UPCOMING CHURCH HAPPENINGS

2026 Christmas Cookie Sale

Join us for our Christmas Cookie Sale on December 5 from 9:00 - 1:00 p.m. Cookies will be sold for $12/lb. Proceeds will go to our Local Food Pantries

Attention All Bakers!!!
Pull out your favorite Christmas cookie recipes!!! We are continuing the tradition of holding a Christmas cookie sale and we would like for you to join us!! Sign-up sheets are posted in the Narthex to bake cookies and work the event on December 6th in 2 separate shifts. We request that the donated cookies be the festive holiday cookies and candies - not the everyday cookies we usually have year-round. Please make at least 8 dozen of each type of donated cookie so that there are enough for many people to have the chance to purchase a variety for their holiday treats or gifts. As an incentive we will be offering a contest. The winners will have bragging rights for a whole year in addition to a gift card for:

The tastiest cookie, the most festive cookie and whoever makes the most cookies!

UMM Citrus Sale

The United Methodist Men are once again having their annual citrus fruit sale. We will continue having it online. We are only offering those items that can be shipped directly to the location of your choice. By participating in the sale, you will assist the UMM with their support of several ministries like the annual Potato Drop and several of our church scholarships. All ordering must be done online using a credit card. Prices do include the cost of shipping. The website http://freshfruitorder.org/UMCNewLenoxCitrus is where you go to do this through Sunday, November 22, 2026.

If you are not interested in the fruit for yourself, we have members who make purchases as gifts for family and friends for the upcoming holidays, or as a donation to a community organization dedicated to providing food or meals to the less fortunate.

If you have any questions about the process, please contact Al Haring or Bill Christiansen. Al can be reached by email at haring1@sbcglobal.net or by telephone at 815 / 485 - 5819. Bill can be reached by email at willc59@comcast.net or by telephone at 815 / 353 - 5958. Thank you for your support of your local United Methodist Men.

Introduction to United Methodism

This is a 4-week study that is open to our entire church, designed as an interactive way to learn a lot about United Methodism. This class is also the basis for those who desire to join the membership of The United Methodist Church of New Lenox. We will cover a little of our history, doctrine, theology, and membership vows.

There is no cost to participate, simply contact Pastor Wesley (wesley@umcnl.com) so that we have enough materials for everyone. This Study will be held on Sunday afternoons beginning at 2:30 p.m. on November 15, 22, 29, and December 6. Those desiring to join the membership of UMCNL will be received during the service of their choice on Sunday, December 20.

For a complete list of all upcoming church happenings, click HERE

For the latest updates, please check out monthly newsletter HERE

(Past Newsletters)

FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES

There are ongoing fellowship opportunities at UMCNL where you can find Christian connection and community. Some of these include:

Youth Group

UMCNL hosts a weekly youth program for 6-12 grade students every Wednesday from 7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. We would love for you to join us! Keep in touch via email and text by texting JOINUYM to 84576 or connect online with us at unitedmethodistchurchofn.flocknote.com *Youth Group does not meet in the summer months

United Methodist Women Circles

Here at UMCNL, we have a variety of ways women can be involved and grow spiritually, become more centered in Christ, and put faith into action. Below are the different circles available:

Ruth Circle

Lydia Circle

Mary Circle

Contact Person: Anna Melton, (815) 485-3010.

Naomi Circle

Attention young ladies of UMCNL: consider joining our circle! New members are welcome. We meet monthly for food, fellowship, and fun!

Hannah Circle will meet Friday, October 30, at the church in Fellowship Hall at 6:30 p.m. to assemble bags of caramel corn to sell at the Potato Bar on November 7. We will also bring treat donations for our youth group. All women of the church are welcome. Questions? Contact Jane Corradetti at (815) 258-8304 or jcorradetti1@comcast.net.

Sarah Circle

Contact Teresa Randolph with questions, (773) 405-6233

United Methodist Mens Groups

Here at UMCNL, we have opportunities for men to focus on spiritual growth. The focus is outward, assisting all men to engage in this process through bible studies, retreats, small groups, or other opportunities.

