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| April 20-May 25, 2016 Issue 5
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Healthy Together
Healthy Together
When: Thursdays
from 5:30 - 6:30
Where: Laurel United Methodist
Who: You and your
friends and family.
We will share healthy living ideas, recipes, exercise and health tips and more. We will support each other as we strive to meet our individual goals and learn to
be Healthy Together.
Thursday, April 28 - Come ready to cook!
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CARNATIONS to HONOR the LADIES
in your LIFE
The cost of each carnation is $3.00. There will be red for the living, white for those deceased, and purple for cancer survivors. Order forms can be found at the church and in the Sunday bulletins.
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BUTLER ELEMENTARY TRIVIA NIGHT
Friday, May 13 at 7:00pm
The Butler School PTO is having a trivia night at the Hoogland Center. Doors open at 6:30p.m. It is $15 per person, tables of ten, and all of the money goes to the teachers to help them furnish their rooms and stock their libraries. Let's get a team together! Contact the church office (525-1866) if you plan to attend.
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Looking to join a summer softball league? Laurel has one for you! Games are played at the Rochester Park diamonds, and will be held May - early August, generally on Sunday afternoon/evenings. If you are interested, please call the church office or sign up on the back of the registration form Sunday mornings. Let's Play Ball!
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MOVIE NIGHT AT LAUREL
Tuesday, May 17 - 6:00 p.m.
Join us for an evening viewing
and sharing Del's popcorn! This 1952 American musical comedy is directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen and stars Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor and Debbie Reynolds.
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Surf into Reading!
Laurel's Summer Reading Challenge
Whether you are ready to surf the ocean waves or just float down the lazy river, Laurel's Summer Reading Program has a sea of books waiting for you. Children of all
ages are invited to register and plunge into summer reading! This summer the challenge is to read thirty books, or, for the non-readers, to have thirty books read to you. Older readers are challenged to read thirty hours. Yes, audio books can be included!
Surf into Laurel's Library and pick up a reading log packet beginning May 29. Return reading logs on July 17, and collect your prizes. There are always lots of prize choices!
Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grade Challenge: Those reading beyond the thirty hours AND the most books will receive a gift certificate.
Young Adult Reading Challenge: Those reading the most books will receive a gift certificate.
New titles are added to Laurel's Library each week! Be Sure to "check it out!"
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BLUE SUNDAY is APRIL 24
Blue Sunday is a day to pray, educate ourselves and volunteer for the children of our nation until black and blue are just colors in their crayon box. Did you know that six million children are reported as abused annually, and most victims of abuse and neglect are eighteen months and younger? These are only two of the facts we should know.
WEAR BLUE on Sunday, April 24, and pray for the children!
On APRIL 24 we also celebrate Youth Sunday and Confirmation Sunday!
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 THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
In the past few days we have continued the assigned readings from the Old Testament which included the first five books of the Bible-the "Books of Moses." The final verses of Deuteronomy focused on the death of Moses and the selection of Joshua as his successor. It is in the beginning verses of Joshua that we find the challenging promises and significant instructions that were inspiration for Joshua and are words of hope and assurance for each of us today!
The Lord said to Joshua, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous; for you shall put this people in possession of the land that I swore to their ancestors to give them. Only be strong and courageous, being careful to act in accordance with all the law that my servant Moses commanded you. . . Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:5-7, 9)
Those are wonderful words that can be very relevant to our own daily lives! Translated into modern vocabulary, we can read, (1) Be strong and courageous, there's work to be done in evangelism, social services, and the growth of the church. (2) Be strong and courageous, faithful to the truths of the scriptures and the teachings of Jesus. (3) Be strong and courageous, do not be frightened or dismayed, for as was true in the days of Joshua, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Thanks be to God!
Keep on reading, and watch for those particular words that are as fresh and invigorating as this morning's sunrise. The Bible still speaks!
Paul Sims
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Caring Thoughts from the Parish Visitor
Gail Lehmann
 This is the time of year when we think of all our students who are graduating either from high school or college. Often we send cards or say that we wish them great success. Exactly how would you define success?
Are you successful?
Before you answer that question, I would like you to read Ralph Waldo Emerson's definition of success.
Success is this:
To laugh often and to love much, to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in everything, to give one's self, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition, to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and to have sung with exultation, to know even one life has breathed easier because you lived.
