May 2015
An Open and Affirming Congregation
INTERIM TRANSITIONAL CONGREGATIONAL GATHERINGS Sundays, May 3 & 17 Following morning worship
CELEBRATE PENTECOST SUNDAY on May 24 After the 50 days of Easter we celebrate Pentecost, the day of the Holy Spirit!
SUNDAY, MAY 3 LEADERSHIP and DECISION MAKING Who is the leader of a congregation? Is it the pastor or the chair of the Church Council? How is leadership shared and how are decisions made? Every church answers these questions differently and every church has a culture, a style of its own. The understanding of leadership is changing and shifting in congregations today. We will discuss new trends and explore where we are and where we want to be as we prepare for new settled ministry.
Pentecost is not a popular celebration for many, yet it is central to our faith, as the day of the Spirit and the birthday of the Church! God is born to us at Christmas in bodily form, on Pentecost God is born to us in spirit form. The Spirit has traditionally been the feminine side of God, the mysterious presence, the spark that lives in each human heart and the energy that lives in community, the Church. The Spirit also seems to be the mystical side of God as she is depicted as dove and fire, wind and breath, energy and power, and more. Join us to celebrate the “birth” of the Holy Spirit.
SUNDAY, MAY 17 GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE Governance and ministry are joined inextricably, states Dan Hotchkiss in his book Go vernance and Ministry. Without a functional and efficient structure—committees, administration and decision making, the mission and ministry of a congregation flounders. Today congregations are embracing new ways of structuring their committees and ministries. Much effort is given to discerning people’s gifts and nurturing them for leadership. Opportunities to inspire and create are sought so that committees do not only manage but also innovate. Join us to discuss and share and learn, and be part of the process.
WEDNESDAYS AT 6 PM Losing Weight and pursuing a healthy lifestyle can be very challenging on your own. Our support group will gather once a week on Wednesday at 6pm. This group is a Ministry of St. John UCC and will be provided at no cost. We will have a scale available for those who wish to weigh in privately. Our goal is to provide a place of encouragement and support for those ready to take the first steps towards health and wellness. 1
Looking ahead VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL July 19-23 • 6-8 pm First United Methodist Church
STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH OFFERING Pentecost Sunday, May 24 Strengthen The Church (STC) is a special mission offering to reimagine and build the future of the UCC. Shared at the conference and national levels, STC largely supports youth ministries and full-time leaders for new churches in parts of the country where the UCC voice has not been heard. As God calls UCC congregations to be the "church" in new ways, your generosity will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches and develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults. STC funds will also be used to award grants to help congregations communicate the "God is still speaking," message. Thanks in advance for your generosity.
RED CAN SUNDAY May 3
FOOD FOR FACC
We will be receiving monetary gifts on the first Sunday of the month, May 3 for the FACC, Freeport Area Church Cooperative, emergency fund.
In May, we will be collecting Mac & Cheese for Freeport Area Church Cooperative.
$198.00 was collected in April. THANK YOU and THANK YOU for your generosity!
If you are looking ahead for sales, in June we will be collecting 250 cans of fruit. Thank you!
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The tulip long lying hidden suddenly springing forth making beauty out of sunlight like spring speaking to the day about the goodness of the earth, patterning green on every plain like tickle of raindrops smoothing earth’s rough edges, healing hardened hillsides
like all these quiet miracles so is the coming of Spirit telling of the surge of life urging me to gaze again upon my very common days, to look within and be amazed. Joyce Rupp
ANNUAL CELEBRATION JUNE 5-6 will be held at Embassy Suites Conference Center in East Peoria. Interested? Please speak to Pastor Nayiri.
OPEN AND AFFIRMING MINISTRY PRISM LIGHTHOUSE 3rd Monday of the Month • 6:30pm The LGBTQ support group will gather next on Monday, May 18.
HELIX Honor, Engage, Listen, Include, eXample
This is a group for teens and adults that are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, or those Questioning their sexual identity.
MIDDLE School Tuesdays (5th and 6th graders) 3-5 pm Thursdays (7th and 8th graders) 3-5 pm
This is also a safe group for allies, friends, and family of the LGBTQ community. Childcare is provided.
SENIOR HIGH Sundays (9th thru 12th graders) 6-8 pm
C.A.T.S—CAREGIVERS AND TODDLERS Tuesdays, 10:00-11:00am 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 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 MUSIC MINISTRY S.O.S. BELL CHOIR & CHANCEL CHOIR Rehearsals are Thursday evenings Rehearsal is on Thursday nights for S.O.S., Sound of Spirit, Bell Choir, & Chancel Choir. S.O.S. rehearsal is at 5:30 pm, Bell Choir at 6:30 pm, and Chancel Choir at 7:15 pm. Choir & Bell practices will end on May 14 and resume the end of August. If you enjoy singing and would like to participate please contact Gina Bertram, Choir Director.
