The Quarterly Newsletter Volume 13 TowerDowners Grove First UnitedBell Methodist Church

Fall 2014 Preparing to Make a Difference Fall 2014

How Are You Preparing? - Greta McDonald

I still remember it – don’t you? – the daughter – and our perceptions and smell of new gym shoes, the fragrance of hopes for one another are enlarged. We “ Making a a fresh box of crayons – these were the are compelled to see problems and needs unmistakable marks of a new school year as opportunities and invitations to step about to begin. As a grade school child, forward in care, in love, in actions that difference is those purchases, waiting to be carried use our gifts and talents. No wonder to school on the first day of class, were a our congregation came up with these at the heart sign that something was expected of me. words as part of the description of who Those supplies, as ordinary as they were, we are and want to be, in our Mission/ took some budgeting for my family, and Vision/Values statement: "We prepare of our they were given for a purpose – to help one another for ministry, act on our me learn so that I could become more and faith, encourage and support all of God’s more competent, more independent and children, and celebrate our life together in Christian responsible, more able to give back as I Christ.” grew up. Those ordinary supplies told me As we step into the fall, let’s take an faith" that I was being prepared to eventually inventory of our lives and routines. How make a difference. are we, on a day-to-day basis, preparing I’ve enjoyed being greeted each day this to make a difference that honors the way IN THIS ISSUE PASTOR ARTICLE...... P1 summer with the Imagine No Malaria cans in of Christ in this world? CELEBRATE LIFE...... P2 the church entryway. They are a reminder As you read through this Tower Bell, FALL HAPPENINGS...... P2 that we believe we can make a difference ADULT EDUCATION...... P3 you’ll see many opportunities to make YOUNG AT HEART...... P3 in this world. It will be small, daily things a difference – through a once-a-month MEMBERSHIP MINISTRY...... P3 that make a difference – dropping change involvement in our PADS homeless SUNDAY SCHOOL...... P4 in a can, bringing it to church every now MUSIC...... P5 shelter work; through a one-hour-per UNITED METHODIST WOMEN...... P5 and then to be combined with other gifts, week mentoring of a local elementary ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP...... P6 connecting those gifts to the clinics and school child; through being part of a ALL SAINT'S DAY...... P6 community workers and medical teams NOMINATIONS...... P6 learning or fellowship group or helping TRUSTEES...... P7 linked to our global United Methodist to lead a class for children, youth, or THANK YOU...... P7 Church, and praying to see malaria ended adults; through helping care for the NIC ACCESSIBILITY CONFERENCE...... P7 in Africa. WORSHIP...... P8 upkeep of our building that houses so NURSERY CARE...... P8 Making a difference is at the heart of our many congregational and community MISSIONS...... P8 CROP WALK...... P8 Christian faith. To begin with, in our ministries; through financial giving that SANCTUARY WINDOW PROJECT...... P9 encounters with God through Christ, we impacts locally and world-wide; through NEW STAFF MEMBERS...... P9 have been made different – made new. attending or serving in worship services GIVING...... P9 KIDSHOPE USA...... P10 Our attitudes are shifted, our hearts are that re-ground us in faith and serving IMAGINE NO MALARIA...... P10 softened, our minds are made alert to a call for the week ahead. And there are many 2015 CHAPEL CHOIR TOUR...... P10 upon our lives, and a new way to live. more! SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS...... P10 YOUTH MINISTRIES...... P11 Because of that, our daily tasks and Let’s savor the beautiful autumn season FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES...... P11 experiences are different. We grow, little ahead – and prepare to make a difference! METHODIST OPEN GOLF OUTING...... P11 KEEP IN TOUCH...... P11 by little, to see each person as a beloved, RALLY DAY...... P12 unique creation – God’s own son or The Tower Bell - Fall 2014 one Preparing to Make a Difference

Fall Happenings at DGFUMC Celebrating Fall is almost upon us and with the new season comes many activities at Downers Grove First United Methodist Church. Read through this edition of the our lives together Tower Bell for news and events for all ages!

