October tidings 2014

Sunday Worship 9:00 am Sunday Worship 9:00 am Kids Worship 9:20 am Kids Worship 9:20 am Harvest Fest—October 11 11 am—1 pm Jazz Service—October 18 at 6:30 pm with Rev. Becky Hebert Our Mission Statement: “Bringing Healing Love of Christ Ourthe Mission Statement: “Bringing the Healing Lovefor of Christ To Our Community To Our Community for the the Glory Glory of of God” God”

September 2014 Vol. Vol. 119 October 2014 120

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…..

One of my greatest heartaches of my ministry has been the challenge and disappointment of finding too little success in bringing back into the life of the church members who were once invested and active in the church, but are no longer or never really were. I regret that I/we have not been more successful at this than I/we have been.

How have I/we failed to nurture an awareness in their hearts and minds how important it is to the wholeness, peace, fulfillment, and joy of their being - and to find the strength, meaning and support in regular participation in the life of the church? I ache for them, because, eventually, they will become spiritually empty and a mere shell of who they once were or could be.

Also, if they are not attending church, anywhere, or fail to develop a relationship with the pastor, then they become “sheep without a shepherd,” as Jesus said of people outside the faith community.

I ache for them in this regard, too, because they will not have the trust in someone to truly share the pain and vulnerability of life that leads to healing, growth, and wholeness, in life and faith.

Maybe it’s all on us, as churches and pastors; but I tend to believe that it’s not ever all one party’s fault. Maybe they’ve never really had a true bond or connection with a church, or can’t get beyond some beliefs, with which they strongly disagree, that a church once ingrained in them. Maybe they’ve never truly felt the power and significance of a life of faith or a trusted pastoral relationship.

Maybe life is too good for some, so they have everything they need - or feel they do, so they unconsciously say, “I have everything I need in life. Why do I need to be involved in a church or other community of faith?” I say, “Maybe only for the reason of helping insure that there is such a presence in the community.

Do you believe churches or faith communities add no value to a community? But, if they add value to a community, how can you believe they add no value to one’s personal life, other than to be there only as some a kind of spiritual emergency room.”

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The New Testament Letter to the Hebrews says: “it's impossible to restore people to changed hearts and lives who turn away once they have seen the light, tasted the heavenly gift, become partners with the Holy Spirit, and tasted God's good word and the powers of the coming age.” (6:4-5) This is saying that once people have known the fullness of faith and left it that it’s “impossible” to change their hearts back to that life of faith.

Is there nothing that will bring you back to an active faith life invested in and lived out with other Christians? Maybe, as people in general, we have failed to note the significant days in our faith.

Maybe they weren’t really important to us, because we remember birthdays, holidays, September 11th, wedding anniversaries, anniversaries of deaths, and other personally important dates.

Do you remember - or find it important to remember - the date of your baptism or confirmation? Do you remember other significant moments in your faith life? Maybe you’ve never truly reflected on the power, blessing, and gift of such moments in your life, so you feel no need to worship and praise God with others..

The United Church of Christ, in its preamble to its constitution says it “affirms the responsibility of the Church in each generation to make this faith its own in reality of worship, in honesty of thought and expression, and in purity of heart before God.” The interim time that lays on the horizon for this church is the opportunity for the congregation to hear and discern God’s call for it in the next stage of its faith journey. Periodically, it’s important that we take the same opportunity in our own lives, if we want to have a healthy faith and a vital relationship with God. Out of my deep, heartfelt concern for your relationship to God through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your faith life, and the strength, vitality, and health of your faith - in yourself and as a church, I hope you will prove the writer of the Letter to the Hebrews wrong.

Continue being a person and people of faith or come back to being one, for your sake and the future of this beloved people of God, St. John UCC.

