do not have formal jobs.
•Only 90 minutes by air from Miami (600 miles) the island is in the middle of the hurricane
belt and subject to severe storms from June to October; occasional flooding and earthquakes, and periodic droughts.
•The Life Expectancy of the Population is 57.56 years.
•Only 52.9% of the population age 15 and over can read and write. There is no free education in Haiti. Families must often choose between buying food and paying school tuition.
Less than 50% of children attend primary school which is the sixth lowest rate in the world.
•Unemployment is 70%. With a GDP per capita of US $460. The most basic education and
medical opportunities are considered a luxury. Haitians needing surgery or operations for
life threatening problems either make their way to the U.S. or die.
•The difficulties of life, such as low levels of community sanitation, improper housing, no
electricity, no telephones, severe shortage of potable water and lack of transportation, contribute to the cycle of poor health, especially in the rural areas.
As the Cubs and Sox begin to play baseball, I realize how excited people get about the
game. They’ve been waiting for it all year. People get fanatical because for them this is “IT”.
The stadium, the crowd, the hot dog, the crack of the bat, the excitement, just being in the
ballpark, there’s something about it. Wouldn’t it be great if we got as excited about missions
and outreach to our community and world? May God continue to bless Reynolds as we
reach out to our community and world.
Pastor Al
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Page 3
Reynolds News Wrap
Debbie VanDyke, Bill & Paula Kunkel, Pastor Al & Linda Meyer, 7yr old
Molly & family, Baby Molly (3 yrs old), Jim Steder, Ed Riley, Mike
Olmstead, Keith Long, Les Gruben, Emily (UpHoff’s granddaughter), Luke
Brown, Joyce Brake, Families of Jeff Kissack, Verle Burhenn, and Megan
Clift and others who have recently lost loved ones. Also pray for Members
of the Armed Services and The unemployed looking for work.
SERVING IN MAY:
Communion Steward: Linda Meyer
Ushers: Robert Heimbaugh, Jerry Lawrence, Bob Cheeseman, Bill Uphoff
Greeters: May 1st—Bill & Barb Uphoff, May 8 & 15th :
TOBE ANNOUNCED
May 22nd & 29th : Jill& Kaitlynn Pfeiffer.
Flowers: Linda Meyer or Lynnette Lawrence
Church Hostess: Linda Meyer
Date
Children’s Moment
Special Music
May 1st
Kathy Clark
None
Help Needed
May 8th
Pastor Al Meyer
None
Help Needed
May 15th
Cindy Knight
Lois Heimbaugh
Help Needed
May 22nd
Lois Heimbaugh
Children
Help Needed
May 29th
Rhonda Brown
TBA
Help Needed
Date
Lawn Mowing
Coffee Fellowship
May 1st
Keith Roop
None—Mission Report Lunch/Ashton
May 8th
Help Needed
None (Mother’s Day)
May 15th
Help Needed
Bob & Linda Cheeseman
May 22nd
Help Needed
TBA
May 29th
Bill Kirchhofer
TBA
May Mission Project:
Nursery
Native American ministries
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Reynolds News Wrap
COMMITTEE
Nurture Committee , Worship Committee,
Trustees, SPRC, and Finance Committees:
No Report
Missions Report: by Nancy Eggers, Chair.
Please check out the enclosed report entitled “What We Did in
Haiti”. This report details what Pastor Al & Linda Meyer and
Nancy & Rich Eggers actually took part in while on their 10 day
mission trip to Haiti in April.
There will be a VBS Planning
meeting on Sunday, May 1st immediately following the Worship service. All who would like to help in any way with VBS
this year (July 11th-15th) are urged to attend. Please continue
saving Gatorade bottles to be used for VBS crafts.
Card Boxes for graduates will again be placed in Fellowship
Hall in which you may put congratulatory cards for each graduate.
Education Committee:
Safe Sanctuary Committee:
www.rainn.org.) By Rhonda Brown, Chair.
(
Obtained from
•
In 2007, there were 248,300 victims of rape, attempted
rape, or sexual assault. (These figures do not include victims 12 years old or younger.)
•
Every 2 minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.
•
1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of
an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.
•
17.7 million American women and 2.78 American men
have been victims of attempted or completed rape.
•
9 of every 10 rape victims were female (and 1 in every 10
were male) in 2003.
•
About 3% of American men —or 1-33— have experienced
an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.
•
Approximately 2/3 of rapes were committed by someone
known to the victim.
•
7% of sexual assaults were perpetrated by a nonstranger.
•
38% of rapists are a friend or acquaintance.
•
28% are an intimate friend.
•
7% are a relative.
•
If a rape is reported there is a 50.8% chance of an arrest.
•
If an arrest is made, there is an 80% chance of a conviction.
REPORTS
•
If there is a felony conviction, there is a 69% chance
the convict will spend time in jail.
So even in the 30% of attacks that are reported to the
police, there is only a 16.3% chance the rapist will go
to prison. Factoring in unreported rapes, about 6% of
rapists will ever spend a day in jail. 15 of 16 will walk
free.
