May Tidings by Kevin Eckert

M ay

The TIDINGS 2010

St. John UCC Bringing the Healing Love of Christ To Our Community for the Glory of God

ST. JOHN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 1 0 1 0 S P AR K B LV D ~ F R E E P O R T , IL www.stjohnuccfreeport.org

S T .J OHN T IDINGS V OLU ME 69

M AY 2010

CHURCH STAFF MINISTERS………………….…THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH SENIOR PASTOR……………………...……DONNLEY DUTCHER DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY…KEVIN ECKERT MINISTRY OF CHURCH LIFE & MEMBERSHIP…....PAM W ESSEL STAFF SECRETARY…………………………..KIRSTEN ECKERT ORGANIST…………….……………………..CAROLE BERTRAM

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

Website: www.stjohnuccfreeport.org

Deadline for submitting articles in the TIDINGS Newsletter is the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

As the Spirit moves me…. 2

All of us live with a rhythm and flow to our lives that become comfortable and familiar to us. At times, it can feel like we‘re ―stuck in a rut‖ doing the same things, over and over again; and need to ―break the routine;‖ do something different - just for the sake of doing something different. At least, I do, at times. But most of us also like the familiarity and order that our life‘s routine gives us, because it gives us a sense of ―the known‖ and the dependable. There is a stability to our lives. So we tend to wake-up, eat, work, play, and worship at or near the same time, most of the time. Oh, we like to change things up, every-once-in-a-while, to give a new experience or perspective; but, only occasionally. At least, that‘s how I tend to be. Well, this past Sunday, April 18th, was more like just another day – and not like a Sunday, at all. It felt so unlike a Sunday that I couldn‘t even call it a Sunday. I‘m not even sure of all the implications and ramifications of it, which may turn out to be not much of all. But it was the first Sunday morning in over 37 years – maybe 40, that I wasn‘t either in church or with Sandy. I get four Sundays of vacation a year, though last year and this year I‘ve had an extra Sunday off because of my parents‘ deaths. But, on those Sundays I was with Sandy. And since I only get 4 Sundays of vacation a year, I‘ve never given up one of those few Sundays off to do something else than be with her. I don‘t get enough weekends off to be with her so as to not spend one of them without her. I am mindful of this for Carole Bertram, Kevin Eckert and church workers in other settings, because it‘s the same for them. They get very limited Sundays off – and rarely get to sit with their loved one in worship. So, I‘m not saying that my situation is unlike anyone else‘s. It‘s not. ―It goes with the territory,‖ as we say. .. But, still, this past Sunday was very different for me – the first time I wasn‘t in church or with Sandy on a Sunday morning in over 37 years, maybe 40. So, what‘s this mean? .. At the very least, it means I have been 3

incredibly blessed to have such continuity to my life - that my faith and relationship to God and the church would give me 37+ years of continuity, stability, order and dependability in my life. Whatever kind of crisis, chaos, disorder or disruption has come into my life, I have always been able to come to church on Sunday morning to be re-grounded in the dependability, strength and certainty of God‘s love, presence and grace; and in the community, strength and joy of being with other people whose lives are grounded in their faith. There is much about our lives that change over time. Our physical abilities diminish. Our memories, or our ability to remember, can fade. Our thinking process can become confused. Our skills can grow stale. Jobs are gained and lost. Relationships come and go. Friends and loved ones die. Marriages end. Families get broken. And so much more.... But God and faith can be a constant presence and touchstone – the rhythm and flow of life that remains steady, dependable and strong through it all. I look forward to being back in church on Sunday morning. ... If it isn‘t God, and faith, and Sunday morning what else is there that can give such a wonderful, positive, life-giving, life-enhancing continuity and stability?... It‘s only in God, folks. It‘s only in God.

A RITE OF BURIAL Pastor Dutcher and Sandy will be away the weekend of May 22-23 for burial of his mother‘s and father‘s cremains. Their cremains 4

have been comingled and they will be interred at the Fort Custer National Cemetery at Augusta, Michigan. Donnley and Sandy are looking forward to remembering and honoring his parents in this next act of yet more healing of their grief. Rev. Carol Ahrens will be preaching in Donnley‘s absence.

