Upcoming Events and Announcements

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Click here to view/print Hand in Hand Family Fun.

Click here to view/print Faith Filled Summer Fun

Click here to view/print Kitchen Information and Registration

Sangamon River District LIBERIAN INIATIVE “HANDS OF HOPE!”
Remembrance and Thanksgiving
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go
Women in Mission
Grassroots Interfaith Potluck/Picnic
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
From Crayons to Caps and Gowns…
Annual Pork Chop Dinner
Dive Deep into Summer Reading
Mini Summer Camp
Sound Quake presents Praise Rocks
Surf's Up Nightlight Lock-in
Kids in the Kitchen
Someone’s in the Kitchen
Sunday School Specials
Book Club
Family Fun Days
St Louis City Museum
Hand in Hand Family Fun
Senior High Habitat Mission Trip
YOUTH
 - TGIF
 - DOUBLE EDGE
 - RIOT

Sangamon River District
LIBERIAN INIATIVE
“HANDS OF HOPE!”
Build from the Center
Sunday, May 18th
3:00 - 7:00 p.m.

A call is going out to all of the United Methodist Churches, clergy, leaders and members across the bounds of the Sangamon River Disrict. Join us on Sunday, May 18th from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on the grounds of the Springfield First United Methodist Church’s West Campus located at the corner of Koke Mill and Wabash.

There will be live music on our outdoor stage all afternoon, featuring some of the awesome music teams of our district. There will be food available on-site for the family and there will even be a special Children’s Fun Zone with all proceeds going toward our Liberian Initiative- The Building of the District Center in the Liberian Wealah District. There will also be activities and music for the Jr. & Sr. High Youth. Bring your family, bring your lawn chairs, bring your appetite and join us for this special afternoon.

Laurel UMC will be providing the food and youth and adult
workers for the Children’s Fun Zone for the  Hands of Hope Event. We are inviting the entire congregation to be involved.

Remembrance and Thanksgiving
May 25

Join us for a special Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving on Sunday, May 25 at the 8:30, 9:30 & 10:45 Worship Services. This is a service to remember our family members and friends who have passed away. At each service, we will light candles for those whom we wish to remember. This will be a time of healing, celebration and renewal of our faith.

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go
Relay for Life Coming Soon

Remember to mark your calendars for this year’s Relay for Life. The Relay table in the parlor will be open each Sunday to sign up to walk, purchase luminaries, order the free ACS t-shirts, order Laurel’s team shirts or to be part of the Memory and Celebration walls. Please be aware of the following deadlines: May 11 is the last day to order the FREE ACS t-shirt for this year’s Relay; May 18 is the last day to order the “Laurel’s Lights” team t-shirt. This shirt will cost $15 and all proceeds will be contributed to the Relay for Life.

The Laurel Relay for Life Team also requests your help with a Silent Auction to be held at Laurel on June 8. We are requesting donations of new or lightly used items and/or offers of services. Items could include collectibles, tickets to sporting events, handmade items (jewelry, quilts, crochet or knitted items, woodworking, etc) or offers of future services (lawn mowing, babysitting, a boat ride, baking a pie or Birthday cake, hair styling, manicure, etc.). Then, we need your bids on donated items the day of the Silent Auction. Please prayerfully consider how you can help — use your imagination! Then, contact Jack or Mavis Shook at 546-6216 or Tom or Barb Needham at 483-3869 if you have questions or to let us know what you wish to donate.  For further team information, contact team captains Deb Dornblaser or Pat Kuster.

Women in Mission
September 13

Women from Springfield and all across the state are invited to join this year’s Ministry Team as they travel to Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky.  We will leave Springfield on Sunday, September 7 and
return on Saturday, September 13. The cost is $280 per person.  This fee includes a $20 non-refundable processing fee, $165 for room and meals at Henderson Settlement, a $50 project fee, and $45 for fuel/transportation.  To guarantee your place on the trip, please send $20 to Laurel United Methodist Church. You may make payments toward the total cost as you desire. The entire amount must be paid by August 15. You will also need to complete an UMVIM accident insurance
application and a medical release form.

Luke 10:27 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with  all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,  and love your neighbor as yourself.”