ADULT SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT LOF CLASS Sundays, 10:30—11:30am The LOF class, (Learning Our Faith), is discussing the popular book The Shack . Anyone who has previously read the book, but never had the opportunity to participate in a class discussion would really get a lot out of this experience. Anyone who has never read the book but has an interest in reading it would also like this class! Anyone who has read the book and already discussed it would probably get a lot of new insights into the book by coming. ALL of you are welcome to join us in the LOF classroom.
BIBLE STUDY Wednesdays, 9am • Chapel Hearth Room We are discussing the book The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, & A Jew by Suzanne Oliver, Ranya Idliby, & Priscilla Warner. All are welcome to join us! 3
CARD CLUB 1st Monday of the month • 1pm We meet in Chapel Hearth Room. Our next gathering is scheduled on Monday, May 4.
MEN’S GROUP 1st Saturday of the month • 8am
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. Some discussion is serious and some is not so serious and much of it is peppered with laughter. Our next meeting is May 2nd. 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 June Tidings on May 21.
MAY BIRTHDAYS 5/2 Fiona Hughes 5/5 Steve Jennings, Beth Winter 5/6 Judy Garkey, Herbert Divan 5/7 Mark Winter 5/8 Jaden Mittelsteadt 5/10 Angela Newkirk 5/11 Dennis Garkey 5/12 Lois Walz 5/12 Natalie Stowe, Nathan Nieman 5/13 Larry Frazee 5/14 Sue Valkema 5/15 Katelyn Copus 5/16 Lois Aurand, Lisa Condie, Ronnie Clock, Lynn Zimmerman, 5/18 Norma Fluechtling, Xander Newkirk, Makayla Cole 5/19 Vivian Pals, 5/20 Dylan Kuntz 5/22 Tom Koch 5/23 Carole Bertram, Sarah Knapp, Mary Frazee 5/27 Lisa Ebbers 5/28 Kathleen Koch, Lannie Lehman 5/30 Amanda Bertram
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MAY ANNIVERSARIES 05/10 05/12 05/17 05/17 05/28 05/29
Brian & Kim Evans Joe & Alyson Sheppard Larry & Lana Kuntz Dave & Olivia Shaffer Cal & Janet Cummins Phil & Barb Copus
There are two types of seeds in the mind: those that create anger, fear, frustration, jealousy, hatred and those that create love, compassion, equanimity and joy. Spirituality is germination and sprouting of the second group and transforming the first group. —Amit Ray 4
MAY SCRIPTURE READINGS 01
1 Corinthians 12:1-31 17
OUR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
Ezekiel 1:1-28
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1 Corinthians 14:1-40 18
Ezekiel 2:1-10
03
1 Corinthians 15:1-11 19
Ezekiel 3:1-27
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.
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1 Corinthians 15:1234
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Ezekiel 34:1-31
Oakley Courts: Deloris Burkhalter, John & Betty Heiden
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1 Corinthians 15:3558
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Ezekiel 36:1-38
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Romans 8:1-17
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Ezekiel 37:1-28
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Romans 8:18-39
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Joel 2:28-3:21
Stephenson Nursing Center: June Nagel, Lois Walz
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Romans 12:1-21
24
Acts 2:1-13
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2 Corinthians 1:1-11
25
Acts 2:14-47
Presence-St. Joseph: Katherene Benson, Kathryn Cramer, Herbert Divan
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2 Corinthians 2:123:18
26
Galatians 1:1-24
11
2 Corinthians 4:1-15
27
Galatians 2:1-21
12
2 Corinthians 4:165:10
28
Galatians 3:1-29
In their homes: Esther Dickman, Shirley Durrstein, Karen Salter, Vivian Pals, & Harold Reints PLEASE PRAY FOR: Gary Jacobs, Amanda, Patrick Eycalis
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2 Corinthians 5:11-21 29
Galatians 4:1-31
14
Acts 1:1-26
30
Galatians 5:1-26
15
John 15:18-16.4a
31
Galatians 6:1-18
16
John 16.4b-33
Parkview: Claire Biesemeier, Eunice Hildebrandt, Ardath Lei, Dorothy Miller, and Laura Uthlaut
Kewanee Provena: Evelyn Dworak
HOSPITILIZED: Carol Ahrens
There is a light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter. We sometimes lose sight of this force when there is suffering, too much pain. Then suddenly, the spirit
The deadline for submitting articles for
will emerge through the lives of ordinary
the June Tidings is May 12
people who hear a call and answer in extraordinary ways. ― Mother Teresa 5
SERVING IN USHERS 5-03 Tim, Colin, & Kristi Ebbers, Jim Drew, Dennis Manus 5-10 John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus 5-17 Ray & Jeri Nieman, Joyce Robinson,
