May 25 Healing Prayer at Saturday Evening Worship
5:00 p.m.
Activity Center
June 1 and 2
Youth Car Wash
9:00am-3:00pm Sat.
7:30am-1:30pm Sun.
June 9-June 16
Side-by-Side Youth Summer Mission
Jonesboro, AR
June 19
Open GYM (Youth)
Water Park
June 25-27
Hope at Home Youth Summer Mission
Chicagoland
July 11
Open GYM (Youth) to Michigan Dunes
July 24
Open GYM (Youth) to Zoo
For a comprehensive listing of upcoming events, click the "Grace in Mission Weekly Announcements" link under "Our Church Media" on this page
Get Connected
Grace members are a committed and caring people! We invite you to join our family of faith. Connect to Grace through our wide variety of small groups that meet for fun, fellowship, support, care, prayer, health and fitness, and much more!
Over Fifty Fellowship is asocial group for those over the age of 50. The group meets at noon for lunch and an interesting program on the second Thursday of each month. Cost is $5, payable at the door; reservations required by the Tuesday before the event (call 630-355-1748).
Dinners for 8mixes long-time and new members for dinner four times a year. Each person or couple is asked to host once each year. The host decides on the date and type of activity. Other participants help supply the food. Participants meet with a new group each time.
"Reel People" Movie Group joins movie lovers together approximately once a month to watch a current mainstream film, then discuss it. Great fellowship for "reel" people!
Grace Camera Club joins fellow "shutter bugs" together to engage in photo projects and activities, learn about new photography technology, go on photo shoot outings, and share their passion for photography! Photo club meetings are open to all interested in photography, meeting the first Thursday of each month, 7:00 p.m. in the Grace Conference Room.
UMW Book Group meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month, 12:45 p.m. in members' home, to discuss fiction or non-fiction books of all kinds. All readers welcome! 2013 dates thus far are February 27 in the home of Lora Cameron (Safe From the Sea, by Peter Geye), March 27 in the home of Freda Whittle (The Bird Sisters, by Rebeca Rasmussen), April 24 in the home of Lynda Ibach (Juliet, by Anne Fortier), May 22 in the home of JoAnn Stuart (DOC, by Mary Doria Russell). Further 2013 dates and books TBD.
UMW Quilters meet Mondays 9:15-11:30 a.m. to work on the quilted items that United Methodist Women auction at Mistletoe Marketplace and other fundraising events.
UMW Crafters meet Mondays 9:30-11:30 a.m. to work on the hand-crafted items that United Methodist Women sell at Mistletoe Marketplace; 2013 dates are January 28, February 25, March 18, April 22, May 20, September 30, and every Monday in October.
Prayer Ministry encourages the church in prayer by providing a monthly prayer calendar and weekly prayer meetings on Mondays from 3:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. in the Chapel. The Chapel is open for private prayer when the church is open (except when weddings or funerals are scheduled). The Prayer Ministry prays for everyone on their birthday. They also pray for member families as they appear on the Prayer Calendar once a year. Those who have special prayer requests may fill out a prayer card, found in the pews, and leave it in the box at the back of the sanctuary on Sunday mornings, or may call the receptionist in the church office at other times.
Alanon offers support and hope for family members of alcoholics weekly on Tuesdays at 7:30p.m.
The Parish Nursefunctions in seven primary ways: integrator of faith and health, health educator, personal health counselor, referral agent, developer of support groups, trainer of volunteers, and health advocate. Our Parish Nurse holds regular blood pressure screenings on the fourth Sunday of the month, addresses concerns of those who have blood pressure readings outside of the normal range, and makes sure the appropriate follow-up is initiated. She can serve as a resource to find health professionals to assist with hands-on nursing tasks.
CoDependents Anonymous follows the 12-step method and meets every week on Thursdays at 7:30p.m. for encouragement and support.
Grace Home Visitors visit the homebound.
ChristCare Support Groups "Caregivers" and "Come Unto Me" address particular needs and provide support. Caregivers is a group for those who are or have been caregivers. Caring for a person is a difficult task and can become overwhelming at times. Caregivers offers support and encouragement and a listening ear. Come Unto Me, formerly known as "Walk with Me," offers support, hope and encouragement for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The group meets twice monthly on a weekday evening.
