What's Happening

MAY COLLECTION – “Midwest Mission Distribution Center” (Pawnee, IL) – PERSONAL DIGNITY KIT ITEMS (specific): 1 bath hand towel (no kitchen towels), 1 bath washcloth (no dishcloths), 1 adult toothbrush (no multipacks), 1 bar of soap (3-4 oz size), 1 shampoo (15-18 oz size), 1 deodorant (2-3 oz stick, roll on or pump), 1-gallon re-sealable plastic bags (used to pack each kit), $2.00 donation for razor and toothpaste (these two cannot be donated).  We are not putting the kits together, nor are we asking anyone to donate a complete kit.  We’ll be collecting these throughout May.

PASTOR CALEB REAPPOINTED TO WISCONSIN.  On Sunday, March 28th, Pastor Caleb announced during the church service that the Wisconsin Annual Conference reached out to him on behalf of a group of close friends of his.  He pursued this opportunity in late fall of 2020.  After a formal letter of request was sent to our Bishop, Frank J. Beard, Beard approved Pastor Caleb to “explore appointments beyond the bounds of the Conference.”  Pastor Caleb was interviewed in late January by representatives of the WI Board of Ordained Ministry and their Episcopal Cabinet.  Two weeks later, they announced that Bishop Hee-Soo Jung (WI Bishop) and the WI Cabinet of District Superintendents had discerned an appointment for him.  On Thursday, February 18th, Pastor Caleb was introduced to the members of the Port Edwards United Methodist Church Staff-Parish Relations Committee in Port Edwards, WI.  This SPRC unanimously approved the bishop’s discernment that night.  Pastor Caleb cannot emphasize enough how bittersweet this move is to him.  He is excited to be moving closer to some of his closest colleagues and friends but is also grieving the separation of the relationships he has developed at Edinburg and Stonington–not to mention his own family in Mount Carmel, IL.  But–he knows well that this is the life and choice of every Methodist ministry.  It is a burden to bear for the Lord’s sake.  Neither the Bishop nor the DS wanted to see him leave, but he has made this choice for the benefit of his own future ministry in a context he believes will enable flourishment on a personal level.  He hopes Edinburg and Stonington will come to understand the depth of this important life decision he has made. 

PASTOR BRENNAN TO SERVE SUMC JULY 1ST.  It was announced on Sunday, March 21st that Rev. Brennan Hurley will be SUMC’s new pastor effective July 1st.  His wife is Jenna and their daughter-to-be is Caroline (due early-to-mid July).  Their four-legged family member is a dog named Max.  Brennan is currently finishing up his Masters of Divinity degree at Duke University’s Theological School (a great United Methodist seminary)!  He is currently serving two rural churches in North Carolina.  He will be returning to Illinois in early June and moving in to the Stonington parsonage around the second full-week of June.  Brennan is from Carlinville and Jenna is from Virden.  Brennan will also be serving at Taylorville First United Methodist Church as their part-time associate pastor even as he is our part-time “senior” pastor.  He writes: “It is a new season at Stonington UMC–a new building, a new pastor, and I hope, a renewed sense of mission and passion for the good news of Jesus Christ.  My family comes to you from North Carolina with hopes, dreams, and a calling to serve God and neighbor alongside you. . . . These are certainly strange times.  However, it is precisely these times in which the circumstances of life knock us off our horses (see Acts 9) that Jesus appears to us and beckons us to chart a new course in faith.  Our world needs good news.  The gospel of Jesus Christ offers that good news, and we get to be a part of it together.  We’ll see you in June! -Brennan Hurley”

SUMC’s Preliminary Architectural Plans can be found on the “New Building Project” Tab of our website.

SHOPPING-FOR-SAFETY MINISTRY – Cannot order online?  Having trouble getting out?  Nervous about public spaces and crowds?  Let SUMC do the shopping for you!  Recently, individuals of our church created the “Shopping-for-Safety Ministry.”  If you are even remotely concerned for your health or the health of a loved one in your house, give us a call and we will pick up some groceries or other necessities for you.  We don’t want you making unnecessary risks!  A group of volunteers are making themselves available for you!  This ministry is for any Stonington area resident.  Sam’s Club, Kroger’s, and Walmart are among the places we will frequent on your behalf.  Contact Laurie L. (217-820-7733).