The reason for the season

A special Faith and Values section

The reason for the season

Special events, programs, services celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ

The Southern Illinoisan/ December 6, 2014

Faith. Family. Country.

www.pepsimidamerica.com

The Southern Illinoisan • Saturday, December 6, 2014 The Southern Illinoisan • Saturday, December 6, 2014 “It’s an open door for people to find their way back to a church if they’ve been away from the faith for a while,” Earnest said.

First Christian Church of Hurst

First Christian Church of Hurst pastor Greg Parker also said the Christmas season prepares people to hear with an open heart the message portrayed in Christmas plays.

His church will be performing what he referred to as a “very traditional play” that will feature a couple that just had a baby in October as Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus.

“People are receptive at this time of year,” Parker said. “I think they’re a little more open to hearing things.

De Soto First Baptist Church

De Soto First Baptist Church will also hold a traditional Christmas play that allows its children and youth to take an active part in sharing the message of Christmas.

“It’s good to have the kids be involved in the service and provide an opportunity for parents to see their kids be a part of the Biblical story of Jesus’ birth,” Pastor Josh Wehrmeier said.

Without kids involved in the service, it just wouldn’t be Christmas to De Soto First Baptist Church.

“We believe that kids represent the Christmas story,” Wehrmeier said.

“By having them in the play, it gives us a good representation of what the Christmas season is all about.”

chris.hottensen@thesouthern.com 618-351-5074

3B Faith and values 3B

www.thesouthern.com

Reason for the Season Music, Plays, Programs ‌

of Egypt; songs, scriptures, puppets and skits; directed

by Brenda and Bert JohnNativity exhibit: 10 a.m.- son; 618-964-9097 Out of the Box Christ4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. mas: Musical, 7 p.m. Sun6, Union Congregational day, Dec. 7, First Baptist Church, corner of West Church, 401 N. 15th St., Ash and Walker streets, Murphysboro; 618-687Cobden; open house 1769; www. fbcmurphy. during exhibit; historic church; 12 original stained org Advent Music Vespers: glass windows adorn 5 p.m. each Sunday in the structure; music, Advent, First United 11 a.m.-3 p.m. by the Methodist Church, 214 Weavers; 618-893-2740 W. Main St., Carbondale; Journey to Bethlehem: 30-minute programs of 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, First Christian Church, meditative music; Dr. Sidney G. Smith, organ, Dec. 1001 S. Cherry St., West 7: Anita Hutton, piano, Frankfort; guided tours Dec. 14; Suzanne Grzych, begin every 10 minutes; flute and Anita Hutton, path leads to the manger; encounter Roman soldiers, piano, Dec. 21: 618-4572416; www.fumc-cdale. tax collectors, shepherds, org angels, magi and the A Capella Advent SerChrist child; free; 618vices: Wednesdays, Dec. 932-6360 10, 17, Epiphany Lutheran Emmanuel: Christmas Church, 1501 W. ChautauCantata, 10 a.m. Sunqua St., Carbondale; soup day, Dec. 7, First Baptist supper, 6 p.m., service, Church, 101 S. Pershing St., Energy; 618-942-4121 6:30-7 p.m.; 618-4572065; elcarb.org Bethlehem Project: A Night in Bethlehem: Kids’ Christmas musical, 5-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday, 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, Lake of Egypt Christian Dec. 12-14, Cobden’s First Baptist Church, 200 S. Church, 12102 Malibu Lane, Sunset Harbor, Lake Walker St.; re-created

Immanuel Lutheran Church Special Services:

Bethlehem; take part in the census; talk to shopkeepers, shepherds, Roman guards and townspeople; experience the sights, sounds and smells of the “first” Christmas; reservations are available; tour starts every 10 minutes; 618-697-1051; 618-8932261 Tidings of Comfort and Joy: By The Southern Illinois Children’s Choir, 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Grace Presbyterian Church, 624 N. Oakland Ave., Carbondale; traditional carols as well as classics by Pietro Yon and Maurice Ravel, Bach, Berlin, Handel and Tchaikovsky; in preparation for the choir’s performance at Carnegie Hall in March 2015 A Night in Bethlehem: 4:30-8:30 p.m. SaturdaySunday, Dec. 13-14, Murdale Baptist Church, 2701 W. Main St., Carbondale; guided tour through recreation of marketplace; interact with merchants; sampling of foods; craftsmen; bakery; soap and candy; see Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child at the

