August 2014

Sunday Worship 9:00 am Kids Worship 9:20 am Ice Cream Social August 6

4:30—7pm

Our Mission Statement: “Bringing the Healing Love of Christ To Our Community for the Glory of God”

August 2014

Vol. 118

St. John United Church of Christ is an open and affirming congregation who is welcoming and

embracing of every person, of every race, age, nationality, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression as a child of God. We invite all to join and fully participate in the life and ministry of this church.

STAFF Ministers………………….…The Members of the Church Senior Pastor……………………….……Donnley Dutcher Director of Children & Youth Ministry / Director of technologies………………………………...…Kevin Eckert Youth Ministry Assistants ………….....Jasmine Coleman, Christine Busker & Savanna Mueller Ministry of Church Life & Membership…......Pam Wessel Staff secretary…………….…………………….jody akins Choir Director…………………….……….....Gina Bertram Organists………………………..….…..….Carole Bertram

OFFICE HOURS Monday– Friday...…8:30 am—12:30 pm & 1:00 pm—4:00 pm

Church (815) 235-2824

E-Mail: stjohn@comcast.net

www.stjohnuccfreeport.org 2

FINANCIAL CRISIS AVERTED “Thank you Lisa and the Endowment Board for making this happen! The seemingly ever-present cloud that had been hanging for the past months has been lifted by the generosity of the Board. We certainly recognize there is much to do with the congregation regarding giving and thoughtful spending (mindful of fiscal responsibility and the work of the church), but what Endowment has done has allowed the Church to keep looking forward and not devoting all resources trying to catch up. Thanks again!”

Over the last year-and-a-half, the Church Council has been forced to borrow monies from other funds to maintain the cash flow in the General Fund to pay our bills. Numerous times over the last 6 months, Pam Wessel has spoken with Ulan Price, the Council representative on the Stewardship Ministry, and/or myself, to get authorization to temporarily borrow monies to meet expenses. The financial difficulties have been due to extreme increases in heating costs due to the long, cold winter, extraordinarily high snowplowing costs, insufficient stewardship in the church, and other factors.

In 2013, monies were borrowed from the Capital Campaign, the Endowment Fund, and our Reserve Fund. This year, we were forced to borrow $10,000 from the Janshen Fund. The intent was never to withhold this information from the congregation, but was to make an assessment at the end of July after determining our status half way through the year.

During the week of June 30- July 4, with the banks closed on Friday, July 4, and Pam Wessel, our bookkeeper leaving for a week of vacation, we were forced to borrow $2,000 from the Mission Fund to pay bills that could not be delayed. The General Fund was more than $8,000 under, with expenses for the month projected at approximately $26,000. Our July income was projected at $17,000.

Following up on a conversation at our June Council meeting, Pastor Donnley contacted Lisa Schubert, chair of the Endowment Board. He shared the above information with her and asked her to be in conversation with me. From our conversation, I requested the Endowment Board’s help to get us 3

through this financial crisis.

The Endowment Board, as allowed by their Constitution and By -laws, authorized giving us the income earned during 2013 from the Endowment Fund (not the Janshen Fund), plus 10% of the principal as of the end of the day on Dec. 31, 2013. This has amounted to a gift of $46,000.

The Council took the following action at its July 14 meeting: The $2,000 loan from the Mission Fund will be repaid; $5,000 of the $10,000 borrowed from the Reserve Fund in 2013 will be repaid; the $6,000 borrowed from the Capital Campaign will be repaid; the $10,000 borrowed from the Janshen Fund will be repaid; and $23,000 will be deposited in the General Fund.

It is our hope that this necessary influx of income will help us remain financially strong through the end of 2014, at least.

However, this will only be the case if our stewardship as members is faithful. Faithful consistent giving is the key to assuring we do not slide back into the same position from which we just emerged. The bills that come into the church do not take vacations. If you know you will be absent from church, please don’t skip your regular giving during the time you are away. Please give ahead if possible or make up your regular giving upon return.

There will be a question-and-answer meeting following worship on Sunday, August 2, for all who are interested.

Tim Ebbers, Council President

REMINDER… If you haven’t already done so, and if you would like to attend Pastor Donnley’s Retirement Celebration on November 15, please be sure to either call the office at 815-2352824 or send an email to stjohn@comcast.net to reserve your place. The cost of the dinner is $26 per person.

