THIS ISSUE:Pastor’s Message

“From Danny”Danny Cox -pg.1

Our Faith“Letting Your Guard Down”

by Michelle Rose — pg.2

Family Focus“Our Safe Place”by Jayla Smith -pg.2

Youthbook-pg. 3

March/April Events! -pg.4

March/April Events Calendar

-pg. 5

Lessons From My ToyBox-pg. 6

My God, My Story“Is There a Doctor in

the House?”by Dr. David Melvin -pg.7

Easter 2014pg.9

Monthly Devotional“Is Your Mind

Stayed On God” -pg.9

“IMPACTING the World for Jesus.”

“From Danny” As I write this I am watching the Winter Olympics Team Skating completion. I know the Olympics are supposed to be all about the universal language of sports and sportsmanship. I get that. This is when supposedly politics and nationalism are put aside. Now if need be I can sound as non-partisan and as gracious as anyone. Yet I confess after watch Springfield’s own (Missouri‘s and Illinois’) Gracie Gold followed by the Russians 15 year old phonon Julia Lipnitskaia perform I’m rooting that Gracie wins. Bottom line I bleed American. Even more specifically if you cut me I bleed either Collinsville Kahok purple are St. Louis Cardinal red. With no disrespect or lack of affection for the places I have lived, for better or worse, win or lose, hard times or good times this is home. It my first love. When I became a Christian I fell in love with Jesus, rather realized how much he loved me. I was a “Jesus Freak”. I only wanted to tell people about Jesus. I only wanted to teach people about Jesus. I knew very little about the anything else in the Bible. I knew nothing of the creationists-evolutionist arguments. I knew nothing about pre-millennialism, a-millennialism or post-millennialism. I had no stance on the on pre-trib, mid-trib or post trib rapture. Now they still hold little interest to me. In my case at least they serve as a distraction away from my first love... Jesus. Likewise I can get sucked rather easily in political arguments and social judgments. In fact there are times when I enjoy a good debate and I do have my opinions but again in my case at least they serve as a distraction away from my first love... Jesus. I am not alone in this stance. Let me just share quotes from two men I admire. John Wesley wrote in his sermon, “The Character of a Methodist”: “The distinguishing marks of a Methodist are not his opinions of any sort. His assenting to this or that scheme of religion, his embracing any particular set of notions, his espousing the judgment of one man or of another, are all quite wide of the point. Whosoever, therefore, imagines that a Methodist is a man of such or such an opinion, is grossly ignorant of the whole affair; he mistakes the truth totally.” “We believe, indeed, that all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God; to be the only and sufficient rule both of Christian faith and practice; We believe Christ to be the eternal, supreme God. But as to all opinions which do not strike at the root of Christianity, we think and let think. What then is the mark? I answer: A Methodist is one who has the love of God shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost given unto him; one who loves the Lord his God with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his mind, and with all his strength. God is the joy of his heart, and the desire of his soul; which is constantly crying out, Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee! My God and my all! Thou art the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever!”

The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 2:1-5, “When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. [2] For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.”

Our God Reigns!

Pastor Danny Cox

grow.impact.outreachMarch/April 2014 EditionShiloh United Methodist Church Publication

IMPACT OUR FAITH“Letting Your Guard Down” -by Michelle Rose As many of you know, thanks to the illustrious Danny Cox, my husband David and I recently took a cruise out of New York. I knew that I had this article waiting to be written immediately upon my return, so I tried to be more observant as to ways God was moving throughout our vacation. Sure, we could see God’s natural beauty over the ocean, or even the sea turtles and stingrays we encountered snorkeling. Nevertheless, where I most saw God was through the people on the ship, both passengers and crew. Whether riding the elevator, sitting near each other at dinner, or just waiting for the next show to start, fellow vacationers naturally and candidly struck up conversation with each other. Almost every traveler I encountered was from a different state or country, and they were all eager to converse. At dinner, we sat with a young French Canadian couple, only one of which spoke English, during which I clumsily explained things like the St. Louis arch, among other issues. Apparently religion and politics aren’t so taboo when you have a completely different nationality.As far as the crew, I have never met more genuinely kind and humble souls. I learned the story of Antonette, mother of a 16 year old from Jamaica, who just started a 7 month contract. She has been in the industry for over 10 years. Her husband Anton (I know, a sweet coincidence), works on a difference cruise ship, and because of unfortunately overlap, they will go over a year without seeing each other. Regardless, Antonette has a strong faith that God has a reason for what she is going through, and she makes the most of a challenging situation. Many others on the crew had similar stories, yet each one had a similar attitude of gratitude. One thing both the servers and the served had in common was that they were willing to let their guards down. They were as eager to hear the fascinating stories of others as to speak about their own lives. I feel like on land in our daily lives, we often walk around wearing blinders. We seldom speak openly to people we don’t know, whether because of fear, lack of curiosity, or just because it’s easier to scan our Facebook pages than to interact with the world around us. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” When was the last time you started a conversation with the gas station attendant or your waiter? Think how often a stranger’s smile or simple conversation meant the difference between you having a good and a bad day. Through Christ’s help, be willing to let your guard down and to experience those in the world around you. You never know when you might be entertaining angels!

