[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 185 (Thursday, December 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2942]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF PEORIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. AARON SCHOCK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 10, 2009

  Mr. SCHOCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the First United 
Methodist Church of Peoria. For 17 years First United Methodist has 
partnered with Irving Primary School to present a variety of services 
to students from low income families. Bear Buddy Ministry volunteers 
provide reading and tutoring services to Irving 250 students in second, 
third, fourth and fifth grade. Bear Buddy Ministry volunteers visit 
Irving weekly and serve over half of the 353 students who attend 
Irving.
  First United Methodist sponsors a Fine Arts Ministry which partners 
Irving students with artists from Bradley University and the Peoria Art 
Guild so Irving students can have a chance to participate in artistic 
opportunities using visual arts, pottery, writing and photography 
resources.
  The Community Ministry also supports a children's choir which has 
grown to 52 members in recent years. First United Methodist transports 
the young vocalists to all of their concerts and civic engagements, 
including performances at Peoria City Council meetings.
  First United Methodist proudly backs a soccer program in Morton, 
Illinois for Irving students which lasts six to eight weeks. The soccer 
program gives students proper exercise and shows them the importance of 
teamwork. First United Methodist members have also built two Habitat 
for Humanity homes for families of Irving School students. These 
successes have led First United Methodist to explore future 
partnerships with Lincoln Middle School and the Peoria Alternative High 
School. The First United Methodist Church-Irving Primary School 
partnership is a model relationship which works together to provide a 
better future for the children of Peoria District 150. I congratulate 
First United Methodist Church of Peoria for 17 years of quality 
ministry to the students and families of Irving Primary School. I look 
forward to many more years of this great partnership which furthers the 
education of our students. Thank you and I yield back the balance of my 
time.

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