August/September 2019 Newsletter

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in Scriptures and the encouragement they

provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (NIV)

Dear Friends,

Greetings! I just finished a three-week vacation that included the luxury of rest. We didn’t travel. We sought renewal and revival through reading, studying, praying, resting and enjoying time at home. Thank you so much for the privilege of vacation. Also, a big thank you to Pastors Sue Bryce, Ralph Ward and Jay Martin for covering in my absence at Hillsboro and Witt.

If you haven’t had a chance please extend a warm-hearted welcome to Pastor John and Ruth Ray, who began their ministry appointment July 1st, serving In the Good Shepherd Parish at Fillmore and Coffeen. They will be moving into the Coffeen parsonage later this summer. In the meantime, you can direct cards to them at either church address or drop them in the office and we’ll see that they reach them.

We also wish to welcome our new District Superintendent, Dr. Charliam Renner. I’m not sure when you’ll get a chance to meet him, but go ahead add his name to your list of church leaders to pray for.

Speaking of prayer, we’re continuing to make progress with the prayer ministry and we’ll be sharing more updates and resources to equip you on Sunday mornings. I’m excited about the phases that are complete and eager to continue to develop a strategic prayer model for Hillsboro UMC and

Hillsboro United

Methodist Church

537 Rountree P.O. Box 26

Hillsboro, IL. 62049217-532-3734

then for the Parish. The youth ministry has enjoyed some fellowship and study this summer under the leadership of Michelle Brown and dedicated volunteers. Please keep the youth and Michelle in prayer as they prepare to return to school in about a month or less now.

Thank you so very much for all your prayers, cards and acts of kindness for as we journey through the treatments for leukemia. The injections are now being administered monthly along with daily medicine and there is hope that the injections will be completed in about a year, which will be ahead of the original schedule. I’m feeling better every day. Very thankful for our health care system and a compassionate physician who is monitoring my treatment plan carefully. Perhaps most important for you to know and remember as you journey through life and face what seems to be unbearable grief is that God is doing a thousand things in the background that you cannot see. Put your hope in Truth. What I try to remember in the hard places, as well as the soft, is to give thanks to God. Because nothing is wasted. Nothing. (See the OT book of Job.) Even the suffering will be made to count for something important, and to our greater benefit.

Like I shared recently, my priorities for meaningful relationships are changing and I’m looking forward with great hope and joy to spending more time in fellowship and service with each of you. You are often in my thoughts and always in my prayers.In faith,

Pastor Mike

The Good Shepherd Parish is invited to an evening around a campfire at Marty and Patty Niehaus’ on Sunday, October 13th. Grilled pork patties, hot dogs for roasting, buns, marshmallows, smores, and beverages will be provided. Those joining us are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and finger foods. The activities will begin at 5:30pm at 106 Lakecrest Lane, near the east side of Lake Hillsboro. Call or ask for directions if necessary, our numbers are 217-532-3197 or 217-246-5478. Besides visiting around the

FunFood

FellowshipBy the fire

campfire, you’re welcome to fish in our pond (bring your own gear), play cornhole, volleyball, or take a walk in the woods, etc. Please come join in our fun and fellowship, with a side of food.

2019 Conference NewsletterLet’s Get Fired Up!

Hearts strangely warmed up by the “Blaze of the Holt Spirit”

by Jennifer Whitlock

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Acts 2:1-2.

Thursday – The first day of conference started on Thursday morning. We started with the opening worship service. The Rev. Dr. Safiyah Fosua brought the message. The video presentations were on the General Board of Global Ministry celebrating 200 years of ministry and The United Methodist Women celebrating 150 years of ministry. The last presentation was the introduction of the Ordinands and provisional members. The afternoon session was voting on the Clergy and Laity members who will be going to General Conference and North Central Jurisdictional Conference. General Conference will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota from May 5th – May 15th, 2020. North Central Jurisdictional Conference will be held in Fort Wayne, Indiana from July 15th – July 18th, 2020. John Cooper was elected to the North Central Jurisdictional Conference to represent the Hillsboro United Methodist Church. Thursday evening was the memorial service. Mrs. Carol Sims did the service. Those recognized as Clergy members of the conference who passed away last year were the Rev. Thomas Compton, who served as our Pastor and the Rev. J. William Cooper, who served in the Southern Illinois Conference and later in the Illinois Great River Conference and Superintendent of the Vermillion River District. Friday – Friday morning the rev. Amanda Richards did the worship service. The next presentation was the Retirees service and video of the church closings in your conference. We also saw several super hero presentations on East bay Camp, Illinois Great River Conference, the Illinois University, and Wesley Connectional Ministries.Saturday – Saturday was the Service of Ordination, Commissioning, and setting of appointments. There were 13 persons who were ordinated in full connection, provisional Deacons, and Provisional Elders. All of the Worship Services and conferences were outstanding. We had 24 legislative items that were presented before the members of conference and all items were passed.

General Conference Delegates are Clergy: Sara Bell, Randy Robinson, Janice Griffith, Beverly Wilkes-Null, and Eric Swanson. Laity are Paul Black, Anna Fender, Pamela Hammond-McDavid, Kimberly Woods, and Steven Schonert.

North Central Jurisdiction Delegates are Clergy: Beth Fender, Mike Crawford, Jennie Edwards Bertrand, Andy Adams, and Nichole Cox. Laity are Anish Hermon, Julie Boesen Higgins, John Cooper, Christina Krost, Carrie Mills, and Larry Weber.

Clergy Jurisdictional alternates are: Sylvester Weatherall, Gay Crede, and Vince Rohn. Lay Jurisdictional alternates are: Erik Slingerland, Clarke Barnes, and Andres Stuby.

Roy and Laura Sturm want everyone to know how much they appreciated the anniversary party. The love they have for one another and for their church family is unparalleled. Congratulations again to both of them.

Anniversaries:

Bob & Gwen Frazier are happy to announce the recent marriage of their son, Ben, to MeganBaumgartner of St Louis on May 11, 2019. Ben and Megan are making their first home in Vandalia, IL., where Ben serves as the CEO of the Fayette County YMCA. Congratulations Ben & Megan and Bob & Gwen from your church family.

Peggy and John Cooper are blessed to welcome another member to the Cooper family. Colby Cooper and Tara Allen are engaged. Congratulations to Colby, Tara, John, Peggy and all the family. Your church family is happy for all of you!

Congratulations to Jordyn (Smith) Helgen on her new position as Director of Communications and Marketing at Living Word United Methodist Church in Wildwood, Mo. The daughter of Tim

August 04, 2018 Ray & Morgan LovelaceAugust 07, 1976 Steve & Ruthie ErnstAugust 12, 1972 Roger & Kathy ReevesAugust 23, 2002 Joe & Terri LogsdonAugust 25, 1962 Dennis & Irene GradenSeptember 3, 1994 Robert & Sandy MorrisonSeptember 4, 1960 Waldron & Pat SiltmanSeptember 13, 2014 Andrew & Rachel OndeskoSeptember 17, 2011 Phil & Lindsey McLaughlinSeptember 28, 2013 Duane & Kim WalkerSeptember 29, 1973 Dave & Carol Booher

and Kris Carpenter, and wife, of Brayden, began in her new role Monday, July 29th. Jordyn stated the following “I couldn’t be happier in my new role, God has blessed me and all the Glory is His!” She and Brayden have made their first home in Maryland Heights, Mo.

