February 2016
An Open and Affirming
LENTEN DINNER AND DISCUSSION Wednesdays, February 17, 24, March 2, 9, 16
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE February 10 â—? 7 pm Dinner â—? 6 pm
Violence is at the heart of Lent. As the darkest story of our faith Lent confronts us with the violence done to Jesus and how to this day many of us are confused about the relationship between violence and faith.
Once again we move from the light of Christmas and Epiphany to the darkness of Lent.
So join us to hear from a Jewish rabbi, a Muslim Imam, Violence Interrupters of Freeport and the violence of racism.
Ash Wednesday begins this season of Lent, the period of 40 days, not counting Sundays, based in the biblical tradition of repentance which means turning around, of ashes which signify mourning and grief, and wilderness which tell of barrenness and desolateness of the season. Through this journey we walk with Jesus through his darkest, desert moments.
Dates and names to be announced soon. For now please mark your calendars.
FROM THE SEARCH COMMITTEE The search committee is happy to announce that it has completed the church profile, a 25 page document containing information about our congregation to introduce St John to candidates interested in the position of pastor. Soon a copy or two will be available in the church office for your perusal.
Join us on Ash Wednesday for service and dinner, receive ashes and begin your Lenten journey so you may be ready to embrace Easter resurrection and rebirth. For the way to rebirth is always through labor pain.
The search committee has also met with Kathy Lawes, Associate Conference Minister IL Conference Prairie Association and will work with her to advertise the position in the UCC employment opportunities.
LENTEN DEVOTIONALS FOR YOUR JOURNEY Mercy, Passion & Joy by C.S. Lewis and Living Lent As People of the Resurrection by Rich Bimler are available in the Narthex. Grab yours today!
In the next few months the committee will receive candidate profiles and start the process of discernment. We will keep you posted. For now please continue to pray for wisdom and guidance of the Spirit. Thank you! 1
UCC NATIONAL YOUTH EVENT 2016 July 26 through July 29 Become a youth sponsor Every four years the United Church of Christ hosts a large youth conference. This year’s theme is entitled BELIEVE, based on Hebrews 11:1 – "Faith is the confidence that what we believe will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." This conference will energize our youth’s faith with inspirational worship, the exploration of social justice issues and experience hands on Disney inspired workshops. This trip will also invite our amazing still speaking youth to believe in themselves as leaders of faith sharing in the infinite work of our Lord in a diverse world calling each of us to serve. The event is geared for youth ages 13-18. Together I know we can come up with a plan to send our members youth to NYE 2016. Please prayerfully consider sponsoring one or more of our 13 eligible Youth. Your gifts and sponsorship can change a life! Thank you!
MAUNDY THURSDAY
SERVICE OF COMMUNION & TENEBRAE March 24 ● 7pm Maundy is the English form of the Latin word commandment. Jesus’ commandment to “love one another as I have loved you” is the focus of Maundy Thursday. This love was demonstrated when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and shared bread and wine. Tenebrae is the Latin term for Shadows. During the service, as the Passion story unfolds, candles are extinguished and darkness increases. At the end of the service one light is left burning, the Christ candle, the light of God’s love. The Christ candle is removed from view, then restored, for in the shadow of the cross the light is eclipsed but not extinguished. The shadows are those of the cross, the light is that of the resurrection. PRACTICING TO BE GREENER…
We continue to work on being greener and more aware about environmental Received Sunday March 6 justice. To that end beginning this One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) special mission offermonth we are sending our monthly ing of the United Church of Christ involves you in disaster, newsletter electronically to those whose refugee/immigration, and development ministries email addresses we have. throughout the world. Those for whom we do not have email Through OGHS you engage in holistic development programs including health care, education, agriculture, food sustainability, micro-financing and more. Your gift puts you in the right place at the right time for the relief, and recovery of the most vulnerable. You meet immediate needs and address the underlying causes that create those needs in the first place. 2
addresses will continue receiving the newsletter in paper form, in snail mail. Of course, paper copies are always available in the church office and in the Narthex. The newsletter can always be accessed through our church website www.stjohnuccfreeport.org.
