Tidings March 2010

THE TIDINGS MARCH 2010

ST. JOHN UCC Bringing the Healing Love of Christ To Our Community for the Glory of God

ST. JOHN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 1010 S P ARK BL V D ~ FRE EP ORT, IL www.stjohnuccfreeport.org

S T .J OHN T IDINGS V OL U M E 67

M AR C H 2010

CHURCH STAFF MINISTERS………………….…THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH SENIOR PASTOR……………………...……DONNLEY DUTCHER DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY…KEVIN ECKERT MINISTRY OF CHURCH LIFE & MEMBERSHIP…....PAM W ESSEL STAFF SECRETARY…………………………..KIRSTEN ECKERT CHOIR DIRECTOR………………..……………..TERESA GREEN ORGANIST…………….……………………..CAROLE BERTRAM

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

Website: www.stjohnuccfreeport.org

Deadline for submitting articles in the TIDINGS Newsletter is the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

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Kevin’s Korner God is speaking, Are you listening to Him? So today I was working on my daily bible study and it hit me that things in my life are changing.

Mainly because I'm following God's lead. My body is being restored to the temple God wants it to be. I feel great about that.

I'm happy now, the sadness of my former self has faded into the distant past. Daily, God shows me how he want to use me to lead other through this life transformation and life restoration. I trust His lead each and every step. God's purpose for my life is so evident today. I'm here to serve my Lord with every moment. I seek His guidance and He leads me. God constantly blesses me and my family. I'm amazed at how God is working to restore not just my body, but my life. He nudges me to work on my relationships with those around me and he even gives me the strength to resist bad habits. God is even restoring my financial situation. It all starts with seeking God's guidance. Once I began to seek God in all areas of my life what He wants me to do becomes focused and clear. My home life is well on the way to becoming something to be proud of.

Kirsten and I have never been so close and I'm truly blessed because of God's Devine hand in my life.

All this change has made me look at my ministry and seek God's guidance and will. God called me to be His servant and up until now I've done that within my own comfort zone and, up to a point, I haven't always made choices that were healthy or worthy of a strong Christian. I suppose we all can say that about our lives too. I'm really taking a hard look at my ministries at St. John UCC and seek what God is calling of me at St. John.

Today we are working on a great Christian Fitness & Nutrition Group. I know God is calling me to help others be restored Physically, Mentally, Spiritually, and Emotionally. That truly has permeated every area of my life and It is about to change my youth ministry.

I'm not sure how but I know it will. In 2010 God will be changing things at St. John United Church of Christ. I will be an active part of the changes He is about to make. I'm his servant here to do his will. I'll embrace the changes He places before me and my ministries.

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As I step forward into this new year this verse will echo in my mind.

I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me.

The grave* wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. Psalm 18:1-6 And God heard me. Now I’m listening. God is speaking, Are you listening to Him? Consumed by the Call, Kevin Eckert Director of Children and Youth Ministry Director of Technology Ministry

LAZER TAG LUNCH MARCH 12, 1-3PM (DISTRICT 145 HALF DAY OF SCHOOL)

LAZER TAG, PIZZA, AND SODA

HELIX ~ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY~ WEDNESDAY , MARCH 17TH 6-8 PM

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SUNDAY-WEDNESDAY SERIES FOR LENT This past November Pastor Dutcher bought a book titled: “Living the Sermon on the Mount: A Practical Hope for Grace and Deliverance.” It has received strong, positive reviews from Christians spanning the conservative to liberal span: Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest this about the book: “This is the most helpful analysis of the Sermon on the Mount that I have ever studied.” ... Ronald Sider, President of Evangelicals for Social Action wrote: “Biblical, practical, clear. ...a clear, popular way, helping Christians understand what it means to follow Jesus today.” ... Amy Laura Hall of Duke University Divinity School wrote: “an unparalleled gift to readers who yearn to live the joy and risk of following Jesus close at hand.” ... Cheryl Bridges Johns of the Church of God Theological Seminary wrote: “Stassen does not offer a lofty ethic, but a living, liberating way of life that celebrates the grace of God. Blessed are all who read it.”