Tom & Melinda Ferguson 5-24 Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Lyle & Jane Krug, Jeanne Koch 5-31 Clyde & Jeanne Cross, Diane Heilman, Sharon Simler GREETERS 5-03 Don & Ronnie Clock 5-10 Marilyn Ruthe & Marge Criddle 5-17 Carl & Ellen Roderick
5-24 Jane Lehman & Betty Mathews 5-31 Shawn Killingbeck & David Crowell WELCOMERS 5-03 Ray & Jeri Nieman 5-10 Carol Ahrens & Shirley Ifert 5-17 Ben & Lucille Lee 5-24 Mary Frazee & Jeanne Koch 5-31 Stan & Carol Smith NURSERY CHILDCARE 5-03 Olivia Shaffer 5-10 Carla Meyer 5-17 Jill & Logan Kuntz 5-24 Marla Kreeger
MAY
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. MAY COFFEE HOUR FELLOWSHIP 5-03 Donna Ruthe, Marilyn Ruthe, Floyd & Vivian Schlickman, Jerry & Pat Schneiderman, Steve & Lisa Schubert, Deb Scott, Sybil Scovill 5-10 Olivia Shaffer, Sharon Simler, Mike Simler, Mike Smith, Stan & Carol Smith, Seth & Katrina Spangler, David & Mary Spencer 5-17 Steve & Vicki Spyrison, Jackie Stewart, Roger & Deb Swanlund, Dave & Dana Underhill, Glenn & Marilyn Underwood, Don & Norma Valkema, Quentin Valkema 5-24 Jeff & Sally Wagner, Roger Watson, Jerry & Jackie Watson, Patty Weik, Dan & Pam Wessel, Jean Wurtzel, Lynn Zimmerman 5-31 Carol Ahrens, Terry & Deleana Atz, Wayne Bahn, Alex & Nicole Bertram, Carole Bertram, Gina Bertram, Greg & Anita Bicksler
5-31 Dale & Tom Priewe
However little you may be, you can always be a giant by helping others! ― Mehmet Murat ildan 6
APRIL WORSHIP ATTENDANCE 4/05—185 4/12—165 4/19— 138
CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS April 13, 2015 Check-in and opening prayer: Members took a moment to “check-in” on their day. March minutes: Previously approved via email. Congregational Gathering: There will be a congregational gathering April 19 following morning service. We will examine our mission statement and what we currently have listed as our core values. We will discuss if these are still true for us in these days and what we feel is the job of the church. Recent Congregational meeting: Discussed the comments, statements and questions that arose at the meeting and how to educate and clarify our position, needs and process during this interim period.
Administrative Assistant position: The position, its duties and responsibilities, as it exists and how it might need to change to address changing requirements was discussed. Council also discussed what the hours, salary and potential candidates needs might be. Staff Relations Ministry will begin working with Hughes Resources to fill this position. We will also recommend that Staff Relations begin looking at filling the custodial position at the same time. Financial Report: There was no financial report. Other Business: The choir submitted a proposal to purchase a new keyboard. The keyboard that is in the choir room is old, does not work and there are no longer parts available to repair it. It would be advantageous to have a keyboard that is portable for events outside the sanctuary. The highest quote for replacing this instrument came in at $1300. Kirsten made the motion to take money from the appropriate memorial fund along with money in the choir’s budget and donations from individuals, as needed, to purchase a new keyboard. Deb Scott seconded. Motion carried. Adjournment: Adjourned with the Mizpah Benediction. Respectfully submitted, Deb Rockey Council Secretary
To my St. John Family, Thank you, so much, for allowing me to rent the nursery, so that I could continue my pediatric Occupational Therapy Practice, during this transitional time. “My families” have been impressed by our church facilities and also appreciate your “opening” the nursery so we could continue to work. A special thanks to Pam for dealing with my crazy schedule. A very, very, special thank you to Stan Smith for keeping the nursery spotless and taking care of all the trash. I began my new adventure, in my new facility, March 2nd. Thank you again, Martha Cowan
Dear St. John: To all of you who helped and also furnished food for the luncheon for Margaret, we want to thank each and everyone of you. It was greatly appreciated. Paul Bertram & family Dear St. John: Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and cards during my recent surgery. My recovery is going good. Sandy Dutcher 7