The last few months we have looked at some statistics
for various types of abuse. And as you know, each type
of abuse is a crime. All of these crimes have one thing
in common. It is about power and control. The perpetrators want other to believe that they just lose control,
have anger issues, or some other excuse. The truth is
they do have control. They perpetrate violence on others because they can and get away with it. The choose
to do it because it works for them to get what they
want.
•
Safe Sanctuary is not just about preventing child abuse
in the church; it is about making church safe for all.
Just based on the statistics there is at least one victim/survivor attending our church. Realistically there
are probably a lot more than one. There crimes affect
everyone in the community. With funding being cut to
social service agencies, law enforcement, and even programs like the PKD, the victims are no longer able to
receive the services they need. The community needs
to help. The best place to start getting other involved is
by getting churches involved. The first step is to provide information/education. Therefore in the newsletter each month I will continue to provide more information on these issues.
“Free to Be” group prepared and served a
ham/scalloped potato supper on March 26th. We are
sorry more people were not able to attend and enjoy
the fellowship and delicious food. “Free to Be” thanks
everyone who helped in any way. For donations of
food (so many salads), decorating, serving, doing dishes
(the fun part), helping with clean up, baby sitting, praying, whatever you did. THANK YOU.
THANK YOU TO THE Nurture Committee for their help.
“Free to Be” will be deciding where the $800 profit can
best be used. The kitchen is in need of new cooking
utensils (to meet health codes), towels, serving utensils
and general supplies.
The food left was served to the congregation after
church on Sunday morning with a great turn out. The
fellowship was GREAT and the Fellowship Hall full. God
continues to bless this congregation in SO MANY
WAYS.
Page 4
What We Did in Haiti
Ever wonder if you had the “right stuff” to be a short- term missionary? Images of
quoting scriptures and preaching to unsaved individuals in far away lands can send chills
of inadequacies down the spine of many a lay person. At the Canaan Mission, the
spiritual needs of the staff, workers and children were carefully and constantly nurtured
by the pastoral staff; Pastor Henri, Sister Gladys and Pastor Joel so we were free to
perform other tasks. We thought you might find it interesting to see the variety of
activities we participated in during our stay.
Support for 20th Anniversary Celebration
Of Canaan and Medical Clinic Opening
Repackaged medications
Recycled our auction tablecloths into
bunting
Blew up balloons
Wrapped silverware for anniversary dinner
Painted wrought iron furniture
Furnished tools and supplies for building
structures
Assembled miter box saw
Furnished and assembled tarps for booths
Carried water for volunteers and workers
Replaced dining table top
Strung lights for booths and stage
Hung 5 new windows in medical clinic
Furnished giveaways for game booths
Furnished and made # of popcorn
Consulted on generator and electrical system
Made posters/signs for booth
Other
Supported private family entrepreneurs
Bonded with potential grandchildren
Provided manicures and pedicures for
children and selected staff
Support for daily routine
Played games with children
Bathed babies
Diapered babies
Provided developmental stimulation
f or babies
Set and cleared dining room tables
Cooked and served taco meal for 125
Distributed drinking water to children
Provided basic plumbing
Ran trap-line for furry varmints
Provided financial support for school
supplies
Support for Mission Staff
Prayed with and for pastoral staff, workers
And children
Worshiped with mission staff, visitors
And children
Taught praise song to staff
Ministered and taught pastoral staff
Encouraged staff and leaders
Provided day of recreation and dining at
the beach for selected staff and older
child workers
As you look at the list didn’t you find many things that you knew how to do? We
found that a willing heart was more important than specialized skills and talents,
that cheerfully doing small tasks provided huge blessings, and that sometimes a welltimed word of encouragement or a spontaneous hug provided much needed fuel to those
who have dedicated their lives to the physical and spiritual health of hundreds of Haitians
served by Canaan. Who can be a missionary... anyone who can model the love of
Christ to others. If you are interested in participating on future mission teams to Haiti,
talk to one of us for contact information.
Pastor Al, Linda, Nancy and Rich
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LETTER OF THANKS
GETTING TO KNOW YOU—Joseph Uphoff
Nick Name: “ The Wall’
Dear Reynolds Church Family and others,
Birthday: 9/17/98
Many thanks go out to our church family and our sister
churches- Rochelle UMC and First UMC in Mendota – for your
generous donation of food, clothing and money. You all have
touched the hearts of many children. I was told many times
how much the Haitian people love the American people, and
they pray for you. I saw a picture of Christ painted on their
city transportation and words like JESUS IS THE WAY and
GOD IS GOOD.
Hometown: Franklin Grove
Parents: Ed &Kathy Uphoff
Siblings: Molly, 15 yrs old.
School: AFC Middle School—6th Grade
Favorite Subject: Recess
Hobbies: Hockey
Favorite Food: Chips
The people are hungry for the word, and they worship with
their hearts. (Take time to read Psalms 27). They have nothing but the word of God to live on. We all need to be on our
knees and thank God for what we take for granted – water,
food, clothing and shelter. I will never look at a glass of water
the same again.
