Church Events in 2010This page preserves links to church events that have already occurred in 2009 for reference purposes. Look at the News and Events page for future events and the sidebar for archives of previous years. 
Vacation Bible SchoolJuly 27-29, 2010: 9am-NoonAt the Galactic Blast Vacation Bible School, your children will gain a new perspective on our planet Earth, and learn easy "green" earth tips they can practice at home. Children will continue to build their faith while having fun!
Children entering Kindergarten through 6th grade Please consider volunteering to help; it's fun and the children love having their parents there. | Registration Form (PDF) | 
Our New Facebook PageStay Connected!
We have a new Facebook page that will be used by the staff to provide the most up-to-date news from the church. You don't have to be a Facebook member to view it, but we encourage all those who are to click the For those who prefer tweets, we also have a new Twitter page. News posts to the Facebook page are automatically posted there as well. Welcome the New Pastors!Sunday, July 4, 2010On Sunday, July 4, we will be welcoming our new senior pastors, Rev. Jim and Greta McDonald, to First UMC in a reception in the Fellowship Hall following the 10am service (Note: there will be only one service). Please join us in celebrating the start of their new ministry with us. Rev. Jim & Greta McDonald
Greta and Jim met at Iliff School of Theology, a United Methodist seminary in Denver, Colorado, where they both received Masters of Divinity degrees. Following seminary, Jim served the Hanover, Illinois UMC 8 years while Greta served the Elizabeth, Illinois UMC. They were both appointed as associate pastors to Libertyville UMC, where they served for 13½ years. For the past 11 years, they have served as co-pastors of the New Lenox UMC. They have two adult children. Their daughter, Danica, is a pediatric intensive care nurse at Hope Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn. Her husband, Dave Johnson, is a middle school teacher at Hinsdale, and they are parents of a 20-month old son, Kellen. Danica and her family live in New Lenox (guess what Greta's and Jim's favorite hobby is these days!). Their son, Colin, is completing his Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing degree, at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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button so that they can contribute to the online community. Please note that this is not the "group" that was set up a few months ago. The group will no longer be maintained so, if you belonged to it, please take a moment to join ("like") the new page.
The Reverends Jim and Greta McDonald have been married since 1977, and each of them has 34 years of pastoral experience. Jim grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. He received his BA with a double major in Sociology and History from the University of Manitoba. Greta grew up in northern Illinois, graduated from Dixon High School, received a BS in Communications-Journalism from the University of Illinois at Champaign, and served in 1974-75 as a part-time Senior High youth minister at Downers Grove First UMC.
College Scholarships
The 9th Annual Youth Car Wash will take place on Saturday, June 26, from 10am to 2pm and Sunday, June 27, from 8am to 11:30am. 
Father's Day
Farewell to Our Pastors
On Thundering Wings by Ermalou Roller has just been published and on June 6th from 11:15am to 12:30pm the Adult Education Work Area will be sponsoring a book signing, discussion, and question and answer period. Coffee and rolls will be served.
Did you know that in 2011 we will mark the 175th anniversary of our church? To kick off our celebration, we are producing a new pictorial directory. That means we need you to get your picture taken.
The FUMC Men's Quartet comprised of Ward Feste, Brett Goad, Scott Hudson, and Mark Kostelny will perform their second benefit concert for Bridge Communities on Sunday, May 16th, at 2:30pm with a reception to follow. Tickets are $7 in advance (on sale in the 
100% of your registration fee will go to buy a net to save a life by preventing malaria in Africa. Registration forms are available in the church office. If you cannot participate, consider sponsoring someone for the contest. The mission event is planned and run by the 5th and 6th grade Sunday school class!
| 8:00am | Chapel Choir |
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| 9:30am | Chancel Choir and Brass |
| 11:00am | Chancel Choir, Brass & Angel Choir |
Celebrate the good news of the Easter angels!
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Mother-Daughter Tea
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Our annual Mother-Daughter Tea will be held on Saturday, March 20th from 2:00 to 4:00pm in the Gym. Join us as we celebrate spring in Downers Grove.