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING MINUTES March 22, 2015 Call to Order: Tim Ebbers, Council President Annual Reports: Motion made by Paula Rawleigh to receive the 2014 reports as presented. Motion was seconded by David Spencer. Motion carried. Ministry Nominations: This would traditionally be the meeting in which new members would be nominated for ministry positions. Council has been looking at the function and structure of the ministries as they are now. Council is considering “reworking” their form to increase efficiency considering the difficulty in filling empty positions and that it often seems a case of “recycling” members from one ministry to another. This interim time seems appropriate for restructuring. Vicki MacAdam made the motion to freeze ministry terms (for those who are willing) until September to allow time for this process to be completed. Bill Condie seconded. Motion carried. Interim Timeline: Pastor Nayiri has put together a suggestion of dates to gather as a congregation following Sunday service to work through the process of preparing for a full time pastor search. We will be re-evaluating our vision statement to determine if it accurately reflects where we are now. A church profile will be written and search committee will be formed with the hope of being ready to begin advertising the position in September. The church profile is a congregational-based process and needs to be comprehensive, and, as a result, takes time. The church functions, such as ministries, will continue to do their work as usual while this process in progress. Once the process begins the interim pastor acts as a resource but is not involved in the actual workings as they are confidential to the search committee. They can share their progress but not the content (such as names, etc.). This assures that “discernment” will not be compromised. Anyone interested in looking at UCC employment opportunities, to see what competition we might have, can go to their website. Churches that have pastoral positions open will be listed there. Mike Smith made a motion to set a cap on the total compensation package for the full-time pastor at $85,000. Discussion followed. Mary Spencer made the motion to table this for the time being until due diligence and the process evolves as we move forward. Judy Garkey seconded. Motion to table was carried. Adjournment: Meeting was adj ourned by consensus. Respectfully submitted, Deb Rockey, Council Secretary
Dear St. John: Thank you for helping us potentially save lives in your community. It is because of your generosity that Life Line Screening continues to be able to bring these health screenings into your area and for that, we are very appreciative. We look forward to working together again! We appreciate all your help and support with hosting this community outreach event. Sincerely, Candice Daniels Life Line Screening
To my dear friends at St. John's, Words cannot express the gratitude I feel for the outpouring of love after my latest surgery. Thank you to all who called, visited, brought meals, provided transportation, prayed, emailed, face booked or otherwise let me know they were thinking of me. You are all such a blessing. Peace and love. Carol Ahrens 8
St. John UCC Sunday
May 2015
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
Saturday
2 8:00 am Men's Group
3 9:00 am 9:00 am 9:20 am 10:15 am
6:00 pm
FACC Red
4
Can Sunday 1:00 pm Cards Communion 2:00 pm Staff meeting Worship Kids Worship Congregational Gathering & Brunch Sr. High Helix
10
11
5
6
7
9:00 am 9:00 am 10:00 am 3:00 pm
Bridge Ping Pong CATS Helix (5th6th) 6:00 pm CSA#839 6:15 pm Audubon Meeting 6:30 pm Fellowship
9:00 am Bible Study 9:00 am TOPS 6:00 pm Health & Wellness
9:00 am Resource Group 3:00 pm Helix (7th & 8th) 5:30 pm SOS 6:30 pm Bells 7:00 pm BSA #4 7:15 pm Choir
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13
14
9:00 am Worship 2:00 pm Staff meeting 9:20 am Kids Worship 6:30 pm Council MTG 9:00 am 6:00 pm Sr. High Helix 9:00 am 10:00 am 3:00 pm
Deadline Bridge Ping Pong CATS Helix (5th6th) 5:00 pm Worship Ministry 6::45 Audubon Board Mtg. 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
9:00 am Resource Group 3:00 pm HELIX (7th & 8th) 5:30 pm SOS 6:00 pm Stewardship 6:30 pm Bells 7:00 pm BSA #4 7:15 pm Choir
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19
20
21
9:00 am Worship 2:00 pm Staff meeting 9:20 am Kids Worship 6:30 pm LGBTQ Sup10:15 am Congregational port Gathering & Brunch 6:00 pm Sr. High Helix
9:00 am 9:00 am 10:00 am 3:00 pm
Bridge Ping Pong CATS Helix (5th6th) 6:00 pm Dinner FACC homeless shelter 6:30 pm CSA Leader meeting
9:00 am Bible Study 9:00 am Resource 9:00 am TOPS Group 6:00 pm Health & 3:00 pm HELIX (7th & Wellness 8th) 6:00 pm Property Mgt. 5:30 pm SOS 7:00 pm BSA #4
24
26
27
28
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 3:00 pm HELIX (7th & 8th) 5:30 pm SOS 7:00 pm BSA #4
18
Pentecost
25
Memorial
Sunday Day Strengthen the Church Office closed offering 9:00 am Worship 9:20 am Kids Worship 6:00 pm Sr. High Helix
31
Tidings
Bridge Ping Pong CATS Helix (5th6th) 6:00 pm CSA#839
Birthday Bank
9:00 am Worship 9:20 am Kids Worship 6:00 pm Sr. High Helix
9
8
9
15
16
22
23 10am Gross Food Feud Helix Event
29
30
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
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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