The Mendota Messenger - Mendota First United Methodist Church
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The Mendota Messenger
First United Methodist Church, Mendota, Illinois - April 2019
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors. The people of the United Methodist Church.
What a year it has been. So much hurt. standing. It is a story about new life and
So much death. So much grief. It must be God’s eternal reaching out to us.
hard to imagine what Easter means or even It is a story about God experiencing our
looks like in the environment life created this suffering, enduring our heartache, taking on
year. Certainly, it will be difficult to celebrate our hurts and doubts, and finally bringing
it. forth new life through it. A life in which love,
As hard as it is, this is when the gift of hope, and mercy aren’t merely something to
Easter has the greatest potential. Our own aspire to but to actually make a reality! A life
suffering opens the door to help us feel the in which death is not an ending, but simply a
desperation of the Apostles over those three, transition.
terrifying, dark, and torturous days. I pray we can all keep hope in Easter.
Imagine your mentor, teacher, and Even though the road is hard, the year
closest friend – who has done no wrong and treacherous, and the doubt sometimes over-
whom you believed was called by God was whelming. May you find yourself greeted with
just tortured, humiliated, and murdered. grace and love in the midst of all that weighs
Afraid, you ran away and denied him in his heavy for you. And may you see that suffering
greatest hour of need. You and your class- is temporary and even possibly part of the
mates and friends lock yourselves up in a story of grace. Amen.
house and hide for three days ashamed,
afraid, questioning God, and wondering what
in the world you’ve done and what you’ll do
now. What a year it had been. What a
traumatic ending.
Amid all this, you hear rumors that
people are rising from the dead! One of them
may even be Jesus. Talk about rubbing salt in
wounds. This gossip must be a mockery. Or
potentially even a tricky way to draw you out
to be murdered too. What would you do? How
would you feel? How would you react?
I don’t know if I would be gracious,
trusting, or kind in that moment. I think my
fear, frustration, and anger would overwhelm
everything else. I may find myself praying,
but I guarantee I would struggle to believe.
But that’s the beauty of Easter. In the
middle of the rioting, the fear, the frustration,
and doubt, Jesus shows up. His response isn’t
shame or chastising, but rather reconciliation
and reassurance. He arrives to the disciples,
shows them his wounds, serves them a meal,
and teaches them all that the scriptures have
to say about redemption and the story of
God.
The Easter Story is essentially a story
about grace. It’s a story about victory over
death and sin – a wonderful story indeed! But
it is also a story about forgiveness and under-
Easter Choir Being Formed
An Easter choir is in the works! As we enter the season of Lent, we also look forward to the celebration
that is Easter. To enhance the joy of our Easter worship services, we are planning to have a special
Easter Choir. We will be singing “Easter Song” and are looking for those who wish to join us in lifting our
voices in praise. Please contact Cathy Burke for more information about joining the Easter choir.
Spring Garage Sale News
Our workdays for the Spring Garage Sale will get underway beginning on Tuesday, April 9. Our long-
standing crew always welcomes new workers, so if you find yourself free on Tuesdays and Thursdays
between 8:30 and 11 AM, head over to the Memorial Building and help us with the sorting, stacking,
folding, etc. that get our sale organized and ready to go. Donations may be dropped off during these
times, as well. If you are unable to bring your donations in during workdays, please contact Sandra
Gann to make other arrangements. The Spring Sale will be held May 9, 10 and 11.
Rev. Brian Gilbert named DeKalb DS
Bishop Sally Dyck is pleased to announce the appointment of our new District Super-
intendent. She has named the Rev. Brian Gilbert as the new DeKalb District Superin-
tendent. His appointment is effective July 1, 2019. Rev. Gilbert follows Rev. Young-
Mee Park, who has been appointed to Hinsdale United Methodist Church.
Rev. Gilbert is from a small community of 800 on the Tennessee-Alabama border.
He has a teaching background and community service both before he went to semi-
nary and after serving churches. He did his seminary training at Wesley Theological
Seminary. He served several churches in the Tennessee Annual Conference before
coming to Northern Illinois to serve as associate pastor at First UMC in DeKalb in
2010,and then to First UMC in Princeton in 2015.
