February 2013

Sunday Worship 9 a.m.

Kids Worship 9:20 Mardi Gras Celebration February 10th Worship Service 9am with Carl Cole followed by a luncheon

Ash Wednesday Worship Feb 13th 7pm

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

February 2013 Vol..100

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 COLE, LAURA MUENCH, CASSIE MCNEIL MINISTRY OF CHURCH LIFE & MEMBERSHIP…......PAM W ESSEL STAFF SECRETARY………………….………...KIRSTEN ECKERT CHOIR DIRECTOR…………………….………......GINA BERTRAM ORGANISTS……….….CAROLE BERTRAM & MARSHA ROBERTS CUSTODIAN ……………………………..…….ANGELA NEWKIRK 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

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AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME…..

I’m looking back to see forward. At one of our Monday morning staff meetings, this past Advent season, I asked the staff, “Are you spiritually prepared for Christmas?”

You spent a lot of time preparing for Christmas - buying gifts, hanging decorations, writing letters and sending cards, putting up the tree, baking cookies and sweets, hanging stockings, replacing bulbs or strings of lights, and more. But did you spend time sitting down and reflecting on the meaning of Christmas for you; the meaning of Christ’s coming for you? … Truthfully, now, did you truly spend time getting spiritually prepared for Christmas?

I ask this because one of my Christmas presents has pushed me to begin thinking about Easter before we even begin Lent. It’s a book titled, The Wisdom Jesus: Transforming Heart and Mind – a New Perspective on Christ and His Message, by Cynthia Bourgeault. It’s a wonderful and challenging read. She writes, “I once asked a group of people in a church I served, ‘Would it make any difference for you if the resurrection hadn’t happened, if Jesus hadn’t risen from the dead?’”

You and I believe from “this side” of the resurrection. It is central to our belief. But she challenges us to think about the first disciples, the first people who followed Him – the 5,000 He fed, or Zacchaeus, who climbed that sycamore tree without the inspiration of witnessing a miracle in that moment. She writes, “for these first disciples, the ones who first listened and said ‘yes’ to Jesus, the outcome was as yet unknown. Both crucifixion and resurrection lay ahead. .. It all lay up ahead. What caused them to say ‘yes’ to Jesus?”

In two weeks, we will be entering the Lenten season; the season of reflection and renewal; the season for re-evaluating and deepening our faith; the season for us to spend some time getting spiritually prepared for Easter - and why we said “Yes!” to Jesus Christ.

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What was it about Jesus that caused those first people to follow Him without any knowledge of His coming death and resurrection? Oh, it’s recorded He told the disciples He would die and rise, but they didn’t understand what He meant. What about the other people? Why did they follow Him? Why do you follow Him? Is it only because of the hope of eternal life? That’s not why those first followers followed Him. Why do you think they followed Him? What can you learn from them?

The season of Lent is about a time for spiritually preparing for Easter. In order to strengthen, enrich and deepen your faith, do yourself and your faith a favor. Spend some time to truly spiritually prepare for Easter as you set out your Easter decorations, buy your new Easter outfit, purchase a ham, and set the table?

CHANGING FOR GOOD Our Focus for Lent Beginning Sunday, February 17th, our Sunday morning worship, sermon and LOF adult class, following worship, will be taken from the Bible and the book, “Changing for Good.” (LOF is our Learning Our Faith adult class, which is open to all.)

“Changing for Good” means a change that is positive and permanent - for good and for good. Lasting, positive change that meets and satisfies the six steps, or stages, resulting in a change that is for good. Those stages are: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance and recycling.

You will be introduced to these steps for making positive, lasting change in your faith and life through Pastor Donnley’s sermons and a class led by Sarah Knapp and Donnley.

There will be a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board for those intending to go to the class.

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Consumed by the Call…..

I just returned to my office and Kirsten reminded me that I have to write a Newsletter article, so here we go.

January has been moving quite quickly. Most of my time and energy has been split between Christ First Weight Loss and Winter Retreat. (I took a break writing to have a conversation with Donnley, Busy Morning.) Winter retreat has wrapped up and all the kids had a great time.