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Dear Friends and Family of Rev. Dr. Donnley Dutcher, On behalf of the Church Council and Retirement Event Planning Committee of St. John United Church of Christ, I would like to thank you for responding and accepting the invitation to Pastor Donnley’s Retirement Celebration. We are planning and preparing to make this an unforgettable evening for him and his family. We will reminisce and share our memories of our time together. We hope you will find it a fun and entertaining evening. We are honored to have you join us. Your place “at the table” (for those who have signed up and those who are yet to sign up) will be confirmed when we have received your payment of $26 per person for the meal ($8 for children 10 years and under.) Please make your payment by Sunday, Oct. 12, with your check payable to St. John UCC. Please note “Retirement Dinner” on the memo line. We will also need to know your choice of entrée for the evening meal. Feel free to contact Jody if you have any questions.

Phone: 815-235-2824 Email: stjohn@comcast.net Choice of entrees: Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breast—Chicken Breast stuffed with cheeses, spinach, & artichokes.

Baked Cod—6 oz. filet baked with butter and topped with seasoned bread crumbs.

Stuffed Pork Chop—8 oz. pork chop stuffed with homemade dressing.

All meals will include California Blend (broccoli/carrots/ cauliflower) vegetables, Parsley Buttered Red Potatoes, Tossed Salad with French Dressing, assorted rolls and coffee.

Order of events for Saturday, November 15, 2014: Open House: 3:30-5:00 pm at St. John UCC, 1010 S. Park Blvd., Freeport, IL 61032 in Fellowship Hall Dinner: 6:00 pm, Freeport Country Club, 1614 S. Park Blvd., Freeport, IL 61032 (Venue open to guests at 5:30 pm) Program/Entertainment to follow dinner.

We look forward to all being together on November 15!

Thank you, Deb Rockey, Member, Committee for Pastor Donnley’s Retirement Celebration 5

WHY CAN’T PASTOR DONNLEY COME TO CHURCH AFTER HE RETIRES? Sunday, October 5th, after worship, Pastor Donnley will explain the reasons for this for all who are interested. He will answer your questions in an open discussion and share from his personal experiences of former pastors who “got in the way.” He will also share some reflections he wrote while being pastor at a previous church, where this happened.

You will come to a new understanding of why it needs to be this way, even if you’re not comfortable or in agreement with it.

PASTOR ON VACATION Pastor Dutcher will be on vacation Monday, October 13 through Sunday, October 26.

Please contact the Rev. Carol Ahrens at (815) 616-8901, the Rev. Stan Bomgarden at (815) 441-2165, or the Rev. Becky Hebert at (815) 616-5904, at any time during the week, if you are in need of pastoral services in Pastor Dutcher’s absence.

JAZZ SERVICE - Join us on Saturday, October 18 for our Jazz Service at 6:30 pm, with Rev. Becky Hebert preaching. You won’t want to miss this service.

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KIDS WORSHIP I have to tell you how wonderful it was to have so many kids in worship during September. Filling the seats brings such an amazing energy to our time of worship. As the Kids Worship Leader, I was really energized with such a large group. Thank you parents for bringing your kids to share in our time of worship. Thank you Christian Education for providing leader assistants each week. I really appreciate your help.

Some have asked me why the Kids worship room was decorated for a Birthday. I like to immerse the kids in a theme for each series we teach. Over the last several years I have dressed in various costumes and have made our worship space unique and vibrant. I like to keep the kids excited about worship and the decorations and costumes are a lot of fun.

My next series will take place in an art gallery. To put a spin on things, our art gallery will be miniaturized. I will be dressed as Bob Ross and I’m sure the kids will want to come back each week to find out more about Bob and his good friend Jesus.

Helix continues to grow as students have returned to school. My staff and I work to welcome new kids each week. We continue to meet Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. We are beginning to plan for our annual Halloween Lock-in.

We will be having our Lock-in on Friday, October 24. I need a few volunteers to stay all night. If you are willing, please let me know.

Consumed by the Call, Kevin T. Eckert Director of Children & Youth Ministries Director of Technologies Ministry

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Friends from Freeport! …you have stayed on my heart. I thoroughly enjoyed worshipping with you. I have pictures of the screen where you project words of songs and scriptures. Hadwen Park has been fighting having such an “obtrusion” on the altar! The way yours is, may change their minds… here is hoping.