The book has ten chapters, which Pastor Dutcher will address on Sunday mornings (in his sermons) and Wednesday evenings in book study and conversation. The schedule will be: Wed., Mar. 3

Practicing Reconciliation & Keeping Our Covenants

Sun., Mar. 7

Telling the Truth, Making Peace, Loving Our Enemies

Wed., Mar. 10 The Prayer of Jesus Sun., Mar. 14

Investing in God’s Reign and Restorative Justice

Wed., Mar. 17 Forgoing Judgment for Forgiveness Sun., Mar. 21

Practicing Loyalty to God, Not to Worldly Powers

Wed. Mar. 24

How to Tell a True Ethic from a False One

Wednesday evenings will be in the Fellowship Hall with a 5:45 p.m. dinner, followed by the book study and conversation beginning at 6:30 p.m. Please sign up for the Lenten dinners on the bulletin board. Thank you.

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ST. JOHN CHURCH -CHICAGO IL An update on Rev. Dr. Charlotte Nold—many of you may not know but Pastor Nold has had a rough year and as a congregation that has helped their church regularly with donations of food and money she has kept us in the loop. We received an update on her and the churches progress and thought you would like to hear it.

Dear members and friends of St. John Church, How very blessed and thankful I am this day. I have finally finished my prolapsed surgery healing, my breast cancer surgery and 33 radiation treatments, so now only have my thyroid to get back in order. I told the doctor the first day of my radiation treatments that I was most concerned that because we live in Chicago that we might have enough snow that it would be difficult for me to drive to the hospital every morning. She said, “Well, that is a relief for me because I am not in charge of the weather at all!” As you know, the country became a bit overwhelmed from coast to coast with winter challenges - all except Chicago. My doctor winked at me the last day of treatment and said, “Well we beat the Chicago snow!!” Now I feel like a new youthful woman. My appreciation of life has changed and I am more aware and thankful for each new day.

What I did not know was that there was so much love within the UCC. I know that many of you have continually supported our church and mission work, but many of you in addition have sent cards, flowers and phone calls of encouragement .For this I thank you. Some of you have been on some of this journey with .me in your own lives. It is amazing how God puts people into our lives when we are in need of comfort and encouragement. Do we sometimes call them angels? Yes! And now with new energy and enthusiasm I continue to feel the joy of our mission work and the part that you play in that work Our pantry is now feeding 900 hungry people each month. What a blessing that is! Our monthly rummage sales continue and we are exploring having a Sunday morning breakfast AA meeting in the church before our worship service. This will of course be in addition to our Tuesday and Thursday evening meetings.

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My wish for you in 2010 is that whatever challenges you face that you will feel the presence of God and know that when “All is well, all is well, with your soul “ that nothing else really matters.

With love and appreciation, Rev. Dr. Charlotte Nold And the congregation of St. John Church

EXPERIENCE SOME RELAXATION AND AN INNER BALANCE Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® is a relaxation and stress-reduction therapy which will help remove pain and tension from your body and bring an inner lightness & balance to your body and spirit. It can help reduce soreness and stiffness in your shoulders, back, muscles and joints, and even help provide some relief for a stuffy head and cold.

Pastor Dutcher has completed 200 hours of training in Jin Shin Do Bodymind Acupressure® and has 115 hours of clinical practice toward his registration and certification. He is insured and permitted by the church’s insurance provider to complete his clinical practice hours through the church.

Pastor Dutcher provides “free” sessions for members and active friends of the church as a part of his ministry among us, and as a part of our bringing the healing love of Christ to our community for the glory of God. Please contact him to make an appointment for a relaxation session.

Jin Shin Do® Bodymind Acupressure® is basically Japanese acupressure technique based on Chinese acupressure theory, enhanced by Qi-gong (chee-gong), modern Western psychology, and Taoism.

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HAITI RELIEF EFFORT – JOIN IN! Give your contribution through the church. You will be helping the poorest of the poor through our church affiliates. Make your check payable to St. John UCC with the notation: Haiti Relief.

The UCC has had a mission presence in Haiti for nearly 30 years. Patrick & Kim Bentrott and Patrick Villier are our Global Ministry partners in Haiti. We have glad hearts that they lived through the earthquake.

Patrick Villier is a member of our Common Global Ministries Board (a joint ministry board with the Disciples of Christ) and the president of the National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti (CONESPEH), a grassroots movement of 6,000 plus congregations, and our largest Disciples and UCC partner in Haiti for almost 3 decades.

At 10:40 a.m. on January 15, the Global Ministries staff spoke with Patrick Villier on the phone through his daughter in Florida.

This is part of what he said: "The situation on the ground is very difficult. We are grieving the loss of our foster son. Also, the losses to the CONASPEH family have been enormous. It is very difficult for us to keep our faith.

