February 2020

B A N N E R N E W S L E T T E R
February 2020

Rev. Chris Winkler
Senior Pastor
cwinkler@barringtonumc.com
Rev. Matthew Johnson
Associate Pastor
mwhjohnson@barringtonumc.com
Rev. Wendy A. Witt
Senior Pastor
First UMC, West Dundee
wwitt@barringtonumc.com
Pastor Bonnie Bevers
Director of Youth Ministries
bbevers@barringtonumc.com
Luis Vega
Lay Pastor
Comunidad Cristiana
lvega@barringtonumc.com
Susan Brown
Director of Family Ministries and
Noah’s Ark Christian Academy
sbrown@barringtonumc.com
Lynne Richardson
Director of Finance
lrichardson@barringtonumc.com
Sharon Orr
Director of Campus and
Missions Ministries
sorr@barringtonumc.com
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www.barringtonumc.com.
WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Barrington United Methodist Church
98 Algonquin Road, Barrington, IL 60010
(847) 836-5540
Chapel Worship, Sundays at 8:00 a.m.
You are invited to be a part of this welcoming, caring community that worships
God in an intimate setting. Essential elements of this service include a time of
gathering, liturgy, hymns, sermon and a sending forth into the world to live our faith.
Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of every month.
Classic Worship, Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
Please join us in the soaring, light-filled Sanctuary for this more formal worship
experience. Essential elements of this service include a mix of traditional and current
hymns, liturgy, organ and choir, sermon and a time for children every Sunday.
Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of every month.
Crossroads Worship, Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
There is a place for you in this casual, compelling worship service. The relaxed
atmosphere invites us to interpret scripture in today’s context with challenging
questions, a variety of musical genres and an open, interactive format. Communion is
celebrated regularly.
Comunidad Cristiana | Christian Community Worship, Sundays at 4:00 p.m.
1647 Ravine Lane, Carpentersville, IL 60110
You and your neighbors are invited to join this emerging worship. A welcoming,
caring community shares worship and a delicious meal on Sunday evenings.
Experience Hispanic-style worship offered bilingually with a mix of traditional and
contemporary worship elements. Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of
every month.
First UMC of West Dundee
318 W. Main Street, West Dundee, IL 60118
Classic Worship, Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
All are invited to experience this multi-generational blended worship service,
which incorporates traditional worship elements like hymns and liturgy with
more contemporary elements like thematic altar displays, video and occasional
contemporary music selections. There are scripture lessons, a sermon and a time for
children every Sunday. Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of every month.
Looking Forward with Hope
Every so often I am moved to write an article that I call: “If you would have
asked me, I would have told you…” As I reflect on the challenges of the past
year and look forward with hope to this coming year the following are some
questions you might have, and the answers I can provide.
At the beginning of December our church needed to receive gifts and offerings of
more than $230,000 dollars in order to fully meet our 2019 obligations. We received
more than $220,000 in December and ended the year with a deficit of less than
$10,000. More than 35 individuals and families gave over and above their pledge to
make up the difference—on behalf of the whole church I am so very grateful to all
who supported the vital, vibrant and life changing ministries at Barrington United
Methodist Church.
Our church has always paid its full share of apportionments to the conference
and the general church. But in 2019, due to these financial constraints, we paid
$100,022 of the $156,852 apportioned to BUMC. Even with this decrease in the
apportionment, our outreach -- missions, charity and justice ministries going
outside our walls -- exceeded $300,000 again this year.
After the Special Session of General Conference we lost a few individuals who had
pledged more than $100,000 for our operations in 2019. Only one of those families
completed their pledge before leaving our church. I name those people in my
nightly prayers. Their departure brings me grief and pain. I pray that they will, or
have, found a church home that meets their needs.
Every year fewer people make a pledge to the Church. That does not mean they do
not give to the church; it means that we don’t know what they intend to give and
therefore we struggle to know what we can budget.