PLEASE NOTE: THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, AUGUST 4.

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AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME… Many of us grew up singing the words, “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” Most of us consider Christ’s love for us, and all people, His greatest attribute. It is His very nature and being, for as the First Letter of John says, “God IS love.”

There were many times when Christ was so moved by people’s needs or situations His love went out to them. He welcomed and included them, invited them to follow Him, granted them forgiveness for their sins, had mercy on them, or felt great compassion for them, and more. Often, it was when He heard their stories. Deep in His being He felt love for them. He had compassion on them, as the Gospels tell us. And we believe it to be true, for we have felt His compassion and love, ourselves.

I know there are some members and friends of St. John UCC who still talk in their private circles and other places about our having becoming “Open and Affirming,” two years ago.

Others tell me, on occasion, that they have overheard those conversations.

Did you know that 30% of gay youth attempt suicide near the age of 15? Did you know that almost half of gay and lesbian teens say they have attempted suicide more than once? Did you know that suicide is the leading cause of death among gay and lesbian youth, nationally? Do you care? Does your heart ache and hurt for them as Christ would? Do you resemble Christ and His love, since you identify yourself as a Christian, which means “one who resembles Christ”?

I know there are some members and friends of St. John UCC who have said they do not want me to officiate at any same-gender weddings. Others tell me they have overheard those conversations, too.

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For me, the very nature and being of God is love.

God is whole, complete, perfect, flawless love. God cannot deny God’s being and nature, because God is always true to God’s Divine Self. This means God will, ultimately, do nothing but love us; so God’s love will always win, in the end, because there is nothing more powerful, more resilient, more forgiving, more almighty than God’s love - because God IS love.

Because God is love, I believe God respects and honors all genuine, committed, mutual, enduring, faithful love - as God’s love is - because love is God’s highest and greatest priority. It is the benchmark by which God measures all our love. So, I believe whenever two people love each other with that kind of love, that God affirms and celebrates that love, whether they are heterosexual or L, G, B or T. It is with pride and joy, then, that I will have officiated at or will officiate at 4 same-gender weddings between June and December of this year. Why, because I am convinced their love for each other is as worthy of recognition and celebration as any couple who love each other and seek to be married. Besides, 3 of those couples are or will soon be members of St. John UCC and regularly worship among us.

I hope the measure by which you judge and/or welcome people is the love with which Christ loves you.

It is the way we are to be in our heart and love when we call ourselves Christians.

May your heart go out to everyone, including gay and lesbian youth and adults; and may you have compassion on them, as Christ’s heart has gone out to you and had compassion on you.

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So today, as I was going over my calendar and “To Do” list, I realized that I’m running myself ragged. I find myself trying to prioritize the list and feeling like something has to change.

As I write this, I realize many of you don’t know what I do on a regular basis.

Here is the list of things I’m working on this week: Set design and construction for Kids Worship, Kids worship service prep, research and write all three Helix group lessons and activities, snacks for Helix, VBS, youth room DEEP cleaning, painting, Six Flags planning, Digital Signage prep, Web presence and sermon media, C/E Accounting, writing this Tidings article, and putting out new “fires” that pop up, such as reprogramming A/C thermostat. Uhg! Summer has typically been a time when I can get caught up and prepare for a hectic fall and the new year. Unfortunately that rat race has already begun for me.

I could go on and on, but I won’t bore you with the details. The truth is, we are all busy. Sometimes it’s hard to find time for ourselves when there is always something that needs to be done.

Without God at the center of our lives, these crazy lists can crush us. I’m going to make some time today to refocus on who matters most.

Please remember to make time for God. I encourage you to talk with God today.

Consumed by the Call, Kevin Eckert Director of Children & Youth Ministries Director of Technologies Ministry

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ICE CREAM SOCIAL Wednesday, August 6 4:30 pm—7:00 pm $4 for a piece of pie or cake, ice cream, & beverage $4 for sandwich, chips, pasta salad, & beverage Tickets are available in the church office, on Sunday mornings, or at the door. Watch the bulletin board to sign up to help in some way. If every able-bodied member participates by doing a little something, we won't have to call you! This is a good opportunity to get the whole church and community together for an evening of food and fellowship. This is a very successful event each year thanks to all of you who help.

August 9

We’ll begin with a time of snacks and conversation at 6 pm.

(Please bring a snack to share, beverages will be provided.) We will turn to a time of worship at 6:30 pm. The service will have a different format and flow than our Sunday morning service. We’ll conclude worship around 7:15 pm. Child care will be provided for these Second Saturday events.

6:00 pm - Snacks and conversation in a casual atmosphere 6:30 pm - Worship 8

GUESTS ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 10TH Two years ago, when 8 of us from St. John went to the UCC Coalition Gathering in Elmhurst, IL, Shelly Griswold met the Rev. Judith Hanlon, pastor of Hadwen Park Congregational UCC of Worcester, MA. Pastor Hanlon and a man who had sought asylum in the United States were leading a workshop.

The workshop moved Shelly’s heart.

Shelly has been in contact with the Rev. Hanlon, who will be in Indiana, on vacation, the week before the 10th. She is eager to come to Freeport, along with that man, to share her ministry.

He will also share his story with us. You will be moved, unless you have a hardened heart.

Did You Know... There are laws against homosexuality in 88 countries around the world? In 72 countries, you could be imprisoned if you are part of the LGBT community? In 7 of those countries, the punishment is the death penalty? In some of those countries "corrective rape" is common and sometimes committed by government officials? “Corrective rape” is when the person is raped, often repeatedly, in the belief this will change the person from being gay or lesbian to being heterosexual.

The website of The LGBT Asylum Support Task Force tells us this task force “is a group of dedicated volunteers in Central Massachusetts who provide support for those who are seeking political asylum in the U.S. based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. As of December 2013, the Task Force has helped more than 78 individuals.

Asylum seekers are vulnerable and traumatized individuals who have fled to the U.S. in fear of being killed or harmed in their countries of origin due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

We hope you are able to join us for this special opportunity about a church that is working hard to save people’s lives, literally. .. Does Christ’s love reside in your heart?

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“COME ONE, COME ALL” Many of you will remember that several years ago we asked who of our members would “pray regularly and frequently for the growth of St. John UCC.” We had over 70 people who made a covenant to do it. Are you still doing it?

Also, we asked people to commit to developing relationships to bring 1 new person into the life of St. John UCC. No one’s asking you to bring in 5 or 10 new members. Merely develop a relationship with 1 person over time, as you give that person the time and space she or he needs to become more comfortable in our midst.

Paul Nixon urged us to develop special events and worship services to which it’s easy for us to invite people to come.

It’s an “easy ask,” as he said.

It’s all about expanding our hospitality, fellowship, meaningful worship, ministry and mission, and Christ’s love within us and between us, so they come to know and experience how good it is to be a part of this wonderful community of Christians.

But so many people have had bad experiences in churches, so they fear having the same experience here. Others believe their lives are full and complete without church. But we know their lives will be better if they come experience the fellowship, love, faith and joy we have.

So, on Sunday, September 14th, we’re having our “Come One, Come All” Sunday, again, this year. There will be a meaningful worship service, fellowship, a luncheon, bouncy attractions for the children, and yard games. Watch for more details in the worship bulletin and the September Tidings!

Start thinking, today, who that 1 person is whom you can invite!

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The 2014 Stephenson County CROP Hunger Walk kick off will be holding an Ice Cream Social on Sunday, August 24 from 5 pm—7 pm at Prince of Peach Lutheran Church. The CROP Hunger walk kick off will be held on Sunday, September 21 from the LincolnDouglas Debate Square with registration beginning at 1:00 pm and the walk beginning at 1:30 pm. The Freeport Public Library has agreed to host refreshments after your walk. This national effort is sponsored by Church World Service. Local churches and individuals walk to raise money to help end hunger. Twenty-five percent of the funds raised, stay local. The 2014 effort will raise funds with proceeds equally divided between FACC, Salvation Army, and Gospel Outreach.

MISSIONS RED CAN SUNDAY We will be receiving monetary donations on August 3 for the FACC emergency fund. $ 235.00 was collected in July.

FOOD FOR FACC

In August our food item to collect is: 250 Cans of Diced Tomatoes If you are watching for sales, our item for September will be: 250 cans of Mixed Vegetables Our turn for the FACC clothing room will be on Friday, August 1, from 9 am—12 noon.

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LGBTQ Ministry Group The LGBTQ support group will meet at 6:30 pm on Monday, August 25. This is a group for teens and adults that are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, or those Questioning their sexual identity. This is also a safe group for allies, friends, and family of the LGBTQ community.

Childcare is provided.

HELIX Honor, Engage, Listen, Include, eXample MIDDLE SCHOOL Tuesdays (5th and 6th graders) 3-5 pm Thursdays (7th and 8th graders) 3-5 pm

SENIOR HIGH Sundays (9th thru 12th graders) 6-8 pm

C . A . T. s (Caregivers And Toddlers) Please join us for our play group geared for toddlers and the adults that care for them. We get together in St. John’s nursery Tuesday mornings 10 am—11 am. On the Third Tuesday of the month we will be in Fellowship Hall to run and ride. Bring your friends, all are welcome.

Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ CATSPlayGroup?fref=ts 12

O N - G O I N G WAY S T O PA R T I C I PAT E I N THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH BS….

We meet at 9 am every Wednesday in the Chapel Hearth Room and are discussing the book “Between Heaven and Mirth” by James Martin.

All are welcome!

CARD CLUB Join us for Euchre the first Monday of the month in the Chapel Hearth. See you August 4 at 1 pm.

PING PONG We meet every Tuesday at 9 am in Fellowship Hall. We would love to have more men & women join in on the fun!

MEN’S GROUP We're having a great time! Come join us! We’re not “holier than thou,” nor is all the talk just “God-talk.” It’s a wonderful blend of maleness, conversation, laughter, the spiritual and the unspiritual. Our next gathering is Saturday, August 2, at 8 am. Come check us out!

RESOURCE GROUP Join us on Thursdays at 9 am for coffee, treats, friendship, and volunteer work! We will assemble the September Tidings on August 21.

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COFFEE HOUR On Sunday mornings, before and after service, we gather for coffee and treats in the Narthex area and Fellowship Hall, to socialize. If you would like to find a place to sit and talk, there is plenty of room in the Chapel Hearth. Please, if your name is on the list (dates are assigned alphabetically by the directory) for this month, bring in a treat to share. Some ideas are... cookies, bars, mini muffins, bagels, etc. or please consider bringing fruit to share. If you do not wish to be on the list for treats, please contact the office and we will remove your name.

During the summer, we will have coffee hour on the first Sunday of the month only.

AUGUST—TAU ALPHA 8-3

Edith Rosenstiel, Jerry & Amanda Rubin, Marilyn Ruthe, Donna Ruthe, Vivian & Floyd Schlickman, Pat & Gerry Schneiderman, Steve & Lisa Schubert

SEPTEMBER—STEWARDSHIP 9-7

Deb Scott, Richard & Sybil Scovill, David & Olivia Shaffer, Jerry & Sharon Simler, Michael Simler, Mike Smith, Stan & Carol Smith

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WORSHIP ATTENDANCE 6-29 139 7-6

138

7-13

120

7-20 141

SPIRITUAL RETREAT Our next spiritual retreat at Sinsinawa Mound Center is Friday evening, September 5 through Saturday afternoon, September 6 for our next spiritual retreat. Twenty two people have signed up, with only two spaces remaining (unless they have been taken by the time you read this). Please speak with Pastor Donnley if you have questions about or are interested in the retreat. He will contact Sinsinawa to check on additional room availability.

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NURSERY– We no longer have a nursery attendant 8-3

The NewKirks

8-10 Carla Meyer 8-17 Marla Kreeger 8-24 Bonnie Gennusa 8-31 Jeannie Cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ SHUT-INS: The following is a list of people that can’t get out and may love a visit or a card from those thinking of them.

Deloris Burkhalter at Oakley Courts Claire Biesemeier, Dorothy Miller, and Laura Uthlaut at Parkview Nettie Hendren at Hawthorne Inn, Liberty Village June Nagel and Lois Walz at Stephenson Nursing Center Katherene Benson, Dorothy Fox, Kathryn Cramer, & Dorothy Albrecht at Presence-St. Joseph Evelyn Dworak in Kewanee Provena Maida Gimple at Freeport Rehab temporarily In their homes are, Esther Dickman, Shirley Durrstein, Maida Gimple, Ardath Lei, Karen Salter, Vivian Pals, & Harold Reints PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR PRAYERS: Marvin Libke, Jerry Simler, Pam Pfeiffer, Pam Curry, Keith Lebaron, Cheryl Peck, Esther Dickman, Carol Ahrens DEATHS: HOSPITILIZED: Carol Ahrens, Jerry Simler, Karen Salter

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USHERS 8-3 Tim, Lisa, Colin, & Kristi Ebbers, Jim Drew, Dennis Manus 8-10 John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus, Tom Priewe 8-17 Ray & Jeri Nieman, Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Wes & Joyce Robinson 8-24 Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Jane & Lyle Krug, Jeanne Koch 8-31 Doris Last, Clyde & Jeanne Cross, Sharon Simler, Diane Heilman GREETERS 8-3

Jane Lehman & Sandy Dutcher

8-10 Lyle & Jane Krug 8-17 Monty & Carolee Dietmeier 8-24 Arnold & Mary Eder 8-31 Marjorie Criddle & Edith Rosenstiel

WELCOMERS 8-3

Carol Ahrens & Betty Carpenter

8-10 Ray & Jeri Nieman 8-17 Clyde & Jeannie Cross 8-24 Stan & Carol Smith 8-31 Don & Vicki Franz

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Dear St John UCC, Thank you for your faithful support of the ministry of the Freeport Pregnancy Center. The total collected from your church was $400.64. Loving and serving Him, Sherrie Bicksler, Executive Director ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thank you to all who came to help me celebrate my birthday and for the gifts, cards, and flowers. Also to my family for planning the memorable day. Thank you and God Bless. Love Doris ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thank you to everyone for your prayers, cards, and phone calls since my stay in the hospital. A special thanks to Stan & Carol Smith and Marilyn Ruthe for their visits in the hospital. I am at home and feeling much better. Margaret Bertram ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A Big Thank you!!! During the recent storm that hit the Freeport area, one of the large pine trees on the northeast portion of the church was uprooted and fell onto the lawn. The estimate for a tree removal company to clean up the tree ran into the thousands of dollars. Instead, many in our church family stepped up and with a lot of hard work, cut the tree into manageable pieces and removed the wood and branches. The larger trunk pieces were taken away and will be used by the Freeport Antique Engine Club and the rest of the branches were hauled away with the help of the City of Freeport Street Department. We would like to thank these Servants for all of their hard work in returning St. John UCC to the beautiful House of God that it is. Heath Atz, Bryce Bicksler, Owen Queckboerner, Jacob Priewe, Dan Wessel, Hugh & Sarah Knapp, Carol Ahrens, Clyde Cross, & Pat Busker. Thank you 18

also to Tom & Melinda Ferguson for planting the rose bushes, flowers, and grasses by the air conditioning units at the East entrance, Patty Weik & John & Paula Rawleigh for mowing, trimming, & general upkeep of the grounds, Donna Klapp for cleaning the kitchen, Sharon Simler for all of the extra little chores that she does, and to any of our church family who have helped in any way on the upkeep of our church, inside or outside. Big thanks from the Property Management Committee.

COUNTYWIDE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION The Senior Center and Pretzel City Transportation have now been combined into Countywide Public Transportation.

Transportation is available anywhere in Stephenson County for a nominal fee. Seniors who register and verify their age on forms provided by the drivers, qualify for donation-based rides. Hours of operation are Mon-Fri 6:00 am – midnight, Saturday 6:00 am – 1:00 pm. Closed on Sunday’s.

DID YOU KNOW...

Hugging is healthy: It helps our body’s immune system, it keeps you healthier, it cures depression, it reduces stress, it induces sleep, it’s invigorating, it’s rejuvenating, it has no unpleasant side effects, and hugging is nothing less than a miracle drug.

Hugging is all natural: It is organic, naturally sweet, no pesticides, no preservatives, no artificial ingredients, and 100 percent wholesome.

Hugging is practically perfect: There are no movable parts, no batteries to wear out, no periodic checkups, low energy consumption, high energy yield, inflation-proof, nonfattening, no monthly payments, no insurance requirements, theft-proof, non-taxable, non-polluting and of course, fully returnable. Submitted by Shirley Ifert 19

St. John UCC Council Minutes 6-9-14 Members Present: Tim Ebbers, President, Shelly Griswold, Deb Hartman, Shan MacAdam, Dennis Manus, Ulan Price, Joyce Robinson, Patty Weik, Pastor Donnley, ex-officio.

Opening Prayer: Pastor Donnley May Minutes: Previously approved via email.

Garage Sale: As discussed in the brief meeting following the All Ministry Meeting on 6-1-14, there was a fundraiser in the form of a garage sale held in our building to raise money for a private adoption. A letter was received in thanks for the use of the building. Tim had returned the money given for the use of the building toward the fundraising effort and it was very much appreciated by the parents.

Sidewalk Library—Request from Troop #4: Troop 4 (Boy Scout troop that meets in our building and for which we hold the charter) has requested permission to install a “sidewalk library” on our property. This is a way to make books easily accessible to the children in the community. Pastor Donnley and Tim will have final approval of the placement location of the library before it is installed. Project was approved by consensus.

Property Management Update: Due to age and use the sinks in the classroom and nursery areas have become plugged. They cannot be fixed without major work. It would require tearing open concrete block walls and flooring to replace them. The plumber estimated $15,000-$25,000 in cost. It was decided to cap the water lines, remove the sinks and other plumbing fixtures and just replace the countertops. There is a bathroom easily accessible to these rooms off the hall.

Unrelated to the above plumbing issue, a slow leak was discovered in the office area and was fixed. This could have gone undiscovered until a time when it might have burst and caused major damage, but has now been repaired.

The front lawn, where the reseeding was done, will be reworked.

It was not smoothed out and needs more dirt before covering with straw. This will be taken care of soon and Pastor Donnley will check the work before approving the job as complete.

Mission Ministry: Follow up on the “Landlord” meeting reported on at the All Ministry Meeting.

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There are plans to hold another meeting with area clergy and community leaders. Also, the ministry may find the need to fill out a Freedom of Information Act Information form.

Council discussed the direction and actions we can take to help with this situation. Being an advocate for the victims will be one way to support them.

CareerTec: Follow up to discussion following the All Ministry Meeting. The original rental agreement was reviewed and a CareerTec employee took this to their board. They approved an $80/month rent increase.

Financial Report: Cash flow is very tight. There will be letters going out in July to appeal to the congregation to consider increasing their giving and to those who are members but do not participate in the financial support or life of the church. The Youth Ministry made a $400 donation to the General Fund which is very much appreciated. A lengthy discussion followed about how to support the ministry and call of St. John in the community while still paying the bills and other necessities. We are approaching a particularly sensitive and vulnerable period with the interim process. It is vital that we be strong in all areas of our church life, particularly in our financial position. It might be time to look at the Endowment funds and determine if there is a formula that could produce more cash while keeping the funds secure. It is important to be good stewards but to remember that the money is also there to provide the resources for the work that the church is meant to do. Pastor Donnley will be addressing this subject at the November Congregational meeting this fall.

Motion to approve the reports as presented made by Shelly. 2 nd

by Shan. Motion carried.

Interim Process: Kathy Lawes will be at the July Council meeting to introduce us to the process of analyzing and reading profiles of potential interim candidates.

Pastor’s Report: Pastor Donnley passed out a piece that explains the reasons for the former pastor to distance himself from the church for a period of time.

Retirement Celebration: Some of the arrangements and plans for the event were discussed.

Respectfully submitted, Deb Hartman, Council Secretary

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August Scripture Readings 01

Galatians 5:1-26

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2 Thessalonians 3:1-18

02

Galatians 6:1-18

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1 Timothy 1:1-20

03

Ephesians 4:17-32

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1 Timothy 2:1-15

04

Ephesians 5:1-20

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1 Timothy 3:1-16

05

Ephesians 6:10-24

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1 Timothy 4:1-16

06

Philippians 1:1-30

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1 Timothy 5:1-25

07

Philippians 2:1-30

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1 Timothy 6:3-21

08

Philippians 3:1-21

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2 Timothy 1:1-18

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Philippians 4:1-23

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2 Timothy 2:1-26

10

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

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2 Timothy 3:1-9

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1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

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2 Timothy 3:10-4:8

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1 Thessalonians 2:173:13

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Titus 1:1-16

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1 Thessalonians 4:1-18

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Titus 2:1-15

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1 Thessalonians 5:1-28

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Titus 3:1-15

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2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

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Hebrews 13:1-25

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2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 22

Lord, help me to sort out what I should do first, second and third today and to not try to do everything at once and nothing well.

Give me the wisdom to delegate what I can and to order the things I can’t delegate, to say no when I need to, and the sense to know when to go home.

-Marian Wright Edelman 23

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