I sense that St. John UCC is on the brink of great mission work as all stay committed to what Jesus has called you to do. Don’t let fear turn you away from adventure! God will never let you fail!

I want you all to tell that wonderful little girl (forgot her name, but she is about 11 years old?) that I say hi. She wanted to show me a secret space in the church and I asked her if we could wait until after I had greeted folks during coffee hour. By then, she had left! I want to thank her for her energy, joy, and attention during worship! The next generation………..Praise God! Also, I wanted to tell you all how much I enjoyed the way that Donnley wove worship. Sometimes, parishioners might take something like that for granted, but probably you are fully aware of the way that the Word, the songs, the prayers…. are crafted as a whole. Loved worshipping with you all.

I am sending a pledge card (unabashedly) in the good hopes that some of you might consider giving monthly. We are working hard to be able to bring from Jamaica the gentleman who is in a wheelchair due to being shot because of his sexual orientation. Last I checked, he had 6 months on his visiting visa. Also, JFLAG from Jamaica will pay for his airline ticket. He just has to have an organization that will house him through the process.

That is the LGBT Task Force, once we have raised $7,000.

I have thought about the fact that you are the only ONA (Open and Affirming) church in the county. I drove home that day, realizing that is a HUGE victory! I applaud you, your leaders and your pastor. Our church is in Massachusetts, the first state conference to become ONA and with so many other churches who have been ONA for years. I will hold you and yours in my prayers as you go forward, in the name of Jesus, welcoming everyone to the indefatigable grace and love of Jesus!

God bless you!

Pastor Judy Hanlon Hadwen Park Congregational UCC, Worcester, MA 8

NEW MEMBERS INTRODUCTION

I am a Freeport native and lived here through my high school years. After moving away for college and a career as a geologist in the petroleum industry, I’ve retired and returned to Freeport. I have two sons who live with their families in Dallas, TX and Cody, WY and I have two grandchildren. On August 2 of this year, Deb Hartman and I were married here at St. John (Yay!!). Geology was my career and continues to be my hobby, along with hiking, traveling, reading, and stained glass.

My ideals or values of faith most important to me are gratitude, empathy, forgiveness, joyfulness. I hope to put my faith to work through St. John UCC by working with meals on wheels, contributing to FACC, and participating in outreach ministry and other activities that support the mission of St. John. As a church, you can help serve me by continuing to support my interest and need to increase my knowledge and growth in my Christian faith. Dave Rockey ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I have a technology degree in Horticulture and I’m a Holiday Decoration hoarder. I am a life partner to Tom Campbell for 34 years and a 27 year survivor of aids. My ideals or values of faith most important to me are helping others, the community, and learning. I hope to put my faith to work through St. John UCC by showing daily, the miracle of God, worked through me, hospitality, and doing what needs to be done to keep the church going. The church can help to serve me in my faith by correcting me when I am wrong and supporting me when I am right. Tim Campbell-Outcault ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I was born in Monroe, WI and grew up in Freeport. I left home with the carnival and ended up in Los Angeles. I met my spouse (Tim) and ended up moving back to Freeport via Springfield, IL—Florida—& Coopersburg, PA to help look after my mother. My ideals or values of faith most important to me are honesty, courage, humor, and humility. I hope to put my faith to work through St. John by working with other members and new members of St. John UCC to help show the word of Christ. The church can help to serve me in my faith by helping guide me on my path to serve Christ. Tom Campbell-Outcault ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I have been married to Mike for 14 years, we have three children, Owen (12), Lana (9), and Grace (8). I recently went 9

NEW MEMBERS INTRODUCTION

back to college and became a RN and am currently working to receive my BSN. I work full time at Presence-St. Joseph in Freeport. I love caring for my family and my patients. My ideals or values most important to me are hope, trust, integrity, and honesty. I hope to put my faith to work through St. John by knowing it’s God’s work through my hands. I love working with the youth and teaching them about Jesus and the hope he brings. The church can help serve me in my faith by being flexible by offering different times to attend worship, events, & services and by continuing to offer youth programs and events. Michelle Queckboerner ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I have been married to Michelle for 14 years, we have 3 wonderful kids. I work at Willett, Hofmann & Associates as a bridge inspector for several counties in Northern Illinois. In my free time, I enjoy coaching my kids’ sports (baseball, softball, & volleyball). My ideals or values most important to me are respect, honesty, and hope. I hope to put my faith to work through St. John by helping out in the community to make it a better place to live. The church can help serve me in my faith by providing middle age activities. Mike Queckboerner ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I attend 7th grade at CSMS and like to play sports. I also like to attend HELIX after school. I have 2 sisters and a dog, Ruby.