Cancer Support Ministry provides support for all those whose lives have been touched by cancer. The group meets monthly.
Interested in getting to know God better through prayer, Biblical equipping, and discussion; having friends who share in life's joys and sorrows through prayer and care; and sharing Christ's love with others in meaningful service? ChristCare small groups are for you! The following ChristCare groups are now open for new members ... Contact the church office today for more information!
Women Nurturing Women Join other women who desire to nurture their spiritual fruit -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control (Galatians 5:22, 23). This group meets on Mondays from 7:00p.m. to 8:30p.m.
Caregivers This group is for those who are or have been caregivers. Caring for a person is a difficult task and can become overwhelming at times. Come and receive support and encouragement and find a listening ear in this group.
Prayer Ministryencourages the church in prayer by providing a range of Grace family names in our weekly bulletin to pray for (ensuring that all families have been prayed for in a year's time) and weekly prayer meetings on Mondays from 3:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. in the Chapel. The Chapel is open for private prayer when the church is open (except when weddings or funerals are scheduled). The Prayer Ministry prays for everyone on their birthday. They also pray for member families as they appear on the Prayer Calendar once a year. Those who have special prayer requests may fill out a prayer card, found in the pews, and leave it in the box at the back of the sanctuary on Sunday mornings, or may call the receptionist in the church office at other times.
Prayer Shawl/Comfort Pillow Ministry - This group of knitters and crocheters craft prayer shawls and pillows (pillow assembly requires no knitting or crocheting) for those in need of their comfort, while praying for the peace, healing and comfort of those who will receive them. Finished prayer shawls and pillows are then blessed and given to those in need. The Prayer Shawl/Comfort Pillow Ministry meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Office Lounge. Members can also knit and crochet from home.
Phone/E-mail Prayer Chains - For acute prayer needs among members of our congregation, Grace has individuals committed to spreading prayer needs quickly either by phone or e-mail, depending on the preference of the person requesting prayers.
College Age Ministry - We at Grace believe that Christian fellowship for young people should not end with high school graduation. That is why we've established a ministry for young adults (age18-25). Meeting seasonally, approximately twice per month in the home, this group engages in prayer, Bible study, discussion and enjoys dinner and fellowship as well. Contact Christine and Josh Freeman at 630-416-8810 for further information.
Alanon offers weekly support and hope for family members of those struggling with alcohol addiction on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in Room 233.
CoDA (Co-Dependents Anonymous) offers weekly support to those involved in co-dependent relationships on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. in Room 224.
Cancer Support Ministry provides caring, faith-based support for all who have been touched by cancer in any way, whether as patient, loved one or caregiver. This group meets monthly on the thirdTuesday of the month, 7:00 p.m. in the Grace Chapel.
ChristCare Ministry--Small groups that meet for support, prayer and other needs as they arise
Grace Home Visitorsare caring, compassionate people who pay home visits to those who are confined to their homes, offering cheer, worship materials, small gifts, flowers, etc., and most of all, a living, human connection to the church. Holy Communion can also be offered by Grace Home Visitors, if requested.
Grief Support Group offers hope, support and encouragement to those who are mourning the loss of a loved one(s). Meetings are every other Tuesday, 1:30-3:30 p.m. in Room 224, and some Saturday mornings, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Please contact Pastor Bill Bryan at 630-355-1748, ext. 228, or Parish Nurse Pam Riley at 630-355-1748, ext. 229, for meeting dates and supportive reading material.
Scleroderma Support Group is a new support group at Grace for the patients and loved ones of those diagnosed with scleroderma. 2013 meetings are on Saturdays, March 9, May 11, July 13, September 14, and November 9, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in Room 232. Occasional speakers are featured in this small group offering as well as refreshments. Contact Edie Peterson at 630-427-1757 for more information.