We spent time in worship and discussion each day. Many of the youth have already expressed an interest in going next year. I need a year to recuperate. I’m still tired from the long weekend of late nights and the stress of caring for 16 teenagers under one roof. I need to put supplies away and get ready for youth group this afternoon and to be honest I was hoping the cold weather would have canceled school so I could have one day to recover. As I write this I realize I haven’t had my coffee yet, I’m taking a brief break to grab my coffee, hold on I’ll be right back.

Ok, I’m now enjoying a strong, hot cup of black coffee. I take a sip wondering how I’m going to get everything done that needs to get done today. I haven’t had a day off in two weeks and I’m supposed to take Wednesdays off but I’m not sure I will be able to. The margins of my life are full and I need to start erasing some things so I can attend to what matters most. I’m determined to carve out some time for me to get healthy.

OK, youth ministry stuff. We welcomed Cassie Carter (McNeil) to our Helix staff. She is excited to be working with this age group.

She hopes to pursue becoming a school teacher after she finishes her studies. Our Helix Youth Ministry will give her an opportunity to experience what it is like to work with a large group of middle school kids. I continue to work with the staff to give them training and opportunities to lead. The kids are currently 5

working on selling subs and I’m already beginning to do some vision work on a summer mission’s project. I’m feeling overwhelmed, and unfortunately the coffee hasn’t kicked in yet. I need to close this article and attend to my to-do list. I can report that one thing is done on today’s list. My article is complete . ~ Kevin T. Eckert Director of Children and Youth/ Directory of Technologies

WEDNESDAY EVENING LENTEN STUDY: Bible Study on First Corinthians Pastor Donnley will present a 5-week bible study on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians beginning Wednesday, Feb. 20 th. We will begin with a fellowship dinner at 5:45 p.m., followed by the Lenten study beginning at 6:30 p.m. Please sign up for the fellowship dinner on the bulletin board by the Sunday before.

Thank you.

Feb. 20 – Introduction to the Letter (1 Cor. 1:9) … and A Call for Unity in the Community (1 Cor. 1:10-4:21) Feb. 27 – A Call for Community Discipline ( 5:1-6:20) Mar. 6 – Responding to Contested Issues – Part 1 (7:1-11:1) Mar. 13 – Contested Issues – Part 2 (11:2-15:58) Mar. 20 – A Community Called to Love – (16:1-24)

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MARDI GRAS WORSHIP AND LUNCHEON FEBRUARY 10TH Come and join in the celebration and learn what Mardi Gras has to do with the beginning of lent and the church. It isn’t just about the New Orleans parade! During our worship service there will be wonderful special music provided by Carl Cole and his family along with our own Thompson Brandt and our Chancel Choir, and more‌.

The celebration will carry over into a festive Mardi Gras luncheon for all to enjoy. Please sign up on the bulletin board if you plan on attending the luncheon, we want to make sure we have plenty of food for our FEAST!

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY BIRD HOUSES AND WALKING TACOS

February 24th Attention all families! We will gather in Fellowship Hall following worship and build birdhouses together. All of the supplies and paint will be provided for you and your children to make bird houses for spring! Perry Cowan and Christian Ed. are hosting this event for families and anyone who would like to make a birdhouse. Please sign up on the bulletin board or contact the church office so that we make sure we have enough birdhouses for everyone.

There will be lunch provided...the ever-popular walking taco!

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NURSERY CARE NEWS We have expanded our nursery program to include a paid staff person, Laura Muench. She is currently a staff person that works for Kevin with our HELIX program and will expanding her job description to include nursery.

We have volunteers to cover most Sundays, but it has been an ongoing issue that we do not always have people that are able to be in the nursery for other events and programing outside of our worship service such as during adult Sunday school or the Lenten studies or the LGBTQ support group or other evening groups and ministries. It is also extremely beneficial for the little people of our congregation to have a familiar friendly face that they see every week and they don’t have to get used to someone new each time they are in the nursery. We will still continue to have one volunteer on Sunday mornings along with our staff person. It will be wonderful to also have someone to be on top of disinfecting toys and mindful of replacing broken or worn out items for the safety and wellbeing of our little one.