Favorite Place to ‘Eat out’: Happy Joe’s
Pets: None
Favorite Time of Day: Late night
Why: Everything is funny because I’m tired.
Favorite Movie: Transformers, Grown ups
Thank you, Reynolds, for all our mission trip to Haiti. The
education and blessing that Alan, Rich, Nancy & I received are
priceless. We hope to share experiences with others. God is
alive in the Haitian people’s hearts. Praise be to God that we
live in America.
In Christ’s love,
Linda Meyer.
Favorite Adult in your Life: Mom
What do you hope to do in your adult life: Play in the NHL
******************************************************
GETTING TO KNOW YOU—Greta Elizabeth Horner
Nick Name: Greta Bean
Birthday: February 9th
_________________________________________________________
Hometown: Ashton
Calling all singers!
You’re invited to join the
Praise Team. If we get enough people, we want to
switch on and off so that no one is committed to
more than one or two Sundays a month. We are also
looking for people to just fill occasionally as needed.
Group practice is scheduled as needed. Most songs
are available on DVD or the internet, s you can practice on your own anytime. Please contact Cindy Knight for any
Parents: Dusty and Brooke Horner
Siblings: Atticus (4) Otto (1)
School: AFC Elementry (k)
Favorite Subject: Reading
Hobbies: Draw, Read, Video Games
Favorite Food: Ice Cream
Favorite Place to “Eat Out”: Steak N Shake
questions or to join us.
Pets: Astro
__________________________________________________________
Favorite Time of the Day—Night Time
In commemoration of our upcoming 150th anniversary, we are
going to put together a new Reynolds Church cookbook!
Why: Because Daddy reads us books . .
“Recipes to Remember” will be a collection of recipes from
Favorite Movie: Private Eyes (Tim Conway/Don Knotts)
current members, former members, friends, relatives as well as
Favorite Adult (s): Mommy & Daddy
special recipes from past cookbooks from those who have
What do you hope to do in your adult life? Be a Vet
passed on. It will be a wonderful keepsake, shower gift, wedding gift and a great addition to any kitchen or cookbook collec*******************************************************
tion! A recipe form on which you can submit your favorite reciCard Boxes will be placed in the Fellowship Hall for congratupes is on the table in Fellowship Hall, so dig through your reclatory cards for each of our Graduates. You may deposit any
ipe box and share them!
card you have for them in these boxes. They are:
*********************************************************
Sunday, May 15th at 4:00 pm –There will be a
PRESCHOOL
DeKalb District Ministry Celebration at the Sycamore United Methodist Church featuring Rev. Katrina Underhile, Helen Pfeiffer, Collin Winterland, Loren
Cynthia Wilson, Gospel Recording Artist. You are Bertenshaw, Ethan Vogeler, Ellie Phipps, and Zane Becker.
invited to come and join in for a time of Singing,
Praise, Worship and Testimony, and bring all sizes of chilGRADE SCHOOL
dren’s underwear, socks and diapers to this Undies Sunday
Lexi Headon
District Ministry Celebration to be donated to the Family
Clothes Closet at Chana UMC. Please contact Pastor Al if you
can attend.
HIGH SCHOOL
**********************************************************
Paige Gittleson and Daniel Miller
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1
Sun
9am Sunday School
9 am Sunday School
10 am Worship /
Communion
8
10 am—Worship
2
Mon
9 6:30 pm—SPRC
Council
7:00 pm—Church
3
Wed
6
14
7
Fri
13
21
Thu
12
20
28
8;30 am—Christian
Fellowship of Women/
Ashton Huddle
19
27
Sat
8 am— Cluster
Men’s Breakfast at Rochelle Olive Branch
26
5
May 2011
Tue
4
6:30 pm —Prayer &
Bible Study
11
18
10
17
6:30 pm —Prayer &
6:30 pm —Prayer &
Bible Study
7 pm—Cluster meeting
25
6:30 pm —Prayer &
24
30Memorial Day 31
23
15 9 am Sunday School 16
10 am—Worship
9 am Sunday School
6:30 pm—Youth
22
29
Holiday– Office
Closed
10 am—Worship
9 am Sunday School
10 am—Worship
7
Reynolds United Methodist Church
2496 Reynolds Road
Ashton, IL 61006
(815) 453-2513
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
UPCOMING
EVENTS
May 2nd—7:00 pm—Trustees Meeting
May 5th– 8:30 am—Fellowship of Christian Women—Breakfast at The Huddle
May 9th—6:30 pm— Staff-Parrish Relations Committee meeting
7:00 pm— Church Council
MAY 15TH—Newsletter Items Deadline
May 17th— 7:00 pm—Hub Cluster Meeting at Rochelle UMC
May 28th— 8:00 am— Cluster Men’s Breakfast at Olive Branch in Rochelle.
June 2nd 4 to 6 pm- Cluster Fund Raiser– Pork Chop Dinner Drive Through at
Rochelle UMC Parking lot.
June 26th—Retirement Celebration for District Superintendent Larry Hilkemann
at Rochelle UMC. Cluster Choir to sing one song– Practices June 15th & 22nd
@ 7:00pm
8