Manchester Church 6/10/26 Manchester Church 6/10/26

Announcements, June 14, 2026

It is Summer!! This Sunday morning Pastor Joe will be using Psalm 51 for his theme as he asks the question, “Why Is Confession Painful but Good?” Sunday evening he will lead us through the book of Matthew as we go Book By Book through the Bible. We hope you can join us!

* * * * * * * We will have a Vacation Bible School planning meeting this Sunday evening at 5 PM. We hope a lot of you will come and volunteer your time each morning for the week of July 6 thru July 11. * * * * * * *

This year our Kids Sports Day Camp will be for only three days. We had a great turn-out last year but the leaders found a whole week a little hard to manage. (It’s hard when your body doesn’t feel as young as your mind thinks it is!)

Come join the fun and fellowship as a chef or just to enjoy the meal. This is a FREE activity in the Manchester Village Park. Contestants, meat will be furnished but you should bring your own equipment. If you have questions, call the church at 217-587-2761 and leave a message if no one is available to answer your call.

Manchester Church 6/3/26 Manchester Church 6/3/26

Announcements, June 1, 2026

This Sunday at 10:30 AM, Pastor Joe will be presenting his final message on the 1 Peter series. The text is 1 Peter 5 and the title is “What Does My Future Hold?” We hope you can join us! In the evening at 6:00 PM he will cover the book of Mark as we study the New Testament “Book by Book, The Bible One Book at a Time”.

Pork Chop Supper, Saturday, June 6 from 5 to 7 PM in the Manchester Park. Cost $12.00 for a Pork chop or porky burger, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans, chips, Pie or cake and tea, coffee or lemonade.

Sunday, June 14 at 5:00 PM - Vacation Bible School planning meeting for all who are interested in helping. Please attend if possible.

Sports Day Camp, Mon. June 15 thru Wed. June 17 from 9 AM to 12 noon. For kids ages 6 through 12.

Saturday, June 27 from 4 – 6:30 PM. BBQ Fest in the park

Vacation Bible School will be held July 6 thru 10 for ages 4 through 11+

In June we are collecting **Boy’s Clothing Items** for Operation Christmas Child. You can drop items off at the church. Thanks in advance for your generosity!

Manchester Church 5/29/26 Manchester Church 5/29/26

Announcements, May 31, 2026

“What Is Your Attitude Toward Suffering?” Pastor Joe’s message at 10:30 AM based on 1 Peter 4:12-19 will address the Biblical attitude. At 6:00 PM we will study the book of John as we study the New Testament “Book by Book, The Bible One Book at a Time”

The community is invited to donate desserts for the Pork Chop Supper coming up on June 6. This fund raiser is vital to maintain the cemetery here in Manchester. You get a great meal for $12.00 with all proceeds to go to the Manchester Cemetery Association. Join your friends and neighbors at the park from 5 to 7 PM on June 6th.

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Vacation Bible School is fast approaching. A planning meeting will be held on Sunday, June 14 at 5:00 PM for all who are interested in helping. Please attend if possible.

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In June we are collecting Boy’s Clothing Items for Operation Christmas Child. Watch the sales racks for underwear, socks, shirts, pants and shorts as well as fun things like caps, sunglasses, watches, shoes and etc. We and the children appreciate your help!

Manchester Church 5/13/26 Manchester Church 5/13/26

Announcements, May 17, 2026

“How Do I Live Practically in a Complicated World?” is the title of Pastor Joe’s message this Sunday morning at 10:30 AM. The text for his message is 1 Peter 2: 11 - 3: 12. At 6:00 PM we will begin with the book of Luke as we continue our journey “Book by Book, The Bible One Book at a Time”.

Scripture references for upcoming Sunday Morning Sermons May 24; 1 Peter 3:13-4:11. May 31; 1 Peter 4:12-19. June 6; 1 Peter 5:1-14

Saturday morning, May 16 at 9 am. Bring your favorite supplies or use the ones we provide to spruce up the church building and grounds.

