December/ Vol. LVI No. XI. Working Together

Transcription

1 December/ Vol. LVI No. XI Working Together What do you do when you don t know how to do something? You know, challenges around the house, correcting a child, balancing a check book, bringing a short devotional, picking yourself up when you re in a depressing funk, or looking for the best way to stretch a dollar? The internet definitely is helpful in many ways, but there are certain best practices, time-tried and proven steps, and successful criteria which simplify the needed answers. In many cases it takes another person to walk us through the easy or intricate steps of doing something we haven t done before. It takes finding the person with the experience and knowhow. I remember the first computer I bought and had to learn to use. No matter how much information I got, it took a friend; who took some time; who sat down with me; who listened to my questions of content and process; who taught me how to begin to use a computer. (Cont. on page 3)

2 December It s always a challenge to preach in the Advent (the preparation for the arrival of Jesus) Season. Most church folk know the stories of John the Baptist, Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, the Shepherds, and the Magi. We tell and retell the stories of Jesus birth to each other, our children, and grandchildren. This year we ll focus on the way that the Hebrew prophecies and stories about Jesus in the Gospels speak to new understandings and directions for Christian proactive living. The Lord bless you, Pastor Roy C. Backus, Ph.D. Sunday, December 2, 2018: The First Sunday of Advent Call to Worship: Psalm 25:1-10 First Lesson: Jeremiah 33:14-16 Second Lesson: Luke 21:25-36 In the Face of Difficulties (The Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13) Sunday, December 9, 2018: The Second Sunday of Advent Call to Worship: Luke 1:68-79 First Lesson: Malachi 3:1-4 Second Lesson: Luke 3:1-6 A Message for All Time (Epistle: Philippians 1:3-11) Sunday, December 16, 2018: The Third Sunday of Advent: Christmas Cantata Call to Worship: Isaiah 12:2-6 First Lesson: Philippians 4:4-7 Second Lesson: Luke 3:7-18 Are You Always Preparing? (Hebrew Lesson: Zephaniah 3:14-20) Sunday, December 23, 2018: The Fourth Sunday of Advent (10:00am Family Christmas Service) Call to Worship: Psalm 80:1-7 First Lesson: Micah 5:2-5a Second Lesson: Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) The Same, But Very Different (The Epistle: Hebrews 10:5-10) Monday, December 24, 2018: Christmas Eve (Services at 7:00pm and 11:00pm) Call to Worship: Isaiah 9:2-7 First Lesson: Titus 2:11-14 Second Lesson: Luke 2:1-20 In the Heat of the Light (The Psalm: Psalm 96:1-13) December 30, 2018: First Sunday after Christmas: Lessons and Carols Devotion: Luke 2:41-52, Kids Will Be Kids Texts: 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26, Psalm 148, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:

3 Working Together (Cont. from page 1) Struggling with pie crusts was another of those learning processes in life. I worked for several months with different crust recipes and rolling strategies, but nothing turned out like Mom s crust. Ann and I brought her to our place on one Thanksgiving, and I just watched her make several pie crusts. I made the fillings. That personal experience of watching my mother measure, mix and roll made all the difference in the world. One of the built in strengths of the church, and especially our congregation, is the immense wealth of knowledge and experience present in it. Our members, who span all ages, have great experience in all kinds of life practices and challenges. We are a congregation of diverse ages and backgrounds, which means we have the wisdom of mature experienced adults and the knowledge of recent innovative younger adults. Do you remember that our church family actually put together the entire process of building a house for one of our families five years ago? Our congregation took on the project from blueprints, to digging the basement, to pouring the concrete, to framing in the new building, to roofing, to installing the major appliances, etc. This congregation, out of unselfish care and love for a family whose home burned, actually did the impossible. (I remember one of the stickiest process problems was insurance for our volunteering church workers. It seemed like an impossible issue, until one of our insurance folks figured out an all too obvious, simple, and effective route to protect everyone participating.) We have mature adults in our congregation who have faced all kinds of challenges in every area of life and who navigated the waters of difficulty, ease, success and loss. Their depth of understanding and empathy is amazing. There are many of our younger members who have faced adversity and fought their way through those difficult times too. They have emerged through loving commitment and hard work. The faithful, personal interrelationships are the glue which holds this community of faith together, and the experiential and heartfelt depth of our congregation is very impressive. Together, let s think, rethink, and rethink again about the possibility of making real connections and building relationships across the generations through the use of our abilities, working together and sharing our lives. We all know that a great deal of this happens out of sight, but there are some real needs which could be met and there are personal abilities which could be encouraged if we had some clearer ways of matching needs to abilities. Grace & Peace, Pastor Roy C. Backus, Ph.D. 3

