Voice. The. In This Issue. A bi-monthly publication of St. Paul s UCC of Monee

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The Voice A bi-monthly publication of St.

Minutes 3 Easter Flower Order 4 Women s Friendship Guild 5 Cookie Walk

Note 11 Growth Committee 12 Christmas Pageant 13 Lenten Series 14 Photos

1 The Voice A bi-monthly publication of St. Paul s UCC of Monee In This Issue Pastor Peggy s Page 2 Annual Meeting Minutes 3 Easter Flower Order 4 Women s Friendship Guild 5 Cookie Walk Photos 6 Negative to Positive 7-8 Reel Spirituality 9 Thank You 10 Just a Note 11 Growth Committee 12 Christmas Pageant 13 Lenten Series 14 Photos 15 Birthdays & Anniversaries 16 Serving Our Church 17 February Calendar 18 March Calendar 19 February/March 2016

2 Pastor Peggy s Page I did not make any new year s resolutions, but I did think about one thing that I d like to try to do more of this year. I d like to start each day remembering that I am a child of God. We read about Jesus baptism in Luke 3 a few weeks ago, and about how just as he came up out of the water, the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form as a dove, and a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with thee I am well pleased." In some newer Bible translations, the adjective "beloved" is a separate phrase to emphasize the intensity and the very personal nature of this experience. "You are my Son. My beloved. In you I am well pleased." I think about why all four Gospel writers included this story in their books. They were writing for people who had been baptized. They wanted the baptized people of their day to know their baptism meant the same as Jesus' baptism. Each of you readers - you are God's daughter, or God's son, with you God is well pleased. In your baptism, your relationship to God was affirmed and then sealed. You are a child of God. This theme is central to Jesus' preaching. Jesus preached that you and I can have the same personal, intimate relationship with God that he had as the Son of God. Jesus also taught when you pray, say, "Abba, Our Father." "Abba" is the most personal address for God in Aramaic. It means, "Daddy." That is the way you would translate it into English. It is the most personal address. Jesus said, when you pray, pray the way I do, say, "Our Father." When we say, "Our Father," we are reminded that we are all children of God, all of us, in whom he is well pleased. So what kind of a father is God to us? Some of us did not have ideal fathers as children and so it can be difficult to think of God as our father if our only role model for a father was less than perfect. But God as our father is a mature relationship. To put this into perspective I think about my relationship with my own adult kids. I love my adult children, but I no longer take care of their every need. Sometimes I wish I could take care of or fix every little or big problem they have, but they now stand on their own, determining their own lives and making their own decisions. I am here now to love them and support them but not necessarily do anything for them. Not too long ago I was consoling my daughter over a particularly painful loss, I said, Oh, Honey, I m so sorry, I wish there was something I could do for you! She said in reply, I know Mom, but just knowing you care helps. This is true of God, he is with us supporting us, caring for us and loving us through whatever we are going through. Good times and bad. We are loved as God s own children. What good news to think about as I begin each new day. Blessings, Pastor Peggy 2

St. Paul s UCC Congregation Annual Meeting Minutes Sunday, January 31, 2016 A quorum was established. There were 80 voting members present out of a possible 269.

3 St. Paul s UCC Congregation Annual Meeting Minutes Sunday, January 31, 2016 A quorum was established. There were 80 voting members present out of a possible 269. The meeting was called to order at 11:40 am by President Cindy Murphy. A motion was made by David Holston to approve the Annual Meeting Minutes of Gene Candreva seconded. Motion carried. Penny Danaher made a motion to approve the Annual Report. Eric Myers seconded. Motion carried. Kathy Campbell made a motion to approve the 2016 Budget. Melissa Grahonya seconded. Motion carried. Cindy Murphy introduced and thanked all of the members of the Church Council who served in 2015: Joe Boyd, Mary Brockmiller, Mary Lou Heinberg, Candance McCartan, Eric Myers, Jeff Schultz, Tom Thompson, Diane Williams, Paul Herrmann, Tom Bradley, and Jim Popp. Cindy Murphy presented the list of nominees for the 2016 Council: Amy Deutsche, Joie Grahonya, Nan Lech and Alyce Stocking. Nancy Langenfeld made a motion to accept the Nominating Committees slate. Judie Popp seconded. Cindy also announced the slate for the Cemetery Board for 2016: Carl Lowe to stay as president for 3 more years. Denise Schroeder made a motion to accept the Nominating Committee slate for Cemetery Board. Darren Deutsche seconded. Motion carried. Joe Boyd made a motion to adjourn. Penny Danaher seconded. Motion carried. We adjourned at 11:50 am. Respectfully submitted, Diane Williams, Secretary 3