This downward trend toward giving without pledging is not unique to Barrington
United Methodist Church. We have about 70% of the number of pledges that we
had just five years ago. For 2020, we currently have pledges for $662,000, but that
is $117,500 less than we received in pledged donations for 2019.
In 2019, we estimated and hoped to receive $215,000 in unpledged giving; we
actually received over $230,000. We are so very grateful for this generous support.
But because we can’t be certain of this amount, it makes for much anxiety around
our programming, staffing, and caring for our building.
In 2019 our ministry groups budgeted $84,700 to fund the program ministries
of the church. These groups spent $53,000—a savings of $31,000. Our church
operations, which includes our ministers, musicians, children and youth, office,
communications, and trustees budget for 2019 was $985,000 and we spent
continued on page 2
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Looking Forward with Hope
continued from page 1
$953,000—a savings of $32,000. We will ask our ministry groups, the trustees,
staffing and administrative work areas to hold their budget for 2020 to the level of
their 2019 spending, in order to achieve the same savings.
As I write this letter, our budget planning for the coming year, after pulling
together our best estimates at funding, and holding spending level with 2019,
shows a potential deficit of $40,000. This amount includes full payment of
our Apportionments in 2020 and no reductions in staff or programing, and is
significantly less than the “Stepping Forward in Faith” amount we have budgeted in
any of the past 5 years. It will require everyone to tighten their belts and to do some
creative fund-raising for new initiatives.
A S H W E D N E S D A Y
February 26, 7:30–8:30 p.m.
This first day of Lent marks the beginning of a period of reflection and penance.
All are invited, all are welcome.
If you have not pledged yet for 2020, or have not pledged in the past but would
consider doing so this year, please do. As we finalize the 2020 budget, it would be
very helpful.
While our weekly worship attendance is down, our constituency has not diminished.
The same wonderful people are still coming—but coming less often. And we have
had a significant number of members who faithfully supported our church move out
of the area.
We are fortunate in that we have a very healthy number of visitors that come to
BUMC and a number of those people find their way into the life of our church. I am
grateful for the welcoming and hospitality that our church demonstrates each week
to our newcomers.
P A R A B L E S
As I conclude, I want to say emphatically that Barrington United Methodist Church
continues to be a Vibrant, Vital Church that is Making a Difference in People’s Lives.
No doubt these are challenging times in the United Methodist Church, but we are
navigating our way through these waters and staying focused on what God is calling
us to do: DO. BE. LIVE. CHURCH.
The Stories of Jesus
Rev. Chris Winkler
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells a number of provocative parables that invite us,
the hearers, to see ourselves as characters in God’s unfolding drama. Heroes and
villains, we’ve played all the roles. Which are we now?
Lenten Worship Series beginning Sunday, March 1
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OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE OUR NEIGHBOR
Blood Drive
The Versiti mobile blood center will be outside First UMC on March 7, 10:00 a.m.
until 2:00 p.m. There will be a sign up on the events page of the Versiti Illinois
website, versiti.org, or you can contact Marcia Buchs, mkbuchs@sbcglobal.net,
with your preferred time. Students, check with your school for service hours for
blood donations; those under 16 will need signed parental permission.
Your blood donation can help:
Trauma victims
Surgery patients
Premature babies
People with anemia
Cancer patients
and many more
The process for whole blood donation usually takes about one hour. The blood
collection itself is usually about 10 minutes. The donation process includes
registration, a brief medical screening, blood collection and refreshments.
KidsHope at Lakewood Elementary School
We welcome new mentors at any time in the school year. If you can play games,
read books, color and talk with a five or six year-old during lunch time once a
week, you can make a difference in the life of a child.
We are seeking new prayer partners. Each of our mentors is paired with a
partner whose behind the scenes role is to connect with the mentor once a
week and to pray for the mentor, the student and the relationship. Mentors have
found this support to be invaluable. If you believe in the power of prayer and
support this work, please join us. This is a great way for folks who travel or work
during the day to participate!