The only reason we know that God has not abandoned us is through the solidarity and critical presence that we receive from you through Global Ministries. It's the only hope we have now.

Please pray for us."

The six story CONASPEH headquarters building, which houses the school, seminary and nursing institute has been flattened by the earthquake. Many of the nursing students were tragically trapped inside. Concerning CONASPEH, David Vargas, CoExecutive of Global Ministries said: "CONASPEH is serving grassroots congregations among the poorest of the poor. Many of those congregations will be devastated. ... At this moment, it is very important that we as Disciples and UCC step up to meet God's people and creation at the point of deepest need. In all my 8

years in Global Ministries, I can say that this situation is probably the "deepest need" we have experienced as we walk with our partners. Thank you for keeping CONASPEH and the people of Haiti in your prayers."

Church Women United of Freeport World Day of Prayer—March 5, 2010 World Day of Prayer is a world wide ecumenical movement of women of many faith traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year on the first Friday in March. For 2010 the theme is “Let everything that has breath praise God” The service is written by Christian women of Cameroon, Africa.

Hosted by: Mt. Calvary Church of God In Christ 420 E. Challenge St., Freeport World Day of Prayer Service at 1:30p.m.

With Fellowship following the service.

The Spring Tea April 17th, 2010 Yes it is that time again! The theme this year is holidays. If you would like to create a table for the event, please contact Nancy Otte 563-4619 or Donna Klapp 232-6716.

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L AYC ARE M INISTRY Mark 1:40-41 “A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing.” he said. “Be clean.”

Touching is a gift. Have you ever had a time in your life when you needed a hug? Have you ever had a time in your life when someone near you, could tell by the look on your face, knew that you needed a hug? Have you ever given someone a hug, just because it feels good?

Hugs, or a touch, is a good cure for weariness or feeling alone.

Yes, it is a gift. Touch, or hugs are encouraging and comforting for us all. I remember visiting a lady in the hospital and I touched her face and her forehead. She told me how wonderful my cool hand felt on her face. Touch can be comforting.

I watched Bud as he looked forward to those Sunday morning hugs from his line of ladies. I learned from that, to extend myself to others, understanding how healing a touch or a hug can be.

I’ve learned to touch a shoulder when I say ’thank you’ to someone for showing a bit of kindness. When I reach out to others with a hug or a touch, I realize there is a connection from my hand to the other person’s heart.

One little act of kindness, one little hug, one little greeting card sent “just because we care”, a touch on the shoulder can brighten someone’s day. Reaching out to others really puts a smile on our hearts.

Have you hugged someone today?

Peace and Love, Marilyn Ruthe, Coordinator Laycare Ministry 10

S TEWARDSHIP M INISTRY Applying Bible Principles One of the most striking accusations the Lord Jesus made when He was on earth was to label someone a hypocrite. Time and time again, He criticized the Pharisees and others for their hypocrisy. They said one thing but did something entirely different. They fit the description used by Zig Ziglar who said, “A hypocrite is one who is not himself on Sunday.”

That’s perhaps what the Apostle Paul had in mind when he wrote to Timothy: “And whoever does not provide for relatives, and especially for family members, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” In other words, to give credence to Christianity, to give lip service to following Christ and to trusting in Him as Savior and Lord, and then to fail to provide for our own family, is hypocrisy. To do so, in reality, is to deny our faith and to be considered as someone who has no faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and no interest in spiritual matters.

It seems like such a small thing < relatively speaking (pun intended) < that Paul is exhorting Timothy to do. Provide for your own household, your own relatives. Take care of those under your care. Minister to those closest to you as a demonstration of your Christian faith.

Yes, we are to give to His ministry here at St. John United Church of Christ. Yes, we are to be involved in ministering to others “on our own” and as part of the outreach of this church. But we are also to provide for our own families. We are also to minister to them and to care for them, for by doing so, we demonstrate the practical reality of our Christian faith. We thereby avoid the label of hypocrite since what we say is what we do.

How’s the balance in your life? Are you providing for the needs of this ministry and those of your household? As a result, do others (especially your family) see Jesus in you?

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MISSIONS MINISTRY RED CAN SUNDAY Please bring your donations of can goods, cereal, pasta, food items as well as the much needed personal items. Please bring your donations to church. We will also be receiving monetary donations on March 7th for the FACC emergency fund. $304.00 was collected in February.