I love the summer months when there is no homework. My ideals or values most important to me are trust, hope, and love. I hope to put my faith to work through St. John by working to help others in the church and community and talking to others about Jesus. The church can help serve me in my faith by continuing to offer kids my age fun activities with friends. Owen Queckboerner ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I am an 8th grader at Dakota High School. I enjoy playing my trombone in band and find school plays very enjoyable. I like to participate in school sports such as football and basketball. I love the time I spend with my cousins, especially Nate Bicksler and Brennan Simler, they are like brothers to me. Someday I hope to have a career in engineering. My ideals or values most important to me are honesty, kindness, forgiveness, and acceptance. I hope to put my faith to work through St. John UCC by lighting candles, playing my instrument, and 10

ushering. The church can help minister me in my faith by continuing to provide kid worship services, continue family events, provide contemporary music, dramas, and video presentations. Bryce Bicksler ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My parents are Terry & Deleana Atz. I was born on 9-11-01. I swim for the Carl Sandburg Middle School Swim Team and the FAST swim team. I am also involved in Builder’s Club, which is part of Kiwanis. I also am a member of the middle school band as a trumpet player. My ideals and values most important to me are family, honesty, acceptance, and empathy. I hope to put my faith to work through St. John UCC by becoming a member when I am an adult, either here or through another UCC church, depending on when I grow up and move to, if I don’t live here. Heath Harrison Atz ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My name is Jacob Priewe and I’m 14 years old. I was born on October 4, 1999. I have 2 older brothers and a younger sister.

I play the saxophone. The sports I do are cross country and swimming. I’m in 9th grade at Freeport High School. My ideals and values most important to me are prayer, support from members, & knowing God is here for me. I hope to put my faith to work through St. John UCC by becoming involved in the church, helping out at events, helping serve communion, other things during worship, and continuing to help out at VBS. The church can help minister me in my faith by praying for me when in need and supporting me when I need it. Jacob Priewe ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My name is Dylan Holbert. I live with my Mom, my Step Dad, brother and sister. I play the trumpet and I am on the middle school bowling team. I also like to watch football with my Grandpa. My ideals and values most important to me are love, joy, and church family. I hope to put my faith to work through St. John UCC by getting to know God better. The church helps me to know about friendship, and I will try to bring friends to church. The church can help minister me in my faith by being around me or there for me when I need someone to talk to.

Dylan Holbert

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NEIGHBORS IN NEED - Neighbors in Need special mission offering is October 5. This offering is the UCC’S annual offering to support ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States, including the Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM), justice and advocacy efforts, and direct service projects funded by the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries.

With your support, Neighbors in Need is imagining a World without Hunger!

HARVEST FEST - Come and celebrate the Harvest! Keith and Cherryl Hinrichs are hosting an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and food on Saturday, October 11. The celebration will be from 11 am—2 pm with food, field rides, and more. Please sign up on the bulletin board.

HOLIDAY COOKIE WALK - Mark your calendars! For all of our great cooks and bakers, our annual cookie walk is just around the corner. It’s time to begin thinking about what you want to bake. Look up your most delicious 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! It’s lots of fun so don’t miss out. November 22 from 9 am—noon.

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. Watch for more information in Sunday bulletin.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS - The following students were awarded college scholarships for the 2014-2015 school year. Colin Ebbers, Alex Fruth, Andrew Fruth, James Priewe, Thomas Priewe, and Olivia Shaffer. We wish them the best of luck and send our prayers with them for continued success in their advanced studies. The Scholarship Committee, Cherryl Hinrichs, Marla Kreeger, Pam Wessel 12

MISSIONS RED CAN SUNDAY We will be receiving monetary donations on October 5 for the FACC emergency fund. $284.00 was collected in September.