Monday, May 18 at 3:30 PM, End of School Year, Bus Stop Giveaway! Come join us in passing out goody bags to the kids as they get off the school bus.

Monday, May 25 is Memorial Day! Take a moment to honor those who died in military service.

"If you are not praying, then you are quietly confident that time, money, and talent are all you need in life." Paul E. Miller
Please join us on Sunday mornings, 8:30 - 9 AM to seek the Lord's grace for our church and community.

VBS July 6 thru 11, 9 am thru 11:20 am. Ages 5 through 12. Mark your calendar!

Manchester Church 4/29/26 Manchester Church 4/29/26

Announcements, May 3, 2026

We welcome Daniel and April Myers! Daniel will deliver the message in both the morning and evening service.

**Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 PM Ladies Night Out. Come for food, fun and fellowship!**
**Sunday, May 10, Mother’s Day Morning worship at 10:30 AM. No Sunday Evening Service**

Each year the Baptist Children Home & Family Services ministry has a special fund-raising event on Mother’s Day. As most of you know, our church helps support them with our Missions giving. If you would like to make an extra, personal gift for Mother’s Day, there are special envelopes on the back counter. You may put the envelope in the offering box.

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We would like to add your name to the list of people who read scripture during the morning worship. Please let Joe or Harriett know if you would like to participate.

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A schedule of New Testament books for the Sunday Evening Series is on the back counter.

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We are collecting Girls Clothing Items this month for Operation Christmas Child. List on the back counter.

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The Sanctuary is open each Sunday at 8:30 AM for you to have some special time with God.

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Please sign up if you could volunteer to mow the church yard for one month this summer.

Manchester Church 4/22/26 Manchester Church 4/22/26

Announcements, April 26, 2026

“What Difference Does God’s Grace Make in My Life?” based on 1 Peter 1: 13 - 21; Join us at 10:30 AM for Pastor Joe’s message on this topic and again at 6:00 PM as we study the Book of Esther as we go “Book by Book, The Bible One Book at a Time”.
Next week Daniel Myers will be our guest speaker as Pastor Joe and family enjoy a few days’ vacation.

We are looking for volunteers to mow the church yard for one month this summer. Talk to Pastor Joe or one of the trustees (Jeff Jones, Reg Johnson, Brandon Wahl) to pick your month and for more details.

Coming up in May

Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 PM Ladies Night Out

Sunday, May 10, Mother’s Day No Sunday Evening Service

Saturday, May 16, Work Day at the Church

Monday, May 18 End of School, Bus Stop Give Away!

Manchester Church 4/15/26 Manchester Church 4/15/26

Announcements, April 19, 2026

This Sunday at 10:30 AM, Pastor Joe will begin a series on First Peter. The text he will use is 1 Peter 1: 1 - 12 and the title of his message is “What Changes When We Look Closely at God’s Gifts?”. Sunday evening at 6:00 PM he will cover the Book of Malachi as we go “Book by Book, The Bible One Book at a Time”.

All men are invited to the Fellowship Hall at 7 AM on April 25 for good food and great Bible teaching!

**Check out our actives for the summer! Check back occasionally for more details.**

Manchester Church 4/3/26 Manchester Church 4/3/26

Announcements, April 5, 2026 Easter Sunday

We will have our annual Egg Hunt Saturday morning, April 4 as scheduled but it will be held inside the church since the park is so wet. Come join us for activities at 10:30 and the Hunt at 11:00.

Sunrise Service will start at 6:30 AM and will be held in the Fellowship Hall this year. Following the service you are invited to stay for the Celebration Breakfast!
There will be no Sunday School this week.

Morning Worship begins at 10:30, as usual, with Pastor Joe’s message being based on Luke 23:46. The message is titled “What Does Jesus Say Last? And First?
There will be no Evening Service.

You may come and go as you wish during this time.

