Woodridge United Methodist Church

Music Director Job Opening

The Staff Parish Committee has updated the job description for Music Director and will be posting the opening in various locations.  Please share that we are looking for people who are interested in the position. The committee prays for guidance as we work to fill this very important role in our church.
 

Woodridge UMC Hope Scholarship
The Scholarship Committee would like to announce the creation of the Hope Scholarship.  It is to be awarded to young, active members of Woodridge UMC who are continuing their education upon completing high school.  The scholarship will help our young adults with the high cost of continuing their education at a trade school, college, or professional school. Students are eligible to receive a one-time scholarship of $1000.  Only a small number of scholarships will be given out each year.  The applications are available attached here and are due by August 1st.
 
Holy Cow.. It's Time for Our SSD!
Join us on Saturday, July 11th at 5:00 PM at Ted Montana’s Grill (623 E. Boughton Rd) in Bolingbrook for a night of good food, great fellowship, and plenty of laughs. Everyone is welcome — whether you’re coming for the meal, the conversation or just to get out, we hope you will join the gathering. Everyone is always welcome at the table. Please RSVP to Elisa applei8122000@yahoocom.
Gwenn and Elisa

Ai Chi for Mind and Body Relaxation
Ai Chi starts today!! It runs July 12^th – August 3rd - 2 Options of Sundays after worship or Monday afternoons at 2:00 pm (4 sessions) Ai Chi is simple exercise, usually done in water, and adaptable to land.  It is also a relaxation program using a combination of deep breathing and slow, broad movements of the arms, legs, and torso in flowing continual patterns.  It moves with nature.  Exercises include a mental component, focus on muscle and movement sense, breath as a centering activity, physical form, and perceiving the movement and flow of one’s intrinsic energy aka chi.  The movements will be adapted to the capabilities one has.  Appropriate instrumental music will used to enhance the flow of movements and overall experience.

Summer Book Study
Wanting to learn more about prayer - that communication tool God has given us to speak to and hear from the Holy Trinity?  If so, join us this summer for a 4-week study on Monday nights, July 13 - August 3, 6:30 - 8:00.  We will be using the book Praying with Mandalas by Sharon Seyfarth Garner and will study and practice 4 different ways of prayer, all while coloring mandalas.  You will even learn what a mandala is.  For further information, please contact Charlotte Ashworth at bacatx@gmail.com. 
 
Every Day Hero Program
Thursday, July 16th 2:00 – 4:00 pm   The DuPage Health Coalition is introducing an initiative designed to empower community members with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in cardiac emergency situations, at no cost. It’s been found that bystander response to cardiac emergencies is notably low throughout DuPage County. The training covers: Hands-only CPR; How to use an AED; Responding to choking; Overdose education and Naloxone administration. The instructors are American Heart Association–certified, but to reach the most people, this is not a certification course. Please join us!!

School Supply Drive
Did you know there are almost 1,100 students in Woodridge School District 68 whose families will struggle to purchase their needed school supplies?  YOU CAN HELP! The Churches in Woodridge and the Woodridge Rotary are partnering to provide BACKPACKS OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES to Woodridge residents in need.  Will you please contribute?  Watch for sales - check the discount stores - visit Amazon - whatever works for you.  (Mondo Llama brand of crayons, markers and colored pencils at Target are MOST welcome and less expensive.) Please return donations to church by Sunday August 2nd. The needed supplies are on the list found in the narthex or here. WE DO NOT NEED BACKPACKS.

Introduction to Prayer Labyrinths
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church at 1125 Franklin Street in Downer Grove is offering an Understanding Prayer Labyrinths at their church on Saturday, July 18th, from 2 - 4 pm. All are invited to this 1 hour talk and 1 hour experience of walking the labyrinth located in their building.  A prayer labyrinth is a winding, circular path used as a tool for walking, meditation and prayer.  A group will leave our church at 1:30 to attend this opportunity.  Questions or more information, please contact Charlotte Ashworth at bacatx@gmail.com.
 
