Banner Newsletter | March/April 2023

BANNER NEWSLETTER
MAR
APR
2023

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
Luis Vega
Lay Pastor
Comunidad Cristiana
lvega@barringtonumc.com
Patti Mangis
Director of Music & Worship Arts
pmangis@barringtonumc.com
Susan Acosta
Director of Family Ministries and
Noah’s Ark Christian Academy
sbrown@barringtonumc.com
Ana Kelsey-Powell
Director of Youth Ministries
akelsey-powell@barringtonumc.com
Lou Ann Gordon
Director of Finance
lgordon@barringtonumc.com
Sharon Orr
Director of Campus and
Missions Ministries
sorr@barringtonumc.com
Becky Lemna
Director of Communications
blemna@barringtonumc.com
Sign up to receive our weekly
e-news through the sign-up
form on our website,
www.barringtonumc.com.
WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Barrington United Methodist Church
98 Algonquin Road, Barrington, IL 60010
(847) 836-5540
Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Friday, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Respecting the health and safety of all, masks are optional in the church building.
Worship online | Services are posted each week on Saturday
Enjoy weekly online worship services through our Do.Be.Live channel on Vimeo,
through our mobile app and our website, barringtonumc.com.
Chapel Prayer and Communion Service | Third Sundays, 8:00–8:30 a.m.
You are invited to share in this intimate time of prayer and communion.
All are welcome to attend and partake.
Worship in the Sanctuary | Sundays at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School is available for children ages 3 through grade 5
during both worship services.
All students, grades 6 through 12, are invited to Sunday School at 9:00 a.m. in the
Youth Room and to worship together in the Sanctuary at 10:30 a.m.
God’s Squad Youth Ministry meets most Sundays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Students,
grades 6 through 12, are invited to come for dinner, games, fellowship, and fun.
Got homework? Bring those assignments and projects that aren’t quite finished to
Homework Hangs from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Comunidad Cristiana | Christian Community Worship
Sundays at 2:00 p.m. | Bilingual, in-person
Trinity Center
1647 Ravine Lane, Carpentersville IL 60110
You and your neighbors are invited to join this emerging worship. Experience
Hispanic-style worship 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. | Online and In-person
In-person, socially distanced worship is held in the sanctuary, nursery care and
Sunday School are available.
Lent
by Rev. Matthew Johnson
Like many Protestants, I grew up observing what Lent
was about for others. My initial impressions of it came
from the laments of my Roman Catholic friends. Every year,
they would cry out at the lunch table or on the playground
about the sacrifices they’d made. No sugar. No chocolate. No
television. It made little sense to me.
By high school, I was asking why they did this. “We’re
supposed to give something up that has a hold on us,” one
friend answered.
But aren’t you supposed to do that anyway? The idea
that Lent is a kind of punishment and/or an opportunity to
blame our vices on God (and equate them to Jesus’ suffering)
seems silly to me. Lent doesn’t have much of anything to do
with giving up that daily venti latte, or establishing the kinds
of routines that will better your physical and financial health.
God wants that for you, certainly. But, God really wants your
heart; your devotion; and your faith. So, participating in a holy
Lent means taking your spiritual health seriously.
When we spend Lent making room in our hearts for the
things of God, realigning how and where we send our time
and talent, and digging deeper into spiritual practices, we
open ourselves to a sacred form of transformation.
continued
1

Lent continued from page 1
The real test of Lent is for those of us who
follow Jesus to put aside something good so that
we have room to receive something great. That’s
what we see Jesus do, after all. To me, Lent is about
emptying and refilling; changing our perspective so
we can see with more detail and focus.
I want to challenge you to do that this Lent:
let go of something that is okay so that you have
the space to inherit something wonderful, and the
challenge that comes with owning it.
When you do, I believe you will experience
the unbridled love of God in fresh and astounding
ways. And, when faced with the Resurrection of
Jesus at Easter, it is likely you’ll also notice that
your life has been forever changed, too.
How to Observe A Holy Lent:
1. Self-Examination and Repentance
Figure out where you need to grow in
your faith, and make the commitment
to do so.
2. Fast and Pray
Make more room in your life for
prayer by giving up the things that
get in the way of praying. Especially
fast from your own self interests so
you can pray for others and the world.
3. Read and Meditate on God’s Word
The Spirit speaks through scripture,
and has a word for you, too. Don’t just
listen to what it says to others. Make
time for it to speak to your heart.
