April 29, Servants of Jesus Christ Ministering To One Another, To Our Community, And To Our World. Confirmation Sunday May 17

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April 29, 2015 The Servants Light (USPS 560-720) is published monthly by First Presbyterian Church, Joliet, IL.

Servants of Jesus Christ Ministering To One Another, To Our Community, And To Our World. 805 Western Ave. Joliet, IL 60435 815.727.9259 FAX 815.727.9348 office@firstpresjoliet.org firstpresjoliet.

1 April 29, 2015 The Servants Light (USPS ) is published monthly by First Presbyterian Church, Joliet, IL. Periodicals Postage paid at Joliet, IL Postmaster: Send address changes to The Servants Light, 805 Western Ave., Joliet, IL Servants of Jesus Christ Ministering To One Another, To Our Community, And To Our World. 805 Western Ave. Joliet, IL FAX firstpresjoliet.org Sunday Morning Schedule Worship 8:30 & 10:35 a.m. Children s Worship 8:30 & 10:35 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Adult Education 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:40 to 10:30 a.m. Confirmation Sunday May 17 Working with our confirmands always makes me think about church membership. When we commit ourselves to following God and enter into church membership, we don t do it lightly. Paul says in Ephesians: So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone. Paul says we re not just called to a civic organization or a charity; we re joining a family. In a family, everyone grows together. Everyone serves in their own way for the good of the household. It s not a commitment to show up every once in a while or a commitment to feel kindly toward Jesus; it s a sacrifice of every part of us to a gracious God for the good of His kingdom and other believers. With this big commitment in mind, we re excited for our confirmands. Make sure to join us during the 2 nd Service on May 17 th as we welcome them to the family! Micah Confirmands: Anna Rowzee Peter Mbi Andrew Batcher Michael Endres Dane Iwema Nick Kasper Jonathan Gabl Camron Hayden Confirmands will be sharing their Statements of Faith during worship THIS SUNDAY, May 3rd. Nursery/Preschool Care 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The Pastor s Corner Sunday, May 3. We are exploring, during the Easter Season, our Three to Five Year Ministry/Mission Plan through the Rise Again Sermon Series.

It is also an Inward Journey as we serve one another within the church and seek to grow in Jesus Christ.

2 The Pastor s Corner Sunday, May 3. We are exploring, during the Easter Season, our Three to Five Year Ministry/Mission Plan through the Rise Again Sermon Series. We believe that God wants the church to grow and thrive and reach the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ. This Journey is an Outward Journey in serving and mission. It is also an Inward Journey as we serve one another within the church and seek to grow in Jesus Christ. Come and worship with us this Sunday as we think about growing and developing our faith in Jesus Christ. The Chancel Choir is singing at the 8:30 a.m. worship service. The Praise Team is singing and playing at the 10:35 a.m. worship service. We will celebrate the Lord s Supper at both worship services. Sermon. Dale Ambler is preaching this Sunday in the second week of our Rise Again Sermon Series. Dale writes, This week s sermon will focus on Intentional Faith Development. Using Luke 5:1-11, we will look at what it means to grow in Christ to be a true disciple of Christ. It s about what we do as followers of Christ outside of our weekly time in worship. Craig Herr, Senior Pastor each day! We are currently studying 1 Samuel right now and will move into 2 Samuel in the weeks to come. First and Second Samuel are sort of a window into the Oval Office and Capital of Israel in King Saul and King David s day and time. There are many lessons for us today from God s word in those books. I encourage you to give it a try for your devotional. You can read the Daily Devotional any time of the day Monday through Saturday. Three Sunday Morning Studies. We have three options for Sunday morning Adult Classes right now. There s Faith s Journey in Room 202 with Craig Randolph teaching 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, and Titus. Bible Perspectives meets in Room 201 with Jim Mullins. And Red Letter Revolution meets in Room 210 with Craig Herr and Bob Herrick. I encourage you to try one of these classes. Text To Give Is Now Available. In addition to online giving via our website, we now have the capability for Text to Give as well from smart phones. The Text number is This is to make it more convenient for anyone to financially support the life, ministry, and mission of the church. Once you have tried it, let us know how it has worked for you. Mission Saturday A Great Experience. You can see some of the pictures from the St. John Lutheran Mobile Food Pantry Outreach and the MorningStar Mission Warehouse Food Mission from this past Saturday on the Mission page. We had nearly 60 people serving from our church. It was a great time for us to be the church beyond the walls of our building as we journeyed outward into the community. A Car For Donation. We have a member in need of a used car. If you are able to donate a used car for a family in need, please call me. May you experience the joy, presence, and guidance of the Lord this day and week. In Christ, On-Line Daily Devotional. Did you know that some 50 to 80 people access our On-line Daily Devotional April 26, 2015 Worship Attendance 220 Stewardship Report Budget: $ 773,241 Year to Date Receipts $ 76,108 Year to Date Expenses $ 39, Bequest/Gift Income Received -0- Known to be in the Hospital: Marcia DeYoung at Presence St. Joseph Entered into Life Eternal: Kenneth Pritz (April 12)

