June newsletter 2013

Sunday Worship 9 a.m.

Kids Worship 9:20 a.m.

Unity Fest—June 8 Picnic in the Park—June 23 Our Mission Statement: “Bringing the Healing Love of Christ To Our Community for the Glory of God”

JUNE 2013 Vol..104

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 2

AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME… What a great celebration of Pentecost, yesterday! We responded to the movement of the Spirit and had a great worship service, fellowship and fun. What a way to move from our, too often, hiddenness from the world in our sanctuary to a visible witness of being “a church alive” on the front lawn.

This was a wonderful joint effort of our ministries working as one, in a united flow to a common purpose. Thank you to everyone who put in many hours of planning and preparation, effort and work. There was great cooperation that resulted in a joyous event, for which many people stayed between 2 to 3 hours!

Thank you to all of you - this includes you who attended, as well. ...

For many years, I spent time every Friday afternoon in deep prayer and meditation. I learned, in new ways, that God speaks to each of us, when we learn how to praise God and listen. Since yesterday was Pentecost, I share one of my “listenings” on the Spirit that I heard God speak through me. May it be a blessing unto you and your faith: My Holy Spirit is available unto you. I will pour it out upon you and fill you with its power and joy when you come in openness and truth. When you come seeking the Spirit for the benefit of others and community, not for your own glory. You have sought to boast about the Spirit within you. I will withhold and take My Spirit from you if you seek to use it for your own benefit and glory.

But if you seek My Spirit in humility and grace; and to serve rather than to be served; for unity and peace, and the building up of the Body, then you will receive it in full measure. I will bless you and the fruit of the Spirit will overflow from you.

3

NEED YOUR PRAYERS I’m hoping my title caught your eye and you didn’t just skip my article because you have no kids, or time. I’m in need of your prayers. Currently, I’ve been in the process of planning a big youth missions project for June 26th & 27th. I know most of you, if not all, are thinking that’s a great idea. I hear all the time that the kids should be doing stuff in our community. Well, we decided this year would be our year to really try our hand at a big Youth Missions event. After many hours of trying to find experienced adults to help us, we have only received a few commitments to help. We are in need of at least eight more adult helpers to instruct and supervise the youth at the various work sites throughout Freeport. It would be great if we received the majority of the volunteers from our congregation. This event will set the tone for what we do in the future. If you are passionate about seeing our youth do missions we need you to step up and volunteer your time to lead them. Kids need to see adults from our church actively being an example. Please take some time and pray about helping us with this missions project.

Honestly, I could take our youth to a distant missions event run by a dedicated group of missions minded staff. No need for volunteers, but that would cost us upwards of $5000.00 and most of that money would be for transportation and lodging. We want to keep the money local and help people, in need, right here in Freeport. I know you’re with me on this. Help us keep our missions work right here in Freeport by volunteering to lead our kids.

Vacation Bible School planning is in full swing. We hope you all will consider joining us at Trinity UMC this year. We are hoping to fill Trinity to capacity so please tell all your friends, neighbors, and relatives. This year we will be traveling through an Everywhere Fun Fair. This fair will take us to distant places like Japan, Zimbabwe, Australia, the UK, and Mexico. We are looking for decorations from these five locations. If you are willing to lend us 4

some of you treasures we would like you to place your name on the bottom and leave them in Kevin’s Office at the church. Once again please prayerfully consider helping us. The kids are counting on you.

WELCOME, BETTY DEMICHELE Welcome to St. John UCC and our church staff, Betty!

Betty started as our new Staff Secretary on Monday, May 20th.

She is kind, helpful, pleasant, gives a warm welcome, has a great smile and spirit, and brings tremendous experience.

Betty is a lifelong resident of Freeport, a person of faith, and an active member of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Freeport.

Her most recent position, prior to an initial period of retirement, Betty was the General Manager for the Hampton Inn in Freeport.

She brings a wealth of experience and personality to her position.

She was referred by and highly recommended by Ray Ditsworth, Bonnie Gennusa and Shelly Griswold. She was hired through Hughes Resources.

Stop by the office - or call her and give her a great St. John UCC welcome!

PICNIC IN THE PARK JUNE 23TH AT 11 AM We will be at the Shelter near the restrooms and playground on Flagstaff Hill. We will begin with a short worship service followed by lunch and fellowship time. Fellowship Committee is providing hotdogs, brats and beverage, please bring a dish to pass and your own table service.

5

UNITY FEST

by Prism Lighthouse Ministry A ministry of St. John UCC Saturday, June 8

12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND! At the suggestion of one of the high school youth who is attending our LGBT ministry, there will be an event for LGBT persons, their families, friends, allies, church members and the public.

We have commitments from two presenters, at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.