BOOKS

MISSING Donnley is missing asking that if you from him to please books specifically,

several books and is have borrowed a book look for the following

―Heart of the Flesh‖ by Joan Chittister Orientations – a spiral bound book from Guelph, Canada Also, please check for any other books you might have on your shelves that you are done reading which could be his. He is missing several more books. Thank You.

Kevin’s Korner….. I have to share with you some wonderful news. Our new Christ First weight loss ministry has grown and shrunk at the same time. Our first session of 14 participants has lost 209 lbs together. They are placing Christ First and restoring their lives. I‘m so happy to share what I have learned on my journey this past two years. The interest was so great that Kirsten and I decided to start a second group. The first group will continue to meet from 4:30 – 5:30pm Monday nights. The second group meets from 5:30-6:30 pm. This group has 19 members. Kirsten and I have already begun talking about the possibility of starting a third class this fall. If you‘re thinking about changing your life by placing Christ First please let me know and Kirsten and I will place you on our waiting list. Once we get a bunch of names on the list we will decide when the best night is for a new group. Kirsten and I have been working out with our Christ First groups and we are looking for some gently used fitness equipment. Do you have a stationary bike or rowing machine you no longer use? We would love to have it for our group. I‘m hoping to get a few pieces of equipment. If you‘re interested in donating funds for this ministry or you feel called to help us purchase some equipment please let me know. So what about the youth ministry? I thought you might like to know that we have an all night Lock-in coming up on May 14th from 8pm -7am Saturday morning. We will be exploring a leadership theme. This event is one of our first joint youth group events. I‘ve had several meetings with the pastors from First UMC, Trinity UMC, and United Pres. They will be participating in the evening and Katherine Paisley (pastor of First UMC) will be leading our lesson time that evening. I‘m looking forward to our time together in fellowship and learning. Also on May 16th Helix will start its new AM time. We will be meeting each Sunday after worship to discuss Donnley‘s sermon for that day. We will have breakfast together while we talk. I intend 6

to lead the youth in a discussion about what Donnley has presented and help them apply his teachings to their daily lives. Basically I‘ll break it down and attempt to make it something they will understand more easily. The youth have expressed that this is one of the issues they struggle with most with our worship service and I hope to be able to reach them where they are by representing Donnley‘s key points with open candid discussion. I‘m looking forward to it. If you feel this would be beneficial for your youth please encourage them to join us. Consumed by the Call, Kevin T. Eckert

COMMUNION SERVICE

The worship committee has suggested that in 5 week months Communion be offered twice. There will be Communion on the first and third Sundays of a 5 week month. Therefore, in May, St. John will have a Communion Service on May 2nd as well as May 16th. Please feel welcomed to join us for Communion on one or both of those Sundays.

UPCOMING SPIRITUAL RETREAT

There is still space available for our retreat at Sinsinawa Mound Center for Friday evening, May 14th through Saturday afternoon, May 15th. Please speak with Pastor Donnley if you have questions about or interest in the retreat. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the narthex.

―IF THE CHURCH WERE CHRISTIAN‖ DISCUSSION

Thank you for your participation!!! We‘re almost at the 50 people reading this book for which we had hoped. It is almost always a strength and an enrichment to a church when its people seriously reflect upon what they believe, why they believe it, and what it 7

means to be the Church of Jesus Christ. You can be a participant in a group discussion on the book in two ways. The Sunday Morning L.O.F. group is will be reading and discussing the book. You are invited and welcome to join them. There will be also be gathering on Monday, May 17, at 6:30 p.m. for others interested in discussing the book, its implications for our church, and taking a look at St. John Church

ST. JOHN MISSION TRIP 2010

June 17th they leave for a week long mission trip to Metarie Louisianna. Attending the mission trip are Donnley Dutcher, Kevin & Kirsten Eckert, Perry Cowan, Shan & Vicki MacAdam, Carol Ahrens, Denise Dykstra, Ionia Rice, Krista Hille, Jeanne Koch Clyde & Jeanne Cross, Michelle Cross, Kelsey Zettle, Logan Kuntz, and Wes& Joyce Robinson. It will be a week full of hard work but a rewarding experience. Please include these people in your prayers as they prepare for this up coming experience.