3 Growing in Christ Adult Education Opportunities A Red Letter Revolution Life of Jesus Sundays, 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Room 210 with Craig Herr This class focuses on the life and ministry of Jesus through the Red Letter words of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; that is, Jesus words and teachings. We access the insights of best selling authors Anthony Campolo and Shane Claiborne. Together they have written RED LETTER REVOLUTION: What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said? Anthony Campolo, an author, speaker, and former college professor, travels all over the U.S. and the world speaking and teaching. Shane Claiborne lives in the inner city of Philadelphia with a group of Christians that seeks to transform life there. This is a fresh, challenging, and authentic discussion about the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus and what they mean for today. Faith s Journey Sundays, 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Room 202 with Craig Randolph We are looking at the Quintuple T s; that is, the little-studied books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus to gain insight on how Paul dealt with the problems of the church in Thessalonica, Greece, and his dealings with fellow pastors Timothy and Titus with their struggles for true faith and how a faithful church should operate. We are covering one chapter per week; no advance preparation is necessary. Come join us. Bible Perspectives Sundays, 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. Woodruff Lounge with Jim Mullins This class uses The Common Lectionary Bible passages each week. The format basically follows a three question format. 1. What do these words mean? 2. What did these words mean to the original hearers? 3. What do these words mean to us today? Daily Devotional Blog 2 Samuel is a fascinating book; in a way it s like reading a history textbook in elementary school. The book is full of action, revenge, kings falling out of grace and kings rising to power, intense spiritual struggle, betrayal and repentance. 2 Samuel captures the life of King David in the most real, human picture we have of any of the kings of Israel. So please join us as we get to know King David a man after God s own heart by following his life. May 1 1 Samuel 14:24-48 May 2 1 Samuel 14:49-52 May 4 2 Samuel 1:1-6 May 5 2 Samuel 1:7-27 May 6 2 Samuel 2:1-7 May 7 2 Samuel 2:8-32 May 8 2 Samuel 3:1-5 May 9 2 Samuel 3:6-21 May 11 2 Samuel 3:22-39 May 12 2 Samuel 4 May 13 2 Samuel 5:1-5 May 14 2 Samuel 5:6-16 May 15 2 Samuel 5:17-25 May 16 2 Samuel 6 May 18 2 Samuel 7:1-17 May 19 2 Samuel 7:18-29 May 20 2 Samuel 8 May 21 2 Samuel 9 May 22 2 Samuel 10 May 23 2 Samuel 11 May 25 2 Samuel 12 May 26 2 Samuel 13:1-22 May 27 2 Samuel 13:23-39 May 28 2 Samuel 14 May 29 2 Samuel 15:1-12 May 30 2 Samuel 15:13-37

Church Life Small Groups & Special Events Leadercast 2015 There s still time to register for Leadercast.

Call the office to say you want to be a part of this exciting event. Cost (including lunch) is $99/person or $89 each for groups of 3 or more.

We are looking mainly to fill the 8:30 worship spots in June and July, but if you have a contemporary song in mind for the 10:35 service, or if you are available just in August, we will gladly find a

