November tidings 2014

Sunday Worship 9:00 am Sunday Worship9:20 9:00 am Kids Worship am Totenfest November 2 Kids Worship 9:20 am Daylight Savings Ends November 2 Don’t forget to set your clocks back

Holiday Cookie Walk November 22 Hanging of the Greens Our Mission Statement: November 29 “Bringing the Healing Love of Christ Our Mission Statement: To Our Community for “Bringing the Healing Love of Christ of God”for Tothe OurGlory Community the Glory of God”

September 2014 November 2014

Vol.121 119 Vol.

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, Christine Busker & Savanna Mueller Ministry of Church Life & Membership…......Pam Wessel Staff secretary…………….…………………….jody akins Choir Director…………………….……….....Gina Bertram Organists………………………..….…..….Carole Bertram

OFFICE HOURS Monday– Friday...…8:30 am—12:30 pm & 1:00 pm—4:00 pm

Church (815) 235-2824

E-Mail: stjohn@comcast.net

www.stjohnuccfreeport.org

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AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME…..

I recently emailed Herb, my only surviving uncle on my dad’s side of the family. I wrote him because my brother and I were named, in part, after a man who worked at my grandfather’s stock yards in Des Moines, when my dad was growing up. The man’s name was Lee Aldridge and, obviously, was very important to my dad, since my brother is Garry Lee and I am, Donnley.

Well, Herb replied, saying, “from what I remember he had the type of personality that he would listen to one’s story and might give some comments. He would have been the only one around the stock yards that would have listened to what comments your dad would make and not be judgmental.”

What a wonderful mentor and friend to my father and such a “polar-opposite” to my grandfather! I imagine my dad spent an untold number of hours talking with Lee. He may have been the first man with whom my dad could talk about anything, as a friend.

Such friends are a gift from God, and have a similarity to the kind of friendship we can have with God. Remember, Jesus said to the disciples (including Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Susanna), “I do not call you servants … but I have called you friends.” (John 15:15) It is also written “that the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” (Exodus 33:11) My prayer pattern, from the moment I received my Call into Ordained Ministry, has been to be so comfortable in God’s presence as to talk candidly with God about anything. I am so convinced of God’s love for us that I have no fear of expressing anything to God. I’ve even gotten so angry at God that I’ve sworn at God. I trust God’s love that much.

I have been blessed to know God as a friend. I have even been blessed to learn how to hear God speaking to me, on occasion.

The significance of this, now, at this time in my life, relates to a concern some members of St. John have expressed to me for when my retirement is fully here. They’ve expressed their concern by saying words to me similar to these: 3

“When you retire, we’re still going to have our church and our friends at St. John; but you won’t have church, and you can’t come back here.” I deeply appreciate their love and concern.

Thank you! But, I need to share with you some words and a meditation I wrote on my recent spiritual retreat. Here they are: “I heard ‘Psalm 139’ in my head… it’s the psalm in which the psalmist says, ‘Where can I hide from Your Spirit? From Your presence where can I flee?’

So often, too often, we associate worshiping God with familiarity familiar people, a familiar setting, familiar songs, familiar prayers, etc. Worship is about bringing ourselves to God, with whomever we happen to be; creating community, entering community; claiming our space in God’s presence wherever we are. God will be The Familiar One! “It will feel strange. It will feel unfamiliar. It will feel awkward. It will feel new; but God will be there; and I will be able to praise God; sing, hear or feel the message of the hymns; offer my prayers; listen to the Word; hear God’s message for me in the message, and know that I are among the people of God, even if I’m not comfortable with some of their understanding of God. God will be there awaiting me and God will feed me.”

In the unfamiliarity that is before us, as we soon part ways as congregation and pastor - and as you welcome new pastoral leadership, both your interim and called pastors - know that God, The Familiar One, will be present awaiting you. In all the unfamiliarity that you may feel, remember you are here to enter the presence, become intimate friends with and worship God, The Familiar One. May the unfamiliarity, and that with which you are uncomfortable, no longer be a hindrance and a barrier to your attending and participating in St. John; but draw you closer into coming to know and experience God, and the diverse people of God, in a broader, deeper, fuller, richer way.

God bless you, friends!

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CONGREGATIONAL MEETING The Fall Congregational meeting of St. John UCC will follow the worship service on Sunday, November 23, after a few moments for fellowship. The other potential business yet to be finalized, as of the printing of this newsletter. All members of St. John UCC are encouraged to exercise the freedom and responsibility that our polity affirms.