The mission of this team will be to share this love with our neighbors at Henderson Settlement. Prayerfully consider joining this team!  For more information contact Carolyn Leach, Director of Lay Ministry, 525-1866,. Cell phone 494-1357, or cleach@laurelumchurch.org.

Grassroots Interfaith Potluck/Picnic
Sunday, May 18 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
At Douglas Park, Shelter #1

Bring a dish to share. Hot dogs, Brats, Burgers, Buns and Lemonade will be provided.  Let’s get to know our neighbors of different faith
communities. Live Music and Entertainment! Please see Jack Shook or Virginia Bayless of Laurel Peacemakers for more details.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

The IGRC United Methodist Men will host United Methodist Day at Busch Stadium Saturday, June 14 . The Cardinals will play the Phillies. Game time is 2:55 p.m.

Outfield box seats are $30 and infield terrace reserved seats are $10.

All proceeds go the IGRC United Methodist Men. Tickets are
available on a first come, first serve basis. The deadline to order is May 15.

To reserve tickets, contact Carolyn Leach, Director of Lay
Ministries, 525-1866 or cleach@laurelumchurch.org. You may also sign up on the Sunday registration sheet and submit your check.

From Crayons to Caps and Gowns…
Where did the time go?

GRADUATION RECOGNITON SUNDAY is JUNE 1 !!!
A complimentary brunch for all graduates and their family and friends will be served at 9:30 and the class will be presented at the 10:45
service. We will again offer a family photo opportunity. Come enjoy the morning as we honor you, The Class of 2008!

(Always looking for a little help. If you would like to help with the 2008 Graduate Brunch, contact JoAnn Overholt at
525-1866 or 566-3821.)

Annual Pork Chop Dinner
Sunday, June 8
10:30am to 1:00pm

Menu:
Pork chops/hot dogs
Baked beans, Chips
Dessert-Tx cake, brownies, or other items that class will bake.
Drinks-tea or lemonade

Cost-$8.00 for adults and $5.00 for 12 years old or under
Proceeds will go to Central Illinois and Kumler Food Bank
Sponsored by the Discovery Class
 
Dive Deep into Summer Reading

Children of all ages, register for our  “Dive Deep” into Summer Reading Program. Whether you are ready to dive into the Ocean Or stay in the Tide Pool, Laurel’s Summer Reading Program has a sea of books waiting for you.

Pick up your Captain’s log and program information starting on May 25. July 20 is the day to turn in reading logs and collect prizes!!!

Mini Summer Camp
Come have a blast!!

June 24, 25 and 26
9:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

This camp is offered to children ages 3 through children having completed 2nd grade.  Each day’s adventure will be filled with a Bible story, crafts, games, music, a science experience and a  few fun surprises along the way.

Come to Beach Party, ready to surf!!!

1 John 3:18

Pick up information and registration form today!!

Sound Quake presents Praise Rocks
Sunday, May 18
9:30 and 10:45 services

Come knowing that you are “made to praise”
and get ready to rock!!!

Invite all your friends and family
and know that Praise Rocks!!!

If you have questions, just give me a call at 525-1866 (Laurel) or 566-3821 (home) or e-mail me at joverholt@laurelumchurch.org.

Surf's Up Nightlight Lock-in
July 11 - 12

All children who have completed 2nd – 5th grade and their parents are invited.  (Yes, you can bring your friends!!!)

We will have a simple snack supper and then the adventure begins!!!

Kids in the Kitchen
(a cooking experience for pre-school and kindergarten)

Date:  Friday, June 13, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Location:  The kitchen side of Fellowship Hall, Laurel UMC
For:  children pre-school and Kindergarten and a parent or caregiver
Older siblings welcome
Cost: $3.00 per child (this is to cover the cost of food)
What to bring:  A cookie sheet covered with foil

Register by Sunday June 8

Someone’s in the Kitchen
(a cooking experience for our elementary age group)

Theme:  Picnic on the Beach
We’ll be cooking up some crowd pleasers
And eating as we go!!!
Date:  Friday, June 20, from 10:30 – noon
Location:  The kitchen side of Fellowship Hall, Laurel UMC
For:  Elementary aged children
(those completing 1st – 5th grade)
Cost:  $6.00 per child (this is to cover the cost of food)

Register by Sunday June 15
(register early, space will be limited)

Sunday School Specials

A little fun, a little mission
Mission for June:  Operation Kid to Kid
Funday Sunday, June 15

Operation Kid to Kid - Soccer fun for us and for Kids in Africa
Mission for July:  Put your Best foot Forward!!!
Funday Sunday, July 13

Western day with “Little Dogs on the Prairie”
Mission for August:  New undies and socks
Funday Sunday, August 17
Down Under “Undie” Sunday

Book Club
Date:  Wednesday, July 2 and July 16
Time:  6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

For Children who have completed 3rd, 4th and 5th grades.  We will read a book (book title to be announced), discuss the book, and enjoy a project/activity related to the book.

Family Fun Days
Parents keeping fit - Scribbles for kids

Scribbles is a pre-K program complete with Stories, music, fingerplays, planned activities including Fun crafts, exercise fun and a snack. We will also have care for infants. Planned activities for kids and Parents keeping fit Life couldn’t be better!!!!

St Louis City Museum

We will be taking the church van. Bring a sack lunch and wear your gym shoes!!!! Fun for everyone with slides, climbing and even caves!!!  We have to send in a confirmation notice so we need Money at the time of registration. Come to the place  where the imagination runs wild!!

www.citymuseum.org

If you have questions, contact JoAnn Overholt
525-1866 (Laurel UMC) or e-mail   joverholt@laurelumchurch.org

Watch for Date, meeting time  and cost to Be announced.

Hand in Hand Family Fun

Monkey See, Monkey do
We are off to visit the Zoo!!!
Date:  Sunday, May 4
Time:  3:00 p.m.
Meet:  at the picnic area across from and west of Henson Robinson Zoo.

We will picnic in the park and then visit Henson Robinson Zoo.
Bring a dish to share, fried chicken and drinks will be provided.
Each family will start the zoo visit with a blank book and a camera. Children
and parents can create their memory book as they walk through the zoo.

Zoo admission is $3.75 for adults, $2.00 for children 2-12 and children under 2 are free.

Infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers, parents, and siblings having fun together!!!!
 

TGIF
(Teens Gather In Faith)

Our goal and purpose is to know the good news of God’s love, fellowship and care for each other, reach out into the community, share in God’s word and to offer ourselves in service to God.

We need volunteers to help with children’s activities at
Hands of Hope on May 18!!!!

Sr. High and Jr. High, we need to fill in the blanks
of the schedule calendar!

From Crayons to Caps and Gowns, Where did the time go???
Graduate Recognition Sunday is June 1.

A complementary brunch for all Graduates, their families and friends
Will be served at 9:30 and the class will be presented at the 10:45 service.

We will again offer a family photo opportunity, for grads,
their families and friends. Smile!!

All High School students are invited to Come enjoy the morning and Honor The Class of 2008

Volunteer to serve this summer

There are lots of opportunities for you to be involved in
mission this summer.

Look at the list and find the meaningful place of service
that best fits your time, talent and interest.

Opportunities include all of the children’s summer activities:  Mini camp VBS, Night Light Lock-in, Book club, Kids in the Kitchen, and Sunday School Specials, Puppets for the “Little Dogs on the Prairie”
Plus remember St. Johns Bread line Sunday and June 27 at the Distribution Center. 

We will plan to go to Asbury --- do a meal for Asbury Children’s supper hour and Inner City Mission

If there are other summer mission projects you would like to get involved in, tell me.  Let me know what summer projects you would like to help with.

You may contact JoAnn Overholt at 525-1866 (Laurel) 566-3821 (home) or
e-mail at joverholt@laurelumchurch.org.

Jesus gathered His team and gave us a job to do.
Matthew 28: 16-20

Cornerstone festival
June 30 – July 5th --- Bushnell, IL.

If anyone is interested in attending any of the Cornerstone Festival activities/concerts, I have the program booklet that you may
Look through or go their web site at www.cornerstonefestival.com
 

Double Edge

“For the word of God is living and active.
Sharper than any double-edged sword…
Hebrews 4:12

All High School youth are invited!

