Bethany United Methodist Church

September / October 2010

From Pastor’s Pen…

My Thankfulness and My Apology!!!

Please, receive my thankfulness. Thank you to all of you who have been faithful to God and our beautiful church. There were lots of activities and programs during this hot and rainy summer. These include:

·        2010 Vacation Bible School;

·        Mission trip to Tennessee;

·        Boat ride on the Rock River in Oregon, IL;

·        Four joint worship services with Wood Dale Community UMC; and

·        Music service with our favorite hymns.

In addition to church activities, I attended the Northern Illinois Annual Conference and was ordained by our bishop, Hee Soo Jung, on June 15^th. I also went on vacation to South Korea with my two daughters for three weeks. This summer will be remembered as one of the busiest, most exciting, and meaningful summers. I just want to say “thank you” to all of you who participated in Bethany’s summer activities, prayed for my ordination, and prayed for a safe family vacation.

It has been long time since I said, “I am sorry!” I think it is a time for me to say to all of you, “I am sorry!”

One of my goals for my ministry is not to wound anyone’s heart and mind with my insensitive words or acts or immature spirit during my pastorate years. I know it is impossible, but I have made this one of my goals wherever I go. Like other pastors, I want my presence and ministry to represent the healing presence of God for everyone whom I meet.

However, reflecting over the last two years of my ministry at Bethany and listening to some complaints, I find that I have hurt some people’s feelings. I simply want to give my sincere apology to the ones who may have gotten hurt by me in anyway.

This is my prayer for all of you. Please, keep trust in God, stay on your faith journey with Christ, and stay in touch with God. If not today, I believe someday God will heal you and me in his mysterious way. You are in my prayers.

Your spiritual companion,

Pastor Kwang Sung Lim

Please Pray For…

...   those living in retirement settings: Donna Baehne, Inge Eggert, Romayne Lau, Prio Dutt, Dories Neis, Angeles Palero (Father of Rowena Waters), Joyce Usher, and LaVerne Volbrecht.

...   those who are ill, recovering, or confined to their homes: Diane Callfas, Marge Evensen, Vicki Gilmore, Chuck Hodgin, Merle and Lauretta Huenink (Katie Debus’ parents), Audrey Mensching, Martin Vaagen, and Lynda Wade.

Itasca Food Pantry

Bethany is in charge of the Itasca Food Pantry each Saturday during the month of September. Please plan on also helping the first Saturday in October because the church that usually works in October is going through some changes and may not be able to fulfill its commitment. Please get to the pantry around 8:45 a.m. The clients begin arriving at 9:00 a.m. and the pantry closes at 11:00 a.m. There is a job for all levels of ability.

Don’t forget that the 1^st Sunday each month is Food Pantry Sunday. Bring your non-perishable food, cleaning products, and paper goods and place these in front of the lectern in the sanctuary. Bea Dreyer will make sure your donations get to the pantry. If you forget your items, please bring them whenever you can and let Bea know so she can get them to the pantry. The Itasca Food Pantry is now serving over 60 families, so the need is great.

Anyone who would like to make a monetary donation can write a check and give it to Bea. Please make your check payable to the: Itasca Food Pantry. Any amount is greatly appreciated.

New Musician for Bethany

The Pastor Parish Relations Committee has found a new musician who will begin on Rally Sunday, September 12^th. Be sure to come and meet this gifted pianist who also plays the organ. Give thanks to God for answering our prayers.

Itasca Walk In Ministry

Bethany is also a part of the Itasca Walk In Ministry (IWIM). The IWIM shares the building with the Itasca Food Pantry and is open twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

The IWIM serves individuals and families in need of help for such things as:

·        Rent/Mortgage;

·        Utilities;

·        Car repairs;

·        Gas; and

·        A host of other services.

Volunteers are always needed and financial contributions are also welcome. Due to the poor economy, both the Itasca Walk In Ministry and Food Pantry are hurting financially. Any donation is appreciated and every dollar goes to helping those in need.

