August 2015
An Open and Affirming
FALL GATHERING SERVICE Sunday, September 13 The seasons of nature reflect the seasons of our lives. Every fall, after the summer’s break, we return to a year full of ministry programs and events. Join us on Sunday, September 13 for a special worship service and a meal gathering after the service. Additional details soon.
SPIRITUAL RETREAT Sinsinawa Mound Center Friday, Sept. 25 – Saturday, Sept. 26 We all need time away from the mundane business of our lives. We, at St. John, provide an opportunity to get away for a day or so to retreat, find solitude and community, to be nurtured in mind, body and spirit. We have reserved rooms at Sinsinawa Center for the evening of September 25 through Saturday afternoon the 26th. Sinsinawa is a beautiful place for rest and spiritual rejuvenation, for connecting with God and yourself. For questions please speak with Hugh or Sarah Knapp or Pastor Nayiri. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the Narthex.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL Wednesday, August 5 4:30 pm—7:00 pm Everyone is invited to this annual fundraising event of Ice Cream, BBQ, friendship and more. We have always enjoyed this summer get together and been grateful for all the help many of you have given to make this a success! If you can help this year please sign up on the bulletin board. Tickets are available in the church office, on Sunday mornings, or at the door. $4 for a piece of pie or cake, ice cream & beverage $4 for Sandwich, chips, pasta salad, beverage
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION DATA UPDATE & WHAT IS YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFT? In an effort to update our membership records, in order to communicate better and become more green, we ask for your help! On Page 9-10 you will find a survey to provide your membership information and updated email and phone information, as well as a list of gifts to ponder and discern your passion and talents that can contribute to your spiritual nurture, as well as to our common life together. Please fill out and return it to the church office by Sunday, August 23. This information will also help us gather statistical information for the church profile which the Search Committee will assemble for candidates that might be interested in St John and give us an accurate picture of where and who we are as a community of faith. THANK YOU! 1
3RD ANNUAL UNITY FEST CELEBRATION, LEARNING AND FOOD Saturday, September 19 12 noon - 4 pm
HELIX YOUTH GROUP TUESDAYS 3-5pm During the Month of August the youth will be gathering for their weekly meetings and two special events. On Aug. 8th we will be gathering to see “The Fantastic Four” movie. On Aug. 16th the youth will be going to Kevin’s house for the annual Cook Out.
A Celebration of the 50 year journey of the LGBTQ community - from the deadliest attacks to Stonewall, to this year’s Marriage Equality act! God is still speaking, indeed! To celebrate, learn and share a meal we will gather for the 3rd annual Unity Fest planned by our own Prism Lighthouse group, an Open and Affirming Ministry of St. John’s. We at St. John UCC with our Open and Affirming policy are one of the congregations open to the LGBTQ community.
THE REV. JOHN C. DORHAUER ELECTED PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MINISTER OF UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST During General Synod last month John Dorhauer, former conference minister of the Southwest Conference UCC was elected as the ninth general minister and president of the UCC. Prior to his role at the Southwest Conference, Dorhauer served as associate conference minister in the Missouri Mid-South Conference, and also served local churches in rural Missouri. He has a Master of Divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary where he studied white privilege and its effects on the church. His new book Beyond Resistance: The Institutional Church Meets the Postmodern World, was released in June. Dorhauer is passionate about justice. Two statements that shape his theology are: “God is love. God is just.” Along with his passion for justice, Dorhauer has a passion for and love of baseball – specifically the St. Louis Cardinals – music, literature and poetry. He has been married to his wife for nearly 31 years and they have three children.
Join us to celebrate - The gift of God’s diversity especially in LGBTQ community. Join us to learn - What still needs to be done to achieve equal rights for the LGBTQ community in housing, jobs and more. Join us to share a meal - When we eat together, especially to share bread, Christ is among us feeding us in body and spirit. The invitation is for all - all church groups and members are welcome to participate in this event. We would love all ministries to take part and be part of the fun. Our next Prism Lighthouse meeting is Monday, August 17th at 6:30 pm in the Chapel Hearth room. Everyone is welcome to come and share ideas and thoughts with us. Unity Fest can be a fun time for all.
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Honor, Engage, Listen, Include, eXample Summer Schedule In June, our weekly Helix Ministries combined, meeting on Tuesdays 3-5 pm for kids going into 5th thru 12th grade.
C.A.T.S—CAREGIVERS AND TODDLERS Tuesdays, 10-11am 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 from 10 am— 11 am. CATS will not be held from August 4th until September 8th. We will meet again on Tuesday, September 8th from 10:00am11:00am. Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ CATSPlayGroup?fref=ts
OPEN AND AFFIRMING MINISTRY PRISM LIGHTHOUSE 3rd Monday of the Month • 6:30pm The LGBTQ support group will gather next on Monday, August 17. 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.
BIBLE STUDY Wednesdays, 9am Chapel Hearth Room Continues to discuss The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, & A Jew by Suzanne Oliver, Ranya Idliby, & Priscilla Warner. All are welcome to join us! ADULT SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT LOF CLASS Sundays, 10:30—11:30am L O F Class will not be meeting through the summer months. We will begin meeting in September after Labor Day. A book will be selected for study. Please consider joining us for some thought-provoking discussions in the fall!
MUSIC MINISTRY S.O.S. BELL CHOIR & CHANCEL CHOIR Rehearsals are Thursday evenings Rehearsals will resume toward the end of August. Watch for details soon. Usually we gather on Thursday nights for S.O.S., Sound of Spirit, Bell Choir, & Chancel Choir. S.O.S. rehearsal is at 5:30 pm, Bell Choir at 6:30 pm, and Chancel Choir at 7:15 pm. If you enjoy singing and would like to participate please contact Gina Bertram, Choir Director. 3
CARD CLUB 1st Monday of the month • 1pm We meet in Chapel Hearth Room. We will not meet for the summer. Our next gathering is scheduled on Monday, October 5.
MEN’S GROUP 1st Saturday of the month • 8am The Men’s Group will not meet again until October 3rd because of upcoming holiday weekends that fall on our regular meeting day. Otherwise, we gather on the first Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. for about an hour and half. It’s coffee, donuts, and an early jump on the day. We have freewheeling conversations from what’s in the news to what’s new at church. We have some serious discussions and some not so serious. If you would like to know more about the group, talk to Hugh Knapp, Jim Drew, Jack Fox, Stan Smith, Don Franz, or Dave Rockey.
PING PONG Tuesdays, 9am • Fellowship Hall We meet every Tuesday at 9 am in Fellowship Hall. We would love to have more men & women join in on the fun! RESOURCE GROUP Thursdays, 9am Join us on Thursdays at 9 am for coffee, treats, friendship, and volunteer work! We will assemble the September Tidings on August 27.
AUGUST BIRTHDAYS 8-01 Sarah Farster, Christopher Mack 8-02 Amzie Woker 8-03 William Greene 8-04 Dorothy McGregor 8-05 Lyle Krug 8-06 Rachel Bicksler, Shawn Killingbeck, Edward Orde, Gary Polhill 8-08 Carson Brinkmeier, Joyce Robinson 8-10 Clyde Fruth, Pam Manus, Karen Salter 8-12 Tom Campbell-Outcault 8-14 Jim Summers 8-15 Betty Mathews 8-17 Donna Polhill, Jeff Richardson, John Rice 8-18 Anita Bicksler, Alex Fruth 8-19 Seth Spangler 8-20 Irene Amendt, Dorothy Ditsworth, Betty Heiden, Jane Krug, Anna Otte 8-21 Perry Cowan, Jacob NewKirk 8-23 Carla Meyer, James Priewe 8-24 Jackie Stewart, Greg Ware 8-25 Tim Bloyer 8-27 Steve Heitz 8-29 Diana Fox, Deb Rockey
AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES 8-02 Robert & Barbara Luedeke, Carl & Ellen Roderick 8-03 Ryan & Carly Taylor 8-14 Ray & Jeri Nieman 8-12 Rick & Diane Kahly 8-13 Dan & Pam Wessel 8-14 Bill & Lisa Condie, Shan & Vicki Mac Adam 8-15 Jeff & Dana Williams 8-18 Stan & Carol Smith, Daryl & Delene Tessmann 8-22 Corey & Annette Ditsworth 8-25 Brian & Amanda Mack 8-30 Nathan & Dorie Sheppard 8-31 Dennis & Pam Manus, Roger & Deb Swanlund 4
AUGUST SCRIPTURE READINGS 01
Exodus 1:1-22
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Exodus 33:1-23
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Exodus 2:1-25
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Exodus 34:1-35
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Exodus 3:1-22
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Leviticus 19:1-18
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Exodus 4:1-31
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Numbers 9:1-23
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Exodus 5:1-6.1
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Deuteronomy 31:129
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Exodus 6:2-27
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Deuteronomy 34:112
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Exodus 6:28-7.13
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Joshua 1:1-18
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Exodus 11:1-10
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Joshua 2:1-24
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Exodus 12:1-28
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Joshua 3:1-17
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Exodus 12:29-51
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Joshua 4:1-24
Before you go on Vacation don’t forget your gift, your pledge, to the church! Thank you! OUR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS AND FRIENDS The following is a list of our friends who cannot leave their residence and may love a visit or a card from those thinking of them. Oakley Courts: Deloris Burkhalter, John & Betty Heiden Parkview: Claire Biesemeier, Ardath Lei, Dorothy Miller, and Laura Uthlaut
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Exodus 13:1-22
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Judges 4:1-24
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Exodus 14:1-31
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Judges 5:1-31
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Exodus 15:1-27
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Deuteronomy 7:1-26
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Exodus 16:1-36
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Deuteronomy 8:1-20
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Exodus 19:1-25
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Deuteronomy 11:132
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Exodus 20:1-21
Stephenson Nursing Center: June Nagel, Lois Walz Presence-St. Joseph: Katherene Benson, Kathryn Cramer, Herbert Divan Kewanee Provena: Evelyn Dworak In their homes: Esther Dickman, Shirley Durrstein, Karen Salter, Vivian Pals, & Harold Reints PLEASE PRAY FOR: Lyle Krug, Pat Steele, Melinda Fruth, Drake DeFrane
The deadline for submitting articles for the September Tidings is August 11.
Manor Court Bounce Back Unit: Betty & John Heiden
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SERVING IN
AUGUST COFFEE HOUR During summer months coffee hour will be served the 1st Sunday of the month only.
USHERS 8-02 Tim, Colin, & Kristi Ebbers, Jim Drew, Dennis Manus 8-09 John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus 8-16 Ray & Jeri Nieman, Joyce Robinson, Tom & Melinda Ferguson 8-23 Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Jeanne Koch, Tom Priewe 8-30 Clyde & Jeannie Cross, Sharon Simler Diane Heilman
Missions/Growth Ministry will set-up & cleanup in August : 8-02 Perry & Martha Cowan, Jack & Marge Criddle, Clyde & Jeannie Cross, Marvin & Sandy DeBoer, Dory DeFrane, Ray & Dorothy Ditsworth, Jim & Gwen Drew
GREETERS 8-02 Ray & Jeri Nieman
JULY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE 07/05— 117 7/12— 121 7/19– 132 7/26-118
8-09 Clyde & Jeanne Cross 8-16 Carl & Ellen Roderick 8-23 Roger & Deb Swanlund 8-30 Royce & Janet Piefer WELCOMERS 8-02 Mary Frazee & Ruth Olson 8-09 Edith Rosenstiel & Marjorie Criddle 8-16 Marilyn Ruthe & Diane Heilman 8-23 Stan & Carol Smith 8-30 Bonnie Gennusa & Shirley Ifert NURSERY CHILDCARE 8-02 Jill & Logan Kuntz
RED CAN SUNDAY August 2 We will be receiving monetary gifts on the first Sunday of the month, August 2 for the FACC, Freeport Area Church Cooperative, emergency fund. $205.00 was collected in July. THANKS for your generosity!
8-09 Olivia Shaffer 8-16 Dale & Tommy Priewe 8-23 Marla Kreeger 8-30 Carla Meyer
AUGUST
FOOD FOR FACC In August, we will be collecting 250 jars of Jelly for Freeport Area Church Cooperative. If you are looking ahead for sales, in September we will be collecting 250 cans of Tuna. Thank you! 6
CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS July 13, 2015 Members present: Tim Ebbers, President, Judy Garkey, Jane Krug, Ulan Price, Deb Rockey, Deb Scott, Patty Weik, Pastor Nayiri, ex-officio.
the Council and Ministries will likely not be done until we have “lived into” this for a few months.
Review Structure Reorg Meeting: Overall, the All-Ministry meeting on Sunday regarding the proposed restructuring plan was well-received. There were many questions on the details of the rolls of Council members and Ministry members and how this would streamline and increase the ease of communication between all. It was suggested that Endowment remain a separate board from Council and Ministries because of its responsibilities and the nature of its function.
Search Committee: Tim shared names of those people who were suggested by members of the congregation or who indicated they would be interested in serving on the Search Committee. A total of 22 were submitted. Council discussed and will be contacting potential nominees to see who is interested and/or able to commit to this process. We will make selection from this remaining group at the next Council meeting. Recognize Those Who Have Volunteered: We will have a special recognition of those who have contributed time and efforts to fill in gaps in staffing over the last few years.
Upcoming Timeline: A proposed timeline from Pastor Nayiri was reviewed. This included gathering and updating membership information to ease communication within the church and provide information that will be needed for the church profile. A survey to discerning one’s spiritual gifts will also be presented.
Financial Statement: Financial statement was approved as presented. We are in much better position than we were a year ago at this time though it was noted that we will be having additional costs from hiring an administrative assistant and custodial service moving forward.
A previously appointed team is working on a new vision statement. A congregational meeting will be scheduled to share and vote on the proposed vision statement, restructure of Council/Ministry and the results of Council’s selection of the Search Committee members. We will follow with a celebration of job/gifts, etc. The rewriting of bylaws regarding the restructure of
Adjournment: Adjourned with the Mizpah Benediction. Respectfully submitted, Deb Rockey, Council Secretary
If your understanding of the divine made you kinder, more empathetic, and impelled you to express sympathy in concrete acts of loving-kindness, this was good theology. But if your notion of God made you unkind, belligerent, cruel, of self-righteous, or if it led you to kill in God's name, it was bad theology. ― Karen Armstrong,
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FINANCIAL UPDATE 2015 JUNE MONTH-END and YTD RESULTS JUNE 2015
YTD 2015
TOTAL INCOME* TOTAL EXPENSES NET INCOME / (LOSS)
$20,567.47 $29,684.08 ($9,116.61)
$182,089.68 $171,653.45 $10,436.23
BUDGETED EXPENSES EXPENSES TO DATE FAVORABLE / (UNFAVORABLE
$25,836.00 $29,684.08 ($3,848.08)
$162,606.00 $171,653.45 ($9,047.45)
THANKS for your generosity toward these offerings. Your gifts make a difference! Strengthen the Church $353.00 One Great Hour of Sharing $970.00
The family of Ruth Rockey would like to thank you all for the love and support we felt during the past weeks following Ruth's hospitalization and passing. Thank you to Pastor Nayiri for her hospital visits and beautiful funeral service (it was just as Ruth requested). Thanks to those who visited, sent cards, provided food and other support during that time. The funeral luncheon was delicious and everything looked very nice. We know you all miss her as we do and it's wonderful to know that she was so loved by her St. John family as she was by us.
Dear Friends, “Kids Coats and Clothes” thank you for the monetary donation to our program. The timing could not have been better, as we are busy buying supplies for the upcoming school year. People like you make the world a better place, and we are so grateful. God Bless & Thank you with hugs. Cherie & Jennifer
Tyler’s Justice Center For Children would like to thank you for your kind donation of $300.00. Your ongoing support of our work and mission is so very needed, especially in these current times. Please know that your donation will be used to help us continue to directly provide compassionate support and professional services to every child who has suffered sexual or serious physical abuse, in our community. We at Tyler’s thank you for your kindness. More importantly, the children thank you. With deepest appreciation, Kendra Mosley 8
St John United Church of Christ Freeport, IL Member Information 2015 First, Middle & Last Name: ___________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________ Email Address: ____________________________________________________ Phone Number’s:
Home: ____________________ OK to publish (Y/N)
Cell: _____________________ OK to publish (Y/N) Work: _____________________ OK to publish (Y/N) Birthdate: ___________________ Gender: __________________________ Date of your wedding/covenant (if married/partnered) __________________________ Education: ____________________ Occupation: _______________________ Your present or pre-retirement place of work _______________________________ Type of work ______________________________________________________ Dates:
Membership: ___________________________
Baptism Date: __________________________ Confirmation Date: _______________________ Etc . ______________________________________________________________
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What is Your Spiritual Gift? Our talents are the gift that God gives to us... What we make of our talents is our gift back to God — Leo Buscaglia Each of us has gifts, talents, and the passion to make a difference. Each of us can discern our gifts by the things we love to do, are energized to do, and feel good about doing as we make a difference . When one uses their gifts and acts on their passion one feeds not only their own spirit but the spirit of the larger community also. Please circle the gifts you have under each of the four headings: 1. Spiritual Nurture Teaching
Worship planning
AV Operating
Drama
Working with Children
Communion serving
Creative decoration
Reading
Working with Youth
Writing liturgy
Music—singing, instrumental
Visioning
Praying
Decision-making
2. Care and Community Visiting
Hospitality
Cooking/Baking
Serving
Encouraging
Listening
Welcoming
Helping
Inviting
Guiding
Events planning
Nurturing gifts
3. Transforming the World Serving local missions
Giving to local missions
Justice issues : Feeding the hungry
Green / Environmental Issues
Open and Affirming issues
Advocacy
Peace issues
Ecumenical and Interfaith relationships 4. Administration of Resources Using resources wisely Leading
Seeing the big picture
Staying on course and following the goal
Fulfilling tasks and details
Finances: Budget and Accounting
Stewardship and Giving
Building: Fixing things
Cleaning
Gardening
Human:
Nurturing
Encouraging
Other?
Carpentry
Fundraising Painting
THANK YOU! 10
St. John UCC Sunday
August 2015
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1 8:30 am Choral Society Practice in case of rain
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FACC Red
9:00 am 9:00 am 9:20 am 7:00 pm
Can Sunday 1:00 pm Staff meeting Communion Worship Kids Worship Choral Concert
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10
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5
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9:00 am Bridge 9:00 am Ping Pong 3:00 pm Helix (5th12th) 6:00 pm Fellowship
9:00 am Bible Study 9:00 am TOPS 4:30 pm Ice Cream Social
9:00 am Resource Group 5:30 pm SOS 7:00 pm BSA #4
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Tidings
Deadline 9:00 am Bible Study Bridge 9:00 am TOPS Ping Pong 6:00 pm Boy Scout Helix (5thleader 12th) 5:00 pm Worship Ministry 6:30 pm Camera Club
9:00 am Resource Group 5:30 pm SOS 6:00 pm Stewardship 7:00 pm BSA #4
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9:00 am Worship 1:00 pm Staff meeting 9:20 am Kids Worship 6:30 pm Council MTG 9:00 am 9:00 am 3:00 pm
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9:00 am Worship 1:00 pm Staff meeting 9:00 am Bridge 9:20 am Kids Worship 6:30 pm LGBTQ 9:00 am Ping Pong Support 3:00 pm Helix (5th12th)
9:00 am Bible Study 9:00 am Resource 9:00 am TOPS Group 5:00 pm Culinary 5:00 pm HOYA 6:00 pm Property Mgt. Orientation 5:30 pm SOS 7:00 pm BSA #4
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9:00 am Bible Study 9:00 am TOPS
9:00 am Resource Group 5:30 pm SOS 7:00 pm BSA #4
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9:00 am Worship 1:00 pm Staff meeting 9:00 am Bridge 9:20 am Kids Worship 5:00 pm HOYA 9:00 am Ping Pong Orientation 3:00 pm Helix (5th6:00 pm Missions/ 12th) Growth ministry
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Birthday
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Bank 1:00 pm Staff meeting 9:00 am Worship 9:20 am Kids Worship
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d ur Faith an O g in n r a e am • L rship 9:20
:30 am Forum 10
Wo m • Kids a 9 ip h s r o Sunday W
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
CHURCH STAFF Ministers: Members of the church Interim pastor: Nayiri Karjian pastor-interim@comcast.net In case of emergencies Pastor Nayiri’s phone is: 203.722.9174 Director of Children and Youth Ministry, and Technologies: Kevin Eckert kevin.eckert@comcast.net Youth Ministry Assistants: Jasmine Coleman, Christine Busker & Savanna Mueller, Madison Riddell Ministry of Church Life and Membership: Pam Wessel pamstjohn@comcast.net Administrative Secretary: Jessica Downs stjohn@comcast.net Choir Director: Gina Bertram Organist: Carole Bertram
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Bringing the Healing Love of Christ To Our Community for the Glory of God. OFFICE HOURS Monday– Friday 9:00am—2:00pm Church office (815) 235-2824 E-Mail: stjohn@comcast.net www.stjohnuccfreeport.org www.facebook.com/stjohnuccfreeport AN OPEN AND AFFIRMING CONGREGATION