I have found my way of serving the Church and our community through helping those that have served our Country.
For ten years, I worked with a group of dedicated people sending Care Boxes to our troops serving overseas. I was the "mouth piece", organizer, and shopped each month for the items to go into the boxes. There was a group of 15 to 20 met once a month to pack the boxes, catch up on someone’s "soldier", and jump for joy when one returned home. Those years were so rewarding, and I always wonder if we will need to do again will there be someone to pick up the torch and go with it.?
A year ago, I informed the group I would be giving up the cause, and taking up a new one. I had been asked to start a group to build a home in Elmwood for a Hero. So, here I am again, working with some of the same great people, Habitat for Humanity, and Congressman Aaron Schock. This Hero is someone who has served, or is still serving in the military.
The family awarded this home will not get it free. They do sweat equity (500 hours), and they will pay for this home, minus labor costs. They will have a 20 years, no interest loan. Habitat motto "A hand up, not a hand out."
This home will be built on So. Locust St. The wonderful people of Elmwood have made a very daunting cause, easy. Businesses, individuals, Churches, have all come forward to help.
To me, this has been a learning experience in watching God work through me, to help others.
Gerri Pettit
I have found my way of serving the Church and our community through helping those that have served our Country.
For ten years, I worked with a group of dedicated people sending Care Boxes to our troops serving overseas. I was the "mouth piece", organizer, and shopped each month for the items to go into the boxes. There was a group of 15 to 20 met once a month to pack the boxes, catch up on someone’s "soldier", and jump for joy when one returned home. Those years were so rewarding, and I always wonder if we will need to do again will there be someone to pick up the torch and go with it.?
A year ago, I informed the group I would be giving up the cause, and taking up a new one. I had been asked to start a group to build a home in Elmwood for a Hero. So, here I am again, working with some of the same great people, Habitat for Humanity, and Congressman Aaron Schock. This Hero is someone who has served, or is still serving in the military.
The family awarded this home will not get it free. They do sweat equity (500 hours), and they will pay for this home, minus labor costs. They will have a 20 years, no interest loan. Habitat motto "A hand up, not a hand out."
This home will be built on So. Locust St. The wonderful people of Elmwood have made a very daunting cause, easy. Businesses, individuals, Churches, have all come forward to help.
To me, this has been a learning experience in watching God work through me, to help others.
Gerri Pettit
Walking through the doors I am greeted by smiling, friendly faces. These are God’s people who warmly reach out to others. God calls us to be his hands and feet here in this community and in lands unfamiliar to us. I am touched and gently nudged to go beyond my comfortable life to be a blessing to others. God has blessed me greatly so that I might be bold in my ability to touch people in their needs.
Sometimes, blessing those closest to you requires strength from God and his never ending strength and support. He gives us special “appointments” to reflect his love in situations which often challenges our naturally selfish tendencies. Often when I feel so lost, God gives me a clear answer that not only blesses me but others who are struggling in similar circumstances. He gives me a heart to share what he has provided for me.
Gayla Taylor
Sometimes, blessing those closest to you requires strength from God and his never ending strength and support. He gives us special “appointments” to reflect his love in situations which often challenges our naturally selfish tendencies. Often when I feel so lost, God gives me a clear answer that not only blesses me but others who are struggling in similar circumstances. He gives me a heart to share what he has provided for me.
Gayla Taylor
Those of us who call ourselves Christians all have a faith story. My faith story began early in my life. I grew up with what I call the best of both worlds. My mom, being Irish Catholic, wanted my sister and I brought up in the Catholic Church since she was strict in her faith and its practices. My dad agreed. He has always been a believer, but was not the practicing Seventh Day Adventist that his parents (my grandparents) were.
Both my parents inspired me with their faith in the example they set in life as well as the values that they instilled in me.
