Newsletter of:

The First United Methodist Church

214 W. Main St.

Carbondale, IL 62901

Our Mission Statement: “Called together by the Holy Spirit, we proclaim God’s presence and love in the world through prayer, worship, edu-cation and service. We invite children, youth and adults to become disciples of Jesus Christ, live fully in the Holy Spirit, and embrace God’s love.”

Pastor: The Rev. Dr. Howard L. White

Associate Pastor: Yiwen Bi

Dir. of Christian Education: Necia Jannings

Prayer Chain:

Email: Sara Hinde at sjhinde04@gmail.com Broadcast:

10:45 service is heard live on WCIL-AM (1020)

For van rides: Call the church office (457-2416)

Email: fumc@fumc-cdale.org

Website: www.fumc-cdale.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FirstUnitedMethodistCdale

Twitter: @FUMCCarbondale

Instagram: FUMC_Carbondale

ASBURIAN

November 3rd Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

Communion Sunday

All Saints Sunday

Sermon Series: Happy People The Sermon: “Happy People Have Resurrection Hope” Rev. Howard White

Scripture: Ephesians 1: 11-23

Anthem: 8:15 O God, Thou Faithful God Brass & Organ

10:45 Song of the Saints Sanctuary Choir & Brass Hymns:

711 For All the Saints 614 For The Bread Which You Have Broken 708 Rejoice in God’s Saints

In Church On Sunday

OCTOBER 23, 2019 Issue

8:15 and 10:45 a.m. Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Sunday School

October 27th Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Sermon Series: Happy People The Sermon: “Happy People Don’t Judge” Rev. Howard White

Scripture: Luke 18: 9-14

Anthem: 8:15 Alleluia Robert Weiss, trombone

10:45 He’s Callin’ My Name Sanctuary Choir Hymns: 152 I Sing the Almighty Power of God 124 Seek the Lord 357 Just As I Am, Without One Plea 402 Lord, I Want to Be a Christian

FIRST Thoughts

“So That” - Two Words that make a difference.

“They have lost their ‘so that’.” Lovett Weems, director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, said this while explaining what often happens to congregations while they are building or improving facilities. “The decision to build was based on the need to reach the community, but once they start building, everyone gets bogged down in the details of construction and fundraising. They lose track of why they needed the building in the first place. In other words, they lose their “so that.” As in, “We are building a new family life center so that more people can come to know the love of Christ.”

Unfortunately, it’s pretty common for churches to spend a lot of energy on activities without ever asking what the real purpose is for the activities. Weems gave an example. He once asked workshop par-ticipants to finish this sentence, “We are going to have Vacation Bible School next summer so that…” The first response was total puzzlement - blank stares and silence. The first few answers were things like ”so our kids can experience what we experienced” and “so the kids can have fun at church.” Finally, one person came up with “so that the children of our church will come to know and love God more and we will reach children in the community with God’s love whom we have not reached before.

The group realized how this “so that” could impact a lot of decisions. “It may determine whether the VBS should be in the daytime or evening,, what curriculum you will choose, where you will place the pub-licity, and whether the publicity will need to be in one language or multiple languages.” Weems concludes, “We often spend much effort on activities without clarity concerning what God is calling us to accomplish through those activities. The activities were never intended to be ends in themselves, but that is what they tend to become. Using the two important words “so that” has the power to change the way leaders work

with their congregations so that everything that God’s people do is shaped toward mission and results in fruitfulness.”

“So That” can keep us focused on the ends we want to achieve, rather than being preoccupied with the means. As we are involved in evaluating 2019 and planning for 2020, and as we move back into reno-vated facilities, let’s challenge ourselves to ask if there is anything we need to do differently in any given ministry “so that...it is sharing the heart of Christ from the heart of Carbondale.” “So that” can influence the church, but it can also make a difference in your life. Start with what it is you want to become, and then fig-ure out what you need to do now so that you can reach the goal. For me, this includes investing in reading, training, and growing so that I can serve God more effectively as your pastor and effectively mentor other pastors. What is your “I’m doing _______ so that ______ will happen.”

On another subject: I was recently asked about a Christian understanding of cremation. It is a common question. Here are a couple of my thoughts and a reminder of the Good News.