Men's Group Meeting - Everyone Welcome
The next meeting of the Men’s Group will be on July 18th at 9:00 am. We will have a brief time of fellowship and prayer before working on some projects.  Everyone is welcome to join us for the projects! 
 
Ad Council Meeting
There is an Administrative Council Meeting on Saturday, July 25th at 9:00 am in the Standing Rock room.  Please plan on attending if you are a member of the Ad Council, but everyone is welcome!
 
Native Illinois History & Contemporary Issues
Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Dr. Dorene Wiese will guide audiences through the historical foundations of tribal nations such as the Chippewa, Potawatomi and Ottawa as well as how urban Native communities developed in Chicago in the 20th century is presenting a discussion on Saturday, July 18th at 1:00 pm at Isle a la Cache Museum. Through storytelling, music, dance and art, Wiese will highlight how history is alive, how Native contributions continue today, and why cultural respect matters – reinforcing the importance of building both bridges and dialogue together.  Registration is free and information and registration is available here. 
 
Directory Update
It’s been a few years since we updated our printed directory so it’s time for a refresh! But in order to perfectly produce a printed Directory, we presently need perfect information. So please proceed to the Narthex, put pen to paper, and perform an update to your information. Check one of the samples in the narthex for your entry and its accuracy and either initial the entry as it being fine OR fill out a yellow Directory Information form in the narthex (or here).  DO NOT make corrections in the samples.  Thank You!!
 
Share Your Talents!
Do you play an instrument? Love to sing? Are you looking for a concrete way to help? Want to become more involved at WUMC? Join in our church's practice of radical hospitality? Let us know! Fill out a Volunteer Opportunity form in the narthex (or here) to let us know what you are interested in.  

Summer Outreach Opportunities
The Outreach Committee is happy to be able to offer multiple opportunities for us to share out time, talents and treasure this summer. Please check out the opportunities below!  Sign up sheets will be available in the Narthex starting this week.
 
Serving at the West Suburban Community Pantry
(involves tasks such as stocking shelves, sorting produce)
Wednesday July 22nd – Noon-2:00 pm   10 slots available
Saturday August 22nd – 10:00 am- Noon   6 slots available
 
Backpack Drive to Support Woodridge School Students
During the month of July we will be collecting school supplies and free will cash donations.  More information will follow soon
August 7th (tentative) – set up for backpack filling at St. Scholastica
August 8th – 9:00 am-Noon    filling backpacks at St. Scholastica

Summer Learning Series
Woodridge UMC is interested in sponsoring a summer learning series BUT some of the programs require a minimum number of attendees to take place.  If the class is running, you are welcome to join at a later date.  Please RSVP though. 

End of Life Advance Planning
Sunday, August 16^th after worship service - Many people are overwhelmed or underprepared when it comes to their final wishes, so Modell Funeral Home has put together a seminar to share about funeral preplanning. It may not be something we talk about all the time, but it is so important! The presentation is designed to be a helpful, educational experience focused on planning for end-of-life services, answering questions, and allowing individuals to explore their options in a comfortable, no-pressure setting on.
 
Be Red Cross Ready (10 minimum)
This will be on a weekday afternoon in August.Be Red Cross Ready is a preparedness education curriculum for adults designed to help people understand, prepare for, and respond appropriately to disasters. It’s important to prepare for possible disasters and other emergencies. Natural and human-caused disasters can strike suddenly, at anytime and anywhere. There are three actions everyone can take that can help make a difference...Get a kit. Make a plan. Be informed. 

Sharing Our Gifts with Ray Graham
Our Ray Graham day program is looking for volunteers to spend an hour or two sharing their gifts with their clients. Can you bake (above the cupcake level), teach simple carpentry (fastening two boards together), talk about your culture, etc.? You are welcome to share your hobbies and knowledge! Please let the church office know, and we will share the list of volunteers with Ray Graham, so they can work out a schedule. 

