wheatland life - july - september 2012

Volume 1, issue 6: November-December 2011

SurpriSe!Christmas is coming!

OSwegO updateYouth with Bibles, farmers in jeans and Starbucks-toting moms

the New NOrmal prOjeCtfaithful. focused. future.

What does it mean to be missional?MISSIONAL CHURCH?

GOD BEHAVINGBADLY

DONATE TODAY & HELP GET THE SCHOOL YEAR

OFF TO A GREAT START!

Drop off July 31 - August 11Naperville campus: 1852 95th StreetOswego campus: 1217 Wolf Road

general

the devoted life

life in community

In this issue:

Worship InfoP4

Ministry CatalogP12-18

Benefits of Volunteering

P11

About Wheatland LifeWheatland Life is a quar terly publication which is

written, designed, edited, and printed by members and

staff at Wheatland Salem Church. We do our best to

ensure that all content is accurate and error free, but

we’re only human. Email grace_toledo@wheatlandsalem.

org with typos or corrections.

Help OutIf you would like to volunteer your time or resources to assist with the

creation of Wheatland Life, contact the Communications Team:

Kt Luna - [email protected]

Grace Toledo - [email protected]

God Behaving

BadlyP5-7

Confirmands Exit

Interview P10

MissionalChurch

P9


P11

Confirmands Exit

Interview P10

MissionalChurch

P9

Ministry CatalogP12-18

God Behaving

BadlyP5-7

Worship InfoP4

Worship InfoP4


P11

Confirmands Exit

Interview P10

MissionalChurch

P9

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Worship Information

Worship Info

Sunday Morning8:30 a.m. Traditional service in the Sanctuary9:45 and 11 a.m. Contemporary services in the Contemporary Worship Center

1852 95th St, Naperville IL. | 630.904.1035

Naperville Campus

Oswego Campus1217 Wolf Road, Oswego, IL.

For information about our loca-

tions or driving directions, visit

wheatlandsalem.org/our-location

Scan these QR codes with your

smar tphone for a map of each of

our locations.

Naperville Oswego

Find Us Online

Use Your Phone

Sunday Morning9 & 10:30 a.m. Contemporary services

Get Connected / Stay ConnectedWant to keep “in the loop” about what’s going on? Be sure to.. .

1. Subscribe to our weekly e-news (go to wheatlandsalem.org/im-new)

2. Visit wheatlandsalem.org frequently

3. Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter (@wheatlandsalem)

4. Join us for worship on Sundays

Recovery ServiceFirst Thursday of each month, 8:15 p.m. following the recovery meeting

Message SeriesJuly 8 - August 26

God Behaving Badly: Is the God of the Old Testament Angry, Sexist, and Racist?

September 9 - 30

Awake: Star ting Over Anew | Ephesians 4-5

Healing ServiceFour th Saturday of each month at 5 p.m. in the Sanctuary

love God. love others. change the world

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i am thinking of three rooms and three differ-ent conversations.

the first room was filled with heartbreak. No matter how many flowers were delivered and no matter how many display boards were filled with t-Ball medals, academic achievement certifi-cates, and pictures of the subdivision swim team, the one thing in the room that could not be disguised was a casket containing the body of a young boy. it was a tragic, innocent accident. Or maybe not. maybe this wasn’t an accident at all. at least that’s the way one of the family’s friends put

Have you outgrown

bumper-sticker slogans,

fill-in-the-blank sermons,

self-help spirituality, and

trendy religion?

I have.

by Pastor Scott Field

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it: “it’s hard to accept, but god has a plan in this. there’s always a plan, even when we don’t know what it is.”really?i was there to officiate at the child’s funeral.is the god i represented someone who kills chil-dren?

another room was filled with hurt and anger. it was a large lounge area at a church building where an eccle-siastical trial was underway. a pastor had officiated at the wedding of two men. Our denomination has a long-standing restriction on our clergy officiating at same-sex weddings. i was asked to serve as the as-sistant Counsel for the Church which means i was part of the team bringing the prosecution and defend-ing the church laws. during a break in the proceed-ings, when most of us headed to the lounge for some coffee, i was approached by a very upset woman from pennsylvania. though i myself had not spoken a word to the trial court, my participation in the prosecution team was well-known. “why do you hate me?” she blurted out. “the Bible says god hates gays. is that why you hate me?”really? is the god revealed in the Bible a homophobic, gay-hater?