TAKING A NEW LOOK AT INCOME OPTIONS FROM THE JANSHEN FUND The Council will be making a proposal at the Congregational Meeting of the Church on Sunday, November 23, in regards to the income we could, potentially, make available to the church from the Janshen Fund, while still providing for the necessary growth in the Fund to keep up with inflation and future needs.

More information will be available during worship services or through the church office prior to the meeting.

BREAKFAST, LUNCH, OR A VISIT WITH PASTOR DONNLEY? The time between now and the end of the year is getting short. Our busier schedules of the Thanksgiving-Christmas season are approaching quickly. Soon, Pastor Donnley’s time with us as our pastor will end.

Pastor Donnley would enjoy having time with you, if you would like to have breakfast or lunch with him, or a last oneon-one visit in your home, at his office, or wherever works for both of you.

He has about 7 weeks during which he will be available.

Please call him to arrange a time, if you would like to have such a time with him before he retires.

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As I write this article I’m in the middle of planning our annual Helix Halloween Lock-in. We already have 60 students signed up to attend and I know more kids will be signing up before that day arrives. My staff and I have been brainstorming ideas and we are all very excited about the evening. It should be a great time of learning and fun.

Some of the event ideas I am working on for November are pretty cool. One is, we split the kids up into groups. Each group has a scavenger list of items needed to make cookies. They can only acquire one ingredient from any given location. They will also have money to purchase one ingredient from the store.

After they get all the ingredients they return to the church and make the cookies. We are also considering doing a progressive dinner close to Thanksgiving. A progressive dinner has the group of kids traveling between locations for different courses of the meal. Our hope is to find people who are interested in hosting a group of kids at their homes for an appetizer, main course, or desert. The kids will get to enjoy the host’s hospitality and the host will get to know some of the youth.

If you are interested in hosting kids for a portion of our progressive dinner let me know. As far as our ministry teaching goes we recently studied Romans 8:38-39 with our Sr. High Students. I highlight this lesson because it had quite an impact on our group. Some of the leaders shared stories of shame in our lives and we learned that nothing separates us from the love of God, Nothing!

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TOTENFEST NOVEMBER 2 One of the ancient traditions of our Christian faith is to set aside one Sunday each year to remember and honor those who have died in the faith during the past year. This tradition has its roots in the 400’s when All Martyrs Day was celebrated on Easter Friday On May 13, 610 A.D., a special building was dedicated in Rome to honor all who were martyrs of “The Faith”. In 835 A.D., the “Feast of All Saints Day” was moved to November 1, which continues to be designated “All Saints Day” in our tradition and throughout the church universal. In our particular tradition here at St. John UCC, the service has also been known as “Totenfest”, which means “Festival of the Dead”.

We remember our members who have passed on during this past year. We light a candle in remembrance of each person as their name is called, and offer prayers and scripture.

This morning, we also dedicate all the memorials that have been made for loved ones through gifts received by the church and purchases made.

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WINTER CLOSET Starting November 2, we will have our annual collection of mittens, hats, and gloves (no scarves please). The winter closet also includes sweatshirts, sweatpants, sweaters, winter coats, and boots. We have yarn in the office for anyone to use for homemade items. Your donations will help keep the children of Freeport warm!

HOLIDAY COOKIE WALK November 22 from 9 am—11 am. Our annual cookie walk is just around the corner. Come and enjoy the morning with us! It’s time to begin thinking about what you want to bake. Look up your favorite cookie recipes and decorate them with a holiday flare. Make a delightful snack mix or cook up the most mouth watering candy you have ever tasted! And of course, we will have our homemade peanut brittle.

We will be the only Cookie Walk going on that day so we need to gear up and have lots more cookies to sell. We will be scheduling extra days to bake and decorate cookies at the church.

Sign-up sheets will be on the bulletin board, so be sure and watch for them – get your name on the job you enjoy the most. Its lots of fun so don’t miss out.

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BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING Our

stewardship drive will begin the first week of November. Watch for a mailing and information in the Sunday bulletins.

HANGING OF THE GREENS Please join us as we gather to prepare our church for the Christmas Season on November 29 from 3-5 pm. A lite supper will be served following. If you have never helped decorate the church before, please join us...It is a great time for fellowship!