If the individual had expressed a preference, I generally seek to support that decision. There are other important considerations. I believe we should show respect for the body. Whether burial or cremation best expresses that respect is a very personal decision, but I have known many funeral directors well, and in my experience they all give careful attention to respecting the deceased. They also give good advice about questions like this. We also want to consider the feelings of those who are left to deal with the consequenc-es of our decisions, so it’s good to have these discussions ahead of time, so they aren’t surprised by our wishes. At the resurrection, it will not make any difference whether a person’s body has been buried or cre-mated. God will not fail to reward the martyrs who were burned or the millions of Christians who live in densely populated cities, where cremation is the norm. (This is true in London, where I pastored.) God can gather that which has been scattered (Mark 13:27), and God will not fail to fulfill the promise of resurrection. The good news to remember is this, The new body of a Christian will be a radically changed and glorified body like the body of the exalted Christ. It will be an eternal, spiritual body never again to experience weak-ness, disease, suffering, or death (1 Corinthians 15:35-54 and Philippians 3:20-21).

God Bless, Pastor Howard

In Church This Week

Oct. 24 to Nov. 7

1 Friday 9:30 Golden Yoga, Room 404 *

2 Saturday

3 Sunday Communion Sunday/All Saints Sunday

8:15 Worship Service 9:30 Sunday School 10:45 Worship Service

NUT Sales (ASP Fundraiser)

Noon ASP Meeting, Heritage Room

Spirit of Christmas—Select Gift Requests

(before & after Worship Service)

5:30-7 Scouts Girl Troop 66, Room 410 4 Monday 1:30-5:45 Blood Drive, Heritage Room 6-8:00 Good News Sing, Atrium 7-8:30 Scouts Boy Troop 66, Rm 410

5 Tuesday 8:30 Men’s Group, Heritage Room 9:00 Daniel Plan, Room 403 10:15 Golden Yoga, Room 404 *

6 Wednesday 9:00-3 Healing Touch (by Appointment), Room 403 4:45 Handbells 6:00 Grateful Hearts, Room 308 6-7:00 Youth Group, Youth Room

7 Thursday 1:00 Priscilla Circle 4:00 Chimes 5:45 Gentle Toning, Stretch and Yoga 6:00 Education Committee 7:00 Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

24 Thursday 4:00 Chimes 5:45 Gentle Toning, Stretch and Yoga 7:00 Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

25 Friday 9:30 Golden Yoga, Room 404 26 Saturday

27 Sunday Pastor/Staff Appreciation Sunday

8:15 Worship Service 9:30 Sunday School 10:45 Worship Service 10:45 Super Church, Youth Room

Spirit of Christmas—Select Gift Requests (before & after Worship Services) Noon Pizza Social, College Students/Young Adults Location: 2 Guys Pizza 5:30-7 Scouts Girl Troop 66, Room 410

28 Monday 6:30 FUMC Next, Heritage Room & Atrium 7-8:30 Scouts Boy Troop 66, Room 410

29 Tuesday 8:30 Men’s Group, Heritage Room 9:00 Daniel Plan, Room 403 10:15 Golden Yoga, Room 404 *

30 Wednesday 4:45 Handbells 6:00 Grateful Hearts, Room 308 TBD Youth Group, TBD

31 Thursday 4:00 Chimes 5:45 Gentle Toning, Stretch and Yoga 7:00 Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

Boy Scouts to sell wreaths after each Service.

11:30 PrimeTimers Luncheon/Program, Heritage Room, $8 Program: “Learning in Retirement” Speakers: Don Boehne, Gary Hartlieb

* A fee is charged.

PARISHPARISHPARISH pulse

As of October 23, 2019

In Sympathy: Sympathy to family & friends of Sandra Kay Renshaw, who passed away on October 8,

2019.

Save the Date: Saturday Night Live, November 2, 2019, Hosted by Jan Waggoner, Loca-

tion: Yamato Steak House of Japan, Time: 5:30 p.m. Everyone Welcome. Reservations needed for head-

count by Wednesday, October 30.

This Sunday, October 27, we will celebrate our pastors and church staff with a cake and card

reception following both services. This will be our time to say thank you in person! If you for-

got your note or card, it’s not too late! The “Basket of Thanks” will be in the Atrium through

the second service. Your cards of thanks will be presented after the second service. Please join

us for

Pastor / Staff Appreciation Pastor / Staff Appreciation Pastor / Staff Appreciation

This Sunday, October 27This Sunday, October 27This Sunday, October 27

Time to Party!

RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE FUMC, HERITAGE ROOM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2019, 1:30 - 5:45 p.m.

visit www.redcross.org/give-blood Give Blood, Save a Life.

SIGN UP SHEETS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE NARTHEX.

BOY SCOUT TROOP 66 CHRISTMAS WREATH SALE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, after both services The wreath sale is the largest Troop fundraiser. The funds raised help pay for

summer camp and other scouting events. Call Brian Gorecki at 534-9617 for more info.

STOP BY AND VISIT WITH US ON THE 27TH!!

Disciples for Sunday, October 27, 2019—Blood Pressure Sunday

Altar flowers are given by Kathy Bertsche, Virginia Stein, Naomi Miali in celebration of Bill Doerr’s Birthday.

Acolytes: Paige Hefferman, Olivia Bishop

Indoor Greeters: JoVonna Noble, Cindy Bertch

Liturgists: 8:15: Gordon White 10:45: Janet Earnest

Sound System Operators: 8:15: Joyce Crippen 10:45: Ron Browning

October Ushers: John Williams, Captain; 8:15 Kathy Hollister, Joe Swindell, Dick Verduin; 10:45 Ed Tresnak, Krishna Balasubramanian, Mythali Rundblad, Bruce Wallace

October Nametags: Sally Washburn

Coffee Hosts: 8:15 Deanna & Ron Diel 10:45

Outside Greeters: Carol & Gordon White

Van Driver: John Graig

Welcome Center: 8:15 Sharon Meyer 10:45 Barbara Kimmel Children’s Church Registration: George & Shirley Everingham

Children’s Church: Howard White

Youth Helpers: SUPER CHURCH

Parish Nurse: Carol White (9:15)

Disciples Corner

Disciples for Sunday, November 3, 2019-Communion Sunday & All Saints Sunday

Altar flowers are given by Lorraine & Ron Stadt in honor of their children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren.

Acolytes: Lexi & Logan Frick

Indoor Greeters: Beck & Heather Simonds & Family Cindy Bertch

Liturgists: 8:15: Kathy Hollister 10:45: Tabitha Koch

Sound System Operators: 8:15: Joe Swindell 10:45: Ron Browning

November Communion Ushers: Karl Bartelsmeyer,

Captain; George Everingham, Jan Waggoner ,

November Ushers: 8:15 Mike Durr, Joyce & Mike Vancil, John Phelps; 10:45 Mary Beth Aguilar, Wilma Davis, Phil Gilbert

Coffee Hosts: 8:15 Barb & Doug Bedient 10:45

Outside Greeters: The Koch Family

Van Driver: Brian Gorecki

Welcome Center: 8:15 Deanna Diel 10:45 Betty Bishop

November Nametags: Betty Graig

November Communion Committee: 8:15 Ron &

Deanna Diel 10:45 Setup: Jan Weiss, Betty Buzbee,

Clean Up: Jan Weiss, Tracy Gibson, Sally Washburn Keven & Nancy Mitchell

Nov. 7 Priscilla Circle, 10:00 a.m.

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

Register by Nov. 1

FUMCNext-Carbondale Event—(SAVE THE DATE)

The United Methodist denomination is engaged in a debate about the Wes-leyan understanding of the LGBTQ inclusion. The FUMCNext-Carbondale group is sponsoring a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, October 28 in the Heritage Room. The meeting is intended to offer the opportunity for dialogue on this important issue. Representatives from 117 other churches and UMW groups have been invited. Speakers from ICRC for Unity (Illinois

Great Rivers Conference) will lead the discussion. Please register at http://fumc-cdale.org/RSVP or by calling Evelyn Bailey at 618-697-4038. By registering you will help us to make sure we have seating for everyone and an idea of the refreshments needed for the gathering after the meeting. You are welcome to come whether or not you have attended any of the FUMCNext-Carbondale meetings.

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

Spirit of Christmas is an

anonymous gift program. The gifts you will be giving may be the only ones the person will receive. We ask that you in-clude only new, nicely wrapped items. It is not necessary to purchase every item requested. With your help, over 1,000 Jackson County residents will have a more joyous Christmas.