the third room was my office.i was speaking with someone involved in an extra-marital sexual relationship. this person was seek-ing counsel for how to deal with the trauma he had created for two families. he was deeply sad-dened by the explosive reaction of his wife and

children, sought some coaching on how best to speak with them, and asked for prayer. he would have nothing to do with stopping the affair, how-ever. he said that god wouldn’t want him to deny himself; in fact, to his mind, if god didn’t want him in this extra-marital relationship, why did god give him those desires for this other woman in the first place?

really?does the god revealed in the Bible

both prohibit adultery and give us irresistible desires for adul-

tery?

who said theology was dull and boring?what we believe about god has a determinative impact on our spiritual-ity, our relationships, our

emotional well-being, and our experience of life.

the summer sermon series, God Behaving Badly, takes its bear-

ing from the book of the same title by david t. lamb, associate professor of Old

testament at the Biblical theological Seminary of hatfield, pennsylvania. with dr. lamb, i observe that many Christian believers believe lies, conven-tional wisdom, and a strange collection of inspira-tional sayings. they also believe that god, at least as revealed in the Old testament, is mean, angry and violent, dislikes women, and a legalist. if that accurately describes the god of the Scriptures, then that god is not worthy of our worship. Stay home on Sunday. don’t bother showing up.

But that is not the god revealed in the Bible – particularly the Old testament.

So this summer we will take a look at some of the “terror passages” of Scripture. we won’t try

I observe that many Christian believers

believe lies, conventional wisdom,

and a strange collection of inspirational

sayings.

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to make the Scriptures say something other than what they actually say; but i believe we will discov-er that god is even more awesome than we might at first believe. even more, we will find that god is better than you may have been afraid to believe.

here are three ways you can engage this journey in july and august:

Come to worship as often as you are able. we 1. will give an overview of the issues in the Scrip-ture and connect the dots with what the Bible reveals about the lord in these areas.

get a copy of david lamb’s book, 2. god Behav-ing Badly: is the god of the Old testament an-gry, Sexist, and racist? (intervarsity press, 2011). it is available through amazon.com for $9.25.

take part in a weekly discussion group. at Os-3. wego on Sunday evenings, (6-8 p.m. includes dinner) and Naperville on tuesday evenings, (7-8:30 p.m.) we will discuss the message of the previous Sunday using the discussion ques-tions in lamb’s book. a book is not required to participate in the discussion groups.

Our intention and fervent prayer this summer is to let god’s word reveal who god is and, in so doing, invite us to a deeper relationship with the god we worship.

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An Appointment Reminder…

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung re-appoints three

pastors to Wheatland Salem Church.

After the annual meeting of the Nor th-

ern Illinois region of the United Method-

ist Church (June 6-9), Bishop Hee-Soo

Jung announced the appointment of pas-

tors to the nearly 400 United Method-

ist congregations in our area. Matt Baer,

chairperson of Wheatland Salem’s Staff-

Parish Relations Committee, shared the

announcement concerning pastors for

our congregation during worship on June

17 at the Naperville campus. The SPRC

is the personnel committee and, as such,

is responsible for issues related to the

appointment of our pastors and the em-

ployment of our staff.

All pastors in the United Methodist

Church are appointed by the Bishop, in

consultation with the SPRC of each con-

gregation. Each appointment is for one

year at a time, generally commencing on

July 1st of each year.

The Bishop has re-appointed all three

of our pastors, Pastor Scott, Pastor Car-

ol, and Pastor Bob to Wheatland Salem

Church for the next year. Rev. Kim Neace,

commissioned as a Deacon, has also been

re-appointed in her ministry among us.

We want to affirm their leadership and

look forward to a strong par tnership in

ministry in the year ahead.

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What does it mean to be missional? That’s

the question a visitor to the Oswego campus

recently asked.

The word “missional” is really over-used

these days in the Christian tribe. It has a

whole host of meanings. For some being mis-

sional means:

We maintain mission projects around

•the globe. We participate in short term mission

•trips. We support the cause of other organi-

•zations through providing resources.

