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Upon This Rock Cooperative Parish

Three United Methodist Churches Cooperating for Jesus Christ

Serve the Lord

With Gladness!

Psalm 100:2

Joining a fellowship group or serving on a church committee is a rewarding experience that allows you to grow in fellowship and Christian love with your church family and to grow in your relationship with God and in your personal spiritual journey.

Terms of service on most of our committees is limited to three years, at the end of which members are encouraged to explore other areas where God may be calling them to serve the church and world.

If you are a member of Harlem, Evans or Beth Eden and feel God “nudging” you toward joining a fellowship or service group, please call one of our Pastors at 877-9237 for more information.

Many times God beckons us to be involved in the ministry of all believers, and there are times when we have dreams, visions or ideas for new programs, studies, or ministries. Please feel free to share,with your Pastors and local church or Cooperative leadership, the ideas and visions God places on your heart. We are the People who stand upon the Rock of our Lord Jesus Christ.

FELLOWSHIP GROUPS

Jolly Beth Eden Seniors

The Jolly Beth Eden Seniors is a fellowship group open to anyone 55 years of age and older. Meetings are held at Beth Eden Church and guests are asked to bring a dish to pass and their own table service. Programs may include special music, speakers, or other activities.

Meets: Fourth Wednesday of each month at 12:00 NOON

Harlem Seniors Group

This group gathers for a potluck meal at the Harlem Church, followed by a time of fun and fellowship.

Meets: Second Tuesday of each month at 12:00 noon.

Men’s Softball Team

The talented Beth Eden softball team has finished third place or better in regular season play in the last four years and in post-season tournaments the last three years. This group enjoys the spirit of competition and fellowship shared with Christian brothers and represents Beth Eden with spiritual pride and focus.

Those who don’t wish to play are invited and encouraged to come out and support the team from the bleachers!

Meets: Games every Monday, April-August

United Methodist Youth Fellowship

United Methodist Youth Fellowship is open to all junior high and senior high school students. This group encourages youth to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ and each other as Christian brothers and sisters and provides a strong faith family and support. UMYF strives to increase young people’s knowledge of the Gospel and help them internalize and practice Christian values. Youth are involved in various activities including recreation, spiritual discussion, study, and our annual Youth Work Trip.

Meets: Every Sunday (except the fourth Sunday of each month) 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Contact: Pastor Eric. 877-9237

MUSIC/DRAMA MINISTRY GROUPS

Alleluia Quartet

The Alleluia Quartet is a group of Beth Eden members Scott Hoffman, Todd Scott, Jarrod Severing, and John Vanderheyden who minister through music both to Beth Eden and to churches and groups throughout the community.

Beth Eden Chancel Choir

The Chancel Choir ministers to Beth Eden through anthems during the 9:00 a.m. worship service each Sunday from late September through early June. The choir also shares cantatas on an Advent Sunday and on Palm Sunday

Meets: Thursdays at 7:30PM ., September-June.

Youth Choir

The Youth Choir is open to children and youth in 3rd grade and up with rehearsals following Sunday school on Sunday mornings in the sanctuary. The youth share anthems about every 4-6 weeks in Sunday services. They also participate annually in the AGO sponsored Youth Choir Festival. The children also learn some basic music theory, singing skills and are learning how to play Orff instruments.

Meets: Sundays 11:40 a.m.-12:30 p.m., September-May

Harlem Adult Choir

The Harlem Adult Choir ministers through music in worship services at Harlem. Rehearsals are open to all who enjoy singing.

Meets: Thursdays at 7:30 PM

Drama Ministry

The Drama Ministry is made up of volunteers interested in sharing a Christian message through plays, dramatic readings, and musicals. Those who feel called to act, assist with sets, build sets, run lights, or anything related to the needs of drama are encouraged to participate. A steering team, open to anyone interested, meets monthly for visioning and planning.