HELIX YOUTH MINISTRY WINTER SCHEDULE SR. HIGH SUNDAYS 6-8PM 5TH & 6TH GRADE TUESDAYS 3-5PM 7TH & 8TH GRADE THURSDAYS 3-5PM
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.
OPEN AND AFFIRMING MINISTRY PRISM LIGHTHOUSE 3rd Monday of the Month 6:30pm 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.
Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CATSPlayGroup?fref=ts MEN’S GROUP 1st Saturday of the Month ● 8 am
MUSIC MINISTRY
Our next meeting will be February 6th.
Rehearsal is on Thursday nights: S.O.S.— 5:30 pm
BIBLE STUDY Wednesdays, 9am Chapel Hearth Room We will be discussing; If Yo u Want To Walk On Water You’ve Got To Get Out Of The Boat by John Ortberg
Bell Choir - 6:30 pm Chancel Choir— 7:15 pm
PING PONG Tuesdays, 9am • Fellowship Hall We meet every Tuesday at 9am in Fellowship Hall. We would love to have more men & women join in on the fun!
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT LOF CLASS Sundays 11:15am — 12:15pm
RESOURCE GROUP Thursdays, 9am Join us on Thursdays at 9am for coffee, treats, friendship and volunteer work! We will assemble the March Tidings on February18.
LOF Class will be gathering on Sunday mornings after Worship to study What We Talk abo ut When We Talk about God by Rob Bell.
ADULT FORUM Sundays, 8:30am We meet in the Library. Everyone is welcome to join! 3
OUR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
Happy Birthday Happy Anniversary
02/08 02/11 02/20 02/23 02/28
02/03 02/04 02/05 02/07 02/08 02/09 02/10 02/11 02/12 02/14 02/15 02/16 02/17 02/19 02/21 02/23 02/24 02/25 02/27 02/28
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 Heiden Parkview: Claire Biesemeier, Ardath Lei, Dorothy Miller & Laura Uthlaut Stephenson Nursing Center: June Nagel & Lois Walz Presence-St. Joseph: Kathryn Cramer & Herbert Divan Kewanee Provena: Evelyn Dworak In their homes: Shirley Durrstein, Karen Salter, Vivian Pals & Harold Reints Please pray for: Shirley Ifert, Melinda Fruth, Dana & Dave Underhill, Jack Payne RED CAN SUNDAY February 7 We receive monetary gifts on the first Sunday of the month, for Freeport Area Church Cooperative emergency fund.
FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES Dean & Irene Amendt Ulan & Cynthia Price Bradley & Jody Nieman James & Kay Van Ness Ted & Joan Wootan
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS Max Lehman Angie Folgate Mary Eder Pam Wessel Liam McNeil Willie Kreeger, Abbey Newkirk William Lieber John Heiden, John Fox, Robert Fleischer Grace Busker Vicki Mac Adam, Dana Williams Ben Spyrison Shirley Durrstein, Janet Piefer, Gary Wilson, Alex Bertram, Landon Rice Deb Swanlund, Kevin Eckert Brennan Simler Logan Kuntz Patricia Schneiderman, Diane Heilman Brad Gusloff Arlene Kreeger, Todd Meier, Cody Pruitt Nancy Lassiter Jerald Watson
$130.50 was collected in January. THANK YOU!