The Parish Nurse functions in seven primary ways: integrator of faith and health, health educator, personal health counselor, referral agent, developer of support groups, trainer of volunteers, and health advocate. Our Parish Nurse holds regular blood pressure screenings on the fourth Sunday of the month, addresses concerns of those who have blood pressure readings outside of the normal range, and makes sure the appropriate follow-up is initiated. She can serve as a resource to find health professionals to assist with hands-on nursing tasks.
Coming Soon...a group of support and fellowship for those who are soon to deploy for military service and their families. Contact Parish Nurse Pam Riley at 630-355-1748, ext. 229, for further information, or check back here soon!
For Stephen Ministry care, click the tab above labeled "Stephen Ministry."
For for-fee pastoral counseling, click the tab above labeled "Pastoral Counseling with Rev. Dr. Carol Findon."
Springs of Grace is Rev. Dr. Carol Findon's for fee Pastoral Counseling Service, operating out of Grace Church. Pastoral counseling moves beyond the support and encouragement a religious community can offer, by providing psychologically sound therapy that incorporates the religious and spiritual dimension. In addition to pastoral counseling, Springs of Grace also offers Divorce Mediation, a peacemaking process by which the parties involved in a divorce voluntarily work with a neutral third party to help them reach a mutually satisfactory and agreeable settlement.
Rev. Dr. Carol Findon is a Lincensed Clinical Professional Counselor and has been an ordained minister in The United Methodist Church since 1985. She is a Fellow in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors and has been ministering to people through pastoral counseling and psychotherapy for 20 years. Prior to that, she served as pastor in The United Methodist Church. In addition to pastoral counseling, Dr. Findon is a mediator with certificates in Mediation and Divorce Mediation as well as a member of the Association for Conflict Resolution and the Mediation Council of Illinois. She is also a Divorce Coach and Fellow in the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois.
Contact Rev. Dr. Findon at Springs of Grace, 630-664-6314, or
Stephen Ministers provide one-on-one, completely confidential Christian care for those in our church community who are experiencing difficult times. Lay people from the Grace congregation take the 50-hour course to become trained as Stephen Ministers. Each fall a new class is planned for spring commissioning. To indicate your need for a caring call or to become a Stephen Minister, contact Freda Whittle (630-355-7996) or Parish Nurse Pam Riley at 630-355-1748, ext. 229. You may also contact Elaine Pauls at 630-357-2078 for more information about becoming a Stephen Minister. All conversations are strictly confidential.
United Methodist Women United Methodist Women is a women's organization for mission related to the Women's Program Division of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Our activities and actions are driven by our common belief in the PURPOSE:
The PURPOSE is to know God, to experience fellowship, and to expand concepts of mission through the global ministries of the church. Grace UMW is a community of women with a 100+-year history of nurturing and encouraging one another to grow spiritually, educationally and intellectually, to be stimulated, to gain leadership experience, and to be involved in a number of ways. We have a general meeting held on the first Tuesday of each month, at which we cover UMW business, enjoy fellowship and studies in mission. In addition, we have five UMW Circles: Martha-Esther, Mary, Priscilla, Ruth and Sarah. UMW also has a monthly Book Discussion Group for readers of both fiction and non-fiction, a weekly Quilters Group, and a monthly Craft Group.
UMW support missions locally, nationally and globally and holds three major fundraisers each year: "Cin" (Cinnamon Bun) Sunday early in the year, our Hamball Luncheon in the spring, and Mistletoe Marketplace in November. We also participate in local and regional opportunities, including UMW District meetings, the UMW Northern Illinois Conference, the School of Christian Mission, and Church Women United. Please come join UMW! We need your time, your talents and your energies to help women and children around the globe. If you cannot attend monthly meetings, you can support UMW in prayer and gifts as a supportive member. There is also an online UMW community you can join. For information, contact Grace UMW Co-Presidents Katy Klepper or Jennifer Johnson.
Fellowship of Christian Men (FCM) is an open invitiation men's group that seeks to build strong bonds among men in a Christian setting. Throughout the year, FCM holds quarterly Friday night forums and various functions, some of them social and open to the entire family. FCM seeks to address issues relevant to today's men by providing an interesting, thought-provoking yearly agenda of inspiring programs and speakers. The FCM 2013 program dates are as follows: Fridays, January 25, April 12, July 19, and October 25.