4 December is on its way and so is one of the busiest time of year. Please remember we still have Discovery Hour on Sunday mornings at 8:45 and Children s Church is offered on Saturday evening and during the 10 am Worship following the children s moment. We will be taking a small vacation from our Discovery Hour classes on December 23rd and 30th for the holidays, but we will still have Children s Church those weekends. I am very excited for the Children s Christmas Musical program that will be performed on December 9th at 4pm. The children have been working hard on learning the songs and lines to share with you. As we set up getting costumes, and props ready we can see everything coming together for all these farm animals as they present, Guess Who s Coming to Bethlehem? Please join us on Sunday, December 9th at 4pm to enjoy this musical and then join us for the Soup potluck afterwards. We are still looking forward to seeing our younger children at our Sunday morning Lap Sit with Ms Courtney and Miss Jessica. They have some wonderful plans ready to share with any of the parents and little ones that join us. Ms Cheryl will continue to offer the Wednesday morning Lap Sit, from 10-11am. I wish all of our families a wonderful Christmas Season and hope that they have a wonderful time celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus. See what the Christian Education Department is up to by following us on Facebook at First Presbyterian of Morris Christian Education. Blessings and Love, Faith Herout Wednesday Pray and Play Lap Sit, taught by Cheryl Roth, learns about the first Thanksgiving and has a feast. 4

5 Adopt-a-Family: We have participated in We Care for many years, and in the past people were asked to bring canned/dry good items in order to provide a Christmas meal. Now, however, food is no longer requested from the congregation. Lori and Pam ask for donations of cash, which allows a Jewel gift card of $75 to be given to each family. The gift cards will be purchased through the Scrip program run by our Senior High Youth Group that acts as a fundraiser for their annual mission trip. In the past, our angels Lori and Pam would call each of the families to solicit gift ideas for members of their family. Presently, WE CARE has each family fill out a very detailed information sheet that provides us with all the necessary gift info. Each of our adopted families has between 2 5 children. Beginning on November 24 th, red and green index cards will be posted in the narthex. When you take a card, hang an angel on the tree. All gifts are asked to be returned to the church, unwrapped, by Saturday, December 15 th. If shopping is difficult for you, feel free to make a cash donation and we will find a personal shopper for you. If you are writing a check, please make it out to: First Presbyterian Church and write Adopt-a-Family in the memo line. Any questions can be directed to Lori Brandt at Cookie Heaven: Attention all bakers and candy makers, we ask that you please donate your best cookies and candy for a great cause! Please drop off your cookies & candy by 9:30a.m. on December 8. The event STARTS at 10:00 and ends when the cookies are gone! All Proceeds go to Loving Deeds for Kids in Need. If you have any questions, contact Sue Morse A Family Christmas Manger Tale: Join us on December 1st, from 2:00-3:30pm for a fun Christmas event for the entire family! Start your afternoon with a craft relating to the events of more than 2,000 years ago, and then enjoy a game of Dreidel with your family. Enter the sanctuary to hear the Christmas story read and see a live creation of the Nativity. Join us in singing traditional Christmas carol favorites. Finally, cap off your afternoon by enjoying a fun Nativity snack in our upper fellowship hall. Be sure to check the bulletin board in the upper fellowship hall to see how you might be able to help with this fun event. If you have any questions, please contact a member of Outreach/Fellowship Committee. A Family Christmas Manger Tale, December 1 st, 2:00 3:30 p.m. Cookie Heaven, December 8 th from 10:00am until cookies are gone A fundraiser for Loving Deeds for Kids in Need Children s Christmas Program, December 9 th at 4:00 p.m., Guess Who s Coming to Bethlehem, followed by a Soup Potluck dinner Christmas Cantata, December 15 th at 5:30pm & 16 th at 10:00am, Hope! A Gospel Christmas Celebration Family Christmas Service, December 23 rd, 10:00am Christmas Eve Worship Services, December 24 th 7:00pm Traditional Service 11:00pm Candlelight Service Lessons and Carols, December 29 th, 5:30pm December 30 th, ¼ to 8:00am & 10:00am 5

6 Building & Grounds: As of this writing the elevator/lift is still in the manufacturing stage, and we are expecting delivery soon. During the past month we have received some memorial gifts specified for the elevator replacement which the Foundation has matched in dollar amount. There have also been some individual gifts toward the elevator fund. The LED conversion is complete in the lower level east-west hallway which makes it much brighter while saving energy. We continue to make sure the landscaping looks as good as possible. There is much to do in the fall of the year! Christian Education: The Christian Education Committee discussed the progress of our Discovery Hour and Children's Church program so far this year. We are excited about the special Children's Christmas Musical this year. We will be taking two weeks off from the Discovery Hour on December 23 and 30 th, but we will still have Children's Church those days. We look forward to what the winter holds for us all. Deacons: Salvation Army Bell Ringing - Scheduled for December 1st at Wal-mart New Members - Carolyn Russell and Monte and Jeanette Payton Funeral Dinners - Carson Robinson and Don Dix Stewardship/Finance: The financial statements were reviewed and no significant issues were encountered. The fall stewardship campaign has produced an increase in pledges of $24,144 compared to last year at this time. Budget requests have been received from most committees and will be presented to Session at their November meeting Giving: If you are mailing in your pledge and you would like it to count for 2018, please make sure that your mail is postmarked no later than December 31, We go by the postmark date only for end of year giving. Thank you! 6

