Category Archives: Uncategorized

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith Worship This Sunday Scripture:  Genesis 1: 1-31 Sermon:  “Goodness” (Fruits of the Holy Spirit series) Praise Team Music:  Forever, Goodness of God, More Like Jesus, Your Love Never Fails Hymns:  For the Beauty of the Earth, Amazing Grace, Joyful Joyful … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith Seed Planting Time This is the month when I begin to morph into a gardener for another season.  I’ve got the vegetable and flower beds cleaned out, the first perennials of the year are making their appearance, … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith Two Pastors Meet I had the opportunity today to meet with Bill Wiggs, my successor come July 1.  We had lunch together and a very good conversation about First Church.  Even though Bill and I have been acquainted … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith The Real Story of St. Patrick It’s not about the politicians marching in a parade pandering for votes.  It’s not about the drunken agitators showing up every year in Champaign Urbana overwhelming the police forces.  It’s not about … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith Earlier today: I sent a notice to the congregation about Norma Hickenbottom, who passed away about 3 p.m. after being in hospice for a couple weeks.  She was staying with Joe Pound, who was taking care of … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith Sunday Worship Events this Coming Week Pastor’s in-town days this coming week:  Tuesday and Wednesday I can also be contacted anytime during the week by text, phone, or email:  217-898-3148 or jms754@gmail.com Monday             E.I. Food Bank  11 a.m.—noon (parking lot) … Continue reading →

Sullivan UMC—J. Michael Smith A busy day around the church today.  I saw a number of you coming and going—mostly distributing food to various people in our community. I saw Bob White, who reported that Mary is coming along, although not … Continue reading →

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 →