4. Repeat
STATIONS OF THE CROSS Do you have a heart for art? We are looking for several
artists to create original artwork for Stations of the Cross to be displayed in the church
during Holy Week, April 6 & 7. Share your gifts and talents to inspire visitors during
this special season of the year. Works can be expressed in the media of your choice —
drawing, painting, fiber arts, sculpture, collage, computer graphics, mixed media, etc.
All ages are welcome to participate and create. For more information, contact Terrie
McComb, tlmccomb@msn.com.
Thank you
to all the musicians who took part in our cantata
Grace Alone on February 19! What a glorious
morning of music that was! Many people commented on the quality of music and the
profound texts. Special thanks to the instrumentalists who joined the choir:
Stephanie Preucil, 1st violin
Kevin Sutherland, horn
Paul Banovic, clarinet
Willy McLellan, viola
Bob Hudson, 2nd vioin
James Zhang, timpani
Leah Young, horn
Walter Preucil, cello
Tori Nourbash, 2nd violin
Joshua With, percussion
It’s not too late to sing in the choir for Holy Week! Come to rehearsals 7:30-9:00 p.m.
on March 16, 23, and 30 to prepare to sing for Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday
and Easter (both services).
PRAYER REQUESTS for BUMC We believe in the power of prayer
and have a dedicated prayer team committed to praying your requests.
If you have a prayer request, please contact the church office,
(847) 836-5540, Paula Gordon (pgordon@barringtonumc.com), Julia
Hooper (2juliahooper@gmail.com) or use this QR code. Please also
indicate if you would like your request to be printed in the Sunday bulletin.
Creemos en el poder de la oración y tenemos una equipo de oración dedicado y comprometido
a orar por sus peticiones. Si tiene una solicitud de oración, comuníquese con el pastor Luis
Vega, (224) 209-1610, o lvega@barringtonumc.com. Por favor, indique también si desea que su
solicitud se imprima en el boletín dominical.
PRAYER REQUESTS for FUMC We have a very active Prayer Team
ministry here at FUMC. They believe strongly in the power of prayer and meet on a regular
basis to pray for those in congregation and community that have requested prayer. If you
have a prayer request that you would like included please contact either Marcia Buchs,
mkbuchs@sbcglobal.net, or Pr. Wendy, wwitt@barringtonumc.com.
2 3

HOLY WEEK
Palm Sunday Services, April 2
BUMC: 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and online
FUMC: 10 a.m. and online
Comunidad Cristiana: 2 p.m.
At noon, all are invited to a conversation with Dr. Elaine Heath, author of “Five Means of
Grace” in the BUMC Dining Room or on Zoom.
Holy Thursday Service, April 6
BUMC: 7:30 p.m.
The Stations of the Cross, featuring original works of art, will be open from 5 p.m. to
9:30 p.m. beginning in the rotunda and continuing in a self-guided tour throughout
the church.
FUMC: 6 p.m.
Walk With Jesus Family Event at BUMC, April 7, 10 a.m. to noon
A Good Friday, a family-focused event for all ages. Register Today!
Good Friday Service, April 7
BUMC: 7:30 p.m.
The Stations of the Cross, featuring original works of art, will be open from 5 p.m. to
9:30 p.m. beginning in the rotunda and continuing in a self-guided tour throughout
the church.
FUMC: 6 p.m.
Easter Sunday Services, April 9,
BUMC: 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and online
FUMC: 10 a.m. and online
Comunidad Cristiana: 2 p.m.
BUMC Easter Flowers Order Form
Please indicate the number of flowers you wish to purchase; flowers are $13 each. Checks should be
made payable to Barrington United Methodist Church and indicate “Easter Flowers” in the memo line.
The deadline for orders and payment is Wednesday, March 15. You may pick up your plants after the
second service on Easter Sunday.
Chrysanthemums Kalanchoe Tulips Hyacinths Daffodils
Name (please print)
Email/Phone
Given in honor of
by
Given in memory of
by
4 5
Given to the Glory of God by

spiritual d
i s c
i p
li n e
s
“Now I lay me down to sleep…”
It’s the first prayer many of us
learned. As children, prayer was
something done right before bed,
on our knees or on our backs with
our hands folded and a trusted adult
nearby – to help us remember the
names of everyone that we should ask
God to bless.
If we still pray, when we pray, is it
still in the same way – please help
those I can name? Perhaps we’ve
added gratitude to
our prayers, even
replaced asking God
for personal help with
expressions of thanks
for the many ways
we’ve already been blessed.
