UPCOMING CHURCH HAPPENINGS
1st Annual Old Campground Music Festival
We are excited to introduce the 1st Annual Old Campground Music Festival! This new event is designed to celebrate the many gifted musicians within our church family and to share their talents with our community.
Date: Saturday, September 19, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Rain Date: Sunday, September 20, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. If the festival is postponed due to rain on Saturday, the performance schedule will remain exactly the same on Sunday.
If you would like to perform with another talented musician, as part of a group, or share a 20-minute performance slot (for example, if you only plan to perform one song), simply enter everyone's names or your group's name on the sign-up sheet. If you would like to share a performance slot but don't have someone to perform with, let me know. I'd be happy to help coordinate and connect musicians who may be interested in performing together. Please talk with Clifford Hunt cdhstrings@gmail.com if you are interested in performing!
Since this is the first year for the Old Campground Music Festival, plans are still coming together and will continue to evolve. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please don't hesitate to email me or stop and talk with me at church.
Thank you for considering sharing your musical talents. I hope you'll be part of this exciting new event!
If you are interested in helping we need several volunteers, please access the following link to sign up to help!
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1K5wI9dkqh8sPJ2y3mUegSjYc0QE35VmD7C8uVhlRqAw/edit?usp=sharing
Please talk with Clifford Hunt cdhstrings@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering!
Introduction to United Methodism
We are pleased to announce our Summer Intro to United Methodism Class. 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 way that we receive 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 pm on August 9, 16, 23, and 30. Those desiring to join the membership of UMCNL will be received during the service of their choice on Sunday, September 13.
For a complete list of all upcoming church happenings, click HERE
For the latest updates, please check out monthly newsletter HERE
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
Sarah Circle
Contact: Teresa Randolph (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 not meet during the summer, check back for updates for a return date for the fall!
Friendship Group
Our next Friendship Group Luncheon will be August 20, 2026 at Aurelio’s Pizza at 9901 W. Lincoln Hwy in Frankfort, IL. The Sponsor is Diane Sanborn. All 55+ church members are invited. There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex next to the name tags. Hopefully we will 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
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Chancel Choir (adults) meets Thursdays at 7 pm in the sanctuary
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Youth Choir (grades 7-12) meets Thursdays at 6 pm in the sanctuary
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Celeste choir (grades K-6) meets Thursdays at 5 pm in the sanctuary
Bell Choirs
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Celebration Bells (experienced/adults) meets Wednesdays at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary. Auditions will be held if you wish to join.
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Herald Bells (advanced/High school and up) meets Wednesdays at 6:45 pm in the sanctuary.
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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:
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Administrative Council
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Staff Parish*
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Finance*
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Trustees
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Worship
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Mission
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Christian Education
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Membership
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Memorials
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Nominations
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Children’s Ministry Council
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Youth Council
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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.
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!