FOOD FOR FACC In February, we will be collecting 250 packages of Ramen Noodles for Freeport Area Church Cooperative. If you are looking ahead for sales, in March we will be collecting 250 boxes of Macaroni & Cheese. Thank you! 4
SERVING
IN FEBRUARY
USHERS 02/07 Tim Ebbers, Jim Drew, Denny Manus, Shan MacAdam 02/10 Jeanne Koch, Shirley Ifert, Carla Meyer—ASH WEDNESDAY 02/14 Phil & Barb Copus, John & Paula Rawleigh 02/21 Jeanne Koch, Shirley Ifert, Carla Meyer, Marilyn Ruthe 02/28 Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Lyle & Jane Krug
02/14 02/21 02/28
GREETERS Arnold & Mary Eder Lorraine McMurray & Betty Carpenter Roger & Deb Swanlund Steve & Lisa Schubert Ron & Beth Slade
02/07 02/10 02/14 02/21 02/28
WELCOMERS Carla Meyer & Shirley Ifert Doris Last & Edee Rosenstiel Joyce Bloyer & Holly Edler Rosie Cosgrove & Sharon Simler Mary & Jan Geary
02/07 02/14 02/21 02/28
NURSERY CHILDCARE Dale & Jacob Priewe Carla Meyer Marla Kreeger Jill Kuntz
02/07 02/10
FEBRUARY COFFEE HOUR On Sunday mornings, before and after worship, 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. Missions & Outreach Leadership will set up and clean up in February
02/07 – Della Kirkpatrick , Donna Klapp, Hugh & Sarah Knapp, Jeanne Koch, Dan & Marla Kreeger, Lyle & Jane Krug, Jill Kuntz, Doris Last 02/14 – Ben & Lucille Lee, Jane Lehman, Scott & Lannie Lehman, Robert & Barb Luedeke, Shan & Vicki Mac Adam, Jean Mahon
02/21– Dennis & Pam Manus, Betty Mathews, Thomas & Dianne Mathews, Lorraine McMurray, Carla Meyer, Keith & Kathy Moffatt 02/28– Carolyn Moyer, Tim & Angela Newkirk, Ruth Olson, Ed & Connie Orde, Lee & Nancy Otte, Dwight & Diane Peterson
COMMUNION SERVERS 02/07 Diane Heilman, Marilyn Ruthe, Shirley Ifert, Shawn Killingbeck, Marla Kreeger & Dylan Holbert, John & Paula Rawleigh 5
CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 2016 Members Present: Tim Ebbers, Council President, Kirsten Eckert, Thompson Brandt, Judy Garkey, Shelly Griswold, Shirley Ifert, Deb Rockey, Deb Scott, Roger Swanlund, Pastor Nayiri, ex-officio, Kevin Eckert, ex-officio. Checking In: Members took a moment to check-in. NYE (National Youth Event): Kevin reported that there are potentially 13 youth from our church that would be eligible to attend the NYE in Orlando, Florida this summer. The cost is about $1,000 per person and there would also be 3 church chaperones participating. Council discussed fundraising and sources of funds to cover cost. As Council and Congregation, we must commit to providing the resources and effort necessary to make this event possible to those who may commit to attending. It was also noted that the commitment to attending this event is a two way street and the Council expects to see active commitment from the youth to raise as much of the cost of attending as possible through fundraisers. An informational/invitational meeting will be held for youth and parents on February 14. This is a valuable experience and opportunity for our youth. We need to make sure that we support them in this in every possible way. Ministry Leadership Team Reports: Missions: (Shelly, representative) did not meet last month due to inclement weather. Worship: (Thompson, representative) Team has a meeting next week. Care & Community: (Shirley, representative) reported that Epiphany Sunday Brunch was well attended and very successful. Plans for Lenten season were discussed. Administrative & Resources: (Kirsten, representative) reported the issues Building & Grounds are working on and that the staff evaluations have been completed and went well. Also, there was a clarification on the 4% raise increase approved for staff. This does include the youth staff of 3 part timers. Finances: Roger reported that there are still issues with the financial statements, inaccuracies and format. Paula Rawleigh has been helping to make them more user friendly but the accounts need further examination to give us accurate information. Sixty eight pledges have been received and based on these and regular giving by some members that haven’t submitted formal pledges put us in a good position financially. Pastor Nayiri gave us