Meets: Third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

SERVICE/SUPPORT GROUPS

Beth Eden Prayer Family

This one-person committee accomplishes a very important outreach ministry by sending cards to members and friends who are being uplifted in prayer by the Beth Eden church family. Through this ministry, Beth Eden helps those facing adversity realize that God is there for them and that they are being remembered in prayer. If interested donations of suitable cards, envelopes and postage are welcomed.

Beth Eden Prayer Chain

While the entire church families support each other through prayer, the Prayer Chain is a group of individuals who uplift Beth Eden members and friends in prayer in a concerted effort on a daily basis. This very important ministry is offered for all members and friends. To become a member of the Prayer Chain or to make a prayer request, call Maddie at the office.

Harlem Prayer Chain

Contact Bernice Hopkins at 633-7033

Evans Prayer Chain

Contact Joyce Eyster at 633-0104

Connectional Care/Evangelism

Meets second Tuesday of the month at 9:30 AM at Evans. This is a reach-out program for shut-ins, the elderly, also those in the hospitals or nursing homes. Visitors to the congregation are also greeted and an effort is made to try to get their names and addresses for a follow-up visit to their home or to send them a note to encourage them to come back. They are also given a co-op cup with the church brochure and extra little gifts.

Royal Order of Stuffers & Stickers

This very essential group meets once a month to help produce and mail the Rock Newsletter and other special mailings in a spirit of Christian service and fellowship.

Meets: Last Thursday of each month at 9:30 a.m.

United Methodist Men

The United Methodist Men is a service group open to all men of the United Methodist church. Its purpose is to build servant leaders among men in the church.

At Beth Eden, this group supports boy scouting, the church softball team, Meals for Millions, and Church Builders; sponsors the annual Chili Supper and Steak Fry; holds spring and fall golf outings; and provides Christmas gifts to homebound members and friends of Beth Eden.

Meets: Sunday morning breakfasts at pre-announced times/dates and semi-annual Saturday morning breakfasts with the District United Methodist Men.

United Methodist Women

The United Methodist Women is a service group open to all women of the United Methodist church. Its provides women opportunities for fellowship, education and ministry in the church and beyond. Within the United Methodist Women groups are:

Edenettes Circle

Meets: Second Thursday of each month at 12:30 P.M.

UMW Mission Team (Executive Committee)

Yearly events include sponsorship of Blanket Sunday, a Soup Luncheon, a Women’s Spring Banquet, a summer retreat day, and the Festival of Crafts & Talents in October. The United Methodist Women also serve lunches for funerals held at Beth Eden.

Meets: Second Tuesday of each month 7:00 p.m.

Sarah Circle :

The circle meets in the homes of members, who host one month and lead a program the following month. The December meeting is a potluck at the church. Members bring cookies and other items to make up baskets to be delivered to shut-ins and those in nursing homes. The circle is open to all who might be interested.

Meets: The Third Wednesday of the Month at 9:30am at Evans except in July and August..

STUDY/EDUCATION GROUPS

Bible 202/Bible 303 Meets Sept– thru May

Beth Eden offers these two Pastor led opportunities for Bible study each week. You are encouraged to attend and explore various books of the Bible in depth in a setting of spiritual fellowship and discussion.

Meets: Bible 202 meets Wednesday at 9:00 am, September thru May

Bible 303 meets Thursdays at 6:15, Sept. thru May

Discipleship Bible Study Programs

Discipleship Bible Study is a 32 week in-depth Bible Study program led by trained leaders. Disciple I, II and III have been offered. .

Children/Youth Sunday school

Christian education through Sunday school is offered for children ages toddler through high school on Sunday mornings. In addition to weekly classes, the children and youth also prepare a Christmas program, presented at a 10:30am worship service during Advent. In the summer, Beth Eden offers Vacation Bible School for one week, which is open to the public. Harlem meets Sundays at 9:00am

Meets: Sundays at 10:30a.m.