Fellowship Breakfast:

UMM Fellowship Breakfast will next meet on Saturday, November 14 at 8:00 a.m. at UMCNL in our Fellowship Hall.

Friendship Group

Our next Friendship Group Luncheon will be November 19 at the Country Charm Restaurant at 101 Lincoln Highway in New Lenox. The Sponsors are Nancy and Lloyd Dodds. All 55 and older people are invited. The Sign-Up sheet is in the Narthex next to the name tags. We hope to see you there.

MUSIC MINISTRIES

We have multiple opportunities to make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Our ensembles meet September through May.

Vocal choirs

Chancel Choir (adults) meets Thursdays at 7 pm in the sanctuary
Youth Choir (grades 7-12) meets Thursdays at 6 pm in the sanctuary
Celeste choir (grades K-6) meets Thursdays at 5 pm in the sanctuary

Bell Choirs

Celebration Bells (experienced/adults) meets Wednesdays at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary. Auditions will be held if you wish to join.
Herald Bells (advanced/High school and up) meets Wednesdays at 6:45 pm in the sanctuary.
Joy Bells (beginner/Junior High and up) meets Wednesdays at 6:00 pm in the sanctuary.

TEAMS & COMMITTEES

There are many teams and committees you can join to be God’s hands and feet in our church and community. If you are interested in serving, please contact the church office. These opportunities include:

Administrative Council
Staff Parish*
Finance*
Endowment
Trustees
Worship
Mission
Christian Education
Membership
Memorials
Nominations
Children’s Ministry Council
Youth Council
Stewardship

*indicates membership in the church is required to serve on this team.

THE CARE TEAM

If you are interested in learning more about Care Team, please contact Debbie Speicher.

MARRIAGE COUNSELING

Marriages can be difficult to maintain. Misunderstanding, confusion, resentment, and anger can flare up in any marriage. Several couples at our church serve other families as marriage counselors. Their role in listening, understanding, helping, and encouraging struggling couples has, by God’s grace, saved marriages, and repaired relationships. Couples have found fresh hope and new joy in a warm and fulfilling relationship with their spouse.

PRAYER CHAIN MINISTRY

Prayer can move the hand of God. Our church believes deeply in the power of prayer. A team of individuals receives prayer concerns from our congregation from those who have requested prayers. To join this ministry, contact the church office at 815-485-8271 .

CURRENT STUDIES & GROUPS

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Prayer Shawl Ministry will be meeting on the fourth Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m. at Bevery Deptolla’s home. (125 Whisper Creek in New Lenox) If you knit or crochet, come join us for fellowship and mission. Yarn and patterns provided. If you prefer to work out of your own home arrangements can be made. Please contact Beverly for more information at (815) 514-6814. (We do not meet during the summer months, please contact Beverly if you have a shawl need.)

THE COMFORT MAKERS

The Comfort Makers sewing group meets on various days throughout the year to make different projects for missions. They make comforters, backpacks and other items to be used throughout the world. You don’t even have to know how to sew to join in the fellowship of this wonderful group of ladies. You can cut fabric or iron if sewing is not your forte. If you would like more information, please contact Judy McCune at jmcsews@sbcglobal.net for the next chance to be a part of this group!

FRIDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

Friday Morning Women’s Bible Study meets in the church chapel Friday mornings from 9:30- 11:00 a.m. New ladies welcome!

INDEPENDENT BIBLE STUDY

Do you want to spend time studying independently or just cannot make it to one of our group bible studies? There are several options you have to read God’s word on your own time.

Click here for plans and options.

Want to support UMCNL while you are shopping online?

Just click on the Goodshop Logo below! Once on the site, under the tab "Choose a Cause" and search for United Methodist Church of New Lenox. Click on our name as the choice of non-profit to receive a percentage of your purchases from Goodshop and then go shopping on their website! It is as easy as that!

Thank you for your support!