some perspective, comparatively, in terms of other churches she has served. We are doing very well due to the continued and faithful support of our members and we should celebrate it. She also suggested having a 5 year plan to help us over some of the difficult periods and even out the thick and thin times. We discussed contractual accounting and Pastor Nayiri will be investigating this and it may result in an additional line item to the Spending Plan. Pam’s hours and how this would affect her were also discussed. The time that she has spent on financial work would be redirected to assisting Missions in their efforts and is very much needed. Continued on next page 6
Pastor Nayiri requested a change in wording and function of three of her benefit accounts. Shelly made a motion that the accounts previously listed in the financial report as “Continuing Education”, “Mileage” and “Vision Insurance”, which was part of her covenant agreement, now be combined into an account called “Professional Expenses” as a single line item. Shirley 2nd. Motion carried. Council was informed that Kevin has not received his $6,000 HSA contribution to be deposited into his HSA account at the beginning of the new year as was agreed upon. This will be taken care of immediately. Congregational Meeting: The next Congregational meeting will be January 31 following morning worship. The Spending Plan will be presented for review and approval. Adjournment: Council adjourned with Mizpah Benediction. Respectfully submitted, Deb Rockey, Council Clerk Upcoming Dates: January 30, 2016 All Ministry Retreat January 31, 2016
Congregational Meeting
February 10, 2016 Ash Wednesday
Pam & ALL the Ladies in Resource Group,
Thank you to the Choir & Bells for a wonderful 2015. You make BEAUTIFUL music and I am so happy to work with you. Thank you for the many hours you give to the glory of God and our church. 2016 Here we go! Gina Bertram
Just wanted to say Thank You for being good friends with our mom thru the years. She really enjoyed going to church and being involved with all of you. Please accept this check in our mom’s memory and buy something you can use in the kitchen of the church. I know mom would be happy we did this for you. Thank you for the nice luncheon at the church, it was greatly appreciated. God Bless you all and thanks so much! Sincerely, Lani & Chuck Shaw & Family, Scott & Leeann Stewart & Family
Dear St. John Members,
Mitten Tree
Thank you so very much for the
Thank you all for the donations for Freeport children & adults. We had 125 items this year and made many warmer. Thanks again!
beautiful poinsettia flower. It brings me great joy to look at it every day. Thank you for being so kind and remembering me.
Doris & Gina
Deloris Burkhalter 7
Thank you for your 2015 contribution of monetary funds and or clothing valued at $200.00 to Kid Coats & Clothes. Your support will assist our organization in providing warm clothing to financially disadvantaged children and youth in the Freeport area. Sincerely, Jennifer Gennusa, & Cherrie Cregan Co-Directors, Kids Coats & Clothes FEBRUARY SCRIPTURE READINGS LIFE LINE SCREENING March 5 � 8:00—5:00 Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will host their affordable, non-invasive and painless health screenings on 3/5/2016. Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential health problems related to: blocked arteries which is a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic aneurysms which can lead to a ruptured aorta; hardening of the arteries in the legs which is a strong predictor of heart disease; atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat which is closely tied to stroke risk; and a bone density screening, for men and women, used to assess the risk of osteoporosis. Register for a Wellness Package which includes 4 vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149 ($139 with our member discount). All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. In order to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, please call 1-888-6536441 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/ community-partners.