My grandfather, my dad’s dad, was also a great influence in my life. He lived his faith on the outside. One of my earliest memories, which left a lasting impression on me, was when I saw him on his knees in prayer at his church with his head held in his hands. Now in the Catholic Church people kneel all the time as part of the mass, but this was a grown man in a church with no kneelers and ritual, just humbling himself before God in prayer. In fact, I give him a lot of credit for teaching me how to pray and what words to say. I have tried to pass this way of praying on to my sons as well.
As I grew older the Catholic Church gave me a foundation of faith that I hold dear to this day, but it was the Protestant exposure to Christ’s love and how to share that love that I strive for in my Christian life today.
As I grew into an adult, I fell in love with a man whose church was not my own, but who shared the love of Christ and values that would unite us in marriage and as parents.
One of my most emotional testimonies I give in sharing my faith was when my husband early in our marriage suffered a brain stroke. There I was just 30 years old with two little boys and my husband bleeding from his brain in the neuro intensive care unit. I felt so alone and so afraid. I went to the hospital chapel and I prayed and cried and prayed some more and I felt a presence enter the room and comfort me. All my fears and sadness went away and, although still uncertain, I felt such a presence of peace. I believe God was there for me then and many times since.
I see God working in our church and through our members every time I attend the worship service, Bible studies and fellowship. I’m grateful to the priests and ministers I’ve known and examples of faith I’m witnessed by all the believers in my life and I hope to live up to their teachings, especially those of my Lord and Savior as I continue living my faith story.
Cathy Ekstrand
Both my parents inspired me with their faith in the example they set in life as well as the values that they instilled in me.
My grandfather, my dad’s dad, was also a great influence in my life. He lived his faith on the outside. One of my earliest memories, which left a lasting impression on me, was when I saw him on his knees in prayer at his church with his head held in his hands. Now in the Catholic Church people kneel all the time as part of the mass, but this was a grown man in a church with no kneelers and ritual, just humbling himself before God in prayer. In fact, I give him a lot of credit for teaching me how to pray and what words to say. I have tried to pass this way of praying on to my sons as well.
As I grew older the Catholic Church gave me a foundation of faith that I hold dear to this day, but it was the Protestant exposure to Christ’s love and how to share that love that I strive for in my Christian life today.
As I grew into an adult, I fell in love with a man whose church was not my own, but who shared the love of Christ and values that would unite us in marriage and as parents.
One of my most emotional testimonies I give in sharing my faith was when my husband early in our marriage suffered a brain stroke. There I was just 30 years old with two little boys and my husband bleeding from his brain in the neuro intensive care unit. I felt so alone and so afraid. I went to the hospital chapel and I prayed and cried and prayed some more and I felt a presence enter the room and comfort me. All my fears and sadness went away and, although still uncertain, I felt such a presence of peace. I believe God was there for me then and many times since.
I see God working in our church and through our members every time I attend the worship service, Bible studies and fellowship. I’m grateful to the priests and ministers I’ve known and examples of faith I’m witnessed by all the believers in my life and I hope to live up to their teachings, especially those of my Lord and Savior as I continue living my faith story.
Cathy Ekstrand
As I think about how to share my Christian testimony, I start by looking at our congregation. I see Gaye Fleisher who taught me in Sunday School, and I remember Marilee Hurst as my Kindergarten Sunday School teacher telling us stories. Oh, there is Betty Morse who played the piano for us to sing songs - Jesus Loves Me, The 12 Disciples (that is how I learned their names), It's Bubbling, The B-I-B-L-E (yes that’s the book for me), Climb Up Sunshine Mountain (that was my favorite) and many more. Jane Shoop, our Sunday School Superintendent, who led our singing and we always lit the birthday cake (made out of wood) and counted our pennies for the number of years old plus one for Jesus. Then there were some men teachers too, Wayne Fleisher taught our 7th & 8th grade class, which met in the kitchen of the old church basement and Wayne Callister who bravely took on the High School class. Then I remember another one who is not with us now, my Mother, who taught our 5th grade class where we learned the Apostle's Creed, the books of the Bible and more. I look back at all the Vacation Bible Schools and how much I enjoyed being a part of them. All the Bible stories that we learned and all the fellowship we shared throughout those years built my faith through the moving of the Holy Spirit in my heart. I think of all the words to the songs we sang in Children's Choir and Junior Choir that continued to build my relationship with God.
