Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith

Joys and Concerns from Yesterday’s Worship Services

• Joy for the beautiful weather—Janet Roney
• Joy for the recovery of Eric Shuman—Lois Shuman
• Joy for a family members who got good medical news—Esther Nelson
• Concerns for Norma Hickenbottom, who is now home in hospice, being cared for by Joe Pound
• Concerns for more rain to alleviate drought 
• Concerns for war in the Near East and all who live there
• Concerns for my son Derek Elder who is somewhere in the Near East—Laura Elder
• Thanksgiving that we live in a peaceful community
• Concern for family members who are facing the trauma of giving a “victim statement” in a sentencing hearing this week
• Prayers for an end to violence and hate
• Prayers for Tony Feeler, family, and friends of Ellen Feeler
• Prayers for the families and friends of Karen Lane and Cindy Florey who recently passed away

Request for help for one of our members…

Norma Hickenbottom is now home and in hospice care.  Joe Pound, her devoted partner has 24/7 care responsibilities for her, with occasional visits from the hospice nurse.  Joe’s family is providing him with help so he can take breaks and run errands.  But “TEAM JOE” needs four or five more people from our church who can give him an hour or two break occasionally.  It would involve sitting with Norma (who is mostly sleeping) so Joe can get out to run errands or simple to take a brief break so he can be refreshed.  If you can help, please let Joe’s son (Clark) know by contacting him at (847) 917-3941. 

My In-Town Days this Week

• Tuesday–noon to 9 p.m.
• Wednesday—9 a.m.—9 p.m.
• Saturday—9 a.m.—1 p.m.

(Even though I will plan to be in town these days and hours, several meetings and events are already taking up part of my schedule.  Please call, text, or email in advance if you want to be assured of getting together with me.  I am always delighted any time someone gets in touch to schedule a time together.

Funeral for Ellen Feeler

The funeral for Ellen Feeler will be Saturday at 10 a.m. in the church sanctuary.  Her visitation will be Friday at Reed Funeral Home from 4-7 p.m.  You can check out her obituary from the Reed Funeral Home website at https://www.reedfuneralhome.net/obituary/ellen-feeler  Those wishing to help with the funeral dinner on Saturday should contact Ann Wheeler.

Revised March Birthday and Anniversary List  (Please let us know what updates are needed)

Anniversaries  

Mar.  9,  George and Valee Selby

Mar. 10, Bill and Yvonne Workman

Birthdays:

Mar.  2  Melissa Krieger                              

Mar.  3  Lucy Brettschneider

              Easton Poe

Mar.  5  Emery Krieger

              Karen Reed

Mar.  6  Jim Booker

              Luke DeLong                     

 Mar.  9  Glenda Harris

               Bill Workman               

Mar. 11  Mary Ann Hecht

Mar. 17  Shirlene Cole

               Janet Roney

Mar. 25  Yvonne Workman

Mar. 29  Casey McClain

Mar. 30  Linda Miner

From Yesterday’s Sermon—Eight Traits in a Genuine Friendship

1. We know and are known—each of us has significant knowledge about the other, not just superficial information, but knowledge that gets to the deeper levels of who we are
2. We take pleasure in each other and would like to be together more often
3. There is a story behind the friendship—how we met, why we were drawn to each other, anecdotes of situations and experiences we have had together
4. The relationship is characterized by lots of food, drink, and conversation. 
5. There is mutual loyalty—we make each other a priority—sometimes to the point of inconveniencing ourselves to respond to the other
6. There is choice in the relationship—not manipulation or guilt that drives us to respond to each other
7. We continue to be curious about each other
8. We are concerned about every aspects of one another’s well-being—physical, mental, spiritual, social, financial

Bridging Table Hosts Needed

We are creating a new way of organizing all the ministries of the church (mission, member care, Sunday School, fellowship, annual traditions, worship, hospitality, children’s ministries, youth ministries, ministries for families, community involvement, ministry to seniors, etc.)

If you are interested in being a host, I will be doing orientation-show and tell this coming Wednesday.  You can attend at either noon or 6 p.m.  You can just show up—or if you know you plan to attend, drop me a line so I know how many copies of the material to make.  If you can’t make it either of those times but are interested in learning more—drop me a line and we’ll work something out.  Jms754@gmail.com or 217-898-3148