4 Easter Garden Flowers Available: Lilies Tulips Hyacinths A donation of $10.00 per plant All donations must be in by Sunday, March 13 th Please make check payable to: Women s Friendship Guild Please circle flower: Lilies Tulips Hyacinths Your Name: (Indicate the name to which you would like the plant dedicated.) In Honor of: Or In Memory of: Please circle flower: Lilies Tulips Hyacinths Your Name: (Indicate the name to which you would like the plant dedicated.) In Honor of: Or In Memory of: Please circle flower: Lilies Tulips Hyacinths Your Name: (Indicate the name to which you would like the plant dedicated.) In Honor of: Or In Memory of: 4 Church Office Information Monday-Thursday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Friday 9:00 am to noon Church Office Church Fax Pastor Peggy s Cell pastorpeggy@stpaulsmonee.org ann@stpaulsmonee.org

Women s Friendship Guild The Women's Friendship Guild met on January 9, 2016. We had 23 women in attendance.

Anyone who likes to crochet, knit or sew see Kathy Campbell about helping with this project.

5 Women s Friendship Guild The Women's Friendship Guild met on January 9, We had 23 women in attendance. A calendar with the dates for the monthly meetings for the year 2016 was passed out, if you don't have one see Sandy Schultz. Kathy Campbell showed us various baby items made for Stroger Hospital. Anyone who likes to crochet, knit or sew see Kathy Campbell about helping with this project. We had no date for going to Beecher Manor at the time of our January meeting, but a date has now been set for Tuesday March 8 th at 2 pm to play Bingo and serve cake to the residents at Beecher Manor. Future plans for this year included serving soup at the Wednesday night Lenten Service February 24 th, and hosting the KWIL Spring Meeting in April. After the meeting Marianne Lowe showed us how to make sleeping mats for the homeless with plastic grocery bags. Please come, join us at our next meeting on February 13 th. WFG Calendar February 13 th February 24 th March 8 th March 12 th Breakfast Meeting 8:30 am Lenten Service (serve soup at 6 pm) Beecher Manor Bingo and Cake 2 pm Breakfast Meeting 8:30 am 5

6 6 Women s Friendship Guild Cookie Walk 2015

You can learn how to support yourself mentally and spiritually though affirmations that are positively inspiring. http:// www.beliefnet.

7 How to Go From Negative to Positive Thinking You're beating yourself up again. Small negative thoughts begin forming in your mind. Before you know it, those tiny balls of insecurity grow into a stream of negative self talk that depresses and defeats you. It's time for a change. Here's how to go from negative to positive thinking. You can learn how to support yourself mentally and spiritually though affirmations that are positively inspiring. utm=sailthru Blessed Heart Don't Say: I can't do it. Do Say: I am blessed with the strength and power of the Lord. I do anything I put my heart into. can Renewed and Refreshed Don't Say: I'm too tired. Do Say: Thank you God for gracing me with the ability to renew and refresh. I call upon the storehouse of vigor and stamina that comes from deep within. Humility and Charm Don't Say: Everyone is against me. Do Say: God is on my side. Together we can change hearts and minds. I will meet my foes with humility and charm, and never more will I feel defeated. Gifts to Share Don't Say: He's so stupid. Do Say: I am one with my brothers. All of God's children have different gifts to share. I shall look for the qualities that make the weak strong. Enough for My Needs Don't Say: I don't have enough money. Do Say: God gives me enough for everything I truly need. I will learn how to resist the temptations of material things and be a better steward of my finances. True Judge Don't Say: They're doing it all wrong. Do Say: Who am I to criticize my brothers and sisters? Only God is the true judge. I will look at people and situations with understanding, and know that many paths lead to the same destination. 7

