May is a month of celebration here at FUMCAH. Mother’s Day is May 10; our service of Confirmation is May 17; Pentecost, the birthday of the church, occurs on May 24; Baccalaureate/Graduation Sunday is May 31! Our new mission project of Summer Suppers launches this month and our ongoing ministries continue. If your May is like mine, you may also celebrate a family birthday, anniversary, maybe even a wedding. All of these things remind me of just a few ways that we are living our church’s Mission Statement.

We NURTURE: On Confirmation Sunday, the children that have been nurtured in our church school and congregational life will confirm the vows made at their baptisms and they will become full members of our church – a cause for celebration not only for their families but also for the entire church family. I wonder what ministries these young people will claim as their own in the years ahead.

We INCLUDE: Through our Summer Suppers, homeless and food insecure people in our community will not only receive nutrition for their bodies, but food for their spirits as well. Home-cooked meals and friendly conversation can be tools of transformation.

We CONNECT: We are connected to mothers and families in Haiti. We will again sell Mother’s Day cards to raise money to purchase solar ovens, improving the quality of life for many in that nation.

We EMPOWER: Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are sent to be the Body of Christ in the world. As our graduates consider how they may be called to serve God in the future – the theme of May worship, by the way – we rejoice in the ways that FUMCAH supports its members and friends in their journeys of discipleship.

I am truly grateful for these, and other ways, that we are the church in the northwest suburbs and beyond. Won’t you join me in celebrating? We truly are blessed to have such lively worship and vibrant ministries! We are the “body of Christ” – actively sharing God’s life and love in nurturing, inclusive, connecting and empowering ways!

Pastor Lynn

First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights

May 2015

May Worship Schedule

“Can You Hear Me, Now?”

“Can You Hear Me Now” combines our personal, professional, and spiritual journeys as we consider what it means to be ‘called by God,’ to ministry in the world. We’ll pair modern day leaders like Ghandi and Nelson Mandela with ancient witnesses like Moses and Elijah to explore how God might be calling us to service and ministry in the name of Jesus Christ. This exciting new sermon series will begin on Sunday,May 3. We can’t wait to see you there!

May 3: Samuel - Holy Communion

May 10: Mary - Mother’s Day

May 17: Elijah and Elisha - ConfirmationSunday

May 24: Ezekiel - Pentecost Sunday

May 31: Moses - Baccalaureate

Confirmation Sunday

The FUMCAH Confirmation Team invites you to join us for a special worship celebration and confirmation of this year’s Confirmation Class on May 17. Confirmation Sunday will feature faith statements written by our confirmands, Big Hero 6, and a special coffee hour celebration afterwards.

June Worship: “Road Trip!”

Join us on June 7th as we kick off “Road Trip!”, a new summer sermon series at FUMCAH. Together, we’ll explore the “roads of faith” we travel and places we stop along the way. Shorter sermons in this series will be joined by testimony by members of our congregation to help us consider together the ways in which we learn, grow, get lost, and find ourselves on our journey through life. And for those of our community who will be traveling, we invite you to send pictures of you and your family to the Church, where we’ll celebrate the places FUMCAH travels. Those who do will also be entered for a special prize drawing. For more information, please contact the church office and check out June’s newsletter.

Worship in the Rose Garden

June 14, July 12, August 98:00 am

Summer weather offers a relaxing opportunity to

praise God, sing our joys and concerns, share faith stories,and pray together on the west lawn

under the shade of trees.

Mark your calendars for these refreshing 30 to 40 minute, come-as-you-are worship

services.

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May Mission Project

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10. You can show your support of mothers in Haiti by making a gift to Haiti Solar Oven Project. In doing so, you will receive a Mother’s Day card that you can give as a gift to a mother, grandmother, aunt or another special woman.

Why solar ovens in Haiti? Many of the impoverished families in Haiti must cook their meals over open fires, and to do so, they must forage for wood, resulting in deforestation of the land. The women and children who tend the fires often suffer from lung and eye disease or burns. Malnutrition is rampant among the children, and infant and childhood mortality rates are very high because of the limited means of cooking, and difficulty in pasteurizing drinking water.

The Haiti Solar Oven Project (www.haitisolarovens.org) supplies solar ovens to these families, along with training and nutrition aids. The program empowers women, giving them more control over what and how they feed their children. The solar ovens are built and shipped entirely by volunteers in the Dakotas Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Mother’s Day cards are available for $10 each, but that is only a portion of the actual cost of an oven...so we encourage you to buy several! Cards will be available before and after church on Sundays, May 3 and 10.