Psalm 18:2
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield[a] and the horn[b] of my salvation, my stronghold.
I was taught how important it is to pray (just start talking God's listening). For God is my rock and is always there for me. By God's miraculous intervention and work in my life, I became a Christian. Am I perfect? Far from it but I know when I stray from his flock he finds me and brings me home. Jesus died for our sins, open up your heart and let the "SON" shine in!
Chris Ewalt
Psalm 18:2
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield[a] and the horn[b] of my salvation, my stronghold.
I was taught how important it is to pray (just start talking God's listening). For God is my rock and is always there for me. By God's miraculous intervention and work in my life, I became a Christian. Am I perfect? Far from it but I know when I stray from his flock he finds me and brings me home. Jesus died for our sins, open up your heart and let the "SON" shine in!
Chris Ewalt
My faith journey began as a child attending the Yates City United Methodist Church. It was a small church in a small town, but it was filled with God's love and God's people.
By the time Wayne and I were married, there was no longer a Methodist Church in Yates City. It was not until we moved to Elmwood and started attending this church that the seed of faith planted long ago began to grow.
Then in 1980, I was asked to become the secretary of Elmwood UMC. For the next 23 years this was my home away from home. I was so blessed to work with 5 wonderful and unique pastors. With each one, my faith grew due to the challenges of each new day. I was also, and still am, blessed with a wonderful church family. It was their patience, support, and sharing God's love with me that taught me what it means to have brothers and sisters in Christ.
Today, this is still my church, my church family, and my home away from home. What does my church and faith mean to me? Everything!
Connie Dalton
By the time Wayne and I were married, there was no longer a Methodist Church in Yates City. It was not until we moved to Elmwood and started attending this church that the seed of faith planted long ago began to grow.
Then in 1980, I was asked to become the secretary of Elmwood UMC. For the next 23 years this was my home away from home. I was so blessed to work with 5 wonderful and unique pastors. With each one, my faith grew due to the challenges of each new day. I was also, and still am, blessed with a wonderful church family. It was their patience, support, and sharing God's love with me that taught me what it means to have brothers and sisters in Christ.
Today, this is still my church, my church family, and my home away from home. What does my church and faith mean to me? Everything!
Connie Dalton
I was born and raised in Chillicothe, Illinois and grew up in the Methodist faith at The First United Methodist Church in the same town. Some of my fondest memories as a child came from the experiences I had at church and church functions. For generations my family was baptized, joined and married at that church. It was very important to me that we stayed in the Methodist religion when we moved.
When Chad accepted the position as the Superintendent of Elmwood School District, we made an announcement to our church family in Chillicothe. Our minister, Pastor Ted, spoke of wonderful things happening at the Methodist Church in Elmwood. He had gone to seminary with Pastor Brad and so we felt very comfortable trying out a new church in the community.
The very first service church service we came to, we were hooked. The contemporary music, the great children’s programs, the wonderful mix of younger families and the older population, and not to mention the sermon that really spoke to us! Everything we were looking for, all under one roof. We were welcomed with open arms and offered an incredible sense of community. The first time we met Pastor Brad, he said, “we have been expecting you and so happy to meet you!”
The Methodist Church of Elmwood offered everything we wanted for our family. That’s why we stayed and joined. That’s why we continue to come. We are so happy to worship and serve with our new church family! Thank you so much for welcoming us!
Dara Wagner
When Chad accepted the position as the Superintendent of Elmwood School District, we made an announcement to our church family in Chillicothe. Our minister, Pastor Ted, spoke of wonderful things happening at the Methodist Church in Elmwood. He had gone to seminary with Pastor Brad and so we felt very comfortable trying out a new church in the community.