In a recent article by Alan Hirsh, a missional

church advocate, he states “being missional

applies to the whole life of every believer.

Every disciple is to be an agent of the king-

dom of God, and every disciple is to carry the

mission of God into every sphere of life. We

are all missionaries sent into a non-Chris-

tian culture.”Alan goes on to say, “Missional

represents a significant shift in the way we

think about the church. As the people of a

missionary God, we ought to engage the world

the same way he does—by going out rather

than just reaching out. To obstruct this move-

ment is to block God’s purposes in and through

his people. When the church is in mission, it is

the true church.”(Christianity Today, Fall issue, 2008)

When we use the word “missional” around

Wheatland Salem, we are referring to a per-

sonal and corporate mindset of relating to a

unique world that surrounds each of us. In and

through our interactions, we are able to help

others come face-to-face with the living God.

Our missionary role is simply to facilitate the

connection through our interaction and leave

the results to God.

It is the church’s mission to “Love God. Love

Others. Change the World.” We do this most

effectively when we live every aspect of our

lives so others can come into contact with Him.

It is my prayer for us that we begin to live

every aspect of our lives as missionaries.

A mission-all pastor,

Bob

join us at the Oswego campus for our contemporary worship services on Sundays at 9 & 10:30 a.m.

1217 wolf road, Oswego il 60543

What does it mean to be missional? by bob butler

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By Deb Lionberger and Kim Neace

1. Who is God?

When I asked the confirmands this question you could tell that they struggled with saying what they thought we wanted to hear and what they really believed. The one answer that stood out from the rest went something like this. “God is someone who will be there for you when nobody else is.” I feel like we have done something right when young people understand and articulate that God is on their side and is listening in times of trouble. Times of trouble are generally when those around us like to make a case for the absence of God, but our young members know better. You don’t get this understanding by simply reciting it or hearing it. You get this understanding by trying it out; by calling on God when hope is lost. Certainly, God is there for us at all times, but in confirmands’ descriptions of God I hear the echoes of Psalm 34 telling us that, “God is close to the brokenhearted.”

2. Were there any particular lessons during Confirmation that meant a lot to you or that you specifically remember?

Not a one. Our youth are less likely to remember John Wesley’s rule or what colors we’re supposed to put up for the church cal-endar than that time a guide shared a powerful testimony, or when we had a particularly great retreat, or that song that just gets stuck in their head. Essentially, it’s the experience that makes it all real for them. Even as beginner Christians, our youth dem-onstrate that faith as things to memorize or instructions to fol-low doesn’t hold as fast as faith that is experienced within a community of believers living life and pursuing truth together.

3. How will your faith stand up in high school?

This line of questioning probably yielded the most variety of an-swers from students. Some were fully confident in their con-viction to allow faith to be a part of their life. Others expressed

nervousness about friends not coming to church or dealing with peer pressure. A few seemed a little naive about any chal-lenges presenting themselves at all. My gut tells me that confir-mation simply isn’t enough. How can we be sure a student is equipped to deal with the ways in which the world will increas-ingly draw their attention away from God in pursuit of other things?

Skip this next paragraph if you know nothing about Star Wars. In fact, if you know nothing about Star Wars, put this whole newsletter down and go watch!

I was recently watching Star Wars and there’s a scene where Luke wants to leave his Jedi training early so that he may as-sist his friends who are in trouble. Yoda warns Luke that if he isn’t fully trained that not only will he be helping his friends at the cost of all they are fighting for, but that abandoning his train-ing would make him extremely vulnerable to the dark side.

We often see an entire class of confirmands finish their Confirma-tion requirements and then we never really see or hear from them again. I don’t mean to say that everything a student can get involved in outside the church is automatically the “dark side,” but I do believe that Confirmation is not the end of spiritual development for our young people. We have multiple opportunities for youth to stay con-nected to WSC beyond confirmation. We have mission and serv-ing events, youth group, Sunday school, worship teams, and special youth gatherings. All of these things exist to help youth find a way to belong to a community of believers where they are cared for and where talking about faith in Jesus is a safe thing to do.

The burden should not be on the youth alone. As much as they should find ways to stoke the fires of faith put in them by the Spirit, so should our older believers take a part in shaping them as young followers of Jesus.

