Great joy took place on Sunday, March 12, 2023, as members of the United Methodist Church of Gillespie witnessed and celebrated six young people being baptized and/or confirmed at the 10:30 a.m. church service. 

The students professed their faith in Jesus and became members of the church. 

The new members include Clayton Bethard, Izzy Manus, Lydia Lowry, Makenna Martin, Marshall Garwood, and Wyatt Rondi.

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Gillespie is having a Community Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.  The public is invited and there is no charge. The concert will feature favorite Christmas carols and songs performed by Thomas M. Taylor, IV.

Thomas is the son of Lynne and the late T.M. Taylor. He started singing very young, usually at church, and sang in choir all through middle school and high school. He attended Augustana College, Rock Island, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music. He joined his brother and some friends to form the heavy metal band The Consumption. Thomas, an accomplished guitarist, played lead guitar. He attended Eastern Illinois University and earned his Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance. Since then, he has performed with the Springfield Muni Opera, Hard Road Productions in Highland, SIU-E Theatre and Winter Opera St. Louis. He also studied in Novafeltria, Italy with La Musica Lyrica.

Thomas and his wife, Debbie, live in Litchfield.

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy your favorite Christmas songs performed by an amazing singer. Refreshments will be served following the program.

Zion is located at 107 West Elm Street in Gillespie.

Denomination:  United Methodist

Mission: “To unite people in God’s love.”

Pastor:  Rev. Ethan L. Carnes, O.S.L.

Church Service Hours:  Sunday 9:30am

Sunday School Hours:  Sunday 10:30am

Location:   209 S. Main St. in Benld

Phone:  217 – 835 – 4773

Email:  ethan.carnes@gmail.com

Website: http://www.benldchurch.org/UMC/Home.html or on Facebook