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

Sent:                                           Friday, August 28, 2026 1:42 PM

To:                                               office@woodridgeumc.org

Subject:                                     CORRECTED CALENDAR "Losing Life to Find It" - Woodridge United Methodist Church

Attachments:                          178793560708.30.26_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

 

 

"Losing Life to Find It"

 

Exodus 3:1-10 / Romans 12:9-21 / Matthew 16:24-26

What does Jesus mean when he says, “All who want to save their lives will lose them, but all who lose their lives because of me will find them?”

Throughout history—from Pharaoh’s Egypt to the ancient Israelites in Jeremiah’s day—human beings have tried to save themselves by relying on fear, control, and human wisdom. Yet time and again, true life is not found in self-reliance, but in fully trusting God’s grace, justice, and mercy.

Join us this Sunday in person or on livestream on our Woodridge UMC YouTube Channel as we explore what it means to surrender our own agendas, place Jesus at the center of our lives, and live as peacemakers who overcome evil with good.

 


Calendar

Friday, August 28th

  • 2:00 pm RGA - Emerge
  • 7:30 pm Square Dancing

Saturday, August 29th

  • 9:00 am SDA
  • 10:00 am Sorority
  • 7:00 pm Square Dancing

Sunday, August 30th

  • 9:15 am Patio Committee
  • 10:00 am Sunday Service
  • Noon Communion
  • 4:00 pm Filipino Baptist

Monday, August 31st

  • Church Office CLOSED
  • 7:00 pm Square Dancing

Tuesday, September 1st

  • Church Office CLOSED
  • Noon Senior Suburban Orchestra

Wednesday, September 2nd

  • 7:00 pm Square Dancing

Thursday, September 3rd

  • 7:00 pm Scouting America

Friday, September 4th

  • Noon First Friday Lunch
  • 2:00 pm RGA - Emerge

Saturday, September 5th

  • 9:00 am SDA

Sunday, September 6th

  • 10:00 am Sunday Service
  • 4:00 pm Filipino Baptist

 

Church Summer Office Hours

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

Summer Hours run from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The office will be open Wednesday through Friday most weeks.

We ask that you call before visiting.

 

 

Important Information

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.
 

Ministry Opportunities

Fellowship Time with Bagels
Join us after service in Bonfal Hall for bagels and cream cheese, jelly, honey, etc.!  You can even toast your bagel!
 

Name Tags in Narthex
Our newer members have a lot of names to learn.  They would really appreciate it if we could wear name tags for the month of August.  There are markers and name tags in the narthex!

September - October Upper Rooms
September - October Upper Room daily devotionals are available in the Narthex with a few available in the mailbox. 

First Friday Lunch
Please join us on Friday, September 4th at noon for lunch.  No planning, no reservations, no responsibilities! Bring your sack lunch and a good sense of humor because there are sure to be laughs. Everyone is invited!
 
Bible Study Resumes
Our Bible study will resume starting with a Kickoff Day on Wednesday, September 9th at 6:00 pm.  We will be studying Acts.  The study will be offered on Tuesday mornings via Zoom (10:30 a.m. to Noon) and Wednesday evenings in person (6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.).  We will read one chapter together each week and go deeper with questions and discussions.  Please plan to join us!
 
Restauran Fundraisers Scheduled to Benefit CROP Walk
This year there are four chances to eat out and donate to CROP Walk at the same time!  Yum!  None of the restaurants are far away, but Baker’s Square is just down the street from Woodridge UMC.  Please pay attention to the times.  Most locations require that the flyer be presented when you order.
 
Portillos
Thursday, September 24th 5:00 to 8:00 pm at 1500 Butterfield Road Downers Grove, IL
Donating back 20% Bring the flyer in the narthex or on your phone when you visit the restaurant in person.
 
Buona & Rainbow Cone
Wednesday, September 9th 7417 Cass Ave Darien, IL
Bring the flyer or use the online here.
 
Home Run Inn
NEW Dine in option October 5th - 7th OR Online orders (order before October 1st - see link to the fundraising order site in the e-News) 7521 Lemont Rd. Darien with pick up between Monday, October 5th and Wednesday, October 7th.  See the flyer here.
 
Culver’s
Wednesday, October 14th 2500 Ogden Ave Downers Grove, IL
Bring the flyer or on your phone to let the cashier know that you are with the fundraiser.
 
