Sunday Worship 9 a.m. Kids Worship 9:20 a.m.
Come One Come All — 9/15/13 (Service on Front lawn at 10:00 am) Crop Walk — 9/22/13 Our Mission Statement: “Bringing the Healing Love of Christ To Our Community for the Glory of God”
SEPTEMBER 2013 Vol..107
St. John United Church of Christ is an open and affirming congregation who is welcoming and embracing of every person, of every race, age, nationality, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, as a child of God. We invite all to join and fully participate in the life and ministry of this church.
STAFF MINISTERS………………….….…THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH SENIOR PASTOR……………………...……..DONNLEY DUTCHER DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY / DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGIES………………………………..…...KEVIN ECKERT YOUTH MINISTRY ASSISTANTS …………………………....JASMINE COLEMAN, LAURA MUENCH MINISTRY OF CHURCH LIFE & MEMBERSHIP……....PAM W ESSEL SECRETARY….…………………….…….…...BETTY DEMICHELE CHOIR DIRECTOR…………………….………......GINA BERTRAM ORGANISTS………...….CAROLE BERTRAM & MARSHA ROBERTS NURSERY ATTENDANT…………………...……...LAURA MUENCH
OFFICE HOURS MONDAY– FRIDAY...…8:30 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M.…&.1:00 TO 4:00 P.M.
Church (815) 235-2824
E-Mail: stjohn@comcast.net
www.stjohnuccfreeport.org 2
AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME….. For many years, doctors have taught us the wisdom of early detection. Catching an illness, a growth, or other condition in its earliest stage of development can prevent more serious or, even, life-threatening consequences. Jesus taught the same concept, spiritually, long ago. We’ve just often failed to perceive His words that way. It’s when He spoke His series of “You have heard said of old, but I say to you..” words in Matthew 5. Such as when He said, “I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment…” By the end of that extended verse, He says that anger can make us “liable to the hell of fire.” (5:22) It’s His way of saying “early detection” is important to our spiritual health. He says the lust with which we look at another can eventually lead to adultery. Making superficial vows like “Cross my heart and hope to die,” can lessen the holiness and commitment of all vows we make, especially our promises to God. Following the old saying of “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy” will lead to the breakdown of community and society by causing us to only care for people near and dear to us. Christ says, “Stop yourself early when you start to go down the wrong path.” Most of us have learned the importance of this, medically and physically. But as important as most of us know it is to have regular medical check-ups, many of us have not perceived our relationship with God or Jesus Christ, or our participation in church and worship, in that way. As important as “staying on top of things” is in our physical health, so also it is in relation to our spiritual health. One of the other reasons for attending church and participating in the life of the church - besides spending time worshiping, praising and listening to God - is to give ourselves regular spiritual check-ups. The longer we fail to do so, the more we put our spiritual health at risk. 3
It will affect our values, our love and care for others, our compassion and forgiveness for others, our participation in and commitment to the communities in which we live, our living for others, and more, so we eventually live only for ourselves and the people and issues near and dear to us. Then we become narrow, self-centered people. Missing a Sunday, here and there, can ultimately lead to not investing ourselves in our worship of God and the church, at all. It can become months or years before we return. We can fool ourselves into thinking we’re spiritually healthy when we’re not. .. Open yourself to a second opinion on your spiritual health. Eventually, it could be a matter of life or death for your faith.
COME ONE, COME ALL September 15, 10:00 am worship (note change in time) Join us on September 15th, at 10:00 am, for a great celebration of members, friends and families. Invite a friend, or a member that you haven’t seen in a while, share your enthusiasm. This event is in place of our Rally Day, welcoming all to a new start of our fall services and activities. We will worship on the front lawn, with special music by our S.O.S group. There will be a potluck after the morning worship provided by the Ministries of the church. If you would like to bring a dish to pass feel free to do so. There will be activities and fellowship for all following the potluck. Come at 10:00 am and plan on spending your afternoon for plenty of fun and fellowship. 4
Amazing things are happening with our Helix Youth Ministry. I’m on the verge of beginning another group. This group will be for students in Sr. High (9th-12th grade). Due to a lack of interest we suspended our Sr. High group a few years ago. I put all my energy into cultivating a new group starting with the creation of our Middle School program. This Middle School group has had tremendous growth the last two years. So much that we had to split the group up into two groups. One group, grades 5th-6th and the other grades 7th & 8th. We now have students who are asking for a Sr. High Group. Praise God! We will resume meeting with Sr. High students on Sunday nights from 6-8pm starting on Sept. 8th. Starting Sept 11th Christ First Weight Loss will begin its fall kick off. This is a faith based weight loss Ministry of St. John UCC that is free for anyone ready to make the changes necessary to restore their lives and their bodies. We are a humorous bunch and love to laugh. Please call the church office to get signed up. We would love for you to join us. Consumed by the Call Kevin Eckert Director of Children & Youth Ministries Director of Technologies Ministry
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Property Management Ministry BRUSH AND YARD WASTE There was a prior practice of members being allowed to drop brush and yard waste in the corner of the parking lot near Carl Sandburg School. We ended that practice last year, having a yard waste dumpster placed in the parking lot, which is for brush and yard waste generated on Church property only. We asked in a prior Tiding’ s message that everyone stop dumping brush and yard waste on Church property, and this request is not being respected. Property management is again requesting that everyone stop dumping brush and yard waste that has been brought to the Church from other property. If anyone needs to dispose of brush generated on Church property, please place the brush in the dumpster along Church Street. Thank You from the guys of Property Management!
MISSIONS MINISTRY RED CAN SUNDAY We will be receiving monetary donations on the first of September for the FACC emergency fund. $258 was collected in August. Thank you for your ongoing support.
FOOD FOR FACC In September our food item to collect is 250 cans of soup. If you are looking for sales, our item for October will be fruit. FACC appreciates the donations from the members of St John UCC. Keep up the good work!
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CHURCH LIFE O N G O I N G WAY S T O PA R T I C I PAT E I N THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH CHANCEL CHOIR & BELL CHOIR It’s that time of year! After a very short and cool summer Chancel Choir and Bell Choir are ready to start rehearsal on September 5th. Practice is every Thursday. Rehearsal times are being finalized at this time. If you have a love for music, we would like you to join us! Please contact Gina Bertram. All are invited!
LOF CLASS STARTS LOF class will be starting on September 22nd at 10:30am in the LOF classroom. We will start the year with a discussion of the book Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander. Copies of the book may be ordered from Amazon; see Sarah Knapp if you’re interested. The class is an open, wide-ranging discussion where you will feel free to voice your opinion. We are All Learning Our Faith. Come join us!
C . A . Ts (Caregivers And Toddlers) Please join us for our play group geared for toddlers and the adults that care for them. We get together in St. John’s nursery Tuesday mornings 10-11am. On the Third Tuesday of the month we will be in Fellowship Hall to run and ride. Bring your friends, all are welcome. Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CATSPlayGroup? fref=ts
BIBLE STUDY We meet at 9 a.m. Wednesdays, in the Chapel Hearth. All are welcome— Please join us.
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HELIX Honor, Engage, Listen, Include, eXample Tuesdays (5th and 6th graders) 3-5pm Thursdays (7th and 8th graders) 3-5 pm Sundays (9th thru 12th graders) 6-8pm (starting Sept 8th)
FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY RESOURCE GROUP Join us on Thursdays at 9 a.m. for coffee, treats, and friendship, & to do volunteer work! We will assemble the Tidings on September 19th.
PING PONG We meet every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. We would love to have more men & women join in on the fun!
CARD CLUB We play Euchre the first Monday of the month in the Chapel Hearth room. Due to Labor Day we will meet the second Monday on September 9th.
MEN’S GROUP We are having a great time! Come join us! We are 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 meeting will be on September 7th at 8am. We usually meet until about 9:30am Come check us out! 8
CHRIST FIRST Christ First Weight Loss program will kick off on Wednesday September 11th at 6pm. This is an ongoing Faith Based Weight Loss Ministry program. It is free for anyone who is ready to make changes necessary to restore their lives and their bodies. Please contact Kevin Eckert (815-218-0286)for more information.
PRISM LIGHTHOUSE LGBTQ Ministry The LGBTQ support group will meet on September 30th at 6:30 pm. This is a group for teens and adults that are Lesbian, Gay, Transgendered, Bisexual or those Questioning their sexual identity. This is also a safe group for allies, friends and family, of the LGBTQ community. Childcare is provided.