Cathy Pearson, a writer who is a life-long resident of Downers Grove, will be reading some of her poetry and explaining her writing process. We will also have some fun spring craft demonstrations. We will have great food and wonderful fellowship. And yes, the chocolate fountains will be back!
Tickets are now on sale. Adults are $15 and children 12 and under are $8. We hope to see you there!
Fiction Book Group
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Fiction Book Group discusses a work of literature, and how it speaks to both the human condition and our search for God. Where are the intersections here between the story and our story, between the author's imagination, and the timeless questions all of us face? This year, a series of diverse works by mostly women authors, dealing with a common theme of finding our place and identity in a complex, fearful, and sometimes ruthless world.
The discussions, which will be in the Parlor starting at 7pm, are led by Jonathan Dean.
Alias Grace
by Margaret Atwood
On March 18, we will be discussing Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood. It's a powerful mixture of historical novel, love story and whodunnit, probing the dark depths of the human psyche, and the often cruel exclusion of human society. Join us for a conversation about this fascinating period piece.
All welcome! Copies of the book available from Anderson's bookstore or the library.
Geothermal Systems
Sunday, March 14, 2010: 9:30am
We are fortunate that Mark Nussbaum has agreed to give us the low down on geothermal systems - the use of the earth's thermal properties to provide conventional heating and air conditioning. Mark Nussbaum's company, Architectural Consulting Engineering has designed and coordinated the ground-source-heat-pump for North Central College's newest building, a four story dormitory/recreation center, as well as historic Frank Lloyd Wright structures.
Learn from an expert on how geothermal system uses the clean, cheap, simple and renewable energy found in your own backyard! Join us on Sunday, March 14th at 9:30am in Room 213.
YAH: Buddhist Temple
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Young At Heart will be going to visit the new Buddhist Temple located on Route 53 near Woodridge. Our visit will include a tour of the Temple to start at 10:30am. After the tour we will have lunch together at a restaurant. In a quote from one of their members who is a practicing Buddhist said, "Buddhism is not a religion, it's about knowing ourselves."
You may sign up for this event in the Parlor on Sunday mornings or by contacting Marilou Welch, through the church office 630.968.7120.
Midwest Mission Distribution Center
March 10-12, 2010
The Missions work area invites you join them in visiting the Midwest Mission Distribution Center in Chatham, Illinois. Tom and Gayle Ostrander will once again lead the group. The distribution center offers an opportunity to serve in our area and reach those in need around the world. With the recent disaster in Haiti, there is tremendous need for support, and the distribution center will be a hive of activity as critical supplies are gathered and prepared for shipment to earthquake victims in Haiti.
Last year our group prepared many things including shipments of equipment for a hospital in Ghana, school and health kits were packaged, and gowns were sewn for a hospital in Haiti. This year our help will be needed even more as United Methodists and the world reach out to aid the survivors of this catastrophic disaster in a country that was already struggling to survive.
This Trip is open to adults and family members 11 years of age or older. The Center is located on an 8 acre campus in Chatham, IL, 4 miles south of Springfield with overnight accommodations on site. We will leave in the morning Wednesday March 10th and return Friday evening. To reserve your spot or for more information about this upcoming trip contact the Missions Work Area chair, Jim Gracey.
It's our great privilege to be hosting one of United Methodism's best preachers and storytellers. Rev. Grace Imathiu will be with us on Saturday, March 6th. Grace is a pastor in Brown Deer, Wisconsin, and also enjoys a worldwide speaking ministry. Her interweaving of biblical material with insights from her native Kenya is unforgettable and beautiful.
Don't miss this chance to hear the gospel stories brought alive by Grace with her characteristic warmth and wisdom. Invite your friends too: it will be a day to cherish long in the memory.
| More Details |
Interfaith Book Discussion
Sunday, February 28, 2010
In an exciting follow up to this Fall's Interfaith Youth Project, FUMC will be hosting an Interfaith Book Discussion of Three Cups of Tea on Sunday, February 28th. This will be for ages 6th grade—Adult. Everyone is welcome—even if you were not a part of the fall interfaith project.