St. Joseph Catholic Church

Parrish Penance Servi vice Tuesday, December r 23 6:00pm

Immanuel Cookie Walk:

Wednesday, December 24 Christmas Eve Masses 5:00pm & 10:00pm Thursday, December 25 Mass - 9:30am Wednesday, December 31 Mass - 6:00pm 5 Thursday, January 1, 2015 Mass - 9:30am

Sunday service 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School and Bible Class 10:15 a.m Pastor: Rev. Joe Hoem Phone: 618-684-3012 1915 Pine St., Murphysboro www.immanuelmurphy.com

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600 North Russell - Marion, IL 62959 (618) 993-3194

December 24 6:30 p.m.

December 25 9:00 a.m.

Wednesday Advent Services 6:30 p.m.

December 13 8:00 a.m-12:00 p.m.

Bethlehem; 618-9649097 What’s Christmas Without Jesus: Presented

by Brian Caraker, 2 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 14, Anna Arts Center-Master Center, 117 W. Davie St., Anna; Caraker performs in a show in Branson, Mo. titled No. 1 Hits of the 60’s and 50’s; $15/$10; 618-697-0009 Christmas Food Drive Musical: 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, New Zion Baptist Church, 803 N. Robert A. Stalls Ave., Carbondale; guests, the Rev. Larry Barnett and wife, Carol, the Rev. Stevie Robinson, New Zion Chapel Choir, The New Zion Praise Team and the Carbondale Community Choir; master of ceremony, the Rev. Darryl Cox; admission is nonperishable food items; presented by The Lambda Omega Alumni Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity; 618-203-4888 Christmas Program: 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, Creal Springs First Baptist Church, 108 E. Keely St., Creal Springs; 618-9962300

manger; 618-529-5800 Service of Lessons and Carols: 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, First United Methodist Church, 214 W. Main St., Carbondale; Sanctuary Choir, accompanied by a full orchestra, will lead a music-filled worship service with varied anthems, readings and congregational carols; 618-4572416; www.fumc-cdale. org Advent Cantata and Children’s Christmas Pageant: 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Chautauqua St., Carbondale; 618457-2065; elcarb.org The Promised Hope: Christmas Cantata, 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, Crainville Baptist Church, 806 Marion St., Carterville Dooley’s Dream: Adult Christmas play, 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 14, Lake of Egypt Christian Church, 12102 Malibu Lane, Sunset Harbor, Lake of Egypt; written by Sharon Dock and directed by Shirley Rains; fresh, inspiring look at the journey to

our services Sunday MORnInGS 8:15am Early Worship 9:30am Life Groups 10:45am Late Worship 10:45am Carbondale Chinese Christian Fellowship

Sunday nIGhtS 6:00pm Evening Worship Children’s Activities Youth Bible Study wedneSday nIGhtS 6:30pm Adult Bible Study Children’s Activities Youth Activities

2701 W. Main, Carbondale • (618) 529.5800 IL Rt. 13, Next to Center for Medical Arts

Celebrate Christmas with Us

First United Methodist Church 214 W. Main • Carbondale, IL 618-457-2416 • www.fumc-cdale.org

Advent Music Vespers

Take a break from your busy holiday schedule to enjoy 30 minutes of meditative music of the season at 5:00 p.m. in our sanctuary each Sunday in Advent.

11/30 – Robert Weiss, trombone; Anita Hutton, piano 12/7 – Sidney G. Smith, M.D., organ 12/14 – Anita Hutton, piano 12/21 – Suzanne Grzych, flute; Anita Hutton, piano

Advent Bible Study

Sundays, Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, and 21 at 9:30 a.m. in the Heritage Room/Parlor Pastor Alan Rhein will lead a study titled “The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly,” focusing on the people in the story of Christ’s birth. Attend all sessions or when you are able.

Around the Table Carol Sing and Children’s Christmas Program

Sunday, November 30, 6:00 p.m.

Enjoy cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, a children’s program and singing familiar carols in our Fellowship Hall.

March to the Manger

Sunday, December 7 at 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

A live manger scene is the highlight of this service where we present gifts for missions.