Are you successful?
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Caring Prayer List
April 24 - 30
Lori & Ridge Ackerman; Gerry & Ann Aldrich; Carol Dyson Asher, Andrew, William & John Asher; Tracey & Deacon Bauman; Joe & Louise Bringuet; Charles & Marilyn Cook; Dave Dillavou; Ann Geraci & Emma Robinson.
May 1 - 7
Roger & Christy Blickensderfer; Lori, Bill, Kelsey & Ryan Cour; Bob & Lori Cox; Jordon, Michelle & Ellie Cox; Carissa, Jason & Violet Filipiak; Lisa Linehan; Madison Marvel; John & Darlene Summers.
May 8 - 14
George & Sue Dinges; Shirley Distlehorst; Dorothy Dorkins; Howard Hennessey; Gene, Lisa & Justin Kamp; Judith & Tim Kelly; Dyann Miller; Lylly Ramirez.
May 15 - 21
David, April, Jessica & Peyton Cook; John, Kelley & Jacob Davidson; George & Cheryl O'Ravis; Lisa, Mackenzie, & Sean Rowden; Robin & Jeff Small; Patrick, Stephanie, & Casey Small; Meghann Small & Alex Starnes; Chris, Melissa, Abby & Ben Stalets.
May 23 - May 28
Bradley Livingston; Nancy Long; Dorothy Mann; Donna Means; Tom & Barb Needham; Dereatha Pratt; Ken & Vickie Smith; Meghan, Mike, Clayson, & Dirkson Strohm.
Happy Birthday
: Dorothy Dorkins will be 92 on May 13
th
.
 Happy Anniversary
:
Dard and Marjorie Schmidt will be married 58 years on April 26
th
.
Ron and Kathy Howell will be married 52 years on May 9
th
.
Donna and Bill Grove will be married 63 years on May 24
th
.
 We celebrate with Ryan & Brook Croke the blessings of their new little one, Henry Lewis, born on April 12. Welcoming Henry home is big brother Jonas.
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We would like to thank our Laurel Family for all the support, cards, food, and prayers we have received regarding the death of our son and brother, Michael Jones. A very special Thank You to Rev. Kent and Atsuko Lolling for your prayers and thoughtfulness that we have received during this difficult time. May God bless Doug Hahn and Deb Watts for their wonderful music at Michael's Memorial Service, Chuck (Bill) Smith for his kind words that he spoke, and for Rev. Mark Jones for conducting the service. We really appreciate our Laurel Family. May God bless all our hearts with love, joy and peace. -Earnie & Shirley Jones, Karen, James, and Lucas Osgood, and Glenn, Jennifer, Blair & Ross Jones
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Dear Confirmation Class and friends at Laurel, we want to thank you for your kind donation of school supplies to the Midwest Mission Distribution Center. Many lives have been touched throughout the United States and in developing countries around the world through shipments made from the Center. Your gift allows this work to continue. Thank you so much for your support. In Christ, Pat Wright, MMDC Exec. Director
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Dear Friends, Thank you for your recent gift to Washington Street Mission. Your gift of $1,339.00 enables us to continue to serve people in need in the Springfield community in the name of Jesus. Sincerely, Kenneth E. Mitchell, exec. Dir.
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Dear Friends, On behalf of Fifth Street Renaissance/SARA Center, I would like to thank you for your generous monetary donation of $906 to our agency and the generous food donation to our Food Pantry. Each day our agency offers support and a multitude of services to persons and families who are in considerable crisis; therefore we are grateful for the caring individuals within our community who come forward to support our efforts. Sincerely, Miranda Myers, Deputy Director
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LAUREL PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
 We have finished our first round of photographs for the new directory! Thank you to all who have participated so far. The next dates for photographs are May 17-20.
Sign up now to make sure you get a time that is convenient for your family.
Things you need to know about our directory:
- Your church staff relies on the directory - this is especially helpful for Pastor Lolling and Gail Lehmann when making visits.
- You DO NOT have to be a member of the church to be included in the directory. If you are a regular worshipper at Laurel, then we need you to be a part of our directory!
- You MAY bring your four-legged members of your family to be photographed with you. They are a part of your family, which makes them a part of ours!