A few months ago, I had the privilege of sitting in on a number of exit interviews that our confirmation guides conducted with our soon-to-be confirmed students. My role in the interview was to ask the confirmands a series of ques-tions concerning God, Jesus, their faith, and how they anticipate challenge and growth as they continue following Jesus in high school. I wanted to share with you some of my observations.

For more information regarding our student ministry programming visit our website at: wheatlandstudentmin.com or by directly emailing Tyler at: [email protected].

( by tyler hughes )

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Serving others in ministry areas that best fit your gifts, skills and passion brings great joy and satisfaction. Your involvement creates personal spiritual growth and gives you purpose. You begin to see yourself as far more than “just a volunteer”; you become a member in ministry fulfilling God’s plan for your life. Serving increases your relationship and growth in the Lord.

Why should I volunteer?You’re able to draw closer to God: When you • spend time volunteering to help people, you actu-ally draw closer to Him. You feel more connected to Jesus, and His teachings and the way of life that He practiced and advocated.

You’ll know you are making a difference in oth-• er people’s lives: By volunteering, you are giving people your time, a valuable asset that does not come back once you spend it. By giving freely of your time, you know that you are making a positive difference in the lives of people, often those who have no family or means of sustenance.

You are setting a good example for your kids: When • you volunteer on a regular basis, your children grow up understanding the value and impor tance of helping those who are not as blessed as you are. They in turn become good adults who practice Christian values and enrich the lives of those they live and interact with on a regular basis.

You grow personally: When you volunteer, you • not only enrich the lives of others but also grow personally, both spiritually and socially. You learn more about the world and its ways and you also develop self-confidence and self-esteem, charac-teristics that stand you in good stead no matter where you are.

God calls each and every member to join in the ministry of the church. Prayerfully consider where you can star t growing in your faith by getting involved. Please contact Deb Lionberger at [email protected] or 630.904.1035 x140.

Volunteering can be an exciting, growing, enjoyable experience.

It is truly gratifying to serve a cause, practice one’s ideals, work

with people, solve problems, see benefits, and know one had a

hand in them. - Harriet Naylor

What Are the Benefits of Volunteering?What Are the Benefits of Volunteering?

by deb lionbergerby deb lionbergerby deb lionbergerby deb lionbergerby deb lionbergerby deb lionbergerby deb lionberger

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Ever thought about doubling the impact of Sunday morning on the rest of your week...and your life?Many of us are in the habit of coming to corporate worship on Sunday morning for spiritual refreshing, getting centered again at the beginning of the week, and reconnecting with God, God’s people, and God’s mission. But why stop there? Add one more hour and multiply the impact. Here are some great opportunities to take a fresh step in your walk with Christ beginning in September.

Empty Nesters - Sundays | Room 146 | 9:45 a.m. | Naperville Campus | Led by Tom Ambler, Carolyn Tsikouris, and Char Brower. An open group that welcomes all ages and stages. Study book is the Bible with class notes and discussion guide provided.

The Huddle - Sundays | Room 218 | 9:45 a.m. | Naperville CampusAn ongoing gathering for a post-worship ser vice discussion of the sermon. An informal conversational group open to all.

Sundays @11 - Sundays | Room 146 | 11 a.m. | Naperville Campus | Led by Mike Abrams and Linda Kviz Sundays @ 11 is a multi-generational study and discussion group. If you want to grow in your personal journey towards a more authentic God honoring life, make some new connections, and find a supportive community, plan to register for Sundays @ 11.

Certificate in Christian Leadership - Tuesdays | 7 - 9 p.m. | Naperville Campus Starting: 9/25 Cost: $150 tuition. Books are not included in the tuition fee. A non –degree program offered by Northern Theological Seminar y in partnership with Wheatland Salem Church.The Certificate in Christian Leadership is designed for the person interested in deepening his/her understanding of Scripture and enhancing his/her effectiveness as a leader. The courses and the certificate program are open to anyone, regardless of educational background or relationship with Wheatland Salem Church. For more information and registration, visit wheatlandsalem.org/CCL

register For any adult group or connection point at wheatlandsalem.org/register

get Childcareif needed by contacting Vicki at [email protected] or call 630.904.1035 x407

Everyday Service InstitutePreparing Christ followers for everyday service that makes a long term impact

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register For any adult group or connection point at wheatlandsalem.org/register


Connection PointsGroups designed to connect believers together for life’s journeys

Healing Service - 7/28, 8/25 & 9/22 | 5 p.m. | NapervilleMusic, Scripture and opportunity to pray and be prayed for, concluding with communion, Recovery Groups (OA,GA,Al-ANON)Naperville Campus - Thursdays | 7:30 - 9 p.m. (AA)Oswego Campus - Thursdays | 7 - 8 p.m. (OA, GA,AA, AL-AON)Recovery Service - First Thursday of the month | 8:15 - 9 p.m.