The very first service church service we came to, we were hooked. The contemporary music, the great children’s programs, the wonderful mix of younger families and the older population, and not to mention the sermon that really spoke to us! Everything we were looking for, all under one roof. We were welcomed with open arms and offered an incredible sense of community. The first time we met Pastor Brad, he said, “we have been expecting you and so happy to meet you!”
The Methodist Church of Elmwood offered everything we wanted for our family. That’s why we stayed and joined. That’s why we continue to come. We are so happy to worship and serve with our new church family! Thank you so much for welcoming us!
Dara Wagner
Neither of us were raised in the Methodist faith, and when we began dating and then got married, faith was not a large part of our relationship. We were married in a religious service at the United Methodist Church, but regular attendance and participation in church functions were not high priorities for us at the time of our marriage.
That changed in June of 2013, when we lost our first daughter after twenty weeks of pregnancy. It’s impossible to go into details about the emotions we went through during that week. After waiting for something for so long and then having it taken away from us, we felt a profound sense of loss and grief; as we picked up the pieces and decided to move on, we talked at length about how we wanted our lives to be going forward. It was at that point that we decided that we wanted a relationship with God and faith in God’s plan to be a central part of our lives from that point on. We planned on attending several area churches to see which one felt the most comfortable and in line with our views on religion, but visiting the United Methodist Church on the first Sunday after we lost Rosalie was the only trip we had to make. We knew that we’d be joining at the end of that service. It just felt like coming home.
Less than a year later, Carrie became pregnant again and went into labor incredibly early (at the tail end of 23 weeks), and our daughter Madeline was born after 23 weeks and 5 days of gestational time, which is just on the cusp of what doctors refer to as “viability.” Madeline was born on April 21st, 2014, at 1 pound and 4 oz. We’d made it through the beginning of her life, but the most challenging part was just beginning.
When you have a baby in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), there are a great many machines, technical terms, and factually based scenarios you’re presented with. However, at some point, all the percentages, studies, and numbers start to mean less and less and you’re presented with a simple choice: you can either give up or trust in God that things will work out. We chose the latter, believing that God would take care of our daughter and us through our stay in the hospital and when we came home. And, we knew that trusting God was the right choice by seeing His love in so many ways while Madeline was in the hospital: in the cards and letters we received from friends and family; in the meals and other things people generously donated their time and talents to send to us; and in the thoughts, prayers, and visits from countless members of our church and community.
Bringing Madeline to church for the first time in March was one of the most awesome moments of our last year. Knowing that she’d been in the hearts and minds of so many of our friends and family members here in this building who were now able to see her here for the first time was a humbling experience. We’re also proud to say that, with the help of the prayers of our friends and family, Madeline is performing at or above expectations for her adjusted age and doing better than we could have hoped at this stage. It has been an interesting journey (and will continue to be), but we could not have done any of it without our faith in God and the help of our church community.
Rusty & Carrie Koll
Growing up, Sunday was always the best day of the week. The day started out with Sunday School at University United Methodist Church in Peoria (where I grew up) and ended with family dinner and the “Creature Feature” on WGN TV. As I grew up, church was a very vital part of my life. From Sunday School to Children’s Choir to Confirmation and Youth Group, my evenings and weekends revolved around my church and family. From an early age, I had a love for music. I could and would sing anything and everything from country to rock, but my favorite songs to sing were the ones at church. I was very fortunate that God sent me a mentor and voice coach in Mrs. Pat Capperrune. She encouraged me to be the best I could be during those early years. I had a wonderful church family, a large and loving family, lots of friends, and the love of God in my life. It would be many years before I realized how blessed I was during those years.