BAKE SALE

There will be a bake sale during cookie hour on May 2nd. All proceeds will go toward the cost of our Mission Trip 2010

MOTHER’S DAY FLOWERS There will be flowers for sale in the Narthex on Mother‘s Day, May 9th. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go toward the cost of the Mission Trip 2010. Thank you for your support.

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP

Nina Stachewicz is offering a Watercolor workshop here at St. John. This has been a very successful class the last couple of years. The workshop runs Wednesday May 5th through Saturday May 8th from 9am– 4pm each day. The cost of the workshop is $280. Please contact Nina at 815-443-2530 with any questions or if you are interested in attending. 8

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

St. John UCC has money available for college scholarships through the Kampmeier Endowment Fund, memorials and gifts designated for college scholarships. Persons who are active members, as defined by the church constitution, are invited to apply for an award. While we cannot specify the exact amount of the awards until all applications are received, applicants should anticipate some assistance with books and supplies, rather than a substantial grant. Persons wishing to apply should pick up an application in the church office. Once completed, they should be returned to the church office in an envelope marked ―College Scholarship‖. You will also need to submit an acceptance letter or fall schedule from your school, plus a written paragraph or two, stating your intended course of study and what your career plans are once you have graduated from college.

CHANGE FOR LIFE

Please pick up a Baby Bottle in the Narthex on Mothers Day and fill it with your pocket change, currency or checks to help the Freeport Pregnancy Center and the families they serve. Please return your filled bottle by June 20th, Father‘s Day.

BIKE RALLY— SATURDAY, MAY 15TH

Zwingli UCC in Monticello is hosting a bike rally. All proceeds will go directly to Haitian earthquake relief and Back Bay Mission for support of those affected by Hurricane Katrina. It is a 12 mile bike ride on the scenic Sugar River Trail to New Glaris and back to Monticello. Registration and take off will be at 10 am on the 12th, lunch will be provided in New Glaris, and the rally concludes with a Bryan Sirchio concert at 2:30pm. There is a $5 registration fee and Kirsten has sponsor sheets available in the St. John church office 9

for pledges. Please contact the Zwingli church office for more information or registration (608) 938-4369 or Zwingli_rev@tds,net. By May 3rd.

F ELLOW SHIP M IN ISTRY

“ NO CO O K ”

M AY 2 N D

1 2:00 P . M .

A RELAY FOR LIFE EVENT We will feature recipes from our Cookbook ―Tasteful Treasures‖. Please sign up on the bulletin board so we know how many to anticipate and prepare for. All are invited to the potluck. If you would like to make your special recipe from the cookbook, let Pam know. Donations will be accepted and given to this year‘s Relay for Life on June 18th.

P ROPERTY M ANAGEM ENT M IN ISTRY ADOPT – AN – AREA

Help make our church beautiful this spring and summer! The landscape and grounds need your tender love and care; be sure to sign up for an area to care for. You don‘t have to be a master gardener to put some love into a much needed commitment. A little weeding, planting and trimming is all it takes to make St. John a beautiful place inside and out.

PENTECOST SUNDAY FLOWERS We will have a ―flower garden‖ of all red flowers for Pentecost Sunday, May 23rd . If you would like to order through the church (Demeesters), please turn in the form below with your money by May 10th . Feel free to bring in your own flowers before noon on May 21st. FLOWERS MUST BE RED! (Be sure to mark yours with your name.) Fill out the sheet below if you want them in memory or in honor of someone and turn it in by noon on May 17 th so it will get in the book. You may pick up your flowers after the service. 10

I/We will bring RED flowers from home or have them delivered before noon on May 21st . I/We wish to order ____ red geraniums through the church. (7½ ‖ red geraniums (3-5 blooms) at a cost of $7.50 each. ) Enclosed is $__________________ IN MEMORY OF______________________________________ ____________________________________________________ IN HONOR OF________________________________________ PRESENTED BY______________________________________ ____________________________________________________ please take to a shut-in: ___________________________________________________ I will pick up the flower.

