Get Ready for VBS! THE MESSENGER St. John. Monday, July 27 to Thursday, July pm. Wood River, Illinois. What s Inside.

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1 THE MESSENGER St. John Wood River, Illinois 2015 Get Ready for VBS! What s Inside Prayer list Kids Klips Summer Activity Insert Calendar Monday, July 27 to Thursday, July pm Birthdays A letter from our Minister of Music From the Pastor Hoyleton Golf Classic Coming in August: 5 th Sunday Service Project, Aug. 30 Tips for Ushers, Security, Greeters and Bulletin Hosts for a busy Summer guest season

2 Reflections on 6/26 An Open Letter From our Organist/Pianist Jared Faulkner On June 26 the Supreme Court ruled on several petitions relating to same-sex marriage, including those from two lesbian mothers on behalf of their children, a gay widower, a highlydecorated soldier in a gay marriage, and others. In a historic decision, the court articulated an understanding of liberty and relationships that deepens our appreciation for equality under the law. As a result, I and many others may now share in the benefits and responsibilities of civil marriage not just in this state, but throughout the nation. I and many LGBT people wept as the decision was handed down. I am not a particularly emotive person, but the feelings were so real and raw. There was profound joy that our nation would finally extend to gay and lesbian couples the dignity and respect accorded to same-sex couples and their unions. There was relief that a codified stigma against the love and commitment same-gender couples feel for one another had finally been torn down, giving hope to future generations of LGBT youth. I felt amazing gratitude to activists that worked tirelessly for generations to lead our country toward a more enlightened understanding of same-gender relationships. On the other hand, I lamented the gay and lesbian advocates brutalized by authorities throughout the history of the gay rights movement. I ached for the innocent LGBT victims terrorized to this day, beaten and left for dead in streets and alleyways, on the basis of their sexual orientation. I mourned for committed partners that lived and often died unable to visit their soulmates in the hospital, forbidden from making life decisions in times of crisis, banned from adopting each other s children, evicted from the homes they were unable to inherit. I grieve for children who endure intense hatred and bullying because they were created differently, for the scars they will carry the rest of their lives, and especially for those that cannot envision a brighter future with hope, love and joy. The ongoing epidemic of gay teen suicides is a needless and senseless loss of unique, beautiful, talented souls that surely would have enriched the world. This has been a time for reflection as well as celebration. To the casual observer, marriage equality emerged suddenly/quickly, and yet no civil rights victory has ever come soon enough. Nor has any civil rights victory instantly addressed all of the underlying issues. The struggle continues. I ask myself: am I doing everything in my power to right remaining injustices? I have formed many friendships over my 22 years with St. John Church, and within those relationships I ve been open about the fact that I m gay. In my role as church employee I have been more circumspect, concerned that controversy around my orientation might detract from my service (not that it s been a secret). It s interesting that a hugely disproportionate number of church musicians are gay and lesbian, and that we tend to conceal or hold our true selves closely in check. I felt that it was the right time to express how much the United Church of Christ s openness with respect to gays and lesbians to everyone has meant to me personally. I ve worked in a church where public knowledge of my sexual orientation would have led to attempts to cast out a demon, or my firing (probably both). I ve worked in a church where my sexual orientation became divisive, causing bitter disagreements between members who did or didn t believe that a gay man could serve God or the church. Pastor Mike reminded me of the prophetic word that the United Church of Christ has spoken into social justice debates throughout its history, including the debate on marriage equality. Fully ten years before the court s decision, the 25 th General Synod issued a call for Equal Marriage Rights for All. St. John and the UCC attempts to model Christ s vision of radical inclusion: whoever you are, wherever you are on life s journey, you are welcome here. Never place a period where God has place a comma. God is still speaking. That they all may be one (John 17:21). These mustn t be mere slogans. There are layers of meaning in these phrases, but each is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to pursue social justice starting (not stopping) at our own front door. I urge St. John to amplify this message of love, inclusion and welcome. One amazing way it could do so is to work toward adopting the UCC s Open and Affirming designation. An Open and Affirming St. John Church would