Service of Lessons and Carols

Sunday, December 14 at 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

The Sanctuary Choir, accompanied by a full orchestra, will lead a music filled worship service with varied anthems, readings and congregational carols. This inspiring presentation is always one of the highlights of the season.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services Wednesday, December 24 at 5:00 p.m.

(For children of all ages), and 7:00 p.m.

Come and be lifted by the familiar carols, moved by the special music, and inspired by the message of Christ’s birth.

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Faith & Values

www.thesouthern.com

The Southern Illinoisan • Saturday, December 6, 2014 The Southern Illinoisan • Saturday, December 6, 2014

Churches take to the stage to share the message CHRIS HOTTENSEN THE SOUTHERN‌

‌Southern Illinois churches will take to the stage this month to display through plays and musicals the message of Christmas.

Some will host informal Christmas plays that allow parents to see their kids on stage playing shepherds, angels and wise men while other churches will perform Broadwaystyle musicals to share their message with a wider audience.

First Baptist Church of Marion

The First Baptist Church of Marion is doing an encore performance of the “It’s a Wonderful Life” musical that attracted more than 6,000 to the Marion Cultural and Civic Center for last year’s six performances.

The church’s musicals have set three attendance records for that facility, Brian Summers, worship pastor, said.

The musical, which involves a cast and crew of more than 100, closely follows the script of the Frank Capra movie, but adds a Christian slant.

“It’s very similar to the story line of the movie for people coming who are just familiar with the movie, but then we take it just a little further,”

COURTESY FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF MARION‌

First Baptist Church of Marion is presenting an encore performance of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at Marion Cultural and Civic Center. ‘It’s very similar to the story line of the movie ... but we take it just a little further to show them having Christ as part of your Christmas can really make a difference,’ says Brian Summers. This photo is from last year’s production.

of its own church members to create a professional play as a “gift to the community.”

The church does the same production for two years to allow those who couldn’t attend last year Summers said. due to scheduling or lack “We don’t throw Bibles of room to see it. at people or anything, “As a church, we want but we just take it a little further to show them hav- people to focus on the real meaning of Christmas ing Christ as part of your Christmas can really make and the holiday that we call Christmas,” Summers a difference.” said. “It’s become quite a For the last 12 years, commercialized event and the church has invested thousands of dollars annu- that’s fine. There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s just ally into the production, capitalizing on the abilities that’s not the real reason INSIDE: For details on this and other faith-based holiday events, see P age 3B.

First United Methodist Church

MURDALE BAPTIST CHURCH, CARBONDALE, IL 2701 W. Main St., Carbondale, IL 62901

214 W. Main • Carbondale, IL

ITY E FRE MUN M O EC

(on the Northeast corner of Main and University)

618-457-2416 • www.fumc-cdale.org

Sunday Worship: 8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.

Nursery Car Care Provided vided • Wheelchair Accessible

Celebrate Christmas with Us Advent Bible Study each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

Music Vespers, Sunday at 5 p.m.: Sidney Smith, M.D., organ March to the Manger at both services this Sunday

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

“Caring & Sharing the Gospel”

Christmas Eve Worship - Dec. 24 •

the season is.”

Summers said smaller productions that other churches perform can also be successful in sharing the message of Christ’s birth.

“Oftentimes people think it’s just going to be bathrobes on shepherds and tinsel around angel’s heads and those can be really effective in some smaller churches’ productions, but that’s not the route we’ve chosen to go,” Summers said.

“We’ve chosen to go the more professional route, and we’re trying to get the

TO

Saturday, December 13, 2014 Sunday, December 14, 2014 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

TH

A LIVE, re-creation eation of Bethlehem to celebr celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ!

Murdale Baptist Church presents A Night in Bethlehem December 13 & 14 | 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Travel through the bustling village of Bethlehem on a most holy night.

Guides will escort you through the marketplace and to the scene where Jesus Christ was born.

Tours are free and refreshments will be provided.

For more information call 529-5800.

2701 W. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 (Located beside Center for Medical Arts)

Epiphany

people to come that maybe contribution comes to are coming to see a Broad- about $20,000.” way musical rather than Last Sunday, the church see a church musical.” held its traditional Christmas pageant. Earnest said Christmas plays that First United involve kids can be unpreMethodist Church dictable, with some scenes First United Methodist Church in Carbondale will providing unscripted fun.