The Gathering Place - Wednesdays | Noon - 3 p.m. Seniors’ Group that meets and plays games.

Prayer Platoon A network of families with members in the military that offers prayer, sup-port, resources, and encouragement. For more information, please contact Scott & Marilynn Tannenbaum at: [email protected]

Small GroupsThere are a number of small groups that meet in homes throughout the week. They are made up of a wide range of ages and interests and meet on different days, at different times to study, serve, pray and care for one another. If you are interested in getting connected in this way, please contact Pastor Carol at [email protected] or x226 or Kevin MacDonald at [email protected] or x223.

Common Thread - 2nd Tuesday evening or 3rd Thursday eve-ning of the month, Naperville Campus. 4th Monday of the month meeting at the Oswego Campus. Knitters and crocheters gather for a time of community and prayer as they “click or hook” prayer shawls to be given to families with loved ones actively serving in the military, those with chronic illness, or anyone who would be blessed by a tan-gible expression of being surrounded by prayer. Choose a time/location that works for you. Please e-mail Barb Hoyle at [email protected] to find out more.

Living With Cancer - 3rd Thursday of the month | 7-8:30 p.m.If your life has been touched by cancer or chronic illness, please join us on the third Thursday of the month at the Naperville campus. This support group meets to offer one another prayer, emotional support and listening ears/hearts. Come, share your experience and connect with others who have or are facing a threatening illness. Leaders: Bob Bara and Sandy Martin

Treasure BearsTreasure Bears provide an opportunity for people who have been traveling the journey of grief to make a memorial teddy bear out of clothing that belonged to their loved one. Please e-mail Barb Hoyle at [email protected] to find out more.

Baptism Orientation - 9/15 | 8:30 - 10 a.m. | Room 146 Naperville Campus,Parents of children who are going to be baptized at WSC are expected to attend this interactive exploration of the meaning of baptism, tradi-tions, and developing family habits that support growing faith. Details and dates related to the actual baptism are also shared. Please e-mail Ann Berglind at [email protected] or x228 to find out more.

Lunch With the Pastors - 9/23 | 12 noon | Room 149 Naperville Campus, Fellowship Hall Oswego CampusNew to Wheatland Salem Church or curious about potential next steps? Want to know more about who we are and why we do what we do? Then Lunch With the Pastors is a great next step! You’ll enjoy a meal, meet some leaders and fellow attenders, and have the opportu-nity to ask your questions. To register, contact Ann Berglind at [email protected] or x228. Questions, contact Deb Lionberger at [email protected] or x140.

New Member Orientation - 10/14, 21 & 28 Naperville Campus: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.Oswego Campus: 9 - 10 a.m. Join the pastors for a time to get better acquainted, share your spiritual stories, and explore ways the Wheatland Salem community can help you grow in your connection with God, others, and the world God is redeeming. Contact Deb Lionberger at [email protected] or x140.

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Get ConnectedOur vision here at WSC is to equip Christ-followers for everyday service that has a long-term impact. However, we cannot grow in Christ by ourselves; we are people made for community. We believe that Christ-followers are best formed in “small batches” and at Wheatland Salem there are many ways to connect with a group to challenge and encourage you on your faith journey.

TriadsTriads (or quadrads) are a group of 3-4 individuals who commit to meeting regularly for 6 months to 1 year. Triads open them-selves to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, studying God’s word and wrestling with life issues in the context of transpar-ent relationships with one another. If you are interested in getting connected in this way, please contact Pastor Carol at [email protected] or x226.