FOOD FOR FACC In October our food item to collect is: 250 boxes of Mac ’n Cheese

If you are watching for sales, our item for November will be: 250 jars of grape jelly

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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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 and are discussing the book “Between Heaven and Mirth” by James Martin. 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, October 6.

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, October 4, 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 November Tidings on October 23.

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PRISM LIGHTHOUSE The LGBTQ support group will meet at 6:30 pm on Monday, October 27. 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.

OCTOBER—YAHOO’S 10-5 Betty Carpenter, Anna Carroll, Mavis Clark, Bill Condie, Phil & Barb Copus, Rosali Cosgrove, Pierre & Martha Cowan 10-12 Marge Criddle, Clyde & Jeanne Cross, David Crowell & Shawn Killingbeck, Marvin & Sandra DeBoer, Dory DeFrane, Laurie & Rick Ditsworth, Ray & Dorothy Ditsworth 10-19 James & Gwen Drew, Tim & Lisa Ebbers, Kevin & Kirsten Eckert, Arnold & Mary Eder, Holly Edler, Brian & Kim Evans, Mike & Sue Feagan 10-26 Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Barry & Angie Folgate, Jack & Diana Fox, Don & Vickie Franz, Mary Frazee, Clyde Fruth, Melinda Fruth & Greg Ware

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COFFEE HOUR NOVEMBER窶認ELLOWSHIP MINISTRY 11-2 Dennis & Judy Garkey, Jack & Jill Gastel, Bonnie Gennusa, Audrey Gianquinto, Shelly Griswold, Becky Hebert, Richard & Mary Heffner

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE 8-24 164 8-31 140 9-7

159

9-14 165 9-21 152

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NURSERY– We no longer have a nursery attendant 10-5 Marla Kreeger 10-12 Carla Meyer 10-19 Dale & Jacob Priewe 10-26 The NewKirks ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 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 Kewanee Provena: Evelyn Dworak In their homes: Shirley Durrstein, Ardath Lei, Karen Salter, Vivian Pals, & Harold Reints PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR PRAYERS: Mike Steinhauser, Jr., Dan Sherwood, Darlene Snyder, Shari Eddings DEATHS: Marvin Libke HOSPITILIZED: Cherryl Hinrichs, Vanessa Hughes

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USHERS 10-5 Tim, Lisa, Colin, & Kristi Ebbers, Jim Drew, Dennis Manus 10-12 John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus 10-19 Ray & Jeri Nieman, Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Wes & Joyce Robinson 10-26 Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Jane & Lyle Krug, Jeanne Koch

GREETERS 10-5 Lorraine McMurray & Jeanne Koch 10-12 Tom & Melinda Ferguson 10-19 Roger & Deb Swanlund 10-26 Carl & Ellen Roderick

WELCOMERS 10-5 Shirley Ifert & Sharon Simler 10-12 Ruthe Olson & Edith Rosenstiel 10-19 Rosie Cosgrove & Mavis Clark 10-26 Joyce Bloyer & Holly Edler

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Dear St. John Mission Committee, “Kids Coats & Clothes” is eternally grateful for your continued support. These funds will be used to help students with uniforms for the new school year. Your church makes it possible for us to continue giving hope to those that are struggling.

Thank you & Bless you! Deb Stukenberg, Kids Coats & Clothes ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear Reverend Dutcher, enclosed is a gift in the memory of my late wife, Annette Kuhlemeier McManus. Besides having a very good family background, St. John’s provided her with additional strength of character and a strong belief in the importance of the church in her life.

It was at St. John’s where she was baptized, confirmed, attended, and contributed. She assisted with the little children’s class, was a member of the choir, and participated in the youth groups of the church. She always treasured her participation in the life of the church. Our return visits to Freeport included attending church. St. John’s had become an integral part of her life. Annette had looked forward to being married at St. John’s, but the older church had burned down, the new church was not completed, and the minister was on vacation. As a result, we were married at Faith United Methodist Church on Walnut Street by Reverend Buzekruz on August 16, 1959. I thank God for our meeting at Northern Illinois University during the new student orientation meeting.