7 Thank you!: With the congregation s help, the Outreach/Fellowship committee was able to send 76 hygiene kits to the November Presbytery meeting. From there, the kits will be distributed to communities struck by natural disasters and other calamities. Additionally, your donations of money will help to offset shipping costs. We appreciate everyone s participation in this collection each October. Your faithful generosity helps to share God s love with those in need. Special thanks to Joan Workman for her help each of the past several years with this collection. Thank you, Joanie! Save-the-Date: Plan to join in on a fun, relaxed church family Talent Show and Chili Cook-off on Sunday, January 27. Watch in early January for more information and for sign-up sheets. In the meantime, everyone can look forward to sharing a meal and enjoying each other s talents and gifts during this cozy and friendly fellowship event! New Lift: We have a new lift installed and are waiting for the elevator inspector to approve use at the time of this newsletter s publication. We should have a lift ready to use early December for some of the popular and upcoming Advent events. Look out for a new look to the church website coming early 2019! Are you a frequent shopper on Amazon? Or, maybe you have some Christmas shopping to do on Amazon. Now, you can support the ministry at First Presbyterian Church by signing into your Amazon account through smile.amazon.com and selecting our church as your designated charity. Here is a direct link to First Presbyterian s Amazon Smile: https//smile.amazon.com/ Thank you in advance for your support! Hope! A Gospel Celebration of Christmas by Joel Raney will be presented by the Chancel Choir on Saturday, Dec. 15th at 5:30 pm and Sunday, Dec. 16th at 10:00 am. The presentation will feature new melodies as well as familiar Christmas carols set to new arrangements. The musical will be accompanied by piano, bass, flute, trumpet and cello and will feature soloists and narration by Jay and Cheryl Roth. The Handbell Choir will also perform two selections during the worship service. Invite your friends, family and neighbors to come enjoy this meaningful and inspiring Christmas cantata. Prairie Singers December 1 st 7:00 p.m. Refreshments served by members of Outreach/Fellowship to follow in the Fellowship Hall. 7

8 Minutes The minutes of the October 17, 2018 Stated Meeting and Called Session Meeting November 11, 2018 were approved as well as the Clerk s Report. Baptisms Monte Eugene Payton was baptized on November 11, Deaths Donald F. Dix, Morris passed away November 2, 2018 with funeral by Pastor Roy on November 5. Carson E. Robinson, Morris, IL passed away November 2, 2018 with funeral by Pastor Roy on November 11. Jamie L. (Garretson) Foster, Dwight, IL passed away November 12, 2018 with funeral by Pastor Roy at Reeves Funeral Home, Morris on November 17. Membership Received as new members on November 11, 2018 Monte E. Payton, Jeanette (Hutton) Payton and Carolyn D. (Lowdon) Russell. Weddings Kenneth E. Herout, Varna, IL and Karen L. (Krabbe) Engh, South Elgin, IL were married by Pastor Roy on November 10, Mission Report nothing to report. Session approved: Outreach/Fellowship s request to use the sanctuary on Thursday, November 29 and Fellowship Hall on Friday, November 30 to prepare for Saturday, December 1 s Family Manger Christmas Tale. Outreach/Fellowship s request to host a Talent Show and Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, January 27 from 4:30-8pm in Fellowship Hall and narthex. Jill Kopczick s request to use Fellowship Hall on Sunday, December 2 from 1-5pm for a family birthday party. November Changing the date for December s Session meeting from Wednesday, December 19, 2018 to Thursday, December 20, 2019 at 7pm. The Annual Congregational Meeting immediately following 10am worship on Sunday, January 27, The installation and ordination of Elders and Deacons on Saturday and Sunday, February 9 and 10, The Christmas Eve Offering to be directed to the Pastor s Emergency Fund. Personnel s recommendation to begin a search for a part time Director of Adult Discipleship and Ministries. 2% cost of living increases for all staff, with an additional 2% raise for Pastor Roy and an additional 1% raise for the remainder of the staff. The September and October, 2018 Treasurer s Reports. Additionally, feedback from the recent Cottage Meetings will be summarized and compiled by next month s Session meeting. Pastor Roy and Mary Bradley served communion to twelve people at Park Pointe recently. Grundy County PADS s and Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center s requests for monetary donations will be referred to the Mission Coordinating Team. Next Stated Session Meeting will be Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 7pm. October For the month of October, our church s total income was $32, Expenses were $31, So far this year we have a deficit of $26, We appreciated your continued support of our Lord s work. If you would like to sign up to have your donation automatically transferred electronically from your check account to the church, please contact Leslie Chouinard or Sue Jaeschke. We also offer the option to donate using PayPal. Respectfully, your Stewardship and Finance Committee: Matt Seidel, Cyndy Olson, Jay Roth, John Ellsworth 8