3 expressly welcome people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions into every part of its life. Many who have been turned away from other traditions could find meaning and healing by taking part in St. John s ministries, and could be blessed by being a blessing to others. St. John has an opportunity to be revitalized and renewed in return. Finally, thank you for your support and kindness through the years. Thank you for allowing me to share the gift of music with you week after week. Thank you for exemplifying love and charity to each other and to the wider community. Best always, Jared A. Faulkner From Pastor Mike: I will only add that an Open and Affirming statement from the congregation would be about more than sexual orientation. Society and too often churches have done things to make people who are different from some preconceived definition of normal feel uncomfortable if not outright excluded. Any discussion of claiming O&A status must involve an awareness of our response to many differences such as disability, mental illness, developmental and behavioral challenges, people of different races and mixed races and a host of other issues that keep some folks from feeling welcome in the church and even in their own families. Every generation has had to deal with issues of inclusivity and welcome left unresolved in a previous generation. Bankers, left handed people, women, Native Americans, African- Americans, the physically and cognitively challenged, the LGBT community and so many others have had to raise their voices for a place at the table. So now this generation must once again ask: What does it mean to you to say YOU are welcome here? What does it mean to the person next to you? What does it mean to me, your pastor? What does it mean to the person hearing it? The answers do not have to be the same. In fact, I would be very surprised if they were the same. I believe, though, it is always beneficial to do some self-reflection and figure out what we mean when we say, No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey, you are welcome here, or our other motto, Always Caring, Always Sharing. We need to have these conversations if for no other reason than it is simply cruel to welcome someone and then, later, tell them or indicate in some other way they are not fully welcome. Isaiah tells us, cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. Come now, let us argue it out, says the Lord. (Is. 1:17-18a, NRSV) While the SCOTUS decision has prompted both rejoicing and lament, God called us into these difficult conversations about faithful living and how we read ancient scriptures long before this earthly court wrestled with this particular issue. In the coming weeks, the Ad Team will discuss ways of proceeding. It will be a time of prayerful and faithful discernment. In the meantime, let us rejoice and give thanks that God has given us this opportunity to explore our faith and deepen our relationship with Christ Jesus. Grace and Peace, Hunger doesn t take a summer vacation But a lot of kids who get school lunches during the school year are left without that nutritional safety net through the summer. Families depend on food pantries like Operation Blessing even more during the summer months. Please support Operation Blessing by bringing donations to the church or use a St. John Mission Giving envelope and check Operation Blessing. We ll forward all gifts to them.

4 July 3 - Tyler O dell 7 - Marlene O dell, Marion Skundrich 10 - Renee Rhodes 11 - Reygan Rider 12 - Linda Gebelein, Oscar Crockett 13 - Lynn Bassett, Ashley Niehaus 16 - Dana Gowin 17 - Jim Jones, Jas Sullivan, Kim Wiegand 20 - Ford Frazar 21 - Kaleigh Rider, Jordan Sheraka, Blake Sabolo 22 - Caleb Lenhardt 23 - Eric Noble 24 - Grace Kichline 27 - Adalyn Nicole Baron, Margone Hardester Hospitalized/Health Concerns Fred Devaney, Home Dale Noble, Home Roger Ringering, Home Athana Tomlanovich, Home Staying Close to Home Lucille Aubin Don Schueler Merle Bassett Margaret Rowden Helen Crouthers Ed Tohill Betty Wiegand Bob Hall Jim Gholson In Nursing Homes Brad Bailey, Highland Care Center Ed Hamlin Margaret Hinkle, Hitz Home Jim Jones, Provisions Serving in the Military Dustin & Ashley Richards, Blake Sabolo and Brandon Southcombe Overseas Teacher/Diplomatic: Leigh-Ellen Kichline Amy Tohill To the family of Freda Frizzell who died on Wednesday, July 1. Services were Friday, July 3 at Paynic F.H. To the family of Cynthia Linenfelser who died Monday, June 29. Services are Monday, July 6 at Marks Mortuary. Find more Dave Nelson comics, subscribe or order books at Used by permission. So you have pain now. But I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice and no one will take your joy from you. John 16:22