Back to School Blessing Bash! Sunday, August 11th from 3:00- 6:00pm at the Hillsboro United Methodist Church. Join us as we prepare to head back to school. Along with fellowship and fun, we will offer school supplies, hygiene items, free haircuts, and a limited number of tennis shoes. You may also enjoy outdoor games, face painting, and an ice cream bar. This event is open to the Public and everyone is encouraged to bring a friend!Donations of school supplies, hygiene items, backpacks, and kids sized tennis shoes in very good condition are welcomed. Please drop off items at HUMC. You may contact the church office @ 217-5332-3734 or Peggy Cooper @ 217-825-3500 if you have any questions. Thank You! We look forward to seeing you!

Kathy Reynolds and Michelle Brown would like to thank all who donated items or gave money for the VBS the week of July 21st. It was a great week and the kids enjoyed all the snacks Thank You to all who helped each evening as well ….. Kyle & Tina Furness, Jennifer Whitlock, Sam Reynolds, Alex Cullison, and Steve Huber. Also, Thank You to Anne McLaughlin for

COMMUNITY

AUGUST 11, 2019 FROM 3:00 – 6:00PM

It’s an old fashion Church service and picnic. Please join us Sunday, September 15th at the Irving park at 10:00am. All three Pastors will be doing the outside service, there will be no other service at the other five parish churches. Please bring your lawn chair and then stay for the potluck dinner afterwards.

presenting a bible lesson on Monday night for the kids! We couldn’t have done it without all of you. Thanks again and may God Bless each of you.

Praise God for the following joys received: Lori Bergbower officially retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections, congratulations from your Church family Lori. Also, Mike & Lori want to thank their church family for being so kind. Dick and Judy James’ granddaughter, Emma, had a very successful surgery. Lyssa McClennan was Baptized June 2nd, what an awesome joy, Praise God!Joseph Stokes sends a “Thank You” for the college box. Fred Blevins is doing well after the doctors changed some medicines. Susie Galer’s knee replacement surgery went well in Springfield, Thursday, June 13th. Tami Moler’s fever wasn’t due to her knee surgery, but a sinus condition. Praise God she is feeling better and doing well in rehabilitation.Greg and Kim Matthews have a new granddaughter, Claire Elizabeth Olsen, born May 29th @ 11:51am, to their daughter Rachel and Son-In-Law, Jeffery Olsen. Congratulations and God’s Blessings to all. Sandy Morrison thanks everyone for the donations of cards and stamps to the Nurture Group, and for all the volunteers that help with Meals on Wheels. Sandy Morrison reported that her friend, Sara Bryd, is home and recovering from her recent surgery. It’s a joy to have Dr. Pastor John Ray in our pulpit at Coffeen and Fillmore. God has truly blessed our Parish. Pastor Mike reported that Nelma’s knee surgery went well and thanks everyone for their prayers. Judy James joyfully reports that their granddaughter, Emma, had great blood test that showed her TSH level is now 0.04, Praise God for this great news!As we praise God for joys, we graciously ask him to hear our prayer request and lift us up:The family of Steve Tobias in his passing on May, 21. Sandy Morrison ask for prayers for all the flood and tornado victims, along with the victims of the Virginia Beach shooting. Dick James ask for continued prayers for his friend, Dave Imler, who has been diagnosed with cancer. Gwen Boone request prayers for her sister, Tammi Christian, in the unexpected passing of her husband, Ken Christian. Tammie grew up in our church, please keep the family in prayer. Kathy Reeves ask for prayers for her friend Sue, who lost in 11-year-old granddaughter in a tragic accident. Jane Spencer would appreciate continued prayer for her nephew, Derrick Howerton, who had a cancerous knot behind his ear removed June 13th.Pat Silt man ask for prayers for Mary Ann Siltman, Wally’s sister-in-law, who has had heart issues. Laura Sturm ask for prayers for Sandra Lester, of The Lester Family Gospel Singers of St. Louis, who has been diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. Chris Gutierrez ask for continued prayers for the family of Andy Rosentreter, who took his own life. Janice Galer ask for prayers for Todd’s 10-year-old daughter who has been fighting a stomach virus, and her husband, Doug, who has been treated in the ER for an infection. Irene Graden ask that we pray for her sister-in-law, Janet Graden, who is recovering from a serious surgery on July 8th, and her great niece, Nisa Dystra, who had shoulder surgery July 9th. Melissa Wood ask for prayers for her Mother, Cindy Zanni, who needs gallbladder surgery. Rev. Ralph Ward request prayer for Mark Mattox, who lost his Mother, June, on July 6th. The family of Lamar Hartman, Sherri Gutierrez’s Great Uncle, who passed away July 8 th. Those in Southern California that are dealing with earthquakes. Ruth Ernst ask we keep her son, Tim and daughter, Allison in prayer as they travel to Cuba. Jerry Moler ask for prayer for his Aunt, Barb Camfield, who is in failing health.

