Author Archives: J. Michael Smith

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith Joys and Concerns from Yesterday’s Worship Services 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 … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith Today is National Polar Bear Day Check out one of the “live” polar bear cam sites:  https://www.explore.org/livecams/polar-bears-international/polar-bear-cam Birthdays and Anniversaries for March Anniversaries   Mar.  9,  George and Valee Selby Birthdays: Mar.  2  Melissa Krieger      … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith An Organizational Map of Our Church We have two primary centers of organization in our church:  the Bridging Table and the Church Council.   The Bridging Table (something new) coordinates all the ministries of the church, schedules them, makes sure they … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith Hospital News Norma Hickenbottom is in Sarah Bush Hospital trying to get her strength back.  Serious breathing problems. Statistical News I submitted our 2025 “statistical report” to the annual conference earlier today.  Some numbers were hard to find, … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith Highlights of the day Save the Date The men set two dates for burgers and brats this year:  May 23 and September 5  (Saturday before Memorial Day and Saturday before Labor Day.) Quote It’s not often that someone … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith Joys and Concerns from Sunday Morning This Week Statistically Speaking Ryan Burge is a pastor who loves statistics and passes them on in a daily blog.  Here was what he discovered and posted earlier today on people’s … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith Worship This Sunday Hours I Am in Town this Coming Week Remember:  I can be reached any day by text or phone at 217-898-3148 or email jms754@gmail.com Around the Church this Coming Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith News Around the Church Personal Note Jie and I will be spending the day in Lisle, Illinois celebrating the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Horse with part of our family. As I noted … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith Notes from around the church Hope to see you at our Ash Wednesday worship tonight.

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith The Tuesday-Wednesday Combo this Week Shrove Tuesday is our chance to eat, have fun, and welcome the community with our friendliness.  Join us tonight between 5 and 7 for pancakes and sausage. Ash Wednesday is a reminder … Continue reading →