The Christian Caller October 2018 Newsletter of Bethany Park Christian Church, Rantoul, Illinois Together, Humble Service to Others for God s Glory

Transcription

1 The Christian Caller October 2018 Newsletter of Bethany Park Christian Church, Rantoul, Illinois Together, Humble Service to Others for God s Glory Hours of Worship and Study: Adult Sunday School 9:30 AM Worship Service 10:30 AM Children s Sunday School 10:30 AM Adult Bible Study Thursdays 11:00 AM For Information or Assistance: Bethany Park Christian Church 1401 East Grove, Rantoul, IL Church Phone: (217) Pastor s Cell: (812) Rev. Maxine Vallejo-Rixman Pastor When I first came to Rantoul, I attend a monthly gathering of ministers. Some are ordained ministers, while others are lay people who head up a variety of ministries. After a couple of months, I found myself to be the lone representative from a mainline denomination, and the only female. No one was unkind to me, and yet it was a frequent struggle for me to sit there in silence - as certain assumptions were made about what political beliefs, and social views we all hold in common as Christians. I often wondered if I might be run out of town if I voiced my disagreement or, at the least, be labeled a heretic. So I decided that it would be easier for me to stop going to these meetings. If only I didn t hold such strong convictions about the Church, or about community, and Jesus wish for unity of those who believe in him. If only I wasn t a part of a tradition that has such a strong commitment to ecumenical relationships. At least in my own denomination, even if we don t agree on certain issues, we hold certain things in common. In a recent conversation with the only other Mainline denominational female pastor in this Village, I have been encouraged to again attend these meetings. I remembered that we are not called into relationships only with those with whom we agree. From relationships with others on the more conservative/evangelical Christian spectrum, I have learned that there is much to admire. I know that many of them would not consider me to be a Christian, would not consider me saved, if they knew my position on LGBT issues, or that I tend to vote Democrat. So I pray that God continues to teach me, through those who differ from me, even when those differences are painful. But I also pray that others are open to what I might have to teach them. The more I live and learn and pray, the more I realize that faithful Christians can come to different opinions on the same issue, and that doesn t make either of them a lesser Christian. In fact, how we deal with those disagreements, might indeed show the world that we are Christians by our love. Living in the Yes, Pastor Max

2 C.W.F. The C.W.F met Monday, Sept 10 at 1:00pm at the church with Margurette as hostess. There were 9 in attendance. We were happy to have Pastor Max and Kat join us. Rachel opened the meeting with all repeating the C.W.F. prayer. The Secretary and Treasurer reports were given and approved. We sang Happy Birthday to Charlotte. Dorothy made the motion to donate $50 to the Food Bank since this is the month for our church to contribute. Norma seconded the motion and it was carried. Norma announced the Christian s Women s Fellowship would meet here on Friday at!:30pm. She asked for cookie donations, and help in serving. Pastor Max presented our lesson from our study book. Cares were signed for shut-ins Visiting and delicious refreshments were enjoyed around the table. Our next meeting will be Monday Oct 8 at 1:00pm at the church with Dorothy as hostess. Dorothy Brandon Adult Bible Study Group Thursday mornings, 11:00am PRAYER CONCERNS Bob Marsey Gloria Schlensker John Johnson Millie Sussen Rick Ehmen No matter how hopeless or impossible the circumstances in my life, I am reminded that your grace is sufficient of this life's journey and your tender mercy is new every morning, As I lift my feeble voice to you in urgent prayer, I am also assured that you hear me and will grant me the desires of my heart according to your perfect will for my life, God, guard my heart and enlighten the eyes of my understanding that I may serve you better. My earnest desire is that others would see my good works and glorify you in heaven. The Book of Daily Prayer (2003). Please join us for an Harvest Meal Pitch-In on Sunday October 28, 2018 after Worship Service. Please bring a dish to share. A sign-up sheet is available, so please let us know how many will join us and what you would like to bring.

3 Serving in October Worship Leader: Kathy Sellers Communion Prep: Shigeru Archibald Serving in November Rob Rixman Worship Leader: Rob Rixman Communion Prep: Charlotte Peddycoart Serving in December Lisa Combs-Yowell Worship Leader: Lisa Combs-Yowell Communion Prep: Thank You to all who choose to serve! Upon joining the church, we promise to uphold it by our prayer, presence, finances, and service. Our presence and giving for last month includes: Date Attend Offering 9/2 35 $2407 9/8 40 $381 9/16 39 $467 9/23 36 $1310 Weekly Budget Requirement $3000 October 2018 Holidays & Unique Days (Note: Not all days are official, just for fun! :-) Adopt a Shelter Dog Month Clergy Appreciation Month Domestic Violence Awareness Month 1st Get Organized Week Begins International Day for the Elderly 2nd National Custodial Worker Day 3rd National Boyfriend Day 4th National Frappe Day 5th World Teachers Day World Smile Day 6th German-American Day 7th Mental Health Awareness Week Begins #CureStigma 8th Columbus Day 9th Curious Events Day 10th Emergency Nurses Day 11th National Depression Screening Day 12th Bone & Joint Health Action Week Begins 13th Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day 14th National Dessert Day 15th National Grouch Day 16th World Food Day National Health Education Week Begins 17th National Pasta Day 18th No Beard Day 19th Evaluate Your Life Day 20th Sweetest Day (Women acknowledges sweetheart 21st Respiratory Care Week Begins 22nd National Nut Day 23rd National Boston Cream Pie Day 24th National Bologna Day 25th World Pasta Day 26th National Pumpkin Day 27th National Tell A Story Day 28th Mother-In-Law Day 29th National Cat Day 30th National Candy Corn Day 31st Carve a Pumpkin Day

4 Bethany Park Christian Church We Are Disciples of Christ Serving God and Our Community And We Welcome You! Bethany Park Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 1401 East Grove Rantoul, IL (217) The Christian Caller October 2018 Newsletter of Bethany Park Christian Church Together, Humble Service to Others for God s Glory 1401 E. Grove Street, Rantoul, Illinois, Hours of Worship and Study: Adult Sunday School 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service 10:30 AM Children s Sunday School 10:30 AM Adult Bible Study; Thurs. 11:00 AM For Information or Assistance: Church Phone: (217) Pastor s Cell: (812) Rev. Maxine Vallejo-Rixman Pastor Colleen Ehmen Admin. Assistant Kat Richardson Custodian Gang Zhu Pianist bpccsec@hotmail.com Website: Facebook: «AddressBlock»

5 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Adult Sunday School 9:30 am Worship 10:30am Children s Sunday School 7 World Communion Reconciliation Offering Board Meeting Wayne & Lisa Combs Yowell 1 8 CWF Meeting 1:00pm Harvest Meal Pitch-in After Worship Bethany Park Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Jim Miller 9 10 World Mental Health Day Elder Meeting 6:00pm 23 Newsletter Info Due Tom Van Ostrand 4 TV Van Ostrand 11 Bible Study 11:00 Jeanette Stone Moto Johnson Charles & Shigeru Archibald Pam Marsey Brian Chaney Assembly Serving This Month Worship Leader Kathy Sellers Comm. Prep: Shigeru Archibald Assembly