Woodridge United Methodist Church

Don't Miss the Parade!

Woodridge UMC is an open and loving United Methodist community striving to:       

Welcoming to all;
Uniting in service toward greater social justice for all;
Moving forward with understanding and acceptance of all peoples;
Creating disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.       

Our purpose is to offer a safe place and community to all races, cultures, religions, genders, sexual identities, ethnicities, age groups and other beliefs.      

Notice

GENERAL CONFERENCE FOLLOW UP

During General Conference 2019 in St. Louis, United Methodist delegates from around the world worshiped together, discussed complex issues and passed legislation regarding same-sex marriage and the ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy. Delegates also adopted legislation allowing a "gracious exit" for congregations wishing to leave the denomination. But on March 6, the Council of Bishops filed a request for a declaratory decision from the Judicial Council on the constitutionality of that disaffiliation petition. Click here for the press release. 
 
More Resources:

• Talking points for pastors
• Sample pastoral letter
• Official highlights: Wrap-up video to download
• Photos from GC2019
• Wespath Summary - Pension Considerations
• Letter from the NCJ College of Bishops 
• NIC Commission on Religion & Race (NIC-CORR) Statement 
• "What happens now?" A reflection from Joe Iovino, United Methodist Communications. 
• Use 'The Movement Continues' to look forward

Confirmation Sunday is Sunday, May 5th.  There will be ONE Worship Service at 10am.

Events

LAST SUPPER PERFORMANCE
Join the Lemont United Methodist Church today, Palm Sunday, April 14th at 7:30 pm for their 35th annual performance of the Last Supper (a pre-Easter drama & tableau inspired by Leonardo daVinci’s painting). A nursery attendant is provided for children under 6. For further information call 630.257.5210.

ALL CHURCH CLEAN UP
The church is having a clean up on Saturday, April 20th at 9:00 am.  Please come out and help make our church beautiful!  When you arrive, look for a Trustee for instructions.

2019 COMMUNITY CLEAN UP  
Do you have some time to help keep Woodridge beautiful? The Village is coordinating a community clean-up event on Saturday, April 20, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in order to remove the accumulation of litter from the winter. 

The group will meet at the Public Works building at One Plaza Drive (rain or shine) to receive their equipment for the event. From there the group will drive to the designated location, which will focus on sections of the bike path along Woodward Avenue between Boughton and I-55. The Village will be providing the garbage bags, gloves, and safety vests and some staff members to assist. 

If you plan to attend, please dress appropriately and wear sturdy closed toe shoes and long pants. Please note, a waiver is required to participate and will be available on the morning of the event. If you have an hour or two to spare, please come out and join this effort to beautify Woodridge. Participants under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by an adult for the clean up. Please call (630) 719-4753 if you plan to attend or if you have any questions.


Northern Illinois Food Bank's 6th Annual Foodie 5K
The Northern Illinois Food Bank is switching things up this year with more food and fun than ever!

Join the for two stunning 5K races at our beautiful locations: Cantigny Park in Wheaton (April 27) and Independence Grove in Libertyville (June 1).

Enjoy scenic views on certified 5K courses through the parks, and then enjoy a fun, family friendly festival after the race. This year our fest area will be full of local chefs, restaurants and vendors offering FREE tastings of food and beverages. Leave your wallet at home and taste some of the great food Northern Illinois has to offer!

We will also have a fun and interactive Kid's Zone at each race, so be sure to register the whole family!

Register, volunteer, or donate to help us feed hungry neighbors in Northern Illinois.


Annual Conference

We're heading Back to the Future at the 180th session of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference. We will be recalling, re-imagining, and reclaiming our history for a hopeful future.
●    Dates: June 2-4
●    Location: Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and Hotel, 1551 N. Thoreau Dr., Schaumburg.
●    Online registration: opens April 2

For more Annual Conference details, visit the website.