Higher Moments Don't Say: I'm so depressed. Do Say: There are hills and valleys as I walk God's green earth.

Do Say: Life can be cruel and the odds are not always in my favor. Yet with God's help I am invincible. Nothing can bring me down that I can't get up from.

I will use positive thought, medical aids, and healthy living to keep the vessel strong that holds my soul. Strong and Proud Don't Say: I just can't take it anymore.

8 Higher Moments Don't Say: I'm so depressed. Do Say: There are hills and valleys as I walk God's green earth. I can endure life's low points knowing that I will soon rise up to glory in the higher moments. Invincible Don't Say: Why does everything bad happen to me? Do Say: Life can be cruel and the odds are not always in my favor. Yet with God's help I am invincible. Nothing can bring me down that I can't get up from. Strong Vessel Don't Say: My [insert body part here] hurts. Do Say: I am alive with God's reminders of my physicality. I will excuse the aches and pains as a mere disturbance. I will use positive thought, medical aids, and healthy living to keep the vessel strong that holds my soul. Strong and Proud Don't Say: I just can't take it anymore. Do Say: I will stand up strong and be proud. I control my reaction to bad actions. In the same way Jesus turned water to wine, God smiles at me when I turn lemons to lemonade. Rooted in Faith Don't Say: How could God do this to me? Do Say: I am being tested. I will not fail. I remain firmly rooted in faith and believe that I will be stronger after my ordeal is over. 8

Reel Spirituality Who: Anyone who loves movies What: Movie with popcorn, pizza & conversation When: The last Friday night of every month Where: The Parsonage Why: Fun!

Green's New York Times bestseller. (Amazon.

9 Reel Spirituality Who: Anyone who loves movies What: Movie with popcorn, pizza & conversation When: The last Friday night of every month Where: The Parsonage Why: Fun! Friday, February 26, :00 pm The Fault in Our Stars Hazel (Shailene Woodley) and Gus (Ansel Elgort) share a love that sweeps them on an unforgettable journey in this powerful film based on John Green's New York Times bestseller. (Amazon.com) Friday, March 18, pm Max "Max" is a coming-of-age story about a young teen from a family dealing with loss, who finds friendship, comfort and adventure with the heroic military dog of his fallen brother. (Amazon.com) 9 Fellowship at Frankie s Come and join us for a night of fellowship and food while raising funds for OCWM on Thursday, February 18, Frankie s Pizza will donate 20% of your total food bill (excluding any alcohol) to the church when you eat there on February 18, between the hours of 4 pm and 9 pm. There will also be two split the pot raffles. If you have any questions, please contact the church office at (708)

10 Dear St. Paul s United Church of Christ: Thank You On behalf of the Monee Township Board of Trustees, I would like to thank you for your very generous donation of the collection of assorted food, gloves hats and scarves, and paper products. Because of your donation, you help make our holiday programs a success. The Monee Township Pantry program provides emergency food to Monee Township residents year round as well as Thanksgiving Baskets and Santa s Sack (food and toys for families in need), Easter program and School Supply Program. Our programs would not be possible without the help of the many kind people, auch as yourselves, who make donations of time, food, gifts and money. One hundred percent of all donations are used to help Monee Township residents. Sincerely, Donna T. Dettbarn Township Supervisor Dear St. Paul s, On behalf of our Veterans at the Illinois Veterans Home at Manteno please accept our gratitude for your large donation of slippers for men and women with a large assortment of miscellaneous items. We thank you for your interest in the Illinois Veterans Home at Manteno. This time of year we truly are appreciative for someone like you and your organization that are so giving. Your support is truly a blessing to our Veteran s here at the Manteno Veterans Home. Sincerely, Susan Hildebrand Acting Director Volunteers/Activities Lester E. Robertson, Jr. Administrator 10