01
John 1.1-10
17
John 3.22-36
02
John 2.1-17
18
John 14.15-31
03
John 2.18-29
19
John 15.1-17
04
John 3.1-24
20
Luke 15.1-10
05
John 4.1-21
21
Luke 15.11-32
06
John 5.1-21
22
Luke 18.15-30
07
John 1.19-34
23
Luke 18.31-43
08
John 1.35-51
24
Luke 19.1-10
09
John 2.1-12
25
Leviticus 19.1-18
10
Luke 4.1-15
26
Deuteronomy 6.1-25
11
Luke 4.16-30
27
Luke 10.25-37
12
Luke 4.31-44
28
Psalm 36
13
John 13.1-35
29
Psalm 136
14
1 Corinthians
15
13.1-13 Colossians 3.1-17
16
John 3.1-21
8
St. John UCC Sunday
Monday
1
7 FACC Red Can Sunday 8:30 am 10:00 am 10:20 am 11:15 am 6:00 pm
Adult Forum Worship Kids Worship LOF Sr. High HELIX
14 1st Sunday of Lent 8:30 am 10:00 am 10:20 am 11:15 am 6:00 pm
CareerTEC
Tuesday
2
CareerTEC
Wednesday
3
CareerTEC
CareerTEC
9:00 am Resource Group 3:00 pm HELIX (7th8th) 5:30 pm SOS 6:30 pm Bells 7:00 pm BSA #4 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
8
Ping Pong 9:00 am Bible Study CATS 9:00 am TOPS Yoga 7:00 pm PEO Helix (5th6th) 6:00 pm Audubon 6:00 pm CSA #839 6:30 pm Care & Community Leadership Meeting
9
11 CareerTEC
CareerTEC
CareerTEC
10
CareerTEC
Tidings Deadline
1:00 pm Staff meeting 9:00 am Bible Study 6:30 pm Choral Society 9:00 am Ping Pong 9:00 am TOPS 6:30 pm Council MTG 10:00 am CATS 11:30 am Yoga 3:00 pm Helix (5th- 6:00 pm Lenten Supper 6th) 6:00 pm CSA #839 6:00 pm Boy Scout Leader 6:30 pm Camera Club 7:00 pm ASH WEDNESDAY Service
9:00 am Resource Group 3:00 pm HELIX (7th8th) 5:30 pm SOS 6:30 pm Bells 7:00 pm BSA #4 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
15 CareerTEC
18 CareerTEC
1:00 pm Adult Forum 6:00 pm Worship Kids Worship LOF Sr. High HELIX 6:30 pm 6:30 pm
Staff meeting Worship & Education Leadership Meeting Choral Society LGBTQ Support 7:00 pm Culinary Class
CareerTEC
1:00 pm Staff meeting Adult Forum 6:00 pm Missions & Worship Outreach Kids Worship Leadership LOF Meeting Sr. High HELIX 6:30 pm Choral Society 7:00 pm Culinary Class
16
CareerTEC
17 CareerTEC
Ping Pong 9:00 am Bible Study 9:00 am TOPS CATS Yoga 5:30 pm Lenten Helix (5thSupper 6th) 6:00 pm CSA #839 6:00 pm Dinner FACC Homeless Shelter 6:30 pm CSA Leader
9:00 am Resource Group 3:00 pm HELIX (7th8th) 5:30 pm SOS 6:30 pm Bells 7:00 pm BSA #4 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
23 CareerTEC
24 CareerTEC
25 CareerTEC
9:00 am 10:00 am 11:30 am 3:00 pm
9:00 am Bible Study 9:00 am Resource Group 9:00 am TOPS 5:30 pm SOS 5:30 pm Lenten 6:30 pm Bells Supper 7:00 pm BSA #4 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
9:00 am 10:00 am 11:30 am 3:00 pm
Ping Pong CATS Yoga Helix (5th6th) 6:00 pm CSA #839
28 Birthday Bank 29 CareerTEC 3rd Sunday of Lent 1:00 pm Staff meeting Adult Forum Worship Kids Worship LOF Sr. High HELIX
4
9:00 am 10:00 am 11:30 am 3:00 pm
Lent
8:30 am 10:00 am 10:20 am 11:15 am 6:00 pm
Thursday
1:00 pm Staff meeting 6:00 pm Audubon 6:30 pm Administration & Resources Leadership Meeting 6:30 pm Choral Society
21 2nd Sunday of 22 8:30 am 10:00 am 10:20 am 11:15 am 6:00 pm
February 2016
6:30 pm Choral Society 7:00 pm Culinary Class
9
Friday
5
CareerTEC
Saturday
6 8:00 am Men’s Group
12 CareerTEC
13
19
CareerTEC
20
26
CareerTEC
27
OUR CALLING 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, 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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Be a Sacred Place to Inspire Faith and Nurture Compassion 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