Recent News

Q: Why would I want to Compose?

A: There are many good reasons to start composting. It is very beneficial from an agricultural and environmental standpoint. Most significant benefits are:

1. Improves soil structure, benefits root growth and water retention.
2. Provides a source of slow-release organic fertilizer for your plants, helps fight diseases.
3. Reduces 20-40% of the waste that ends up in the landfill. This ALONE is a fantastic reason for composting - why would you throw this organic material in a landfill?
4. It’s fun and satisfying to know you’re doing your part to conserve earth’s resources

Q: I want to compost, but is it hard and how would I get started?

A: It’s really quite easy and it won’t take you a lot of time to get started. You’ll need a compost bin or an area in your yard for a compost heap, ideally in a sunny or partly sunny spot. You want it easily accessible all year long.

Q: OK, so what do I put in the compost bin?

A: The two main categories of ingredients are “greens and browns.” You will need both of these materials plus water to make compost.

• Green - Vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grounds/filters, tea leaves/bags, garden waste, fresh weeds without seeds, fresh grass clippings.
• Brown - Dry leaves, dry straw and hay, sawdust, woodchips from untreated wood, twigs, dried grass clippings, shredded paper, napkins, newspaper (no petroleum ink, Soy ink is OK)
• Other - Eggshells (crushed), plain rice, bread, hair, wool, cotton, lint
• Do not compost - Meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, grease, bones, pet and human waste, glass, plastic/petroleum products, metals, synthetic materials, large branches and wood chunks, wood ashes, lime

Q: Is that all I need to know to get started?

Sunday Morning, April 26
Parking Lot

In honor of Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 24), the Environmental Stewardship Work Area is giving away oak trees after each service. The trees will be given out by the entrance adjacent to the parking lot.

SEEDLING PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Soak the tree in water ONE day before planting. 
2. Make sure the area is clear from power lines, other trees, buildings and anything else within 30 feet. 
3. Dig a hole, at least 2 times the width of the root system and turn the soil up to 3 feet in diameter around the tree hole.
4. Place the tree in the hole, with the top of the roots just under the soil line.
5. Partially fill the hole with dirt, firm the soil around the lower roots making sure not to break them.
6. Use water to help reduce air pockets.  Then fill the rest of the hole up.
7. Water the tree and entire planting area with plenty of water. 
8. Place mulch around the tree within 1” of touching the tree.
9. Water your newly planted tree every 7-10 days during the first year.
10. Enjoy your new Oak tree!

Join us this Sunday as the Environmental Stewardship Work Area (ESWA) hosts Environmental Stewardship Sunday. During all three services, work area members will be delivering the message of “Christian Earthkeepers.” 

The ESWA will also host displays in the parlor before and after the 9:30 & 11:00 services including: 

• organic cleaning products, including whether they work and whether they come with a really high price tag;
• saving energy and reducing maintenance by changing to LED lighting;
• the value and payback of energy assessments;
• composting; recycling batteries, noting that alkaline batteries are more difficult to recycle that in past; recycling and reusing; water conservation and use and what can be done at your home;
• retail cost and availability of LED light bulbs for home use;
• fand other topics from the Environmental Stewardship Work Area members.

Dear Church Family,

As we anticipate trees quietly beginning to blossom and flowers stretching towards the emerging sun, we are reminded that Easter will soon be here. On Sunday, April 5, we will worship with full hearts, proclaiming to the world that “Christ is alive!”

Easter is a wondrous celebration of Christ’s Resurrection and the promise of eternal life. And it is a time to remember that Jesus came to heal and provide hope to all. Each year we invite our congregation to help carry out this mission of hope and healing by participating in our Special Easter Offering.

This annual offering helps fund the outreach of our congregation’s Missions, Justice & Community Work Area, which takes seriously its role as stewards of your generosity and compassion.  This year we are asking that you consider enhancing your Easter giving so that, as a church body, DGFUMC can increase its outreach in a more impactful way. The resources gathered on Easter Sunday will make a critical difference in the lives of individuals in DuPage County, as well as in national and international missions programs.

We live out our Easter faith and proclaim the selfless love of God in Christ by using this special offering to support many ministries including (but not limited to) the following: