Tidings Test

THE TIDINGS F E B R U A RY 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 66

F EB R U AR Y 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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AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME…..

I know this is a “long” article, this month; but you will understand the need for it when you read all of it.

A couple weeks ago, I had the joy of baptizing my grandson, Kyllian Makai Jacobs. It is one of the perks of being a clergy person. Often, we have the opportunity, privilege, and joy of sharing in some of the most important events in our children’s and grandchildren’s lives; and, sometimes, for extended family, too - their baptisms, confirmations and weddings.

I also know it was made more meaningful for me, since in the last 18 months I’ve also officiated at my parents’ funerals. The joy of Kyllian’s baptism balanced some of that pain.

Yet, I also faced the dilemma many of you have faced; at least, those of you who are or were teachers. How do you maintain your integrity as a teacher if one of your children are in one of your classes, in the sense of not being “softer” or “unduly hard” on them, in relation to the other students? ... How do I as a pastor uphold my standards of what baptism is to be about, when it comes to baptizing my grandchild?

Many years ago, in my first years of ministry, I said something to Sandy that she has always remembered. I remember the pain I caused her, though she tells me she’s over it, now. Neither of us remember exactly what I said; but it was something to the effect of “God comes first; you, second.”

I have tempered this, a little, in that I know that the first commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind; and the second is the same, that we must love our neighbor as ourselves. So that as we love God we are loving our neighbor, and as we are loving our neighbor we are loving God; but, still, we must love God. There is no one whom I love more than Sandy, and words cannot express the depth of my love for her; but it has always been a challenge to balance my commitment to God’s call of me into the ministry with my commitment to her. I know it may be difficult for some of you to understand this, but such is my understanding of 3

my covenant with and responsibility to God. Many of you know this from your struggle to find the right balance between your career, marriage and family. My struggle is more balancing my responsibility to God and family.

It is in this same regard, then, that I struggled with how to communicate to my daughter and son-in-law their responsibility to God in having their child and my grandson baptized. So, I told Beth I would be writing them a letter and she said that was okay.

It is a letter I expect to share with all couples who will be asking us to baptize their children, because our responsibility in baptism is not just to our family, but also to God. Here are excerpts from that letter: “Beth and Andy: It feels very awkward to write this letter to you, since you’re my daughter and son-in-law. I also write it with some sense of in trepidation; but it is something I must do as a person of faith, a minister of Jesus Christ called by God, and Kyllian’s grandfather. I bear each of these responsibilities with deep humility and great seriousness, for maintaining my integrity to my self, God, and Kyllian is most important to me.

I have been officiating at baptisms for over 35 years... It has always been an honor, even though there have been a few times – well, more than a few – when I know it was just something the parents felt they “had” to do. But I have been honored to be able to claim that child for God – and to declare God’s love for that child, even if that child never grows up to claim that relationship for himself or herself.

But I also know that there wasn’t much true faith or joy in many of the parent’s hearts for how significant it was that they were baptizing their children into a relationship with Jesus Christ and the church. It was more that they wanted or needed to feel within themselves that their child/children were accepted and loved by God. Granted, this is an assumption on my part; but I believe it is well-founded, even if it is not fair to those parents who I have misjudged. I pray God will forgive me for that....

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...I specifically ask both of you to reflect on the fact that you will be making the commitment to: 1) “draw him by your example (each of you) into the church;” 2) “walk with him in the way of Christ into a meaningful faith relationship with God;” and 3) that you will “help him take his place in the life and worship of Christ’s church...”

To “draw him by your example into the church” means, at the least, that you will model for him participating in church by your participating in church. To “walk with him in the way of Christ into a meaningful faith relationship with God” means, at the least, you will model this for him by having a meaningful relationship with God, yourself. To “help him take his place in the life and worship of Christ’s church...” means, at the least, that you will help him become comfortable in a church so he knows that it is a place where he belongs, in every meaning of that word.

There may be a part of you that is baptizing Kyllian, now, out of respect for me. If that is true, I appreciate it and understand it.

