June newsletter 2015 by Kevin Eckert

June 2015

An Open and Affirming Congregation

INTERIM TRANSITIONAL CONGREGATIONAL GATHERING Sunday, June 14 Following morning worship One of the tasks of a congregation searching for a settled pastor is to compile a Church Profile. The profile tells candidates that are interested in the positon about our congregation—history, vision, congregational statistics, hope and wishes for the future and more. On June 14 we will discuss as we gather information and answer some of the questions in the Church Profile. Everyone’s input is valued. Please join us! GRADUATE RECOGNITION Sunday, June 7 During morning worship

CHURCH PICNIC IN THE PARK Sunday, June 28 • 11 AM Everyone is invited to the POTLUCK picnic in the park on June 28 after worship in the church. Meet us in the Shelter by the playground on Flagstaff Hill in Krape Park. Bring a dish to share and your own table service. Beverage will be provided. We will conclude in time for you to attend the Dairy Day parade if you so wish. Please sign up on the bulletin board so we have a

If you are graduating or know of someone in our church who is, please let us, the church office know. We would like to celebrate with you and give thanks for you, even as we wish you well on the next steps of your BABY BOTTLES FOR FREEPORT PREGNANCY CENTER 

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CONTINUES ON WEDNESDAYS AT 6 PM Our goal is to provide a place of encouragement and support.

You may have already picked up a baby bottle as a reminder to pray for the Freeport Pregnancy Center and the families it serves, and to put your pocket change, currency, or checks in it as an offering to help those families. Please remember to bring the baby bottle back with you on Sunday, June 21, Father’s Day. The bottle and your offering will be given to the Freeport Pregnancy Center

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS Deadline for Applications • Sunday, July 19 We at St John’s UCC are blessed with the generosity of many of our members and friends who have given toward a college scholarship fund. The funds come from 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. 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 from the church office. Once completed, the applications, should be returned to the church office in an envelope marked “College Scholarship”. Applicants will need to submit also an acceptance letter or fall schedule from the school they intend to attend. The deadline for application is July 19th.. Questions? Call the church office. HELIX YOUTH MINISTRY IN JUNE MATINEE, CAMPING AND MORE...

Looking ahead VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL July 19-23 • 6-8 pm First United Methodist Church

FOOD FOR FACC RED CAN SUNDAY June 7 We will be receiving monetary gifts on the first Sunday of the month, June 7 for the FACC, Freeport Area Church Cooperative, emergency fund. $353.00 was collected in May. THANK YOU and THANK YOU for your generosity!

Starting in June our weekly Helix Ministries will combine for the summer. We will have a combined Helix meeting weekly on Tuesdays from 3-5pm for kids going into 5th grade through 12th grade. I will be contacting the youth throughout the summer with special service project opportunities.

In June, we will be collecting 250 cans of fruit for Freeport Area Church Cooperative.

On June 12th I will begin our Summer Matinee Meet Up. Once a month through the summer I will meet up with the youth for a Matinee at the Lindo. We will be seeing Jurassic World this month.

If you are looking ahead for sales, in July we will be collecting 250 jars of peanut butter.

We will also be going on our annual overnight camping trip on June 18-19. We will have our Helix Youth meet us at Lake Le-Aqua-na at 4pm, in the Pine Ridge Campground Sites 20-24. They will set up their camping gear and prepare for a wonderful evening of retreat. Food and camping fees are provided.

THANK YOU! 2

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. On the third Tuesday of the month. during the summer, we will gather at Krape Park near the merry-go-round. Bring your friends, all are welcome. Find us on Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/CATSPlayGroup?fref=ts

HELIX Honor, Engage, Listen, Include, eXample Summer Schedule Starting in June, our weekly Helix Ministries will combine, meeting on Tuesdays 3-5 pm,

OPEN AND AFFIRMING MINISTRY PRISM LIGHTHOUSE 3rd Monday of the Month • 6:30pm The LGBTQ support group will gather next on Monday, June 15. 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. BIBLE STUDY Wednesdays, 9am Chapel Hearth Room Continues to discuss The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, & A Jew by Suzanne Oliver, Ranya Idliby, & Priscilla Warner. All are welcome to join us!

ADULT SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT LOF CLASS Sundays, 10:30—11:30am The LOF class, (Learning Our Faith), will continues to discuss the popular book The Shack in June. Anyone who has previously read the book, anyone who has never read the book, anyone who has read the book and already discussed it would probably get a lot of new insights into the book by coming. ALL are welcome to join us in the LOF classroom.