Get Ready to Spice Up Your Second Saturday Diners Evening
Join us on Saturday, September 12th at 5:00 pm as we head to SGD (So Gong-Dong) for an authentic taste of Korea! Whether Korean food is already a favorite or you wouldn't know kimchi from a cookie, come give it a try! We'll share some delicious food, a few laughs, and plenty of good fellowship. Please RSVP: Elisa Caligiuri at applei8122000@yahoo.com.  SGD Dubu So Gong Dong Tofu (1283 E. Ogden, Naperville)
 
Church Picnic
We will have our Church Picnic on Sunday, September 13th after worship service.  Invite your whole family (parents, kids, cousins)!  Invite your neighbors!  Games, food and fun!  Chicken tenders will be provided. Bring a dish (or dishes) to share.
 

Sunday School Returns September 13th
Sunday School will return on September 13th. 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.

Woodridge UMC Craft & Vendor Fair @ Bake Sale
Woodridge UMC is having a craft and vendor fair on Saturday, November 15th from 9 am to 2 pm.  Last year’s sale was a success.  Let’s see if we can make it a bigger success this year!  We are currently looking for crafters/vendors, donations for the bake sale table from our members and volunteers to man the bake sale or raffle table and help price the items.  Share the news, so we can get more people shopping this year!  Contact the church office if you can help in any way or if you have any questions.  Find the Vendor form online or here if you prefer a printed version.
 

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.  

The Monarch Walk: Championing People with Disabilities
The Monarch Walk and Fall Fest are coming back to Ray Grahams flagship property in Burr Ridge, and we'd love for you to walk alongside us.
 
HERE'S HOW IT WORKS: Folks like you rally family and friends around our mission by way of generous support of all different sizes through online fundraising now through September 20th.  After the online fundraiser, join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly morning at our signature property in Burr Ridge on Sunday, September 20th from 9:00 am to noon.  You're invited to a serene half mile walk along our newly-installed sensory path, and a Fall Festival featuring a DJ dance party, yard games, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo, and healthy snacks for all. Lace up your shoes, connect with your community, and champion people with disabilities.  See here for more information and to donate.

 
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.
 
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.

Birthdays
September Birthdays
2    Dee Dee Siver
6    Jaimie Morton
7    Sylva Agustin
9    Tim Waynick
11   Bob Bonaguro
12   Patricia DelRosso
       Keaton O'Leary
13   Martine Nelson
       Janice Nitchals
14   Alexis Printz
       Ashley Printz
16  Mary Ann Bruton
19   Jeff Lietz
20   Brandon Byczynski
       Ellie Cash
22   Brittany Grosch
25   Ryan Aquino
29  Joni Supataraporn
30   Anna Aquino

Northern Illinois Conference
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:
 
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:

My Omaha Film Screened Sept. 14-20

The Northern Illinois Conference’s Collective Action to Build Community (CA2BC) will host showings and discussions about the film My Omaha during the fall of 2026. My Omaha is essentially a film about the search for truth and common ground between a son and his father.  But it also traces the search for truth and common ground that has been playing out for decades between Omaha’s African American community and the larger, dominant white community. It is an 85-minute documentary released in February 2025, directed, written and produced by 31-year-old Nick Beaulieu. It premiered in Omaha in October last year.  See here for more information and to register.
Partial List of Showings:
Monday, September 14th at 6:30 pm
Glen Ellyn
Thursday, September 17th at 5:30 pm Naperville
Friday, September 18th at 6 pm La Grange, IL
Sunday, September 20th at 2 pm Lombard, IL
There is an individual at home film streaming option where the link will be emailed out on September 14th and will be available until September 20th.
 

Disability Education Summit

The Northern Illinois Conference Committee on Accessibility is hosting a summit on Saturday, September 26th from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Bethany of Fox Valley UMC in Aurora.  This free event features accessible worship, four workshop sessions, lunch with a panel discussion (optional $10 lunch fee), and practical tools to help churches become more welcoming and accessible to people of all abilities. Workshop topics include disability awareness, accessible worship, neurodiversity, advocacy, technology, and creating inclusive ministries on any budget. See the e-News for more information and to register for the event.

 

Outreach Opportunities

August Outreach Offering - Missionaries Dan and Kim


We are collecting for the missionaries that came and visited our church.  For the past 16 years, the family has lived overseas, primarily within Muslim countries. Their ministry involves Scripture translation, clinical counseling, and team ministries. Throughout their journey, they have walked in faith, trusting in God’s guidance.
 
Their calling is to serve the Muslim community with love and respect; however, they often share that they receive far more than they give through these relationships. Though they have faced significant challenges—including war, loss, and trauma—they testify that God has remained faithful and kind.
 
Ways to donate to the August 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.

 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!!!  

  

 


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.

 

August 28th, 2026, Volume 16, Edition 35

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