FAMILY FOCUS“Our Safe Place” -by Jayla SmithThroughout the years I have been asked many questions that throw me for a loop. The kids can really come up with some hard ones. Here are some of the ones that have really made me think:

“Can God make my team win? Did God make the devil? Does God like cartoons? Why doesn’t God stop wars? Is God magic? Can we put new stories in the bible? Are angels ghosts? Do I have to go to Heaven alone?”And the newest question that has come up, “Why are there tornadoes?”

Many times, I stumble when asked these questions, other times I am quick and can come up with some great answer off the top of my head. Sometimes, I say, “Let’s go ask Miss Karen.” I always go home thinking about the questions though.

When asking me about tornadoes you could tell the child had a real fear. After discussing tornadoes and our fears I realized that we all face real troubles that scare us. Maybe we’re afraid of storms or of the dark or of being alone. If your child is facing a fear here is a great game to play:

Tornado TagThe person who is “it” is the tornado. Throw some paper plates around the house or the yard where you are playing. The plates are the safe places. If a players foot is on a plate they can not be tagged by the tornado. The tornado will try to tag other people in your family. If the tornado tags someone then they become “it.” You can replace the tornado with other fears: the spider, the dark, the water, etc.

In real life, we need a safe place to go to when troubles chase us. And that safe place is God! In Psalm 46 it says “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.” God is our safe place! No matter what troubles or fears we face, God is always here to help us.

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IMPACT OUR CHURCH

Youthbook

The youth “Soup-er Bowl” sale was a big success. The youth raised around $500. Thank you to all who participated by helping prepare soup or by

purchasing soup. #SoupErBowl #Thanks

We have nearly completed our Wednesday evening study of the teachings of Jesus. In March we will be moving on to the Book of Acts. Our study

meets as part of WOW, from 6:15-7:30. All 6-12 graders are invited. #WOW #BookofActs #RedLetters

Several youth are currently going through confirmation class and will be confirmed before the congregation on Palm Sunday. #Confirmation2014

#PalmSunday-Dr. David Melvin, Youth Ministry Coordinator

EventsMARCH 2: Youth Bowling Event

The youth are going bowling! The youth will meet at the church at 5:00PM and go to St. Clair Bowl. Cost is $5. We will be back at the church by 9:00PM.

MARCH 30: Youth Movie Night!The youth will be having a movie night here at SUMC from 5:00-8:00PM! The movie is called “Grace Unplugged.” This is a youth- only event. There will

be food and refreshments. Bring the youth and their friends!

APRIL 26: Papa Shiloh’sPapa Shiloh’s, youth spaghetti dinner and talent show fundraiser will be

Saturday, April 26th at 6:00PM in the Worship Area. All are invited. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for kids. To sign up as a talent for the evening, or to

buy tickets, visit the table out in the Gathering Area. For more information, contact David Melvin at david@shiloh-umc.org.

News FeedYouth Volunteers Needed

There is an ongoing need for adult volunteers to serve as chaperons during youth Sunday school, Wednesday evening Bible study, and Sunday evening youth group, as well as to provide food on Sunday evenings. If you would

like to volunteer, please contact David at david@shiloh-umc.org.

Your Giving Made The Difference

Just an update on what you made possible by your giving.