“When the children perform a less elaborate do their pageants, there’s March to the Manger this Sunday, but it’s impact will usually something where you’re going to laugh be felt around the world. because you have a Following a re-enact3-year-old who decides ment of the Christmas to crawl off the stage or story, church members a 7-year-old on risers will bring wrapped gifts waving to mom and dad,” of money that can be Earnest said. designated to agencies But the pageants in Carbondale, across also bring parents and the country and around the community to the the world. church at a time when “There’s nothing that they are receptive to hear stays in the church, but its message. it’s a mission fundraiser,” said Janet Earnest, church member. “That

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Sabbath Baptist Church 4th & Maple • Benton, IL

Are you looking for a Church that keeps the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus? (Rev. 14:12)

Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”

(John 14:15) At the Sabbath Baptist Church, we realize you are not saved by works; but by grace. (Eph. 2:8-9) However, we believe in keeping all 10 of God’s commandments as in Exodus 20.

We welcome you to visit our church on Saturday 10:00 a.m. located on 4th & Maple in Benton, IL. Pastor Doug Burkhammer 618-927-3593

L u t h e r a n C h u r c h (ELCA) 1501 W. Chautauqua Carbondale, Illinois 62901

6:30 PM - Children’s Christmas Program • 11:00 PM - Service of The Angels Candlelight Communion Service

Christmas Day Worship - Dec. 25 10:30 AM - The Nativity of Our Lord

Holy Communion & Christmas Carols

1501 Broeking Rd. Marion, IL • 993-5919

Sundays in Advent: Services of Holy Communion November 30 & December 7 at 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.

December 14 (Cantata + Children) & 21 at 9:30 a.m.

Wednesdays in Advent: A Cappella Evening Prayer Simple food and contemplative worship December 3, 10, 17 Soup Supper 6:00 p.m.

Service 6:30-7:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Wednesday, December 24 at 7:00 p.m.

Epiphany Tuesday, January 6 6:00 p.m. Middle Eastern Potluck 7:00 p.m. Worship Service

CaRoLS, CanDLELighT & CoMMunion A Christmas Eve Worship Resource ELM STREET BapTiST chuRch choiR pRESEnTS a chRiSTMaS concERT you won'T wanT To MiSS DEcEMBER 14, 2014 aT 6:00pM coRnER oF 19Th anD ELM MuRphySBoRo, iL FoR MoRE inFo caLL (618) 687-1043

Birth of Christ Musical -12/7 @ 10:45am Kids Christmas Cookie Bake/ Parents Night Out - 12/12 5p-8p Christmas Bell Choir - 12/14 @ 9am & 11:15am Joint Christmas Concert - 12/14 @ 6pm at Murphysboro United Methodist Candlelight Service - 12/24 @ 7pm

www.carbondalegrace.org

Christ the King Lutheran ChurCh

67 Crane Rd De Soto, Illi Rev. PReston B. FosteR nois , PastoR ww w. ch ris tth ek ing lc. ne Li ke us on Fa ceb oo t k SUNDAY WORSHIP 9:30 a.m. – Worship wit h Ho 10:45 a.m. – Sunday Sch ly Communion ool for all ages ADVENT MID-WEEK Wednesdays, December SERVICES 10th and 17th 6:00 p.m. - Soup & San dw 7:00 p.m. - Mid-Week Ad ich Supper vent Service CHRISTMAS EVE SE RVICE Christmas Eve Candleli ght Communion Service Wednesday, December 24th at 7:00 p.m.

EVERYONE IS WELC OME!

O Come, Let us Adore

Him

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Faith & Values

silent auction Holiday pot luck dinner: 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, First Assembly of God Church, Murphysboro The Nativity Story: Movie, 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, First Baptist Church, Zeigler; 618-596-2761 Advent Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. Sundays, Dec. 7, 14, and 21, First United Methodist Church, 214 W. Main St., Carbondale; Pastor Alan Rhein will lead a study titled “The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly,” focusing on the people in the story of Christ’s birth; 618-457-2416; www. fumc-cdale.org Advent services: Making Room at the Inn, 11 a.m.

Sundays, Dec. 7, 14, 21, Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, 515 S. Orchard Drive, Carbondale; education for all ages; 10 a.m. Sundays; 618-457-2232 Pasta with Santa: Event for children, 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 10, First Baptist Church, 401 N. 15th St., Murphysboro; children must be accompanied by an adult; 618687-1769; www. fbcmurphy.org Advent Dinners: 5 p.m.