Caroline Clinard, mother of Stacey Ward, who fell and broke her hip.Ron Deabenderfer ask for prayer for his sister, Janet Pohlmann, as she grieves the loss of her husband. Nina Hall ask for prayer as she has chipped a bone in her vertebrae. Angelica Trader and family in the passing of her father, Richard Gifford on July 17 th. Lori Bergbower ask for prayers for her Son, Gabe, and also for her Aunt Carol who has been in the hospital fighting an infection and inflammation. Betty Rhodes who is having leg pain and will be going for test. Susie McPhail’s Great Grandson, Nathan “Nate” Smith who is doing better but could still use prayer.Please keep those in prayer that remain silent or that we may have accidently omitted.

August Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

Luke Armbruster

2

Ralph McLaughlin

3

4

Old Settlers Worship Service

5 Meals on Wheels

Preschool Board Meeting 5:15pm

6 Meals on Wheels

Staff Relations 6pm

7 Meals on WheelsBev BurtonLeroy Ellsworth

Old Settlers

8 Meals on WheelsChris GutierrezChad KalaherOld Settlers

9 Meals on WheelsPatty NiehausOlivia ChristianLaura Sturm

10Janette FurnessCoral ChristianBetty Rhodes

11

Communion

Back to School Bash 3pm-6pm

12

Nurture Group 10am

13 14

Jaida Linn

15

PPRC 6pm

16

Nelma Lawton

17

Henry McLaughlin

18 19 20

Reba Morrison

21 22

Walk in Bethlehem meeting 6pm

23

Miles ByersKevin Fowler

24

Jade ChristianSteve Kirk

25 26 27 28

Harry Kirk

29 30 31

Ushers: Dave Ball, Brett Reynolds, Robb Hamm, Roger ReevesLay Leaders: Peggy Cooper, Melissa Wood, Chris Gutierrez Nursery: Susie Galer, Peggy Cooper, Ruth Ernst

September Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

Betty Stokes

2

Nila Hall

3 4

Joe Stokes

5

Bruce Gabeau

6

Lindsey McLaughlin

7

Grace Herschelman

8

Communion

9

Nurture Group10am

10

Ad Council7pm

11IMpact Group 6pm

12

Gavin Buckley

13 14

Rex TraderRalph Ward

15Parish Worship & Picnic Irving Park11 am Carter Alexander

16 17 18IMpact Group 6pm

Steve Cullison

19

Denise BaderElaan Bader

20 21

22 23 Meals on Wheels

24 Meals on Wheels

Noah Bigley

25 Meals on WheelsIMpact Group 6pmJane SmithKalisi Walsh

26 Meals on Wheels

Brett BrownTisha Miller

27 Meals on Wheels

28

29 30

Ushers: Mike Bergbower, Jerry Moler, Doug Byers, Chris GutierrezLay Leaders: Carol Booher, Janet Ward, Peggy Cooper, Melissa WoodNursery: Anne McLaughlin, Peggy Cooper, Kathy Reynolds, Mary Herschelman

Thank You to all the Volunteers, for all you have done!!!Missed Sunday Worship? Did you know if you miss a Sunday Worship or want to hear the message again you can visit HillsboroUMChurch.org/sermons.