Health and Wellness Ministry offers monthly blood pressure screenings, yearly flu clinics, and other events throughout the year focused on holistic health and well-being.
Healing Flow Yoga offers several classes at Grace for all ability levels and needs. Discover the healing power of the ancient art of yoga--physically, emotionally and spiritually! Healing yoga at Grace includes weekly classes and special workshops. Click here to learn more about healing yoga, instructor Adrienne Ann Ilseman, and classes at Grace and other convenient locations.
Temple Builders exercise class has been in existence for 40 years, meeting Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, 9:00-10:00 a.m., in the Activity Center.
Men's 30+ Basketball meets on Friday evenings, 7:00-9:00pm, in the Activity Center.
Women's Heartwarming Event In February, the Evangelism Ministry's annualWomen's Heartwarming Event features an evening of renewal for mind, body and spirit. This special evening includes a catered meal and an inspiring special guest speaker.
Annual Lenten Activities During the Lenten Season, Grace prepares for the risen Christ by offering meaningful family activities that focus on the significance of Lent and Holy Week, an all-church book study comprised of small groups reading and discussing the same book, and a variety of mission projects.
UMW Hamball Luncheon
In the spring, United Methodist Women's annual Hamball Luncheon (a tradition over 40 years old) brings together members of Grace and the community for a delicious meal of hamballs, potluck sides and salads, desserts, beverages, friendship and fellowship. All proceeds benefit local, national and global UMW missions.
"Holy Smokes" BBQ Typically in April, our Youth Ministry hosts this Sunday drive-through BBQ open to the entire community, featuring pork, chicken and/or hot dogs grilled fresh on the premises, including all the yummy sides, by 5-B's Catering. Proceeds benefit Youth Summer Missions.
Blessing of the Bikes
On the third Saturday in May, Pastors Don Niswonger and Carol Findon (both avid motorcyclists) hold a service of blessing for bikers in the Grace family as well as the greater Naperville community. The Blessing of the Bikes features a light, catered breakfast in the lower parking lot at 9:00 a.m. and a service of blessing for a safe riding season at 10:00 a.m. Following the service, the motorcyclists all go for a ride together.
Annual Summer Picnic On the Sunday following our week of Vacation Bible School in July, our church family enjoys an afternoon picnic on the field, complete with hot dogs and hamburgers grilled by our Grace men and yummy potluck sides. Also included are games and fun activities for the kids, a Moon Jump, live musical entertainment, and a visit from our friends at Trinity UMC in Joliet.
Blessing of the Animals In the Franciscan tradition, on the first Saturday in October our Saturday Evening Worship hour at 5:00 p.m. is dedicated to a service of celebration and blessing of our animal friends. If weather allows, this special service occurs outside on the north lawn, including music, a message celebrating all God's creatures, and blessing of each animal. All well-behaved, caged or leashed animals are welcome.
Harvest Home Festival For well over 100 years, Grace has celebrated God's abundant bounty with an annual fall festival called Harvest Home, held in October. This event involves dinner with turkey and all the trimmings, recognition of our newest members and those who have been Grace members for 50+ years, musical entertainment, and the bestowing of the Harvest Home service award to a single recipient.
Family Fall Festival On the last Sunday in October, Grace celebrates with a Sunday afternoon Fall Festival of Autumn fun, food and fellowship. Horse-drawn hay rides, hay wagon rides, hay bale maze, face painting, scarecrow building, pumpkin decorating, cookie decorating, "trunk-or-treating"...even a Nascar simulator! It's all part of this great day for children and families at Grace.
UMW Mistletoe Marketplace In November, United Methodist Women host their annual Christmas bazaar, Mistletoe Marketplace, featuring beautiful, hand-crafted items and baked goods for purchase as well as a drawing for hand-stitched quilted items. All proceeds benefit UMW missions.