LAYCARE MINISTRY Someone donated a hand made quilt to Amity’s shop downtown and Beth Slade asked me to find a good “home” for the quilt. I told her I would do that - now I’m waiting for God to guide me in that search for the new “home” for the quilt. For me, this quilt has almost come to life and so I want the new owner to be comforted and kept warm by the quilt, but I also want the quilt to know and understand its duty. Yes, you say, “ Marilyn is losing it. “ Pastor talks at funerals about our lives being like a puzzle, many pieces involved in who we are. So it is with a quilt. Think about it - our days are often the same, but then when we think about our lives, there are many, many pieces that make us who we are.

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I think about the hymn “Here I Am Lord” - yes, it is I Lord, I have heard you calling in the night, I will go Lord, if you lead me…How many times have we been called, yet do not answer? Listen…We feel we are too busy and cannot do one more thing - but you know what? If we say ’yes’ God will lead us and we can serve.

Cherryl Hinrichs gave a wonderful Mission Moment in church about a Card Ministry. There is a sign up sheet on the board in the Narthex - How long does it take to write a little note and address a card? Not long - and it just may make a deep impression on the lives of those who receive those cards.

Here’s another thought. My brother , out of concern for me traveling alone so much, told me I needed to get a GPS. So I did. (I always do what my brother tells me to do--hmmmmm) Anyway, if you don’t follow the directions of the strong female voice speaking to you - she says “Recalculating, recalculating“ Now I’m hearing God say to me - “Marilyn recalculating, recalculating - God is guiding me, yet I want to go my own way doesn’t work, does it? We need to let God lead us.

OK - That’s my “Quilt” for this month. Many pieces put together to make one article for Tidings.

We must be careful how we do our good deeds - read this clipping that I found in Guideposts….

There is a deacon in our church who is oh so pious! At every opportunity he speaks of his perfect attendance at services, his gifts to the building fund, his compassionate service to other members. Finally, the quietest woman in our congregation said “I don’t mind having angels in our midst, but I do hate to hear them flap their wings.” OOPS!!

Matthew 6:1 “Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be a good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.”

Peace and Love, Marilyn Ruthe, Coordinator 9

MISSONS MINISTRY RED CAN SUNDAY We will be receiving monetary donations on February 3rd for the FACC emergency fund. $254 was collected in January.

FOOD FOR FACC In February our food item to collect is 250 jars of Grape Jelly . In case you are looking for sales to stock up March’s food item will be peanut butter.

CLOTHING ROOM St. John is responsible for helping with the FACC clothing room on February 22nd there is a 9-noon shift and 1-3pm shift. Please sign up on the bulletin board. We need two volunteers at each shift.

GROWTH MINISTRY GREETING CARD MINISTRY When a child is baptized here at St. John, we as a congregation stand and promise to help this child along their faith journey with support for them and their family. Then we go about our daily lives and we may have dropped the ball on an opportunity to keep these families in our thoughts and prayers as well as their lives. If we as a congregation want to keep our church family robust and growing in this faith community maybe we need to keep in contact with the little ones or confirmands or young marrieds at least to start with.

If you would like to help in this project in any way, please contact Cherryl Hinrichs, the church office, any member of the Growth Ministry or just sign-up on the sheet on the bulletin 10

board in the Narthex. You could be someone to send a card to the recently baptized child and family or someone who makes cards or finds cards either in a local store or on the internet.

Cards for very young children are hard to find. We would like to get a card to them once a month like for birthdays, anniversary of their baptism, holidays or just a Thinking of you, Just to let them know and their families know that their church family does think, pray, and care for them. You could be the someone who finds that perfect card. If we have lots of volunteers, we could also start contacting recent confirmands and recent graduates or young marrieds.

Our primary goal is not to get more members here on Sunday morning or for our fellowship events but rather to let these folks know that we have not forgotten them and do care. If you have any interest or suggestions in helping please sign up and we will get together and decide how best to do this project. Funding can be obtained to cover costs, you might learn a new craft and it will only take a minute a month. Surely the Lord will bless this outreach to our own St. John family.

FELLOWSHIP SAVE THE DATE- Spaghetti Supper time again!

March 9th is our annual Spaghetti Supper Tickets go on sale February 24th which is the same day as the meatball prep. Those who wish to help with meatballs sign up on the bulletin board. They will be making them in the church kitchen at 11am on Sunday, February 24th. If you have any question see Lisa Ebbers.