In Memoriam Rally Day! Sunday, September 7 Glenn Bahler celebration. Everyone is invited May 25, 2014 Please join us on Rally Day as we kick-off our to attend the movieCloudy with Rev. Howard Benson new year of Sunday a Chance of Meatballs 2, which July 3, 2014 School and prepare to will be shown at 1:30 p.m. Joseph Brown make a difference as a Each child (12 and under) who August 2, 2014 congregation in the coming season. At attends church that morning will this time, we will return to our three Alice Carroll receive a coupon for a Kiddie Combo worship service and Sunday school July 1, 2014 (box with popcorn, snack and drink). format. Please note that this year, The concession stand will also be Elinor Cole Sunday school will only be held at the open for anyone wanting to purchase May 25, 2014 9:30 service. For details on this year's snacks. The doors open at the Tivoli at Lenore Filip Sunday school program, please see 1:00 p.m. page four. June 16, 2014 The movie is free for ALL (you don’t Michele Holley We will continue our fellowship after need a ticket) so please invite your July 12, 2014 services as the Children & Family friends and neighbors to come to Work Area has reserved the Tivoli church in the morning and to the Ken Jones Movie Theater for our Rally Day June 21, 2014 movie in the afternoon! Harold Melkus April 13, 2014 New Member Orientation Roy Person PADS - 2014-2015 June 27, 2014 Class Season Beginning! Kelly Snyder Sunday, September 21, 9:30 a.m. The PADS season this year will Jump Into June May 21, 2014 Sunday, September 28, 11:00 a.m. begin on September 16 and run If you are interested in joining through May 12. DGFUMC, you are invited to Our first Tuesday is October 7. attend one of these two classes. Sign-ups will begin in the parlor on New Members New members will be received into Sundays starting September 7. membership on Sunday, October 12 Thank you to everyone for your Chris and Michele Huggins at our 9:30 a.m. worship service. If continued support of this important Sadanand and Shalini Mithra you would like to be a part of the next ministry! Jamie and Scott Sullivan class, please contact Pastor Jim, Pastor Greta or the church at 630.968.7120. Angelo and Carrie Tallarico

Weddings Bible Sunday 2nd Annual Accessibility On June 14, 2014 between Sunday, October 5 Awareness Sunday Zolita Lyon & Joe Kouba All third graders Sunday, November 9 On July 26, 2014 between will receive a Watch the Happenings for detailed Kristen Getsonian & Arbjon Rexha Bible during the information as the day grows 9:30 a.m. worship closer regarding the second annual service. More Accessibility Awareness Sunday in the details to follow! Northern Illinois Conference.

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Adult Education Celebrating our lives together Wednesday Book Study - Fall Foundations Class Undone Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Baptisms Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Starting September 7 Anna Sophie Calandriello, When we get Real it’s surprising how new In the congregation, we are called daughter of Dan and Jamie life becomes. Methodists, but do we know the story Calandriello of Methodism and how it was formed? Whether a big crisis shakes us or little Lynlee Margaret Grimm, things wear away, these moments Join us this September to learn more about our Methodist Identity. In Part 1: daughter of Wesley and Rebekah confront us with who we really are. Grimm Often we tell ourselves that this is not Our Story, leading Methodist scholars the way that things are supposed to be. describe the 18th century Wesleyan Jace Christopher Huggins, Sometimes we feel like failures. Worse revival England and the growth of son of Chris and Michele Huggins Methodism in the United States and yet, we realize that underneath our Michele Huggins facades, we are not the person we are around the world. Ainsley Claire Johnson, pretending to be. Who are we, really? This course will benefit both lifelong daughter of Dave and Danica Johnson Laura Truax knows what it's like when Methodists and those coming to Bryce Marques Neuen life hits the fan. But she discovered Methodism from other traditions. son of Scott and Alicia Neuen that these times of exposure and Topics include: John and Charles vulnerability can become opportunities Wesley: The Early Years; Methodist Patrick Gerald O'Hara, to find out who we really are and what Beginnings; American Methodism; son of Tom and Alexis O'Hara and Methodism and Social Holiness. we are meant to be. When we come to Nolan Michael Quirk, the end of ourselves, God can meet us If you are interested in learning our son of Kevin and Becky Quirk there to help us face our fears, take off history, please plan on attending. This Sharon Marie Schoffstall, our masks and rediscover our true self class will be taught by Gary Ketterer. as part of his larger story. daughter of Robert and Marsha Schoffstall Your journey isn't done. Come discover how you can become the person you long to be.