Our partner group, the Islamic Webb Foundation expects to have 30 people in attendance. Many of them are from or have visited Pakistan and India so are personally familiar with the area and issues that are discussed in this wonderful book.
The 6th-8th graders will discuss the young adult version of Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea. High Schoolers and Adults will discuss the original Three Cups of Tea and for those who have read it, his newly released sequel, Stones Into Schools.
Come to the new Youth Center from 5-7pm for a pizza dinner and a wonderful discussion of the book. Copies of the books are available in the office to borrow. RSVP to the church office (630-968-7120) or register online by February 22nd so we have a headcount for food.
Winging Our Way to Philly
Chapel Choir Fundraiser
Sunday, February 28, 2010
All friends, family and supporters of the First United Methodist Church Chapel Choir are invited to participate in this fundraising event on Sunday, February 28, 2010; 11am-1am. Everyone is invited to gather at Buffalo Wild Wings in Woodridge (6450 Rt. 53) for lunch, dinner, or a snack.
20% of purchases accompanied by the certificate below will be donated to the DGFUMC Chapel Choir Tour to Philadelphia, March 27-April 3, 2010. Contact the church office for a coupon or download the PDF file below.
| Download Coupon (PDF) | Map Link |
My Search for Messiah
Sunday, February 28, 2010
We are fortunate to have Mr. Bernarr ("Bernie") Newman, past President of Congregation Beth Shalom in Naperville, lead our Foundations class in Room 213 at 9:30pm. His topic will be A Jewish Perspective on Messiah.
This is a unique opportunity for us to learn the differences in Jewish and Christian understandings of messiah, and exchange ideas with a well informed Jewish leader. Bernie Newman is very open and receptive to questions and dialogue. So bring your Bible and join us.
February/March, 2010
To enrich and inform your journey through Lent, we are offering three classes and courses you can follow. Sign up in the office (places may be limited: so hurry!) for as many as you wish. May God bless your exploration and discovery as we approach Easter.
A Lenten Bible Study
Wednesdays at 11:00am followed by lunch
Room 213 (Register)
Rev. Tom Ostrander will lead this course using the Irresistible Invitation material. We will consider the Gospel reflection on the nature of God, the teachings of Jesus, the meaning of the cross, what Jesus' life models as it relates to the shape of discipleship, and the glorious possibility that Christ lives in us and we are to be his presence in the world. There is a book and outside reading.
The course runs from February 24 to March 31.
Reading the Christian Tradition
Sundays at 12:30pm with lunch ($4)
Room 213 (Register)
A chance to challenge, grill and critique the author!
Rev. Jonathan Dean's book Servitude and Freedom deals with the complicated history of the Church: and how contemporary Christians should receive and interpret it today. We'll discuss it together.
The course runs from February 28 to March 21.
Mission Trips That Matter
Thursdays at 6:30pm
Room 213 (Register)
"Instead of viewing their lives as a series of random, disconnected episodes, Christians are challenged to view their activities in relation to God's activity. Guiding folks into this way of thinking about life is at the heart of leading mission trips that matter."
Rev. Nick Nicholas will lead this course, using Don Richter's book as a guide. We will discover how we can connect our day to day lives to the experience of mission trips. We will find that all of life is mission and sacrament.
The course runs from March 4 to March 25.
Sign up online, in the Parlor on Sunday mornings, or in the Church Office.
2nd Annual Variety Show
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Here are a couple of comments from people who saw last year's variety show:
"Wow!! Where else could I have seen a budding prima ballerina, an innovative rendition of "Take Me out to the Ballgame" and a rock duo performing an original song, all for the low price of …$0.00?!"
—Julie Stone
"If you missed last year’s talent show, you missed one of the most interesting and entertaining evenings of the year. This year's show promises to be even better. So put it on your calendar and keep the date—February 20. The price is right and the entertainment great!"
—Elizabeth Vaughan
The Children and Family Work Area would not only encourage you to attend this year variety show on Saturday, February 20th at 6:30pm, but we would like to have you in it! If you have some talent like juggling, singing, playing an instrument, dancing, ventriloquism or some other talent, we would love to have you participate in this year’s variety show. Please contact John Smoke (630-968-7120) for more information, or to sign-up.