Wednesdays, Dec. 10, 17, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1915 Pine, Murphysboro; Advent services, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 10, 17 Lectio Divina: Meditative readings of Advent scriptures, 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Dec. 10, 17, Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, 515 S. Orchard Drive, Carbondale; 618-457-2232 Cookie Walk: 8 a.m.noon, Saturday, Dec. 13, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1915 Pine, Murphysboro Christmas carnival: Free food, crafts, games, 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, Second Baptist Church 308 S. Russell St., Marion; Events, Services‌ 618-993-2338; sbc@secondbaptistmarion.com March to the Manger: Soup, Stew & Santa Fel8:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. lowship: 5 p.m. Sunday, Sunday, Dec. 7, First United Methodist Church, Dec. 14, First Baptist 214 W. Main St., Carbon- Church, Zeigler; 618-5962761 dale; a live manger scene Blue Christmas Woris the highlight of service where the church presents ship: 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec 16, Good Shepherd gifts for missions; 618United Church of Christ, 457-2416; www.fumc515 S. Orchard Drive, cdale.org Southern Illinois Alterna- Carbondale; contemplative worship especially tive Gift Fair: 2-5 p.m., geared toward those who Sunday, Dec. 7, Carbondale Civic Center; shop for are grieving or feeling holiday gifts while listen- sad around the holiday; followed by a simple feling to music and helping lowship supper; 618-457out local not-for-profit 2232; cogs@goodsheporganizations; unique herd-ucc.org gifts are available to purChristmas worship chase including local art services: 6:30 p.m., and jewelry, games, toys; Thursday, Dec. 18, historic music by Curt Wilson Kornthal church, Jonesand The Unitarian Folk boro; refreshments; bring Orchestra; refreshments served and fair trade coffee non-perishable food item collection for local food and chocolate available; Christmas With Monty: Christmas music, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 14, Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 301 W. Broadway St., Sparta; presented by Monty Jackson, singer, composer, recording artist Children’s Christmas Program: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1915 Pine, Murphysboro It’s a Wonderful Life: The Musical, presented by the First Baptist Church of Marion, 7 p.m. ThursdaySunday, Dec. 18-21 and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, Marion Cultural and Civic Center; free; www.fbmarion.org The Reason: A Family Christmas Experience, 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, Carson Center, Paducah; music from Newsboys and Moriah Peters, creative videos and message from Nick Hall to celebrate Jesus as the reason for the Christmas season; $12/$15; 270-450-4444; www.thecarsoncenter.org Christmas Choral Celebration: 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, First Baptist Church, 401 N. 15th St., Murphysboro; 618-6871769; www. fbcmurphy. org Christmas Play: 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, First Christian Church of Hurst Christmas Play: 10:45 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 21, First Baptist Church of De Soto The Christmas Cross: Children’s program, 6 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 21, Crainville Baptist Church, 806 Marion St., Carterville Three Gifts: 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 21, First Baptist Church 105 S. Mill St., Pinckneyville; created

by Randy Vader, Jay Rouse and Rose Aspinall; 618357-2255

The Southern Illinoisan • Saturday, December 6, 2014 The Southern Illinoisan • Saturday, December 6, 2014

www.thesouthern.com pantry; church is 2 ½ miles south of Jonesboro, off of Illinois 127 Special holiday speaker: 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, Dec. 21, First Assembly of God Church, Murphysboro; speaker, Jay Covert from Urban Outreach Ministries with a special message for children; Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.

Candlelight Communion Service: 5 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 21, First Baptist Church, Zeigler; 618-596-2761