The Guys

The Guys is a supportive fellowship group exploring men’s personal and faith issues. This is an open group, and any man interested is welcome to come and join in the learning and fellowship.

Meets: Thursdays at 8:00 PM at Evans UMC-Sept thru May

Adult Sunday school at Beth Eden

We never outgrow our need for Bible study as adults of the co-op can continue to study with a Sunday school. Using contemporary literature; these groups seek to apply Biblical standards to modern life. All adults are welcome to join for a great time of learning, fellowship and sharing.

Meets: Sundays at 10:30 a.m., October-May

Adult Sunday school at Evans

Meets: Each Sunday at 10:15 am.

Harlem Adult Sunday school

Meets: Each Sunday at 9:00 am

Book Club

“Bookworms” All are welcome to attend.

Meet: 1:30 pm the first Wednesday of the month at Beth Eden.

Special Seasonal Studies

Watch the “Rock” newsletter for special studies offered through the year. Information can always be found at the Church Offices at 877-9237 Beth Eden, 633-1450 Harlem or 633-4411 at Evans.

COMMITTEES

Administrative Council

The Administrative Council has the general oversight of the administration and program of Beth Eden, Harlem and Evans. It initiates planning, establishes objectives, adopts goals, authorizes action, determines policy, receives reports, evaluates the church’s ministries, and reviews the mission and ministry of the church. It is made up of persons elected to positions, and leaders of all work areas and committees which are amenable to it.

Meets: The second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm at all three churches

Altar Committee of Beth Eden

The Altar Committee, a subcommittee of the Worship Committee, is responsible for decorating around and on the altar in the sanctuary. Each week, a committee member is in charge of dusting the altar, placing altar cloths, filling candles with liquid wax, etc. In addition, the committee presents special altar displays at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas which are very meaningful and inspirational to the Beth Eden church family.

In the past, this committee has purchased a new brass advent stand, altar cloths in several colors, new candle holders for the altar, flower stands, wreaths, and more.

Meets: As announced

Sunday School/Commission on Education

The Commission on Education (COE) is a new work area at Beth Eden, emerging to develop an inclusive Christian education program that will offer a variety of opportunities to people of all ages. COE is integrally connected to the Sunday School Department, ensuring quality Christian education for our children and youth.

Meets: 7:00 pm, third Thursday of each month

Evangelism

This enthusiastic and busy team has the goal of reaching out to visitors and neighbors, welcoming new members, and encouraging fellowship among the Beth Eden church family. Some of their ministries include securing greeters, “Friends of New Members” program and annual sponsoring of our “Love Your Neighbor Corner Party”

Meets: First Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Beth Eden and at Harlem also serves at the soup kitchen once a year.

Finance & Stewardship Committee

This committee has the responsibility of overseeing the financial health and integrity of the entire church. At monthly meetings, this group makes the necessary decisions and researches and plans the stewardship education and annual pledge drive for the church. This group is also responsible for counting and recording offerings and for the deposit and disbursement of funds received by the church.

Meets: Monthly on 2nd Wednesday at 6:30 pm

Memorials Committee

When a loved one passes away, their memory can be honored with a memorial to their church. The Memorials Committee works with family members to select a suitable memorial. All requests are screened by the Memorial Committee which is a subcommittee of Trustees

Meets: Two or three times a year or as often as necessary.

Missions/Church in Society

This group is the church’s connection to the world beyond our doors and beyond our shores. The Missions Committee is charged with educating the congregation about the needs of mission support, which is considered “second-mile giving” (giving above and beyond one’s giving to support the local church).

Beth Eden has been a Rainbow Covenant Church, which means we are actively supporting mission work at the local, conference, national, international, and missionary support levels through the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Each year we choose a local organization which we support throughout the year i.e. Carpenter’s Place, Habitat for Humanity, Emmanuel Lutheran Soup Kitchen, etc..

The Church in Society contingent of this committee keeps Beth Eden connected with the issues facing the church in the world and society.