PIE BAKING FOR YOUR THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION Fellowship Ministry will be taking orders for 3 kinds of pies for your Thanksgiving celebration the first 2 weeks in November. This year we will be making pumpkin, peach, and cherry. The cost is $10. each.

ALL MINISTRY MEETING—Mark your calendar for December 2, 10:30 am for our all ministry meeting after worship.

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED—WORLD COMMUNITY DAY You are invited to the Church Women United World Community Day Celebration service to be held November 7 at 1:30 pm at First Lutheran Church, 303 S. Galena Ave., Freeport. The theme for World Community Day is “Through God Our Hands Can Heal.” There will also be a bible study being held on October 31 at 9:30 am also being held at First Lutheran Church.

THE BOOK NOOK, run by VOICES domestic violence

agency, is in need of volunteers to serve as cashiers. You can volunteer as much or as little time as you wish. Shifts are 3 hours in length, any day Monday through Saturday. If you have questions or wish to volunteer, call 815-821 2665.

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Poinsettia Order Form Add the bright red glow of beautiful poinsettias to the soft warm glow of candlelight and our sanctuary will be ready to proclaim the message of Christmas. You are invited to “remember a loved one or honor a family member” by placing a poinsettia in our sanctuary at Christmas. We are offering these 6” potted plants at $10. each, (ordered from Deiningers) and you will be able to take your plant home at the close of our Christmas Eve Service. Please return this form to the office by December 1.

I/We wish to place _______ poinsettia plant/s in the sanctuary to add to the beauty of the season.

Enclosed is $___________ ($10. per plant)

IN MEMORY OF _________________________________________________________________________ IN HONOR OF _________________________________________________________________________

PRESENTED BY _________________________________________________________________________

Please take to a shut-in:

I will pick up my poinsettia.

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MISSIONS RED CAN SUNDAY We will be receiving monetary donations on November 2 for the FACC emergency fund. $215.00 was collected in October.

FOOD FOR FACC Our food item to collect is for November is: 250 jars of grape jelly.

For December we will be collecting for the FACC Christmas baskets. We need 250—2 lb. boxes of spaghetti. The pasta boxes are put in Christmas Boxes that FACC gives out to 250 families in the Freeport area. We will be collecting the spaghetti until December 14.

S.O.S.. Bell Choir & Chancel Choir Rehearsal is on Thursday nights for S.O.S., 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. We welcome any new members. If interested, please contact Gina Bertram.

LOF CLASS LOF (Learning Our Faith) meets at 10:30 am in the LOF classroom. We are studying the book “Scarred By Struggle, Transformed By Hope” by Joan D. Chittister.

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GOD’S TIMING God’s timetable may move slowly, but it does move surely.

Pastor Audley Black’s church near the south coast of Jamaica has been in a building program since at least 2005.

That was the first time I visited his church and saw that they were expanding. The last time I was there, in the spring of 2011, some of the walls were up. By that summer, they had started on the roof. When I suggested to Pastor Black that perhaps the church would be done by 2013 when I thought I might return, he said it was a possibility.

There was no hint of disappointment that this project could take 8 years or longer! No, Pastor Black and his people are excited about what God is doing, and they’re patient with His timing.

We are often not that patient. We want our church to grow quickly, our young people to mature right away, and our problems to be fixed today.

Maybe we need to be reminded that some things take time, God’s time. For instance, when the Israelites first left Egypt, God sent them on the long route to the Promised Land (Ex. 13:17-18). During that time He prepared them, taught them, and challenged them.

In our microwave world, we want everything done instantaneously. But, sometimes, that’s not God’s plan.

Let’s seek God’s help and learn to accept His timing.

Dave Branon He does not lead me year by year, Nor even day by day; But step by step my path unfolds; My Lord directs my way.

Barbara C. Ryberg

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WHAT RIGHT: A MEDITATION Editor’s Note: Jan Geary, one of our close friends of St. John UCC, shared the following meditation at a recent Prism Lighthouse LGBT Mtg. The group affirmed it should be in the Tidings.

Feel the hurt behind the words; but please know that the reference to “you” does not mean you, personally, unless her words speak to an attitude you have carried in your heart and spirit.

Take some time to reflect on the words and the kind of child of God you want to be - for your spiritual health and to have a healthier, more loving church.

What right have you to try to deny me access to the sweet song of God’s angels?