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6 National Days in July July 1 Canada Day This marks the day in 1867 when the British government first passed a law that declared Canada to be a country. While the head of Canada is still the Queen (or King) of Great Britain, the country has moved toward full independence over history. Here are some interesting things about Canada: The national motto is From Sea to Sea and comes from Amos 8:12, part of the lectionary reading for July 18. Canada is the second largest country in the world, after Russia. The country has two official languages English and French. The largest Protestant church in Canada is the United Church a mixture of Congregationalists, Evangelical United Brethren, Methodists, and Presbyterians. It was formed in The UCC General Synod that just met in Cleveland overwhelmingly voted to establish Full Communion with the United Church of Canada, recognizing one another s sacraments, ordinations and cooperating more fully in mission and witness projects. Look at Canada on a map. How many provinces are there? What is the biggest city? On Canada Day eat something flavored with maple; maple syrup is very popular in Canada. Pray for the people and churches of Canada. Here is a recipe for Maple Walnut Fudge. Ingredients (Servings4-6 Yield1 lb Units: US) 2 cups maple syrup, pure 1 cup whipping cream 1 cup walnuts, fresh, chopped DIRECTIONS 1. Line a large platter with plastic wrap. 2. Pour the maple syrup and whipping cream into a deep pan. 3. Properly fix the candy thermometer in the pan so not to touch the sides of the pan, or the bottom of the pan, leave at least a half inch space from the bottom of the pan. 4. Cook on medium-high heat. 5. Occasionally stir gently until thermometer reads 235 degrees (this will take about minutes). 6. Remove from heat and pour into a large bowl, make sure not to scrap the bottom of the pot. 7. Allow the fudge mixture to cool for 5 minutes without stirring. 8. With a wooden spoon gently stir the chopped walnuts into the fudge for about 3-4 minute. 9. When fudge starts to hold its shape without stirring gently scrap onto prepared platter, score into squares and store in an airtight container. July 4 Independence Day (USA) On July 4, 1776, the original 13 colonies of the United States declared their independence from Great Britain. Since then, the country has grown across North America, and includes 50 states as well as some smaller territories like Puerto Rico and Guam. Here are some interesting things about the United States: There are more Protestants than Catholics in the US, although the Roman Catholic is the largest church. Since 1861 American coins have had the words In God we trust on them. At one point in the Revolutionary war, the Liberty Bell was hidden in Old South Church, now a UCC church, in Boston, Massachusetts.

7 Look at the US on a map. Which is the biggest state? Which is the smallest? Pray for the people and churches of the US. The US is made up of many different ethnic heritages. The Christmas tree comes from Germany, the Poinsettia from Mexico, mistletoe from Celtic traditions and those are just some Christmas traditions! What are some of your favorite foods? What country did they come from? Can you find out what years and how the people from that country came to America? July 14 Bastille Day (France) Known as National Holiday in France, this day commemorates the storming of the Bastille a fortress and prison in Paris in 1789, which began the French revolution. A major part of the celebration is a huge morning parade in Paris. Here are some interesting things about France: France is known for its fine food. Almost everyone in France takes the month of August as a summer vacation. Almost 90 percent of the people in France are Roman Catholic. The French Reformed Church is small, but dates back to the beginnings of the Reformation. Pray for the churches and people of France. Celebrate Bastille Day by trying this recipe: Langues de Chat (cat s tongues) 9 Tbsp butter, softened 10 Tbsp sugar 3 egg whites 1½ tsp vanilla 1½ cups flour 6 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg whites one at a time until batter is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla. Mix in the flour just until blended; dough will be a little stiff. Force through a pastry bag or cookie press with a medium star tip onto lightly buttered cookie sheets, about 3 inches each. Bake for about 10 minutes until straw-colored. When cool, dip one end of each cookie in melted chocolate and place on wax paper until chocolate hardens. July 19 Liberation Day (Nicaragua) On this day in 1979 a group called the Sandinistas liberated Nicaragua from dictator Anastazio Somosa. The country spent many years in a bitter war against enemies called contras. Here are some interesting things about Nicaragua: Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. It is known as the land of lakes and volcanoes. Nicaragua puts the words en Dios confiamos (meaning In God we trust ) on their coins. The country is predominantly Roman Catholic. Several Roman Catholic priests and bishops helped the Sandinistas win the revolution. Find Nicaragua on a map. What countries border it? Pray for the people of Nicaragua. Table Grace (Sung to the tune of God Save the Queen or My Country Tis of Thee ) Thank you for toast and jam, Thank you for eggs and ham; We thank you, God (da, da, da, da) Thank you for beans and Spam, Thank you for all I am, Thanking you the best we can, We thank you, God. Amen.