As I became a young adult, I decided that I didn’t need church anymore. My new friends didn’t go to church and their lives seemed to be just fine. I began to resent my parents for “forcing” me to attend church when I could be doing so many other things that seemed like to much more fun. As time went on, I made a vow that I would never force my children to attend church like my parents did me. There were more important things in life. I became caught up in myself and what I thought I wanted, pushing my family and old friends away. I thought I had everything under control. I decided what I wanted and I didn’t need help from anyone, especially God. I married, had two wonderful daughters, and kept my “vow” to myself that I would never force them to go to church.
Then the life I had woven began to unravel, piece by piece. Sometimes one thread at a time, sometimes handfuls, but I still thought I had it all under control. I could handle it all. I still didn’t need any help from anyone. I was just fine.
During the girls teenage years, my life changed once again. I met and began dating a wonderful man, Jarred Kosowski. I began to realize what was missing in my life. His grandmother’s unconditional love for her family and God began to chip away the ice that had surrounded my heart. I moved to Farmington and returned to church. I wanted what she had – family, love, faith. But even though I attended church every Sunday, something was still missing. I was “talking the talk” but not “walking the walk” as they say. Life moved on, as it does. We lost Grandma. The girls moved out, one to marriage and one to college. I was actually enjoying the empty house and all the free time I now had and once again I pushed God away for other pursuits. Things were just the way I wanted them.
October of 2010 the threads of my life once again began to unravel. I had always believed the saying that God never gives you more than you can handle, so I tried to handle what I had been given on my own. I had believed all my life that I was strong and that I did not need help from anyone. Not my husband, not my family, and especially not God. In my self centered world, I was never to blame for my problems. Somebody else was to blame for my life falling apart and God became the scapegoat. I was bitter. I was falling apart.
I finally broke one day at work. My co-worker, Charla, helped me pick up the pieces. She recommended a book her mother had given her titled “New Day New You” by Joyce Meyer. I went out and bought the book. It sat on my table for a long time before I finally picked it up and opened it. God was once again in my life. I began to weave the threads of my life back into place with God’s help. The better my life became, the feeling that something very important was missing got stronger and stronger. Once again, God chose to speak to me through someone else – Wayne Dalton. Wayne knew what was going on in my life and encouraged me to come to service at Elmwood United Methodist Church.
The minute I walked through the door, I felt it. That feeling you get when you are where you belong. I was home – in my father’s house – and it was as if I had never left. It’s true, no matter what you have done, you can still come home. I came home after that first service and told my husband that this is where we needed to be. This was the feeling that I wanted the boys, Lee & Luke, to experience. This was the family that we needed to have in our lives.
God tried several times to get me to come back home. I am so glad he didn’t give up on me. He led me to you. I am once again blessed.
Sheri Kosowski
As I became a young adult, I decided that I didn’t need church anymore. My new friends didn’t go to church and their lives seemed to be just fine. I began to resent my parents for “forcing” me to attend church when I could be doing so many other things that seemed like to much more fun. As time went on, I made a vow that I would never force my children to attend church like my parents did me. There were more important things in life. I became caught up in myself and what I thought I wanted, pushing my family and old friends away. I thought I had everything under control. I decided what I wanted and I didn’t need help from anyone, especially God. I married, had two wonderful daughters, and kept my “vow” to myself that I would never force them to go to church.
Then the life I had woven began to unravel, piece by piece. Sometimes one thread at a time, sometimes handfuls, but I still thought I had it all under control. I could handle it all. I still didn’t need any help from anyone. I was just fine.
During the girls teenage years, my life changed once again. I met and began dating a wonderful man, Jarred Kosowski. I began to realize what was missing in my life. His grandmother’s unconditional love for her family and God began to chip away the ice that had surrounded my heart. I moved to Farmington and returned to church. I wanted what she had – family, love, faith. But even though I attended church every Sunday, something was still missing. I was “talking the talk” but not “walking the walk” as they say. Life moved on, as it does. We lost Grandma. The girls moved out, one to marriage and one to college. I was actually enjoying the empty house and all the free time I now had and once again I pushed God away for other pursuits. Things were just the way I wanted them.