Just a note WOMEN S FRIENDSHIP GUILD BREAKFAST All women and girls

MORNING OUT BREAKFAST Saturday, February 20, 8:30 am Saturday,

Don t miss out on the opportunity to get information about your

11 Just a note WOMEN S FRIENDSHIP GUILD BREAKFAST All women and girls are invited to join us for a friendly, delicious breakfast and meeting. Saturday, February 13, 8:30 am Saturday, March 12, 8:30 am MEN S MORNING OUT BREAKFAST Saturday, February 20, 8:30 am Saturday, March 19, 8:30 am All men and boys are invited to join us for a friendly, delicious breakfast and relaxation. Don t miss out on the opportunity to get information about your group s activities in print! All April/May Voice Articles Due Tuesday, March 29,

Growth Committee We are continuing our study of the book Dirt Matters. This book explains and illustrates the importance of a healthy church culture for church growth.

The Growth Committee will be focusing on evangelism this year and will be putting on a skit in worship soon, emphasizing the importance of church members work of evangelism.

Please come and join us. THANK YOU!! I would like to thank you all very much for the very generous Anniversary gift! It was fun to celebrate 10 years here at St.

12 Growth Committee We are continuing our study of the book Dirt Matters. This book explains and illustrates the importance of a healthy church culture for church growth. The metaphor of healthy soil for a good garden is used in the book. Just as a garden grows best with healthy soil, so will our church grow more effectively with a healthy culture. The Growth Committee will be focusing on evangelism this year and will be putting on a skit in worship soon, emphasizing the importance of church members work of evangelism. We are also thrilled that our growth committee fund for hiring a youth minister is growing nicely. Right now we have $28, 746. We meet on the third Tuesday of every month. Please come and join us. THANK YOU!! I would like to thank you all very much for the very generous Anniversary gift! It was fun to celebrate 10 years here at St. Paul s with you both at the surprise and delicious pizza lunch and a week later at the parsonage open house. My time here at St. Paul s has been a wonderful blessing. I sincerely thank you for the gift! Pastor Peggy 12

13 13 Christmas Pageant

2016 Lenten Series LENTEN SERVICES The theme this year for our Lenten services is The Lord s Prayer. Each week the sermon will be based on a portion of the prayer.

14 2016 Lenten Series LENTEN SERVICES The theme this year for our Lenten services is The Lord s Prayer. Each week the sermon will be based on a portion of the prayer. Starting time is 6:00 pm with a light soup supper with service following at 7:00 pm. The following is the 2016 Ecumenical Series Schedule: Feb. 17 Peotone UMC & Green Garden UMC 150 West North St., Peotone Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Feb. 24 Mar. 2 Mar. 9 Mar. 16 St. Paul s UCC of Monee & St. Paul Catholic Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Immanuel UCC, Peotone 311 West Corning, Peotone Give us this day our daily bread St. John s UCC & First Presbyterian S. 88th, Peotone Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors Wilton Center Federated & Faith Community W. Joliet Road, Wilton Center Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 14

15 15 Christmas 2015 at St. Paul s

February Birthdays 3 Bob Carlson 7 Melverne Buchmeier 7 Kelly Deutsche 9 Ashley Cellarius 11 Ruth Smit 11 Sabreena Candreva 19 Lois Aguina 26 Cecilia Stiglic 27 Tom

Reading 19 Opal Calomino 19 Carmen Cellarius 19 Christopher Stiglic 20 Mary Lou Arrendondo 21 Mary Ann Deutsche 25 Bonnie Bisping 26 Susan Ramirez 29 George Thiesen

Delivering Meals on Wheels February 4... Jack Ruiter & Diane Williams February 11... Jim & Judie Popp February 18... Paul Herrmann & Ruth Smit February 25.