Celebrate the Season The Grace Evangelism Ministry sponsors this beautiful yuletide event on the Wednesday before the first Sunday of Advent each year, open to women across the community. Celebrate the Season draws over 200 women for an evening of catered dinner at beautiful tables dressed in sparkling holiday splendor, served by the men of Grace in Fellowship Hall, and inspiration/entertainment from a renowned speaker, musician, dramatist, humorist, etc. in the Sanctuary.
The Grace Open Doors Ministry brings together the parents, families and caregivers of those children and youth who have special needs, be they physical, emotional, cognitive, or other. The Open Doors Ministry (ODM) offers support gatherings featuring speakers in the field of special education, psychology, social work, and the like, as well as the sharing of resources, fellowship, mutual support, ideas and plans of action. ODM strives to make Grace Church a welcoming, accommodating place for those with special needs, recognizing them as a valuable asset to the church body and providing materials and assistance as needed (hearing devices, large print bulletins, sign language interpretation) as well as personnel and programs that embrace the special needs congregant. Please note: there are special needs resource materials in the Grace Church Library (Room 223) available for check-out at any time. For more information about ODM, contact Mark or Laurel Fleming at 630-983-6624 or mailto:laurellfleming@aol.com
"Lead With Love" is a grass roots group of the friends, family and concerned persons of the Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender (GLBT) community committed to making Grace Church, and the world at large, a more inclusive environment for ALL of God's people. Gatherings occur approximately once per month on Sunday afternoons in the home of Pastors Don Niswonger and Carol Findon. The group gathers for fellowship, sharing, and often includes outside guests and speakers who are passionate about effecting change in the Church and the world beyond, following the example of Christ. Contact Revs. Don and Carol at 630-416-8393. All are welcome!
To get involved in or find out more about any of the following ministries, committees, or positions, contact Administrative Pastor Lisa Telomen at 630-355-1748, ext. 226, or lisatelomen@peopleofgrace.org.
Adult Education Council--Encourages and supports adults in their growth as disciples of Jesus Christ through education and fellowship
Board of Trustees--Tends to all property belonging to the church; ensures that church facilities and parsonages are functional, safe and properly maintained
Chancel Ministry--Beautifies the sanctuary and Chancel area each Sunday, using the liturgical calendar as a guide for flowers, decorations, colors, etc.
Children and Family Council--Encompasses nursery care, Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, Parent's Day Out, Children/Family Ministry, children's worship, children's missions, Safe Sanctuary, and children's music ministries
ChristCare Ministry--Coordinates the small groups that meet for support, prayer and other needs as they arise
Church and Society--Strives to educate and involve our congregation in the care of our planet the way God would intend; enlightens church members about ways to live sustainably, and advocates against the expansion of gambling and for the prevention of alcoholism and addiction
Church Council--Identifies strategic direction of the church, oversees general fiscal management, and promotes outreach and engagement of church members and the surrounding community
Coffee Fellowship--Provides coffee and refreshments for members gathering in the Activity Center between worship services
Commission on Religion and Race--Provides relief and outreach to local, national and international individuals, families and organizations; establishes connections with racial, ethnic and cultural minority groups for mutual benefit
Committee on Lay Leadership--Identifies committee needs recruits lay members of the congregation to serve on these committees
Communion Ministry--Purchases and prepares communion elements for services; purchases, cleans and maintains all communion serviceware
Education Ministry--Implements the mission to make ministry with the whole family the primary objective, through programs such as Sunday school, special initiatives, events, and activities
Evangelism--Sponsors events and programs throughout the year designed to reach out to members of Grace and the community by providing a time for Christian fellowship, spiritual growth, and intentional hospitality
Fellowship of Christian Men--Brings together men of faith to build strong bonds in a Christian setting; offers quarterly forums on topics of relevance to today's men, outings and fun activities
Financial Secretary--Maintains church financial records, receipt and disbursement of church funds, and prepares period financial reports
Fine Arts Committee--Beautifies the physical facilities of the church throughout the year, manages the restoration, installation and maintenance of our stained glass windows