First, Ayush Maheshwari, a large gay on-line talk show host, originally from India and currently residing in Chicago. He is more popularly known as “Big Indian.” You can check him out at www.bigindian.in/profile.htm Second, the Rev. Ruby Nancy, a Unitarian Universalist clergy, who currently resides in Rock Island, IL. She will be presenting on “The Importance of Coming Out - This Means for Allies, too.”

The event will include free food from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m., followed by the two presentations, with music and fellowship before and after the presentations.

Funding for this event has come from the Endowment Fund, participants in Prism Lighthouse Ministry, community sponsors, and an anonymous member of St. John. No monies from the General Fund of the church were expended for this event.

The participants in Prism Lighthouse Ministry hope you will attend part or all of the event. Please sign up on the bulletin board if you plan on attending.

You may speak with David Crowell & Shawn Killingbeck, Anna Folgate & Sarah Todd, Dennis & Judy Garkey, Deb Scott, Jason Wilson, or Pastor Donnley, if you have questions about the event.

6

“FOR THE SAKE OF THE HOUSE OF THE LORD OUR GOD”

Capital Campaign Drive OUR NEEDS: Our front patio and sidewalk need significant maintenance to minimize the chances of people tripping, slipping, falling and being injured. Our kitchen has been certified for food preparation, but is in need of improvements to serve kitchen workers, the public and us, well.

Our public use spaces of the fellowship hall, kitchen and narthex are in need of brighter, modern lighting, such as our recent experience with our Chapel Hearth room. The terrazzo flooring in the narthex and hallways has numerous scratches, chips, cracks and other signs of extended use.

We know, ourselves, that upkeep is necessary in our homes and businesses. Our church building is no different. All of these items involve 50+ years of use by 4 generations of countless people.

The need is real. A meeting of the congregation in March decided the time to address these needs is now.

OUR PURPOSE: To raise money for these four “brick and mortar” projects given priority by the congregation. This endeavor is not a future pledge but items that need to be accomplished in the next 3-6 months.

OUR VISION: This is the beginning of a two-phase legacy we will leave for future generations at St. John United Church of Christ, like the legacy of those who gave us this beautiful House of God, 50+ years ago.

This is the RIGHT time. WE are the right people. You are the Right PARTNERS to make it happen. TOGETHER, we can get it done before snow falls!

WHAT’S NEXT: More information will be coming, soon.

7

MISSION TRIP TO JOPLIN, MISSOURI A group of people from Bethany have been taking a yearly mission trip to various Midwestern towns that have experienced natural disaster. Mr. Bob Lamm is the organizer for these trips and has shared that there are spots available to those of St. John UCC who may wish to join them. They will be departing from Freeport on Sunday, July 14 and returning Saturday, July 20.

The destination being discussed for this year is Joplin, Missouri to continue the needed clean up from the tornado damage in the recent past. Bob can be reached through his email: lammski@hotmail.com or by phone, 815-238-8116.

He needs interested persons to contact him as soon as possible to report a head count to site coordinators.

Thanks.

Ted Michalsen, Pastor - Bethany UCC, Freeport

PASTOR ON VACATION

Pastor Dutcher will be on vacation, Sunday afternoon June 9 - 16th.

Please contact the Rev. Carol Ahrens at (815) 616-8901 or Rev. Stan Bomgarden at (815) 589-3700 at any time during the two weeks if you are in need of pastoral services in Pastor Dutcher’s absence.

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. The deadline for application is July 15th.

GREETING CARD PROJECT The Greeting Card folks met May 15th to make cards and organize those that we have. These cards, and many others donated ,can be found in the wooden cupboard, left hand side, in the Library.

For those of us sending to our kids, please feel free to take and use them as needed. Let the office know if there are specific cards we need to make when we meet again. These cards are free for your use and you can leave them in the office to be mailed, if you like.

We have a new list of names and Cherryl will have them ready to hand out to those of you waiting from the list of sign ups.

We will not meet again until September 11th.

9

MISSONS MINISTRY RED CAN SUNDAY We will be receiving monetary donations on June 2nd for the FACC emergency fund. $236.00 was collected in April.

BABY BOTTLES– Freeport Pregnancy Center Last year over $18,000 was raised in the Change for Life Fundraiser!

Please take a baby bottle home on Mother’s Day and use it as a reminder to pray for the Freeport Pregnancy Center and the families it serves. Put your pocket change, currency, or checks in the bottle as an offering to help those families. Bring the baby bottle back on June 16th, Father’s Day. The bottle and your offering will then be given to the Freeport Pregnancy Center.

FOOD FOR FACC In June our food item to collect is 250 cans of Soup If you are looking for sales, our item for July will be fruit.

10

COOKING FOR FACC TRANSITIONAL HOUSING We have started cooking meals, with the nine men who live in FACC's transitional housing on Liberty Avenue. We will do this once a month on the 3rd Tuesday. We need volunteers to cook and also make desserts. Please see the sign-up sheet in the narthex to volunteer your hearts and hands to this missions ministry project.