Soothing Stitches

Our knitters and crocheters gather in the church parlor on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm. What began as strictly a prayer shawl ministry has evolved to include baby caps to welcome new FUMCAH little ones, as well as hats for siblings of our preschoolers, and mittens and caps for Native American children in North Dakota. You are also welcome to bring your current knitting or crocheting project. Prayer shawls do remain an important part of our ministry. If you cannot join us, and you would like to knit or crochet one at home, we would welcome your contribution. Soothing Stitchers share God’s love in a very warm, tangible way.

Kaleidoscope

Color your living with faith at these weekly forums presented by your Adult Education Committee. These “stand-alone presentations” explore topics relevant to contemporary Christians. Come to the Wesley Room after worship!

May 3 – Lonnie Chafin, Northern Illinois UMC Conference Treasurer, will share stories of our apportionment dollars. Our financial gifts are making a difference in lives all around our Conference and all over the world.

May 10 – No Kaleidoscope. Happy Mother’s Day!

May 17 – “Five Wishes” This program on end- of-life directives is valuable to anyone age 18 and older.

May 24 – Our 2014-2015 Kaleidoscope season concludes with a presentation from our Reconciling Ministries task force on “race and privilege.”

May 31 – No Kaleidoscope; Memorial Day weekend. Kaleidoscope will resume in September.

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Plan Ahead for a “Bountiful Harvest”

May is planting time, so why not plant a little extra this year to bring to the “Bountiful Harvest” table at church? “Bountiful Harvest” is a time on Sunday mornings when gardeners in our church bring their garden produce to share with others. When your produce is shared, the money donated is contributed to area food pantries. Contact Nancy Duel for more information (847-259-3793 or n.duel@aol.com).

Stepping Stone Workshop

On May 21, from 7:00 to 9:30 pm, Thom Frerk (our Studio 1903 art instructor) is leading a stepping stone workshop that is open to adults and families. The stones can be taken home or donated to one of our church gardens. Please bring in found objects such as keys, stones, washers, buttons, etc. All other materials are provided; a donation of $5 is suggested to help cover these costs. Please pre-register at the church office (847-255-5112).

Art Camp

Set your inner artist free at this summer’s Art Camp, July 20-24, 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Open to children (those who have completed 2nd grade), youth and adults, this camp will provide a variety of art experiences in printing, drawing, painting and mixed media. No art experience? Camp is the perfect place to develop your potential. Have some art experience? The camp will help you hone your skills. Our leaders, Peg Frerk and Thom Frerk, are both experienced artists and teachers.

Peg has degrees in Art and Interior Design and has taught children and adults at the Studio in the Woods and at Kaleidoscope in Barrington. During her winters in Florida, she teaches classes for newcomers at her

local United Methodist Church. Thom has his degree in Advertising and Design. He has been Art Camp Director for the City of Evanston, Artist in Residence for the Chicago Park District, and was co-director of the not-for-profit group, Friends of the Arts. Thom currently leads our weekly art class at FUMCAH as a teacher in Studio 1903. We are fortunate that Peg and Thom are sharing their artistic gifts with their church this summer.

This year’s theme is “Peace Works” and camp will conclude with our “gallery” exhibition. Register for camp at the church website or through the church office (847-255-5112). Submitting the $25 material fee will reserve your spot. Just imagine what you can do!

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Vacation Bible School

Children who are 3 years old by September 1, 2015, through those who complete fourth grade in June, are invited to join the fun of G-Force, this summer’s Vacation Bible School from 3:00 - 5:30 pm, July 6 - 9 (Monday - Thursday). Stories of Moses, Solomon, and, of course, Jesus, will encourage children to become active disciples as they Move, Act, Care, Follow and Share. Our theme verse is: “In God, we live, move and exist.” Acts 17:28a

Recognizing that everyone learns in different ways, children will have opportunities to sing, play games, do science experiments, create art, hear stories, reflect on that day’s experience… and of course, eat a snack - all based on the daily theme! For the Littlest Ones: Our Vacation Bible School includes a program for two-year olds (age 2 by September 1, 2015). These littlest ones will hear stories about God, sing songs and do activities geared especially for them. Structured program time will be from 3 - 4:00 each day. Children are welcome to come for the entire time, 3 - 5:30, enjoying supervised free play and playground time after class.

Crossroads Summer: Mission and Ministry for 4th, 5th, and 6th Graders

In addition to serving as Junior Leaders at VBS, we have a special summer program in the works for all 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. While Crossroads always focuses on Fellowship opportunities for these kids, this summer’s activities will also involve a service project. From making placemats and treats for our Summer Suppers to helping provide books for needy children, these activities will please giver and recipient alike. Watch for more information soon.

Camp Scholarships Our Children and Family Education Commission would like to encourage church children to go to United Methodist camps this summer, and will offer camperships to help defray the cost. Each camper is eligible to receive $200 or half the cost of camp, whichever is less. Funds are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, contact Pastor Lynn (847-255-5112, l.mikels@fumcah.com).

Preschool/We-e Care Registration

The First United Methodist Church Preschool/We-e Care Program (DCFS licensed and NAEYC Accredited) is currently accepting registrations for the 2015/2016 school year. Preschool classes are offered for children ages 2-1⁄2 to 4/5 years. New this year is a Dual Language (Spanish) 3 year-old class that will be in session on Tuesdays and

Thursdays. Preschool hours are 9:00 to 11:30 am beginning in September, days in session depend on age of child. We-e Care classes are offered for children ages 16 months to 2-1⁄2 years. We-e Care hours are 9:30 am-1:00 pm, on Wednesdays or Thursdays, beginning in October. For more information or to schedule a tour, call (847) 255-5119 or send an email to fumcps@sbcglobal.net.

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FUMCAH’s Big Heroic Block Party!Save the Date - Saturday, August 22

Join us, dressed as your favorite hero. Activities start at 4:00 pm. Juggling Show, Face Painting, Bounce House, Magicians, Karaoke and Singing Stage, Yard Games and more! Watch BIG HERO 6 on the big screen at sundown. INVITE your friends and neighbors!

UMW Super Spring Rummage Sale!

The United Methodist Women’s Super Spring Rummage Sale will be held on Friday, May 8, from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, and on Saturday, May 9, from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. We will gladly accept your donations of clothing, jewelry, shoes, accessories, housewares, toys, games, sporting goods, CDs, DVDs, records, books and small electronics (fans, lamps, appliances) to the United Methodist Women Super Spring Rummage Sale. Please note: we do not accept TVs, computers, monitors, recalled products or expired products (such as expired car seats).For more information, please contact Jacqueline Raitano (847-749-3233 or JacquelineRaitano@yahoo.com).

Donation Drop-off Dates/Times :

Sunday, May 3, 3 pm - 5 pm Monday, May 4, 9 am - 3 pm Tuesday, May 5, 9 am - 3 pmWednesday, May 6, 9 am - 3 pmWednesday evening, May 6, 6 pm - 8 pm

Baked Goods Donation Drop-off: Thursday, May 7, 9 am – 2 pm

Call to Action

FUMCAH’s Church and Society committee encourages you to respond to a CALL TO ACTION. In lockstep with the Community Renewal Society and our Northwest Suburban Cluster, join concerned citizens in our Suburban Action. Hear about the local impact of the Illinois state budget cuts and proposed increased state revenues to protect vital services and fund education. Saturday, May 16, in the morning - rally in downtown Arlington Heights. Details coming soon. Contact Barbara Lips at 314-518-8911.

Pride Parade

Reconciling Task Force invites you to join us as we march in the Pride Parade on June 28. Contact Pastor Will (w.green@fumcah.com) or watch the church website for more information (www.fumcah.com).

Commonground Game Night

Come join your FUMCAH Commonground friends for a game night! Bring an appetizer or dessert to share and come enjoy a night out!

Date: Saturday, May 9Time: 6:00 pmPlace: The Conlee residence, 363 South Kensington Court, PalatineRSVP by May 5 to Kevin and Carolyn at 847-202-0804 or carolynconlee@mac.com.

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Adopt a Garden!

Want to help in making the church grounds beautiful? Ever feel like playing in the dirt? Want to have a family volunteer job that is fun? Want to chit chat with friends? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, please contact Connie Heath at 847-840-1005. She will guide and teach you how to care for a church garden! What do I/we have to do? The job may include watering, weeding, trimming, deadheading, etc. How do I do what you ask? Select a garden to adopt and nurture it and care for it spring through fall. Don’t want to adopt but would like to help? Garden Work Day will be May 23, 8:30 until 11:00 am.

Financial Report through March 2015

March Revenue: $83,465 Year-to-date Revenue: $213,184

March Expense: $67,917 Year-to-date Expense: $201,860

We have paid $20,790 (three months) of our 2015 $83,160 annual apportionment.

Electronic Funds Transfer is available – a great way to give regularly! Contact Melinda in the church office with any questions or information. Thank you very much for your good stewardship in 2015!

Congregation News BirthElliot Henry Turcotte on April 8, son of Brian and Carolyn Turcotte and brother of Sofia BaptismOwen Michael Bacino on April 12, son of Amanda and David Bacino, and grandson of Mike and Laurie Schellinger DeathsKay Rubner on April 9, long-time member, mother of Susan AllisonJames Effa on April 19, long-time member, husband of Ruth Ann

Dan Jerbi, who joined the Army recently, is stationed in Fort Benning, Georgia. If you would like to send him a note, this is his address:PFC Daniel Jerbi, Roster #231B Company, 2-58 IN REGT 198th Infantry Brigade5555 Leonard DriveFort Benning, Georgia 31905

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First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights

May 2015

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