However, it’s okay with me if you wait to baptize him until some time in the future when you can do things I set before you, if you can’t do them now. I appreciate and understand this, too. My love for you and Kyllian is too great to have your waiting until a later date have any effect on my love or our relationship.”

It is a life-long struggle to maintain the balance of integrity to God, family and self; but it is the call and challenge of all of us who have chosen to follow Jesus Christ.

In Christ,

MEMBERS CLASSES There is a new members class beginning February 7th after service. It will be a 6 week class. Anyone interested please speak to Pastor Donnley or call Kirsten in the office.

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ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE February 17th, at 7:00 pm dinner at 6:00pm hosted by Resource

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: Sun., Feb. 21

Seeking God’s Holy Presence on the Mountain

Wed. Feb. 24

Participating with Joy in the Reign of God

Sun., Feb. 28

The Beatitudes

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

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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.

LENTEN DEVOTIONALS This year’s devotionals are : From Fear to Love - Henri J.M. Nouwen Where In The World Is God? - 40 days of devotions for today’s world , by Stephen J. Carter These will be available in the Narthex by Ash Wednesday.

THE ST. JOHN UCC MEN’S GROUP The next gathering of the St. John’s Men’s Group will be Saturday, Feb. 6th , at 8 a.m. in the Chapel Hearth room. We meet until about 9:30 a.m., as we share a cup of coffee or two, some fellowship and conversation, and continue our discussion on masculine spirituality.

If you will be attending for the first time, Please contact Kirsten Eckert or Pastor Dutcher in the church office. They have materials to send you. Thank you.

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ANNUAL REPORTS All Ministries and social groups are asked to submit a report of their activities for the past year.

All reports will be due to the church office by February 15th, for the Congregational Meeting in March. Please check with your group to see who is responsible for turning in the report.

BLOOD DRIVE February 3rd the Rock River Valley Blood Center will have their bus in the parking lot from 3pm to 6pm. Our goal is at least 10 donors, that is a pretty attainable number so lets exceed it. Please sign up in the Narthex if you plan on donating or just stop in.

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.

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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.

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 9

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 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."

L AYC ARE M INISTRY In the month of Ziv, the second month, he (Solomon) began to build the temple of the Lord….1 Kings 6:1 We never stop learning - I’m sure you have all heard that. If you already know about Ziv - the second month - February, please read anyway.

I was looking through a new devotional and came across the devotion about ‘light’. Now, I’m sure you all have heard of people with SAD (seasonal affective disorder) or know someone with SAD and how they look forward to winter time being over.

The aforementioned devotion talks about Ziv meaning ‘light’ in the Scripture. The month of Ziv was a time for healing. The second month of the year has always been a time of light, December and January are behind us and February is the cure.

When I checked Ziv on the internet, I learned that it means “splendor” or “brilliance” which is two of the thirteen synonyms for light in Hebrew and both names refer to the special light that shines in this second month.

You know those long, dark days we have in December and January have got to be so depressing to people effected by SAD. We once had a neighbor who had to go to Florida every year in 10

January for a few weeks to get her through the long, dark days of winter.

Then comes February and I am told that the earth slips away from its ellipse and that change is dramatic. The shadows shorten and the amount of daylight increases by more than fifteen minutes each week. The time of darkness is over and is replaced by healing and light.

I really enjoyed reading this devotion and the detailed article I found on the internet. God does shower us with brilliance in flowers and buds and God provides us with splendor in the trees.

So it was, in the second month, the month of brilliance and when there was ‘light‘, that Solomon began to build the temple of the Lord.

The writer of this particular devotion, Tim Williams, ends by saying “Thank you, God, for longer days and shorter shadows.

Thank you for February!”

I end my article, by saying Thank you that December and January are over and we can all look forward to splendor and brilliance in our lives. May 2010 be a year of “light” for all of you!

