FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH             McHenry, Illinois                   Open Hearts                       Open Minds                               Open Doors

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Ministries

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN (UMW)

The purpose of UMW is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. Members of UMW provide time, talents, and resources to organize and carry out various fundraisers within the church. Some of these projects are: the annual cookie walk, rummage sale, and Operation Christmas Child.

Smaller circles within the UMW are: Abigail Circle, Deborah Circle, Priscilla/Ruth Circle and Hannah Circle. These circles meet once a month for fellowship and study. UMW, as a whole, meets once a month for a soup luncheon, fellowship, and a program.

"To the woman who finds meaning in her church and is drawn to its fellowship, whose life is packed full of activity and obligations, who struggles with loneliness or meaningless tasks, who is juggling jobs and family and trying to be faithful to both, who seems overburdened with the traditional woman's role of caregiver, who feels she has gifts which are wasted or undeveloped, who needs a supportive community to affirm her own sense of purpose and commitment to God ...."

UNITED METHODIST MEN (UMM)

The purpose of UMM is to reach men with a credible offer of the Gospel and equip all as spiritual leaders for their families, church, work, and community. Members of the UMM participate in a variety of activities such as cook outs, retreats/outings, church softball team, book reviews, and monthly breakfast meetings. They support: PADS, FISH, camp scholarships, Promise Keepers, youth mission trips, Scouting and help with the Fiesta Days fundraiser. All men are welcome to join or visit the men's group.

"To the man who finds meaning in his church and is drawn to its fellowship, whose life is packed full of activity and obligations, who struggles with loneliness or meaningless tasks, who is juggling jobs and family and trying to be faithful to both, who seems overburdened with the traditional man's role of provider and protector who feels he has gifts which are wasted or undeveloped,whoneeds a supportive community to affirm his own sense of purpose and commitment to God ...."

STEPHEN MINISTRY

In a Stephen Ministry congregation, lay caregivers (called Stephen Ministers) provide one-to-one Christian care to the bereaved, hospitalized, terminally ill, separated, divorced, unemployed, relocated, and any others facing a crisis or life challenge.

At times, we all need someone who will accept us as we are, who will listen and empathize with us, but most of all, someone who can be trusted to keep everything confidential.

Anyone who is experiencing a troublesome time, may call the Pastor or let someone know that they would like a caregiver, and someone will be there for them.

MUSIC MINISTRY

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord". Music is important in the building of an atmosphere of celebration, of stillness and reflection, of questioning or commitment. Music plays a very important part of our church's ministry. The First United Methodist Church uses music to generate excitement, beauty, and inspiration in the services of worship.

Music opportunities:

• Adult choir
• Handbell choir
• Childrens' "Joyful Noise" choir
• Praise Band

WORSHIP MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

God has given us all many talents and varied interests. The First United Methodist Church offers many opportunities for us to serve God:

• Ushers
• Liturgists
• Greeters
• Alter guild
• Music ministry
• Sunday school teachers
• Disciple leaders
• Stephen Ministers
• LOGOS volunteers

ADULT FELLOWSHIP (PAIRS AND SPARES)

Pairs and Spares is a group for couples and singles that are now past the stage in life of raising young children. This group meets socially about every two or three months. They attend programs such as musicals, plays, progressive dinners, picnics, band concerts, etc. Everyone is informed about these activities by mail and notices in the Sunday bulletins and church news letter.

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP (UMYF)

United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF) meets once or twice a month on Sunday for sharing, fellowship, programs, discussion, day-trips, recreational activities, service and mission projects, and FUN. The group is open to all youth.

This fellowship group is divided into two separate groups: Junior High UMFY (6th - 8th grades) and Senior High UMYF (9th - 12th grades)

All events are announced in the church newsletter and Sunday bulletins.

**Call the church office for more information on these groups.