From:                                         Woodridge United Methodist Church Communications <noreply@elexiochms.com>

Sent:                                           Thursday, March 13, 2025 11:36 AM

To:                                               office@woodridgeumc.org

Subject:                                     Stand Firm in the Lord" - Woodridge United Methodist Church Newsletter

Attachments:                          174188372003.16.25_Worship_Guide.pdf

 

    Woodridge United Methodist Church

Join us on Sunday for worship services
at  10:00 am.

Instructions can be found at the end below.
All are Welcome!

 

 

 

 

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

 

 

“Stand Firm in the Lord”

The Apostle Paul, in deep sorrow, writes to the Philippians, “Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.” He warns, “Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; they take pride in what should bring them shame, and their minds are set on earthly things.” Yet, Paul urges them to stand firm in the Lord Jesus Christ. 
Lent is a season of deep reflection, a time when the church is invited to meditate on the meaning of the cross. What is the lesson of the cross for us today? How can we build our lives on Jesus in a world so often focused on earthly desires?
 
Join us this Sunday in person or on our Woodridge UMC YouTube Channel for worship  at 10:00 a.m.as we explore what Jesus is teaching us through his encounter with the tempter. You are all invited!

 

Friday, March 14th

  • Church Office CLOSED

Saturday, March 15th

  • 7:00 pm Square Dancing

Sunday, March 16th

  • 8:45 am Adult Choir
  • 10:00 am Worship Service
  • 11:00 am Preschool Repurposing
  • Noon Online Communion
  • 4:00 pm Filipino Baptist

Monday, March 17th

  • 6:30 pm Den 1
  • 7:00 pm Square Dancing
  • 7:00 pm Den 5

Tuesday, March 18th

  • 9:00 am Soccer Shots
  • 10:30 am Lenten Study
  • 7:00 pm Trustee Meeting

Wednesday, March 19th

  • 6:00 pm Lenten Study
  • 7:00 pm Square Dancing

Thursday, March 20th

  • 6:30 pm Den 4
  • 6:30 pm Soccer Shots Pre-Season
  • 7:00 pm Scouting America
  • 7:00 pm Square Dancing
  • 7:00 pm Finance

Friday, March 21st

  • 6:30 pm Pack Meeting

Saturday, March 22nd

  • 9:00 am Men's Group
  • 10:00 am Preschool Painting

Sunday, March 23rd

  • 10:00 am Worship Service
  • Noon Online Communion
  • 4:00 pm Filipino Baptist

 

Church Office Hours

Monday & Tuesday: 9:00 am - Noon
Wednesday - Friday: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm


We ask that you call before visiting.

 

Ministry Opportunities

Men's Group Meeting
There is a Men’s Group Meeting on THIS, Saturday, March 22nd at 9:00 am.  Please come for a time of prayers and fellowship.  If you are able, stay afterwards and help get the old preschool hallway repainted.  There are plenty of jobs to do including ones that do not involve ladders or even painting!!
 
Easter Egg Hunt Assistance
We’re having an EASTER EGG HUNT once again!!!!  YAY!!!  But we need your help.  We need lots of assistants. Please donate Easter candy to put into the eggs in the box in the Narthex.  All candy needs to be individually wrapped and small enough to fit in an egg. All donations need to be in by worship service on Sunday, April 6th. There is a box in the Narthex to drop off donations. 
Sunday, April 6th

  • - Fill the Eggs - after service
    • Come help fill the eggs along with the Youth.

Saturday, April 12th

  • Egg Hunt Set Up – at 8:00 am 
    • We need helpers to set out the eggs and set up the narthex for the Egg Hunt (let the office know if you can come)
  • - Egg Hunt - at 10:00am
    •  We need helpers to make sure that everyone stays safe, collect the empty eggs, hand out flyers and serve milk, juice and donut holes (let the office know if you can come).

Lenten Lunch
You are invited to bring your favorite side dish, salad or dessert to share on Sunday, March 23rd after worship service.  There will be lovely Filipino specialties for the mains!!  If you have any questions, contact the church office or Karen Miller.

Woodridge UMC Outdoor Sign
Our current sign is 30 years old and no longer working.  In celebration of 60+ years together, we are working towards replacing the broken sign with a new electronic messaging sign.  Thanks to generous donations, we are most of the way there.  However, the first electrical quote came in much higher than expected.  Based on this quote we need an additional $9000. Please join us in celebrating our church and donate today!  If you wish your donation to be in memory or honor of a loved one, we will publish the list when the sign is installed.

Graduate Recognition Sunday, June 1st

During the worship service on Sunday, June 1st, we will honor all our graduates: junior high, high school, college, and beyond. If you or a family member are graduating this spring let us know so we can include you! Please email the church office (office@woodridgeumc.org) with the graduate’s name, a photo, and the school from which they are graduating as well as what’s next for them (college & major, job, etc.).
 