As a teenager, my nighttime prayers
slid off into contemplation of
everything I’d done wrong, or less
than perfectly, that day or ever, and
lists of what I would do differently
the next day. There was gratitude,
but also discomfort. And, eventually
fewer prayers.
What is prayer and how should
we pray? The second question has
dozens of answers, but the first one
should come first. Prayer is a personal
conversation with God. Our Creator
deeply wishes a personal relationship
with us. Prayer creates the opening
for that connection.
Our parents may have taught us
intercessory prayer, asking God to be
with us, our family, and members of
our community through times good
or difficult. Those prayers connect us
to God and to our community. But,
sometimes, they can turn into a lot of
talking and asking.
As in every
relationship,
conversations
need to include
recognition of
the value of the
other party –
remembering to
say thank you for
gifts, for visiting,
for being a friend –
and a healthy dose of
listening to what our
friend has to say. Does God talk to me?
I don’t know. But I know that finding a
way to listen for that still small voice
can help me through the difficult
times, let me celebrate the joyful
times, and bring me contentment that
passes for peace.
What if we don’t want to accept
what we might be hearing? We can
find ourselves wrestling with God,
especially when we are frustrated,
lonely, or angry. Is it ok to be angry
with God? Of course, God is way
bigger than we are. Keep sharing your
feelings with God – let the healing
wash over you. It may take weeks
or months or years, but our Sustainer you, Lord’ or ‘Yah-weh’ can
desires to be present with you throughout help bring God into your daily
the journey.
moments. ‘Lord, be with me’ is
sometimes necessary as well.
How can we be present to the God who
wants to be present to us? How can we The practice of Centering
listen? However and wherever it is most Prayer is an intentional
comfortable for each of us. Perhaps we discipline to calm your body
are most aware on a hike or a run. Many and open yourself to a deep relationship
of us find conversation more open when with God. Begin in a comfortable chair
we’re driving somewhere – perhaps turn with a reading or a calming thought and
off the radio when you’re alone in the car. a plan to spend ten or twenty minutes
For some of us, it’s our morning coffee simply open to the Spirit.
and an intentional moment of quiet or the
“Letting go of thoughts, you give
company of a devotional book. Often it
consent to God’s presence with one word
was by my sons’ bedsides after they were
that expresses that consent. You repeat
asleep – gratitude runs deep in that space,
the word any time the mind wanders
all I could think was ‘Thank you, Lord’.
– not constantly, like a mantra, but
If you are a nascent visual whenever you need to return attention to
artist, or just tired of the Holy One.”
trying to sit still, praying
Upon first beginning the practice, and it
with drawing paper and
is a practice for all of us, it’s good to give
a box of colors allows
yourself grace. If you have ‘ten-thousand
your hands to move and
thoughts’ in your twenty minutes, think of
your mind to clear. The
them as “Ten thousand opportunities to
book Praying in Color
return to God.”
by Sybil MacBeth offers a variety of
ways to expand your doodles into whole And isn’t that what every form of prayer
conversations with the Creator.
is – a return to God, to God’s love and
presence. As we make our personal
For folks with less time or more urgency,
relationship with God deeper through
Breath Prayers will fit into the moments of
prayer in whatever form, we celebrate our
your day – walking down the hall, pausing
connection with the God who nurtures
ahead of a difficult conversation, relaxing
us and with the community that cares for
before lunch or dinner are all great times
and with us.
to breathe in and out on the syllables of
words that have meaning for you. ‘Thank We have a place for you – to pray.
1
Muyskens, J. David, Sacred Breath: Forty Days of Centering Prayer, Nashville, Upper Room Books:2010, p.15
2
Bourgeault, Cynthia, The Heart of Centering Prayer, Boulder, Shambhala:2016, p.14 paraphrased
6 7

IN MISSION
ADULT MISSION TRIP | June 4 thru June 10, 2023
Join us on an adult mission trip to Tree of Life Ministries this June.
We will spend a week onsite in Mission, South Dakota on the
Rosebud Reservation where our good friend Linda Garriott serves.
Linda is excited to see us again and will provide serving opportunities
appropriate to everyone who can join us – there is a soup kitchen, gardens,
a thrift shop, warehouses, and construction opportunities. There are cultural
experiences in the evenings, an opportunity for local sight-seeing, and our
own updated sleeping lodge.
To participate or support the trip, contact Steve Middleton,
sjmiddleton@gmail.com, or Sharon Orr, sorr@barringtonumc.com.