Every child of God has heard that song, being played on the sweetly wound strings, in their own heart. It is the music of love that God places in each of us.

All children of God, who are brought into tune with God’s grace, know and have sung that song of love and have immersed themselves in its power and beauty.

How dare you, you who are not God – hear me clearly now, YOU ARE NOT GOD – how dare you say that I deserve less than you, less respect, less decency, less opportunity, less love, less of the music that is God? You deny my very existence when you believe me unacceptable to God. For God is my existence - my only existence. All else that comes to me is from my God. And, perhaps, then, even you, for in your contempt lies my strength, and, in your desire to deny me, lies my courage to truly trust in the God who does love me; and, yes, loves even you.

Jan Geary © 2014

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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 BS….

We meet at 9 am every Wednesday in the Chapel Hearth Room. We will be discussing the book “The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, & A Jew” by Suzanne Oliver, Ranya Idilby, & Priscilla Warner. All are welcome!

CARD CLUB Join us for Euchre the first Monday of the month in the Chapel Hearth. Our next meeting will be on Monday, November 3.

PING PONG We meet every Tuesday at 9 am in Fellowship Hall.

We would love to have more men & women join in on the fun!

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, November 1, at 8 am. Come check us out!

RESOURCE GROUP Join us on Thursdays at 9 am for coffee, treats, friendship, and volunteer work! We will assemble the December Tidings on November 20.

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PRISM LIGHTHOUSE The LGBTQ support group will meet at 6:30 pm on Monday, November 24. 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.

HELIX Honor, Engage, Listen, Include, eXample MIDDLE SCHOOL Tuesdays (5th and 6th graders) 3-5 pm Thursdays (7th and 8th graders) 3-5 pm

SENIOR HIGH Sundays (9th thru 12th graders) 6-8 pm

C . A . T. s (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 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 15

COFFEE HOUR On Sunday mornings, before and after service, 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.

COFFEE HOUR NOVEMBER—MISSIONS/CHURCH GROWTH 11-2 Dennis & Judy Garkey, Jack & Jill Gastel, Bonnie Gennusa, Audrey Gianquinto, Shelly Griswold, Becky Hebert, Richard & Mary Heffner 11-9

Linda Heidenreich, Diane Heilman, Eunice Hildebrandt, Jean Hill, Keith & Cherryl Hinrichs, Shirley Ifert, Sally Kahler

11-16 Shawn Killingbeck & David Crowell, Della Kirkpatrick, Zael & Donna Klapp, Hugh & Sarah Knapp, Jeanne Koch, Dan & Marla Kreeger, 11-23 Lyle & Jane Krug, Jill Kuntz, Larry & Lana Kuntz, Doris Last, Ben & Lucille Lee, Jane Lehman

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11-30 Scott & Lannie Lehman, Bob & Barb Luedeke, Shan & Vicki MacAdam, Jean Mahon, Dennis & Pam Manus, Betty Mathews, Tom & Dianne Mathews

COFFEE HOUR DECEMBER窶認ELLOWSHIP MINISTRY 12-7 Lorraine McMurray, Carla Meyer, Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Carolyn Moyer, Dorothy Ness, Tim & Angela Newkirk, Ray & Jeri Nieman, Ruth Olson

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE 9-28 179 10-5 145 10-12 129 10-18 104 (Sat. Jazz Service) 10-19 65

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NURSERY– We no longer have a nursery attendant 11-2 Jill Kuntz 11-9 Carla Meyer 11-16 Olivia Shaffer 11-23 Laurie Ditsworth 11-30 Jacob & Dale Priewe ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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.

Oakley Courts: Deloris Burkhalter , John & Betty Heiden Parkview: Claire Biesemeier, Dorothy Miller, and Laura Uthlaut Hawthorne Inn, Liberty Village: Nettie Hendren Freeport Rehab: Esther Dickman Stephenson Nursing Center : June Nagel and Lois Walz Presence-St. Joseph: Katherene Benson, Dorothy Fox, Kathryn Cramer, Dorothy Albrecht, Herbert Divan Kewanee Provena: Evelyn Dworak In their homes: Shirley Durrstein, Ardath Lei, Karen Salter, Vivian Pals, & Harold Reints PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR PRAYERS: Khamsin Giedd; Katrena; Gerry Walker DEATHS: Betty Mogle HOSPITILIZED: Nettie Hendren; Margaret Bertram 18

