Author Archives: J. Michael Smith

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith Out of Town Today I’m just getting in from Springfield, where I took my brother to the hospital for surgery.  He had a mass growing inside his chest, benign, that needed to be removed before it got … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith NEW PASTOR TO BE ANNOUNCED THIS COMING SUNDAY Our district superintendent, Sara Isbell, has introduced the incoming pastor (July 1) to our Pastor Parish Relations Committee.  The committee was very pleased, but they have been trusted to … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith Baby News Eleanor Hoss is home!  She had a delayed trip through the NIC unit at Carle for a couple days—but is adjusting well and got to come home for the first time this afternoon. Finance News … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith TIME CHANGE SUNDAY–AND ONE SERVICE (not two) THIS WEEK Okay—it’s not really breaking news—but I just wanted to give everyone an extra reminder so you won’t miss church. ONE CHURCH SERVICE THIS SUNDAY:  MARCH 8—10 A.M. FRIENDSHIP … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith Some very good news today:  Laura Elder’s son, caught in the Near East when war broke out last week, has made it out safely and is now in Germany.  For several days Laura did not know whether he … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith Member update: Around the Church Today We had about 8 or so people attend the Bridging Table at noon today for orientation.  I’ll be hosting the evening orientation on the same subject in a few minutes.  Interesting conversations … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith Launch of Bridging Table The newly created “Bridging Table” will launch tomorrow with sessions at noon and 6 p.m. for individuals wishing to be more involved in the church’s ministries.  All programs will go through the Bridging … Continue reading →

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 →