SERVING Being a servant of the church is a great way to get to know fellow members. If you’re interested in serving please call the church office or speak with Pam Wessel .
COFFEE HOUR Fall hours are back! Before and after service we gather for coffee and treats in the Narthex area with room to mingle and socialize. If you would like to find a place to sit and talk there is plenty of room in the Chapel Hearth and Fellowship Hall is always open. Please, if your 9
name is on the list (dates are assigned alphabetically by the directory) for this month, bring in a treat to share. Some ideas are... cookies, bars, mini muffins, bagels etc. or please consider bringing fruit to share. If you do not wish to be on the list for treats, please contact the office and we will remove you. SEPTEMBER —STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY—SETUP/SERVE 9/1–Donna Polhill, Ulan & Cindy Price, Dale & Kelly Priewe, Betty Pruitt, Rodney Pruitt, John & Paula Rawleigh, Floyd & Marsha Roberts, Wes & Joyce Robinson 9/8– Ruth Rockey, Dave Rockey, Carl & Ellen Roderick, Jon & Karen Roemer, Edith Rosenstiel, Jerry & Amanda Rubin, Tim & Cherie Rucker, Marilyn Ruthe 9/22– Donna Ruthe, Floyd & Vivian Schlickman, Gerald & Patricia Schneiderman, Steve & Lisa Schubert, Deb Scott, Richard & Sybil Scovill, David & Olivia Shaffer 9/29– Jerry & Sharon Simler, Michael Simler, Mike & Karen Smith, Stanley & Carol Smith, Seth & Katrina Spangler, Steve & Vicki Spyrison OCTOBER— YAHOOS - SETUP/SERVE 10/6– Jackie Stewart, James & Sharon Summers, Roger & Debra Swanlund, Mark Swanson & Amy Doll, Daryl & Delene Tessmann, Leslie & Terry Thomas, Karl & Betty Trester
GREETERS September 1- Linda Heidenreich & Carolyn Moyer September 8- Diane Heilman & Shirley Ifert September 15- Jeanne Koch & Doris Last September 22- The Priewe Family September 29- Ray & Jeri Nieman 10
WELCOMERS September 1- Stan & Carol Smith September 8- Ben & Lucille Lee September 15- Carol Ahrens & Joyce Bloyer September 22- Clyde & Jeanne Cross September 29- Marilyn Ruthe & Marjorie Criddle
NURSERY September 1-Jeanne Cross September 8-Carla Meyer September 15-Jill Kuntz September 22-Olivia Shaffer September 29-Cherryl Hinrichs
USHERS September 1– Ebbers family, Jim Drew, Dennis Manus September 8—John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus, Tom Priewe, Mike Smith September 15—Ray & Jeri Nieman, Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Wes & Joyce Robinson September 22—Keith & Kathy Moffat, Jane & Lyle Krug, Dana Underhill, Jeanne Koch September 29—Doris Last, Clyde & Jeanne Cross, Diane Heilman
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ANNOUNCEMENTS WEDDING Carly Tessmann and Ryan Taylor were married August 3rd, 2013 at Platteville
BIRTH Haydn Carter David Rice born July 30, 2013. Parents are Shaun and Erin, big brothers are Colten and Landon
Baptism Addisyn Jean Shaffer baptized August 18th, 2013. Daughter of Olivia and Dave Shaffer
SHUT-IN The following is a list of people that can’t get out and may love a visit or a card from those thinking of them. Deloris Burkhalter at Oakley Courts Claire Biesemeier, Dorothy Miller and Laura Uthlaut at Parkview Nettie Hendren at Manor Court, Liberty Village June Nagel, Joyce Kaiser and Holly Genant at Stephenson Nursing Center Katherene Benson, Dorothy Fox at Provena Evelyn Dworak in Kewanee Provena In their homes are, Kathryn Cramer, Karen Salter, Vivian Pals, Esther Dickman, Maida Gimple, Shirley Durrstein, Harold Reints, and Charles & Ardath Lei
NEW MEMBERS Sylvia Bomgarden, Darcy Dunham, Anna Folgate, Jessica Houghton, Vanessa Hughes, Shirley Ifert, Lorraine McMurray and Sarah Todd. 12