Young at Heart Wednesday, October 8 We will carpool from the church Membership Young At Heart is a group of senior parking lot to the Downers Grove Ministry adults that meets monthly for a social Historical Museum to see their latest activity. Please join us this fall for the exhibits. Lunch will be at Egg Harbor. MARK YOUR CALENDARS! following gatherings! Time to be determined. Wednesday, September 10 Thursday, November 20 Together @ 10 We will have a lunch of sandwiches We will travel to White Fence Farm for Sunday, October 26 from Subway at noon in Chapel Hall. their famous chicken dinner and to see After lunch we will have a program by the show by Peter Oprisko Fabulous Please mark your calendars for a Curtis Rolfe who will show pictures Frank. Cost for the dinner and show special service on Sunday, October 26 of color glass windows he has created will be $39 per person. Lunch will be where the 9:30 and 11:00 services will and we will go to the sanctuary to at 11:30 a.m. followed by the show. be combined into ONE service at 10:00 view the most recent windows he has a.m. This is a great time to make new done. Cost to be determined. All senior adults are welcome to join friends, re-connect with old friends us for any or all of these events. To and bring guests to visit our church. register visit the Young At Heart table Please note the 8:15 a.m. service will each Sunday in the parlor or call still be held as normal in the Chapel. Marilou Welch at 630.968.4136.

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Children and Family

Sunday School 2014-2015 - Preschool through 12th Grade! The Sunday school hour for the Here are the 9:30 classes and locations: children at DGFUMC for the 2014- 3 year old class: Room 113 2015 school year will be 9:30-10:30 a.m. We have classes for all ages (preschool 4 and 5 year old class: Room 114 through high school age) at this time. Kindergarten class: Room 115 At the 11:00 a.m. service, children are 1st-5th Grades: start in the Chapel invited to attend worship with their family. There will be a children's 6th-12th Grades: Open Door (Youth sermon and then children will return Room) to their family to experience worship. Preschool-kindergarten along with the 9:30 Sunday School Hour The 1st through 5th grades will all 1st-3rd graders need to be signed-in The preschool and kindergarten be using a rotation model again this and out of their classrooms each week. classes will be using material called year. The church has purchased a new The 1st-3rd graders will be signed-in Grow, Proclaim, Serve! This material rotation curriculum called Spark. This outside of the Chapel and then signed- incorporates Bible stories, activities, material provides seven workshop out at their classroom on the second crafts and games into a full faith rotation options for each Bible story. floor, Rooms 212-218. experience for children. With Grow, There is art, games, cooking, drama, Please contact John Smoke at Proclaim, Serve! children will develop music, science and video. In this 630.670.3592 or [email protected] if the skills to unlock the Bible message model kids spend more than one you have any comments or questions and grow their faith by leaps and week on a Bible story and visit a regarding the Sunday school program. bounds. different workshop each week in order to experience that same story from different perspectives. All 6th graders through 12th graders will be invited to the youth lounge for a time of Sunday school with Director of Youth Ministries, Howie Snyder.

Sunday School Attendance Incentive - Visit our Adult Library Hands and Feet Need a good book? Then visit our Every Sunday that a child attends Adult Library in Room 116. The Sunday school, he or she will receive Library is self-service and is open a colorful foot charm. This foot charm during church hours. Simply sign represents each Sunday of attendance your name and the withdrawal date as an opportunity to take a step in on the card in the book pocket and faith. There will also be a chance to get place the card in the box provided... a colorful hand charm for lending a it's that easy! Librarian help is hand and helping someone in a special available on Sunday mornings. way. More details to follow on Rally Day! Please remember to return your books so others may enjoy them!

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Music Watch for these upcoming musical celebrations Come Join a DGFUMC Choir! All are Welcome! In addition to our Chapel and Chancel Choirs singing in worship every Registration and First Rehearsals are coming soon – which choir is for you? Sunday morning, the bells ringing Chapel Choir (High School) - Rehearsals begin on Wednesday, September 3 and the Worship Band praising at 7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. during worship about once a month, we have even more exciting musical Chancel Choir (Adults) – If you like to sing, please come and give it a try! celebrations in the works! First rehearsal is Thursday, September 4 at 7:00 p.m. - Come to the porch outside the Chapel for food and fellowship, followed by the rehearsal at 7:30 • Sunday, October 26 in Fellowship Hall. Choir Dedication Sunday 10:00 a.m. Worship Service Children’s Choirs – There is a children’s choir for all children ages 3 through 8th grade. Registration is in the parlor on September 10 beginning at 4:15 • Saturday, November 22 p.m. followed by rehearsal. Come a few minutes before choir rehearsal to Christmas Bell Concert register or pre-register in the church office. Rehearsal times and locations for 7:00 p.m. children’s choirs are: • Sunday, December 14 Angel Choir (3 and 4 year olds) – 4:30 – 5:00 p.m. – Room 16 Chancel Choir Christmas Cantata 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Worship Cherub Choir (K, 1st and 2nd grade) – 5:00 – 5:45 p.m. – Chapel Hall Services Chorister Choir (3rd, 4th, 5th grade) – 5:00 – 5:45 p.m. – Fellowship Hall • Sunday, December 21 Connection Choir (6th, 7th, 8th) – 5:45 – 6:30 p.m. – Fellowship Hall Chapel Choir Bell Choirs – We have two! Enjoy teamwork and musicianship thru ringing Christmas Concert handbells. Contact Pattie Barnes at 630.953.0146 [email protected] . 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

