Illinois—The Princeton Church is on the move—literally. The members of the church, including Jack Blume, retired program director of the School of Medical Technology at Hinsdale Hospital, are determined to revitalize their church.
"Our church is old, small, and rather uninviting," states Blume. "It's no wonder it is hard for us to attract new members. One of the last things I want to do before my days come to an end is to help our congregation in a campaign to replace our nearly 100-year-old church building."
To date, more than $100,000 has been raised for a new church. Property has been purchased. Plans have been drawn up for the new structure,which is estimated to cost more than $200,000, even with volunteer labor. In Apr. 2006, the Adventist-Laymen's Services and Industries (ASI) organization plans to erect the new church building. Students from Broadview Academy, Hinsdale Adventist Academy, and other academies from throughout the Lake Union will be invited to participate in the project. The plan is to build the church in three weeks. During that time an evangelistic campaign will be conducted in Princeton by academy young people. They plan to work on the building project during the day and will speak at night.
Members of the small church are on the move, too. For the past several years they have operated a booth at the Bureau County Fair. Each year, in addition to giving away literature and Bibles, they also conduct church services at the fair on Sun. morning. This year Todd Olin and Harlin Hudson led music and Michael Weakley, pastor, delivered the sermon.
This small church also conducts an active Voice of Prophecy DISCOVER Bible School, and sent out more than 12,000 invitations to study the Bible last year.
Members conducted evangelistic meetings the last two years, with Harlin Hudson as speaker. They have an active Bible study group of nine who meet each week.
"Children are important to our ministry in the community too," states Blume. "That's why we are involved in garage evangelism during the summer on Sabbath afternoon." Todd and Cherri Olin lead out with music and stories. Other members help children with crafts and supply snack food and punch. "Because of family vacations, the same children do not always attend every week," explains Blume, whose garage houses the Bible club.
Celebrating 59 years of marriage, Jack and Gwladys Blume's four daughters put on an anniversary party after church in that same garage. Members look forward to the day when the new Princeton Church is built with a large fellowship room for Bible clubs and anniversary parties. If you'd like to help the Princeton Church by donating construction skills or contributing funds for its completion, contact the pastor, Michael Weakley, at (815) 431-1365.
Rachel Terwillegar, Illinois Conference development director