There are no paid employees for either the Itasca Walk In Ministry or the Food Pantry. Both are run by caring volunteers from the community.

United Methodist Men’s Breakfasts

The United Methodist Men will continue meeting for breakfast at Bentley’s in Wood Dale on Saturday, September 4^th and October 2^nd at 8:00 a.m. You can contact John Fridlund for additional information.

Bethany’s Website

Please, visit Bethany’s Web site to see our new look. If there is anything to change, add, or update, please e-mail our webmaster, Jack Brown at: jackbrown60007@yahoo.com. If you have pictures of church events, please, e-mail them to him and identify the event as well as those pictured in the photos.

Communion Sundays

Communion will be served on September 5^th and October 3^rd.

United Methodist Women

The UMW has provided the following schedule of events through the end of the year:

·        Tuesday, September 21^st @ Noon ~ Lunch meeting at Truffle’s Grove Restaurant in Itasca

·        Saturday, October 9^th at 10:00 a.m. ~ Christmas Bazaar & Lunch

·        Tuesday, October 19^th @ Noon ~ Lunch Meeting

·        Thursday, November 11^th @ Noon ~ Lunch Meeting

·        The Christmas Concert has not been scheduled yet, so watch the next Beacon for more information.

Please mark your calendars so you don’t miss an event you’re interested in attending.

Worship Service Returns to 10:30 a.m.

Bethany’s worship time returns to 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 5^th so mark your calendars.

Rally Sunday and Ice Cream Social

Join us for Rally Sunday on September 12^th @ 10:30 a.m., as we celebrate the beginning of a new school year, the return of Young Christian’s time during worship, and Sunday School for the youth. Following worship and Sunday School, we will all gather in the Fellowship Hall for an Ice Cream Social.

Bethany will pause in prayer to remember the people of Pakistan dealing with the aftermath of the terrible flooding. We will take a special offering for UMCOR to support relief efforts there. Please keep the Pakistan people in your prayers.

Safe Travels

For all those traveling over the Labor Day Weekend, we pray for your safe travel.

Fall Sermon Series

This fall, Pastor Sung begins a series of five sermons based on the book titled, The Shack. The book is still available in the narthex for anyone who would like to read it before the sermon series starts.

The schedule begins October 3^rd and continues through October 31^st. The topics are as follows:

·        October 3rd: Everybody Hurts

·        October 10^th: Come to the Shack of Your Soul

·        October 17^th: Forgiveness Transforms the Universe

·        October 24^th: Pain Heals Pain

·        October 31^st: God Is in Control

There is still time to read the book. The Shack, is available on a table in the narthex to borrow for two weeks. Reading this novel will provide insight into the sermon series. Pastor Sung’s theological questions will be based on The Shack. After reading this book, Pastor Sung would appreciate your insights and comments to help him develop his sermons!

Lectio Divina (Divine Reading)

Do you want to make your life prayerful and have inner peace and strength in the midst of your busy schedule and all kinds of life situations? Join Pastor Sung in the Fireside Room and pray together with him, feasting on the Word of God, each Wednesday, at 8:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. It is not another thing to do, but rather a chance to rest in God.

Church Council

The Church Council will take place on Monday, September 13^th @ 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All members are welcome to take part in this important meeting about Bethany Church.

Small Group Institute

The sessions will continue to be held at Bethany on Saturdays, from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. It’s not too late to take part as each session can stand on its own. The cost is $10 per session. This includes all the materials and lunch. To register for the Institute, or for more information, contact Natarsha Gardner at the Northern Illinois Conference’s Program Office, or by e-mail: ngardner@umcnic.org.