Peace and Love, Marilyn Ruthe, Coordinator Laycare Ministry

S TEWARDSHIP M INISTRY Applying Bible Principles A Christian business owner once observed, “I would rather do business with a non—Christian any day than with a Christian.” His statement was a descriptive commentary on a sad state in the lives of some Christians who fail to pay their bills or to deal with their debts as promised.

A debt simply represents a promise to pay. Nothing more.

Nothing less.

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Whether the debt is to purchase a car, a house, braces for the kids’ teeth, or to facilitate a purchase by using a credit card, the issue is the same.

By creating a debt, we also create simultaneously an obligation and promise to pay.

Larry Burkett wrote this, “To define debt is not simple, but basically, it’s an obligation to pay that can’t be kept. . . . Probably forty percent of all American families are in debt in a typical year.

They’re unable to make the monthly payments on the money they borrowed. Many actually borrow more money to make payments on the money they’ve already borrowed.”

We who are Christians of all people should pay our debts, not only for our reputations and personal integrity, but also because what we do is a direct reflection on our Lord. Or as the Apostle Paul expressed it so clearly in 1 Thessalonians 4:11—12, we are to behave properly towards people who are outside the family of God and outside His church.

Psalm 37:21 says that to borrow (to create a debt) and then not repay it is wrong. But on a positive note, this same verse also says that the person who is righteous shows mercy by repaying debts and by giving to the needs of others.

By the way, do people know you’re a Christian by how you pay your bills and by how you give to others?

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 February 7th for the FACC emergency fund. $234.00 was collected in January.

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CLEANSE, REFRESH AND RENEW As we approach and enter the Lenten Season – 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.

!UPDATE! MISSION TRIP 2010 We will be going to Metarie Louisiana in June to help in the on going rebuilding from the Katrina disaster. Along with rebuilding we will also have the opportunity to work in a community center and also in a Summer School facility.

We expect to have a group of about 20 people that includes 4 youth. The missions ministry has committed to funding a portion of this trip and those of us who are going on this Mission trip will be hosting a dinner to raise the remainder of the funds needed to go.

Mark you calendars:

Mission trip benefit dinner Saturday, March 6th, 2010 4-7pm

* watch the bulletin board for additional details or call the office.

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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 are starting a new book, Moments That Take Your Breath Away by James W. Moore, come and join us.

CARD CLUB at

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

PA I R S ‘ n S PA R E S Will not be meeting in February.

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 Will not be meeting in February.

STITCH, SEW, &QUILT The Stitch Sew Quilt group will meet on Wed., Feb 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. All interested persons are invited to attend these meetings.

MEALS ON WHEELS 14

We will be delivering Meals on Wheels the week of February 1-5, 2010. Our next time to serve will be March 29-April 23. If you would like to volunteer to help deliver meals or drive, please call Sherrill Spaide (235-2983).

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!

TWEENAGERS WILL CHAIR IN FEBRUARY 2/7—Sybil & Richard Scovill, David & Olivia Shaffer, Jerry & Sharon Simler, Mike & Karen Smith, Stan & Carol Smith, Jim & Sherrill Spaide, Steve & Vicki Spyrison, Jackie Stewart 2/14– Dan & Amy Stowe, Dr. James & Sharon Summers, Roger & Deb Swanlund, Daryl & Delene Tessmann, Leslie & Terry Thomas, Glenn & Marilyn Underwood, Mike Weaver 2/21– Don & Norma Valkema, Quentin & Joanne Valkema, , Lavonne Wagenknecht, Jeff & Sally Wagner, William Wagner, Glenn & Roger Watson, Patrick & Linda Wilson 7/28- Tim & Patty Weik, Dan & Pam Wessel, Andrea Whitaker, Mark & Beth Winter, Eric & Ashley Woker, Jean Wurtzel, Lynn & Deb Zimmerman 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 15

