Pastors Pen

October 2022

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a king or a queen? Furthermore, have you ever wondered what it might be like to be a child king or a child queen? What would be your first order of business as a child leading a nation? Would it be declaring that every Wednesday is ‘Free Candy’ day? Would it be that children can eat ice cream for supper? One such king reigned in Judah for thirty-one years. 2 Chronicles 34 opens with King Josiah taking the throne at the age of eight years old. Josiah came from a long line of kings in the lineage of King David. Some of Josiah’s ancestors “did what was evil in the sight of the LORD”. Some, however, did what was right in the sight of the LORD.

To be sure of this, Josiah probably had mentors and government officials who helped him rule the nation. However, when he was only sixteen years old, the age of a high school junior, Josiah took a bold move to restore the worship of YAHWEH, their God. 2 Chronicles 34:3 states: “For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David his father, and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherim, and the carved and metal images.”

The questions for us are — do we have the faith like that of a sixteen year old king? Are we willing to tear down the idols in our lives? The first step is identifying what idols we have allowed to take precedence in our lives. The idols of our day are much different. However, they function in the same manner — knocking God off the throne of our life.

Here are a few examples of our idols that battle for God’s place in our lives: self, money, greed, entertainment, phones, tablets, work, “things”, etc.

Some idols we would never think of as idols; for example, anxiety, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, and fear can all be idols. I know what you may be thinking — “Pastor, how could you consider these things idols?” Well, that is a good question. What is an idol? An idol is anything that has more of us and consumes more of our attention that God does. Whatever the “it” is, if it has taken priority over the Lord, it is an idol and needs to be smashed to make way for us to draw near to God. Identify what your idol is and smash it. Then, give the LORD Our God the time, relationship, and devotion that He deserves and desires of you.

In Christ,

Pastor Steve

Contact Us

The United Methodist Church of Plano

219 N Hale Street (corner of Clark and Hale)

Plano, Illinois 60545

Phone: 630.552.3700

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

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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?”

https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/content/details/333561
Trailer

News

2022 Lent

Posted on Apr 19, 2022 in News |

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.

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.