SUMMER YOUTH MISSION TRIP | week of July 9, 2023
This summer, our students will experience culturally
immersive, life-changing, hands-on service in the
heart of Appalachia through the Appalachia Service
Project during the week of July 9. Students must be age 11+
and have completed 6th grade. A nonrefundable deposit of
$50 is required by April 1. Young adults interested in going
on the trip - and will be 19+ by July - can speak with Pastor
Ana, akelsey-powell@barringtonumc.com, about attending as JR Chaperones at
a significantly reduced fee.
Summer Mission Trip & Fundraiser
Keep your eyes peeled for our next youth group mission trip fundraiser on
Sunday, March 12! Be sure to support our youth as they work to serve others!
Valentine Blessing at First UMC of West
Dundee
8 9

IN MISSION
UNITED METHODIST COMMITTEE ON RELIEF
UMCOR Sunday, March 19, 2023: The fourth Sunday in Lent is reserved for
UMCOR Turkey-Syria: Thank you for your generous response to the recent earthquakes
in southern Turkey and northwestern Syria. Here is an article from UMCOR
updated on February 15, 2023.
UMCOR Sunday at all of our churches around the world. On this day, we join
together to pay the administrative costs that ensure UMCOR can respond
immediately to crises around the world and maintain a continuous presence in
areas we’ve made a commitment to rebuild. Here’s how UMCOR describes it:
WHAT IS UMCOR SUNDAY?
Through the United Methodist
Committee on Relief (UMCOR) we are
able to provide hope for communities
and individuals whose lives have been upset by
storms, wars, fires, displacement and climate
change. This ministry is achieved exclusively
through your generosity. UMCOR Sunday is
a denomination wide celebration designed to
raise awareness and support for UMCOR. The
special offering on this Sunday underwrites
UMCOR’s “cost of doing business” making it
possible for UMCOR to focus on responding
to communities and individuals when they
need immediate assistance. It allows UMCOR
to preserve the promise that 100% of any
donation to a specific UMCOR project or
missionary will go towards that project and
not administrative cost.
UMCOR equips local churches, annual
conferences and nonprofit organizations to
be in mission with their communities and to
respond to those left most vulnerable during
challenging times. UMCOR responds to U.S.
and international disasters, addresses diseases
and poverty, assists refugees and immigrants,
provides clean water and works to reduce
hunger. UMCOR doesn’t just respond to
the emergency for the short term. Working
with local organizations, churches in the
community and United Methodist volunteers,
UMCOR builds relationships and helps
communities rebuild, in the years following
a disaster.
UMCOR would be unable to do this work
without your support. By covering the operational
cost on UMCOR Sunday, you equip the
organization to respond when hope and safety
is needed most. You strengthen the ministry
and secure our ability for UMCOR to share
God’s love with communities everywhere.
View shows damaged and collapsed buildings in the aftermath
of an earthquake, in rebel-held town of Jandaris, Syria
February 11, 2023. REUTERS/Mahmoud Hassano
A
7.8 magnitude earthquake struck
southern Turkey at 4:17 a.m. on
Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, the most
powerful earthquake recorded since 1939. In
the hours that followed, at least 78 aftershocks
were reported, followed by a second
earthquake of 7.5 magnitude.
The earthquake and aftershocks also impacted
northwest Syria, where 4.1 million people
depend on humanitarian assistance. Syrian
communities, many of them women and
children, are simultaneously facing an ongoing
cholera outbreak and extreme winter weather,
including heavy rain and snow.
Thousands have been killed in both countries,
and deaths continue to rise as rescue crews
seek survivors in collapsed buildings. The
humanitarian response is struggling to ramp
up to meet the need among the devastation
and winter weather.
UMCOR’s longstanding humanitarian partner,
International Blue Crescent (IBC), has multiple
offices and project sites in Turkey. In IBC
offices, people fill the halls as they seek
shelter, warmth, and a hot meal. With the
devastating damage to roads, transport and
infrastructure, IBC has received hundreds
of families in its Kilis Community Center for
shelter, warm items, and hot meals since the
first hours Monday morning. Kilis is serving
as a major hub for coordination and relief
efforts, including for cross-border response
into Syria.
UMCOR has released initial solidarity grants
to IBC and Forum for Development Culture
and Dialogue (working in Syria) to help provide
tents, heaters, blankets, warm clothes, ready
to eat meals and first aid kits to those who
have been displaced. UMCOR staff members
are also in touch with other partners in the
region. Additional updates will be provided as
more information becomes available.
Please join UMCOR in prayer for the many
people affected by these devastating
earthquakes, including the rescue crews
seeking survivors and those caring for the
injured and displaced.
10 11

IN MISSION
UNITED METHODIST COMMITTEE ON RELIEF
UMCOR Ukriane : An update
Grants for immediate relief have been
given to United Methodist partners
to provide direct aid inside Ukraine
as well as to support those who have fled
the violence. UMCOR is working through
Methodist churches in neighboring nations—
Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Estonia,
Bulgaria and the Czech Republic. In addition,
grants are being awarded to trusted partners
like ACT Alliance, International Orthodox
Christian Charities (IOCC) and Human Rights
League. Grants provide transportation
assistance, humanitarian supplies such as
food, water, clothing, shelter and medication,
as well as legal services and safe spaces for
families, women, children and those with
disabilities. In addition, UMCOR has funded
the transport of more than $1 million in
medical supplies to hospitals in Kyiv, with
more supplies scheduled in the coming
months. UMCOR is in continuous dialogue
with UMC entities and other partners
throughout Europe to identify additional
ways to assist. The situation in Eastern and
Central Europe is constantly evolving and with
Ukraine’s economic losses already estimated
in the hundreds of millions of dollars, recovery
efforts will take years. Global Ministries
and UMCOR will continue to respond in the
months and years ahead.
Image credits: Google / Reuters
CONGREGATIONAL GARDEN
Garden Shed “Eden” is getting an upgrade!
What began as a discussion in a Missions Committee Meeting in 2008
has now become a major outreach ministry at Barrington United
Methodist Church.
By the spring of 2009, a team of volunteers had been recruited and we began
growing vegetables in the community garden south of the church building.
Our “first customer” was the Fish Food Pantry in Carpentersville. They were
excited to get fresh produce and told us that many of their customers would
not have had any without our contributions.
There was a lot of learning to be done - plowing and tilling the land, deciding
whether to buy plants or seeds, where and when to plant and how to fertilize
and water the crops. All of these were solved - some by folks who had
experience, others by trial and error.
Over the following years we have continued to expand the outreach. We
are now supplying nine food pantries in Cook, Kane, and McHenry counties
as well as the BUMC Community meal. Since 2012, we have provided over
250,000 pounds of vegetables.
While the most important element of the garden
mission is our volunteers, one key component is
the shed - a place to store tools, equipment and
supplies and a rain shelter for our volunteers.
Unfortunately, the shed is falling apart and needs
to be replaced.
A replacement project had been started in 2018
but was halted due to Covid. The project has now
been restarted and, after considerable work, we
have finalized a design and budget which have
been reviewed and approved by both the BUMC
Trustees and the Leadership Council.
continued on page 14
12 13

IN MISSION
Garden Shed “Eden” continued from page 9
The new shed, which has been named “Eden,” will be built on the existing
concrete pad with an eight-foot covered gravel extension to the south.
The enclosed area, with double sliding doors, will be large enough to store
the field tractor during the winter which was a critical design element. The
covered extension will provide an outside storage area as well as a shelter for
the volunteers during sudden rain storms. The entire facility will have metal
sides and roof for a long life and minimal maintenance.
VALENTINE BAGS SUCCESS
Love from God was transformed into 40 plus Valentine bags for Children
and Youth this Valentine’s, with many participants at FUMC West Dundee.
Our Sunday School class made beautiful bags to organize the treasures
from toothpaste, shampoo, wash clothes, and a stuffed toy to bring a smile. The
bags were delivered to support Elgin Crisis Center Kids, District 300 Kids, and
Teens at Kids Above All. We appreciate all those who shopped for the items, put
the bags together, and delivered the items.
The first phase of the project,
which includes the demolition
and disposal of the existing
shed, the construction of the
new shed, interior finishing
and miscellaneous items
such as a storage container
for the shed items during
construction, has been
awarded with construction
planned to start the first week of May. The cost for this phase is $42,000. The
remaining work includes the regrading of the land south of the shed, replacing
the asphalt west of the shed and providing electrical service to the shed. The
anticipated cost for this work is $30,000.
Wondering how you can get involved and help? The garden always needs
volunteers from May to September. We’d love to see you helping plant,
picking weeds or picking produce during the season. It’s a great opportunity
to grab your bunco gals, golfing buddies or group of youngsters from the
neighborhood each week for a few hours. Time is not the only thing the garden
and shed needs, financial contributions to fund the replacement of the shed
are still needed. An offering during services can be marked in the memo with
“Garden Shed” or online donations using the “Garden Shed” category. Feel
free to make your way over to the south side of the property to see what
the existing shed looks like so when the new one is constructed, you can
appreciate the difference. To get involved in this vital ministry, contact the
church office (847) 836-5540.
14 15

IN MISSION
FELLOWSHIP at First United Methodist Church of West Dundee
FUMC West Dundee continues to gather around the meal table for a
traditional Methodist potluck on the third Sunday of the month at 11:10
a.m. in the Fireside. The fellowship team is working on creative ways to fit
our church family on the main level, allowing all to join. The entre will be
provided each month. We are asking each family to bring a vegetable, salad,
chips, or dessert to share. We hope you join us on March 19th. If you have
questions, see Marcia Buchs or Shari Travez.
On the other Sundays during the month, we need small groups to sign up
to prepare refreshments and snacks after church in the Fireside. There
are signup sheets on the bulletin board. It is okay to buy items; they do
not need to be homemade. We welcome donations of lemonade mixes and
forks. See Julie if you have questions.
GROWING HOPE GLOBALLY
Our partnership with Trinity Lutheran in Ottawa and the farmers in the Two
Rivers area continues in this it’s twentieth year. The Two Rivers-Barrington
Growing Project has given approximately $700,000 over the last nineteen years
which is estimated to have led over 12,500 people out of poverty for a lifetime.
Look for more information on our upcoming 2023 efforts in your mailbox (and
eNews) after Easter. In the meantime, here is a brief report on the Two Rivers-
Barrington Growing Project results for 2022:
Income: $30,743.37 total of which
$10,180 gifts from Barrington UMC and
$1,202 for Sweet Corn Sunday
Designated Support:
$15,000 to the Haiti Jean Rabel program
$8,769.38 to the Lebanon South program
LENT MISSION: 40 DAYS AND 40 ITEMS
During this season of Lent this year, First UMC
invites you to declutter your pantry, closets, or
cupboards with items that could be used by the
FISH food Pantry (non-perishable food items),
PADS of ELGIN (paper products, plates and
napkins), Crisis Center (diapers and baby wipes),
Midwest Mission (washcloth and hand towels),
Shoebox Mission (small toys and color books),
and UMCOR with your spare change. Lent brown
bags are available in the Fireside Room for your
donations. Coin boxes and jars will also be in
the Fireside room to collect your change during
the Lent Season. All items and boxes should be
brought to church on Palm Sunday. If you have
questions, ask Marcia, mkbuchs@sbcglobal.net
$3,900 to the Colombia Sincelejo Montes de Maria program
whose community members spoke at the Harvest Celebration
$3074.37 to operational support for Growing Hope Globally (10% of our gifts)
Haiti Jean Rabel
Growing Hope Globally and Church World
Service have partnered for several years to
support families in the Northwest Department
of Haiti. The Northwest is one of the most
food insecure areas in Haiti. Due to the lack
of paved roads, there are few nonprofits
working there to support families as they face
the challenges of both frequent droughts and
hurricanes. The current phase of programming
is being carried out in partnership with a
local association called AGEHPMDNG and is
working in five communities.
Families are also being supported in veterinary
services and access to better breeding
stock. Cisterns are being constructed so
families can capture rainwater, both for
farming and for household consumption.
The program is focused on soil conservation,
reclaiming 60 hectares of land, so that the
ground can be used for agroforestry activities.
16 17

IN MISSION
GROWING HOPE GLOBALLY Lebanon South
SHAWL MINISTRY
The main goal of this program is to empower
farmers and improve the livelihood of
Lebanese and Syrian women and their families
in rural, south Lebanon by rehabilitating an
existing nursery, conducting agricultural
training sessions, and distributing vegetables
and fruit plants. This project, led by the
Mennonite Central Committee, will address
the issue of local farmers’ exhaustive
dependence on tobacco agriculture, which
has failed to alleviate their poverty despite
the state-subsidies for more than 70 years, by
encouraging value-chain marketing of organic
vegetables and eco-friendly practices.
All are invited each second Tuesday of the month
to join a group of dedicated knitters and crocheters
meeting to bless newly created shawls, create new
shawls, and enjoy fellowship. New knitters and
crocheters are always welcome!
TEA PARTY
On the 3rd Tuesday afternoon of every month,
the BUMC Caring Ministries continues to deliver
Tea Parties to those who are homebound. Both
visitors, and those who are visited, really enjoy the
visit. Let Elaine Anderson know if you want to join
us or receive a visit. As the group was ready to leave for the January
tea party, a tribute was made to Carol Svoboda, the founder of the
BUMC tea parties.
Colombia Sincelejo Montes de Maria
Located in one of the regions of Colombia that
was most affected by the conflict and violence
of the early 2000’s, this program, run by the
Mennonite Central Committee, focuses on
increasing food security through improved
agricultural practices and peace building.
Activities include agricultural training,
community organizing, improving access to
markets, and advocacy for victims of violence
and displacement.
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A TRIBUTE TO CAROL SVOBODA
by the Care Ministries Team
Carol Svoboda was one of the biggest hearts on the Care Ministries committee.
We can’t think of Care Ministries without thinking of Carol. When we think of
Carol, we remember how instrumental she was in starting and leading several of the
programs listed below. Following in her footsteps, we continue these groups
today. She was also integral to all the caring services provided by the Care
Ministries team. Carol used her love of caring for people, cooking and
knitting to serve the church.
She brightened everyone with her sweet smile and her welcoming and
comforting words.
As our records show, Carol started the Prayer Shawl ministry as early
as 2004. This program continues today with at least 12 people knitting or
crocheting. They meet in the church on the second Tuesday of the month from
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., but many people knit or crochet their shawls at home. They
are always looking for new people and are willing to teach them. The shawls have
been distributed to many people in our congregation, as well as friends and families
of congregants that are going through difficult times. Notify the church office or
Terry Costello at costello.terry@gmail.com if you want to join them.
Carol started the Tea Party ministry and began the tradition of bringing tea, tea
cups, and homemade cookies to those who are homebound or enjoy visitors. This
activity continues on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 1:00 p.m. Those who visit
enjoy it as much as those who are visited. Notify the church office or Elaine Anderson
at rneaa@comcast.net if you are interested in being a visitor or being visited.
2023 WOMEN’S FALL RETREAT
Relation’SHIPS’- Builders Needed!
Save the date: September 22-24
Lake Delavan Resort
Delavan, WI
Save the date! Spring One Day Retreat- April 13, 2024
WELCOME TEAM Join the BUMC Welcome Committee!
The welcome committee needs friendly people to join us in greeting members
and guests before service. It’s easy! All you have to do is smile and welcome
everyone as they walk in. After services, you thank them for coming.
Benefits of being on the welcome committee:
You get to church early and get a good parking spot
You have time to chat with your fellow greeters and get to know them
Your friendliness could be the reason a new visitor joins our church
Need more information? Email Dana Angel at rich_angel2000@yahoo.com
For several years Carol was the one people contacted when a person or family needed
meals during an illness or difficult times. We continue this today by using the
Meal Train App. Let the church office or Elaine Anderson know if you would like to
be on the list to provide or need occasional meals.
For several years, she hosted the two active circles of Barrington Methodist Women
for the Christmas luncheon at her home. Everyone who remembers them says they
were delightful and that Carol was a very gracious hostess. The United Women of
Faith group continues the Christmas luncheons, generally held at the church.
Carol passed away on January 13, 2023. A memorial service celebrating the life of
Carol Svoboda was held at Barrington UMC on Saturday, March 4. Her spirit will live
on through the rest of us carrying out her Ministries.
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GET CONNECTED
United Methodist Women
United Women in Faith continues to meet on Wednesdays at 10:00
am via Zoom. Through March 22 we will be discussing Five Means of
Grace. Anyone may join our group for this study, scan the QR code
with your smart phone to be taken to the Zoom gathering.
Watch for details regarding April meetings, both virtual and in-person.
Mark your calendar to these events:
United Women in Faith Prairie Central District is holding a spring event on
April 22. We will gather for a tour of the Holocaust Museum in Skokie at 10:00 am.
The day will include a docent-guided tour of the Karkomi Holocaust Exhibition,
the Interactive Survivor Experience (hologram), lunch, and time to browse the
museum’s other exhibits, including “The Negro Motorist Green Book” exhibit
(which runs through April 23). Cost will be $24 (for seniors) or $27 (for adults) and
include a box lunch. More details about registering to be a part of this tour will
be coming. Questions? Contact Linda Osikowicz, Lmosikowicz@comcast.net.
Treasured VBS 2023!
June 19-23, 9:00–12:00 p.m.
Children age 3 through 5th grade are invited to embark on an epic
quest through hidden ruins, ancient caves, and dense jungles. At
Treasured VBS, kids dig into action-packed, faith-filled adventures.