For more information, contact Sharon Orr at sorr@barringtonumc.com
Meet the new Kids Hope USA President, Dr. Karen Pearson
at the Illinois Kids Hope USA 2020 Conference
February 29, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Christ Community Church, St. Charles, IL
Continental breakfast included, cost $10 per person
Join Kids Hope USA mentors, prayer partners, directors, leadership team members and
pastors for a Saturday morning of learning, fellowship, and celebrating!
Featuring keynote speaker: Kids Hope USA President, Dr. Karen Pearson
“The workshops at this conference are excellent! Mentors and prayer partners alike will
benefit from hearing the speakers. If you would like to travel together, please let
me know.” —Sharon Orr, sorr@barringtonumc.com
Featured workshops:
Making the Most of the Mentoring Hour: Using the Life Together Resources
Poverty: Understanding & Giving Dignity
Trauma & Your Mentee
Understanding Ethnic Differences
A Relationship Wrapped in Prayer
Register for this event at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mpjiiw/event/808954/
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OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE OUR NEIGHBOR
Adult Mission Trip to Tree of Life Ministry in Mission, South Dakota
June 14 to June 20, $550 per person
Our work will include helping to build a new soup kitchen and could include helping in the
garden and thrift store. There will be a series of team meetings before departure to prepare.
The only requirements are to be 16 or older, ready to work and prepared to be transformed by
the experience. Contact Sharon Orr, sorr@barringtonumc.com for more information.
“Each day, we were offered different
experiences to help us understand the
Lakota history and culture. We were treated
with: a history, performance and lesson on
their dance; brief translation/interpretation
of their language; a star gazing experience in
a Star Lab; a chance to practice archery; and
a visit to a Lakota museum at the St. Francis
Indian School.”
“We were exhausted, but all felt a sense of
accomplishment on the work we did and
the opportunity to meet and talk with folks
from the Lakota community. As Tree of Life
describes in their Mission statement, we were
a small part of the working hands and feet
of God to the Lakota Nation residing on the
Rosebud Reservation serving body, mind, and
soul. We will pray for the staff and volunteers
of Tree of Life as they continue their mission
within the community doing God’s work.”
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TeachGuatemala:
Attend graduation ceremonies
and teach Vacation Bible School
A long weekend in November or January
Dates: To Be Determined
We hope to send a team of four to support this
amazing program. The team will travel with
Silvia and Sandra who know the program well.
As native English speakers, this team will
teach Vacation Bible School, connect with the
students and learn about the important work
our church is doing.
and
Discover
Barrington United Methodist Church
with Pastors Chris and Matthew
Sunday, February 23, 12:30-2:00 p.m.
This “Discover” class is a chance for both new and long-time participants to
hear more about BUMC’s mission and ministries, and learn what it would mean
to become a full member of the church. A light lunch will be provided. To help
us plan accordingly, please let Pastor Matthew know if you will attend by
February 16. If you have any other questions or needs, please contact
Pastor Matthew, mwhjohnson@barringtonumc.com.
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The Spirit of Methodism
Sunday, February 16 at 11:00 a.m. in the BUMC Sanctuary
Author Dr. Jeffrey Barbeau is returning to BUMC to speak from his recent
book, The Spirit of Methodism: From the Wesleys to a Global Communion.
In an upbeat lecture and discussion, Dr. Barbeau will guide us into the
surprising origin and growth of Methodism and how that story shapes the
church today. He will also be available to sign copies of his book, which
will be available to purchase at a discounted rate of $12.
Dr. Jeffrey Barbeau is professor of theology at Wheaton College. He is the
author or editor of several books, including The Image of God in an Image
Driven Age. He holds graduate degrees in theology, English literature, and
religious studies, and he writes and researches on British Romanticism,
Methodist history, and Wesleyan theology. Dr. Barbeau is an active
member and Sunday school teacher at Grace United Methodist Church in
Naperville, Illinois.