United Methodist Women Purchase with a Purpose Dining Out FUNdraiser We encourage everyone in the Many gift cards from a variety of Tuesday, September 16 congregation to participate in our businesses can be purchased every 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Purchase with a Purpose year round Sunday in the parlor. Gift cards make Home Run Inn Pizza, Darien fundraiser. In 2013 this program raised great last minute birthday and thank Please join us at Home Run Inn Pizza nearly $5,000, all of which went to the you gifts so if you need one in a hurry in Darien on September 16 for our first national United Methodist Women in you can even stop by the church office Dining Out fundraiser of the school support of projects all over the U.S. and during the week! year. Enjoy a great meal and support worldwide. On Sundays you may also order UMW by simply presenting a flyer One such project is the Women's cards from additional merchants at when paying for your order. Twenty Empowerment Project (WEP), which the table for pick-up on a later day. In percent of all proceeds will go to works to bring practical, locally addition, cards can be ordered online UMW. Flyers are available at controlled food projects to various at mannaorders.net. Just contact Ina dgfumc.org and the church office. communities in the West Bank. In one Osborn to get started. project, women are taught to raise Orders are placed on the 2nd and 4th Upcoming UMW Event bees and cultivate honey for personal Sundays through November then on Also in the fall we are hoping to host use and for sale to help support their the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month a mini retreat titled Having a Mary families. All projects funded through through May. Heart in A Martha World. Please look for the WEP help educate participants information about the upcoming event on nutrition and increase financial in the Weekly Word. independence.

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Environmental Stewardship The Green Tomato and the American Diet

The typical American diet is high in Sweets and soda have become two refined grains, added sugars and fat. of the top five sources of calories This has contributed to an increased in the American diet. Decreasing risk of chronic illnesses such as the intake of these two foods, along cardiovascular disease and Type 2 with exercise, can help individuals diabetes. maintain healthier weights. Meat and poultry are major sources of Convenience has also contributed only 1% of Japanese women suffer saturated fat, which raises cholesterol to a decline in our diets. The rise from this disease. Researchers found levels and increases the risk of heart of two-income families has led to that a Japanese diet, which is high disease. The fat increases the buildup increased use of convenience foods in fiber, plant-based and rich in fish, of plaque in veins, which stresses and to eating out, both of which have contributed to this result. the heart as it has to work harder increased calorie intake and expanded To control weight and reduce the to circulate blood. When eventually waistlines. risk of chronic illness, eat a diet that blood cannot flow through damaged Studies in Japan and the United includes fruits, vegetables, whole veins, bypass surgery is needed to States have shown that while 30% of grains and varying sources of lean bypass those veins. U.S. women may get breast cancer, proteins.

The 3R'S Still Rule: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Reduce Recycle Nominations Reduce means using fewer resources Recycling is the "R" that has caught in the first place. This is the most on the best. Partly, this is because Let us know where you would like effective of the three R's and the place there are so many curbside recycling to serve! to begin. Reduce is a comparative programs today, which makes The Nominations Committee is word. It says: cut back from where recycling so darned easy. What keeps the group in the church that helps you are now. When you shop, look it from being a total piece of cake place people in ministry areas or for things that will last; things that are is the rules. Every municipality has committees of the church. Our hope not just durable and well-made, but its own rules, but they are getting is always to guide people to serving useful and beautiful enough to please more flexible and more inclusive so in areas that bring them joy as they you for a long time. The extra money check with your town to see what it's use their God-given gifts to serve you spend on their acquisition will be program allows. Christ and the mission of the church. offset by the money you do not spend Are you interested in serving on replacing them. All Saint's Day a particular ministry area of the Reuse Sunday, November 2 church, or would you just like to Before you recycle or dispose of find out more? Below are the names anything, consider whether it has We will honor our recently deceased of the Nominations Committee life left in it. A jam jar can store members and relatives of the members – let us know what’s on leftovers. Food scraps can become congregation on Sunday, November your mind! Thanks! compost. An old shirt can become a 2 at all three services. We invite you to send a photo of your loved one Bill Crowther, Scott Hudson, Karla pajama top. An opened envelope can Gulley, Don Safford, Tegan Gracey, become a shopping list. A magazine to be included in the presentation. Please send the photo in a jpeg format Andrea Schwartzers, Rob Wendt, can be shared. DVDs can be traded. and Pastor Greta. A dishwasher can be repaired. A car to Sheila Ochoa at [email protected] can be resold. A cell phone can be by October 23. We can also scan and For work area descriptions, please donated. Returnable bottles can be return original photos if not available see the church directory or contact returned. in a digital format. the church office.