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9 5 th Sunday/Service Sunday August 30 Our next 5 th Sunday Service Project will be after church on August 30. We ll be assembling School Kits for Church World Service and donating extra items to our local schools. We will have a list with tear off tabs on the bulletin board in August but with the back to school sales already happening we thought you might like a preview of the items we ll be using. (Worship Ministry Team will be providing the tote bags for the kits). CWS School Kits give children in impoverished schools, refugee camps, or other difficult settings some of the basic tools for learning. To assemble a School Kit you will need: One pair of blunt metal scissors (rounded tip) Three 70-count spiral notebooks or notebooks totaling pages. (No loose-leaf or filler paper.) One 30-centimeter ruler (12") One hand-held pencil sharpener One large eraser Six new pencils with erasers One box of 24 crayons (only 24) One 12" x 14" to 14" x 17" finished size cotton or lightweight canvas bag with cloth handles.

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11 Offering an Extravagant Welcome TIPS FOR USHERS & SECURITY Involve others! Part of your role is to help everyone in the congregation participate in a ministry of hospitality. Plan ahead by making a list of persons in the congregation who you know could help guide visitors so that when guests arrive it will be easy to connect them. When directing people at communion or at other points in the service, use hospitable gestures that welcome and invite (for example, a slow sweep of the arm). Don t be afraid to speak simple instructions to guests who seem unsure what to do. If a guest is first in line for distribution of Communion, or looks unsure of which way to go, smile and reassure them as you guide them with an inviting motion in the direction they should go. Find out before the service when the organist, chorister and nursery attendants will commune. If need be, ask someone to be available to take communion to them. Be flexible! If someone isn t in exactly the right place or something doesn t go exactly as anticipated, it s okay. Gently guide people to the right place and stay calm if something goes wrong. In paying attention to guests, don t forget about welcoming and assisting regular members also. Be prepared to help those with special needs. This includes knowing where to find large-print materials, hearing assistance devices and assisting with wheel chairs. Point out where the screen is to guests and suggest they sit where they can best see it. TIPS FOR GREETERS & BULLETIN HOSTS Rather than asking guests their names, offer your name first. This communicates openness to relationship and not just an interest in getting a visitor s contact information. Knowing someone else s name can help a person feel comfortable in a new place. Be proactive in getting to know people, but be aware of verbal and nonverbal indications that someone isn t ready for a long conversation. If someone gives short answers with little additional information or won t respond with questions for you in return, that may be a sign they don t wish to talk. Others might keep moving after a quick greeting or avoid eye contact. Respect the boundaries a person s signals appear to set. Practice seeing guests as people rather than potential members. Invest time and genuine interest in getting to know them even if they are just passing through. They are probably interesting people! Smile with your whole body, not just your mouth. Keep your head up, try to make eye contact, avoid crossing your arms and turn your body toward those you are greeting. Involve others! Greeters are specially appointed ministers of hospitality, but part of your role is to help everyone in the congregation participate in a ministry of hospitality. Plan ahead by making a list of person in the congregation who you know could help guide guests, so that then they arrive it will be easy to connect them.

12 Mission Statement for St. John UCC St. John United Church of Christ, Wood River, Illinois is a Christian Community: Worshiping the Triune God Claiming the historic faith of the church Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ Nurturing for Christian discipleship Ministering to one another through fellowship and caring Serving our community and the world Connecting with other Christian for witness and service The Messenger is a monthly publication of St. John United Church of Christ, 228 N. Sixth St., Wood River, IL 62095; phone Access our home page at Worship is at 9:30 a.m. Sunday school is during worship. Our Pastor is Rev. Mike Southcombe, cell phone (618) The Messenger editorial staff includes, Evalena O dell and Marlene O dell. All guests are welcome. always caring, always sharing St. John United Church of Christ 228 N. Sixth St. Wood River, IL Return Service Requested