Do. Be. Live. Church:
Adult Faith Development Survey and Listening Session
Listening Session will take place Sunday, February 23 at 11:00 a.m. in the BUMC Dining Room
Survey is available online at barringtonumc.com and at church on the Adult Faith
Development table
We’d love to know what you think about the intriguing and
important topic of faith. Help us to learn what matters to you, and
what you believe best empowers our faith community to “Do. Be.
Live. Church” in effective, insightful and life-giving ways. Join the
conversation about how we can connect adult faith with our rich
history as we develop toward an inspiring future.
Centering Prayer
Friday afternoons at 1:30 in the Parlor (behind the kitchenette near the
sanctuary) at Barrington UMC
Come join in a centering prayer group each Friday. Centering Prayer
is a simple form of Christian meditation that helps us calm our busy
minds and be present to God. After twenty minutes of centering each
week, the group streams and discusses a twenty-minute video of
Mindful Silence by Phileena Heuertz.
For information or to attend, call Liz Penick at (847) 991-2654. No
previous experience is needed. Those who are new to centering prayer,
please call ahead or arrive 5 minutes early for a short introduction to
the practice.
LENT: Parable Encounter
Sunday Mornings at 11:00 a.m. beginning March 1 in Room 111 at Barrington UMC
Jesus knew that people love a good story, so he taught in parables. We’ve
probably all heard most of those short, provocative stories about Samaritans,
widows, rich people, poor people, growing things, losing things—but does Jesus
still have a few surprises left for us? Come encounter the parables during this
Lenten study, with fresh perspectives from scholars and classmates. See the
schedule below, then join us for your favorites or the entire series.
March 1 Luke 10: 25-37 Good Samaritan
March 8 Luke 18:1-6 Widow and the Judge
March 15 Luke 16: 19-31 Lazarus and the Rich Man
March 22 Luke 13: 18-22 Yeast and Mustard Seed
March 29 Luke 15: 4-32 Lost Sheep, Coin, and Sons
You’re invited to participate in either or both of the following
two adult faith development opportunities:
• Complete a brief survey, available on paper at church
and online at barringtonumc.com, now through
February 20.
• Attend the Listening Session on February 23 at 11 am in the Dining Room.
We will value your responses as we discern and plan for the future of adult faith
opportunities at BUMC.
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“Women of Strength, Women in Strength”
Thursday, February 20 at 10:00 a.m. in the Dining Room at BUMC
Please join us for “Women of Strength, Women in Strength”, as we continue to reflect
on the 150 years of United Methodist Women. We will look at strong, faith-filled women
in the Bible (like Sarah, Ruth, and Hannah), Dr. Clara Swain, missionary to India, and
women in your life. Snacks will be provided, all are welcome. Childcare will be provided
upon request, contact Linda, 630-569-2763, Lmosikowicz@comcast.net. (Pillows may be
available to tie, too, if you like to do that!)
Traveling Tea Party
The Member Care Team is revising the Traveling Tea Party. The third week
of the month will be “Tea Party Week” and we will make visits any day
that week depending on availability of the visitor and the one being
visited. Let Elaine (RNeaa@comcast.net) or the Church Office know if
you are interested in being a visitor or if you would like a visit. We will
bring tea and cookies and enjoy time together. The visitors enjoy it as
much as those being visited.
Delivered Meals Member Care also has a program to deliver meals
to congregants going through a difficult time. Let the Church Office or Carol
Svoboda, csvoboda@gmail.com, know if you need a meal or would like to be on the
list to make a meal.
REGISTRATION BEGINS MARCH 1!
2020 Day of Spiritual Renewal
Saturday, March 21, 8:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Cost: $15/person
Baker Memorial United Methodist Church,
207 Cedar Ave, St. Charles
Jane Rubietta, internationally acclaimed Christian speaker and
author, will present “Celebrating at the Well.” Come for a day
of spiritual renewal as the program addresses peace, hope,
and healing in our desert places. Morning beverages and
brunch are included.