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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 Practices are Thursday evenings. Bells at 6pm and Choir at 7pm. Our director is Gina Bertram and if you would like to join either of these groups just show up! We would love to have you.

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 1011am. On the Third Tues 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

HELIX Honor, Engage, Listen, Include, eXample MIDDLE SCHOOL Tuesdays (5th and 6th graders) 3-5pm Thursdays (7th and 8th graders) 3-5 pm (No Middle School Helix If there is a half day or no school) SENIOR HIGH First Sunday 10:30am in the youth lounge (room N4) after worship for food and discussion time together with Kevin.

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BIBLE STUDY We meet at 9 a.m. Wednesdays, in the Library. We are working through the Book of Proverbs. Please come and join us ALL are welcome!

PING PONG We meet every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. (the second week of the month on Tuesday) in the Game Room (North Wing). 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 February 4th.

RESOURCE GROUP Join us on Thursdays at 9 a.m. for coffee, treats, friendship, & to do volunteer work! We will assemble the Tidings on February 28th.

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, February 2nd at 8 a.m. We meet until about 9:30 a.m. Come check us out!

CHRIST FIRST This is an ongoing Faith Based Weight loss program that meets Monday evenings from 56 or Wednesday evenings from 6-7pm. Please contact Kevin Eckert 815-218-0286 for more information.

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QUILTERS Our St. John Stitch, Sew and Quilt group will not be meeting until further notice. In the meantime please be looking for appropriate patterns for another banner for our sanctuary and/or multi article raffle patterns - table runners, child's quilt, table runner, wall hanging, etc. for future projects. Will gather again soon -Mavis Clark

LGBTQ Support Group February 25th at 6:30pm 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 our Volunteer Coordinator.

COFFEE HOUR Before and after service we gather 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.

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FEBRUARY - MISSIONS 2/3 - Ulan & Cindy Price, Dale & Kelly Priewe, Betty Pruitt, Rodney Pruitt, John & Paula Rawleigh, John & Debra Rice, Erin & Shaun Rice, Floyd & Marsha Roberts 2/10 - IN FELLOWSHIP HALL - Connie & Edward Orde, Della Kirkpatrick, Doris Roberts, Ruth Rockey, Karen Roemer, Edie Rosenstiel, Marilyn Ruthe, Vivian and Floyd Schlickman 2/17 - Patricia and Gerald Schneiderman, Steve & Lisa Schubert, Deb Scott, Sybil and Richard Scovill, David & Olivia Shaffer, Jerry & Sharon Simler, Michael Simler, Mike & Karen Smith, 2/24 - Stan & Carol Smith, Steve & Vicki Spyrison, Jackie Stewart, James & Sharon Summers, Roger & Deb Swanlund, Mark Swanson & Amy Doll, Daryl & Delene Tessmann MARCH - Property Management 3/3 - Leslie & Terry Thomas, Glenn & Marilyn Underwood, Norma & Don Valkema, Joanne & Quentin Valkema, LaVonne Wagenknecht, Jeff & Sally Wagner, William Wagner, Roger Watson

GREETERS February 3 – Kya Eckert, Diane Heilman February 10- Arnold & Mary Eder February 17- Betty & John Heiden February 24- Cherryl Hinrichs, Jeanne Koch

WELCOMERS February 3 – Roger & Deb Swanlund February 10- Shawn Killingbeck, Brian Petersen February 17- Rosie Cosgrove, Carol Ahrens February 24- Clyde & Jeanne Cross 15

NURSERY (only one volunteer needed, see nursery news article) February 3 – Jill Kuntz February 10- Carla Meyer February 17- Jeanne Cross February 24– Cherryl Hinrichs

USHERS 2/03 - Tim, Colin & Kristi Ebbers, Dennis Manus, Jim Drew 2/10 - John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus, Mike Smith, Tom Priewe 2/17 - Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Wes & Joyce Robinson, Dana Brill 2/24 - Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Jeanne Koch, Jane Krug

NEED A RIDE TO CHURCH? W e have several drivers available, if you are in need of a ride please contact the office before noon on Friday, 815 -235-2824 and talk to Pam.