FELLOWSHIP. 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

11

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.

BIBLE STUDY We meet at 9 a.m. Wednesdays, in the Library. We are working through the Books of the Bible. 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 June 3rd.

12

RESOURCE GROUP Join us on Thursdays at 9 a.m. for coffee, treats, friendship, & to do volunteer work!

We will assemble the Tidings on June 20th.

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, June 1st at 8 am. We meet until about 9:30 a.m. Come check us out!

Prism Lighthouse LGBTQ Ministry Group The LGBTQ support group will meet on June 24th 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. .

13

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 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.

JUNE— RESOURCE GROUP—SETUP/SERVE 6/2—Ben & Lucille Lee, Jane Lehman, Scott & Lannie Lehman, Robert & Barbara Luedeke, Shan & Vicki MacAdam, Jean Mahon, Dennis & Pam Manus JULY—LAYCARE GIVERS—SETUP/SERVE 7/7– Dixie Marklund, Betty Mathews, Tom & Dianne Mathews, Carla Meyer, Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Carolyn Moyer, Dorothy Ness

14

GREETERS June 2— Tom & Melinda Ferguson June 9– Monty & Carolee Dietmeier June 16– Gina Bertram & Doris Last June 23– Jane Lehman & Betty Mathews June 30—Arnold & Mary Eder

WELCOMERS June 2—Bonnie Gennusa & Jill Kuntz June 9—Edee Rosenstiel & Marg Criddle June 16– Joyce Bloyer & Holly Edler June 23— Eleanor Chance, Mavis Clark June 30—Ben & Lucile Lee

NURSERY June 2 – Amy Doll June 9 –Priewe Family June 16—Newkirks June 23– Marla Kreeger June 30—Bonnie Gennusa

15

USHERS 6/2 - Tim, Colin & Kristi Ebbers, Dennis Manus, Jim Drew 6/9 - John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus, Mike Smith, Tom Priewe 6/16 - Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Wes & Joyce Robinson, Ray & Jeri Nieman 6/23 - Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Jeanne Koch, Lyle & Jane Krug, Dana Underhill, Jeanne Koch 6/30—Doris Last, Sharon Simler, Diane Heilman, Clyde & Jeanne Cross

SHUT-INS: The following is a list of people that 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, Nada Scheisser at Liberty Village June Nagel, Joyce Kaiser and Holly Genant at Stephenson Nursing Center 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

16

*************************************************************************

“Yeah, we did it!”

Dear Chancel Choir and Bell Ringers, I want to thank the Chancel Choir for an exciting, fun and ever changing year. The early practices, late rehearsals and many new anthems to learn. Wow! Bell Choir, thank you for trying all the music that I dug up, you were all brave and hard working. Thank you to Carole, Keith and James for filling in for us and to Jean for the new gloves.

Thank you to Colin, Tom, Kara, Hugh and Patty for adding to our music. Can’t say thanks enough.

A special thank you to Marsha and Carole, it goes without saying, we could not have done our music without you. Thanks Mary for directing when I was gone. A special thanks to the Worship Ministry for all the guidance and support. Have a nice summer!

Gina Bertram ************************************************************************* Thank you to the Laycare Givers for your visits and home communion. A special thank you to Jeanne Koch and Doris Last for taking me to Good Friday Services. Deloris Burkhalter ************************************************************************** Dear Members and Friends of St. John UCC, thank you for your gifts to Chicago, United, and Eden Seminaries! Chicago, United and Eden (CUE) Seminaries strengthen our churches by equipping women and men for ordained leadership in the church, by providing quality lay education programs and continuing 17

education for the leaders in our churches. The seminaries bring greater vitality to our churches by providing worship resources, Christian education practices for all ages, and meaningful justice and outreach ministries. Thank you for supporting theological education as a vital part of your ministry. With gratitude, Kiely Todd Roska, Director, CUE Seminaries *************************************************************************

PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR PRAYERS PRAYER CHAIN: Kevin Davis, Layla, Deleanna Atz, Wesley, John Ness, Dan, Terry Nugent DEATH— Jim Fry who passed away on May 14th.

Bob Heilman who passed away on May 19th.

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE 5/5-135 5/12-167 5/19– 160

The deadline for submitting articles in the July tidings is June 11th

18

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 T I 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 5-13-13 Members Present: Tim Ebbers, Deb Hartman, Jane Krug, Shan MacAdam, Dennis Manus, Ulan Price, Joyce Robinson, Marilyn Ruthe Pastor Donnley, ex-officio, Jason Wilson (guest) Opening Prayer: Pastor Donnley April Minutes: Previously approved via email.

