A PUBLICATION OF THE

PROPHETSTOWN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

 
2024 APRIL NEWSLETTER
As we enter into April, we are ready for a change we are all ready for spring. The season of new life. We see buds on the trees, the grass turns green, and we see flowers sprouting. New life is all around us. This is the season of new life with Jesus Christ. The old has passed away and the new season has begun. Some of us feel close to God, everything is moving forward nicely. Others of us feel distant from God and wonder why we are feeling this way? God is always with us; but it can be hard for us to realize this at certain times in our lives. We get distracted and life moves so quickly now it can be difficult to spend time with God. When this happens we need to change our priorities and focus our attention differently. God continually calls us and spring is the perfect time to change our course and go back to God. Whether we need to pray, read scripture, have fellowship with other people, or just sit quietly and listen for God. Spend some time with God this Lenten season and “Check in with God” see how things are going and readjust your priorities if needed. God wants us to come back to him especially if we
feel distant. Pastor Joey
 
 
IF YOU HAVE PRAYER REQUESTS, OR WANT TO TALK, PLEASE CONTACT PASTOR JOEY @ 815-656-0362, OR EMAIL:
PASTOR JOEYGARCEA@GMAIL.COM

To my Church Family a big THANK YOU—-
for the many cards, hugs, phone calls, and Happy Birthday wishes
on my 85th birthday. How did that happen, time certainly flies!
How wonderful to have such a caring Church Family and sneaky daughter!
Thanks again, you made my birthday very special!!
Connie
 
If you would like to volunteer
To be an usher, liturgist, or bring in bread and set-up for
Communion, please contact
Karen Richey.
 
APRIL BIRTHDAYS
Frank Sebok – April 4
Jessica Wirsing -April 11
Kyle Behrens – April 13
Gordon Francis – April 17
Cash Wolf – April 17
Mary Ann Smith – April 18
Esther Wagenecht – April 20
Norah Wirsing – April 20
Ella Miller – April 21
Landen Garcea – April 26
Don Hand – April 27
Jennifer Etheridge – April 28
 
APRIL ANNIVERSARIES
Kathy & Joe Massingill – Apr. 17
 
NUTS! NUTS!
You can shop year around 24/7 at the Terri Lynn Webstore at https://pumc.terrilynn.com for all your pecan, cashew, walnut, etc. needs. These will be delivered directly to your home.
 
 

TRUST ME, and don’t be afraid. Many things feel out of control. Your routines are not running smoothly. You tend to feel more
secure when your life is predictable. LET ME lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances. Take refuge in the shelter of MY WINGS, where you are absolutely secure .When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines, grip MY hand tightly and look for growth opportunities. Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort, accept the challenge of something new. I lead you from glory to glory, making you fit for MY kingdom. Say yes to the ways I work in your life. Trust ME, and don’t be afraid.
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust
and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD
is my strength and my song; he has
become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2

 
 

Noah’s Ark has always been one of my favorite stories from the Bible. Can you imagine God asking you to build an ark. I’m sure I would say, “God, you’ve got to be kidding.”
Many, many years ago, when I was a Sunday School teacher, we studied Noah’s Ark and this was one of the stories I would like to share.
Everything I Need to Know, I Learned from Noah’s Ark
Number One — Don’t miss the boat.
Number Two — Remember that we are all in the same boat.
Number Three — Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.
Number Four — Stay fit. When you’re 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
Number Five — Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
Number Six — Build your future on high ground.
Number Seven — For Safety’s sake, travel in pairs.
Number Eight — Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
Number Nine — When you’re stressed, float a while.
Number Ten — No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting.

I hope each of you have many rainbows waiting!
 

LITURGISTS:
April 7 – Sally Renkes
April 14 – Kim Smith
April 21 – Larry Stewart
April 28 – Dixie Taylor
USHERS:
April 7 – Gordon Francis &
Frank Sebok
April 14 – Garett Plumley &
JoAnn Frederick
April 21 – Tammie Olson &
Shelly
April 28 – Chuck & Janice
Swanson

COMMUNION BREAD VOLUNTEERS:
April 7 – Diane Hull
May 5 – Tiffany Onken &
Adam Carr
ACOLYTES:
April 7 – Connor Butts & Aidan
Garcea
April 14 – Ava Gravila & Ella
Miller
April 21 – Hadley Bebon & Kasha
Sebok
April 28 – Owen Garcea & Tamber
Rippy
 
 
 
 
Bear Necessities
Personal Care Pantry
Where: Leon UMC
17173 Lomax Road
Prophetstown
When: 3rd Saturday of every month from 10am to 11am.
Available items: Laundry Detergent,
Toilet paper, Bath Soap, Toothpaste, Dish Soap, Shampoo. Other items available from time to time.
PRAYER
Prayer is something we all have needed at some time in our lives. That is the reason the prayer chain by e-mail was created. Anyone can ask for prayers for themselves, family members, friends, etc. Details of the reason are not necessary, but if you want to share, we will need permission from the person involved.
You can either contact Pat Crump at the Church, Pastor Joey or email Pat Uhler at puhler@gmail.com with questions or to request a prayer.