- You can do intergenerational photos (grandparents, children, grandchildren, great-grands. . .) If you need help to set that up, please contact Judy McEvoy at the church office.
Most of all, we need ALL of YOU to make our directory complete! We had approximately 245 families photographed in our last directory. Right now, we have about 180 scheduled. Please help us out and sign up! I know we can break that 245 number...and I BELIEVE we could even break 300! Here is how you can sign up:
Þ
Look for our sign-up table on Sundays in the parlor
Þ
Or, if you need assistance, please call Judy McEvoy at
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Relay for Life
June 11
Noon to Midnight
Mark your calendars for Relay For Life-this is the signature event of the American Cancer Society. It begins at noon and ends at midnight out at Conservation World in the IL State Fairgrounds. It is a time to remember those lost to cancer and celebrate those who have survived. The Relay begins by having all cancer survivors present walk the Survivor's Lap. We remember and honor those who have battled cancer during the Luminaries Ceremony. Relay ends with the excitement of celebrating life, great friendships and the HOPE of finding a cure for cancer!
Our Kick-Off Sunday is May 1.
The Laurel's Lights team is working hard to prepare for this event. We will have a table in the parlor weekly for you to sign up for participation, order team t-shirts, and purchase luminaries. We also have the battle of your favorite team paper t-shirt contest! Purchase your paper t-shirt today!
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 LAUREL'S BOOK CLUB
Tuesday, May 3
at 6:00 p.m.
in the Parlor
Join us as we discuss
Secret Daughter
by Shilpi Somaya Gowda. The dinner is provided be Robin Small and Barb Nelson. Desserts are provided by Peg Fish and Jean Hanson.
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UNITED METHODIST MEN'S FELLOWSHIP
Tuesday, May 3
5:30p.m.
The program is a field trip to the Springfield Metro Sanitary District facility at 3000 N 8th Street Rd. We will hear a presentation on the history and current activities of the District followed by a tour of the facility. The group will meet in the Laurel parking lot at 5:30 and return by 7:30. We have reserved the church bus and will also carpool as needed. Accommodations have been made for those with limited mobility. No meal will be served this month. Please be sure to register on Sunday so we know how many men plan to attend.
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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL MINI CAMP
June 21, 22 and 23
8:45 - 11:45 a.m.
Mini Camp is offered to children ages three through children having completed second grade.
All 3rd, 4th and 5th graders are asked to volunteer as puppeteers, group assistants, or center aides. Their help is greatly needed, plus they learn by teaching. Surf Shack is an interactive, energizing, Bible-based program where children learn how to surf through life with God. Watch for further details coming soon!
Adult and older youth volunteers are always needed. Did you know? According to a recent survey of people who volunteer, 68% say it makes them feel physically healthier; 73% say it lowers their stress level; 92% say it enriches their senses of purpose in life; and nearly 100% of people who serve feel enriched. With those numbers you have to say YES!
- Ways to Serve at Surf Shack
- Praying for our children and those working with them
- Preparing craft materials for us
- Providing ingredients for snacks
- Creating decorations
- Recreation leader
- Snacks/Mission leader
- Craft Room leader
- Music/Opening/Closing
- Puppet skit readers/ puppeteer
- Science lab leader
- Storyteller
- Take photos
- Pre-School group leader
- Kindergarten leader
- First & second grade leader
- Clean up-taking down decorations
- Sending follow-up postcards
Contact JoAnn Overholt at 525-1866 or 566-3821 if you have questions or if you would like to volunteer
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SPRING INTO THE LIBRARY AND READ!
New Books
By Diana Butler Bass
Major United Methodist Beliefs
By Mack B. Stokes
A Biblical Feast: Foods from the Holy Land
By Kitty Morse
Love Finds You in Branson Missouri
By Gwen Ford Faulkenberry
Ragman and Other Cries of Faith
By Walter Wangerin, Jr
Dinner with a Perfect Stranger
By David Gregory
National Geographic Kids: Sea Otters
By Laura Marsh
What Should I Wear, Huggle Buggle Bear?