Christmas Eve‌ Wednesday, Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Communion: 5-6 p.m., First Assembly of God Church, Murphysboro Candlelight Service: 5 p.m., First Baptist Church, 101 S. Pershing St., Energy; music and scripture reading; 618942-4121 Christmas Eve Candlelight Services: 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 214 W. Main St., Carbondale; familiar carols inspired by the message of Christ’s birth; 618457-2416; www.fumccdale.org Christmas Eve Service: 6 p.m., Rock Hill Baptist Church, 219 East Monroe St., Carbondale; 618-303-1973 Christmas Eve Service: 6:30 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1915 Pine, Murphysboro Christmas Eve Service: 7 p.m., Calvary Campus Church, 111 S. Poplar St., Carbondale; outdoor live nativity and special Christmas prelude music in the sanctuary; candlelight service and International Choir begin at 7 p.m.; 618529-4395; siucxa@ gmail.com Candlelight Christmas Eve Service: 7 p.m., Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Chautauqua St., Carbondale; 618-4572065; elcarb.org Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: 7 p.m., First Baptist Church, 401 N. 15th St., Murphysboro; 618-6871769; www.fbcmurphy. org Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship and Reception: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, 515 S. Orchard Drive, Carbondale; family-friendly; 618-457-2232; cogs@ goodshepherd-ucc.org

Christmas Day‌ Christmas Day Service: 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 25, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1915 Pine, Murphysboro

Sometimes reinventing the wheel leads to blessings and rewards

‌Y

ou no doubt have heard the saying, “Don’t reinvent the wheel.” This cliché simply means to not waste your time doing something or working on something that has already been perfected, more or less. ‌While this sounds logical and practical, I am here to tell you that if you take that saying at face value and do not move beyond it, you are going to miss some tremendous HEARTLAND blessings and rewards. MUSE Where would we be Jim Davidson today if we had taken the first wheel that some person had chiseled out of stone or wood and stopped there? To be sure, we would not have chrome wheels with rubber tires that had just come off a balancing machine to make sure they ran true, with no bounce or wobbles.

What I am really saying is, “don’t reinvent the wheel” if you are not willing to think creatively about ways that “wheel,” regardless of the form it takes, can be improved in some way.

I found a book written by Chris Zane, founder and president of Zane’s Cycles based in Branford, Conn., titled “Reinventing the Wheel.” What Chris did was take a simple idea, like the bicycle that had been invented years ago, and applied some simple marketing techniques that have made his name a household work in the world of cycling. Here is a portion of his story that will give you some insights into what I am saying.

“At age 46, Christopher J. Zane is already a 30-year veteran of the retail bicycle industry. He got his first sales tax ID number at age 12, buying his first bike shop at age 16 and building Zane’s Cycles into the largest bicycle shop in Connecticut by age 30. Today it is one of the largest retail bicycle stores in the nation.”

As one would suspect, his plaques,

awards and achievements would fill a large room, but the key to his success, and how he reinvented the wheel, was his approach to customer service — more about that in a moment. His marketing techniques have been used as case studies in more than a dozen college textbooks worldwide and have been the subject of several articles in such publications as the Harvard Business Review Inc., The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and many others. Today, his annual revenue exceeds $15 million and his company is growing at a brisk 23.5 percent per year.

The key to his success is customer service: he offers his customers a lifetime service guarantee. All parts and labor are covered for the life of your bike, meaning tune-ups are free. He provides flat tire insurance — everyone knows that tires go flat, so for a small one-time fee Zane’s will fix all your bike’s flat tires free forever. He also has a free trade-in program for kids’ bikes — yes, even 10 years (or more) later, your kids can get full credit for their bikes to purchase new ones.

But these things are just for starters.

He seeks to have a lifetime relationship with all his customers, including their children and grandchildren, with each one valued at around $12,500.

Here is the icing on the cake. When new people join our church the pastor says, “It’s time for handshakes and hugs.”

This is the kind of atmosphere that Chris Zane has created in his business. People will come back for that time and time again and he provides outstanding customer service to back it up. What I hope you will see here is that he is reinventing the wheel that someone else had perfected years ago.

JIM DAVIDSON is a public speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034. To begin a bookcase literacy project visit www.bookcaseforeverychild.com.