SHUT-INS: The following is a list of people that either 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, Jim Fry, Nada Scheisser at Liberty Village Bob Heilman at Monroe Manor Ruth Hille, June Nagel, Joyce Kaiser and Holly Genant at 16

Stephenson Nursing Center Katherene Benson, Dorothy Fox, and Rita Wittbecker at Provena Evelyn Dworak in Kewanee Provena In their homes are, Kathryn Cramer, Karen Salter, Vivian Pals, Esther Dickman, and Maida Gimple, Shirley Durrstein, Harold Reints

P LE ASE I NCLUDE

IN YOUR

P R AYERS

BIRTH: Olivia Bailey was born to Nina Kutz and Joel Bailey on January 17th 2013.

PRAYER CHAIN: Bob, Lucas Bowers, Maddy HOSPITALIZED: Maida Gimple, Claire Biesemeier DEATH: Our condolences to the families of Ken Buss and Elvira Miller who passed away January 4th, and Phyllis Cohen who passed on January 7th. Also to Joyce Veer’s family, she passed on January 12th. And the tiny Olivia Bailey who was born and passed on January 17th.

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE 12/24 - 218

1/6 - 134

12/30 - 106

1/13 - 110

1/20 - 104

A note from Charles Schepel, Some folk in the church may remember us from the late 1970s when I served St. John as Minister of Christian Education while Marion worked at St. Vincent Residential School. This note is to inform you that Marion died December 28, 1912 following a journey of nearly five years dealing with cancer. A mention in the bulletin might alert some folk who "knew us when." I'd appreciate continuing to receive the newsletter (now in my name only) and wish you well as you continue bringing the healing love of Christ.

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The family of Russell Gennusa would like to thank our dear church family for all of the prayers, cards, gifts, visits, phone calls, and kind words we have received during Russell's short illness and since his death. Words alone cannot express my gratitude for all of the compassion and kindness I have been shown. It really is a wonderful feeling to know so many people care. Thank you also to the Prayer Shawl Committee for the beautiful shawl that was sent to Russ while he was at the VA Hospital. He would have me cover him with it and I believe it gave him peace and he could feel the love that went into making it. Thank you Donnley for the trips you made up to Madison to see and counsel us. Also, for the beautiful service you held - according to Russell's wishes. He would have loved the music and the words spoken about him.

Thank you also to Carole and Kirsten for picking just the right song for him. Many of my friends have commented on what a beautiful service it was and just fit Russ. Thanks, also, to everyone who donated food and helped in the kitchen for the luncheon. Once again, everything was delicious. It is so important to be able to feel the love we have for one another in our "family" at a time like this. Thank you all.

Bonnie Gennusa and family *********************************************************************** Dear members of St. John UCC, What a gift you are to us and our ministry here at St. John UCC in Chicago. It is because of your continued financial support that we are able to continue our vital ministry here. ~Rev. Dr. Charlotte Nold and the Congregation of St. John Church

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PRESIDENT Bill Condie 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 T I AN E D .

Lisa Ebbers CHURCHGROWTH Maril yn Ruthe FELLOWSHIP Ben Lee Jane Krug MISSIONS Dennis Manus PROPERTY M AN AG E M E N T Keith Hinrichs S T AF F R E L AT I O N S Joyce Robinson S TE W AR D S H I P Ulan Price WORSHIP Mary Arnold BOLD Deb Hartman

St. UCC Council Minutes 1-14-12 Members Present: Bill Condie, President, Mary Arnold, Lisa Ebbers, Deb Hartman, Keith Hinrichs, Ben Lee, Dennis Manus, Ulan Price, Marilyn Ruthe, Pastor Donnley, ex-officio. Phil Copus also present as a representative of Property Management Ministry.

Opening Prayer: Pastor Donnley November Minutes: Previously confirmed via email.

Treasurer’s Report: It was noted that the budget is tight and that it might be helpful to do some stewardship education. This will be a topic for the joint meeting coming up in February.

Motion to approve report was made by Marilyn, 2nd by Ben. Discussion followed, motion carried.