Childcare is provided upon request. For more information
about registration and carpooling, contact Linda Osikowicz,
(847) 540-5634. The event is co-sponsored by Elgin and
Aurora District United Methodist Women. All are invited,
please join us!
Saturday, April 4 at Barrington UMC
Renewing
Empathizing
Nurturing
Energizing
Worship
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Learn ways to help those Seeking Asylum
he recent Church & Society program presenting “A Christian Response to Refugees
TSeeking Asylum” focused on the Biblical imperative calling us to care for those
fleeing oppression and seeking refuge. Jesus and his parents were called by God
to be refugees shortly after Christ’s birth. The Northern
Illinois Justice for Our Neighbors (“NIJFON”), a not for profit
organization, assists individuals in navigating the asylum
process. Many important legal obstacles must be overcome to
be successful, including that the burden of proving entitlement
to asylum falls on the asylum seeker. Legal efforts are
supported by the not for profit National Immigration Justice
Center (“NIJC”).
There are a number of ways in which interested members of our congregation can
help those seeking asylum. NIJC’s website immigrantjustice.org describes what you
can do as a volunteer. Go to the website and click on “How to Help” and then click on
“view the ambassador tool kit.” Additional resources can be found on the NIJFON.org
website. You can also contact Church and Society members, including Rosalyn Wesley,
rosalyndwesley@gmail.com and Rich Gray, RGray@jenner.com for additional assistance
in finding ways to make a difference in the lives of people seeking asylum.
Pasta Dinner Fundraiser
Thursday, February 20, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Everyone is invited for a delicious pasta dinner sponsored by Pescatore Ristorante,
all proceeds benefit Noah’s Ark Christian Academy! Dine In or Carry Out your meal
of salad, bread, pasta, dessert and drink.
Adults $10; Kids (Age 3-8) $5,
children age 2 & under are Free
Payment and orders are due to
Susan Brown, sbrown@barringtonumc.com
by Thursday, February 13.
For more information,
contact Caira Barbanente,
cairabarbanente@gmail.com,
or (630) 396-0760
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FAMILY MINISTRY
Youth Sunday School | Sunday mornings at 9:30 for a time of fellowship and learning.
The first and third Sundays of the month we will participate in worship, and the second and
fourth Sundays we will meet in the Youth Room for Bible Study.
Coffee, Cocoa & Homework Hangs | Sundays, 3:30-6:00 p.m. in The Well at BUMC
Youth Group | Sundays, 6:00–7:30 p.m. at BUMC
Appalachia Service Project
S U M M E R M I S S I O N T R I P
Both our Middle School and High School students
will participate in an Appalachian Service Project this Summer.
$50/student deposit due Sunday, February 9.
Children ages 3 and up are invited to be a part of our Sunday morning programs that boost
discovery and invite kids into relationship with Jesus and with each other. Growing in faith
takes time; we welcome all children to join us each week for faith, learning and fun!
JAM – Jesus and Me (9:45 a.m.) and (11:00 a.m.) at Barrington UMC
During the 9:30 worship service, following the children’s message, and at 11:00 a.m. during
Crossroads Worship, Pre-K through grade 2 will meet in the JAM room. Students grades 3–5
will meet in the Youth Room on the first and third Sundays and in the Dining Room on the
second, fourth and fifth Sundays. Nursery care is available for infants and toddlers ages 0–3 from
8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Sports JAM February | Children and youth are invited to wear their favorite jerseys/spirit wear to
JAM every Sunday in February!
Sunday School (10:15 a.m.) at First UMC, West Dundee
During the 10:00 a.m. worship service following the children’s message.
Nursery care is available for infants and toddlers ages 0–3 from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Barrington UMC Youth Sunday School | Students grade 6 through 12 are invited on
Sunday mornings at 9:30 for a time of fellowship and learning. The first and third Sundays of the
month we will participate in worship, and the second, fourth and fifth Sundays we will meet in the Youth
Room for Bible Study.