Session 5:

“The Nuts and Bolts of Small Group Ministry” Starting a new group, keeping the group alive and growing, how much communication is enough? Building trust among group members led by the staff of Resurrection UMC, Oletha, KS

DATES:

09/11/10                     Sycamore UMC

09/18/10                     Bethany UMC

Session 6:

“Going Beyond Our Small Group to the Community and the World”

DATE: 10/09/10      Sycamore UMC (ONLY)

GRADUATION CELEBRATION and LUNCH will follow the training.

Important Information

Church Office Phone: 630-773-0094

Office Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Are you in need of pastoral care and prayer?

Web site: www.bethany-um-church.org.

Small Group Series

This fall, Myrtle Klauer and Pastor Sung will present a series of small group sessions in the homes of Bethany’s members.

The series begins on Thursday, September 23^rd and runs through Thursday, October 28^th.

The Title of the series is: God Is Closer than You Think. We will be reflecting on the following topics:

§         Week 1: God’s Great Desire for People

§         Week 2: Where Is God in My World?

§         Week 3: Partnering with God Today

§         Week 4: Listening to the Voice of God

·        Week 5: God Wants a Relationship with You

§         Week 6: Heaven Breaking Through

Thank you to Jeff & Rowena Waters for hosting the Thurs., October 28^th gathering in their home. Contact Myrtle Klauer or Pastor Sung if you want to host one of the six week small group series in your home beginning at 7:00 p.m. No refreshments needed.

Grandparents’ Day

Grandparents’ Day falls on Rally Sunday, September 12^th so Bethany will have two terrific events to celebrate. Sure hope you’ll plan on taking part in the Ice Cream Social following the worship service!!

Upper Room

Please pick up your September/October Upper Room in the narthex.

Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, “Rejoice!!”

Thank Offering Sunday

Mark your calendars and plan on being at our ThankOffering Worship Service on Sunday, November 21^st @ 10:30 a.m. Our guest Preacher will be Rev. Ann Rosewall.

Rev. Dr. Ann Rosewall is a Presbyterian minister, and a former hospital chaplain and interim pastor. Currently, she is the Director of Field Education and Vocational Formation at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and adjunct professor of pastoral care at McCormick Theological Seminary. Her ministry has centered on Christian hope in the face of all forms of suffering. Ann lives in Evanston and has a 17 year old daughter.

Everyone is invited to come together over a Thanksgiving meal in the Fellowship Hall following the service. There is no cost for the meal.

Bible Study

Shirley Ketter has agreed to share her knowledge of the Bible with anyone who wishes to participate in Bible study following the Ice Cream Social on Rally Sunday. The group will continue to meet each Sunday in the Fellowship Hall following worship. Everyone is welcome to participate.

United Methodist Women’s Bazaar

Bethany’s UMW is planning its Annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, October 9, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The UMW is looking for crafters to participate at the bazaar. Please “spread the word” to contact Barbara Moore at barbjo moor@yahoo.com, before September 18^th should anyone be interested in participating. The fee is $25.00 per table with 2 chairs. Lunch will be served by our youth, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A bakery table with homemade items will also be available during the Bazaar. The UMW will need donations of baked goods for this table.

Finance Committee Update

Based on the Finance Committee’s current projection through the end of 2010, Bethany UMC will end the year with a deficit of about $25,000. Our monthly expenses exceed our monthly income by about $5,000. This projection does not include revenue from ThankOffering or any other extraordinary income, but it does include money from the Montessori school. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions, please contact Conrad Dreyer or Laurie Claypool. Thank you.

Looking for Children in 3^rd Grade

Parents with children in third grade are asked to contact Pastor Sung ASAP. Bethany UMC presents a Children’s Bible to those in third grade. Pastor Sung would like to present the Bibles on Rally Sunday, September 12^th.

A Prayer for Pakistan

We pray for those who trudge through the waters, that they may find your strength.

We pray for those who cry out to you, that they may know that you always listen and cry with them.

We pray for those who wait, that the long lines may bring them the temporary relief they need.

We pray that we may open our hearts to the One who sustains us all, even as we are called to act beyond what we ever imagined possible.  Amen.