We conclude our spring Kaleidoscope groups with two timely and interesting presentations on “Islam Today.” Matt Kaempfe, a graduating senior from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, is an international studies major who is specializing in the Middle East. Matt will share information on the basic history and tenets of Islam on May 6, then return on May 20 to discuss contemporary issues in Islam. All adults are invited to join him in the Wesley Room directly after worship. There is no Kaleidoscope on May 13.

The Grand Sweep: Bible in A Year

• The Bible has been described as the most revered book never read. In a recent survey, it was revealed that:
• Less than half of all adult Americans can name the four Gospels of the New Testament.
• Almost 82 percent of Americans believe “God helps those who help themselves” is a Bible verse.

One in ten adults believe that Joan of Arc was Noah’s wife, and more than half of graduating high school seniors guess that Sodom and Gomorrah were husband and wife. (Those two must have been multiple choice survey questions.)

Many Christians want to do more Bible reading; they even start reading it cover-to-cover and then they get “bogged down” and quit. If that has been your experience – and you would like a positive push to try it (or try it again) – join us this year in The Grand Sweep. We’re reading the Bible, all the way through, from October 2011-October 2012. To help, there is a daily reading guide, providing not only the suggested material for the day but a little background as well. It can be used as an inspiring daily devotional. An optional response book provides weekly sections on “seeing life through scripture.” For those who want to talk about what they’ve read, monthly small groups will be scheduled to gather with others to discuss and receive personal encouragement. Pastor Tedd will lead one of these groups for youth. Please consider joining The Grand Sweep; sign- ups and distribution of materials will take place in September.

Weekday and Saturday Learning Communities

Progressive Pilgrims

Is the church “betraying” its true purpose by focusing only on the past?  Are we, as the Body of Christ, failing to answer important questions from 21st century searchers?  Join the Progressive Pilgrims during Lent when they discuss Philip Gulley’s newest book, The Evolution of Faith.  The group meets in the Wesley Room, Wednesday evenings,  7pm.

The book is available at libraries or you can purchase it new, used, or as an eBook in bookstores. We hope you will join us on Wednesdays at 7pm at the church. If you have questions or for more information, please phone Leah at 847-541-7754.

59 Minutes for Men

“59 Minutes for Men” meets on Saturday from 8:00am until 8:59am, at Panera in downtown Arlington Heights (near Evergreen and Northwest Highway). Parables from the Backside, by Ellsworth Kallas, will provide food for thought while participants enjoy their breakfast purchases. All men of the church are invited to join the stimulating discussion and fellowship.

Rainbow Circle: For God… For ALL People… For a Change

First Wednesdays and Third Thursdays of each month,  7 – 8:30 p.m.

1803 E Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights, IL
Rainbow Circle extends our Reconciling welcome to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people throughout the region. This group is open to those with or without church affiliation. For more current details, see meetup.com Contact Sue Laurie, s.laurie@fumcah.com Sue’s Recently published article: Thanksgiving Over the Water

Soothing Stitches: Prayer Shawl Ministry

As shawls are knitted or crocheted, images of healing, compassion, and joy are prayed into the stitches. The work of our hands blesses the heart of each shawl’s recipient. Join our circle of knitters and crocheters at church each third Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm, or work on your project at home. Not only do we knit and crochet shawls, we make baby hats for new siblings of children in our weekday preschool and new babies in our church family. Earlier this year, we completedseveral “Afghans for Appalachia” and sent them to Kentucky with our youth mission team. All of our projects are tangible expressions of God’s love, surrounding the recipients with care. For more information, contact Rev.Lynn Mikels at 847-255-5112.

A pre-schooler's sibling in her apple hat.

 Sisters

Wednesdays, 7:15-8:30pm

As “sisters in Christ,” it is a blessing for women of the church and community to gather for Bible study and discussion. Join us for women’s Bible study on Wednesday evenings from 7:15 to 8:30, at the church. In Sisters, we explore our relationship with the Holy One while building relationships with one another.

Our first study book for this year is A Faithful Heart: Daily Guide to Joyful Living by Sally Dyck. Combining scripture, engaging stories, and the faith of Mary, United Methodist Bishop Dyck encourages women to grow in faith and share their heart. Please call the church office to register. Book fee: $12.00; facilitator: Rev. Lynn Mikels.

Holy Wanderers

New Experiences, New Encounters, New Learning, New Friends – an excursion ministry. Join with others as we engage in new experiences, open to new learning and encounters.

Fellowship Groups

Commonground

Are you a couple with young children? This NEW group is designed just for you, providing an opportunity to become better acquainted with other parents of young children. Child care available by reservation; pleaseprovide a sack supper for your children. Contact Wendy Dunnington.

All Thunder

Meets monthly, on one weekend evening September–May, various offsite activity events. All Thunder is a social group primarily for those in their 30′s, 40′s and 50′s. Usually four or five events are held during the year. Past events have included: pizza party, comedy club, karaoke, game night, handwriting analysis and the annual progressive dinner. New members are always welcome.

Next Chapter

This is our newest fellowship group, a social gathering for those 55–75 years old, pondering, planning, or practicing an end to work!
If you are interested call Diane Piper, 847-903-6967, or Marilyn Reed, 847-259-6125.

Tri-S Over 70 Yet Young at Heart

Meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 12:00 noon
September–May
Youth Center, lower level
Tri-S = Spiritual - Social - Service. A group for older adults. Pot lucks, fellowship and special programs are featured.

Monday Morning Breakfast Group

First Monday of each month, 8 a.m.  Restaurant to be determined.
There are lively discussions & featured speakers on interesting topics. Everyone, church members and their guests are always welcome. Come out for a morning of food, fellowship and fun!

United Methodist Women

United Methodist Women is a community of women of all ages whose purpose is to know God and experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. Fellowship and study opportunities are found in monthly circle meetings and unit gatherings. Fundraising goals to benefit women and children through various organizations are met through a Rummage Sale in springtime and a Craft Fair in autumn.