Middle School:
June 7-13
Jonesville, VA
Students that have
finished 6th-8th grade
High School:
June 21-27
Location TBA
Students that have
finished 9th-12th grade
Family Ministries “Little Library” continues to grow
Our family ministries “Little Library” is growing! We would like to thank the Blumer Family,
Michael Naumann, Julia and Bob Hooper, and the many anonymous donors for making
this dream a reality! The little library is being filled with a variety of faith-based books that
the children of our congregation can take home to
enjoy. When they have finished reading them, they
can return them to church at their leisure. We are
excited to spread the joy of reading and help grow
our children’s faith.
We continue to accept donations, a wish list of
books is available on the Family Ministry Facebook
page, on the family ministry bulletin board, and
next to the JAM classroom. If you would like more
information on how you can support this impactful
programming, please contact Tammy McKay at
tmckay@barringtonumc.com!
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Saturday, February 29, 5:00–7:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at Barrington UMC
Join us for dinner and silly games to celebrate leap day! We will have everything
from board games to floor games! Take advantage of this extra day to join us for
some extra fun! All are welcome!
Sign up online, barringtonumc.com or in the BUMC lobby.
Vacation Bible School
June 15–19, 9 a.m.–noon for children age 3 through grade 5
LEAP YEAR
GameNight
walk with
Friday, April 10 at 10:00 a.m. at BUMC
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Climb aboard for mountains of fun at
Rocky Railway Vacation Bible School
Register today at barringtonumc.com!
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Come discover Easter and the events leading
up to it in a way you’ll never forget!

Noah’s Ark Christian Academy
At Noah’s Ark Christian Academy, we implement a customized
curriculum that exceeds Illinois State Standards while allowing
children to develop at their own pace. We strive to provide maximum
opportunity for growth through a cohesive progression of the
curriculum material, beginning in our Two’s program through our
approved Kindergarten. Your child will be prepared for their future
endeavors with a strong, balanced foundation built at Noah’s Ark
Christian Academy.
Registration for the 2020-2021 school year in now open. Applications
are available in front of the Director’s office. If you are interested
in learning more about the school or would like a tour, please feel
free to call, stop by or email Susan Brown, Director of Noah’s Ark
Christian Academy.
Windy City Bulls vs Northern Arizona Suns
Saturday, February 22, 5:00 p.m. at the Sears Centre Arena
Everyone is invited to join the Windy City Bulls – the
official NBA G League affiliate of the Chicago Bulls – for
a special Noah’s Ark Christian Academy Family Day!
• Watch the Windy City Bulls take on the
Northern Arizona Suns with family and friends!
• High five the Windy City Bulls players as they
run onto the court!
• Have a blast in the Fun Zone with basketball
hoops & a Windy City Bulls obstacle course!
• Catch t-shirts from the Scream Team and
interact with mascot- Gus T. Bull!
100-Level Tickets: ONLY $20!
To join Noah’s Ark Christian Academy
families and friends at the Windy City Bulls
game, purchase your tickets from Susan Brown,
sbrown@barringtonumc.com! Please contact Mallory Eichhorn at the Windy City
Bulls – (847) 396-9305 or meichhorn@bulls.com – with any questions.
A D V E N T U R E !
Dinner Dance and Silent Auction
Saturday, April 25, 4:00–6:00 p.m. Cost is $30/household
Reservations due April 1
Come and dance the night away! Money raised from this event will go
to the school for playground and “Nature Explore Classroom” upgrades.
We love receiving auction donations such as event tickets, family
experiences and outings to name a few. We thank you for your support!
Summer Camp
May 26–June 12, Ages 3 through kindergarten
Outdoor activities in the Nature Explore Classroom
Sign up for one, two or all three weeks.
For more information, or to register, call (847) 844-3738
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98 Algonquin Road
Barrington, IL 60010-6145
barringtonumc.com
(847) 836-5540
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
BARRINGTON, IL
60010
PERMIT NO. 27
First UMC West Dundee
318 W. Main Street, West Dundee, IL 60118
fumcwd.org