The DGFUMC youth group is called Ignite - we aim to be the spark that starts the spiritual fire. Our hope is that being a member of Ignite will change kids' lives and move them to help change the lives of their friends. The purpose of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples for Jesus Christ. Ignite will do that by building community through fun, fellowship and service.
Submitted by Don Dunham on February 3, 2012 - 9:46pm
Thanks to the 137 people who came to the Mongolian Grill on Jan. 31st in support of the Chapel Choir. A total of $868 was raised between the $3 donation per plate from the restaurant and the generous tips left by patrons. Sincere appreciation is also expressed to our six guest grillers: Joette Conger, Chad Goetz, JJ Mannschreck, Bobbi Mielcarski, Rev. Jim McDonald, and Bruce Ritter.
Submitted by Bethany Main on January 18, 2012 - 12:51pm
The youth will be baking and decorating cupcakes and heart shaped cakes for Valentine's Day to help raise money for Youth Activities.
The cost of a cake is $14 and cupcakes are $4. Cakes and cupcakes are available in both white and red velvet with your choice of butter cream or cream cheese frosting in either red or pink.
Your cake will be ready for pick up on Sunday, February 12th. Order forms are available to download by clicking the link below or in the parlor on Sundays and in the church office anytime.
Order forms are due to the church office by Wednesday, February 8th.
We are in need for a few volunteer youth leaders. If you are interested in getting more involved, please contact the church office or JJ Mannschreck for more information.
Submitted by Ray Osborn on January 1, 2012 - 10:57pm
For over 11 years, the youth ministry at DGFUMC was run by two remarkable people, Nick Nicholas and Belford Hernandez. Nick Nicholas joined our congregation on June 12, 2000, the first day of church camp at Reynolds Wood. Since then, over 400 8th graders have been confirmed in their faith during the Onward Bound program. In addition to church camp, he expanded the number of mission trips each year to include junior, senior and post-high youth. He took the senior high to help rebuild communities from Milwaukee to Pascagoula, and the post-high to build shelters in the Bahamas and restore churches in London and Edinburgh. Locally, he established a particularly close relationship with the community of United Church of Rogers Park.
During this same period, the Chapel Choir was led by Belford Hernandez, a prodigiously talented musician from Venezuela, who was trained in Colombia and Chicago, before joining the music program at Downers Grove South High School. He was as accomplished playing jazz piano with the Worship Band as he was conducting the choir and brought an eclectic range of music to us on Sunday mornings, all played with passion and verve. Along with many wonderful adult leaders, Nick and Belford took the Chapel Choir to NYC, St Simons Island GA, Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, Boston, Wilmington NC, New Orleans, Washington DC, Philadelphia and Toronto.
During their time with us, Nick and Belford touched the lives of all our youth. Many of those that Nick led are now young adults that he keeps in touch with, officiating at many of their weddings and helping to baptize their children. Belford continues as director and piano collaborator for professional and amateur choirs and vocal ensembles throughout the Chicago area, including the local "Cantores" Community Choir.
On December 23, many of the alumni of the DGFUMC youth programs over the last decade gathered in the Open Door to show their appreciation for the years of service that Nick and Belford gave to our church. Below, you can see the slideshow prepared by Nikki Walters and Louise Osborn, that was presented the night of their good-bye party.
Submitted by Sharon Harman on December 17, 2011 - 3:48am
Help the Chapel Choir get to New York this Spring Break by sponsoring a bus seat for $25. You can direct your sponsorship to a particular student or have it applied to the tour fund. Sponsor forms are available in the church office or from Chapel Choir members.
Submitted by Laura Temple on November 24, 2011 - 9:40pm
Happy Thanksgiving! Everyone from First UMC is invited to the Interfaith Multicultural Thanksgiving Brunch to be held at the Islamic Foundation on Sunday, November 27, from 11am to 1pm. You can find more details here. It is a wonderful experience and I encourage you to come - individuals and families - all are welcome. Because our hosts from the Mohammed Webb Foundation are supplying main dishes we need to give them an RSVP right away. Please contact Laura Temple if you plan to come.
Submitted by Bethany Main on November 17, 2011 - 1:40pm
Alongside the revitalization of our Youth Programs comes a need for a few volunteer Youth Leaders to be involved on regular weekly basis. Responsibilities would range from setting out snacks and organizing the community meal to chaperoning games and leading bible discussion. If you are interested in getting more involved, please contact the church office or JJ Mannschreck for more information. (jj.mannschreck@garrett.edu)
The DGFUMC youth group is called Ignite - we aim to be the spark that starts the spiritual fire. Our hope is that being a member of Ignite will change kids' lives and move them to help change the lives of their friends. The purpose of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples for Jesus Christ. Ignite will do that by building community through fun, fellowship and service.
Happy Thanksgiving! Everyone from First UMC is invited to the Interfaith Multicultural Thanksgiving Brunch to be held at the Islamic Foundation on Sunday, November 27, from 11am to 1pm. You can find more details 