CLEANSE, REFRESH AND RENEW As we approach and enter the Lenten Season â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a time for spiritually cleansing, refreshing and renewing ourselves, the Mission Ministry is challenging all members and friends of St. John to use this season to donate items for FACC. We will be collecting items for cleansing, refreshing and renewing, such as soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.

The goal is to fill our grocery cart each week in Lent. Please consider helping us meet this goal.

Mission trip Fundraisers ~Chili Supper and Silent Auction~ Saturday, March 6th, 2010 5-7pm The items in the auction will be available to see the Sunday before the auction. We also are in need of volunteers to make cakes for dessert. Contact the office if you are able to help.

~Pie Auction~ Sunday, March 28th, 2010 Following service in the Sanctuary Please contact the office if you are able to donate pies!

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M O N T H LY A C T I V I T I E S BIBLE STUDY We meet at 9 a.m. every Wednesday in the Library. We have started a new book, Moments That Take Your Breath Away by James W. Moore, come and join us.

CARD CLUB Card Club will play on the first Monday of the month at 1:00pm.

PING PONG We meet every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. (the second week of the month on Tuesday) in the Game Room (North Wing). We would love to have more men & women join in on the fun!

RESOURCE GROUP Join us on Thursdays at 9 a.m. for coffee, treats, friendship, & to do volunteer work!

TAU ALPHA March 15th at 7pm in the Fellowship Hall

STITCH, SEW, &QUILT Wed., March 10th at 9:30. Bring ideas, patterns and/ or scrap fabric to be used for making projects for FHN. Some ideas are baby/lap quilts, catheter bags, walker bags, pillow cases and activity bags for children.

ST. JOHN UCC MEN’S GROUP St. John’s Men’s Group will be Saturday, March. 6th, 8 - 9:30 am in the Chapel Hearth room.

MEALS ON WHEELS We will be delivering Meals on Wheels the week of March 29-April 3. If you would like to volunteer to help deliver meals or drive, please call Sherrill Spaide (235-2983).

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COFFEE HOUR Coffee Hour is a time for fellowship.. You won’t always get a reminder call when it’s your turn to bring cookies, but please, if your name is on the list for this month, bring in about 4 dozen to share. Everyone enjoys the treats and the social time together. Thank you!

RESOURCE WILL CHAIR IN MARCH 3/7– Carol Ahrens, Dorothy Albrecht, Mary Arnold, Terry & Deleana Atz, Wayne Bahn, Jim & Barb Barkau, Gina Bertram, Greg & Anita Bicksler 3/14—Claire Biesemeier, Joyce Bloyer, Marsha Boll, Helen Bose, Dana Brill, Nichole & Rob Brinkmeier, Amy & Troy Brinkmeier, Danita Bruce, Cassie & Dane Busker 3/21—Randal & Betty Carpenter, Anna Carroll, Len & Liz Carter, Don & Ronnie Clock, Bill Condie, Phil & Barb Copus,Rosie Cosgrove, Tim & Lisa Ebbers 3/28—Perry & Martha Cowan, Jack & Marge Criddle, Clyde & Jeanne Cross, Dory DeFrane, Monty & Carolee Dietmeier, Todd & LaVonne Dietmeier, Cory & Annette Ditsworth, Ray & Dorothy Ditsworth YAHOOS WILL CHAIR IN APRIL 4/4—Laurie & Rick Ditsworth, Jim & Gwen Drew, Donnley & Sandy Dutcher, Bruce & Denise Dykstra, Kevin & Kirsten Eckert, Arnold & Mary Eder, Holly & Mike Edler, Kim & Brian Evans

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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.

GREETERS March 7 – Randal & Betty Carpenter March 14 – Monty & Carolee Dietmeier March 21 – John & Betty Heiden March 28 – Eunice Hildebrandt & Edee Rosenstiel WELCOMERS March 7 - Ben & Lucille Lee March 14 – Lee & Nancy Otte March 21 – Trent & Kristin Rademaker March 28 – Marilyn Rawleigh & Jackie Stewart NURSERY March 7 – Bonnie & Russ Gennusa March 14 – Denny & Carla Meyer March 21 – Paula Rawleigh & Rachel Roemer March 28 – Tom & Melinda Ferguson USHERS 3/7 Tim, Colin & Kristy Ebbers, Jim Drew, Dennis Manus, 3/14 John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus, Mike Smith 3/21 Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Wes & Joyce Robinson, 3/28 Lee & Nancy Otte, Sharon Simler, & Jane Krug

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DRIVERS March 7 – Don Valkema

235-7395

March 14 – Lucille Lee

232-5581

March 21 – Jack Criddle

233-2304

March 28 – Mike Smith

297-9092

If you are in need of a ride to church please contact the person designated for driving. If you are a regular pick up and not planning to ride, please call the driver to let them know!