By Russell Julian
Goodnight Little One
By Margaret Wise Brown
The Berenstain Bears Get Involved
and
The Berenstain Bears: Blessed are the
Peacemakers
By Jan and Mike Berenstain
I Love You This Much
By Lynn Hodges and Sue Buchanan
Three Little Dinosaurs Egg Rescue
By Charles Fuge
Yes We are Open Truck Stop
By Anne Rockwell
New Board Books
The Berenstain Bears Easter Blessings
By Mike Berenstain
That's Not My Tiger
...
By Fiona Watts
The Mystery of the Attic Lion
By Elspeth Campbell Murphy
and
Molly Saves the Day
By Valerie Tripp
The Crystal Ball: A Rebecca Mystery
By Jacqueline Dembar Greene
Intruders at Rivermead Manor: A Kit Mystery
By Kathryn Reiss
By Eric Metaxas
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Youth News & Schedule
T.G.I.F.
 April /May 2016
Our goal and purpose is
to
know
the good news of
God's love
,
provide
fellowship
and
care
for each other,
reach out
into the
community,
share
in God's word,
Take time to Text:
Job 38:4-7; Isaiah 52:7; Psalm 118:21-24; Psalm 31:5; Luke 23:46; 1 John 4:18-19; Isaiah 43:10-13; Micah 4:3-4; Isaiah 2:4-5; Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Mark your Calendar!
Graduate Recognition Sunday is May 15
Come honor the class of 2016! If you are a Grad, bring your family and friends and enjoy a day that is designed to honor you. All other youth are asked to come help serve and enjoy brunch at 9:30. We will present our Grads with a little surprise, and honor our Graduates at the 10:45 worship service.
Change the World
Requirement ~ Commandment ~ Commission.
We are not a cruise ship. It is time to roll up our sleeves and make a difference. Change the World-starting today.
One heart at a time.
MISSION TEAM SOUGHT
Senior High Habitat for Humanity Mission Trip
July 24 - August 5
Come join the 2016 Mission Team
It will be the hardest and most rewarding week of your summer. We will be building in Omaha, Nebraska, then traveling to Wyoming after the work week. Prayerfully consider joining this Summer's Mission Team. It is Faith in Action!
There is a sign-up sheet in the High School classroom. If you have questions, contact Doug Rothe at 741-7667 or JoAnn Overholt at 525-1866, or email
joverholt @laurelumchurch. org
.
Do No Harm
(Matthew 5:43-44)
Do Good
(Ephesians 2:10)
Stay in love with God!
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Dreaming about summer?
Camping information has arrived!
Pick up a Camp Booklet in the Sr. High or Jr. High classrooms, in the church office, or ask JoAnn on any Sunday!
High School Youth!
Baby Fold Camp
-July 10-15
Mission Trip
-July 23-Aug 5
Heading to Nebraska and Wyoming!
OTHER SUMMER VOLUNTEER PROJECTS
¨
Reading Program
starts on May 29. Help is needed to sign kids up, and to hand out starting material.
¨
VBS/Mini-Camp
is June 21, 22, and 23. We needs lots of volunteers for Mini-Camp.
¨
Reading program
ends on July 17. We will need volunteers to collect reading logs and hand out prizes.
¨
Cooking With Kids
. We will do sessions again this summer. Watch for dates and times!
Double Edge
"For the word of God is living and active.
Sharper than any double-edged sword ..."
Hebrews 4:12
All High School youth are invited!
Double Edge Schedule
:
(Time 6:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
April 17 - Youth Sunday/Confirmation Sunday
(all three services)
May 1 - Kumler Food Pantry Scavenger Hunt
May 8 - Mother's Day - No Youth Group
May 15 - Graduate Recognition Sunday
Riot
(Rejoice in One Truth)
All 6
th
, 7
th
and 8
th
graders are invited!
RIOT Schedule
:
(Time 6:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
April 17 - Youth Sunday/Confirmation Sunday
(all three services)
May 1 - Pot Flowers
May 8 - Mother's Day - No Youth Group
May 15 - Fun at the Park
Double Edge (high school group) and Riot (Middle School youth group) meet Sunday evenings from 6 - 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. A snack supper is served when the group's activity is at Laurel. You are always encouraged to contact
JoAnn at 525-1866 (Laurel) or e-mail at
[email protected]
with any questions, ideas, and/or suggestions.
Yes, friends are always welcome!
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Laurel United Methodist Church | 217-525-1866 |
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Copyright © 2012. All Rights Reserved.
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