Gifts are due by or before Sunday, November 24

You will have an opportunity to select gift requests that you fulfill, along with additional instructions, before and after church services on Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov. 10, Nov. 17 and Nov. 24.

For more information on this project, contact FUMC Coordinators Doug & Amy Baker at 618-457-0630.

Nov. 3rd

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS WITH BIRTHDAYS IN

NOVEMBER 2019NOVEMBER 2019NOVEMBER 2019

November 01 Jill Misner

November 02 Sydney Davis

November 03 Lexi Frick

Sandy Gobert

Sue Peterman

Mike Peterman

November 04 Martha Campbell

Carl Herzog

Tucker Poshard

Janet Toe

November 05 Jordyn Crippen

Sharon Ranmar

November 06 Barry Beaupre

Tyler Funk

Gail Gilbert

November 07 Angie Brown

Ron Browning

November 08 Debi Robinson

November 09 Karl Bartelsmeyer

November 10 Joe Swindell

Lavina Thomas

November 11 Emma Jean Durr

Janet Earnest

Erik Oberg

November 12 Paul Sorgen

November 13 Paul Cline

November 14 C. W. Thomas III

John Voss

November 15 Anita Hutton

November 16 William Bailey

Duane Cole

November 17 Pat Cuendet

Sue Misner

November 18 John Jennings

Barbara Shiplett

November 21 Neil Voss

November 22 Al Morgan

November 23 Chuck Walker

November 24 Bobbi Levelsmier

Alexa Small

November 25 Kay Hickey

November 26 Donna Butler

November 27 Kathy Harrison

Levi Jost

November 28 Larry Smith

November 29 Marsha Easterly-Seibert

Nancy Keenan

Jack Meyer

Lois Payne

Chuck Reno

Matt Rice

November 30 Ken Buzbee

SUNDAY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Children’s Opportunities, Sundays

Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Children’s Sunday School (K-5th grade) uses the Deep Blue from Cokesbury. Main Topic: “Community Foundations” - Oct. 27 Sunday School—”Ten Commandments” Main Topic: “Stories That Shape Our Faith Community”- Nov. 3 Sunday School—”Adam and Eve”

Sundays at 10:45 a.m. Children’s Church (K-5th grade). All children are invited to Children’s Church following the Children’s Time at the 10:45 a.m. worship service.

Youth Opportunities, Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m. Junior/Senior High Class meets in the Youth Room and uses a variety of materials connect-ing the lessons of the Bible with issues relevant to today’s youth.

Adult Opportunities, Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Searching for Happiness—How Generosity, Faith, and Other Spiritual Habits Can Lead to a Full Life by Martin Thielen. The class will be led by Pastor Howard White and Leah Farrar-White. Meeting Dates: Sept. 15 to Nov. 10, Room 308.

Renew Class - Renew is a group of women seeking deeper meaning in their lives through Bible study, reflection and prayer. The group is studying Holy Spirit Here and Now by Trevor Hudson. They meet in the Chapel. Women of all ages are welcome.

The Electives Class - Scripture studies following the lectionary led by Rev. John Sims. They meet in the Heritage Room. All are welcome! \

Small Group Opportunities

FUMCNext-Carbondale meets in the Heritage Room. Help us explore ways we can share the love of Christ with all people? Come share your ideas. Looking forward to seeing you!

Gentle Toning, Stretch, and Yoga Techniques meets on Thursdays at 5:45 p.m., Rm 404, the Chapel.

Golden Yoga meets on Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. and on Fridays at 9:30 a.m., Rm 404, the Chapel. A fee is charged for this class.

Grateful Hearts is a group of women who meet to strengthen their faith through Bible study, fellowship, and prayer. The group is studying Mountaintop Moments by Ed Robb on Wednesdays, at 6 p.m. in room 308. All women are welcome.

Men’s Group All men of the church are invited to coffee and refreshments on Tuesday mornings at 8:30 a.m. in the Heritage Room. We discuss anything and everything from the perspective of our relationship with God.

The Daniel Plan Essentials meets in Room 403 at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesdays. They are studying the series The Science of Natural Healing. Everyone welcome.

Saturday Night Live is a group of “mature” or “maturing” adults who meet monthly for dinner and fellow-ship. The group usually meets the first Saturday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Watch the Asburian calendar for dates and location information. Everyone is welcome.

Youth Group meets on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in the Youth Room. Time and location to be determined each week.