Baby Bottle CampaignThank you to everyone who

participated in the Mosaic Baby Bottle Campaign. We collected more than 35 bottles filled with

checks, bills, and coins. This will greatly support Mosaic

Pregnancy & Health Centers as they reach out to women, men,

and their unborn babies with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Heifer Project Christmas tree

1 HOPE BASKET-- Filled with chickens and rabbits.2 FLOCKS OF CHICKENS3 HONEY BEE PACKAGES3 FLOCKS OF DUCKS2 GIFT OF RABBITSFLOCK OF HOPE - Includes chicks, ducks or goslings.FLOCK OF GEESEThis was from the tree downstairs.

The Giving Tree15 boys and girls had a

WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS because of YOU.

Thank-you Pre-School families and Shiloh church for being the

hands and heart of JESUS!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY EVENTSFood Pantry Sundays

Just a reminder: the first Sunday of each month is Food Bank Sunday. Drop off your donated items in the Gathering Area March 2nd and April 6th. The items most needed are those that are easily mixed with water and canned goods.

Shiloh Page TurnersThis month’s book is “Into the Free” by Julie Cantrell. Meet us at St. Louis Bread

Co. in Shiloh, Friday, March 28th, at 1:00PM for a more in-depth discussion.This month’s book is “When Mountains Move” by Julie Cantrell. Meet us at St. Louis Bread Co. in Shiloh, Friday, April 26th, at 1:00PM for a more in-

depth discussion on this must read book! For more information contact Cathy Shackelford at (618) 806-2120 or cathylshac@charter.net

10th Annual Three Springs Fling! Y’all are invited to a Hoedown! Join us for the 10th Annual Three Springs Fling

Trivia Night & Auction on Saturday, March 15th here at Shiloh UMC. Doors open at 5:45PM and the Play begins at 6:00PM. This is a Fundraiser to benefit Three Springs Preschool. Tickets are $12.50/ticket or $100 per table of 8. To

make reservations please register at the table in the Gathering Area no later than Monday, March 10th. For questions, please contact Katie Rettig at 618.407.3032 or

ckrettig10706@yahoo.com

Women’s Ministry to Audio Adrenalin and Kutless ConcertThe Women’s Ministry will be going to see Audio Adrenalin and Kutless in

concert at Calvary Church in St Peters, MO on March 28th from 5-8PM! You don’t want to miss this girls night out event! Tickets are $18. Contact Nina Shull at ninafortheking@att.net OR Carol Cox at decaturcox@hotmail.com for more

information or to order tickets!

Spring Clean-Up DaySpring Clean-Up Day is scheduled for March 29th. Look for details in the

Gathering Area around March 16th.

Proper English TeaMark your calendars for Saturday, May 3rd, at 9:30AM & join us for a proper

english tea centered around the theme “Broken & Beautiful”. Hear Mitzi Scott bring us a message of encouragement as she reminds us that God has a purpose for our lives. All women are invited (must be 13 yrs of age). We will have door prizes & a photo booth! Tea attire is accepted (that means hats & dress up) as

well as casual attire. Tickets will be sold for $5 and need to be purchased by April 27th. They will be on sale Sunday mornings, Wednesdays at WOW! or by calling

the church office at 618.632.6913.

Prayers and Squares Ministry As of the end of January, 232 prayer quilts have been given. Thank you for tying

a knot and saying a prayer for the recipient. To request a quilt, please contact Vicki Marsh at 618.407.5721 or vgmarsh4@att.net. Please ask permission from the person you are requesting a quilt for. The person must be prepared to receive the quilt and you should ask how Shiloh can pray for them. Do not accept payment

for a quilt. It is a gift of love and prayers.

Blood DriveMississippi Valley Regional Blood Center is coming to Shiloh, Wednesday, March 12th, 4:00 – 7:00PM. To schedule a donation, call Bernadette Polley at 618.632.6913

or log on to www.bloodcenterimpact.org. Sponsor Code: 9999Please eat before donating. Walk ins are welcome!