L AYCAR E M I NIST RY We can change the world by showing little acts of kindness, one at a time. (That quote is from the movie ―Evan Almighty‖) I was looking through my devotional from Guideposts and I ran across one written my Mary Lou Carney. She wrote about shopping at the dollar store. I like our Dollar Tree Store. I go there to buy gift boxes to put the prayer shawls in. After I put the gift boxes in my cart, I begin to browse, just to see if there might be something I really must have. 11

Turns out the store has a lot of things I must have like greeting cards, a bottle of cranberry juice, manilla folders, oh, and that Payday Candy Bar! I‘m beginning to see how easy it is to spend a lot of money at a dollar store. One dollar at a time! Little things have a way of adding up. It‘s like stepping on the bathroom scales and remembering how you got to that weight one cookie at time. Little things can add up! Little things adding up can work in a positive way, too. One little act of kindness, a smile at a stranger passing by, a card sent to someone just because ―you were thinking of them‖, and a telephone call to someone you haven‘t seen recently, just to let them know you miss them. Mary Lou Carney says ‗Here‘s to little things. Well managed, they can have big results. So we say to God, ―Remind us of the power of little things, done in Your name.‖ Peace and Love, Marilyn Ruthe, Coordinator Laycare Ministry

S T EWARDSHIP M I NIST RY Applying Bible Principles God uses money in a variety of ways in the lives of His children. One of the most important ways God uses money is to confirm direction. Simply stated, God uses the supply of money or the lack of it to confirm His direction for many of the decisions we must make in life. If God gives us clear confirmed by His Word, whatever is needed to carry

direction which is then He will provide out that direction. The only 12

problem is that He expects us to step out in faith in obedience to His leading and His Word, usually without knowing in full the pathway that lies ahead. Living that kind of life requires faith in God's person and His promises. It requires taking God at His Word and basing how we live on His Word. It requires trusting Him, even when circumstances appear to be contrary. It requires seeking first His kingdom, and then being confident that He will provide what we need. It requires â&#x20AC;š as the writer of Hebrews observed â&#x20AC;š believing that God " . . . exists and that he rewards those who seek him." Hudson Taylor, a missionary to China who lived in the 19th century, summed it up beautifully this way: "God's work, done in God's way, will never lack God's supply." This means that if we are not experiencing God's supply, either we are not doing God's work (that is, we are not seeking first His kingdom) or we are not doing God's work in His way. Make no mistake about it: God is not a God of disorder. He will not provide specific direction which He confirms by his Word if He does not intend to provide what is necessary for us to obey Him fully. But He looks to us to be willing to trust Him by taking the first step, and then another, and yet another. By the way, has God been speaking to you lately? Has He confirmed that direction through His Word? If so, remember this: You can be confident that as God works in your life, He will use money or the lack of it to confirm His direction.

MISSIONS MINISTRY MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH People with mental problems are our neighbors. They are members of our congregations, members of our families; they are everywhere in this country. If we ignore their cries for help, we will be continuing to participate in the anguish from which those cries for help come. A problem of this magnitude will not go away. Because it will not go away, and because of our spiritual commitments, we are compelled to take action. 13