I don't think that God says, "Go to church and pray all day and everything will be fine." No. For me God says, "Go out and make the changes that need to be made, and I'll be there to help you. ― Elvia Alvarado 3

MEN’S GROUP 1st Saturday of the month • 8am

CARD CLUB 1st Monday of the month • 1pm We meet in Chapel Hearth Room. Our next gathering is scheduled on Monday, June 1.

We gather on the first Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. for about an hour and half. It’s coffee, donuts, and an early jump on the day. We have freewheeling conversations from what’s in the news to what’s new at church. We have some serious discussion and some not so serious. At our June 6 meeting, we will talk about fracking, earthquakes, environmental hazards and the like with the guidance of our in-resident geologist, Dave Rockey. If you would like to know more about the group, talk to Hugh Knapp, Jim Drew, Jack Fox, Stan Smith, Don Franz, or Dave Rockey.

PING PONG Tuesdays, 9am • Fellowship Hall We meet every Tuesday at 9 am in Fellowship Hall. We would love to have more men & women join in on the fun! RESOURCE GROUP Thursdays, 9am Join us on Thursdays at 9 am for coffee, treats, friendship, and volunteer work! We will assemble the July Tidings on June 25. JUNE BIRTHDAYS 06-01 Tom Priewe 06-02 Andy Fruth 06-03 Lorraine McMurray, William Wagner 06-04 Lawrence Nieman, Norma Parriott, Dwight Peterson 06-05 Owen Queckboerner 06-06 Kya Eckert 06-08 Donna Klapp 06-09 Jackie Watson 06-11 Paula Rawleigh, Steve Monte, Shaun Rice 06-12 Melinda Ferguson 06-17 Zael Klapp, Jeanne Koch, Justin Mapes, Steve Schubert 06-18 Marsha Boll, Laurie Ditsworth 06-19 June Nagel, Wesley Robinson 06-20 Don Clock, Doris Last 06-22 Jane Lehman, Ardath Lei 06-23 Diane Peterson 06-25 Averie NewKirk 06-26 Earl Marsh 06-27 Steve Hartman 06-28 Gwen Drew, Trystan Layton, Edith Rosenstiel 06-29 Cheryl Peck 06-30 Mavis Clark, Mary Spencer

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES 06-02 Jim & Sharon Summers 06-04 Ben & Lucille Lee 06-05 Ryan & Anna Yarzak 06-07 Jack & Marjorie Criddle, Lyle & Jane Krug, Samuel & Sara Lawton 06-09 Patrick & Christine Busker, Dan & Amy Stowe 06-10 Jack & Diana Fox 06-11 Greg & Anita Bicksler 06-12 Donnley & Sandy Dutcher 06-17 Zael & Donna Klapp 06-18 Tom & Dianne Mathews 06-19 Don & Norma Valkema 06-22 Ray & Dorothy Ditsworth, Jon & Karen Roemer 06-24 Kevin & Kirsten Eckert 06-27 Stanley & Sylvia Bomgarden, Dwight & Diane Peterson 4

JUNE SCRIPTURE READINGS

OUR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

Hosea 1:1-2.1

Isaiah 51:1-23

Hosea 2:2-23

Isaiah 52:1-12

Hosea 11:1-11

Isaiah 54:1-17

Hosea 14:1-9

Isaiah 55:1-13

Oakley Courts: Deloris Burkhalter, John & Betty Heiden

Joel 2:1-27

Isaiah 56:1-12

Amos 9:1-15

Isaiah 57:1-21

Parkview: Claire Biesemeier, Ardath Lei, Dorothy Miller, and Laura Uthlaut

Zephaniah 3:1-20

Isaiah 58:1-14

Stephenson Nursing Center: June Nagel, Lois Walz

Haggai 1: 1-15

Isaiah 59:1-21

Haggai 2:1-23

Isaiah 60:1-22

Zechariah 1:1-21

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.

Presence-St. Joseph: Katherene Benson, Kathryn Cramer, Herbert Divan Kewanee Provena: Evelyn Dworak

Isaiah 61:1-11

In their homes: Esther Dickman, Shirley Durrstein, Karen Salter, Vivian Pals, & Harold Reints

Zechariah 2:1-13

Isaiah 62:1-12

Zechariah 3:1-10

Isaiah 65:17-25

Zechariah 4:1-10

Jeremiah 30:1-24

Zechariah 8:1-23

Lamentations 3:1-58

Zechariah 9:1-17

Zechariah 10:1-12

PLEASE PRAY FOR: Mason, LaVonne Chamberlin, Betty Remmers, Raymond Breshock, Ruth Rockey

“I want to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude, of groundedness, of enough, even while I’m longing for something more. The longing and the gratitude, both. I’m practicing believing that God knows more than I know, that he sees what I can’t, that he’s weaving a future I can’t even imagine from where I sit this morning. ― Shauna Niequist

The deadline for submitting articles for the July Tidings is June 9

SERVING IN

JUNE COFFEE HOUR

USHERS

During the summer months we will have coffee hour on the 1st Sunday of the month only.