Determination of Officers and Ministry Liasons: Officers: President (also Member of Endowment Board)—Tim Ebbers Vice President—Joyce Robinson Secretary—Deb Hartman Treasurer—Ulan Price Ministries: Fellowship—Jane Krug Missions—Dennis Manus Property Management—Shan MacAdam Christian Ed—Marilyn Ruthe Worship—Tim Ebbers Stewardship—Ulan Price Staff Relations—Keith Hinrichs Growth—Deb Hartman

Jason Wilson seeking Member-in-Discernment Status: Jason, who has been accepted at Chicago Theological Seminary, needs a letter of support (or nonsupport) from the Council. This is required for his acceptance as a Member-inDiscernment of the Prairie Association and also will impact scholarship support. To define “Member-in-Discernment”: A member of a United Church of Christ wishing to explore God’s call to ministry, and the potential of that call leading to authorized ministry. The Council members interviewed Jason and have decided by consensus to support him. A letter will be written expressing the support of St. John UCC Council on Jason’s behalf.

Treasurer’s Report: Pastor Donnley clarified some points in the 19

report. The year-to-date amount is significantly below the budgeted amount. Stewardship Ministry will be looking into addressing the issue of membership with zero financial support. It was noted that our utility gas cost is approximately $4000 above what was projected to date. It was mentioned that after the first two weeks of May, as of today, May 13th, the General Fund and Building & Grounds Fund are very low. Marilyn made the motion to accept the report as presented. Joyce 2nd. Discussion, motion carried.

New Staff Secretary: Betty DeMichele will be our new staff secretary. We will be looking into using memorial money to purchase a much needed new desk to provide a more efficient work space.

Pentecost Celebration: Praying for good weather! Costs for Bouncy attractions, Tower Sound and food total $1540. $750 was provided by the Endowment Board. Tim made the motion to request up to $900 from the Janshen Fund (as this qualifies under “religious programs”). Ulan 2nd. Discussion followed, motion carried.

Capital Campaign: As discussed in the March Congregational meeting, we need to form the groups that will do the informational gathering for each of the projects in Phase 2. Letters will be going out by the end of the month to Council and Ministry members requesting they be first to show support for the Capital Campaign.

LGBT Gathering: The Prism Lighthouse Ministry currently has 9 participating members from our church and 19 other people from the community. They will be hosting UnityFest to be held on June will be a presenter and food provided. Two auxiliary police will be present to insure safety of all who attend. The Endowment Board provided $500 in “seed” money and along with an anonymous contribution there will be minimal or no further cost to St. John. They are hoping for 50-75 people in attendance.

Adjournment: Motion to adjourn made by Marilyn, 2nd by Joyce. Adjourned with the Mizpah Benediction.

Respectfully submitted, Deb Hartman Council Secretary 20

June Scripture Readings 01

Psalm 103

17

Hosea 6:1-7:2

02

Exodus 5:22-6:13

18

Hosea 7:3-16

03

Leviticus 16:1-19

19

Hosea 8:1-14

04

Leviticus 16:20-34

20

Hosea 9:1-16

05

2 Samuel 9:1-13

21

Hosea 9:17-10:15

06

1 Kings 17:1-24

22

Hosea 11:1-11

07

2 Kings 5:1-27

23

Hosea 11:12-12:14

08

Joel 2:1-27

24

Hosea 13:1-16

09

Jeremiah 3:1-22

25

Hosea 14:1-9

10

Jeremiah 31:23-40

26

Jonah 1:1-17

11

Jeremiah 33:1-26

27

Jonah 2:1-10

12

Lamentations 3:22-58

28

Jonah 3:1-10

13

Hosea 1:1-21

29

Jonah 4:1-11

14

Hosea 2:2-23

30

Philemon

15

Hosea 3:1-4:10

16

Hosea 4:11-5:15

21

FINANCIAL STATEMENT Beginning Balance January 1, 2013

$3,920.91

05/01 General Fund Beginning Balance 05/06

GF Income

$6,519.11

05/13

GF Income

$4,650.00

05/20

GF Income

$2,787.36

$10,305.82

Less 05/20

GF Payroll & Compensation

$10,461.35

05/20

GF Other Checks

$ 7,525.96

05/20

GF Current Bills Outstanding

$

05/20

Ending Balance

662.50

$5,612.48

____________________________________________________ Beginning Balance January 1, 2013

$3,248.72

05/01 Building Fund Beginning Balance

$1,533.42

05/01

BD Income

$259.00

05/13

BD Income

$555.00

05/20

BD Income

$218.00

Less 05/20

BD checks

$1.722.00

05/20 Ending Balance

$843.42

____________________________________________________

22

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Fellowship Ministry will be taking donations on June 9th after the service for this years Relay for Life, June 14-15th.

VBS—JULY 21-25 AT TRINITY UM

ICE CREAM SOCIAL AUGUST 7, 4-7PM

LITTLE CUBS FIELD AUGUST 11, 11-1PM

23

24