Messenger

October 2017

Fall is my favorite season of the year! While I do not particular enjoy all the raking and hauling leaves to the town burn pile, I do enjoy watching the leaves change colors. I like hearing and seeing the geese flying overhead. I especially enjoy the fresh, crisp, cool air and having windows open. And I’m not sure what can beat a hot cup of apple cider on a cool evening. For me, Fall has far more positives than negatives.

Fall is also the part of the yearly cycle that reminds me that death is a part of life. Our lives consist of endings as well as beginnings...good-byes as well as hellos. At least this is the case for those who are blessed enough to take their first breaths. As I looked into the statistics, for every 1,000 live births there are 200 abortions. So, approximately 17% of pregnancies end in abortion. The number of abortions may be dropping (California, New Hampshire, and at least one other state seem to not be keeping this particular statistic); regardless, 17% seems like a rather high percentage.

On Sunday, October 1 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., people throughout Sullivan (and across our country) will participate in Life Chain. Folks will be meeting at the traffic lights by CVS and then simply stand for an hour in remembrance of all the lives lost. First Baptist is spearheading this event and would appreciate a number participating from each congregation if possible. Please contact me, and I’ll be happy to pass the information along.

At Sullivan First UMC, we are preparing for Consecration Sunday on October 29, and our Church Conference with our new District Superintendent on Monday, October 30 at 6 p.m. You will be receiving letters about Consecration Sunday, and hearing about the Church Conference.

Lastly, please prepare to receive our new Family Ministries Director, Talin Crow, and his family. His wife’s name is Miranda, and they have a one-year old, Rowan.

Pastor Renner

Pastor Ponderings

Church Finances

August Receipts: $22,477August Disbursements: $26,130

Newsletter Deadline

The deadline for the NovemberNewsletter is Monday, October16

216 W. Jefferson St.Sullivan, IL 61951

Phone: (217) 728-4436Email: office@sullivanfirstumc.com

Office Hours: Mon–Fri 8am–1pmwww.sullivanfirstumc.com

Featured Events

216 W. Jefferson St.Sullivan, IL 61951

Phone: (217) 728-4436Email: office@sullivanfirstumc.com

Office Hours: Mon–Fri 8am–1pmwww.sullivanfirstumc.com

Our Annual Church Conference will be on October 30 at 6:00 p.m. All members of the church who are present have voice and vote.

WELCOME! We would like to extend a warm welcome to our new Family Ministries Director, Talin Crow! He is moving to Sullivan from Houston, Texas, with his wife, Miranda and their one year old son Rowan.

Trunk or Treat

October 31 4 -- 6 pm

First UMC Parking LotIf you would like to participate in this years Trunk or Treat please contact the church office or sign up on Sunday’s connect card.

Last Month Review

216 W. Jefferson St.Sullivan, IL 61951

Phone: (217) 728-4436Email: office@sullivanfirstumc.com

Office Hours: Mon–Fri 8am–1pmwww.sullivanfirstumc.com

THANK YOU!! Thanks to Eric & Chance Shuman for tearing down the old garage!

Thanks as well, to Josh Qualls who helped with the tear down and trimmed the trees in the lot.

Over the last few weeks we have been collecting for Hurricane relief efforts. Here is what we have collected to date:UMCOR Hurricane Relief Fund: $315Flood Buckets: $2,665

Sullivan First UMC Family, I cannot put into words how much you all mean to me, thank you all for the love and support you have shown me over my time working at the church! Your gifts and cards of encouragement meant so much to me, and I am so grateful for you all and the time I got to spend with each and every one of you. I will always hold a special place in my heart for the kids, youth, and families at Sullivan First, and look forward to visiting when Sam and I come back thru Sullivan! Many have asked for our updated address here in North Carolina, which is 802 Underwood Ave. Apt. C12 Durham, NC 27701. Always praying and sending my love to you all, Love, Heather

The following books have been recently donated to our library.

Stories Behind Men of Faith by Ace CollinsGiving Up Something Good for Something Better by Sister

Alegria del Senor & Sister Confianza del Senor(Beth Blodgett and Prairie Naoma Cutting)

The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make by Sean CoveyGeneration Change by Zach HunterLose Your Cool by Zach Hunter

If you are participating in The Reading Program for this year, you only have a few more months to complete this program! Keep on reading!!

United Methodist Women

216 W. Jefferson St.Sullivan, IL 61951

Phone: (217) 728-4436Email: office@sullivanfirstumc.com

Office Hours: Mon–Fri 8am–1pmwww.sullivanfirstumc.com

Upcoming Dates to Remember:October 7: 9am-3pm IGRC UMW Annual Meeting Springfield First November 4: 9am-2pm District Personal Growth Retreat Rantoul UMC

For more information about the UMW, please check out our page on the church website.

http://www.sullivanfirstumc.com/connect/united-methodist-women

UMW Noodle DinnerOctober 15 following Heritage Service

Friendship Hall

First UMC

October Calendar

216 W. Jefferson St.Sullivan, IL 61951

Phone: (217) 728-4436Email: office@sullivanfirstumc.com

Office Hours: Mon–Fri 8am–1pmwww.sullivanfirstumc.com

4-6p.m.Trunk

or Treat