Manchester Church 3/27/26 Manchester Church 3/27/26

Announcements, March 29, 2026 Palm Sunday

Pastor Joe’s message for Palm Sunday at 10:30 AM is based on John 19:28-30 and is titled “Why Does Jesus’ Shout from the Cross Mean I Can Rest?”. Sunday evening at 6:00 PM Pastor Joe will cover the Book of Ezra as we go “Book by Book, The Bible One Book at a Time”.

Sunday, March 29 from 11 AM to 2 PM Westfair Academy will host it’s 20th Annual Italian Buffet and Auction at 1815 W. Lafayette, Jacksonville, IL . Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids 12 and under. Come help support this school.

Monday, March 30 at 6:30 PM - Last Session Ladies Bible Study, “The Life of Leah”

Wednesday, April 1 at 6:30 PM Everyone is invited to join us for a Potluck Meal. Members are encouraged to stay for the Quarterly Business Meeting which will begin at 7:30 PM.

**Available now until Easter, Easter Story Trail in the Manchester Community Park.**
**Saturday, April 4 at 10:30 AM Egg Hunt in the park! Spread the word!** ‍ ‍

**EASTER SUNDAY**
Sunrise Service in the Fellowship Hall at 6:30 AM.
Followed by a Celebration Breakfast. All are invited!
Easter Morning Worship in the Sanctuary at 10:30 AM.
*Sermon Text for Easter Morning Worship is Luke 23:46.*
There will be no Sunday School or Evening Service.

Manchester Church 3/13/26 Manchester Church 3/13/26

Announcements, March 15, 2026

As we enter the Easter Season, Pastor Joe’s theme will be Sayings of Jesus from the Cross. This week’s text will be Luke 23:34. Sunday evening he will cover the Book of Haggai as we go “Book by Book, The Bible One Book at a Time”.

A Note from Pastor Joe:

Someone asked me a while back how I organize my prayers. Here are 5 ways I organize my prayers:

• I pray Scripture. I do this every day. I identify a phrase or verse in my bible reading, and I think about it and turn it into a prayer.

• I pray for my most important roles in life. I pray for my five roles as a Christian, family man, church pastor and member, friend, and writer. This is usually something different every day, but it helps me pray for the things most important to me. I learned this practice and the next from Jed Coppenger’s book 21 Days to Childlike Prayer.

• I often pray the 5 parts of the Lord’s prayer. I pray that I would be a worshiper, servant, receiver, peacemaker, and soldier. I don’t pray this every day but only when I need it.

• I keep lists. I have a list of top 10 requests for my family. I have all my extended family on a list. I have a list of churches in our area. I have a list of people in our church. I have a list of all my responsibilities and organizations. Having lists reminds me of things that I can and should pray for. I don’t pray for everything on every list all the time. They are fuel for my prayers when I need them. They also keep me from forgetting to pray for a person or area of my life.

• I pray for whatever is on my mind or heart. I’m always willing to drop my lists and plans to pray about whatever I care about. If something troubles me, then I pray. It is more important to be with the Lord than to accomplish praying through a list.

March 28: Men’s Breakfast and Bible

March 29: Westfair Academy Italian Buffett

Manchester Church 3/4/26 Manchester Church 3/4/26

Announcements, March 8, 2026

This, the last message in the Isaac series, is titled “What Was the Point of Isaac’s Life?”. The text is Genesis 35: 27 – 29 and Hebrews 11: 18 - 20. Next week Pastor Joe will begin his Easter series titled “Sayings of Jesus From the Cross”. This Sunday evening we will cover the Book of Lamentations as we go “Book by Book, The Bible One Book at a Time”.

Things for you to know!

Each Monday in March at 6:30 PM our Ladies Bible Study is discussing “The Life of Leah”. Pass the word!

We are currently studying the book of Ephesians each Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM. Come join us!

Each Sunday evening at 6:00 PM we continue to go “Book by Book, The Bible One Book at a Time”.