Bishop's Mission Challenge for Annual Conference
This year’s mission challenge at Annual Conference will be to collect bulk items for Dignity Kits for the Midwest Mission Distribution Center, our United Methodist disaster relief supply center just south of Springfield, Ill.  All items must be new and can be bought at Dollar Tree. We will start a collection after Easter.
The Aurora District (that’s us) is assigned to bring: 

·             Toothpaste 2.5 oz/larger

·             Adult Toothbrushes

THE BIBLE FOR CURIOUS PEOPLE CONTINUES ON TUESDAYS
Holy Week and Easter may end, but our curiosity does not — especially as it pertains to the scriptures. “The Bible for Curious People”, which is what we call this ongoing class, continues meeting on Tuesday mornings at 10:30am April 23rd through May 28th. 

All are welcome. No prior bible reading or knowledge or expertise needed. We will all learn as we go along exploring what the text says, what it leaves unsaid, what history and tradition tell us about the text, and how our own experience influences our reading. Having a study bible really helps. We have some available to borrow, just ask!

WOMEN'S FIESTA
Mark your calendar now!!!  WOMEN'S FIESTA - A day apart for women of all ages!!!  SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019 form 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien. Invite a friend to hold the date as well. More details to come soon.

Drive to End Hunger
The 7th Annual West Suburban Community Pantry Golf Outing is Wednesday, June 12th.  Check in is at 8:30 am and there is a shotgun start beginning at 9:30 am. Early bird registration ends March 22nd and is $175 for an individual and $600 for a foursome.  Go to www.wscpantry.org or contact Lisa Spaeth for more information

Donate
Youth Gift Cards are In!!
Support WUMC Youth with gift card orders for Easter baskets, confirmation or other gift giving occasions.  Orders are  available for pickup on THIS Sunday, April 14th. A percentage of all sales goes to Youth Ministries. 


PADS
Our WUMC congregation, friends and family served over 60 homeless guests at PADS in February.  WE JOINED TOGETHER AND MADE A DIFFERENCE!!!  THANK YOU TO ALL WHO DONATED FOOD OR SERVED.  Our next, and last, service dates for this season are:  APRIL 16 – 17, 2019. Check the sign up sheet in the narthex for your contribution information. Please bring all items to the kitchen by noon on Tuesday, April 16th.

PRESCHOOL PIZZA NO-COOK NIGHT
Take a break from cooking and join Small Miracles Preschool families at Papa’s Pizza Place on Thursday, April 25th from 11am to 10pm.  Present the flyer in the narthex with your payment and Papa’s Pizza will donate 20% of your bill to the preschool.  It is good for dine in, carry out & delivery.


SHARE A PAIR PRESCHOOL OUTREACH
Who doesn’t love getting new socks and underwear?!?! Families who have trouble affording food, these items are often put at the bottom of the shopping list.

Through April 26th, Small Miracles Preschool is asking for people to “share a pair” of NEW packages of socks and/or underwear. Your donation will be given to the Sharing Connection in Downers Grove.  The Sharing Connection provides used and new items to families coping with crisis like domestic violence, returning or homeless veterans, job loss or financial hardship.


60th/50th ANNIVERSARY PARADE AND CALL FOR PHOTOS
Did you know? The Village of Woodridge and Woodridge Park District are celebrating their 60th and 50th Anniversaries in 2019. An Anniversary Parade is planned for Saturday, September 28, 2019. Local businesses or residents can participate, please fill out the application. In addition, we're looking for historic photos. If you have any you'd like to share, please submit them online.


AMAZON SMILE 
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases to Woodridge United Methodist Church whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.          

AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.  Support WUMC by starting your shopping here.  


Looking Ahead        

April 13th -  Church Easter Egg Hunt
April 18th - Maundy Thursday Soup Supper & Worship
April 19th - Good Friday Stations of the Cross & Worship
April 21st - Easter Sunday Services at 9 & 10:300 am

 Connect       

Learn ways you can get involved at Woodridge UMC!     

Sign up for our newsletter and email notifications     

Find out about upcoming events in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church        

Every Sunday is "Selfie Sunday" at Woodridge UMC! Send your pictures of worship, fellowship, and events to office@woodridgeumc.org.  And don't forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!       

April 12, 2019, Volume 10, Edition 15