(Rosalynn Carter) DID YOU KNOW… The magnitude of mental illness in this country is staggering. According to the Surgeon General, one in every five Americans experiences a mental disorder in any given year and half of all Americans have such disorders at some time in their lives. These illnesses of the brain affect all of us, regardless of age, gender, economic status or ethnicity. Mental illness affects the mind, body and the spirit. It is a real, common and treatable illness. Mental illnesses are far more common than cancer, diabetes, heart disease or arthritis. Our faith communities can be an important part of the recovery process through education, support and by helping individuals and families feel part of a caring community. MAY HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH Look for community events to highlight mental health issues affecting children, adolescents, adults and older adults. This is an opportunity to educate your faith community about mental illness and help them become caring congregations for persons with a mental illness and their families. Visit these websites for resources. • NAMI FaithNet www.nami.org/namifaithnet • Mental Health Ministries www.MentalHealthMinistries.net • Pathways to Promise www.Pathways2Promise.org • Congregational Resources www.congregationalresources.org/mentalhealth.asp

RED CAN SUNDAY Please bring your donations of can goods, cereal, pasta, food items as well as the much needed personal items. Please bring your donations to church. We will also be receiving monetary donations on May 2nd for the FACC emergency fund. $203.25 was collected in April.

ONGOING ACT IVIT IES BIBLE STUDY We meet at 9 a.m. every Wednesday in the Library. We are 14

starting a new book, ―Detective Stories from the Bible‖ by J. Ellsworth Kalas, come and join us.

CARD CLUB Card Club will play on the first Monday of the month at 1:00pm.

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!

RESOURCE GROUP Join us on Thursdays at 9 a.m. for coffee, treats, friendship, & to do volunteer work! April 29th we assemble the tidings.

TAU ALPHA May 17th at 7pm in the Fellowship Hall

ST. JOHN UCC 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, May 1st, at 8 a.m. in the Temple Sunday School room. We meet until about 9:30 a.m.

COFFEE HOUR Coffee Hour is a time for fellowship.. You won‘t always get a reminder call when it‘s your turn to bring cookies, but please, if your name is on the list for this month, bring in about 4 dozen to share. Everyone enjoys the treats and the social time together. Thank you! TAU ALPHA WILL CHAIR IN MAY 5/2— Sally Kahler, Larry & Connie Kaiser, Della Kirkpatrick, Donna & Zael Klapp, Sarah & Hugh Knapp, Jeanne Koch, Dan & Marla Kreeger, Jane & Lyle Krug 15

5/9- Fred & Deb Kundert, Jill Kuntz, Larry & Lana Kuntz, Bill & Ruth Kuntz, Robert & Alice Lahne, Nancy Lassiter, Doris Last, Ben & Lucy Lee, Jane Lehman 5/16- Charles & Ardath Lei, Barb and Robert Luedeke, Shan & Vicki MacAdam, Pam & Denny Manus, Dixie Marklund, Betty Mathews, Tom & Dianne Mathews 5/23– Duane & Barb McDonough, William & Norma McLenahan, Denny & Carla Meyer, Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Betty Mogle, Carolyn Moyer, Dorothy Ness 5/30– Brad & Jody Nieman, Paula Nieman, Ray & Jeri Nieman, Larae Olson, Ruth Olson, Connie & Edward Orde, Lee & Nancy Otte, Ferne Ottenhausen YAHOOS WILL CHAIR IN JUNE—Coffee Hour the 1st Sunday only during June/July/August 6/6— Dwight & Diane Peterson, Royce & Janet Piefer, Donna Polhill, Gary Polhill, Ulan & Cindy Price, Kelly & Dale Priewe, Betty Pruitt, Rodney Pruitt

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. GREET ERS May 2 – Jackie Stewart & Carolyn Moyer May 9 – Sharon & Jerry Simler May 16 – Carol Ahrens & Claire Biesemeier May 23 – Donna & Zael Klapp May 30 – Ray & Jeri Nieman WELCOMERS 16

May 2 – Monty & Carolee Dietmeier May 9 – John & Betty Heiden May 16 – Eunice Hildebrandt & Betty Mogle May 23 – Linda & Jean Heidenreich May 30 – Lisa & Steve Schubert NURSERY May 2 – Bonnie & Russ Gennusa May 9 – Denny & Carla Meyer May 16 – Clyde & Jeanne Cross May 23 – Ebbers Family May 30 – Tom & Melinda Ferguson USHERS 5/02 Tim, Colin & Kristi Ebbers, Dennis Manus, Jim Drew 5/09 John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus, Mike Smith 5/16 Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Wes & Joyce Robinson, Ray & Jeri Nieman 5/23 Lee & Nancy Otte, & Jane Jeanne Koch,