Vacation bible School Volunteers Needed
We are partnering with Friendship UMC in Bolingbrook for Vacation Bible School this year!  We need adult volunteers to help with the program that will be held on July 21st – 24th at Friendship UMC (305 E. Boughton Road, Bolingbrook).  More details coming!!

 
WUMC Music Ensembles: 2025
Our Music Ministry offers you three ways to get involved: the Handbell Choir, the Worship Band, and the Adult Choir. This could be the year you take that “leap of faith” and join a group! All ensembles are LOW commitment. We ask that you please attend the rehearsals leading up to the service date. It is that simple! For a full schedule see here or the handout in the narthex. In order to plan music, please RSVP to Carrie by the dates listed.

Adult Choir (8th grade through seasoned adults) RSVP was due by Feb. 9th.

Rehearsal

March 9

11:20AM-12:30PM

Music Room

Service

March 16

10AM

Rehearse in the sanctuary at 8:45 AM

Next Up: Worship Band (Please RSVP by March 23)

Blood Drive at Prince of Peace
The Knights of Columbus are sponsoring a blood drive at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 22nd from 7:30 am to noon. To schedule your donation, go to www.versiti.org/IL or call 800-7TO-GIVE. Appointments appreciated; walk-ins are welcome! Photo ID is required. Flyers are in the e-News or Narthex.
 
Lenten Study
The coming Lenten Study will be a six week in person study on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm starting March 12th on Adam Hamilton’s book “Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith”.  Please sign up in the Narthex so that the appropriate number of books can be ordered.
Schedule:
March 19th - “The Good Book? Wrestling with the Bible”
March 26th - “Are All Non-Christians Going to Hell?”
April 2nd - :”Is Heaven real?”
April 9th - “When Prayers Go Unanswered”
April 16th - “Why Do the Innocent Suffer?”
 
Lenten Outreach Project
In Support of the West Suburban Community Pantry
This year we will be focusing on packing our WUMC shopping cart with all the most needed items West Suburban Community Pantry has on their shopping list!  Please contribute generously as you are able!  All donations are welcome, but we are particularly focusing on the following items:
•          Dry Pasta
•          Peanut Butter
•          Canned Beans (pinto, baked, garbonzo)
•          Whole Grains (oats, cereal, quinoa)
•          Rice (white or brown)
•          Dry Lentils
•          Canned Low Sugar Fruits & Vegetables
•          Canned Tuna or Chicken
 
All Church Workday
Green thumb?! Black thumb?!  Any kind of thumb!!  All levels of skill are welcome!  It’s time to get our gardens shining again for Spring and Easter!  Come and help on Saturday, April 5th from 9:00 am to noon.  Please bring any gardening tools that you may have including gloves and buckets.  Someone will show you everything that you need to know, and you can come and go as you need.
 
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.


National Faith + Climate Forum 2025

On Thursday, March 27th from 11:00 am to 4:15 pm the National Faith +Climate Forum will be a live-streamed broadcast, accessible online from your home or office, or in person at host locations across the U.S. This hybrid event offers a dynamic day of interactive sessions, inspiring keynotes, and practical resources to equip you and your congregation to integrate climate care into your faith practices and communities authentically. Whether you’re just starting your journey in creation care or are a seasoned advocate, this event has something for everyone!

Explore how to embody our faith through creation care, engage in transformative discussions, and connect with like-minded leaders. Be a part of the movement for a sustainable future. This year's forum, themed "Seven Acts of Faith for Building Thriving Congregations," offers an opportunity for us to explore impactful ways to integrate environmental stewardship and social justice into our faith practices. From innovative workshops to inspiring talks, each segment is designed to empower and uplift.

Whether you've participated in the past or are new to climate action, your presence will contribute to a collective effort to foster a sustainable and just future for all. Let's come together to learn, inspire, and act! Register for free today https://nationalfaithandclimateforum.org.  

If there is enough interest Woodridge UMC will register as host location.  Otherwise, you can register here as an individual and participate from home or at a local site.

 

Lent 2025
Full Schedule
March 23rd - 11:30 am - Lenten Meal
April 5th – 9:00 am to noon- Church Workday
April 12th - 10:00 am - Easter Egg Hunt
April 13th - 10:00 am – Palm Sunday Service*
April 17th - 6:00 pm Chili Supper
                 - 7:00 pm Maundy Thursday Service*
April 18th – 7:00 pm Good Friday Service*
                   Theme: The Last Seven Words
April 20th – 10:00 am Easter Sunday Service*
  with the Worship Band
Lenten Outreach Project (full 40 days) – Food Collection

*In Person & YouTube Livestream
 

Northern Illinois Conference
Find out about upcoming events in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church by clicking this link.