Friday Morning Women’s Study - Fridays | 9:30-11 a.m. | Oswego Campus | Led by Kim BockayThis is a multi-generational group that gathers each week to study the Bible, pray, ser ve, and simply enjoy each other’s company.

Men’s Bible Study - Saturdays | 6-8:30 a.m. | Naperville Campus | Led by Ted Van DornThis men’s group gathers each Saturday morning year round for prayer, song, -study, fellowship and ser vice. Newcomers always welcome. For more information, contact Ted at 630.355.6260

Men’s Discipleship Essentials - Wednesdays | 7 - 9 p.m. | Oswego Campus | led by Kevin BlockerWe grow in Christ as we seek him together, study the Bible and encourage one another. Our time together is designed to deepen our knowledge of essential Christian teaching and strengthen our faith. For more information, contact Kevin at 630.417.2741 or [email protected].

Moms by Faith Other events: visit meetup.com/momsbyfaith (Naper ville) and meetup.com/momsbyfaithws (Oswego)We are a group of moms of all sages, all walks of life, Christian faith, and even moms who are just interested in learning about the Christian faith. The goal of this Moms’ group is to uplift, encourage, and connect with each other and our children. Our vision is to share inspiration, support and friendship through the glor y of Jesus Christ. We want to support one another in our journey through motherhood. We have even more opportunities planned for a fall launch, watch for additional information in the coming weeks!

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Adult Bells Monday August 20, 7 p.m

Cornerstone Choir (Adult choir) Wednesday, August 29, 7 p.m.

Faithful Men (Adult Choir) Wednesday, August 29, 8:15 p.m.

Cherub Choir (ages 3-5) Wednesday, September 12, 5:45 - 6:25 p.m.

Children’s Musical (grades K-5) Wednesday, September 26, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.Rehearsal times will change as we get closer to Christmas

Silent Choir (Youth & Adults) Tuesday, October 16 at 7 p.m.

Choirs & MusicalsContact Vicay Lauderdale, [email protected] or 630.904.1035 x215.

get involved! Contact Kim Neace, [email protected] or 630.904.1035, x141

Upcoming Events/Outreach

Back to School School Supply Outreach - 8/11 & 8/12Seeds to Succeed is a “Back to School” event to kickoff a positive, successful school year for the children in our area.There are families in District 204 struggling to provide their children with basic necessities like food and clothing. Back to school sup-plies go unpurchased because buying them would impose too much of a financial burden. Wheatland Salem Church has agreed to come together and serve 230 children on free and reduced lunch this fall by providing school supplies and gift cards. There are several ways to get involved:

Sign up to donate supplies and/or gift cards.• Drop-off between July 31st and August 11th at 1852 95th Street in Naperville or 1217 Wolf Road in Oswego. Look for more • information at church services and the weekly e-mail.

Jump Start - 9/9Invite all of your friends, family and neighbors to jump start the new school year. We will have loads of fun as we meet new people and start a new year of learning about God. This is a day for people of all ages to get together.

Alpha - Friday evenings in Oswego 9/21 - 12/7What is Alpha?Anyone interested in finding out more about the Christian faith. Adults of all ages welcome.

Learning and laughter. It is possible to learn about the Christian faith and have fun at the same time.

People meeting together. An opportunity to get to know others and to make new friends.

Helping one another. Small groups give you the chance to discuss issues raised during the talks.

Asking anything. Alpha is a place where no question is seen as too simple or too hostile. Who is Alpha for?

People interested in investigating Christianity• Christians who want a refresher course on the “basics”• New believers• Parents trying to stay ahead of their kids• Couples preparing for marriage• Newcomers to the church• People returning to Christ after being on “hiatus”•

What happens at Alpha? Each week there is a delicious meal and a talk on topics such as:

Who is Jesus?• Why did Jesus die?• Why and how should I read the Bible?• Why and how do I pray?• What about the Holy Spirit?• How can I overcome evil?• Why and how should I tell others?• Does God heal today?•

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Alpha Team - 9/21 - 12/7Alpha gives everyone the oppor tunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. The Alpha course meets once a week, including a one-day or weekend getaway. Sessions begin with a meal, followed by a shor t talk and time to dis-cuss what’s been taught. During the discussion, everyone is welcome to contribute their opinions and no question is consid-ered hostile or too simple. There are a variety of roles you can play as an Alpha team member, group facilitator, par t of the prayer team, kitchen crew, welcoming team, or as a ministry leader. Qualifications: a hear t for people seeking and questioning God.