ATTENDANCE 1/31 - 173 2/07 - 204 2/14 - 174 2/21 - 146

P LE ASE I NCLUDE

IN YOUR

P R AYERS

HOSPITALIZED; Pat Conter, Joe Janshen PRAYER CHAIN: Dick & Mavis Clark, Kenneth Benson, Addie Toelle, William & Esther Dickman, Paula Nieman, Jody, Dave Diddens

March Anniversaries 2 Troy & Amy Brinkmeier 17 Andy & Beth Jacobs 20 John & Betty Heiden 24 Trent & Kristin Rademaker 26 Wes & Joyce Robinson 28 Keith & Kathy Moffatt 16

March Birthdays 2

Norma Linder, Chelsea Rademaker

3

Jean Wurtzel, Jill Kuntz

4

Floyd Roberts, Kathleen Monte, Emily Sheppard, Graham Atz, Hallie Atz

5

Tom Hull

6

Evelyn Dworak

8

Kristin Schneiderman

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Shirley Fritzenmeier, Lyle Nesemeyer, Michael Smith, Joanne Valkema, Madison Brinkmeier

10 Keona Eckert, Grace Schrader 11 Kim Evans, Lisa Ebbers 12 Eunice Hildebrandt, Nancy Burd, Larry Dodson 13 Glenn Watson, Hugh Knapp 14 Ashley Heitz 15 Kelly Priewe, Kaleb Rucker 16 Norma Valkema, John Rawleigh, Kevin Beach 17 Pat Conter, Nichole Brinkmeier, Bonnie Gennusa 19 Allison Kundert 20 DeLeana Atz, Anna Cowan 21 Audrey Gianquinto, Amy Stowe, Tyler Spyrison 22 Ben Lee, Dorothy Albrecht 23 Tom Stowe 24 Debbie Lapinski, Dominic Olson 25 William Kuntz Jr., Corey Ditsworth 27 Rachael Rutter, Deloris Burkhalter, James Spaide, Emily Brill 28 Shan MacAdam 29 Elliot Cross, Chelsea Pruitt

30 Joyce Veer, Dana Brill, Steven Winter 17

Thank you to Pairs ‘n Spares to there many years as a form of fellowship for the congregation and thank you for the gift to the scholarship fund ************************************************************************* Once again it’s time to thank our church family for all the cards, phone calls, food, flowers, and memorials since losing Bill.

Thanks to Pastor Donnley for his funeral service which meant a lot to our family. Also thanks to Keith and Chris for the special music. As always the ladies serving the luncheon are always appreciated. Our thanks to the staff at Walker’s Mortuary for the beautiful video and being there for all our needs. They are truly super people. May God bless each and everyone who has helped at this sad time. –Donna Ruthe and family. ************************************************************************* Thank you again for your hospitality —from Boy Scout troop 132 in Decatur.

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EASTER LILIES ARE NOW BEING ORDERED!!!

We would like to have a garden of Lilies on Easter Sunday. If you wish to order a lily through the church, please turn in the form below with your money by March 15th . You may also bring in your own flowers or have them delivered before noon on Good Friday. (Please mark them with your name.) You will also need to fill out the form below and turn it in by March 28th if you would like your plant recognized in the bulletin.

You can pick up your flower after the service on Easter Sunday. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Easter Lily ($ 9.75) _____ I/We wish to order _____ lilies from the church to add to the Easter Garden.

Enclosed is $__________________ _____ I/We will bring flowers from home or have our own delivered before noon on Good Friday.

