December 2009 read more ...

For many, many years I have been wondering why Lectionary Bible readings of the Advent season always start with the so-called “End Time” teachings of Jesus. This year I feel like I understand the “why.” This year I feel like I see the signs of the end time everywhere (please understand that I am not a wacky dispensationalist). Our nation is still engaged in two wars and we hear rumors that dangerous nuclear weapons are in dangerous peoples’ hands. The news of earthquakes and tsunamis shock us too often. Unbelievable violence and even killings happen almost everyday in our neighborhoods. The melt down of the economy effects almost every one of us with unemployment, foreclosure of houses, and emotional breakdowns. I am wondering how we will have a happy Thanksgiving and a merry Christmas.

November 2009 read more ...

Greetings to you all who are members and friends of Morgan Park UMC. As a church we just celebrated World Communion Sunday and now move to All Saints’ Sunday. This is the time we remember that all churches and Christians are one in Christ Jesus beyond the lines of denominations and beyond the line of life and death. I know that some of you have been away from church recently because of illness or the birth of a new child or family functions. I hope and pray that you can come back soon to the fellowship of all saints in worship, prayer service, small group gatherings and Bible study. Our real privilege of becoming children of God is not just knowing about God or praying to God in private but living in fellowship with other saints and with our God.

October 2009 read more ...

On Sunday, September 13, 2009 the Morgan Park United Methodist Church presented the James Swearingen Academic Achievement Award to Carisa Parker.

September 2009 read more ...

On Saturday, September 19, 2009 Morgan Park UMC will host the 2nd annual Fall Flea Market. It will be held in our parking lot. We will charge $25 per space. This is a rain or shine event. In case of inclement weather, we will move everything into the Great Hall, Wesley Hall and hallways. The Fall Flea Market is an all-church fund-raising event and we need you to be involved!

August 2009 read more ...

I hope that you are well and safe this summer and enjoying this time with your family and friends. At our church there were some fun and exciting summer programs such as, the all-church picnic, the Berry Festival and Vacation Bible School. I thank all of you who volunteered and participated in these summer programs. You make our church fun, strong and healthy.

July 2009 read more ...

It was my pleasure and privilege to represent Morgan Park United Methodist Church at the annual Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church, held June 7-9 at the Pheasant Run Conference Center. Lay representatives like me from all the churches of the NIC, along with their pastors, met with staff and support organizations to celebrate accomplishments, learn new ways of serving, affirm those entering into positions of authority, amend the Constitution of the United Methodist Church, worship together, and enjoy the fellowship of like-minded Christians. The group was large and diverse, but the common theme of serving God and Jesus Christ bound all together and unified our purposes. From the multitude of experiences, I wish to share several that I found particularly notable or inspiring.

June 2009 read more ...

In the book of Romans Paul says, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”  Though I knew that it was in the Bible, I didn’t know any church that really practiced this holy kiss until I came to Morgan Park UMC.  There is abundant love in our church and you share and express that love with smiles, kind words, hugs and kisses.

May 2009 read more ...

Once again it is time to celebrate the birth of the Christian church on Pentecost Sunday. This year Pentecost falls on May 31st. This will be an exciting day at MPUMC. We want everyone to think about celebrating with people (former church members and friends) whom we care about and love. Too often we put off calling them saying we will do it next week; sometimes, unfortunately, when next week comes, that person we were going to call is no longer with us. So let us celebrate life now!

April 2009 read more ...

Our MPUMC tenth annual Community Awards Banquet will be held Sunday, May 3, beginning at 5 p.m. The purpose of this event always has been to reach beyond our doors to recognize local persons who have given unusual efforts to good causes, and to extend an invitation to the community to join us in acknowledging them. Again this year we have two people who have provided important contributions to the life of our community. We hope you can join in celebrating their lives at the Community Service Awards Banquet.

March 2009 read more ...

Come join in the International Family Night! Our potluck dinner will feature a variety of foods from throughout the world. After the dinner, we will feature presentations of music, dance, or spoken word. If you would like to perform something special during this time, please contact Laura Parker or Samantha Morek and let them know in what way you would like to participate.

February 2009 read more ...

Come join in the International Family Night! Our potluck dinner will feature a variety of foods from throughout the world. After the dinner, we will feature presentations of music, dance, or spoken word. If you would like to perform something special during this time, please contact Laura Parker or Samantha Morek and let them know in what way you would like to participate.

January 2009 read more ...

We again greet a new year very perplexed wondering how the year 2008 flew away and what we have done with it. You may have had some times of great joy and some times of sorrow in your family in 2008. As a church we have had joyful moments, such as baptisms, the reception of new members and the consecration of memorial gifts. We also have had times of grieving when we were witnesses to the violence in our community and when our members lost loved ones.