Krug,

5/30 Doris Last, Ben Lee, Sharon

Simler

DRIVERS May 2 –Jack Criddle May 9 – Mike Smith May 16 – Don Valkema May 23 – Lucille Lee May 30 – Jack Criddle

233-2304 297-9092 235-7395 232-5581 233-2304

If you are in need of a ride to church please contact the person designated for driving. If you are a regular pick up and not planning to ride, please call the driver to let them know! ATTENDANCE 3/28 - 175 17

4/04 - 255 (Easter) 4/11 - 166 4/18 - 155 4/25 - 150

P LEASE I NCLUD E I N YOUR P R AYERS HOSPITALIZED: Betty Remmers, Marilyn Ruthe, and Dick Clark PRAYER CHAIN: Tom Brooks, Danita Bruce, Mary, Carter Kettner, Annie Robey, Roland & Riker Veer, Meghan Talbert, Mary Bicker

Thanks to everyone who helped in any way to make the Spaghetti Supper a success. To all the dinner cooks and servers, meatball makers, dessert bakers, decorators, ticket sellers, youth helpers and more, thank you! A special thanks goes to Fred and Deb Kundert for donating paper supplies and to Ruth Olson for donating the noodles. 18

We very much appreciate everyone who came to eat or purchase carryouts to support the cause! Thanks again! Lisa Ebbers – Chair. *************************************************************************** A special thank you to everyone who helped with the ―Holiday Happening‖ Spring Tea this year. You might have made tea or food, decorated a table, helped in the kitchen, served or attended, but we could not have done it without all of your helping hands. Thank you to Kirsten, Kya, and Keona for their musical talents. Donna Klapp, Nancy Otte and Pam Wessel *************************************************************************** Thanks to everyone that turned in their Sully Bucks from Sullivan‘s. We were able to put them together on cards and received $60.00 in gift certificates. These will be used for coffee hour and fellowship events. *************************************************************************** Thank you to Carolyn Moyer, Ronnie Clock, Jeanne Koch, Donna Klapp, and Carol Smith for working at the FACC Clothing Room in April. *************************************************************************** Thank you so much for your recent gift of $250 to Back Bay Misson. As more and more people turn to us in their time of need, we at Back Bay Mission feel the heavy burden placed upon us. Know that your gifts make a possible a world of hope and new life amidst daunting need. Thank you for being our partner in the faithful, essential work of Back Bay Mission.—Blessings and peace, Rev. Shari Prestemon ***************************************************************************

May Scripture Readings 01

Luke 10:25-37

Genesis 48:1-22

John 13:1-38

Genesis 49:29-50:14

John 21:1-25

Genesis 50:15-26

Romans 12:1-21

Psalm 112

Romans 13:1-14

Acts 1:1-11

Romans 14:1-23

Acts1:12-26

Psalm 33

1 Corinthians 4:1-21

Deuteronomy 1:1-18

Numbers 27:12-23

Deuteronomy 24:5-22

Joshua 1:1-18

Genesis 42:1-38

Joshua 2:1-24

Genesis 43:1-34

Joshua 23:1-16

Genesis 44:1-34

Joshua 24:1-28

Genesis 45:1-28

Ezekiel 3:12-27

Genesis 46:1-27

Joel 2:28-3:8

Genesis 46:28-47:12

Acts 2:1-13

Genesis 47:13-31 ST . JOHN UCC COUNCIL MINUT ES 20

April 12, 2010 P R E S I D E NT Perry Cowan V I C E P R E S I DE NT Daryl Tessmann S E C R E T AR Y Patty Weik T R E AS UR E R Ulan Price C HR I S T I A N E D . Lisa Ebbers CHURC HGR OWT H & M E M BE R S H I P John Hendren F E L L O W S HI P Carla Meyer MISSIONS Bill Condie PROPERTY M A N AG E M E NT Daryl Tessmann Bruce Dykstra S T AF F R E L AT I O N S Jeanne Cross S T E W AR D S HI P Ulan Price W O R S HI P Patty Weik Mary Arnold