IN MEMORY OF_____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

IN HONOR OF_____________________________________________________ _ ____________________________________________________________________

PRESENTED BY_________________________________________________ ___

Please take to a shut-in. ___________ I will pick up the flower. ___________ 19

March Scripture Readings 01

Luke 18;1-14

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Nehemiah 1:1-11

02

Matthew 6:1-18

17

Nehemiah 8:1-18

03

Acts 3:1-10

18

Nehemiah 9:1-37

04

Acts 3:11-26

19

Esther 4:1-17

05

Acts 4:1-22

20

Isaiah 37:1-20

06

Acts 4:23-37

21

Isaiah 37:21-38

07

Acts 5:1-16

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Jeremiah 32:16-44

08

2 Chronicles 29:1-17

23

Lamentations 3:1-42

09

2 Chronicles 29:18-36

24

Daniel 9:1-19

10

2 Chronicles 30:1-12

25

Joel 2:1-27

11

2 Chronicles 30:13-27

26

Jonah 2:1-10

12

2 Chronicles 31:1-21

27

Psalm 74

13

Ezra 3:1-13

28

Psalm 75

14

Ezra 8:15-36

29

Psalm 76

15

Ezra 9:1-15

30

Psalm 79

31

Psalm 80

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CHURCH COUNCIL PRESIDENT Perry Cowan VICE PRESIDENT Daryl Tessmann S E C R E T AR Y Carla Meyer T R E AS U R E R Vicki MacAdam C H R I S T I AN E D .

Bill Condie CHURCHG ROW TH & MEMBERSHIP Perry Cowan FELLOWSHIP Vicki MacAdam M ISSIONS Carla Meyer PROPERTY M AN AG E M E N T Daryl Tessmann S T AF F R E L AT I O N S Jeanne Cross S T E W AR D S H I P Vicki MacAdam WORSHIP Patty Weik

ST. JOHN UCC COUNCIL MINUTES February 8, 2010 Members Present: Vicki MacAdam, Bill Condie, Carla Meyer, Perry Cowan, Jeanne Cross, Patty Weik, John Hendren, and Pastor Dutcher. Daryl Tessmann was absent.

President Perry Cowan called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Pastor Dutcher opened the meeting with prayer.

Minutes: Minutes of the January Council meeting were approved as presented.

Financial Reports: The financial reports were reviewed. Vicki MacAdam moved and Carla Meyer seconded a motion to approve the reports as presented. Motion carried.

Perry Cowan discussed plans for the mission trip to Louisiana. At this time 1618 persons have committed to go on this trip. It was decided that May 1 will be set as final date to sign up for the trip. It was noted that the limits on Pastor Dutcher's and Kevin Eckert's church credit cards are not high enough to cover the expenses for hotel rooms, gas and food that will be incurred during the trip. Patty Weik moved and Vicki MacAdam seconded a motion to temporarily increase the limits on each of their cards to $5000. Motion carried.

Perry Cowan stated that at this time there are candidates for all of the open Council positions except for 1. Each of the Ministries is encouraged to submit names to serve on their respective ministry. The slate of candidates will be presented for election at the March 25, 2010 Congregational meeting.

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Ministry and Staff Reports: Christian Education Ministry reported that Laura Hall will be here Rally Day weekend to present a program.

Worship Ministry continues with worship service planning.

Property Management Ministry had no report.

Stewardship Ministry is meeting on Wednesday.

Fellowship Ministry is planning the Chili Supper to be held March 6 as a fund raiser for the Mission Trip to Louisiana.

Mission Ministry will also assist.

Staff Relations Ministry will meet February 15.

Mission Ministry made disbursements to 2 individuals with a short term need. Sarah Cowan would like to bring a group of children from Uganda to the US in 2011. Mission Ministry is considering what needs to be done to assist in this effort.

Church Growth Ministry had nothing to report.

Pastor Dutcher is making plans for Lent.

At 7:20 pm the Council went into executive session. The Council meeting was returned to regular session at 8:05 pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.

Secretary, Carla Meyer

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FINANCIAL STATEMENT Beginning Balance January 1,2010

$28,364.92

2/01 General Fund Beginning Balance

$27,442.38

2/08

GF Income

$6,070.85

2/15

GF Income

$5,823.00

Less 2/19

GF Payroll & Compensation

2/19

GF Other Checks

2/19

GF Current Bills Outstanding

2/19

Ending Balance

$11,067.04 $5,344.50 $0.00 $27,608.09

__________________________________________________ Beginning Balance January 1,2010 2/01

Building Fund Beginning Balance

$29,559.65 $29,959.01

2/01

BD Income

$71.00

2/08

BD Income

$485.00

2/15

BD Income

$376.00

2/19

BD Checks

$1,700.10

2/19

BD Current Bills Outstanding

2/19

Ending Balance

Less

$0.00 $29,190.91

__________________________________________________ 2/19

Boiler Fund Balance

$22,071.67

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