Sincerely, Bobby McManus ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear St. John, we would like to thank everyone involved for your time and effort in preparing a delicious funeral lunch for Maida’s friends and family. It was greatly appreciated. Maida Gimple family ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The prayer shawl group of 1st Congregational Church of Clinton, Iowa, thanks you for the wonderful donation of yarn delivered by Diane Taplin. We will continue to ‘spread the love’ to those in need. Penny Royer ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Shades of beauty… yarn… Thank you so much for the generous giving of the yarn to my sister, Linda Lashmet. She creates such beauty from it. Nancy & Leland Otte ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear St, John UCC, thank you… We appreciate all of the school supplies. It will help greatly. Sincerely, Jones-Farrar Magnet School ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Dear St. John, thank you for the generous donation and once again awarding me with scholarship money. So far, my second go-around in 2nd grade is going great! I feel like I have 28 new best friends that are all 7-8 years old! I will be with them for the next 6 weeks before my next assignment, Pre-K at Summerdale in Rockford begins, which I am looking forward to in addition to my graduation in December! Thanks again! Andy Fruth ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear Friends in Christ: Greetings from Trinidad, Colorado. I write this note with a clear view of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, a view of God’s wonderful creation. My spiritual journey has led me to the state of mountains, to a town of artists and pioneers. My daily thoughts continue to be of St. John UCC and its wonderful members. My year at St. John was the beginning of a spiritual quest of which I cannot thank you more for your support and encouragement, for a closer relationship with our triune God. I have reached out and found a spiritual community at Mr. Carmel Health, Wellness, and Community Center. This town is one of many hills and provides a challenge for my bicycle riding limitations. My prayers go out to you and yours. May your lives continue to lead you to the truth God promises. Brian Peterson ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the cards, phone calls, and visits during and after my bout with pneumonia. Also, a huge thank you to the special souls who moved all my furniture back into place the day after I returned home. I am humbled and so very, very blessed to be a part of such a wonderful church family. I appreciate and love you all. May God always bless you.

Shirley Ifert ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear St. John UCC Scholarship Committee: Thank you so much for the $200. scholarship for the 2014-2015 school year. The money will be going towards purchasing books. The school year is off to a great start. Thank you so much for the scholarship.

James Priewe ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dear St. John church family, thank you for all your prayers, kind words, and support during our time of loss. Thank you Pastor Donnley for the meaningful funeral service. Also, thank you to everyone who donated food and worked at the funeral luncheon.

Sincerely, The Jerry Simler family ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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St. John UCC Council Minutes 8-11-14 Members Present: Tim Ebbers, President, Kirsten Eckert, Judy Garkey, Shelly Griswold, Jane Krug, Shan MacAdam, Dennis Manus, Ulan Price, Deb Rockey, Deb Scott, Patty Weik, Pastor Donnley, exofficio.

Opening Prayer: Pastor Donnley July Minutes: Previously approved via email.

Financial Informational Meeting Follow-Up: Shelly reported that the attendance was very low for the after service meeting intended to answer questions and provide information about financial issues and decisions recently made regarding the gift from Endowment.

Feedback from the meeting included observation that the financial information included in the monthly Tidings is incomplete. The Council discussed how and what to present in the Tidings and with what frequency. A brief summary of our financial status would be informational and keep members up to date on what the current issues are and our financial position. Weekly reports of giving and quarterly summaries would give a clearer picture of the status along with context (seasons, holidays, communion all affect giving). It was also noted that the financial report and dealing with stresses and how to manage them is a constant and time-consuming portion of each and every Council meeting. It is time that could be used in a more positive, constructive and creative way.

The Council also discussed having some Stewardship “moments” to keep the congregation updated in upcoming Sundays. On September 28, “Commitment Sunday”, we will welcome new members and confirmands. There will also be a fundraiser for LGBT and it was suggested that we have a “Recommitment Moment” in which members recommit to their pledge of financial support.

