Sullivan First UMC—J. Michael Smith

Staff Change

Yesterday I received and accepted the resignation of Yvonne Workman from her administrative position in the church.  Yvonne served the church faithfully through a very difficult and chaotic period of the congregation’s life, often being the person maintaining control over various critical systems.  She deserves deep appreciation for those services.

Her responsibilities will be split among other staff members and volunteers—and it will take us a few weeks to work through who will do what.  But in the meantime, any needs or assistance you require from the office staff should be directed to either Kat Pound (our Executive Administrator) 224-245-3620 sandshells67@gmail.com or myself 217-898-3148 jms754@gmail.com

Congratulations Graduates!

We will recognize all our church graduates this coming Sunday at the 9 a.m. worship service.  Thumbs up for Annysa Coffer, graduating from high school.  And pats on the back for our graduating kindergartners:  Beau Brettschneider, Tynleigh Cowell, Norah Edwards, Ridge Edwards, Egan Hoss, and Zola Krieger. 

Prayer Concern

Jim Moore is in our prayers these days.  He had an accident in the course of doing a home chore and now features 73 stitches in his leg. He is coming along, however, and we pray for healing.

Rest of my vacation

The first of my vacation was with my wife, the second half will be with my daughter, who goes places with me my wife doesn’t want to go to—or return to.  Mindy and I always take those trips while Jie is in China (from which she will return June 3.)  

We will be leaving after church this Sunday and driving that day to Lincoln, Nebraska.  Then on to the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, and the Badlands.  I will be back in Urbana May 26 and in Sullivan the 27^th.  

I will be accessible during my time away if you have any critical questions or needs.  You may also contact the church office or Kat Pound while I am away.

On Sunday May 24, my brother, Jim Smith, will be the guest speaker.  Jim and I are close to each other, but some of our life experiences have been quite different.  He spent four years in prison, an experience he will share in his talk, but also give his testimony about how God changed him in ways he never expected while he was there.  He will speak at both services—9 a.m. and 10:30.

Worship This Sunday

Scripture:  Genesis 12: 1-9

Sermon:  Blessed to Be a Blessing

Praise Team music:  The Way, Christ Alone, Alleluia, Mighty to Save

Hymns:  Come, Christians, Join to Sing; Standing on the Promises; Come Thou Fount

Events this Coming Week

Monday, May 18

Wings Group 6:30 p.m.

AA Meeting Group 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 19

Walking with Jesus (men) 9:00 a.m.

Women’s Life Group 9:00 a.m.

No Bible Study this week – Next Bible Study is June 2

Tuesday Informal Eat Out 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 20

Praise Team Practice 5:00 p.m.

No Evening Bible Study this week – Next Bible Study is May 27

AA Group 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 21

Mary’s Food Bags noon

Saturday, May 23

Burgers and Brats Sale:  8am – until sold out

The Walking with Jesus group needs helpers to set up at 8am,

workers from 10am – noon, and fresh workers to help clean up

from noon to 1pm for the burgers and brat’s sale. Contact

Dennis Ozier at 217-728-2195 if you can help.

If you would like to be in the loop for learning where the Tuesday Informal Eat

Out fellowship will gather from week to week, please contact Kat Pound with your contact information.