Gilbert is a self-described "Methodist nerd" and is proud of it, said Bishop Dyck. “He
knows his history and polity but has a deep and abiding passion for both people and Scripture,” she
added. “He worked for a short time at the Methodists for Social Action office in Washington, D.C., before
going to seminary and therefore learned to appreciate the social holiness as well as personal holiness of
our tradition.”
Gilbert said it is a deep honor and privilege to walk alongside the DeKalb District. “I really believe that,
with God’s help, all things are possible and the potential for life-giving ministry is limitless,” said Gilbert,
who added that over the past nine years — while serving in various congregations and at events — he's
seen examples of faithfulness through people being the hands and feet of Jesus. “The love among this
District is powerful and God’s greatness is brightly reflected into many communities because of that love.
I am excited to be a part of this dynamic district!”
Find us on Facebook at Mendota First United First United Methodist Church
Methodist Church
100 East 6th Street Mendota, Illinois 61342
815-538-5587 Office
Rev. Mary Bohall, Pastor
Rev. Mary’s office hours: Monday - Thursday 8 AM-noon
Friday - day off
Appointments suggested, but walk-ins welcome.
Rev. Mary’s cell phone: 815-718-2191
Rev. Mary’s e-mail: rev.marybohall@gmail.com
Church office is open Monday - Friday 8 AM until noon
Keith Collings, Patrick Myers, Hailey Myers,
and Ralph Weekly - A/V Team
The Mendota Messenger Cathy Burke, Lay Leader
Kim Van Rheenen, secretary (secretary@firstumc.comcastbiz.net)
Published monthly at Michaela DeLong, pianist
Gerri Smith, custodian
1st United Methodist Church
100 East 6th Street Please always call to notify us of someone being hospitalized or
having any other emergency. Better 10 phone calls than none!
Mendota, Illinois 61342
We want to be there for you, so you have to call
Issue #101 April 2019 and let us know if you need a pastoral visit.
Birthdays and Anniversaries Birthdays 4/1 Mary Burnette 206 6th Street, Mendota 4/3 Betty Snuffin 409 16th Street, Mendota 4/4 Roger Cavan 805 Burkhardt Road, West Brooklyn 61378 4/4 Barbi Purvis P O BOX 584 Mendota 4/8 Ashtyn Stamberger 2102 Diana Drive, Mendota 4/9 Therese Thomas 1208 Wisconsin, Mendota 4/10 Randy Politsch 906 21st Street, Mendota 4/10 Joyce Setchell 1406 Timothee Lane, Mendota 4/11 Ally Denault 506 16th Street, Mendota 4/13 Cory Myers 6 Henkel Road, Sublette, ILL 61367 4/18 Aubrey DeSerf 2887 E 765th Road, Utica, IL 61373 4/18 Bryson Sondgeroth 64 N 39th Road, Mendota 4/19 Fred Burnette 206 6th Street, Mendota 4/21 Betty Durham 1409 Lakewood Drive, Mendota 4/22 Scott Wise 1104 Jefferson St. Mendota 4/23 Roland Sibigtroth 1274 N 4350th Road, Earlville, IL 60518 4/23 Ellen Stuber 403 6th Street, Mendota 4/23 Meghan Collings Meghan’s address: 204 6th Avenue, Mendota 4/23 Justin Collings Norfolk, Virginia (no street address on file) 4/25 Lainey Ramer 1000 5th Avenue, Mendota 4/26 Eleanor Myers 6 Henkel Road, Sublette, IL 61367 4/26 Henry Myers 6 Henkel Road, Sublette, IL 61367 4/27 Camilla Henry 1109 Pennsylvania Avenue, Mendota Anniversaries 4/6 Gary & Nancy Campbell 2104 Cedar Avenue, Mendota 4/14 Keith & Dessa Collings 204 6th Avenue, Mendota 4/17 Raleigh & Marilyn Shifflette 600 14th Street, Mendota 4/21 Roger & Nancy Cavan 805 Burkhardt Road, West Brooklyn 61378 4/27 Patrick & Rhonda Myers 4463 E. 1st Road, Mendota 4/30 Mark & JoAnn Wise 1702 Lakewood Drive, Mendota looking forward to the first week in May- Birthdays: 5/2 Ellen Lorey 1541 W. Main Street, Mendota 5/4 Taylor Diaz 1557 West Main Street, Mendota 5/6 Shirley Morris 305 6th Street, Mendota Anniversaries: 5/1 Bert & Diana Wise 1408 Jefferson, Mendota We always welcome new additions to our lists. Just call (815-538-5587) or email (secretary@firstumc.comcastbiz.net) the church office and let us know you want to be added.