Altar Flower Donations
If you would like to donate an arrangement of flowers for the altar, you are welcome to bring one in.  Please let the church office know by noon the Wednesday before, especially if the flowers are in memory/honor of someone, so that they may be acknowledged in the bulletin and announcements.
 
Sunday School is on Break
Sunday School will return after Labor Day. Most Sundays, Children begin the worship service in the sanctuary with their family. Following the “Praying” segment, the children will be invited up to the chancel steps for conversation with the pastors. Then, the Sunday School teacher will meet the children in the Narthex (the big room outside the sanctuary) & walk them to their classroom. They will be in the Trinity Room in the main hallway.

Activity Bags are available in the Narthex every Sunday.
 

Prayer Ministry
Our Prayer Chain is a group of caring people who believe in the power of prayer. We are dedicated to praying for your concerns and joys. Prayer requests will be shared with the church’s prayer chain, honoring your confidentiality. If you are interested in being a part of the church’s prayer chain ministry, please contact the church office.

If you would like to submit prayers to the Prayer Chain of Joys and Concerns, please contact the church office, text Pastor Dave  with your prayer requests or give him a note before worship service.

Free Square Dancing
Downers Grove Square Thrus is hosting a FREE Square Dance on Monday September 14th 7:00pm - 9:00 pm at our church.  No experience needed. No partner required. Couples, singles and families are all welcome!  Wear casual attire and comfortable shoes.  Lessons start Monday, September 21st. For more information go to www.SquareThrus.com or call 630.881-4467.

Toastmasters
Would you like to speak with more confidence in any setting? Toastmasters can help! The Woodridge Toastmasters club meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at Woodridge United Methodist Church. Come visit us and see for yourself! For more information contact John.


Northern Illinois Conference
Becoming the Beloved Community
How to Talk About Race in America
Saturday, July 18th, 8:30 am to 1:30 pm at Barrington UMC.
Becoming the Beloved Community is a four-hour workshop that conveys not only facts and essential knowledge about race and racism but also seeks to help us experience some of the harm and hurt racial prejudice has caused. The emphasis on sharing will also introduce ways all churches can become more closely knit as its members share their own lives more deeply with each other. This will help churches become more active, intentional communities, honoring Christ's life and teachings not only about fighting inequality but other forces that prevent us from seeing all people and the earth as God's beloved creations. The cost is $10 and includes a light lunch and refreshments. The event is limited to 25 people. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. More information is available here . Online registration is available here.

NIC/GCORR CRCC Cohort
Cross-Racial/Cross-Cultural Cohort Sponsored by the Northern Illinois Conference and the General Commission on Religion and Race
 
The cohort exists to strengthen adaptive leadership of Cross-Racial/Cross-cultural (CRCC) clergy in the Northern Illinois Conference by affirming belonging, creating space for theological reflection and navigating cultural awareness and healing. Through a trauma-informed and formational learning environment, the cohort supports CRCC clergy in integrating their lived experience, cultural identity, and theological vocation, fostering both personal healing and sustained leadership in CRCC ministry settings.
 
A few of the 2026-2027 events church leaders.  Please let Pastor Dave or the church office know if you are interested in any of them:
 
Opening Retreat: Identity, Self-Care and the Art of Theological Reflection  
Sat. 8/8/2026, 9 a.m. to 3:30 pm at Our Saviour’s UMC in Schaumburg: Strengthen awareness of personal and cultural identity as CRCC clergy and practice theological reflection as a tool for belonging and resilience in CRCC ministry.
World Celebrations of Christmas
Sat. 12/5/2026, 10 a.m. to 1 pm at Journey of Hope UMC in Elgin: Explore global expressions of Christmas and how they enrich the church’s incarnational ministry
Closing Retreat - Lessons for the journey ahead
Sat. 5/22/2027, 9 a.m. to 3:30 pm at Our Saviour’s UMC in Schaumburg: