August tidings 2013 by Kevin Eckert

Sunday Worship 9 a.m. Kids Worship 9:20 a.m. Ice Cream Social—August 7 Little Cubs Field—August 11 Our Mission Statement: “Bringing the Healing Love of Christ To Our Community for the Glory of God”

AUGUST 2013 Vol..106

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, LAURA MUENCH MINISTRY OF CHURCH LIFE & MEMBERSHIP…......PAM W ESSEL SECRETARY….…………………….………...BETTY DEMICHELE CHOIR DIRECTOR…………………….……….....GINA BERTRAM ORGANISTS……….….CAROLE BERTRAM & MARSHA ROBERTS NURSERY ATTENDANT…………………..……...LAURA MUENCH

OFFICE HOURS MONDAY– FRIDAY...…8:30 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M.…&.1:00 TO 4:00 P.M.

Church (815) 235-2824

E-Mail: stjohn@comcast.net

www.stjohnuccfreeport.org

AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME….. Many of you will remember when we purchased some specially printed magnets, 4 or 5 years ago, saying: I will pray regularly and frequently for the growth of St. John UCC. Many of you signed a covenant commitment indicating you would do that. I hope you continue to pray this. Quite of few of you, though fewer, made a covenant commitment to strive to bring one new person to the church over the course of the ensuing year. I hope you are still gently, lovingly and patiently inviting others to join you for one of our special worship services or other events. As one of my spiritual directors told me, once: “The Kingdom of God grows one person at a time.” I have good news for you. There are 31+ people who are new to St. John UCC, counting the new members who joined the church in March of 2010, the people who are attending the church on a very regular basis, now, and persons who are in our next New Member’s Inquiry Class. So, keep praying “regularly and frequently for the growth of St. John UCC. Also, keep gently, lovingly and patiently inviting others to visit St. John UCC I say this, both for the benefit of St. John UCC and for helping people in the community get to know us better, because St. John UCC is different than people think. We now know more about the attitudes and perceptions of people living within a 3- mile radius from the church, thanks to Paul Nixon: For people who are “outside the church” - not participating: 

65.9% believe religious people are too judgmental. (We are not.)



51.9% found churches to have strict/inflexible beliefs. (We’re different than that! One of our core values is “people can hold different interpretations of scripture and still be faithful and still 3

worship together.”) 

40.6% found church to be boring/uninteresting. (We have fun at St. John and we’re offering an increasing variety of drama, music and worship.)



20.3% say they have never been invited. (Who have you invited, lately?)

There is also this statistic about the beliefs of the people living within 3 miles of the church, in general: 41.8% of the people living within 3 miles of the church believe “religious communities should fully embrace LGBT persons.” (A higher percentage than I thought and we are the only church in Freeport who has done this.) St. John UCC has an attitude, atmosphere, openness, tolerance and spirit for which many people yearn; but which they do not believe exists in churches in Freeport. Once they get to know us, like the 31+ people I mentioned, they will be come to enjoy St. John, too. I’m mindful of the line from “Oh, Lord, I want to be in that number,” from “When the Saints Go marching In.” May we help people who misperceive who we are, so they want to be “in our number!”

JOINT MINISTRY MEETING On Sunday, August 4th, at 10:30 am all Church Ministries will gather for a combined meeting of all ministries for improved communication, coordination and future planning. The ministries will hold their own individual monthly meeting following this combined meeting. This meeting will be their August meeting, so they will not have a week-day evening meeting in August. 4

To let You Know... A lot has happened, these past weeks, at St John UCC. Work is far advanced on updating the kitchen. Why are we having this “Maintaining God’s House” Capital Campaign? Well, no significant updating, other than appliances, had been made to the kitchen in 50+ years. We needed to take care of some needs in the kitchen and show our respect and care for our church, one of God’s houses. (The work was approved by the congregation at our Spring Congregational Meeting in March.) We believe we received a sign from God that God approved our plans, because CareerTech recently approached the Council and Property Management Ministry to rent more space from St. John. For 5+ years, CareerTech has rented 3 classrooms from us. They now need more rooms, plus the use of our kitchen for their Culinary Class. This required a further expansion of our plans for the kitchen. The Council approved this use so they can have all their classes here. With school beginning in a few short weeks, the work needed to move along, quickly, so the kitchen will be ready for the students - and, it will be! (It may be essentially completed by the time you receive this. Stop in and take a look!) The Property Management Ministry, Builder/remodeler Jack Gastel, painters, electricians, and others are doing a great job! We also give a “shout out” to Dan Kreeger and Dylan Holbert. In the meantime, we remember the need to repair/ replace the front sidewalk, which was also approved at the congregational meeting. (The front patio and sidewalk leading to the street is showing considerable wear after 50+ years. Repairing/replacing it has become a matter of people’s safety.) Now, we, the Capital Campaign Committee are here to encourage and ask each of you to consider your part in taking appropriate pride in your church and helping finance these needed projects. The easel with the poster in the narthex will 5

keep you up-to-date on the donations for these definite needs estimated to cost $60,000 plus. As of this printing, we have collected generosity $23,015 to that end. Help us reach our goal. Thank you to all of you who have made a contribution so far. We hope we hear from you in the near future. (Please write “Capital Campaign” on the notation line of your check.) If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact one of us: Jeri Nieman – 815-275-6133; Shan MacAdam – 815-2917320; Jeanne Cross – 815-541-9482; Patty Weik – 815-2335884; or Judy Garkey – 815-235-5318. This is the RIGHT time. We are the right people. You are the right partner, and TOGETHER we can get it done! In God, We Trust.

MISSIONS MINISTRY RED CAN SUNDAY We will be receiving monetary donations on August 4th for the FACC emergency fund. $ 107.17 was collected in July.

FOOD FOR FACC In August our food item to collect is 250 cans of Spaghettio’s. If you are looking for sales, our item for September will be soup. FACC appreciates the donations from the members of St John UCC. Keep up the good work!

FACC CLOTHING ROOM FACC Volunteers Church Hang Up Room— St John UCC is scheduled to help on 8-14-13 from 9am-noon. This is a great way to volunteer a little time to help a much needed community service. Please sign up on the bulletin board to help. 6

UNDERWEAR DRIVE We are extending the underwear drive through the middle of August. There is a great need for new underwear for under privileged families in our community. We want to reach out to these families and let them know that St. John cares for them and their children. We will be working with Amity, whom will distribute the items on a need basis. Let’s help the children start school with new underwear this year. You can bring your packages of children’s underwear, sizes 2-14 to church and place them in the laundry basket in the narthex. Thank you for helping the children in our community.

CHURCH LIFE 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 CHANCEL CHOIR & BELL CHOIR

See you in the fall! C . A . Ts (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 10-11am. 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

BIBLE STUDY We meet at 9 a.m. Wednesdays, in the Library. In August we are discussing the book, Rummaging For God by Melannie Svoboda. All are welcome!

HELIX Honor, Engage, Listen, Include, eXample Tuesdays (5th and 6th graders) 3-5pm Thursdays (7th and 8th graders) 3-5 pm Sundays (9th thru 12th graders) 6-8pm Starting Sept. 8th

FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY

ICE CREAM SOCIAL AUGUST 7TH

4:30-7:00PM

Tickets are available in the church office, on Sunday mornings, or at the door. Remember to sign up on the bulletin board to help. This is a great opportunity to get the whole church and community together for an evening of food and fellowship. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s join together to make this another successful event. Tickets: $4.00 for pie or cake and ice-cream and $3.00 for Sandwich, chips, salad and beverage. RESOURCE GROUP Join us on Thursdays at 9 a.m. for coffee, treats, friendship, & to do volunteer work! We will assemble the Tidings on August 22nd. 8

LITTLE CUBS FIELD EVENT SUNDAY AUGUST 11TH FROM 11AM-1PM Come join us at Little Cubs Field for an afternoon of Whiffle ball and refreshments. This event is always a good time for all ages to play and watch the Whiffle ball game and a time of fellowship for everyone Fellowship ministry will be selling hotdogs and walking tacos. Sign up on the Bulletin board so we know if we will have enough to form a team. PING PONG We meet every Tuesday in the Fellowship Hall at 9am. We would love to have more men & women join in on the fun!

CARD CLUB Join us for Euchre the first Monday of the month, in the Chapel Hearth. See you on August 5th.

MEN’S GROUP There will be no Men’s Group meeting on August 3rd. Look in the September Tidings for our next meeting date. We hope to see you there.

PRISM LIGHTHOUSE LGBTQ Ministry Group The LGBTQ support group will meet on August 19th at 6:30 pm. This is a group for teens and adults that are Lesbian, Gay, Transgendered, Bisexual or those Questioning their sexual identity. This is also a safe group for allies, friends and family, of the LGBTQ community. Childcare is provided. .

SERVING Being a servant of the church is a great way to get to know fellow members. If you’re interested in serving please call the church office or speak with Pam Wessel .

COFFEE HOUR During the summer months, the first Sunday of the month, before and after service we gather for coffee and treats in the Narthex area with room to mingle and socialize. If you would like to find a place to sit and talk there is plenty of room in the Chapel Hearth and Fellowship Hall is always open. 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 you. AUGUST— TAU ALPHA—SETUP/SERVE 8//4—Tim & Angela Newkirk, Larry & Paula Nieman, Ray & Jeri Nieman, Ruth Olson, Ed & Connie Orde, Leland & Nancy Otte, Dwight & Diane Peterson, Royce & Jane Piefer

SEPTEMBER —STEWARSHIP MINISTRY—SETUP/SERVE 9/1–Donna Polhill, Ulan & Cindy Price, Dale & Kelly Priewe, Betty Pruitt, Rodney Pruitt, John & Paula Rawleigh, Floyd & Marsha Roberts, Wes & Joyce Robinson

GREETERS August 4- Greg & Anita Bicksler August 11- Tim & Lisa Ebbers August 18- Arnold & Mary Eder August 25- Monty & Carolee Dietmeier

WELCOMERS August 4- John & Betty Heiden August 11- Keith & Cherryl Hinrichs August 18- Jane Lehman & Sandy Dutcher August 25- Bonnie Gennusa & LaVonne Wagenknecht

NURSERY August 4-Newkirks August 11- Priewe Family August 18- Bonnie Gennusa August 25- Amy Doll

USHERS August 4— Ebbers Family, Jim Drew, Dennis Manus August 11— John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus, Tom Priewe, Mike Smith August 18— Ray & Jeri Nieman, Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Wes & Joyce Robinson August 25— Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Jane & Lyle Krug, Dana Underhill, Jeanne Koch 11

ANNOUNCEMENTS BIRTHS: Addisyn Jean Shaffer born July 2nd, 2013 Parents are Olivia and Dave, big brothers are Dylan and Ryan Adeline Kay Miller born July 9th, 2013 Parents are Kristi DeHahn and Ben Miller

BAPTISMS: Maddox Barton Nguyen baptized July 7th, 2013 Son of Michael and Jessie (Condie) Nguyen Hannah Elizabeth Spangler baptized July 21, 2013 Daughter of Seth and Katrina Spangler

DEATHS: Glen Mogle, the husband of Betty Mogle who is a former member of St John UCC, died in early July. If you would like to send Betty a sympathy card the address is: Betty Mogle 1579 SW Shady Lake Terrace Palm City, FL 34990

SHUT-INS: The following is a list of people that canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 June Nagel, Joyce Kaiser and Holly Genant, Lois Walz at Stephenson Nursing Center 12

Katherene Benson, Dorothy Fox at Provena Evelyn Dworak in Kewanee Provena In their homes are, Kathryn Cramer, Karen Salter, Vivian Pals, Esther Dickman, Maida Gimple, Shirley Durrstein, Harold Reints, and Charles & Ardath Lei

BABY BOTTLES The Change for Life Event at the Freeport Pregnancy Center sent us a “Thank You” for our donation of $430.99 that we contributed through our collection of monies dropped in the “Baby Bottles”. May God bless you all as we support life.

