The Oaks - February 2009
The Oaks - February 2009
The Oaks - February 2009
WHY I BELIEVE IN SUNDAY people; or odd things like the duckbilled platypus? Does
SCHOOL God love even the bad people? When Jesus was eight
years old, did he know that he was God?
Part 1
These are serious questions, and they deserve
For many who come to worship
careful answers and discussion. They show that our
on Sunday, the Sunday school is an
youngsters are thinking, and open to instruction. That is
afterthought, an optional extra, not
an opportunity, and more than just an opportunity. It is a
really necessary. I think that viewpoint is unfortunate. I
demand, an obligation, which we have upon us as a
hope we never give up on Christian Education, or decide
church, to form their minds and shape their hearts to-
it is passé or too much trouble. Several things have hap-
ward the gospel and Christian faith for another genera-
pened recently that have reminded me of the importance
tion.
of providing this formative experience for people of all
ages. By the way, if you have any wisdom on these
questions to share with me, please step up and help me
One of these experiences came to me in the
out. We can have a theological discussion. I will have
form of a list of questions asked by the young folks of the
more to say about the matter of Christian Education next
Christianators class. The questions asked were as fol-
month, but this is food-for-thought enough for right now.
lows. Who or what is God? Why does everyone refer to
God as “he”? Why did God create the world? Why so
many different animals? Why did God give us free will?
Why did God create things that are not good, like mean Pastor Jonathan Dixon
SHROVE TUESDAY
The last day before Lent begins has come to be a time of celebration in many Christian lands. It was com-
mon practice in Europe to get all the fat and sweets out of the house (and do without them during Lent). What better
way to be rid of them than a pancake feast and party. So the day became known as Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, in
French. The English tradition calls it Shrove Tuesday. Some Mardi Gras celebrations have become so wild as to ac-
tually be unchristian. But we can keep the not-so-wild tradition by having a pancake feed. The United
Methodist Men will do just that, on a donation basis, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on February 24th, 2009 at the
Riverton United Methodist Church, 429 Lincoln Street.
Family Valentine Dinner
Concert and
Silent Auction
Bring your family and friends to the Riverton United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 7th at 6:00 p.m. for a
three-course fundraising dinner and silent auction, with entertainment provided by gospel music quartet “4 His Glory”
from Greenfield. This group sings gospel four-part harmony that will set your feet to tapping and hands to clapping!
RUMC holds this annual dinner as a fundraiser for its long-term planning purposes. The three-course dinner (great
home-cooking by the members of the church) will be held in the accessible fellowship hall at the church.
Items that will be auctioned include: items autographed by celebrities including Mike Tisdale and Justin Allgaier, two
$50 gift certificates from Big R of Springfield, a $35.99 gift certificate for an oil change donated by Brahler Tire and
Auto Center, gift certificates for the Spaghetti Shop ($15) and for Taco Bell ($15), Fannie May candies, Pampered
Chef items, Longaberger baskets, gift baskets with a Valentine theme, jewelry, perfume, books and toys for kids, and
many more items!!
There is no ticket price for the dinner; donations are accepted. Please place your reservation with Melissa Pantier
at 629-7248 or 741-8172 (or on the sign-up sheet at church) by Friday, January 30.
A Chili and Vegetable Soup supper will be served from 3:00 to 7:00 PM, Saturday March 7, 2009, at
the Riverton United Methodist Church, 429 Lincoln Street. The menu will consist of Chili, Vegetable
Soup, Desert and a Drink.
A donation of $6.50 will be accepted. Carry Outs will also be available. Hot Dog and Chicken Salad
Sandwiches are extra. Proceeds will go toward the Church Parking Lot.
Our Annual Meeting was conducted Monday January 19th, 2009. Twenty five people were in attendance. The Slate
of officers was approved and is as follows:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
7:00 PM Trustees
Meeting
9:30 AM Worship 7:00 PM Choir 6:00 PM Church
Groundhog Day Practice Family Valentine
6:30 PM Youth
Dinner
group
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
9:30 AM Worship
6:30 PM Finance Pastor at Covenant Pastor at Covenant 7:00 PM Choir Lincoln’s Birthday 7:30 AM United
Comm. Keepers Gathering Keepers Gathering Practice Methodist Men’s
in Belleville in Belleville breakfast meeting
7:15 PM Adminis-
(Valentines Day)
trative Council 7:00 PM United
Methodist Women
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
9:30 AM Worship
Newsletter Dead-
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Dou you have a dream? What do goals and dreams have in common?
Do you believe it is impossible to achieve your biggest dream?
How do you reach your dream reality?
You are invited to come hear a story that will tickle your ears and
answer these questions and many more.
Come find your Journey To New Hope.
RIVERTON FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
U.S. Postage
PAID
429 East Lincoln Street Non-Profit Org
PO Box 440
Riverton, IL 62561
Permit #4
Riverton, IL
Phone: (217) 629-9721 62561
Email: [email protected]
March 29, 6 PM Community Sing (music and fellowship with November 22 Community thanksgiving Service
all Riverton churches)