Coffee OutreachIn Naperville - 9/5 & 6Greeting our community and handing out free coffee & hot chocolate...what could be more fun? There will be two areas to choose from: outside, or inside with the preschool families. It is a fun way to connect with the local community and the preschool families.

In Oswego - 8/22 & 9/4WSC will serve the students on their first day of school at the Oswego WSC campus. A fun oppor tunity to connect with the students and maybe even some of the teachers. On September 4 we will welcome the new YMCA preschool students and families to the WSC Oswego campus.

Gift Mart Gift Mart is an event that seeks to provide our area’s under-privileged families with an affordable option for buying Christmas gifts for their family and friends. Last year we had 225 volunteers that helped make Gift Mart a success. This year, we are looking to increase that number since we have the opportunity to serve two schools in the listrict. Volunteers are needed in the following areas: Donation Team, Toy Collections Team, Check-In/Hospitality Team, Gift Mart Team, Cashier Team, Gift Wrap Team, Kids Team, Crowd Control, Music Team, and Prayer Team.

Jump Start Team - Sunday, 9/9WSC will jump start the new school year and we are looking for people to help for a short period of time to serve food, run games, and serve others in a variety of ways.

Oswego Tail Gate Party - Friday, 9/21Oswego vs. Oswego East High School. Cook some food and cheer on both teams as we serve the local Oswego community on the big-gest football game of the year by having a tail gate party.

Serve the Community Day (STCD) Planning Team - Join the planning team for the next Serve the Community Day which will be held on Saturday, 10/13. The team will meet several times to plan prior to the event day. Qualifications: a planner, well-organized, and enjoys contact with the community.

Serve the Community Day Leaders - Each team that goes out on STCD needs a coordinator to make connections with the local organization, as well as organizing the team to make sure everyone has their supplies.

SAVE THE DATES:Serve the Community Day - Saturday, 10/13. Join in on serving the local community. There are oppor tunities for all ages, such as:

Crafty options• Relationship building• Outdoor work• Working with seniors • Working with the homeless• and much, much more! Look for sign-ups online and in print in early September.•

Gift Mart - Saturday, 12/15. This year we are very excited to be serving over two schools. Star t shopping now for some $20 toys for that special child. Contact Sally Brusveen at [email protected] for more information.

Serving Opportunities/Outreach

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register For any Children’s events by visting wheatlandsalem.org/register


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Ministries for Children

Nursery - All services at both campuses | Age 6 weeks to 2 years old by 9/1/12Infants and toddlers enjoy making friends, receiving love and attention while in a safe environment.

Naperville Campus beginning 9/9Sunday School - age 3 to 5th grade by 9/1/12 | 9:45 & 11 a.m.9:45 a.m. (Age 3 to 5th Grade) | 11 a.m. (Age 3 to Kindergarten)Kids will learn the basics of the Christian faith with large and small group times. Friends are welcome!

Kids’ Church - Sundays | 11 a.m. | 1st to 5th grade by 9/1/12Worship and Sunday School combined in a creative multimedia environment. Friends are welcome! Contact Vicki Saunders x407 for more information.

Oswego Campus beginning 9/9Sunday School - for ages 3 years - 5th grade by 9/1/12 | 9 & 10:30 a.m. | Contact Kevin MacDonald x223 for more information.

JAM (Jesus and Me) | Wednesdays | 6:30 - 8 p.m. | 9/19/12 - 3/20/13 | Naperville Campus | Age 4 to 5th gradeChildren learn about growing with friends, growing in Christ! This year we will be learning about the “Armor of God”. Cost: $50/child for the year

YUC (Youth Under Construction) - Fridays | 7 - 9 p.m. | Age 4th - 5th grade | Naperville CampusMonthly events include fun, team building, devotions and more. Invite a friend! Coming October 2012

Special NeedsAt Wheatland Salem, we seek to enable children with special needs and their families to experience the love of God through the support of Christian community in practical and loving ways that encourage them to participate fully in the life of the church. Please contact Pastor Carol at [email protected] or 630.904.1035 x226 to find out more.