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Trustees

Our beloved church home continues temperature. While currently running, to require on-going maintenance, two of our older units are being Thank You repairs and improvements to house evaluated for replacement. Dave, the kids and I would like to thank everyone for their support the many ministries of DGFUMC. To Last, but not least, our elevator, which during Tyler's recent illness. We accomplish this on a limited budget, has faithfully served our church for really appreciate all of the prayers the Board of Trustees counts on the over 25 years, is currently out of and notes we received - along with helping hands of volunteers at our service and requires significant and the wonderful dinners that helped us S.O.S. (Share Our Skills) events each unanticipated repairs. At this time we through a difficult couple of weeks. month. This summer, with the help are moving ahead with those repairs We are so pleased to report that he of those volunteers, we were able to and hope to restore service as soon as is doing better and making great repaint the handicap parking spaces, possible. clean out the gutters, fill the pot holes progress. The Board is still pursuing the sale in the parking lot and attend to many Elizabeth Breese other household chores. of the 1108 Maple Avenue parsonage property. So far only one bid has been While the cool summer saved some received, however, we have hopes that costs on air conditioning, our AC units the recent sales and new construction in the sanctuary still required repairs on lots adjacent to our property will to keep our services at a comfortable increase interest in our lot.

Spotlight on Preparing to Make a Difference - Northern Illinois Conference Accessibility Awareness Conference

On Saturday, November 8, the Helping Your People to See learn what exciting ways these experts first ever Accessibility Awareness This session will be facilitated by have to share to overcome this hurdle. Conference for the Northern Illinois Leah Gerloch of the Spectrios Institute Additionally, there will be display Conference (NIC) will be held at for Low Vision in Wheaton, IL. The booths filled by vendors and non- Barrington United Methodist Church. Mission of the Institute is to assist both profit organizations with knowledge The program is designed not only to people with vision challenges and about equipment and services for the foster a better understanding of the the places they go to become better church. needs of the people of faith, but also equipped. The program will conclude with a how to make our church buildings, Helping Your People with Mobility special worship service including parsonages and other properties Needs the Praetorium Deaf Church Sign more accessible to all of God’s people. Presented by Rev. Tim Casey, Pastor Language Choir. This conference This is especially true for those with of Good Shepherd UMC in Bartlett, is presented as a cooperative effort physical and mental challenges that IL. Pastor Casey, confined to a wheel by the Northern Illinois Conference make attending worship or otherwise chair as the result of an automobile Accessibility Ministries Committee participating in the life of a local accident, brings a unique perspective and the NIC Board of Trustees. If church difficult at best. on how to make not only a church you are a pastor, trustee or know There will be break out sessions on the accessible, but a parsonage as well. anyone that has a special need that following topics: How to Pay for It could benefit from this event, please Helping Your People to Hear Laura Schultz of Partners for Sacred consider attending. You can register Dr. Julie E. Kneipm, Au.D. of Places and Shelley Sandow from the online at umcnic.org. Hearing Associates, Inc. will lead this Retirement Research Foundation’s The cost is $25 for the day and discussion. She is Board Certified by Faith Grant program will discuss the includes lunch. the American Board of Audiology and cost of transforming a church building Should you have any questions, please is an expert on the newly discovered into an accessible environment. This contact Terry McDorman at link between hearing loss and can be a daunting task, especially from [email protected]. dementia. a financial perspective. Come and

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Worship Nursery Care Available

If you are aware of DGFUMC's fall are willing to sign-up on a once or Sunday Mornings theme and are truly Preparing to Make twice a year basis. 9:30 and 11:00 a Difference in your life, Worship Those friendly faces greeting you in DGFUMC is Work Area has some opportunities the parking lot and at the door, or proud to offer for you. The smooth running of our helping you to find a seat; namely, professional, Sunday morning worship can only parking lot attendants, greeters and experienced be accomplished by the help of many ushers can really use your help. child care in our amazing volunteers. Please consider This would be a wonderful outlet nursery during being one of them! for the many bright and outgoing our Sunday morning worship The Altar Guild, which is responsible personalities in our congregation. services. Our caring staff will keep for enhancing the worship experience your child safe and entertained A little bit of your time and effort while you attend worship. with seasonal banners and other can help make our worship service decorations throughout the church a more dynamic experience. If Visit us on Sunday morning calendar, is in need of individuals who you want to make a difference by to meet our staff and view our volunteering, or just need more nursery room. information, please contact Leslie Ebersold at 630.968.2559. Missions UPAVIM Volunteer Update