Sharon Simler Thank you to my Church Family for your prayers, cards and phone calls. Thank you for the beautiful prayer shawl from the Laycare Givers Group. Thanks Pastor Dutcher for your visits while I was in the hospital. May God bless each of you. Tyler’s Justice Center for Children — Jackie Martin from the Tyler’s Justice Center for Children sent us a thank you card for our donation of $300. Without our support they could not continue to offer their services free of charge. They appreciate all that we do! Kids Coats and Clothes — Deb Stuckenberg sent us a thank you card. With our financial support they were able to provide many students with uniforms for school. Our support gives students hope! Deb sends “Blessings” to the members of St John UCC. FACC Clothing Room — A huge “Thank You” to Donna Klapp and Dixie Marklund for helping in the FACC Clothing Room on Wed. August 14th from 9am-noon. FACC appreciates your help! Ice-Cream Social — On behalf of the Fellowship Ministry Kim Evans, would like to thank everyone who helped make the Ice Cream Social a huge success. Thanks to all who generously donated a pie or cake, sold tickets, served ice cream, food and drinks, and the clean up crew. It was so nice working in the new kitchen. A big thank you to the Resource Group for cutting and serving the pies and cakes. Thank you also to the wonderful fellowship committee members for their help in making the pasta salad and to Vicki and Shan MacAdam and Jane Krug for their help setting everything up Wednesday afternoon. The final numbers are not in, but we anticipate between $800-$900 was made for the general fund. Again a big thanks to everyone. Underwear Drive We collected 378 pairs of underwear for the children of Freeport. Because of your donations, many children started school with clean, fresh underwear this year! Thank You! 13
UPCOMING EVENTS Mark Your Calendars for the Events to Follow: Come One, Come All — September 15th Join us at 10:00 am (note the time) for a celebration of members, friends and families. This is the time to invite a friend, or member that you have not seen in a while. Worship will be on the front lawn, with special music by our S.O.S. group. There will be a potluck after worship provided by the Ministries of the church. Join us for an afternoon of fun and fellowship! Crop Walk — September 22nd Step off from Faith UMC at 1pm. Let’s fight hunger in our communities and around the world! Together we can walk together to end hunger — sponsor sheets are in the Narthex.
Harvest Fest — Come and celebrate the Harvest! Keith and Cherryl Hinrichs are hosting an afternoon of fun, fellowship and food Saturday October 5th. The celebration will be from 11-2 with food, games, field rides and more. Neighbors in Need — Neighbors in Need special mission offering is October 6th. 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! 14
PRESIDENT Tim Ebbers VICE PRESIDENT Joyce Robinson S E C R E T AR Y Deb Hartman T R E AS U R E R Ulan Price C H R I S T I AN E D . Marilyn Ruthe CHURCHGROWTH Deb Hartman FELLOWSHIP Jane Krug MISSIONS Dennis Manus PROPERTY M AN AG E M E N T Shan MacAdam S T AF F R E L AT I O N S Keith Hinrichs S TE W AR D S H I P Ulan Price WORSHIP Tim Ebbers
ST. JOHN UCC COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 12, 2013 Members Present: Tim Ebbers, Jane Krug, Keith Hinrichs, Dennis Manus, Marilyn Ruthe, Joyce Robinson, Shan MacAdam, Pastor Donnley, ex-officio Additional Agenda Items: Shan advised that a bid for the concrete work in front of the church had been received from M&M Concrete. The bid is for $19,910, but does not include gravel fill that may be needed after the old sidewalk and pad have been removed and before the new concrete can be poured. It was decided that it would be best to have the work done following the Come One/Come All Sunday. Keith said that he would call M&M Concrete to let them know the date they can start will be after September 29th.