USHERS 11-2 Tim, Lisa, Colin, & Kristi Ebbers, Jim Drew, Dennis Manus 11-9 John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus 11-16 Ray & Jeri Nieman, Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Wes & Joyce Robinson 11-23 Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Jane & Lyle Krug, Jeanne Koch 11-30 Doris Last, Clyde & Jeanne Cross, Sharon Simler, Diane Heilman

GREETERS 11-2 Ray & Jeri Nieman 11-9 Steve & Lisa Schubert 11-16 Royce & Janet Piefer 11-23 Don & Ronnie Clock 11-30 Tim & Lisa Ebbers

WELCOMERS 11-2 Bonnie Gennusa & Shirley Ifert 11-9 Betty Carpenter & Marilyn Ruthe 11-16 Lyle & Jane Krug 11-23 Doris Last & Jeanne Koch 11-30 Marilyn Ruthe & Diane Heilman

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Dear St. John church, thank you for the generous scholarship you have given out. It will be put to great use towards books and tuition. Thanks so much for being so loving and caring over the years. Thanks again! Tommy Priewe ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I would like to thank you, and the church, for the scholarship for school! I used the scholarship to buy my books this semester. I am very appreciative of the scholarship and it has helped me focus more on my classes! Once again, thank you. Alex Fruth ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thank you so much for your donation to the LGBT Asylum Support Task Force. The Task Force operates under Hadwen Park Congregational Church’s. We try to keep our website up to date with stories and international issues related to the genocide of LGBT persons around the world. It is our goal to be helping 8 people per month. Again, thank you so much! Angela Knapton, LGBT Asylum Support Task Force Treasurer. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A very special thank you to everyone who donated their time to help clean the church prior to the Chamber After Hours event that was held here at the church on October 16. Everyone did a fantastic job and it is greatly appreciated. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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St. John UCC Council Minutes 9-28-14 Members Present: Tim Ebbers, President, Kirsten Eckert, Judy Garkey, Shelly Griswold, Jane Krug, Shan MacAdam, Dennis Manus, Ulan Price, Joyce Robinson, Deb Rockey, Deb Scott, Patty Weik.

Interim Profiles: Five interim profiles had been distributed to all members of Council for review prior to this meeting.

They were discussed and three were selected for follow-up interviews. Dates and times were decided for conducting the interviews as well as details involving the interview process. They will be done via Skype or other online media if “face-to-face� is not possible due to distance. We will decide how to proceed following the results of the interviews.

Respectfully submitted, Deb Rockey Council Secretary

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November Scripture Readings 01

Genesis 1:1-2,4a

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Revelation 4:1-11

02

Genesis 2:4b-25

18

Revelation 5:1-14

03

Psalm 104

19

Psalm 92

04

Psalm 8

20

Psalm 93

05

Psalm 24

21

Psalm 94

06

1 Chronicles 16:8-43

22

Psalm 95

07

Nehemiah 12:27-47

23

Psalm 96

08

Esther 9:20-32

24

Psalm 97

09

Job 42:1-17

25

Psalm 98

10

Psalm 138

26

Psalm 99

11

Psalm 145

27

Psalm 65

12

Psalm 146

28

Psalm 66

13

Psalm 147

29

Psalm 67

14

Psalm 148

30

Psalm 100

15

Psalm 149

31

16

Psalm 150 22

FINANCIAL STATEMENT Beginning Balance January 1, 2014

$ 5,678.71

09/01 General Fund Beginning Balance

$ 14,209.00

09/02

GF Income

$ 3,469.52

09/09

GF Income

$ 7,351.00

09/15

GF Income

$ 6,248.31

09/22

GF Income

$ 4,544.20

09/30

GF Income +Interest $4.25

$ 6,360.75

Less Expenses 09/30

GF Payroll & Compensation

$ 18,122.19

09/30

GF Other Checks

$ 7,481.03

09/30

Ending Balance

$ 16,579.56

________________________________________________ Building Fund Beginning Balance 1/1/14

$ 3,676.70

09/01 Building Fund Beginning Balance

$ 2,797.32

09/02

BD Income

$ 128.00

09/09

BD Income

$ 319.00

09/15

BD Income

$ 459.00

09/22

BD Income

$ 296.00

09/30

BD Income, Interest

$

34.75

Less 09/30

BD Checks

$ 395.93

09/30 Ending Balance

$ 3,638.14

If you would like current information please contact the office.

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