Lexie Faber, a college student from extremely inconsistent, due to a very DGFUMC, spent her summer difficult home situation. The days volunteering at UPAVIM, our she does come, I immediately feel hermanamiento in Guatemala City. a sense of relief and I am reminded Lexie worked at Reforzamiento of the significance of education for (Reforz) a tutoring center established in her, as well as the significance of her 1992 to assist children who are having attendance for me. Through Kati in trouble in school. Missions Work particular, I have learned that time Area and the Guatemala Connection at Reforz is not only a place to learn helped pay her airfare to support her that cinco más dos son siete [five plus Crop Walk willingness to be in mission for us. two equals seven], but in some cases, Sunday, October 19 Here is an excerpt from her recent it is also a place to briefly escape the Save that date to join others in the blog post: harsh and unwarranted realities of church and community who are “The mornings working at Reforz are childhood in La Esperanza. walking to reduce hunger in our area my favorite. The 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. My time with these kids has and in the world. Watch for the sign- hours are used for one-on-one tutoring reinforced every reason I had for up table in the church parlor during with kids who are not in school. Kati coming to Guatemala. With every September and October. is one of those kids. When I first met Hola Seño Lexie! I receive while Plan to join the 5K walk or support her, I was shocked to discover that she walking down to the taco guy, and others who are walking. For more was 17 years old (I would have guessed each buenos días beso, or even bouquet information or to donate this fall, visit 12), shortly after getting acquainted, of eucalyptus leaves, I feel God’s dgfumc.org. she matter of factly stated that she was presence in a place where one may born with a heart defect. Together we not think it could be found. 100% of contributions to CROP Walk go to local food pantries and do basic reading, writing, and math Paz y amor, Lexie” exercises (explaining how to add 5+2 to Church World Service to alleviate in Spanish is trickier than you’d think). To read more about Lexie’s hunger, locally and worldwide, Unfortunately, Kati’s attendance is experience, visit dgfumc.org.

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Sanctuary Window Welcome Our Newest Staff Members Memorial Project Please help us welcome the newest Howie Snyder joined our church staff as full-time Director of Youth On June 8, our third Hymns of Praise members of our staff. Ministries on June 16. He brings Memorial Sanctuary Window was Sheila Ochoa joined our church staff 15 years of experience in youth dedicated. The In the Garden window, in May as the Office Administrator/ ministry at Methodist churches in the first window on the west side of Manager. She brings with her 15 years Oklahoma, Michigan and Illinois and the sanctuary, was dedicated in honor of experience as an Administrative a Presbyterian Church in Aurora. His of the family of Glenn and Joyce Clark, Assistant with a design company experiences, among others, included longtime church members. To honor the in Northbrook, Illinois and recently working with confirmation, summer occasion, the family chose the hymn In provided office support at an eye care mission trips, adult and youth the Garden. office in Lisle. She is also an active leadership teams, as well as training volunteer in Naperville schools where volunteers and teaching student her daughters attend. Sheila works leadership for service to others. He part-time and you'll find her in the completed a bachelor's degree from office on weekday mornings through Greenville College in Illinois and early afternoon. She also staffs the a Master of Art Degree in Youth office for a couple of Sunday mornings Ministry from Asbury Theological each month. Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky and Kevin Zehme joins our church staff is a fully ordained Elder in the Free this September as the combined Methodist Church. Chapel Organist and Chapel Choir Accompanist. Kevin brings 18 years of formal training on piano, organ, synthesizer and harpsichord that includes a Bachelor's of Art Degree in Music, Church Music and Performance from Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois. During his career he has served on the staff of eight different churches primarily located in the Giving western suburbs. Sheila Ochoa and Howie Snyder

I Give Electronically Pew Card Earlier this year DGFUMC introduced we have created an in-pew giving The giving cards can be found in an exciting opportunity for our card that allows those who give the pews each Sunday. Simply place members to participate in electronic electronically to fully participate in the card in the offertory plate as it is giving through our website. This our offertory. passed in the pews. service offers our congregation a convenient and secure method to financially contribute to the life of our church. While the electronic program offers many benefits to both the giver and the church, we recognize that it also can leave members feeling excluded from our worship service offertory. Our offertory is more than just the collection of envelopes, it is the act of the congregation as a whole offering our lives and gifts to God. As such,