16 February Birthdays 3 Bob Carlson 7 Melverne Buchmeier 7 Kelly Deutsche 9 Ashley Cellarius 11 Ruth Smit 11 Sabreena Candreva 19 Lois Aguina 26 Cecilia Stiglic 27 Tom White March Birthdays 1 Peggy Johnson 2 Dennis Schultz 3 Art Pearson 7 Penny Danaher 8 Ron Spero 10 Audrey Gresham 12 Lucille Schroeder 16 Greg Cellarius 18 Shannon Reading 19 Opal Calomino 19 Carmen Cellarius 19 Christopher Stiglic 20 Mary Lou Arrendondo 21 Mary Ann Deutsche 25 Bonnie Bisping 26 Susan Ramirez 29 George Thiesen February Anniversaries 10 Christopher & Wendy Stiglic 16 Eugene & Sherleen Candreva March Anniversaries 17 Joseph & Melissa Grahonya 24 Ron & Jeanne Mansmith 16 Delivering Meals on Wheels February 4... Jack Ruiter & Diane Williams February Jim & Judie Popp February Paul Herrmann & Ruth Smit February Keith Heldt March 3... Flo Stilke & Alyce Stocking March Jack Ruiter & Diane Williams March Jim & Judie Popp March Paul Herrmann & Ruth Smit March Keith Heldt

17 Serving Our Church in February/March DATE LITURGIST GREETERS USHERS AUDIO 2/7 Lou Ann Kuhn Gene & Sherleen Candreva 2/14 Nancy Langenfeld Diane Carlson Willa Cellarius 2/21 Marion Shorts Judy Flory Glenda Foltz Les Batterman Vi Batterman Tom Bradley Paul Herrmann Les Batterman Vi Batterman Tom Bradley Paul Herrmann Les Batterman Vi Batterman Tom Bradley Paul Herrmann Carl Lowe Kyle McCartan Joe & Melissa Grahonya Joe & Melissa Grahonya 2/28 Denise Schroeder Mary Lou Heinberg Keith Kautz Les Batterman Vi Batterman Tom Bradley Paul Herrmann Gene & Sherleen Candreva 3/6 Amy Deutsche Lou Ann Kuhn Clover Miller 3/13 Candi Myers Sandi Malone Kay Mueller Jackie Lafferty Marianne Lowe Jeanne Mansmith Flo Stilke Jackie Lafferty Marianne Lowe Jeanne Mansmith Flo Stilke Gene & Sherleen Candreva Eric Myers Joe Boyd 3/20 Sandy Albers Cindy Murphy Shannon Saavedra Jackie Lafferty Marianne Lowe Jeanne Mansmith Flo Stilke Eric Myers Joe Boyd 3/27 Sherleen Candreva Ron Sheming Alyce Stocking Jackie Lafferty Marianne Lowe Jeanne Mansmith Flo Stilke Carl Lowe Kyle McCartan Communion 2/7 Set-Up & Serve: Paul Herrmann, Mary Lou Heinberg Serve & Clean-Up: Cindy Murphy, Alyce Stocking 3/6 Set-Up & Serve: Sandi Malone, Ruth Smit Serve & Clean-Up: Nancy Langenfeld, Kay Mueller

St. Paul s United Church of Christ 5323 West Margaret St. P.O. Box 10 Monee IL 60449 Phone: 708 534-8471 Fax: 708 534-8491 February 2016 Ash Wednesday 7:00 pm A.A. www.stpaulsmonee.

org Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 9:15 am Sunday School 9:15 am Choir Rehearsal 10:30 am Worship Service Holy Communion 11:30 am Coffee Hour 9:15 am Sunday School 9:15 am

