We illuminate our community with God’s grace as we lovingly accept, listen to, and serve all in the Spirit of Jesus.

SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, JULY 16, 2023

 "Questions about Science and Progress" - Genesis 1:1-8

When we start reading the Bible we find claims that seemingly run contrary to what science teaches us. Does that mean we have to pick either science or scripture and disregard the other? Does this mean the Bible can’t speak to us today with all the advance science has made? In this sermon, Pastor Rob will demonstrate that when we are reading the Bible for all its worth we don't always have to throw the baby out with the bathwater. 

The deadline for submissions for the week's Bulletin Announcements and/or Messenger is every Wednesday at Noon. Please click here for the COMMUNICATIONS submission form -- all requests for communicating an event should be made here, including getting items on the calendar and reserving rooms for your event. This form can also be found on the sign-ups page on our website. If you cannot use the submission form please send them to communications@genevaumc.org. Information sent to this email goes to Carolyn, Lorie and Kimberley. 

After taking a hiatus in June, Church Council will be holding their monthly meeting at 7:00pm in the parlor on Tuesday, July 25. At 6:00 pm, prior to the meeting, we will be gathering for a fun potluck dinner. All are welcome to attend the dinner and/or meeting. If you are interested, please sign-up for the potluck before Sunday, July 23 here. If you have any questions, contact Sharon Anderson at andersonschmal@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

MEMORY LOSS CAREGIVER’S SUPPORT GROUP MEETING NEXT WEEK

Join our support group for persons with loved ones experiencing memory loss issues. We will be gathering in the Parlor next Monday, July 17 at 10 am. We are not experts on all aspects of memory loss illnesses, but we have become pretty good at "caring for the caregiver." If you or anyone you know is a caregiver of this type, please join us. For additional information, call Linda Tamlyn at (630) 406-6907. 

MISSIONS/CHURCH IN SOCIETY MEETING

The Committees on Missions/Church in Society will have a meeting on Monday, July 17th, at 7:00 pm.. in the church library.

Questions may be directed to Nancie Lillie at 231-845-6097, Carolyn Sprawka. at 630-222-4150, or Wendy McKeehan, at 630-310-9861.

FRIENDLY VISITORS MEETING

There will be a Friendly Visitors check-in meeting on July 18th at 10:00 A.M. in the church library. This meeting is for current Friendly Visitors or any others who may be interested in visiting our homebound church friends and members.

Questions may be directed to Nancie Lillie at 231-845-6097, or Chris Donovan, at 630-698-0021.

We like to think of summer as being a relaxing, enjoyable time. But hurts, struggles, crises, and problems don’t take a vacation. Many times our difficulties seem even worse during the summer because everyone else seems to be enjoying life while you are feeling down. If you are experiencing a difficult time—emotionally, spiritually, or relationally—you don’t have to suffer alone.

Our Stephen Ministers are trained caregivers, ready to listen, care for and encourage you, pray with and for you, and provide one-to-one Christian care to help you through whatever it is that you are facing. Men are matched with male Stephen Ministers, and women are matched with female Stephen Ministers. It’s free. It’s confidential. And it will make a difference in your life!

To find out more about Stephen Ministry for you or someone you know, talk with Pastor Rob or our Stephen Ministry Leader, Linda Tamlyn, 630-222-3624.

Salvation Army Food Pantry needs for July are:

· Boxed meals (like Hamburger Helper)

· Diapers, (sizes 5, 6, and Pull-Ups)

· Ramen noodles

· Canned ravioli and SpaghettiO’s

· Canned or packaged chicken breast meat

· Shampoo and conditioner

The new A/V booth has been constructed and we are waiting on the wiring and the equipment to be installed in July! We are looking for several people that are interested in helping with the A/V during our Sunday service each week. To begin, tasks will be related to helping with the graphic/text-based content during worship but can expand based on interest and training. We would need about 90 minutes of your time on the designated Sunday you volunteer. Volunteer would also periodically participate in planning meetings.

The training date with Amplio Systems is tentatively scheduled for July 29, and more details will follow.  

Contact Carolyn Burnham carolyn@genevaumc.org or 630-232-7120.

Help Spread the Word, Welcome a Stranger

There are still many students waiting to learn they have a host family from over 60 countries. Local schools still have openings. There are 4 students who had hoped to come last year and are still waiting. All types of individuals and families are encouraged to host, including those with and without children of any age. Information on these students can be found on a flyer on the bulletin boards.

Would you consider welcoming one of them or help spread the word about the opportunity to host with your circle of friends? For more information see Robbin Lang or www.afsusa.org.

Prairie Central eNews is here.

The NIC weekly eNews is here.

Download the NIC Reporter here.

United Methodist Communications has created a video series The Recap to help us gain a better understanding of what is going on in The United Methodist Church, find inspiration in stories of ministry, and learn how our denomination is transforming the world.

Watch the latest episode here.