March’s Mission Offerings
Mendota Area Christian Food Pantry $ 160
Henderson Mission $ 50
Trivia Night $ 1192
Bake Sale $ 69
Mendota Area Senior Services $ 210
Thank you for answering God’s call for generosity and
cheerful giving as you donate to our various missions.
April’s Mission Focus
Our mission focus this month is the Christian Education Fund. Our goal is to
raise enough money to provide a quality education for all our students without
asking them to pay a dime. In order to so, we need to raise $2,500. This
money will stay in our congregation to cover the cost of materials, food,
t-shirts, safe sanctuary training, and programming for our VBS, Sunday
School, Confirmation, and adult studies. By taking a month to focus on fund-
ing education, we can hopefully sustain this crucial ministry without pulling
from our General Fund. Please consider contributing to this wonderful and
vibrant ministry that will give our students of all ages the opportunity to grow
in their faith without worrying about the cost.
Food Pantry Suggestions for April
Each month, a specific few food items will be suggested for donation to the Food Pantry. Should you feel
called to donate, you may deposit those items in the blue tub in the narthex. April’s suggested items are
baby food and diapers. Monetary donations are always welcome, of course. Over 200 local people are
served each month by this vital mission through your continued generous giving.
Notes of Thanks
“On behalf of the Renovation Team, I want to extend a big thank you to all who
participated in any way in the Roast Beef Dinner. Thank you to all who donated food
and/or money in preparation for the supper. It was very much appreciated. Thank you to
my faithful crew who donates their time ALL day working the kitchen and dining room.
Your huge effort greatly contributed to the success of the supper. And thank you to
everyone who helped serve and clean up. We couldn't have done it without everyone
involved! We all just work together like fingers in a glove, which makes it a fun under-
taking and so successful. It is a lot of work, but when we work together so well, it is just
great! A special thank you to the confirmands who served as ‘runners’, delivering carry-out dinners to
the cars. And thank you to those who quickly cleared and reset tables in the dining room. We served 409
meals — 271 drive-through and carry-out and 138 in the dining room. The Hot Beef Dinner was a
tremendous success resulting in $3507 net. Thanks to everyone for their generous donations and willing
volunteerism. Thank you for your generosity and willingness to serve. God Bless You!” - Bernie
Roemmich
“Dear First United Methodist, Thank you for opening your doors for the Gladys Schmitt funeral luncheon.
We believe Gladys would have been happy as she attended every beef dinner and Christmas Tea when
she was able. She didn’t want to miss Ava Denault’s decorating at the tea. Many years ago, when the
UMW had their annual Fall Bazaar, she was always there. This is what Christ’s love is all about. In
Christ’s love, Chuck and Myrna Teauseau.”
“From the 2019 Henderson Team—A huge thank you for all our support of our team this month. For the
February offerings in support of this year’s trip, your support of the Trivia Night with donations and
attendance, and for purchasing our goods at the bake sale—Thank You!”
“Dear 1st United Methodist Church, On behalf of the Mendota Area Christian Food Pantry, I would like to
thank you for your donation of $176 we received on 3/12/19. Your financial support helps us continue in
our mission to assist those in our community.—Beverly Banks, manager”
SAINTS IN ACTION
READERS GREETERS
April 7 Diane Denault April 7 Diane McCully
April 14 Bill Dunfrund April 14
April 21 Confirmation students - 9 AM April 21
Kathy Pierce - 10:30 AM April 28
April 28 Jeri Atherton
USHERS
April 7 9 AM
10:30 AM
April 14 Diane McCully 9 AM
10:30 AM
April 21 9 AM
10:30 AM
April 28 9 AM
10:30 AM
Thanks to Raleigh and Marilyn Shifflette for sponsoring this month’s
Mendota Messenger newsletter.