Meets: Second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. (except June and July)

Nurture and Membership Care

Nurture and Membership Care is charged with what its name implies. Through a variety of ministries such as the “Adopt a College Student”, monthly notes and a holiday care package to our military members, Lenten and Advent devotional booklets written by church members, Remote Communion and CDs of the 9:00 am worship service for homebound members, these committed members carry out a vital part of Beth Eden’s ministry.

Meets: First Friday of every month at 1:00 p.m.

Staff-Parish Relations Committee

Staff-Parish Relations is in place to uphold the pastor and staff and to provide a vital communications link from staff to congregation and congregation to staff. Recent accomplishments include reevaluating and updating staff job descriptions

Meets: As announced

Trustees

The Trustees are responsible for maintaining our three churches and parsonages mechanically and cosmetically, inside and out, so all members can participate in a secure, clean, and safe environment. In addition, this group sponsors all-church work days and provides approvals for the use of facilities.

The Trustee Committees of Upon This Rock meet at the Harlem Church

Meets: Second Tuesday of each month at 7:00PM.

Worship Committees

This group has the responsibility of planning, preparing, and coordinating certain aspects and areas of our worship. This committee coordinates liturgists (those who read scripture in worship), worship leaders, ushers, acolytes, banners, and other various parts of worship that make it more meaningful. The Altar Committee, which decorates the sanctuary for Easter, Thanksgiving, and the Advent Christmas season, is a subcommittee of this group.

Meets: As announced

Youth Council

In addition to sponsoring the United Methodist Youth Fellowship activities, this group also coordinates work trips to Camp Courageous and camping trips to Wesley Woods for the youth, as well as fund-raising opportunities for these trips, including Super bowl sub sandwich sales, car washes, etc.

Meets: Second Sunday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

Praise Team

The Praise Team is a newly formed group of volunteers who seek to praise God with music, combining vocal and instrumental talents. Their emphasis has been on the newer, contemporary music.

Members of all three UTRCP churches are welcome to participate. Currently the team rehearses late Sunday afternoons as announced, and they share music at Harlem UMC on the second Sunday at 10:30 am and at Beth Eden UMC on the fourth Sunday of the month at 10:30 am.

SPECIAL POSITIONS/MINISTERIES

Church Historian

This new position is responsible to create and maintain an ongoing historical record of ministries.

Beth Eden Church Photographer

Joan McCarty, 624-2974

The church photographer is available by request for taking pictures of church events and activities, new members, etc. She works with the Evangelism Committee and Nurture and Membership Care Committee. With a strong background in this field, Joan does a great job at capturing the spirit of Beth Eden in high-quality pictures. If you’re interested in having pictures taken for a specific event please contact Joan.

Hepatitis “C” Support Group

Meets: at 7:00 pm at Harlem every other month on the third Thursday (odd months).

Bethlehem Market Place

The Bethlehem Market Place is Beth Eden’s Christmas gift to our community. We transform our lower fellowship hall into a Judean market place, where there are merchants, craftsmen, tax collectors, beggars, animals, Roman soldiers, and Mary, Joseph, and the baby in the stable. Guests walking through the market place converse with the participants and hear the gossip and rumors of the baby who was born. No admission is charged, but nonperishable food items are accepted for local pantries.

Many people are needed for character role play, construction, publicity, costuming, etc. This is a fun and exciting way for Beth Eden’s members to serve the church and to minister to people of the Rockford area.

Held: First Sunday in December, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Contact: Richard Barrett 962-4108

Friends of the Library

The purpose of the library is to provide a source of materials intended for the nurture in the Christian faith for friends and members of Beth Eden, Evans and Harlem United Methodist Churches. These materials may include books, magazines and other media with the focus being on educational, inspirational and reference materials, reflecting different viewpoints on any subject. Works of fiction will also be included.