4 Church Life Small Groups & Special Events Leadercast 2015 There s still time to register for Leadercast. This year s simulcast on May 8th focuses on The Brave Ones, learning what it means to lead in such a way that creates bold cultures, builds faithful employees and produces high achievement. Call the office to say you want to be a part of this exciting event. Cost (including lunch) is $99/person or $89 each for groups of 3 or more. Summer Music Schedule It s time to fill out our summer music schedule. If you are a singer, have a small group, or can play an instrument, we invite you to share your talents in worship this summer. We are looking mainly to fill the 8:30 worship spots in June and July, but if you have a contemporary song in mind for the 10:35 service, or if you are available just in August, we will gladly find a spot for you! Just call the church office at This is the perfect opportunity for those unable to participate in one of our regular fall to spring groups. And, of course, we welcome back any of our regulars who graciously volunteer every year to share their musical talents. Guide Book and Directory Does our church database have your family membership record correct? Have you changed your phone number, moved or are preparing to move soon? Are all your children still at home and included in your membership record? Do you want your record published? Please inform the church office of any changes to your record ASAP, as we are preparing the new directory. Also, if you own or manage a business and would like to find out about advertising in our Guide Book & Directory, please call the church office by May 31st. At its regularly scheduled meeting on April 9, 2015, the Session of First Presbyterian Church, Joliet, voted: to approve any baptisms that may be requested; to fund the remainder of the general mission budget by the amount of $17,598, and to close out the budget year; to approve the budget in the total amount of $773,241; to approve the proposed settlement of the Irma Fisher Bequest whereby First Presbyterian Church would receive 14.5% of the trust after administration expenses; to approve the Presbyterian Women plant giveaway program whereby flower and tomato plants would be distributed to the congregation on Sunday, May 31, who in turn would give the plants to neighbors and acquaintance as an outreach ministry. Meal Fellowship Men s Breakfast May 1, 7:30 a.m. at The Old Fashioned Pancake House on Jefferson St. in Joliet. The Dinner Out Group May 20, 6 p.m. at Cookie s Restaurant, 103 W. Mondamin St., Minooka. Please call Mary Haas at or Sis Schmidt at by May 18 if you are planning to join us, so a reservation can be made. Men s Dinner Group May 22 at 6 p.m. at Prairie Bluff Golf Club, Renwick Rd., Lockport. RSVP to Bob Smietanski at If a member of your immediate family is graduating this spring from junior high/middle school, high school, college, or an institute of higher learning, please fill out and submit a graduate information sheet to the office by April 30th. We would like to celebrate our graduates achievements in the Servants Light and on a Graduates Board in Hoffman Hall. Thurs. AM Circle 2nd Thursday (May 14 9:15 a.m. in the Fireside Room Mary Circle 2nd Thursday (May 14) in the Fireside Room Bring a sack lunch at 12 noon; dessert & meeting at 12:30 pm

Servants of Jesus Christ Ministering to One Another, to Our Community, and to our World The Steinbergs Need Our Help!

They could use our help unloading a POD storage device on Saturday, May 9th. The POD will arrive at their new house between 9 and 10 a.m.

We'd also like some people to help unpack as many of the boxes as possible. If you are able to help, please give Kyla Fris a phone call at 815-725-2292 as she is organizing the help.

Dave and Helen have given much to this congregation let's help them make this move a joyful one!

To fully understand the significance of the day you need to talk to one of these individuals personally. At St. John, 300 families received nearly 12 tons of food.

John were warmly welcomed, even on a cold and rainy day, and were shown the love of Christ in the smiles and the kind words of those there to serve.

was the ninth group there to sort food that is donated to the Mission; food that goes to food boxes for MorningStar Mission clients as well as the shelter itself.

5 Servants of Jesus Christ Ministering to One Another, to Our Community, and to our World The Steinbergs Need Our Help! Moving to an new home should be a time of rejoicing, and the Steinbergs are moving to Montclare Lake Dr., Crest Hill, in Carillon Lakes. They could use our help unloading a POD storage device on Saturday, May 9th. The POD will arrive at their new house between 9 and 10 a.m.. We are looking for about 10 young and strong men to help unload the boxes (no furniture) from the POD and move the boxes to the appropriate rooms. We'd also like some people to help unpack as many of the boxes as possible. If you are able to help, please give Kyla Fris a phone call at as she is organizing the help. Kyla is also looking for some people to provide lunch for the workers and the Steinbergs on Saturday as well. Dave and Helen have given much to this congregation let's help them make this move a joyful one!! Mission Day April 25 This past Saturday about 50 of us went outside the walls of the church 40 or so to St. John Lutheran Church and about 10 to MorningStar Mission Warehouse. To fully understand the significance of the day you need to talk to one of these individuals personally. At St. John, 300 families received nearly 12 tons of food...individuals from all walks of life; young and old...insecurity doesn't play favorites or target certain demographics. The clients coming to St. John were warmly welcomed, even on a cold and rainy day, and were shown the love of Christ in the smiles and the kind words of those there to serve. At MorningStar Mission Warehouse, thousands of canned and dried goods were sorted tomato soup, spaghetti sauce, fruit, etc. Our crew from First Pres. was the ninth group there to sort food that is donated to the Mission; food that goes to food boxes for MorningStar Mission clients as well as the shelter itself. Well done to all those who helped to make life a little bit easier for so many in need in our community!! Look for new opportunities like June 13, when we will again be going to St. John there is much to be done!! Night Deacons Helping Feed Those in Need The Night Deacons mission to help feed those in need in the Joliet Community was expanded on the evening of March 30. Ingredients for a full course evening meal were purchased, prepared and served to the 120 residents at Daybreak Shelter. Funding for the purchase of food was from the Night Deacons Account sustained by the First Pres. congregation's designated donations. Donations help the Night Deacons to minister as "Servants of Jesus Christ" to help those in need in our community.