6-07 Tim, Colin, & Kristi Ebbers, Jim Drew, Dennis Manus 6-14 John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus 6-21 Ray & Jeri Nieman, Joyce Robinson, Tom & Melinda Ferguson 6-28 Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Jeanne Koch

JUNE

Resource Group will set-up & cleanup for June 6-07—Joyce Bloyer, Ken & Dolly Boland, Marsha Boll, Stan & Sylvia Bomgarden, Thompson Brandt, Patrick & Christine Busker, Betty Carpenter

GREETERS 6-07 Roger & Deb Swanlund 6-14 Dana Underhill & Betty Carpenter 6-21 Regina Bertram & Doris Last 6-28 Clyde & Jeanne Cross WELCOMERS 6-07 Joyce Bloyer & Holly Edler 6-14 Edith Rosenstiel & Bonnie Gennusa 6-21 Tim & Lisa Ebbers 6-28 Rosie Cosgrove & Ruth Olson NURSERY CHILDCARE 6-07 Jill & Logan Kuntz

Thank you for your support of Chicago, United, and Eden Seminaries! Your gifts empower students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to be transformational religious leaders in a complex world. Thank you for your generous support of the UCC’s emerging leaders as they respond to their call to follow God, to do ministry in our congregations and to make the world a better place for all to live. With gratitude, Kiely Todd Roska Director, CUE Seminaries

6-14 Carla Meyer 6-21 Olivia Shaffer 6-28 Dale & Jacob Priewe

APRIL WORSHIP ATTENDANCE 5/03—150 5/10— 170 5/17— 150

I wish to thank my friends at St. John’s for the phone calls and cards, both for my birthday and prayers for my recovery. I especially thank Rev. Nayiri for visiting me at P.A. Petersons Villa in Rockford. All was very much appreciated. Audrey Gianquinto I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy. — Kahlil Gibran 6

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS May 11, 2015 Members present: Tim Ebbers, President, Judy Garkey, Shelly Griswold, Jane Krug, Shan MacAdam, Dennis Manus, Ulan Price, Deb Rockey, Deb Scott, Patty Weik, Pastor Nayiri ex-officio. Checking in: Members took a few moments to check in. Prayer: Pastor Nayiri. Mission and Vision Statements: As a follow-up to the recent congregational meetings, Council discussed creating a vision statement and possibly reworking the mission statement. We will select 3 people to work together to create these using the tally of meaningful words that came from these meetings. Council was also encouraged to submit any suggestions as they are moved to do so. The distinction between “vision” and “mission” is that “vision” is a picture of what we strive for at St. John and “mission” is what we do to get there. One noted suggestion from Pastor Nayiri was to try to find a substitute for “welcome” as this word seems to be used widely in many different contexts and loses its meaningfulness. Governance and Structure: We discussed event focused participation in which members are participating in a ministry as needed, doing specific tasks for specific events. This may eliminate some of the hesitation to commit to a long-term of service while providing the hands on needs of that particular project. Stewardship: Council discussed the purpose and function of this ministry. To be an effective church we need to portray our priorities via our mission and vision rather than budget. Looking at how the church budgets its resources gives a sense of the church’s priorities. Culturing a spirit of giving and being financially accurate are equally important in the work of this ministry. It was suggested that there be a brainstorming meeting to resolve how to find a balance of cultivating a spirit of giving while being responsible financially. We also discussed a new direction that some churches are taking in environmental justice (essentially being “green”). This would include online giving, online Tidings and any other communications traditionally sent via snail mail. Educational Series: Pastor Nayiri is planning an informational series later in this year on other religions, such as Islam, Judaism, etc. This would be open to the community as well. Unity Fest: The date for Unity Fest has been rescheduled for September 19. Financial Report: Council appreciated the new format of the report making it much easier to read. Thanks, Pam! Report approved as presented by consensus. Administrative Assistant: We reviewed the skills and job requirements of an administrative assistant. We also discussed the use of effective technology to improve communications within the congregation. It was suggested that we approach Highland College for possible candidates for this position. Adjournment: Adjourned with the Mizpah Benediction. Respectfully submitted, Deb Rockey Council Secretary 7

2015 APRIL MONTH-END and YTD RESULTS:

TOTAL INCOME TOTAL EXPENSES NET INCOME / (LOSS)

APRIL 2015 $21,681.96 $23,167.46 ($1,485.50)

YTD 2015 $89,069.88 $89,437.18 ($367.30)

$22,792.33 $23,167.46 ($375.13)

$91,169.33 $89,437.18 $1,732.15

BUDGETED EXPENSES EXPENSES TO DATE FAVORABLE / (UNFAVORABLE)

Above does not include Janshen Fund

COME, HOLY SPIRIT Help me replace the busyness of my life with a simpler lifestyle, so I will focus on “deeper things” in life and allow time for others . Nourish my yearning to understand and appreciate myself; keep me from being too self-oriented and unmindful of other’s needs. Fill me with trust in your consoling presence. Calm me when I am anxious and troubled about many things. Help me to have courage to empty myself of everything that does not contribute to the transformation of this world. Continue to create deep hunger for you within me. Feed me with “the finest wheat” of your joy, peace and love. Often replenish my weary spirit with an enthusiasm and energy that comes from surrendering my life to you. Be my wisdom as I search for meaning in a world fraught with pain, suffering, hostility, and division. Keep me hungry for you, Source of Life, so that I will always ache and yearn a bit for you. —Joyce Rupp 8

St. John UCC Sunday

June 2015

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Bridge Ping Pong CATS Helix (5th12th) 6:00 pm CSA#839 6:30 pm Fellowship

9:00 am Bible Study 9:00 am TOPS 6:00 pm Health & Wellness

9:00 am Resource Group 5:30 pm SOS 7:00 pm BSA #4

Can Sunday 1:00 pm Staff meeting Deadline 9:00 am Communion 6:30 pm Choral 9:00 am Bridge 9:00 am Worship Society 9:00 am Ping Pong 9:20 am Kids Worship 6:30 pm Council MTG 10:00 am CATS 3:00 pm Helix (5th12th) 5:00 pm Worship Ministry 6:30 pm Camera Club

9:00 am Bible Study 9:00 am TOPS 6:00 pm Boy Scout leader 6:00 pm Health & Wellness

Helix Matinee 9:00 am Resource Group 5:30 pm SOS 6:00 pm Stewardship 6:30 pm Bells 7:00 pm BSA #4 7:15 pm Choir

9:00 am Worship 1:00 pm Staff meeting 9:20 am Kids Worship 6:30 pm Choral 10:15 am Society Congregational 6:30 pm LGBTQ Gathering Support

9:00 am 9:00 am 10:00 am 3:00 pm

Bridge Ping Pong CATS Helix (5th12th) 6:30 pm CSA Leader meeting

9:00 am Bible Study 9:00 am TOPS 6:00 pm Health & Wellness 6:00 pm Property Mgt.

Helix Camping 9:00 am Resource Group 5:30 pm SOS 6:30 pm Bells 7:00 pm BSA #4 7:15 pm Choir

Helix Camping

9:00 am Worship 1:00 pm Staff meeting 9:20 am Kids Worship 6:00 pm Missions/ Growth ministry 6:30 pm Choral Society

9:00 am 9:00 am 10:00 am 3:00 pm

9:00 am Bible Study 9:00 am TOPS 6:00 pm Health & Wellness

9:00 am Resource Group 5:30 pm SOS 7:00 pm BSA #4

1:00 pm Memorial Reception Mogles

1:00 pm Cards 9:00 am 1:00 pm Staff meeting 9:00 am 10:00 am 3:00 pm

FACC Red

Birthday

Bank 1:00 pm Staff meeting 9:00 am Worship 6:30 pm Choral 9:20 am Kids Worship Society 11:00 am Picnic in the Park

Tidings

Bridge Ping Pong CATS Helix (5th12th) 6:00 pm CSA#839

9:00 am 9:00 am 10:00 am 3:00 pm

Bridge Ping Pong CATS Helix (5th12th)

Saturday

6 IL Conference Annual Meeting, East Peoria IL 8:00 am Men's Group

am rum 10:30

hip 9:20 am

rs • Kids Wo m a 9 ip h ors Sunday W

Fo r Faith and u O g in n r • Lea

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 & Savanna Mueller, Madison Riddell Ministry of Church Life and Membership: Pam Wessel pamstjohn@comcast.net Choir Director: Gina Bertram Organist: Carole Bertram 10

OUR MISSION STATEMENT Bringing the Healing Love of Christ To Our Community for the Glory of God. OFFICE HOURS Monday– Friday 8:30am—12:30pm & 1:00pm—4:00pm Church office (815) 235-2824 E-Mail: stjohn@comcast.net www.stjohnuccfreeport.org www.facebook.com/stjohnuccfreeport AN OPEN AND AFFIRMING CONGREGATION