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 February 7 – Thelma Neberman & Claire Biesemeier February 14 – Jerry & Sharon Simler February 21 – Joyce Bloyer & Holly Edler February 28 – Tim & Lisa Ebbers WELCOMERS February 7 – Monty & Carolee Dietmeier February 14 – John & Betty Heiden February 21 – Lavonne Wagenknecht & Donna Klapp February 28 – Jean & Linda Heidenreich NURSERY February 7 – Anita Bicksler & Cherryl Hinrichs February 14 – Clyde & Jeanne Cross February 21 – The Ebbers Family February 28 – Larae & Dominic Olson USHERS 2/7 Tim, Colin & Kristy Ebbers, Jim Drew, Dennis Manus, 2/14 John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus, Mike Smith 2/21 Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Wes & Joyce Robinson, 2/28 Lee & Nancy Otte, Sharon Simler, & Jane Krug DRIVERS February 7 – Mike Smith February 14 – Don Valkema February 21 – Lucille Lee February 28 – Jack Criddle

297-9092 235-7395 232-5581 233-2304 16

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!

Would you be willing to provide transportation to church for those who need it? If you are interested in serving, or for more information, please contact Pam in the church office.

ATTENDANCE 12/27 - 96 1/03 - 145 1/10 - 166 1/17 -145 1/24 - 150

P LE ASE I NCLUDE

IN YOUR

P R AYERS

HOSPITALIZED; Pat Conter, Randal Carpenter, Mavis Clark, Betty Remmers, Joe Janshen PRAYER CHAIN: Dick Clark, Drew, Mavis Clark, Randal Carpenter, William Dickman, Paula Nieman

February Anniversaries 8 Dean & Irene Amendt 10 Monty & Carolee Dietmeier 11 Ulan & Cindy Price 20 Jody & Bradley Nieman 23 Kay & James VanNess 26 Dennis & Carla Meyer 28 Ted & Joan Wootan 17

February Birthdays 2

Pamela Luedeke

3

Mary Jane Hille

4

Angie Bose, Krista Hille

5

Mary Eder

6

Paula Nieman

7

Pam Wessel

9

Willie Kreeger

10 William Lieber 11 John Heiden, John Fox, Robert Fleischer 12 Addie Toelle, Marcene Kubly, Grayce Busker 13 Kyle Fleischer 14 Vicki MacAdam, Dana Williams, Lavonne Dietmeier 15 Don Brubaker, Ben Spyrison, Robert Winter 16 Shirley Durrstein, Janet Piefer, Gary Wilson, Alex Bertram 17 Debra Swanlund, Kevin Eckert, Kris Valkema 19 Edward Rafferty, Brennen Simler 20 Frances Rigden, Sara Moffatt 21 Charles Lei, Logan Kuntz 23 Joyce Kaiser, Patricia Schneiderman 24 Jolene McKenna, Brad Gusloff, Elise Rafferty 25 Arlene Kreeger, Todd Meier, Cody Pruitt 27 Nancy Lassiter 28 Jerald Watson, Kemalie Winter

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************************************************************************* Thank you for the many cards, prayers, and the support from our church family in the loss of our son in law. Joel McCulloch.

-Nettie and John Hendren *************************************************************************** We continue to draw strength and support from all of you - bless you! The cards are so appreciated and admired, your generous offers of help, the prayers sent our way and being able to view morning worship via DVD are helping us still feel a part of our church. Dick is nearing the end of his first 7 wk. radiation/chemo treatments and we are anxious for his reassessment to see what lies ahead. Thanks to all of you for everything you have done Richard and Mavis Clark *************************************************************************** Thank you to everyone of you who help keep our church clean and running smoothing from vacuuming the floors, to cleaning the toilets, from making sure the kids have something to color during service to assembling the tidings and depositing the offerings and everything in between. The staff and members of St. John truly appreciate you and your service to God and His church.