18 St. Paul s United Church of Christ 5323 West Margaret St. P.O. Box 10 Monee IL Phone: Fax: February 2016 Ash Wednesday 7:00 pm A.A. pastorpeggy@stpaulsmonee.org prayercircle@stpaulsmonee.org ann@stpaulsmonee.org missions@stpaulsmonee.org vbs@stpaulsmonee.org visitation@stpaulsmonee.org Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 9:15 am Sunday School 9:15 am Choir Rehearsal 10:30 am Worship Service Holy Communion 11:30 am Coffee Hour 9:15 am Sunday School 9:15 am Choir Rehearsal 10:30 am Worship Service 11:30 am Coffee Hour 9:15 am Sunday School 9:15 am Choir Rehearsal 10:30 am Worship Service 11:30 am Coffee Hour 11:45 am Council Meeting 9:15 am Sunday School 9:15 am Choir Rehearsal 10:30 am Worship Service 11:30 am Soup Sunday :30 pm TOPS 6:30 pm TOPS 6:30 pm TOPS 9 6:30 pm TOPS 7:00 pm Growth Committee Mtg. 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm A.A. 6:45 pm Choir Rehearsal 7:30 pm Ash Wednesday Worship 7:00 pm A.A. 6:00 pm Lenten Supper 7:00 pm Lenten Service 7:00 pm A.A. 11:00 am Finance :00 pm Facilities 7:00 pm Bible Study 8:30 am MMO Breakfast Meeting :00 pm Reel Spirituality 6 8:30 am WFG Breakfast Meeting

org prayercircle@stpaulsmonee.org ann@stpaulsmonee.org missions@stpaulsmonee.org vbs@stpaulsmonee.org visitation@stpaulsmonee.

am Sunday School 10:30 am Worship Service 11:30 am Coffee Hour 9:15 am Sunday School 9:15 am Choir Rehearsal 10:30 am Worship Service 11:30 am Soup

14 28 6:30 pm TOPS 8 6:30 pm TOPS 7:00 pm Growth Committee 7:00 pm A.A. 11:00 am Finance 9 10 11 12 6:00 pm Facilities 15 16 17 18 19 7:00 pm A.A. 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm A.

19 St. Paul s United Church of Christ 5323 West Margaret St. P.O. Box 10 Monee IL Phone: Fax: March :30 pm TOPS pastorpeggy@stpaulsmonee.org prayercircle@stpaulsmonee.org ann@stpaulsmonee.org missions@stpaulsmonee.org vbs@stpaulsmonee.org visitation@stpaulsmonee.org Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 9:15 am Sunday School 10:30 am Worship Service Holy Communion 11:30 am Coffee Hour 9:15 am Sunday School 10:30 am Worship Service 11:30 am Coffee Hour 9:15 am Sunday School 9:15 am Choir Rehearsal 10:30 am Worship Service 11:30 am Soup Sunday 11:45 am Council Meeting EASTER 7:30 am Worship Service 8:30 am Breakfast 9:15 am Choir Rehearsal 10:30 am Worship Service Communion :30 pm TOPS 8 6:30 pm TOPS 7:00 pm Growth Committee 7:00 pm A.A. 11:00 am Finance :00 pm Facilities :00 pm A.A. 7:00 pm Choir Rehearsal 7:00 pm A.A. 7:00 pm Book Club Maundy Thursday 6:00 pm Baked Potato Supper 7:00 pm Worship Service 7:00 pm Bible Study 7:00 pm Reel Spirituality 8:30 am WFG Breakfast Meeting 8:30 am MMO Breakfast Meeting :30 pm TOPS 7:00 pm A.A

Voice. The. In This Issue. A bi-monthly publication of St. Paul s UCC of Monee

Voice. The. In This Issue. A bi-monthly publication of St. Paul s UCC of Monee The Voice A bi-monthly publication of St. Paul s UCC of Monee In This Issue Pastor Peggy s Page 2 Women s Friendship Guild 3 Treasurer s Report 4 Finance Report 4 Balance Sheet 5 From the Desk of God 6-7