SPECIAL SHOUT OUT—Carole Ahrens said she was left speechless and sends a special shout out to Pastor Donnley for the gift of the bag and scarf/stole. She is looking forward to wearing the stole in many upcoming preaching opportunities. Carol said St John UCC is a blessing to her as well as so many others. She told us to keep up our good work and closed with sending us peace and love.

RELAY FOR LIFE—AMERICAN CANER SOCIETY The Illinois Division Staff and volunteers of the American Cancer Society sent us a “thank you” for the $275.00 received through Relay For Life. They want to thank you for helping people stay well with prevention and early detection information, finding cures, and better treatments by funding and conducting research. They appreciate your commitment to saving lives. 13

PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR PRAYERS PRAYER CHAIN: Teresa, Maddy, Pat, Karen, Debra, Jeff, and Ward WORSHIP ATTENDANCE July 7th – 158, July 14th - 125, July 21st -143 The deadline for submitting articles in the September Tidings is August 13th PRESIDENT Tim Ebbers VICE PRESIDENT Joyce Robinson S E C R E T AR Y Deb Hartman T R E AS U R E R Ulan Price C H R I S TI AN E D . Marilyn Ruthe CHURCHGROWTH Deb Hartman FELLOWSHIP Jane Krug MISSIONS Dennis Manus PROPERTY M AN AG E M E N T Shan MacAdam S T AF F R E L AT I O N S Keith Hinrichs S TE W AR D S H I P Ulan Price WORSHIP Tim Ebbers BOLD TE AM Mar ilyn Rut he

St. John UCC Council Minutes 7-8-13 Members Present: Tim Ebbers, President, Deb Hartman, Keith Hinrichs, Shan MacAdam, Ulan Price, Marilyn Ruthe, Pastor Donnley, exofficio. Opening Prayer: Pastor Donnley May Minutes: Approved via email. CareerTec/Kitchen, Classroom Renovations: Shan reported that the new lease was signed by CareerTec which now includes the addition of the classroom and kitchen spaces. Renovation is going well. Theater room has been cleared and will be painted. Kitchen deconstruction is completed and construction will begin this week. Health Care Insurance: Reviewed Kirsten’s health insurance plan. As spouse of our C/E 14

Director, St. John provides her with coverage. Keith made the motion to move her coverage from the existing plan to Select Blue which still has the $500 deductible but will change prescription coverage to 80% of cost. This will result in significant savings while still providing good coverage. Shan 2nd. Discussion followed. Motion carried. Financial Report: Report was reviewed. It is significant that even though giving continues to be below budgeted amount, the total expenses for the year are below expected budget as well. Considering the improvements and increase in activities and programs we’ve benefited from recently, that is significant as well. Motion to approve report as presented made by Deb. 2nd by Marilyn. Discussion followed and motion carried. Pastor’s Report: Pastor Donnley updated Council on latest B.O.L.D. activities. On July 28 the B.O.L.D. team will be inviting new members and/or those who have attended regularly (since March 2010) to meet with them to understand what brought them to St. John and why they continue to attend. This information may benefit us in moving forward with our efforts in growing our membership and participation at St. John. Also, St. John will be contributing to the funeral expenses for Tim McGraw in the amount of approximately $200. Funeral will be in the Chicago area. Confirmation Curriculum: Pastor Donnley will be using new materials with the next confirmation class which will be a 13 week mentorbased program called “Making Disciples”. Marilyn made a motion to take $300 from the Janshen Fund to cover materials cost. Ulan 2nd. Discussion followed, motion carried. Adjournment: Shan made the motion to adjourn, Deb 2nd. Motion carried. Adjourned with the Mizpah Benediction. Respectfully submitted, Deb Hartman Council Secretary 15