Members of the “Friends of the Library” are responsible for promoting the use, arrangement of materials, procurement of new materials and new ways to implement the Mission Statement of the Beth Eden UMC Library. Membership is open to all interested persons from Beth Eden, Evans and Harlem United Methodist Churches.

T.O.P.S.

Meets year around on Thursday evenings at 5:15 pm at Evans UMC.

Several members from all three churches have been traveling all over our conference learning, visioning, and growing in their faith and the understanding and knowledge of bringing new life and a passion for ministry into our churches. Training began in October of 2003 and will continue through April of 2006.

One of the two main foci is on “Natural Church Development”, a system to assist in discovering the strengths and growth areas in our churches so that we may become healthier churches. The other focus is on Appreciative Inquiry of “AI”, a process by which we discover what have been high points and growing moments in our history, unearth the elements which empowered them to be such and then claim those elements for present and future ministry.

This group is also responsible to direct the use of the Redevelopment Grant Funds our Cooperative has been the recipient of from the Northern Illinois Conference.

The focus of Emmaus is God as known in Jesus Christ and how that finds expression in the local church. The objective of Emmaus is to inspire, challenge, and equip local church members for Christian action in their homes, churches, and places of work. Emmaus lifts up a way for our grace-filled life to be lived and shared with others.

The “Walk to Emmaus” is a 72-hour experience where participants live and study together in singing, prayer, worship, and discussion. Discussions center around fifteen talks given by laity and clergy. These talks present the theme of God’s grace, and how that grace comes alive in the Christian community and expresses itself in the world.

The walks are held at Resurrection Center outside of Woodstock, IL. There are separate walks for men and women in April and October. There is also a walk for women in August. Over 30 people from our Co-op have attended and have formed our local Emmaus Community whose mission statement is “In keeping with Hebrews 10:24-25, the Emmaus Community of Upon This Rock strives to promote Christian love, discipleship and leadership in our churches and the community.

The Membership Secretaries of each church are responsible for keeping records of births, deaths, marriages, transfers, weekly envelopes, etc. They then compile a report at the end of the year for Charge Conference on all the above information.

One of the responsibilities of the Cyber Team is to enhance the worship experience at each church of the Upon This Rock Cooperative Ministry. The Cyber Team provides the words to the hymns and posts all of the important messages for the week through the Power Point presentation. They also have installed a web/e-mail server which is now registered and also keep the staff’s computers and equipment working throughout the year.

The principle thrust will be to expand the sound booths and to add a new 32 channel sound board. They will also install wire for security cameras and phones at the churches.

All expenditures made during the year were covered by designated contributions. The Cyber Team program consists of a balance of many facets which enhance the worship experience at each church in the cooperative as well as provide an outreach through the web site and training classes.

Lay members foster care giving ministries within the local church and community. Among other things, Lay Members lead meetings for prayer, study, training and discussion, assist in worship services in their local churches and conduct services of worship.

Girl Scout troop #244 meets every 1^st-3^rd-5^th Monday at 6:00 pm. except for June-July-August.

Junior Scout Troop #56 meets the 1^st, 3^rd and 5^th Tuesday at 6:00 pm all year.

These two events are usually held the Saturday after Bethlehem Market Place in December. Church Members donate items throughout the year to be sold in Santa’s Shoppe to children up to 12 years of age, to be given to mom, dad, siblings, grandparents, etc .Nothing is over a dollar each and the gifts are chosen by the children, wrapped and tagged for their gift giving. The proceeds from the sale go to children’s activities in the church such as work trip, Sunday school, etc.

Cookies walk goodies are donated by the ladies of the congregation and are sold by the pound. Many delicious varieties are donated and purchased by many who are too busy to bake. Warm cider is served and Christmas music is played during the sale to put all in the Christmas mood.

This is Beth Eden’s major fund raiser of the year. Volunteers man the cheese curds and sandwich booth during the Labor Day weekend as well as set up and tear down the booth.