Come One/Come All Sunday: Discussion revealed that $750 to $800 should cover all costs of the celebration. Keith said that he would supply the stage trailer, just as he had for Pentecost Sunday. It was then decided that due to a large number of congregation members that will not be available for the 15th and 22nd, the celebration will be moved to September 29th. Marilyn moved, and Jane seconded, that a request will be made to utilize up to $800 in funds from the Janshen Fund. Discussion followed. Motion carried. 15
Financial Report: Pastor Donnley reported that we had begun the year with a $25,000 deficit, and that the deficit currently stands at $2,300. While the situation is not the best, it could be worse. It was discussed that Freeport Sealcoat had been contacted to complete striping of the parking lot. This is expected to cost approximately $750, and the funding will be covered by the Property Management account. Shan will again contact Freeport Sealcoat to see when the striping will be done. A question was raised about the preparedness of the classrooms for the incoming culinary and business classes. The culinary classroom and kitchen are ready, but the business classroom has not yet been painted. The teacher for that room had volunteered to paint it, but a sickness in her family had kept her from doing that. She will be contacted by Pastor Donnley with an offer from members to help her paint it before the start of classes. Keith also said that he has equipment that can be used for a coat rack in the classroom at the far north end of the hallway. Finally, Pastor Donnley suggested that the budget discussion and approval be continued to the meeting in September. Staffing: Pastor Donnley recommends that Betty DeMichele, the office secretary be retained following her probationary period. While she is lacking in some computer skills, she is improving and is doing fine with her other office duties. Through past practice she will receive a $1 per hour raise following the probationary period. Ulan brought information from a friend of his advising of a person available for a part time custodian/maintenance position with St. John. Money exists in the budget for this part time position, and arrangements will be made by Pastor Donnley to interview the individual. The Church has received notice that Kevin Eckert's insurance will be cancelled as of December 31, due to the end of that insurance 16
program. It is unsure what type of insurance will be available, as that information has not been made available yet. Kirsten also advised that her added income may make their children ineligible for their current state aid insurance. We will have to wait to determine what will be done for insuring the Eckert family. Pastor's Report: Pastor Donnley reported that we have 9 new members joining the congregation on August 25th. Property Management: It was reported that Eagle Scout prospect Wesley Bennehoff is working with Jack Gastel to complete an awning to cover the area of the north entrance in the west parking lot. The awning should provide cover from rain and snow for anyone approaching the doors from both the stairs and the handicap ramp. There will be discussion about Jack receiving compensation for the work he had completed so far on the kitchen project. Pastor Donnley requested that Jane Krug discuss with Lyle the possibility of letters to be written by the Church to make it available for Jack to use them for tax purposes. Tim also suggested that we explore the possibility of extending the kitchen ceiling/lighting project into the Fellowship Hall, and maybe into the Narthex and adjoining hallways. This would brighten those areas a lot, making them more usable. Property Management will be asked to explore the costs of those projects for future discussion. The meeting was adjourned by consensus. Respectfully submitted, Shan MacAdam
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FINANCIAL STATEMENT Beginning Balance January 1, 2013
$3,920.91
08/01 General Fund Beginning Balance
$1,630.49
08/05
GF Income
$5,063.00
08/12
GF Income
$7,027.93
08/19
GF Income
$4,837.38
Less 08/19
GF Payroll & Compensation
$10,538.83
08/19
GF Other Checks
$ 4,993.65
08/19
GF Current Bills Outstanding
$ 2,531.47
08/19
Ending Balance
$ 494.85
___________________________________________________ Beginning Balance January 1, 2013 08/01 Building Fund Beginning Balance
$ 3,248.72 $2,159.31
08/05
BD Income
$ 312.00
08/12
BD Income
$ 208.00
08/19
BD Income Less
$ 281.00
08/19
BD checks
$689.05
BD Current Bills Outstanding
08/19 Ending Balance
$2,271.26 18
September Scripture Readings 01
Daniel 4.1-18
17
Psalm 19
02
Daniel 4.19-37
18
Psalm 119.1-16
03
Job 28.1-28
19
Psalm 119.17-32
04
Luke 8.4-18
20
Psalm 119.33-48
05
Luke 11.14-36
21
Psalm 119.49-64
06
Luke 12.1-21
22
Psalm 119.65-80
07
Luke 12.22-48
23
Psalm 119.81-96
08
James 1.1-27
24
Psalm 119.97-112
09
James 2.1-26
25
Psalm 119.113-128
10
James 3.1-18
26
Psalm 119.129-144
11
James 4.1-17
27
Psalm 119.145-160
12
James 5.1-20
28
Psalm 119.161-176
13
1 Corinthians 1.1-17
29
Proverbs 3.1-35
14
1 Corinthians 1.18-31
30
Proverbs 4.1-27
15
1 Corinthians 2.1-16
16
Psalm 1.1-2.11 19
20