 

Outreach Opportunities

March Outreach Offering


Africa University Farm Development Fund
Our March Outreach will be for the Africa University Farm Development Fund.  Located in Old Mutare, Zimbabwe, Africa University is the first fully accredited United Methodist-related education institution on the African continent. Established by General Conference action, the university offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in six faculties of learning: agriculture, education, health sciences, humanities, management and theology. The Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance offers postgraduate diplomas and master’s programs.
 
The primary goals of the Africa University (AU) Farm are to: 1. Provide facilities for Agricultural teaching and research by the AU Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 2. Provide safe, reliable, and reasonably priced food for the AU Community, including the campus dining hall which serves staff and students. 3. Generate income for AU.
 
The Farm Development Fund helps to improve the infrastructure to increase efficiency and meet local environmental regulations. It also brings in better equipment for more efficient use of labor, and to help students become familiar with modern equipment, thereby equipping them to make significant contributions to the development of the agricultural communities in their homes, whether in Zimbabwe or the many other countries represented at Africa University.

Ways to donate to the March Outreach Offering:

  • Check or cash in an Outreach Offering envelope placed in the offering plate in the
  • Narthex (the room outside the sanctuary) or in the gold-plated mail slot at the church’s east door.
  • Online via our website. Select “Current Month Outreach” in the drop down menu.
  • Text the amount you want to give to 630-449-7121 and select “Current Month Outreach” in the drop down menu.


Outreach Committee PADs April Fundraiser
DuPage PADS' mission is to end homelessness in DuPage County. We are excited to participate in this year's THE GREAT DESCENT fundraiser on Saturday, April 12th and you are invited to support this worthy cause. We have exceeded the original target goal but would like to raise $1,000 from WUMC donations!
 
Details are below with opportunities as a volunteer to help work at the event or join the Outreach Committee as a participant by rappelling 12 stories!
 
Larry Cash is committed to the event as WUMC's first rappeler! Join the WUMC team as a rappeler or CLICK HERE to Larry's fundraising goal. 
 
DuPage PADS is reaching new heights in their effort to end homelessness with The Great Descent. Partnering with Over the Edge, DuPage Pads is hosting a new and exciting fundraiser event for the first time. The event will see 100 thrill-seeking participants rappel 12 stories down the side of Hotel Arista located in the heart of the City Gate Centre in Naperville, Illinois. Participants will raise a minimum $500 in donations to support DuPage Pads' mission of ending homelessness. The Great Descent is a day-long event, which runs from 7am to 5pm at Hotel Arista. There are plenty of slots available for anyone interested in attending after services. Family, friends, and spectators are invited to come down and support participants throughout the day. 

Registration is now open and DuPage Pads invites you to join today as one of the 100 brave neighbors stepping off the roof of Hotel Arista and helping to end homelessness here at home! More information about the event can be found HERE
 
Interested in Participating? CLICK HERE
Interested in Volunteering? CLICK HERE


Ongoing Opportunities

"Goin' Green" Shoes & Clothes Recycling Box

Located in the northeast corner of our parking lot, this receptacle is a convenient place to recycle any shoes and your clothes that are at or near the end of their usefulness. 

West Suburban Food Pantry

There is a shopping cart that is waiting for donations.  It sits in the narthex, usually near the sanctuary doors.  The food pantry serves many households and always welcomes donations!!!  

Used Eyeglasses
There is a basket also in the narthex for collecting used prescription eyeglasses.  Kendra Manderfield Moore makes sure  that they are recycled to the Lions Club and Gift of Sight groups. 

 

 

 


Worship Service

Worship Attendance

If you watch the online service, please email the church office at office@woodridgeumc.org and let us know that you joined us for worship, so that we might record your attendance.
 

Prayer Requests for Worship
We are starting fresh with our list of Joys and Concerns.  Please text Pastor Dave (224.600.0446) or give him a note before service with your prayer request.  You are also welcome to let the office know during the week.  Names will only stay on the list for one month unless other arrangements are made.  Make certain that you have permission to share other’s information, too. 
Thank you for your flexibility as we make updates to our worship services.

(There have been requests that we include full names and/or more detailed information for people on our list of Joys & Concerns.  Please remember our services are broadcast on YouTube and are available to anyone who has internet access. Details are shared with our Prayer Ministry Team on Monday mornings.  You are invited to join them in prayer and share in this information by contacting the church office).

Offering Options

There are different options for getting your offering to the church.

  • Go to the website & click on the Giving tab at the top of the page or go straight there with this link.
  • Text 630.449.7121 with the amount
  • Drop off in the gold mail slot next to the east door of the church.
  • Mail your offering to the church.

 

March 14th, 2025, Volume 15, Edition 11

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