Faith in action stories

Fairview Heights Christ UMC is working with Bishop Palmer, Bishop Elias Galvan and Honduran Superintendent Juan Gurrereo to plant the first United Methodist church in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

Beardstown First UMC celebrated its 175th anniversary of service to God and community throughout 2011.

Carl Sharp, 98, a member of Chatsworth UMC, mans the Salvation Army kettle during the Christmas holidays.

Look in the Bible and find 28 chapters in the Book of Acts. But look at the license plate on the vehicle Geneseo resident Clarke Barnes drives, and find "Acts 29." A 29th chapter may not be in the Bible, but it has been a major part in the ''Bible of Life'' of this retired Marine colonel and in this retired circuit court judge's witnessing of his faith. It has been a good conversation starter for Mr. Barnes when sharing his faith with others.

For the second year in a row, members of Decatur First UMC joined together in an intergenerational effort to serve the people of Oakville, Iowa. Oakville was one of the many communities damaged by the floods of 2008, leaving an already struggling community in worse shape. In June, 36 members and friends of Decatur First spent a week in Oakville working on five different homes. The homes were in varying stages of re-building. One team was assigned to the “demo crew”, demolishing the floor and rebuilding it. Other crews worked in homes that were close to being ready for the homeowner to move into.

IGRC retired pastor Bill Zander and his wife Nancy were recently honored by the Methodist Medical Center Foundation for exemplary long-term service. The Zanders have served Methodist Medical Center and the Methodist College of Nursing both jointly and individually for more than 25 years.

As Bradley University students walked Peoria's downtown in celebration of graduation, Peoria First UMC served thema free meal in their parking lot.

Belleville Union UMC will celebration the completion of its sanctuary renovation on Sunday, May 1.

Rev. Bob Morwell of Quincy Union UMC is offering an online Bible study that is available at any time, anywhere there is an internet connection.

East St. Louis Trinity UMC has been working to find ways to grow its Sunday School program while at the same time looking for ways to embrace the community.

Jacksonville Grace UMC is welcoming a fire-displaced First Christian Church congregation to use its church building for worship services and other activities.

In what has become an annual and growing event, Alec Lester uses his birthday party to support the Knoxville Food Pantry. Instead of gifts for himself, he asks his friends to donate money and canned goods to the food pantry. His charitable efforts have caught the attention of President Barack Obama, who recently send him a letter of congratulations.

Jacksonville Grace UMC offered space in its facility to house a community warming and cooling center.

Four generations of family serve at Brighton St. Paul UMC

Mission Day invites youth groups and confirmation classes to experience a day of mission close to home by fostering a better understanding of the Cunningham mission and ministry. Throughout the day, youth participated in therapeutic activities enjoyed by kids at Cunningham, such as therapeutic recreation, friendship classes, spiritual exercises, and an All-Star Pizza Party. During each activity, the youth learned more about the kids of Cunningham and the struggles they face and how their youth group can begin to make a difference.

McKendree University student Nykhala Coston tells about a mission trip taken by 14 students and Chaplain Tim Harrison to Chicago and its impact on their lives.

Decatur Christ UMC observed the second Blessing of the Animals Service on Holy Saturday (April 22, 2011).

Washington Evangelical UMC hosted the Good News Club community-wide Easter Party. More than 80 children and families were welcomed into the church through this ministry.

Children at Carbondale First UMC are catching mosquitos in bed nets that drape the sanctuary. For every $5 contribution, another mosquito is "caught" in the net.

Members of Wanda UMC used Consecration Sunday to respond to the challenge of being "good stewards for Jesus Christ."