IMPACT OUR CHURCH

APRIL EVENTS

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December/January 2013/2014 Financial

Information2013 Budget: $673,135

December 2013 Financial Information2013 2012

Attendance 292 293

Offering $65,675 $67,625

Other Income $15,257 $22,085

Total Income $80,932 $89,711

Total Expenses $67,051 $72,190

Net Income $13,881 $17,521

January 2014 Financial Information2014 2013

Attendance 276

Offering $42,144 $40,950

Other Income $ 8,996 $ 7,602

Total Income $51,140 $48,552

Total Expenses $52,117 $50,290

Net Income ($ 977) ($ 1,738)

Total Debt as of 2/15/13

Worship Center $ 359,903.72

Parsonage $ 115,773.25

Seibert Parsonage $ 70,208.99

TOTAL $ 545,885.96

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IMPACT OUR CHURCH

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Every Sunday Worship Services 8:30 & 11:00am

Sunday School,9:45amJr & Sr High Youth

Group, 5-7pm

Every Monday

TSPS, 9:00-11:30amPrayer Walkers

9:30-10am Men’s Explorer Bible

Study, 7pm

Every Tuesday

TSPS, 9:00-11:30amLadies Tuesday Night Bible Study, 6:30pm

Every WednesdayLadies at the Table Bible

Study, 9:00amWOW!, 5:30pm

Every Thursday TSPS, 9:00-11:30amWomen’s Bible Study

9:15-11:30am

Every FridayTSPS, 9:00-11:30am

Every Saturday

2 3 4 5 6 7

Youth Bowling, 5pmFPU, 5:30pm

No TSPS Trustee Mtg, 6:30pm Ash WednesdayServices @ 12 & 6:30pm

8th-Womens Ministry Planning Mtg, 9am

9 10 11 12 13 14 15Daylight Savings!

FPU, 5:30pmFinance Mtg, 6pmAd. Council, 7pm

Blood Drive, 4-7pmStephen Ministry Mtg,

6:30pm

TSPS 3rd Annual Spring Fling, 6pm

16 17 18 19 20 21 22FPU, 5:30pm PPRC Mtg, 7pm Stephen Ministry

Brunch, 10:30am

23 24 25 26 27 28 29FPU, 5:30pm Stephen Ministry Mtg,

6:30pmShiloh Page Turners,

1pmSpring Clean Up,

9am-12pm

30 31Youth Group Movie

Night, 5-7pmFPU, 5:30pm

MARCH EVENTS

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Every Sunday Worship Services 8:30 & 11:00am

Sunday School,9:45amJr & Sr High Youth

Group, 5-7pm

Every Monday

TSPS, 9:00-11:30amPrayer Walkers

9:30-10am Men’s Explorer Bible

Study, 7pm

Every Tuesday

TSPS, 9:00-11:30amLadies Tuesday Night Bible Study, 6:30pm

Every WednesdayLadies at the Table Bible

Study, 9:00amWOW!, 5:30pm

Every Thursday TSPS, 9:00-11:30amWomen’s Bible Study

9:15-11:30am

Every FridayTSPS, 9:00-11:30am

Every Saturday

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12Stephen Ministry Mtg,

6:30pmEaster Egg Hunt,

9am

13 14 15 16 17 18 19Palm Sunday

“Say What?!” Easter Drama 8:30 & 11am

PPRC Mtg, 7pm No TSPS, Easter Break

Maundy Thursday, Services @ 12 &

6:30pm

Good Friday

No TSPS, Easter Break

Office Closed

20 21 22 23 24 25 26Happy Easter!

He Is Risen!

No TSPS, Easter Break

Office Closed

Stephen Ministry Mtg,

6:30pm

Shiloh Page Turners,

1pm

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APRIL EVENTS

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If you no longer wish to be on our mailing list to receive the Son Times, please contact the church

office.

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ìWHAT IS A MIRACLE?î

ìValentines for VeteransîThe kids in club 22.6 just participated in the “Valentines for Veterans” service project. We made cards that will be sent to illinois congress and then distributed throughout Illinois to

VA hospitals. These are some of their cards:

Save the date for Vacation Bible SchoolThis year we are doing “Weird Animals”.

VBS begins June 16-20thfrom 9:00AM-12:00PM. Early bird registration coming soon! If you are able to volunteer please

email Jayla at jayla@shiloh-umc.org

Messages from real SUMC children about God and life.

Pulling a Wishbone

I am a miracle Something God has made that is unexpected and amazing!

Someting unispeted thats good

Something G

od does tha

t is

awesomeness!

It is God work

Everything is a miracle

Its a very good thing thats unknown

MY GOD, MY STORY“Is There a Doctor in the House?”