Members Present: Vicki MacAdam, Bill Condie, Carla Meyer, Perry Cowan, Jeanne Cross, Patty Weik, John Hendren, Daryl Tessmann, and Pastor Dutcher. Mary Arnold, Bruce Dykstra and Ulan Price newly elected members were also present. President Perry Cowan called the meeting to order at 6:37 pm. Pastor Dutcher opened the meeting with prayer. Minutes: Minutes of the March Council meeting were approved as presented. Financial Reports: The financial reports were reviewed. Vicki MacAdam moved and Bill Condie seconded a motion to approve the reports as presented. Motion carried. Pastor Dutcher stated that the book â&#x20AC;&#x2022;If The Church Were Christianâ&#x20AC;&#x2013; has been ordered and should be available to Council members soon. Chapter 1 will be discussed at the May meeting. A suggested St John focus ministry could be for health of mind, body and spirit.

Perry Cowan noted the large balance in the Memorial Fund. Some of these memorials were given several years ago. He will speak with the Stewardship Ministry about using these funds. Pastor Dutcher noted compensation for interim choir director directors should be considered. Compensation for an organist on Carole Bertram's Sundays off will also need to be determined. Perry Cowan reported there are 19 persons signed up for the mission trip. At this time an additional $3000 is needed to fund the trip. Two of the mission trip members will meet with the Endowment Board to ask them for funding.

Installation of Ministry members was discussed. Pastor Dutcher is considering May 16. There are a few ministry vacancies. Each ministry with a vacancy will be asked to assist in finding someone to fill the position. John Hendren moved and Patty Weik seconded a motion to change Sarah Knapp from filling a 1 year term to serving for a full 3 year term. Sarah has been contacted and agreed to this change. Motion carried. Pastor Dutcher is planning a Leadership Training for ministry members. A date has not been set. It was suggested that each ministry submit minutes of their meetings to the Council for review. Election of officers for the coming year was held. President: Perry Cowan; Vice President: Daryl Tessmann; Secretary: Patty Weik; Treasurer: Ulan Price. John Hendren made a motion and Bill Condie seconded to elect this slate of officers. Motion carried. Liaisons to the ministries are as follows: Christian Education – Lisa Ebbers, Mission – Bill Condie, Property Management – Daryl Tessman and Bruce Dykstra, Church Growth – John Hendren, Staff Relations – Jeanne Cross, Worship – Patty Weik and Mary Arnold, Fellowship – Carla Meyer, Stewardship – Ulan Price. Ben Lee will be asked which ministry he wishes to serve. Revisions to the employee handbook were discussed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 pm with the Mizpah Benediction. Secretary, Carla Meyer

FINANCIAL STATEMENT 22

Beginning Balance January 1, 2010

$28,364.92

4/01 General Fund Beginning Balance

$31,109.33

4/05

GF Income

$8,033.00

4/12

GF Income

$7,642.00

4/19

GF Income

$4,712.29

Less 4/23

GF Payroll & Compensation

$11,243.02

4/23

GF Other Checks

$8,292.11

4/23

GF Current Bills Outstanding

$1,499.27

4/23

Ending Balance

$ 30,462.22

Beginning Balance January 1, 2010

$29,559.65

4/01

$29,362.28

Building Fund Beginning Balance

4/05

BD Income

$429.00

4/12

BD Income

$426.00

4/19

BD Income

$310.00

4/23

BD Checks

$8,241.03

4/23

BD Current Bills Outstanding

4/23

Ending Balance

Less

4/23

Boiler Fund Balance

$0.00 $22,286.25 $22,643.12