Double Edge Schedule :
(Time 6:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted)

May 18  Hands of Hope at First UMC West
May 25   Photo Shoot
June 1   Graduate Brunch and Recognition
June 8  TBA
June 13  Pre-School Kids in the Kitchen---can you help??
  Time:  10:00 -11:00  a.m.(can you help)
June 15  Sunday School Special --- Operation Kid to Kid – soccer fun
June 15  TBA
June 20 Elementary – Kids in the Kitchen – can you help? 
  Time:  10:30 - noon
June 21  Relay for Life
June 22 St Johns Bread line  9:30 – 2:30
June 24-26 VBS Mini Camp----Can you help???
  Time:  9:00 – 11:45 a.m.
June 27 Mission Day - Midwest Distribution Center  9:30 – 3:00   Mission Day
June 29 One Dip or Two fundraiser---come help dip icecream!!!
July 11-18 Baby fold Camp
July 13  Sunday School Special --- Little Dogs on the Prairie ---Put your best foot    forward  (Can you help with Puppets)
Aug. 2-15 Mission Trip
Aug. 17  Down Under  “Undie” Sunday
 

Riot
(Rejoice in One Truth)

(Rejoice in One Truth)
All 6th, 7th and 8th graders are invited!

RIOT Schedule:
(Time 6:00 p.m. unless otherwise noted)

May 18  Hands of Hope at First UMC West
May 25  Movie Wrap up 
June 1   Graduate Brunch and Recognition
June 8  TBA
June 13  Pre-School Kids in the Kitchen---can you help??
  Time:  10:00 -11:00  a.m.(can you help)
June 15  Sunday School Special --- Operation Kid to Kid – soccer fun
June 15  TBA
June 20 Elementary – Kids in the Kitchen – can you help? 
  Time:  10:30 - noon
June 21  Relay for Life
June 24-26 VBS Mini Camp----Can you help???
  Time:  9:00 – 11:45 a.m.
June 27 Mission Day - Midwest Distribution Center  9:30 – 3:00   Mission Day
June 29 One Dip or Two fundraiser---come help dip icecream!!!
July 13  Sunday School Special --- Little Dogs on the Prairie ---Put your best foot    forward  (Can you help with Puppets)
Aug. 17  Down Under  “Undie” Sunday

Double Edge (high school group) and Riot (Middle School youth group) meet
Sunday evenings from 6 – 8 p.m.  unless other wise noted.

A snack supper is served when the groups activity is at Laurel.  Our schedule is posted in the Laurel Leaf newsletter and youth receive mailings with updates. 

A schedule is sometimes posted on the bulletin board in fellowship hall.
You are always encouraged to contact JoAnn at 525-1866 (Laurel)  or
e-mail at joverholt@laurelumchurch.org with any Questions, ideas and/or suggestions

Yes, Friends are always welcome!!!!
 

Senior High Habitat Mission Trip
Date:  Aug 2-15, 2008

This is the time of year that we are deep into the planning of the Senior High Mission trip.  Our travels this year take us to Laramie, WY.  We will be staying at the Trinity Lutheran Church which is right across from the university. 

Our project is building one half of a duplex town house---the plan is to frame the first floor outer and inner walls, then add the second floor joists and sub floor.   This is followed by the second floor outer and inner walls.  There is also landscaping to do at a nearby site, and concrete forms to  place at another nearby site, so we may be working in teams on different sites. 

We plan to leave Springfield on Saturday, Aug. 2 and drive to Laramie.  Sunday
will then be a day of rest plus time to acquaint ourselves with the job site and the area.  Work days will be Monday through Friday.   Second week we will travel to Jackson Hole to do Yellowstone, Jenny Lake, white water rafting and other points of interest. 

There has been discussion of a group coming home early due to work, sports and etc.  If you will need to come back with this early group, we need to know so that
plans can be made.

No experience required --- come get involved
Add your name to the sign-up poster in the Sr. High room
Mark your calendar  ----   Fill out the registration form
Pay the $100 fee

 Everyone can use a hammer as an instrument to spread God’s love.

Yes, I plan to serve on the 2008
Habitat for Humanity Mission team.

Name ____________________________________

phone#___________

Address________________________________________________________

____________________________________________

zip ________________

e-mail _____________________________________________________

Return to Laurel UMC with your $100 registration fee.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact
Doug Rothe at 726-9625 or JoAnn Overholt at 525-1866.