FINANCIAL STATEMENT Beginning Balance January 1, 2013 07/01 General Fund Beginning Balance

$3,920.91 $966.42

We started July with a balance of $966.42. As a church our income did not meet our expenses in June; yet, the good news is we were $10,000+ below what we projected our expenses would be at the end of June. Unfortunately, our giving from members is below projections, as well. Due to several large expenses coming due at the same time, we have borrowed from another fund, repaying it weekly. Please stop in the office and talk with Pam if you have any questions or would like to see a financial report.

________________________________________________

Building Fund Beginning Balance January 1, 2013 07/01 Building Fund Beginning Balance 0701

BD Income

$186.00

07/08

BD Income

$191.00

07/15

BD Income

$461.00

$3,248.72 $979.42

Less 07/15 BD checks

07/15 Ending Balance

$1817.42

___________________________________________________

August Birthdays 1—Betty Mogle, Sarah Farster, Christopher Mack 2—William Greene 3—Dorothy McGregor 5—Lyle Krug, Jacob Young, Jay Thomas 6—Gary Polhill, Edward Orde, Rachel Bicksler 8—Joyce Robinson, Carson Brinkmeier 10—Clyde Fruth, Karen Sallter, Pamela Manus 14—Jim Summers 15—Betty Matthews, Tyler Rademaker 17—Donna Polhill, Jeffery Richardson, John Rice 18—Anita Bicksler, Kyle Rafferty, Alexander Fruth 19—Seth Spangler 20—Anna Otte, Irene Amendt, Betty Heiden, Jane Krug, Dorothy Ditsworth 21—Pierre Cowan, Jacob NewKirk, 22—Marvin Libke 23—Carla Meyer, James Priewe 24—Jackie Stewart, Greg Ware, Whitney Rademaker 25—Timothy Bloyer 26—Sarah Brill 27—Steven Heitz 28—Brian Hamon 29—Diana Fox, Debra Hartman 31—Lindsay Gall, Zachary Moyer 17

August Anniversaries 2— Carl & Ellen Roderick, Robert & Barbara Luedeke 5— Lynn & Deb Zimmerman 11— Raymond & Jeri Nieman 12— James & Dorothy Albrecht, Rick & Diane Kahly 13— Daniel & Pamela Wessel 14— William & Lisa Condie, Shan & Vicki MacAdam 15— Jeffrey & Dana Williams 18— Stanly & Carol Smith, Daryl & Delene Tessmann 22— Corey & Annette Ditsworth 25— Brian & Amanda Mack 30— Nathan & Dorie Sheppard 31— Dennis & Pamela Manus, Roger & Debra Swanlund

August Scripture Readings 01

Genesis 17.1-27

Deuteronomy 6.1-25

Genesis 18.1-15

Deuteronomy 7.1-26

Genesis 21.1-21

Deuteronomy 8.1-20

Genesis 22.1-19

Deuteronomy 9.1-29

Genesis 24.1-33

Deuteronomy 10.1-22

Genesis 24.34-67

Deuteronomy 11.1-32

Exodus 20.1-26

Deuteronomy 12.1-28

Exodus 24.1-18

Deuteronomy 26.1-19

Exodus 31.1-18

Deuteronomy 28.1-14

Exodus 32.1-35

Deuteronomy 30.1-20

Exodus 33.1-23

Hebrews 1.1-2.4

Exodus 34.1-35

Hebrews 3.1-19

Deuteronomy 4.1-14

Hebrews 4..1-13

Deuteronomy 4.15-40

Hebrews 4.14-5.14

Deuteronomy 5.1-33

Hebrews 6.1-20

Deuteronomy 6.1-25 19