Dialog with Judy Hanlon: The feedback on Sunday’s (8-10-14) dialogue between Pastor Donnley and Pastor Judy Hanlon was positive. She was supported financially from members who want to help the ministry she provides to refugee gay and lesbians who flee their homeland because of extremely harsh punishment due to their sexual orientation. It was a powerful story of people her work has rescued.

Financial Report: Distribution of Endowment gift was reviewed. Other issues and clarifications were discussed. Motion to approve report as presented was made by Shan, 2nd by Kirsten. Motion carried.

CareerTec Event: Jen Newendyke of CareerTec informed Pastor Donnley that they are planning a Business After Hours event (a Freeport Chamber of Commerce function) at the CareerTec wing in October.

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It will be catered by the culinary class and they are asking if we would be open to allowing beer and wine being served as is usually done at these events. Council discussed some of the issues that need to be addressed such as controlling consumption, security and insurance.

These concerns will be relayed to CareerTec. We will have ambassadors from St. John present as it will be an opportunity to introduce St. John to those who may have never been here before. A thorough, deep cleanup day would help us make a positive impression. Building and Grounds Ministry will organize this, encouraging everyone to volunteer.

Jazz Service: The original plan for the Jazz Service (to be held on a Saturday night) was that it would replace Sunday morning service.

This has raised some concerns and it was suggested that an abbreviated service be held on Sunday morning following Saturday evening so that those who cannot or choose not to attend will still have their weekly church service.

Pastor’s Report: Pastor Donnley discussed his remaining sermon schedule and when to prepare the congregation for the timeline of his retirement and how it will impact our relationship with him following retirement.

Budget: Discussed timeline of budget process. Council will finalize the proposed budget at the October Council meeting. The discussion of income versus growth in relation to the Janshen fund will also be discussed.

Interim Search Preparation: Each Council member is asked to develop five interview questions in preparation of the interim selection.

It is important to ask those questions and to search within to find one’s core concerns so that they can be expressed and addressed when interviewing potential candidates. It is also important to be aware of the potential interim’s expectations of the Council. It would also be important to get questions from existing staff for the same reasons.

Council discussed how to determine the salary range of the interim pastor, housing issues, insurance expectations, etc.

Medicare Reimbursement: Shelly made the motion to approve reimbursing Pastor Donnley for his Medicare costs plus supplement (which will go into effect October 1) as the currently budgeted healthcare costs are greater than the actual cost of Medicare plus supplement will be during this last quarter. 2nd by Patty. Motion carried.

Adjournment: Adjourned with Mizpah Benediction.

Respectfully submitted, Deb Rockey Council Secretary

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St. John UCC Council Minutes 9-8-14 Members present: Tim Ebbers, President, Kirsten Eckert, Shelly Griswold, Shan MacAdam, Dennis Manus, Ulan Price, Joyce Robinson, Deb Rockey, Deb Scott, Pastor Donnley, ex-officio.

Opening prayer: Pastor Donnley August Minutes: Previously approved via email.

Interim Process: Kathy Lawes was not available for tonight’s meeting but will be meeting with Council members next week to review prospective interim candidate profiles. Council members had been asked to submit 5 interview questions. We reviewed and chose several of these along with some others that developed from this process as our basis for the interviews. The interview process was discussed and decisions made on length of time, selection of moderator, and other questions we may need to ask of the candidate. We will review all this with Kathy Lawes and ask her assistance in guiding us in this process. We want to stay focused on the timeline while being considerate of everyone’s schedule.

Come One, Come All Sunday: September 14 is “Come One, Come All Sunday” (fka Rally Day). Council is in charge of brats and coordinating the food and serving volunteers.

Financial Report: Report was reviewed and the motion was made by Kirsten to approve the report as presented. 2nd by Shelly. Motion carried.

Letter to Council: Tim read a letter to Council received by him from 2 members that are intending to withdraw their membership because they do not feel they are in accordance with the path St. John has chosen and the Council has supported regarding our position on Open and Affirming.