Calendar Events, Services‌ Carbondale‌

Midnight Breakfast: Starts at 8 p.m., Sunday, Carbondale Newman Center, 715 S. Washington St., Carbondale; free; www. siucnewman.org; 618-5293311; office@siucnewman. org Carbondale Aglow Community Lighthouse: Speaker, Terha Knittel, 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Carbondale Civic Center; Knittel is a church musician, private instructor and worship leader; she and her husband have expanded their family through foreign adoptions; 618-568-1200

items; Congregation Adat Ariel is a Messianic Jewish fellowship

Classes, Meetings‌ Carbondale‌

REALITY Youth Group: 6:30-8:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Victory Dream Center, 880 W. High St.; grades 6-10; 618-525-2025

Notices‌ Carbondale‌

Hanukkah items: On sale from 10 a.m.-noon, Sundays, Dec. 7 and 14, Congregation Beth Jacob, 904 N. Norwest Dr., Carbondale; 618-529-6026 Good Samaritan Food Marion‌ Pantry: Serves JackJerusalem Bazaar: son County residents, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday 9-11 a.m. Mondays and and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Fridays, University Baptist Congregation Adat Ariel, Church, 700 S. Oakland Marion Center Mall, next Ave.; part of Good Samarito Rural King; free; free children’s activities, crafts, tan Ministries, a project of books, jewelry and unusual the Carbondale Interfaith Council; 618-457-5794 vintage faith-based

Victory Food Pantry: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Wednesdays, Victory Dream Center, 607 E. College St.; 618-525-2025 Matthew 25 Ministries Food Pantry: Carbondale Church of God, 1461 County Line Road; food distribution 9 a.m.-noon, first and third Thursdays; 618-457-6634 or www. carbondalechurchofgod. org

Marion‌

Furniture Giveaway: Donations accepted by calling 618-998-9342; leave a message; a family or individual in need of donated furniture may contact the Marion Ministerial Alliance, 203 E. Calvert St.

Pinckneyville‌

Least of the Brethren Food Pantry: Open 9 a.m.noon, Mondays and Fridays, 407 S. Douglas St., Pinckneyville; 618-3579530; www.youtube.com/ user/georgebettyculley

Music

Concerts‌

Murphysboro United Methodist Church 1500 Pine Street Murphysboro, IL www.murphysboroumc.com NEED A RIDE to CHURCH? CALL 618-687-2317

Gloryroad Travelers: 7 p.m. today, Shiloh Baptist Church, Villa Ridge; potluck, 6 p.m.; 618-3426436 Kateena LeForge: 5:30 p.m. Sunday, First United Methodist Church, Du Quoin; offering Steve Ladd: 10 a.m. Dec. 21, Christian Covenant Fellowship Church, 1025 S. Division St., Carterville; Ladd was nominated for New Artist Of The Year by GMA Dove Awards; sings a variety of praise and worship; adult contemporary and southern gospel music

Contemporary Hits

Top 10 songs on WBVN,

The FBC Carterville Family would like to invite you to

Welcome To Our World Presented by

Presented by

First Baptist Church of Marion, IL (618) 997-9386 December 18, 19, 20 & 21 Performances nightly at 7 pm Matinee Sat & Sun at 2 pm at the

MARION CIVIC & CULTURAL CENTER In Marion, Illinois Free Admission, no tickets required.

For information see www.fbmarion.org

ÒSo wrap our injured ßesh around You. Breathe our air and walk our sod.

Rob our sin and make us holy, perfect Son of God. Welcome to our world.Ó

The Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra day Satur 13 mber Dece M 6:00 P

406 S. Division St Carterville, IL 618.985.3040

Sund ay Dece mber 6:00 P 14 M

www.Þrstbaptistcarterville.org

104.5 FM: 1. “Because He Lives,” Matt Maher 2. “Throne Of Praise,” Phillips, Craig & Dean 3. “Marvelous Light,” Ellie Holcomb 4. “The Perfect Gift,” JJ Heller 5. “I Am Not Alone,” Kari Jobe 6. “Here & There,” The City Harmonic 7. “Alive in Me,” Dante Schmitz 8. “Not Forgotten,” Ryan Stevenson 9. “Fireblazin,” Capital Kings 10. After All These Years,” Andrew Peterson Gospel Hits‌ Top 10 songs on WXAN, 103.9 FM: 1. “Til The Shackles Fall Off,” Ivan Parker 2. “Unashamed,” Brian Free & Assurance 3. “Don’t Give A Rock A Chance,” Watts, Rowsey & Bean 4. “You Can Find What I Found,” Blackwood Brothers 5. “No One Like God,” Zane & Donna King 6. “Pray On The Little Days,” Mark Bishop 7. “It Was The Word,” The Williamsons 8. “Grace Will Be There,” Carolina Boys 9. “That’s What I Miss The Most,” Bowling Family 10. “Land of Endless Tomorrows,” Hoskins Family