October of 2010 the threads of my life once again began to unravel. I had always believed the saying that God never gives you more than you can handle, so I tried to handle what I had been given on my own. I had believed all my life that I was strong and that I did not need help from anyone. Not my husband, not my family, and especially not God. In my self centered world, I was never to blame for my problems. Somebody else was to blame for my life falling apart and God became the scapegoat. I was bitter. I was falling apart.
I finally broke one day at work. My co-worker, Charla, helped me pick up the pieces. She recommended a book her mother had given her titled “New Day New You” by Joyce Meyer. I went out and bought the book. It sat on my table for a long time before I finally picked it up and opened it. God was once again in my life. I began to weave the threads of my life back into place with God’s help. The better my life became, the feeling that something very important was missing got stronger and stronger. Once again, God chose to speak to me through someone else – Wayne Dalton. Wayne knew what was going on in my life and encouraged me to come to service at Elmwood United Methodist Church.
The minute I walked through the door, I felt it. That feeling you get when you are where you belong. I was home – in my father’s house – and it was as if I had never left. It’s true, no matter what you have done, you can still come home. I came home after that first service and told my husband that this is where we needed to be. This was the feeling that I wanted the boys, Lee & Luke, to experience. This was the family that we needed to have in our lives.
God tried several times to get me to come back home. I am so glad he didn’t give up on me. He led me to you. I am once again blessed.
Sheri Kosowski
My name is Terri German and I live in Yates City. I have been a member and regular attendee of the Evangelical Free Church in Canton since 2000. I never thought that I would ever consider going to another church, but in early August I began to feel that God might be leading me somewhere else. Logistically it was difficult for me to be involved in all that I felt I should be at that church. As I still love my church family from there and know they are faithfully following God, I began to think I might make a change. I had become Facebook friends with Pastor Brad and knew he was a man who loved the Lord and was faithful to His Word. I became more familiar with him at events around the area. I told a friend of mine that I really wanted to hear him preach, and as she was looking for a church family, as a recent widow, she needed to be involved in a church that could meet her needs. So, we came to a service in late August. I immediately felt very comfortable! I was greeted, very warmly, by friends and their parents from childhood, a past employer, past fellow employees, children that I have at school, co-workers and administration from Farmington Central School where I work, and new friends!! My friend also felt very comfortable and immediately joined in the coffee hour and Bible Study. I like worshiping with a Praise band, so the music really fit with me. I liked Pastor Brad's message, the fact that he is a Bible preaching pastor, his enthusiasm for the Lord and his humor!! I also like that there are so many different programs going on in this church, it is alive and well. Over the next few weeks, I really struggled with where I needed to be. I made an appointment and talked to Pastor Brad and to a couple of my close friends from my church. I felt that God was leading me to your church for a reason. I have been attending regularly and am really happy to be coming here because I want to be involved in the Ladies Bible Study, Bible School in the summer and, eventually, probably helping teach. Thank you for being such a warm and friendly church family.
Terri German
Terri German
It is difficult for me to write in a few words why I came to attend Elmwood United Methodist Church. This part of my journey probably started last year on June 23. I was holding my mother’s hand, giving her one last earthly kiss and watching as she quickly slipped to be with Our Lord. Did I blame God? Not at all! But I did question what direction I was going to take. In July, I was asked to help with Vacation Bible School. From that time, I could feel an inner nudge to move forward. Forward? To where? What was this feeling? I started to come to church a lot more. I got to know more people and, if I was in Elmwood, I would be greeted a lot more! These are the people I worshipped with! I started going to bible study and participating more in the events. I have started helping in the nursery and, this summer, I will be the Director of VBS. With the help of a lot of wonderful people, I felt I have found a home! Not only a place to worship, but somewhere to be surrounded by friends.
Do I need to say who I feel was doing the nudging? HE has been with me everyday!
Laurie Leadley
Do I need to say who I feel was doing the nudging? HE has been with me everyday!
Laurie Leadley