The United Methodist Church Of Plano
 
 
Renewing hearts and minds through the proclamation of God’s Word

We look forward to seeing you in person Sunday at 10am.
If you are unable to join us in person,
check our YouTube channel for the livestream;
subscribe and click the bell to get notified.

 

Sunday School is from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM
for children in grades preschool through 8th
.
The nursery is open from 9:45 AM through the end of Worship Service.
Children, ages 0-5 years, are invited to spend their time in the nursery room.

 

Mar 22 @ 7pm – Choir Practice
Apr 1 @ 8am – Men’s Bible Study
May 6 – Life Line Screening
Jul 10 – 13 @ 9am – Vacation Bible School – Sign-Up
 
 

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: We believe that our community, now more than ever, needs the church of Jesus Christ, however we also recognize our responsibility to help keep our community safe and healthy. 
 
It’s during challenging times that we have the opportunity to walk by faith. Pray for Gods peace, comfort and protection.
 
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation.  But take heart; I have overcome the world.John 16:33
Pastors Pen
 
February 2023
 
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” In John 14:27, Jesus’ words are comforting and challenging at the same time. Comfort comes from the gift of peace, which comes from Our Savior; He is the one who conquered sin and death on our behalf. The Bible and our communion liturgy both share Jesus’ acts of love, compassion, comfort, and mercy. Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, and ate with sinners. Jesus is the Healer and Provider. He is also comfortable eating with us “sinners”.
 
Jesus’ words in John 14:27 can be challenging to hear when He tells us: “Let not your hearts be troubled neither let them be afraid.” Raise your hand if you are asking yourself how Jesus can say that; go ahead and raise your head — no one will see you. You also may be asking yourself how it is even possible to live without fear and anxiety. Look around — there are many reasons for being anxious, fearful, or depressed. In Philippians 4:5-6, the Apostle Paul makes this audacious statement to the Philippian Church: “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
 
Jesus and Paul can make these seemingly unreasonable statements because Jesus is our rest and our mighty fortress. When we read the book of Acts and Paul’s letters, we see that Paul lived what he professed and believed. He was shipwrecked, beaten, and stoned; he said he knew what it was like to have plenty and to have absolutely nothing. Yet, Paul learned how to rejoice, to trust, to rest in Christ, and to walk in the peace of Christ instead of being consumed by fear and anxiety. How was this possible? He continually poured his heart out to the Lord no matter the issue; the Psalm writers did the same thing.
 
Sadly, guilt can pile on and intensify despair. Guilt can come from within our inner thoughts; this may sound like “I am a Christian, so I should not feel depressed or anxious” or “I am such a disappointment to Jesus”. It is even more painful when feelings of guilt come from foolish statements from misguided and misinformed people; these people can add to the pain with statements such as “Christians cannot be depressed” or “If you had faith, you would not feel this way”. Please hear me — I am not suggesting that Jesus is fine with letting us writhe in our fears. Additionally, I am not saying to disregard the Bible’s call to not be anxious. However, I am saying that this starts and ends with Jesus.
 
Psalm 34:17-18 tell us that “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” In Isaiah 42:3, the Prophet Isaiah has hope for God’s people — including you — when he stated that “A bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He will not quench; He will faithfully bring forth justice.” When our lives are bruised to the point of great despair, or when we are at our weakest, we are beautifully promised that Jesus will not kick us when we are already cast down. Similarly, when the flame of our faith is about to be extinguished, Jesus will not blow the flame out. In fact, Jesus does the exact opposite; we are showered with His unconditional love, grace, and mercy! “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Amen!
 
Rest in the peace of Christ,
 
Pastor Steve
 

Contact Us

The United Methodist Church of Plano
219 N Hale Street (corner of Clark and Hale)
Plano, Illinois 60545
Email: office@umcplano.org
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Service Time: Sunday 10:00 am

Our Staff

Stevan Saunders, Pastor | pastor@umcplano.org
Admin | office@umcplano.org

Social Media

facebook
youtube channel

DISCIPLESHIP

RightNow Media

This is a Christian company that has a passion for Christian discipleship, through using digital Bible studies and conferences. They have an enormous library of solid theologically sound content for all ages. We are connected with RightNow Media. Our church pays a monthly fee which allows us to give access at no cost to our congregants who set up an account. To set up an account with RightNow Media either text RIGHTNOW UMCPLANO to 41411 or go to this page to get access. 
 

Lent 2022 – The Power of Jesus’ Names – Tony Evans

Some names live in infamy, and some names inspire the greatest kinds of hope. But there is one name above all other names, and it belongs to the Son of God, Jesus. Jesus is the most unique person who’s ever lived, and his names carry with them great weight.
 
In this six-session series, Dr. Tony Evans journeys around the stomping grounds of Jesus in the land of Israel and presents a complete picture of the Incarnate God. By teaching on each of the major names of Jesus, Tony brings us face-to-face with the Second Person of the Trinity. Shot in the major locations where Jesus himself lived and taught, we find ourselves asking one question: “What will we do with Jesus?”
 
 

News

2023 Vacation Bible School

Please join us for Twist and Turn Vacation Bible School this summer at the United Methodist Church of Plano! We are inviting all children ages preschool through eighth grade to join us from July 10th to July 13th. Vacation Bible School

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2022 Operation Christmas Child

Starting tomorrow October 9th, 2022 we begin this years campaign to support Samaritan Purse’s Operation Christmas Child. Join us between then and November 13th, our deadline for dropping off a packed shoebox. Below is this years promotional video and a couple selected testimonial videos.

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2022 Lent

Char Wyncoop, church family member of the United Methodist Church of Plano, has been wanting to design a labyrinth based on the stained glass windows at the church for some time. In late February and early March, she designed the labyrinth and then painted it during March into early April until its completion. The labyrinth measures 27’ x 27’ painted on canvas for easy portability and for people to …

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ABOUT US

First and foremost, WELCOME! We are so glad you found us. The United Methodist Church of Plano has been serving the community since 1856. At United Methodist Church of Plano, we know that it is important for us not only to experience God’s Love, but also to give it. Whether or not you’ve ever been to church before, we’d love to welcome you into a church family where you’ll be loved and accepted.
 

GET ALL THE ANSWERS YOU’RE LOOKING FOR HERE!

 
When are the Worship Services?
The United Methodist Church of Plano offers a casual traditional service that begins at 10:00 am every Sunday morning held in our beautiful sanctuary.
 
Do you have child care available? What about my children?
Nursery care is available for ages 4 and under located just off of our sanctuary in our Education Building. Sunday School is also offered for K-7th grade from 9:00 am to 9:45 am prior to worship service. Children are always welcome to sit with you in worship as well. We offer a variety of Sunday School classes for all age groups.
 
Where can I get information to take home?
There is a Welcome Table located on the stage area next to the sanctuary. You will find welcome packets and all sorts of information regarding our church and community. Please help yourself to any of the resources.
 
What do Methodists believe?
United Methodists profess the historic Christian faith. We hold true the mission statement of the United Methodist Church which is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
 
What is expected of members?
We expect members of The United Methodist Church of Plano to be faithful to it by their prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. We also encourage all members to worship regularly, grow in their faith by participating in a small group or class, to serve God with their hands by serving both in the church and in the world, and to give in proportion to their income.
 
How can I join UMC Plano?
If you are considering membership, your first step would be to join us for our next Membership Meet & Greet where you will learn more about The United Methodist Church of Plano, get to know the pastor, review expectations for becoming a member, and explore how you can best fit into the life of the church. Please see Pastor Steve after a worship service or contact him direct at pastor@umcplano.org.