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous, but sinners.” - Mark 2:17 Last night I had a dream about a dispute between myself and a close family member (no, not Kendra) about the admittance of certain “sinners” into the church. This relative of mine disapproved of allowing them to be a part of the church and assumed that doing so amounted to the condoning of sin. I fired back that there is no better place for sinners to be than in the church and that excluding them was contrary to the gospel. Bearing in mind that my relative can in no way be held responsible for the views expressed by their dream version, I awoke with the above passage from the Gospel of Mark on my mind.

In Mark 2:13-17, Jesus encounters a tax collector named Levi, whom he calls to follow him. They proceed to Levi’s house, where, together with many other tax collectors and “sinners,” they have dinner together. On cue, a group of Pharisaic scribes enter and question Jesus’ disciples regarding his association with tax collectors and “sinners.” In response, Jesus offers an analogy between the sick needing a physician and sinners needing a savior. Most of us have been conditioned to side with Jesus over against the Pharisees, and we instinctively have compassion on the tax collectors and vaguely-defined “sinners,” imagining their offenses as most likely relatively minor and the Pharisees as self-righteous bigots. In first century Jewish culture, however, tax collectors were the rough equivalent of British loyalists during the American Revolution. They acted as agents of imperial oppression of their own people, and they often scalped Jews at tax time beyond the amount demanded by Rome. Jewish texts from this time period place tax collectors in the same social category as thieves and murderers, and according to the Mishnah, if a tax collector entered a house, the entire house would be rendered unclean (m.Tehar. 7:6). By way of comparison, if a thief entered a house, only the place where his feet actually touched would become unclean. While we can only guess at the identities of these other “sinners,” they were no doubt serious offenders, by any standard. The fact that Jesus defies rabbinic custom by eating with such persons suggests that he considered their salvation worth the risk of self-defilement. The general approach to defilement, whether caused by ritual uncleanness or by sin, in early Judaism may be described as quarantine. Jesus advocates a different approach: treatment. Like a physician treating the sick, Jesus brings a cure to those infected with sin. But in order to treat the sick, one must risk exposure and possible infection. At the very least, one must be willing to come alongside them and associate with them, without precondition or prejudice. As Christians, we are commanded to show compassion for the “least of these” (Matt 25:40). As a church, that may mean risking association with “sinners” and the defilement that, in the minds of some, their mere presence may cause. But if Jesus is our example, we dare not impose a quarantine when we ought to offer treatment. It is unfortunate that, like the Pharisees in Mark 2, American Christianity has come to be defined more by what it opposes than by what it supports. May our hatred of sin never outweigh our love of grace.by David P. Melvin, Ph.D.

IMPACT OUR PEOPLE

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EASTER 2014EASTER 2014

NONPROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE PAIDO’FALLON. IL PERMIT NO. 290

210 South Main StreetShiloh, IL 62269

618.632.6913

www.shiloh-umc.org

Directing PastorDanny Cox

Danny@shiloh-umc.org

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL‘Is Your Mind Stayed on God?”“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” —Isaiah 26:3

Is your mind stayed on God or is it starved? Starvation of the mind, caused by neglect, is one of the chief sources of exhaustion and weakness in a servant’s life. If you have never used your mind to place yourself before God, begin to do it now. There is no reason to wait for God to come to you. You must turn your thoughts and your eyes away from the face of idols and look to Him and be saved (see Isaiah 45:22).

Your mind is the greatest gift God has given you and it ought to be devoted entirely to Him. You should seek to be “bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ . . .” (2 Corinthians 10:5). This will be one of the greatest assets of your faith when a time of trial comes, because then your faith and the Spirit of God will work together. When you have thoughts and ideas that are worthy of credit to God, learn to compare and associate them with all that happens in nature-the rising and the setting of the sun, the shining of the moon and the stars, and the changing of the seasons. You will begin to see that your thoughts are from God as well, and your mind will no longer be at the mercy of your impulsive thinking, but will always be used in service to God.

“We have sinned with our fathers . . . [and] . . . did not remember . . .” (Psalm 106:6-7). Then prod your memory and wake up immediately. Don’t say to yourself, “But God is not talking to me right now.” He ought to be. Remember whose you are and whom you serve. Encourage yourself to remember, and your affection for God will increase tenfold. Your mind will no longer be starved, but will be quick and enthusiastic, and your hope will be inexpressibly bright.Oswald Chambers. (Feb112014). The Offering of the Natural. My Utmost for His Highest. http://utmost.org.