GriefShare

      GriefShare will begin at FUMC of Mattoon on Thursday, January 7.  GriefShare is a grief recovery support group that includes a half-hour video to help you journey from mourning to joy.  It is followed by a 50 minute group sharing and growth time with people who understand something of what you are going through.  The group will meet from 5:30 to 7:00 on Thursday evenings from January 7 to March 25.  Ken Hutchens will lead the adult group.  The sessions are designed to be helpful even if you cannot attend them all.

      While the adult GriefShare group is meeting we will also have a grief support group for school age children and teens.  Debbie Benslay will lead that group.  Age appropriate activities, discussions, and lessons will be used to help bring healing from the loss of a loved one.  Child care will be provided for children too young to participate so parents and siblings can be part of the groups.

      Fliers and posters are available to share with those who might benefit from these caring groups.  For more information contact Ken Hutchens at (217) 235-5676 or Brokenhutchens@gmail.com.

Are You Searching?

     My hope is that you are visiting this site because you are seeking a closer walk with God.  Perhaps you have discovered that your existence on this planet is not an accident or random occurrence.  We believe you are here because the God of the universe chose to create life.  God created humans to be in fellowship with him and a person will not find true happiness and fulfillment in life until she or he is in a relationship with God.  Our own turning away from God, what the Bible calls sin, has separated us from that relationship and the abundant life it brings.

      The good news of the Gospel is that God has provided for a renewed relationship with him by sending his Son Jesus Christ.  Jesus suffered and died on a cross that he might take our punishment on him and we might experience his right relationship with God.  On the third day God raised Jesus to eternal life as the beginning of the resurrection.  The hope we have in Christ is for a fulfilled life here and a future for eternity in God’s family after this life is over.  God’s grace to participate in this life is offered to all who will allow Jesus to be their leader and helper.  You can know God and belong to his family right now through committing yourself to Jesus and accepting the gift of grace he gives.

      When a person asks Jesus to enter his or her life a number of things happen.  First, your failures of the past (sins) are removed (forgiven), and you become a child of God.  Second, the Holy Spirit (God’s presence in a human life) comes into your life to guide you and be present with you.  Third you begin to live your life for God.  The Bible talks about being “born again.”  Just as a baby needs a family to love, guide, and nurture it, you need a Christian family to love you, guide you in the faith, and nurture you.  The church is God’s provision for an earthly family for his children.  The Bible is God’s guide to individuals and the church.

      Perhaps you have already found that the church is far from perfect.  The people of the church make many mistakes and you may have been hurt by their behavior in the past.  We are truly sorry for that.  We are a group of sinners that depend upon God’s mercy.  We are striving, with God’s help, to be better at caring for one another and encouraging one another to get closer to God.  Please take a look at this site and see if you think we might offer a place for your care, nurture and even challenge. Perhaps you can offer the gifts and presence we need to do better ministry and be more faithful servants of God.  Then come and worship with us and see if your first impressions are correct.  Whether you visit us or the many other good churches of this community our hope is that you experience God’s guidance and blessing in your life.

         Pastor Ken Hutchens