May 2015 UPCOMING EVENTS On Sunday Morning we ve just finished up the books of Galatians and Ephesians. It has been pretty cool to just simply read God s Word and discuss it.

As far as the next month, we ll be visiting a few of our elderly one evening, and May 31 st will be our annual end of the year BBQ.

7 May 2015 UPCOMING EVENTS On Sunday Morning we ve just finished up the books of Galatians and Ephesians. It has been pretty cool to just simply read God s Word and discuss it. It s amazing how much you can learn when you put aside your predisposed notions toward Scripture and just let it speak. As far as the next month, we ll be visiting a few of our elderly one evening, and May 31 st will be our annual end of the year BBQ. Starting June 3 7pm our Toronto team students and leaders will start to meet in preparation for the trip. If your student is going, the meetings aren t optional make sure to carve out the time now! Finally, the information and forms for the Jr. High service trip are now online. Make sure your 6-8 th grader can join us for a great time of serving our community! Youth Group We will have youth group on May 3 rd, 17 th & 31st. No youth group on Mother s Day or Memorial Day. Sunday School We will have Sunday School every week in May. Micah micah.manore@firstpresjoliet.org

8 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Craig M. Herr Senior Pastor Dale Ambler Associate Pastor Bo Mircea Associate Pastor of Children s Ministry and Family Ministry Dale Hammond Pastor of Visitation Newsletter Deadline The deadline for reserving space in the May 27 Servants Light is May 10. Please to sherry.buffington@firstpresjoliet.org. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT JOLIET IL USPS Address Service Requested First Presbyterian Church 805 Western Ave. Joliet, IL TO: Try On Sunday Morning... Imagine for a moment what a newcomer to First Pres. might be feeling on Sunday morning. This is the gist of an article by Dorothy Greco for "Gifted for Leadership - Women in Ministry." Herself a church member and leader for 30+ years, she begins by saying, "I've never had the uncomfortable experience of walking into a sanctuary, sitting by myself, and then leaving without speaking to anyone." My guess is that many of you reading this haven't had to either for a long time. And while it is true that some visitors want to slip in and out unnoticed, most do not. Dorothy writes this article in the context of herself moving to a new church recently. She offers the 5-Minute Rule: for the first 5 minutes after the service, avoid talking to your own friends...then with a friendly smile and a warm handshake...venture into the deep water and intentionally say hello to someone you don't know. Don't swarm new visitors...instead, make eye contact and initiate conversation. Rather than asking someone where they work or if they are new here, ask them if they've been following the Blackhawks; or if Downton Abbey is one of their favorites; or maybe gardening, flowers, etc. Dorothy closes her article with the following: "Effectively and intentionally welcoming visitors to your church is really quite simple. View Sunday morning through the eyes of a newcomer...i m convinced that if we mean it when we say, I m glad you came. I hope to see you again, chances are, we will." If you would like to read the entire article, you can find it at: Pastor Dale Ambler

It s for Everyone! 5:00 pm. September 28, Confirmation Class Starts October 12

It s for Everyone! 5:00 pm. September 28, Confirmation Class Starts October 12 September 28, 2016 The Servants Light (USPS 560-720) is published monthly by First Presbyterian Church, Joliet, IL. Periodicals Postage paid at Joliet, IL Postmaster: Send address changes to The Servants