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Spotlight on Preparing Missions to Make a Difference - KidsHope USA Imagine No Malaria Our new mentoring ministry through The United Methodist Church KidsHope USA and in partnership has agreed to raise $75 million for with Kingsley Elementary School in the Imagine No Malaria efforts to Downers Grove has grown to twelve eradicate malaria in Africa. On June 1 mentors and five prayer partners. our truly fruitful congregation began Praise be to God for servants among its passionate, radical, extravagant, our congregation. Please prayerfully intentional, risk-taking commitment The bishop is grateful for The United consider serving as a prayer partner and journey to support this program. Methodist Church’s Imagine No for one mentor/mentee pair in the Our efforts are far, far, far from Malaria initiative. To date The United coming school year. Prayer partners are finished so keep collecting coins, Methodist Church has raised more included in communications regarding writing checks and donating online. than $62 million in cash and pledges the mentor program and play a To date we have saved 28 lives. worldwide toward the $75 million critical role in spiritually shaping the goal. Bishop Yambasu knows that The Imagine No Malaria effort has a every 60 seconds, malaria claims a relationship between mentor and direct and meaningful impact in the mentee. life in Africa. He is intentional about lives of those living with the threat of telling Sierra Leoneans that ordinary Additionally, we need supplies to this disease. See these words from the people support Imagine No Malaria. fill mentor toolboxes and the mentor United Methodist News Service and cabinet at Kingsley. Our wish list Bishop Yambasu in Sierra Leone from includes: September 2013. Yahtzee "The scourge of malaria is very real Have Contacts in the South? to the people of Sierra Leone," said Memory Game The Chapel Choir will be heading TM Bishop John K. Yambasu, United UNO to Pensacola, FL on its 2015 Spring Methodist episcopal leader of the West TM Break Tour, March 28 - April 4. We Skip-Bo African country. Dice (24) are looking for contacts from possible "Sierra Leoneans fully understand the host churches in western Tennessee, Playing cards (12 decks) disease," he said, "because malaria is Alabama, Mississippi and the Spot-ItTM card games endemic in the country. We live with Northern Florida Panhandle. Contact Story Cubes it, sleep with it and wake up with it." Don Dunham at [email protected] if you MadLibs have family, friends or suggestions of places to contact. Jenga Monkeys in a Barrel Play-doh (Pray-doh) or Silly Putty College Scholarship Recipients Please make donations in the church office. If you have questions regarding Each year, the DGFUMC community offers scholarships to college students the mentoring program with Kingsley who have been important leaders in the life of our church. This year, eight or being a prayer partner, please students in our congregation were awarded a scholarship. Congratulations to contact Leah Ostwald at 630.656.1322 the following recipients: or [email protected]. Amanda Cervantes - University of Illinois at Chicago Megan Dylla - College of DuPage Rebecca Ficht - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Kelsey Fischer - Western Illinois University Laura Green - College of DuPage Krisitn Murphy - Indiana University Luke Pitstick - Miami University Lee Thornquist - Indiana University, Bloomington