4 Year Old Prayer Experience Sunday | 11/18 | 9 - 9:30 a.m.This is an opportunity for you and your child to learn about praying together.

STEP Parenting Classes (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) Mondays | 9/24 - 10/29 | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.A six session workshop focused on creating an environment of love and discipline. Call 630.904.7035 to register.

Third Grade Bible Adventure Friday 9/21 to Saturday 9/22 | 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. | Cost: $45/childThis event is an interactive orientation to the Bible for all 3rd graders. Kids learn about the Old and New Testaments, personal study habits, and more. There will be time for fun at the YMCA pool, too. Each student receives a Bible as a gift. Parents are strongly encourged to come along to lead and learn! Contact Vicki Saunders at [email protected] with questions.

Bible Sunday Sunday | 9/23 | Naperville: 8:30, 9:45 or 11 a.m. | Oswego: 9 or 10:30 a.m.ALL 3rd graders (Adventure attendees or not) will be presented with a Bible at the worship hour of their choice.

please visit wheatlandsalem.org/register to register your child(ren) for fall Sunday School, Nursery, jam and YuC.

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S.T.A.R. Summer CampsThe July S.T.A.R. Camps are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and available for children 3 years old through entering into 1st grade. The cost is $95 per week. Sessions are: July 9-12 -- Painting a Story July 16-19 -- Kings, Queens and Royal Things July 23-26 -- Picnic in the Park.

Systematic Training For Effective Parenting (STEP)The 6-week S.T.E.P. class begins September 24 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in room 404. The cost is $75 and $15 for the book. As a parent you want a calm, happy family environment. It takes a blend of love, discipline, and lots of understanding. The six Early Childhood STEP sessions focus on these topics:

Understanding young children1. Understanding young children’s behavior2. Building self-esteem in the early years3. Listening and talking to young children & helping them learn to cooperate4. Discipline for young children5. Young children’s emotional and social development.6.

register For any WSCA events by visiting wheatlandsalem.org/wheatland-academy

Wheatland Salem Christian Academy

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Certificate in Christian LeadershipA non-degree program offered by Northern Theological Seminary, in partnership with Wheatland Salem Church

Program FocusThis non-degree certificate program provides high-quality ministry training and theological study. It is designed for the person interested in deepening his or her understanding of scripture and how it impacts the work of the church.

Who cWho can participate?The couThe courses and the certificate program are open to anyone, regardless of educational background or relationship with Wheatland Salem Church. Students are not obligated to take each course listed in the program, however, students that complete all of the program courses will receive a Certificate in Christian LeadeLeadership from Northern Seminary and will be invited to participate in seminary graduation, if they choose.

Program ContentThe program consists of 7 courses that address three critical areas of ministry training:

Ecclesiology & History• Church History• Christian• Christian TheologyBiblical Study• Exploring the Bible• Old Testament Survey• NewTestament SurveyLeadership• Leadership 1• Leadership 2• Leadership 2

Program ScheduleEach course is 10 weeks long, hosted on the campus of Wheatland Salem Church, and is taught by Northern Seminary faculty. Student FeesRegistRegistration fee: $150 per course. This fee does not include the price of course materials. Students will receive additional information regarding course material when they register. Course materials are purchased by the student through textbook resources such as Amazon.com.

RRegistration ProcessStudents register through, and paystudent fees to Wheatland Salem Church (WSC) wheatlandsalem.org/CCL

In the fall and winter we move from Scripture into the history of the Christian movement as well as the study of theology in a more systematic way. I am particularly impressed with the faculty we will be providing for these courses.

Fall 2012: Church History taught by Affiliate Professor of Church History and Worship, Dr. Sam Hamstra. (Tuesday evenings, beginning September 25, 2012)

Winter 2013: Christian Theology taught by Associate Professor of Theology, Dr. Cherith Fee Nordling. (Tuesday evenings, beginning January 8, 2013)

Get Equipped.

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Wheatland Salem United Methodist Church

1852 95th Street

Naperville, Illinois 60564

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PAIDPermit #437AURORA, IL

Oswego Campus1217 wolf road, Oswego, il

Naperville Campus1852 w. 95th St, Naperville il

630.904.1035wheatlandsalem.org

wheatland life - july - september 2012

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