February 17, 2010 at 7:00pm
Music: Connection Choir
Preacher: Rev. Claire Marich
Worship led by Rev. Jonathan Dean
Service includes ashing and communion
Soup & Sandwich Supper for the Soul
NIU Wesley Foundation Fund Raiser
February 17, 2010: 5:00pm
College students from the NIU Wesley Foundation invite you to a Soup & Sandwich dinner fundraiser on Ash Wednesday at 5:00pm. They'll share pictures from their 2009 Spring Break mission work trip to Guatemala and donations will go toward their 2010 return to Guatemala!
Suggested donation is $6.00 and will be received at the door. If you would like to help the students serve this simple supper or if you have any questions, please contact the NIU Wesley Foundation Campus Pastor Kelli Beard. Thank you for your prayerful support and we look forward to being with you on Ash Wednesday.
Come to the supper and stay for the Ash Wednesday Service at 7:00pm.
Administrative Council
Sunday, February 14, 2010
There will be a short meeting of the Administrative Council after the worship services in the Sanctuary so that the Finance Committee can present the 2010 budget. We will vote on the budget at the conclusion of the presentation.
All are welcome to attend.
Building Dedication Sunday
Sunday, January 24, 2010
On Sunday, January 24, we will be celebrating the end of the Growing Together Campaign. In between each service, come and take a tour of the new spaces. Members of the Building Committee will be available to give more details of the transformation of the Gym, Fellowship Hall, Youth Center, and other parts of the church in the last three years.
Come and see how your financial support, combined with volunteer efforts, is going to enhance the life of the church.
Fiction Book Group
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Fiction Book Group discusses a work of literature, and how it speaks to both the human condition and our search for God. Where are the intersections here between the story and our story, between the author’s imagination, and the timeless questions all of us face? This year, a series of diverse works by mostly women authors, dealing with a common theme of finding our place and identity in a complex, fearful, and sometimes ruthless world.
The discussions, which will be in the Parlor starting at 7pm, are led by Jonathan Dean.
The Road Home
by Rose Tremain
The Road Home is the story of Lev, an immigrant in London recently arrived from Eastern Europe, who has left behind a daughter and mother. The book shows how he adjusts to a strange culture, new friendships, and the pain of separation from his old home. Liesl Schillinger, in the New York Times wrote that "Tremain elevates the subject beyond its outlines by making Lev not a statistic or a caricature or the standard-bearer of a trend but simply a man—fully embodied, his ignoble and noble acts presented without exaggeration, without excessive praise or condemnation."
Friday Night at the Movies
Safford Theater
7:30pm Friday, January 15, 2010
Our January movie will be "The Lives of Others," winner of the 2007 Academy Award for Best Foreign film as well as a Golden Globe award in the same category. Our discussion leader will be Sue Thornquist.
The fee is $2; popcorn, soft drinks, coffee and dessert provided. Please call the church office (630-968-7120) for directions to the Safford's home.
| Register Online |
Sing Them Over Again To Me
January 13, 2010
Young At Heart, the group for senior adults, will have some special musicians and accompanists from Fairview Village on Wednesday, January 13 who will present a program Sing Them Over Again To Me. This will include some "old" hymns and classical music. We will start with lunch at noon in Chapel Hall followed by the program.
You may sign up for this event in the Parlor on Sunday mornings or by calling the church office, 630.968.7120 to make a reservation. Cost per person will be $10.00.
Wednesday Faith Forum
Starting January 13, 2010
Wednesday Faith Forum is a small group for faith-seekers and all wanting to explore their faith journey with honesty, mutual respect and openness to one another. Rev. Jonathan Dean leads two groups, at 10:00am and 6:30pm respectively, who meet in Room 213 (our newly-refurbished Adult Education center) for discussions on books that can guide our reflections and sharing.
An Altar in the World
A Geography of Faith
by Barbara Brown Taylor
The Wednesday Faith Forum resumes on January 13th with Barbara Brown Taylor's An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith. Described by Marcus Borg as "elegant, wise, and insightful," this book reveals how Barbara Brown Taylor left parish ministry and learned to encounter the God who does not live in church.