ten The Tower Bell - Fall 2014 Preparing to Make a Difference

Youth Ministries

Fall back into youth group this season Senior High Ignite is our high school September 10 at 6:00 p.m. in Open with all of these exciting activities. faith fellowship gathering open to all Door. All 7th and 8th graders Director of Youth Ministries, Howie students in 9th-12th grade. Dinner interested in becoming members of Snyder, has planned an action-packed is from 5:00-6:00 p.m. in Open Door, the church are encouraged to attend line-up of events to welcome students followed by our meeting from 6:00- this important meeting. Our first week and parents back to school. 7:00 p.m. of classes begins the following week, Wednesday, September 17 in Ignite Both Junior and Senior High Ignite will kick-off on Sunday, September 14. Open Door. Junior High Ignite is a faith centered fellowship gathering twice a month Onward Bound Paying for College Without open to all students in 6th-8th grade. Onward Bound, our Confirmation Going Broke We meet from 4:00-5:00 p.m. in Open preparation program, starts up Sunday, October 5 Door followed by a meal from 5:00- with a Parent and Student Meeting 6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. - Fellowship Hall and Registration on Wednesday, 1 This 1 /2 hour workshop is designed for Juniors and Seniors and their Friday Night at the Movies parents. Details to follow. Alas, summer is winding down, but presenting Tender Mercies, an excellent that means Friday Night at the Movies 1983 film starring Robert Duvall. After returns next month at the Safford that, well, we’re sure we can line up Home Theatre. Gathering at 7:30 p.m. eight more pastors, active and retired, on the third Friday of each month, to share one of their favorite flicks September through May, we enjoy with us and lead a lively discussion fun, fellowship and yes, some food afterward. Methodist Open (we’re Methodists, after all) as we We suggest a $2 donation per person United Methodist Open Golf Tournament view and discuss a film selected by the to help defray the cost of snacks and Golf Outing presenter of the evening. drinks. Sign-up begins in the church Saturday, September 20 Downers Grove Golf Club Who are the presenters, you may ask. office on September 1. You can catch 1:00 p.m. further details in the Weekly Word and Saturday, September 24, 2011 This year we are returning to a very Join us for our combined Men’s and Happenings soon. Sign-up is limited popular and well-attended format of a Women’s Annual Golf Outing. We to 20 people, and we sometimes fill few years ago, The Pastor Picks (Pics?! will have all sortsMen’s of fun prizes Champion for Matt Herbeck up quickly, so call or visit the church Pix?! Picks the Pics?!). Retired pastor golfers of all abilities. You may also office soon to get your name on the and new member, Tom Babler, will wish to invite some of your friends list. We’ll see you there! Women’s Champion Peggy Haldeman lead off our series on September 19, to join us as your guests. The outing will be held at the Keep In Touch with all DGFUMC News and Events Downers Grove GolfUnited Club, withMethodist Men’s Church Web Site: dgfumc.org tee-off times beginningPutting at 1:00 Contest p.m. Winner Pete Wildman Weekly Word: Included in the Sunday bulletin. The Registration Fee, which includes US mailed upon request. green fees and prize fund, is $25 per Happenings E-newsletter: Emailed every two weeks. person. United Methodist Women’s US mailed upon request. If you need more Puttingdetails, call ContestBruce Winner Mary Kay Sheldon Do we have your email? If not, send it to: or Linda Swanson at 630.969.2514. [email protected]. Deadline for registration is Publication deadline for the 2014-15 Thursday, SeptemberLow 11. Net Winner Bob Burgdorfer Winter Tower Bell is October 27. Scan this QR code with Registration forms are available in your smartphone to go the church office.Men’s Longest Drive Winner Bob Blair-Smith directly to dgfumc.org Women’s Longest Drive Winner Anne Utterback The TowerUnited Bell - Fall 2014 Methodisteleven Open Golf Tournament Closest Downersto the Pin Contest Grove GolfBob Blair-Smith Club FoursomeSaturday, Putting Winners September Bud 24,Zwierlein 2011 Marilyn Harrison Men’s Champion PaulMatt HerbeckRunyon Dick Needham Women’s Champion BobPeggy Trojanowski Haldeman Steve Herner United Methodist Men’s Peggy Haldeman Putting Contest Winner Pete Wildman Lucas Schmidt United Methodist Women’s Matt Herbeck Putting Contest Winner ChuckMary Kay Andrews Sheldon

PredictionLow Net Winner Winner LucasBob Burgdorfer Schmidt

“The Golf OutingMen’s is Longestthe highlight Drive of Winner the church Bobyear Blair-Smithnext to Christmas and Easter” Pine Hollow Rules of Golf Govern All Play Women’s Longest Drive Winner Anne Utterback First United Methodist Church Closest to the Pin ContestDowners GroveBob Blair-Smith

Foursome Putting Winners Bud Zwierlein Marilyn Harrison Paul Runyon Dick Needham Bob Trojanowski Steve Herner Peggy Haldeman Pete Wildman Lucas Schmidt Matt Herbeck Chuck Andrews

Prediction Winner Lucas Schmidt “The Golf Outing is the highlight of the church year next to Christmas and Easter” Pine Hollow Rules of Golf Govern All Play

First United Methodist Church Downers Grove Non-Profit Organization Downers Grove U. S. Postage PAID First United Methodist Church Downers Grove, Illinois 1032 Maple Avenue Permit No. 32 Downers Grove IL 60515-4848

SUNDAY WORSHIP (beginning September 7) 8:15, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:30 a.m. OUR STAFF Rev. Greta McDonald, Pastor Rev. Jim McDonald, Pastor Rev. John Smoke, Director of Children & Family Ministries Howie Snyder, Director of Youth Ministries

630.968.7120 website: dgfumc.org email: [email protected]

Join Us for Rally Day Sunday, September 7 Schedule of Events 8:15 a.m. - Worship in the Chapel 9:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary 9:30 a.m. - Sunday School 11:00 p.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary 1:30 p.m. - Movie at the Tivoli - Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2

twelve The Tower Bell - Fall 2014