Pastor’s Report: Pastor Donnley will be sending out a letter to the congregation with regard to his impending retirement and extending the invitation to have a conversation about anything that they would like to discuss. It is an opportunity to resolve any issues or questions that may have been a part of his ministry here or would be helpful to address before he leaves.

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He also updated his costs regarding Medicare expenses.

He discussed the new members who will be joining the end of September. He will be going on a personal spiritual retreat during the week of September 28.

Budget: The proposed budget is with the Stewardship Ministry and unavailable to review. Salary raises were discussed for staff. Senior pastor’s salary not discussed at this time as that will be the interim’s salary. We will wait until we have information on the interim that is hired before making a final decision on that. Tim made the motion to give a 3% raise to staff- Kevin, Pam, Jody, Carole, Gina, and Kevin’s Helix staff (Jasmine, Savanna, and Christine) across the board. 2nd by Dennis.

Discussion followed regarding making a move toward raising the minimum wage being paid to Kevin’s staff in addition to the 3%. Vote was 5 yes, 4 no for the motion on the table (which did not include the increase on the minimum wage). Motion carried.

We also discussed the fact that we will need to adjust the pastoral mileage reimbursement from what is currently budgeted. Pastor Donnley has not turned in mileage since he has been here for local pastoral visits, etc. and so this will need to be addressed when we have an interim pastor in place.

Update from Retirement Planning Committee: Deb Rockey gave an update on the progress of the planning committee. The committee is requesting approval from Council for monies up to $1,500 for expenses to come from the Janshen fund. $500 was previously approved from the same fund to cover the travel expenses of Dozel Varner who will be the guest pastor on November 16. Ulan Price made the motion to approve the amount. Deb Scott 2nd. Discussion followed, motion carried. A letter will be sent to all those who are personally invited by Pastor Donnley (family, friends from his ministry, etc.) extending the invitation to be guests of St. John for dinner at his retirement celebration evening.

Adjournment: Adjourned with the Mizpah Benediction.

Respectfully submitted, Deb Rockey Council Secretary

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October Scripture Readings 01

Psalm 7

17

Psalm 82

02

Psalm 9

18

Psalm 85

03

Psalm 10

19

Isaiah 2:1-22

04

Psalm 11

20

Isaiah 3:1-15

05

1 Corinthians 11:17-34

21

Isaiah 5:1-30

06

Leviticus 25:1-22

22

Isaiah 11:1-16

07

Leviticus 25:23-38

23

Isaiah 24:1-23

08

Leviticus 25:39-55

24

Isaiah 29:15-24

09

Numbers 27:1-11

25

Isaiah 32:1-20

10

Numbers 36:1-13

26

Isaiah 33:10-24

11

Deuteronomy 19:33

27

Ezekiel 34:1-31

12

Deuteronomy 10:1-22

28

Habakkuk 1:1-17

13

Deuteronomy 16:1817:13

29

Habakkuk 2:1-20

14

Psalm 72

30

Habakkuk 3:1-19

15

Psalm 73

31

Psalm 46

16

Psalm 75 26

FINANCIAL STATEMENT Beginning Balance January 1, 2014

$ 5,678.71

08/01 General Fund Beginning Balance

$ 12,885.34

08/05

GF Income

$ 5,934.38

08/11

GF Income

$ 4,619.55

08/18

GF Income

$ 5,787.54

08/25

GF Income

$ 4,105.99

08/29 Interest

$

4.12

Less Expenses 08/29

GF Payroll & Compensation

$ 11,225.26

08/29

GF Other Checks

$ 7,902.66

08/29

Ending Balance

$ 14,209.70

________________________________________________ Building Fund Beginning Balance 1/1/14

$ 3,676.70

08/01 Building Fund Beginning Balance

$ 3,377.11

08/05

BD Income

$ 500.00

08/11

BD Income

$ 287.00

08/18

BD Income

$ 474.00

08/25

BD Income, Interest 8/29 $.79

$

45.79

Less 08/29

BD Checks

$1,886.58

08/29 Ending Balance

$ 2,797.32

If you would like current information please contact the office.

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