Manchester Church 2/27/26 Manchester Church 2/27/26

Ladies Bible Study

Manchester Church 2/25/26 Manchester Church 2/25/26

Announcements, March 1, 2026

This Sunday morning Pastor Joe will help us see “Why Is Isaac’s Family so Messed Up?” His text is Genesis 27 – 28: 9. In the evening he will cover the Book of Ezekiel as we go “Book by Book, The Bible One Book at a Time”. Currently, on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 PM we are studying the book of Ephesians. We hope you will join us for some or all of these opportunities to study and worship together!

All men are invited to Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall on February 28 at 7:00 AM. The Bible discussion will be about “The Character of God and How it Applies to Us”.

Each Monday evening in March all ladies are invited to take part in a Bible Study titled “The Life of Leah”. We will start at 6:30 PM.

All ladies are invited for an evening of Food, Fun and Fellowship at 6:30 PM on Thursday, March 5.

We are thankful to all in our church who donated a total of $501.69 to the Baby Bottle Campaign.

On Monday, March 9 our church will be serving the Winchester High School students lunch. They always enjoy our pulled pork lunch and especially the cookies you all provide.

Manchester Church 2/18/26 Manchester Church 2/18/26

Announcements, February 22, 2026

Need some extra time with God? The sanctuary will open at 8:30 AM each Sunday morning through March. You are welcome to come and go as you feel led.

Genesis 26 is the basis for Pastor Joe’s message this week. The title of the message is “Are Difficulties Signs God Isn’t Working in my Life?” Join us at 10: 30 AM or come at 9:30 for Sunday School and stay. Sunday evening at 6:00 PM, Pastor Joe will cover the Book of Daniel as we go “Book by Book, The Bible One Book at a Time”. On Wednesday evenings we are now studying the book of Ephesians. Join us for Bible Study and Prayer.

If you have a Baby Bottle for the Pregnancy Resource Center Campaign please return it to the church as soon as possible. We thank all of you who have so generously donated.

Saturday, Feb. 28 at 7:00 AM Men’s “Breakfast and Bible” Spread the word.

Monday, March 2 at 6:30 PM Ladies Bible Study “The Life of Leah” Mark your calendar and invite your friends!

We will be serving Free Lunch Monday to the Winchester High School Students on March 9. We need donations of cookies to feed around 100 students. They especially like brownies and bar cookies. Thank You!

Manchester Church 2/13/26 Manchester Church 2/13/26

Announcements, February 15, 2026

Genesis 25 will be the text for this week’s message as we continue the study of Isaac. The title of the message is “What Warnings Do We Hear from Isaac, His Brothers and His Sons?” We hope you can join us at 10:30 AM.
This Sunday evening at 6:00 PM Pastor Joe will cover the Book of Obadiah as we go “Book by Book, The Bible One Book at a Time”.
For those who want to study ahead, here are the Sermon Texts for the next three weeks. Feb. 22; Genesis 26, March 1; Genesis 27 – 28, March 8; Genesis 35: 27 – 59 & Hebrews 11: 20

The breakfast, study and fellowship all have great reviews. Spread the word!

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Join Rhonda in the Fellowship Hall for a Ladies Bible Study featuring sisters, Leah & Rachel, beginning Monday, March 2 at 6:30 PM. The title of the study is “The Life of Leah”. Mark your calendar and invite your friends!

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The church will be open at 8:30 each Sunday morning through March for you to come and have a special prayer time with God. Come and go as it works for you.

Manchester Church 2/6/26 Manchester Church 2/6/26

Announcements, February 8, 2026

We hope you can join us Sunday morning at 10:30 AM when pastor Joe will continue his series on Isaac with a message from Genesis 24 titled “How Does God Work in the Details of Isaac and Rebecca’s Marriage?”
Sunday evening at 6:00 PM Pastor Joe will cover the Book of Jeremiah as we go “Book by Book, The Bible One Book at a Time”.

Since we had a snow day a couple of weeks ago we have extended the time to pick up baby bottles to Feb. 15. Bottles should all be returned by Feb. 22.

Rhonda will be leading a Ladies Bible Study featuring sisters, Leah & Rachel, beginning Monday, March 2 at 6:30 PM. The title of the study is “The Life of Leah”. Mark your calendar and invite your friends!