Please join us for discussion. Copies of the book are available from the church office at a cost of $15. All are welcome!
Haiti Earthquake
We will be doing all we can as a congregation to respond to the earthquake in Haiti. Please come on Sunday 17th prepared to give generously to a collection, and to hear about ways to be more practically involved. Through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), we can be sure that our help will get where it is needed.
The people of Haiti are among the poorest on the face of the earth. For decades, they have endured unimaginable poverty, political corruption and instability, and the brutality of some in power. It's devastating that now they should have to endure this also.
As further information becomes available about how our church can support the relief efforts in Haiti, we will post it here.
| Donate to UMCOR Haiti Emergency Relief |
The Enneagram
Starting January 10, 2010
The Foundations adult class invites you to join them as they learn about the Enneagram (pronounced "ANY-a-gram"). This class will begin January 10th and continue through the first Sunday of February. The class will meet in Room 213 from 9:30-10:30am.
The Enneagram is a practical tool for use in our daily living. It reveals the unique spiritual challenges each of us deals with as we seek to grow closer to God and to one another. We'll be studying the nine basic personality types found in everyday life: the Reformer, the Helper, the Motivator, the Artist, the Thinker, the Loyalist, the Generalist, the Leader, and the Peacemaker. Each of us belongs to one of these personality types.
A basic premise of the Enneagram is that each personality type contributes something essential to the human condition. It also believes that no one type is superior to any other and that it is only as we look at the combined faces of all of the nine types that we can truly see the face of God. You are welcome to come to any of the Sundays the class is offered but you will receive the most benefit if you attend each session. The Rev. Ermalou M. Roller, a retired United Methodist pastor who is affiliated with our church, will teach the class. She has been certified to teach the Enneagram by the Riso-Hudson Professional Training program.
It will be very helpful for you to discover your personality type before coming to the class. The easiest way to do this is to go to the Enneagram website and click on Free QUEST Enneagram Test; then click on The Free Brief QUEST. It takes about 5 minutes.
Work Area Committee and
Board Leadership Training
January 6, 2010
Roger Curless, a lay leader of the Northern Illinois Conference, will be coming to meet with members of our church leadership team on January 6th, 2010 at 6:30pm. This time together will allow members of work areas and other committees to get to know each other and learn how to develop a faith-centered community. Please contact Sharon Harman to let her know if you will be attending.
Preschool Registration
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
3:00-4:00pm Room 101
Open registration for the 2010-2011 preschool class is on Tuesday, January 5. A $100.00 non-refundable registration fee and completed application is required to secure a space.
- Members: $145 per month
- Non-members: $165 per month
Creation Care 2010
April 17, 2010
Young-at-Heart Bingo
April 14, 2010
Wednesday Faith Forum
April 14, 2010
Chapel Choir Post-Tour Concert
April 11, 2010
Foundations: Mary Magdalene
April 11, 2010
Free Throw Shooting Contest
April 10, 2010
Holy Week
March 28, 2010
Chapel Choir Spring Break tour
March 27, 2010
Mother-Daughter Tea
March 20, 2010
FBG: Alias Grace
March 18, 2010
Geothermal Systems
March 14, 2010
YAH: Buddhist Temple
March 10, 2010
Midwest Mission Distribution Center
March 10, 2010
Rev. Grace Imathiu
March 6, 2010
Interfaith Book Discussion
February 28, 2010
Winging Our Way to Philly
February 28, 2010
My Search for Messiah
February 28, 2010
Lenten Courses
February 24, 2010
2nd Annual Variety Show
February 20, 2010
Ash Wednesday
February 17, 2010
NIU Soup and Sandwich Supper
February 17, 2010
Administrative Council
February 14, 2010
Building Dedication Sunday
January 24, 2010
Fiction Book Group
January 21, 2010
Friday Night at the Movies
January 15, 2010
YAH: Sing Them Over Again
January 13, 2010
Wednesday Faith Forum
January 13, 2010
Haiti Earthquake
January 12, 2010
Foundations
January 10, 2010
Leadership Training
January 6, 2010
Preschool Registration
January 5, 2010