Lifting In Prayer
Tony Taylor Leadership of the UMC
On-Going Concerns Lucy Taylor Doris Ganschow
Military personnel Jon Rice Corey Moorehead
Mendota 1st UMC John Reutner Fred
Bishop Sally Dyck Bill Quigley JoAn Baughman
D.S. Young-Mee Park Ben Bokus Rev. Hogun Kim
D.S.-Elect Brian Gilbert Bill Gish Mary Burnette
Rev. Mary & Andrew Del Knowlton Pastor James Duncan
Church Choir Virginia Gensemer Chaplain Kent Terry
Our Sunday School Charlie
Strength and Healing Shooting victims
Shut-Ins Michael Dunfrund flooding victims
Sylvia Sprung Craig Christman John Deere Company
Rosalie Russell Dekin Walter residents and staff of Amboy
Jessie Reutner Mary Suarez nursing home
Bob & Vera Godfrey Todd Barrett Susan Fillhouer
Mildred Ulmer Jeff Barrett
Amy Atherton Ashlee Watson
Verna Gordon Shirley Till
Barb Weiser Joseph Cicci
Elaine Setchell Walter
George & Betty McMahon Paula Svendsen
Ava & Dale Denault
Sympathy to Family & Friends Kevin Larson
of: Cheryl Barrett Thorne
Louise Ambler Lloyd Barth
Pat Sheridan Margaret Davis
Bill Knowlton Janice Stewart
Lamar Studstill Jim Eich
Barrett Keller
“Rejoice always. Pray constantly. Give thanks in all circumstances.”-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Easter Plants Order Form
Placed by_______________________________________________________
In Memory of ___________________________________________________
In Honor of _____________________________________________________
Easter Lily $11 each Spring Plant
Please make check payable to “Jerry’s Flower Barn” and return to church
office by April 8.
Upcoming Henderson Team Fundraisers
An undertaking of the scope of our yearly Henderson Mission Trip takes lots of fundraising, as you are
well-aware. We appreciate your generous support of our work in mission. We
have three events coming up that we’d like you to consider.
> Tuesday, April 2 - simply by you ordering from Rosati’s Restaurant of
Mendota, our Henderson Mission Team will receive 20% of the order. Just pick up
a Rosati’s form from the table in the narthex or mention the Henderson Team
fundraiser when you order from 11 AM until 10 PM on April 2, and the Mission
team will receive 20% of the sale (before sales tax) to help fund this year’s trip.
> Tuesday, April 23 - back by popular demand, a Paint with Lucy Night will be
held here, with proceeds to help the Henderson Team. This year’s painting will be
11 x 20 and feature a barn with daisies in the foreground. Cost for the evening is
$40.
> Friday, May 24 - Our annual date to host Lunch In the Park will be Friday, May
24. Serving sandwiches and meals from 11 AM—1:30 PM, we always enjoy this
day of feeding the community while raising funds for our mission—mark your
calendars!
The Men’s Lenten Dinner will be hosted by Mendota First United Methodist on
Thursday, March 28 at 6 PM.
Each Wednesday during Lent, join the Mendota Church Women for their mid-
week Lenten study at First Presbyterian Church at 9:30 AM.
April 14
Palm Sunday
9 AM Praise Worship
10:30 AM Traditional Worship
April 18
7 PM - Maundy Thursday Ecumenical Worship at Mendota First United Methodist – Tenebrae service
April 19
12 noon - 24-hour prayer vigil begins at First United Methodist
7 PM - Good Friday Ecumenical Worship at St. John’s Lutheran — Rev. Mary Bohall, speaking
April 21
9 AM - Easter Praise Worship
10:30 AM - Easter Traditional Worship
April 2019
Mendota First United Methodist Church
100 East Sixth Street - Mendota, Illinois 61342
Rev. Mary Bohall, Pastor
Pastor’s Cell Phone 815-718-2191
Pastor’s E-mail rev.marybohall@gmail.com
Church Phone 815-538-5587
Church E-mail secretary@firstumc.comcastbiz.net
Church website: mendotafirstumc.org
Find us on Facebook Mendota First United Methodist Church
Celebrate the Risen Savior !
Join us Easter Sunday, April 21
9 AM Praise Worship
10:30 AM Traditional Worship
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