The church will be open at 8:30 each Sunday morning through March for you to come and have a special prayer time with God. Come and go as it works for you.

Manchester Church 1/28/26 Manchester Church 1/28/26

Announcements, February 1, 2026

Since we had to cancel church last Sunday due to the weather, Pastor Joe will bring us the message on Isaac that he had planned for last week. The message is based on Genesis 22: 1 - 19, titled “What Does God Teach Us on the Mountain?” . Worship service starts at 10:30 AM following Sunday School for all ages which starts at 9:30.
Sunday evening at 6:00 PM Pastor Joe will will cover the Book of Habakkuk as we go “Book by Book, The Bible One Book at a Time”.

Ladies Night Out will meet on Thursday, February 5 at 6:30 PM. Come enjoy Fun, Food, and Fellowship!

Baby Bottles will be available until Feb. 8 for your donations to help support the Pregnancy Resource Center in Jacksonville, IL. Pick yours up anytime at the church.

We need some volunteers to learn how to run our service slides and soundboard. We have only one person trained on the sound board and one person for slides. They can't be here every week, so we need some people willing to learn. If you regularly use a computer at work or at home, then learning to control the slides or sound would be easy for you after you were trained.

Please let Joe or Harriett know if you are interested.

Manchester Church 1/22/26 Manchester Church 1/22/26

Announcements, January 25, 2026

This may be the most accurate weather forecast we have so far for the weekend. Stay tuned and stay safe!

Sunday, January 25 at 10:30 AM we look forward to Pastor Joe bringing us another message on Isaac based on Genesis 22: 1 - 19, titled “What Does God Teach Us on the Mountain?”. Sunday evening at 6:00 PM he will will cover the Book of Habakkuk as we go “Book by Book, The Bible One Book at a Time”.

Ladies Night Out will meet on Thursday, February 5 at 6:30 PM. Come enjoy Fun, Food, and Fellowship!

In February and March, Pastor Joe is asking our church to pray together in a new way. We are going to gather in the church sanctuary from 8:30 to 9 AM so we can pray for thirty minutes. Prayer guides will be available for you to use as you pray silently. There won’t be a sharing time. Come when you can!
“I’d love for our church to grow in this area. God deserves our prayers. Scripture commands and invites our prayers. Our souls, our families, our church, and our communities need the Lord’s work by the Lord’s power. Please look at your calendar and plan to pray with us. - Pastor Joe”

We need some volunteers to learn how to run our service slides and soundboard. We have only one person trained on the sound board and one person for slides. They can't be here every week, so we need some people willing to learn. If you regularly use a computer at work or at home, then learning to control the slides or sound would be easy for you after you were trained. Please let Joe or Harriett know if you are interested.

Manchester Church 1/16/26 Manchester Church 1/16/26

Announcements, January 18, 2026

Today is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. Baby Bottles will be available for the next month for your donations to help support the Pregnancy Resource Center in Jacksonville, IL.

Pastor Joe’s message for this Sunday is titled “What Truths Help Us Decide Questions of Life and Death?” The sermon text is Romans 14: 7 - 9. Sunday evening at 6:00 PM Pastor Joe will cover the Book of Zephaniah as we go “Book by Book, The Bible One Book at a Time”.

Those of you who attended MBC during the 1980’s may remember Pastor Wayne Pierce and his wife Delores. He passed away some time ago but Randy Cooper just received word that Delores passed away on January 12. We extend our condolences to the family.

Manchester Church 1/7/26 Manchester Church 1/7/26

Announcements, January 11, 2026

As we continue the story of Isaac, Pastor Joe’s message this week is titled “What Does God Do with Our Messes?” based on Genesis 21: 1 - 21. Hope you join us at 10:30 AM. If you come at 9:30 we have Sunday School classes for all ages. At 6:00 PM we will cover the Book of Nahum as we go “Book by Book, The Bible One Book at a Time”.

Next Sunday is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. Baby Bottles will be available at that time for your donations to help support the Pregnancy Resource Center.