Grace Church Foundation--Promotes and develops religious, charitable and educational activities; underwrites non-recurring initiatives not regularly budgeted by the church
Grace Concert Series--Brings world-class musicians to Grace Church; coordinates ticket sales, marketing initiatives, and strives to establish a vital presence in the Naperville community
Grace GEMS (Greet, Eat, Meet)--Prepare and serve lunches for participants of Grace new member classes, approximately five times per year. GEMS clean up after lunch while Grace staff meet with new members
Grace Guides--Stand at all church entrances on Sunday mornings to welcome, direct and answer questions that newcomers may have
Grace Lights--Welcome new visitors to Grace with a smile and a gift after each service
Grace Home Visitors--These people pay visits to homebound members, offering cheer, worship materials, small gifts, communion (upon request), and--most of all--a caring, human connection to the church
Health and Wellness--Integrates faith and health through programs and initiatives that encourage physical, mental and spiritual growth and health
Hunger Ministry Team--Raises funds for and awareness of the hunger plight that permeates every corner of the globe; coordinates church participation in the fight against hunger
Lay Members of the Northern Illinois Conference
Library Ministry--Manages the resources and operation of the Grace Church Library; plans literacy activities and promotes Christian Education through library materials
Missions Ministry--Provides various local, national and global missions with human and financial resources to help alleviate human suffering throughout the world
NOW Council--Includes representatives from each ministry and committee of the church involved in Nurture, Witness or Outreach (NOW)
Older Adults Ministry--Provides regular fellowship and programs for those over the age of 50
PATH Ministry--Provides support and a resource team of mentors to clients of Bridge Communities, which offers transitional housing for homeless families. Currently, Grace is need of mentors to serve this ministry. Please consider helping Bridge clients find their way to independence again; contact Pastor Lisa Telomen at 630-355-1748 or lisatelomen@peopleofgrace.org
Receptionist Ministry--Volunteer receptionists serve to welcome and direct visitors during the week, answer phones, prepare mailings, assist office staff; no computer skills required
Safe Sanctuary--Provides for a safe, secure church environment for all
St. Andrew Ministry--Sends couples to the homes of visitors to Grace, bearing bread and information about Grace
Staff-Parish Relations--The administrative unit through which staff and congregational interests come together to focus on the mission of Grace: "Gather to Christ, Grow as Disciples, Go to Serve"
Stephen Ministry--Manages the training and assignment of Stephen Ministers, who are lay people that offer individuals experiencing a difficult time one-on-one care for as long as they need
Stewardship and Finance Ministry--Responsibly manages funds to support the ministries that nurture people in their faith
United Methodist Women--A community of women who meet faithfully in small groups (circles, book group, quilters, crafters) and strive to develop a supportive fellowship through the expansion of the concepts of mission; organize major annual fundraisers and participate in the global ministries of the United Methodist Church
Ushers--Make sure each person attending worship has a pleasant experience and feels welcome; distribute bulletins, assist with seating and communion, issue collection plates, provide valet parking and special needs materials
Treasurer--Makes regular and details reports on funds received and expended to the Finance Committee and Church Council
Wedding Hosts--Work with the Grace Wedding Coordinator to offer the facilities and services of Grace Church in the ceremony of matrimony. Make sure the "Big Day" is everything the bride and groom dreamed it would be!
Worship Ministry--Facilitates meaningful, engaged participation in all four worship services; encompasses Chancel ministry, Communion, Fine Arts, lay readers, music, sound and technology, usher ministry, and wedding coordinator
Young Adults Ministry--Provides weekly Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. for college students/young adults ages 18-25 as well as periodic gatherings for fun, fellowship and Bible study
Youth Advisory Council--Oversees the planning, implementation and budgeting of youth programming; consists of sub-committees that organize youth mission trips, special events, and other initiatives
Youth Ministry--Provides students in grades 6-12 with an opportunity to attend Sunday school, be confirmed in the church (8th graders), attend weekly Youth Fellowship and Bible study gatherings, summer youth mission trips, retreats, etc.
Grace United Methodist Church - A People of Grace
Grace United Methodist Church
300 East Gartner Road
Naperville, IL 60540
630-355-1748
630-355-9359 (fax)
Office Hours: 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. Monday through Friday