A team of volunteers and supporters are needed to make this week a
success for our campers. Scan the QR code to to see the many ways
you can support this vital ministry through your time and gifts.
Mission u event, July 14–16
The Lord’s Prayer is something many of us recite from memory but it is also
a rich guide for how we can live out God’s kin-dom in our lives. It is also the
subject of this year’s Mission u event at Carmelite Spiritual Center, Darien, IL.
We are invited to step away from automatic recitation of the prayer and dive
deep into the meaning of each line. You are invited to explore the heart of Jesus’
good news and what fresh vision it offers us as we seek to be in mission today.
More information to follow. Mission u is open to all — men and women — and is
sponsored by United Women in Faith Northern Illinois Conference.
There are also study guides for youth: Seek and You Shall Find: Living in the Kin-dom
and children: We Are the Kin-dom.
And, an Faith Talks podcast interview with authors from all three texts has been
posted at: https://uwfaith.org/resources/podcasts/
The Just Geranium Sale will be held
on Mother’s Day once again. Watch for
order information later in March.
The 89th Annual Rummage Sale will be
October 6-7, with drop-offs beginning
Sunday, October 1. Mark your calendar,
save your treasures, invite your friends
to come and help!
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YOUTH MINISTRY
Our Amazing gRACE retreat was such a blessing!
Spending time together on the shores of Lake Geneva allowed us to
connect more deeply with God, with ourselves, and with each other.
We talked about Wesley’s Five Means of Grace, why the church
observes Lent each year, and spent time reflecting on how we experience
God’s grace in our own lives. We also played games, watched
movies, and ate all the delicious snacks we could handle. Special
thanks go to Tammy McKay and Fred Kocian for helping run and
supervise the retreat.
We’re excited to do it again!
Sunday Funday!
March Madness Movie Edition
Sunday, March 19 beginning at noon!
Each Sunday, students in grades 6 through 12 vote in our
bracket to narrow down the movie we want to watch. On
March 19, come to church with your comfy clothes, pillows,
blankets, etc., and we’ll have a yummy lunch, tons of snacks,
drinks, and quality movie time together.
Contact Ana (akelsey-powell@barringtonumc.com) or
Tammy (tmckay@barringtonumc.com) with any questions or
concerns. Hope to see you there!
Youth Weekly Schedule
Sunday, March 5
9:00 Sunday School (inc. Children's Time!)
10:30 Worship together in the Sanctuary
4:00 OWL & Homework Hang
6:00 God's Squad
Sunday, March 12
9:00 Sunday School
10:30 Worship together in the Sanctuary
noon Coffee Hour Mission Trip Fundraiser
4:00 OWL & Homework Hang
6:00 God's Squad
Sunday, March 19
9:00 Sunday School
10:30 Worship together in the Sanctuary
noon March Madness: Movie Edition
4:00 OWL & Homework Hang
Sunday, March 26
9:00 Listen to Ana preach during worship
10:30 Listen to Ana preach during worship
noon March Madness: Movie Edition
4:00 OWL & Homework Hang
6:00 God’s Squad
Sunday, April 2
9:00 Sunday School
10:30 Worship together in the Sanctuary
4:00 OWL & Homework Hang
6:00 God's Squad
Sunday, April 7
10:00 Volunteer opportunity at
Walk with Jesus event.
Sunday, April 9
Easter Sunday, no programming
Sunday, April 16
9:00 Sunday School
10:30 Worship together in the Sanctuary
4:00 OWL & Homework Hang
6:00 God's Squad
Sunday, April 23
9:00 Sunday School
10:30 Worship together in the Sanctuary
4:00 OWL & Homework Hang
6:00 God’s Squad
Sunday, April 30
9:00 Sunday School
10:30 Worship together in the Sanctuary
noon Sunday Funday!
4:00 OWL
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FAMILY MINISTRY
NOAH’S ARK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Children age 3 through grade 5 are invited to join us during worship each
week for Sunday School with a Twist!
March is March Madness: Shoot to Win
April is What’s in your Basket??
Registration is open for the 2023/2024 school year
and Summer Camp, ages are 3 years - kindergarten.
For more information, please contact Susan Acosta,
sacosta@barringtonumc.com
Parent s ’
D ayOu t
Need a day to recover?
On Saturday, March 11, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Drop off the kids for a day of play, activities, games and a movie.
Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Children ages three and up are welcome (must be potty trained).
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