Property Management Presentation: Phil Copus and Keith Hinrichs presented a report on proposed renovations to the narthex and sanctuary. Keith did an overview of the history of this project. Previous to Paul Nixon’s visit, improvements were suggested several years ago via an evaluation by architects and again, a few years ago, when Guy Gehlhausen was hired to help us with some direction and a timeline for improving and updating our building. At this time, we need to recognize the difference between “improvements” and “maintenance”. For example, the concrete at the front (Park Avenue) entrance is deteriorating and needs attention, the tile in the sanctuary is possibly asbestos and the aging carpeting is in need of replacement. These are more maintenance than remodeling types of projects. Phil provided a list of renovations and their projected cost. We discussed 19

priorities on the list and a possible time frame for the work and financing options. A motion was made by Ben to introduce to the congregation, at the January 27 Congregational meeting, the proposed renovations to the narthex and sanctuary as presented. A follow-up vote may be part of the March Congregational meeting. Mary 2nd. Discussion followed. Motion carried.

Janshen Fund Estate Distribution: Ways to track the balance and expenditures from the interest earned on the fund were discussed. Dennis made the motion to request that the Endowment Board transfer monies (income earned) yearly from the Janshen Fund be placed into a separate account with Council approving distributions from this account. Marilyn 2nd. Discussion followed about the phasing out of some of these expenditures (those that would occur on a recurring basis, such as salaries) into another budget item. Motion carried.

The 2013 Janshen Estate Distribution report was presented. This projects what the possible income will be for 2013 and requested expenditures.

Requests: 1. The over-allocation from 2012 be repaid to the General Fund $2922.32 2. Upcoming Mardi Gras expenses

$700.00

3. Childcare for 2013 (Sunday morning and other events) $1000.00 Ulan made the motion to approve the 3 requests for expenditures from the Janshen Fund. Mary 2nd. Discussion followed. Motion carried.

Hearing Assist System: The headphones we are currently using are wearing out and replacement pieces are limited in quantity and very expensive. Kevin did some research and found that ECS (the company that put in our sound system) sells a new hearing assist system at the approximate cost of $2100. This will be taken to the Stewardship Ministry for a memorial request.

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Nominating Committee: Marilyn, Dennis, Pam and Pastor Donnley will work to put together a list of nominees for Council and Ministry positions being vacated this year.

Safe Church Boundaries Training and Background Checks: Insurance requires background checks on staff and any who have regular contact with children in our church. Also, Council previously recommended that all Council and Ministry members as well as staff complete the “Safe Church Boundaries Training�, also required by our insurance. Deb will write a letter to be sent out to all those who will need to complete this training.

March Congregational Meeting: Meeting set for March 17, 2013 Adjournment: Motion to adjourn made by Marilyn. 2nd by Mary. Discussion. Motion carried. Adjourned with the Mizpah Benediction.

Respectfully submitted, Deb Hartman Council Secretary

The deadline for submitting articles in the MARCH Tidings is February 19th by noon.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENT Beginning Balance January 1, 2013

$3,920.31

1/01 General Fund Beginning Balance 1/07 GF Income 1/14 GF Income 1/21 GF Income

$3,920.31 $4,248.00 $3,715.00 $3,811.00

Less GF Payroll & Compensation GF Other Checks GF Current Bills Outstanding

$6,397.71 $5,933.08 $852.51

1/19 1/19 1/19

1/19 Ending Balance $2,511.01 _____________________________________________ Beginning Balance January 1, 2012

$3,248.23

1/01 Building Fund Beginning Balance 1/03 BD Income 1/10 BD Income 1/17 BD Income Less 1/19 BD Checks

$3,248.23 $254.00 $458.00 $485.00

1/19 Ending Balance

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$424.00 _________ $4,021.23

February Scripture Readings 01

John 3:1-21

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Luke 13:10-35

02

John 3:22-36

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Luke 14:1-24

03

1 John 1:1-10

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Luke 14:25-15:10

04

1 John 2:1-17

20

Luke 14

05

1 John 2:18-29

21

Luke 14

06

1 John 3:1-24

22

Luke 14

07

1 John 4:1-21

23

Luke 9:18-36

08

1 John 5:1-21

24

John13:1-20

09

2 John

25

John 13:31-35

10

3 John

26

John14:1-14

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Jude

27

John 14:15-31

12

Psalm 136

28

John 15:1-17

13

Psalm 51

14

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

15

Luke 10:1-24

16

Luke 10:25-42 23

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