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February Scripture Readings 01

Acts 16:1-15

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Colossians 1:1-23

02

Acts 16:16-40

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Colossians 1:24-2:23

03

Leviticus 19:1-18

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Colossians 3:1-17

04

Deuteronomy 6:1-25

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1 John 1:1-10

05

Mark 12:28-44

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1 John 2:1-17

06

Galatians 1:1-24

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1 John 2:18-3:10

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Galatians 2:1-21

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1 John 3:11-24

08

Galatians 3:1-18

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1 John 4:7-21

09

Galatians 3:19-4:7

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1 John 5:1-21

10

Galatians 4:8-5:1

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Psalm 51

11

Galatians 5:2-26

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Psalm 36

12

Galatians 6:1-18

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2 John

13

1 Corinthians 12:1-26

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3 John

14

1 Cor 12:27-13:13

15

John 3:1-21

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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 Members Present: Vicki MacAdam, Bill Condie, Carla Meyer, Perry Cowan, Jeanne Cross, Patty Weik, Daryl Tessmann, and Pastor Dutcher.

Shan MacAdam was also in attendance. John Hendren was absent.

President Perry Cowan called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. Pastor Dutcher opened the meeting with a reflective passage and a prayer.

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

Financial Reports: The financial reports were reviewed.

Shan MacAdam presented a proposal from Property Management Ministry to replace the plate glass windows in the back of the sanctuary with tempered glass at a cost of $1318. It was noted the funding for the glass and door replacement can come from the Building Fund. Bill Condie revised his motion from the December meeting and Carla Meyer seconded the revised motion to include this proposal with the door replacement proposal at the January Congregational Meeting. Motion carried.

Perry Cowan presented a printed cost estimate of the needs for the June mission trip. Mission Ministry has agreed to provide $100 per person going on the mission trip. This will account for about 25% of the cost. Additional funding will come through fund raisers.

Staff relations items were discussed. Pastor Dutcher noted that seminary students participate in a Supervised Practice of Ministry and reviewed the requirements if a church accepts a seminary student for this program. After much discussion, Council decided to not extend an offer for this program to Teresa Green.

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Council members felt that Teresa should select another church for her personal growth and financial reasons. It was also noted that “home churches� normally provide some financial support to members attending seminary. Council is considering ways to provide some funding for Teresa. It was suggested to approach the Endowment Board to assist with this funding.

It was decided to give Council members until February 1 to make suggestions to the handbook that was presented. These suggestions will be finalized at the February meeting.

Perry Cowan stated he is visiting each ministry to ask what qualities are beneficial to members serving on the ministry. This process will assist in selection nominees to serve on each of the ministries and council.

Ministry and Staff Reports: Property Management Ministry had no additional report.

Stewardship Ministry is meeting on Wednesday.

Fellowship Ministry reported June 13 will be the worship service in the park and there will be a no cook potluck on May 9.

Christian Education Ministry discussed the Winter Retreat this weekend, the Spring Tea, and the Spaghetti supper.

Staff Relations Ministry did not meet.

Mission Ministry is making plans for 2010. We will have a drive for cleaning products for FACC again this year.

Church Growth Ministry had nothing to report.

Pastor Dutcher reported a new members class will begin February 7. He also noted the Sundays that he will be gone in 2010.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM with the Mizpah Benediction.

Secretary, Carla Meyer

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FINANCIAL STATEMENT Beginning Balance January 1,2010

$28,364.92

1/01 General Fund Beginning Balance

$28,364.92

1/04

GF Income

$3,120.18

1/11

GF Income

$4,061.25

1/18 Less

GF Income

$5,594.27

1/22

GF Payroll & Compensation

1/22

GF Other Checks

1/22

GF Current Bills Outstanding

1/22

Ending Balance

$10,938.90 $3,086.58 $605.78 $26,509.36

__________________________________________________ Beginning Balance January 1,2010 1/01

Building Fund Beginning Balance

$29,559.65 $29,559.65

1/04

BD Income

$448.00

1/11

BD Income

$795.00

1/18

BD Income

$310.00

1/22

BD Checks

$630.00

1/22

BD Current Bills Outstanding

Less

1/22

Ending Balance

$0.00 $30,482.65

__________________________________________________ 1/22

Boiler Fund Balance

$14,988.07 23

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