FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH LINCOLN, ILLINOIS

Transcription

1 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH LINCOLN, ILLINOIS October 2013 Volume 13 THE LINK Thank You Thank You All: For your prayers, cards, food, visits, flowers and telephone calls during my recovery. It all is very much appreciated and it really helped me know I was not forgotten. Again many thanks. Bernie DePuy In Memoriam Wayne C. Doc Saxton Father of Judy Rader

2 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH LINCOLN, ILLINOIS The Link October 2013 Volume 13 Kirk Night: A Celebration Inside this issue: Committee Reports 2 Wednesday Nights 3 Calendars 4 Pantry 5 Committee Reports 5 Special points of interest: Meet Ann & Bi Worship Assistants/Deacons/ Helpers Birthdays & Anniversaries Women s Coffee Committee Reports Blessings for the Animals Lately my study has been a bit of disarray. In addition to those spilling out of their temporary box homes, sprawled across my desk and table have been books some of you are familiar with. These books are filled with pictures: pages and pages of pictures evidencing how you, as a community of faith, have collectively lived out God s calling in your lives. While clothing styles and hair-dos have changed, it is quite clear that the ethos, the spirit, of First Presbyterian Church has not changed. While pictures help us put faces and capturing those holy moments of life, they cannot tell our entire story. Thankfully, a few years ago, the church complied a book closely detailing the history of our church. This history has become an invaluable resource for me to learn the beautiful story of this congregation. I ve enjoyed getting to know the former pastors by reading past LINK articles and bulletins, especially Bruce, and by listening to each of you share stories about our pastors from Burns to Blackburn. Our history is rich, our stories are compelling, and the love of God is noticeably present. Gearing up for fall, and inspired by my predecessor s faithful work, I recently voiced some wonderings about our Wednesday night activities. This conversation went a little something like this. Hey, what is the Wednesday night gathering called? Well, Celebration. I think. Another person chimed in. No, I thought we changed it to In-Joy. Still another, I honestly don t know what the Wednesday night is called. Probably just Wednesday night. I appreciated this honesty, and in fact, welcomed this confusion. Our church history book, put together by the History Committee a few years ago, tells us quite a lot about this particular weekly gathering. The first note about a mid-week gathering came during Rev. Salansky s tenure. In 1977, this Wednesday gathering for children gained the name Celebration. While the structure and content of our Wednesday nights has evolved, the purpose has remained the same. Education and spiritual formation both lie at the heart of the Wednesday gathering. Eventually, this question was turned on me. What do you think it should be called? After some reflection, I considered a term that is as much a part of Presbyterian history as a pitch-in or potluck: Kirk Night. As if we needed yet another name, the puzzled face indicated to me that my pronouncement required some contextual commentary. In Scottish dialect, the church is called the Kirk. Found in the Book of Confessions, part I of the Constitution of the PC (USA) is the Scots Confession. This confession, written by influential Presbyterian minister John Knox, denotes our connection to the word 'Kirk. Thus, Wednesday Nights, a night of Celebration, is called Kirk Night, or, Church Night. While the name we use for our gathering is important, nothing is more important than our time together. We are reminded in scripture that when we gather as a family, even if it is just two or three of us, Christ is present. And that my friends, is reason enough, to have a celebration. See you at the Kirk House, Adam

3 Page 2 The Link Meet Ann & Bi Spiritual Life Cont d Ann Kvitle came to Lincoln right after the Fourth of July in On June 16 in 1956 she had married Dr. M. D. (David) Kvitle, a veterinarian, and was two months pregnant with daughter Kimberly when they arrived in Lincoln. Kimberly was born February 15, 1958 and was closely followed by Kirk Dennis Kvitle on July 15, A third child, Karen Lynn, was born November 9, And Kristine Elizabeth Kvitle was born December 4, All four of the Kvitle children were baptized at First Presbyterian Church. Ann was born January 4, 1935 in Lawrence, Kansas, a daughter of Charles Frank and Mildred Alene Dennis. A sister, Linda Kay Dennis, was born September 27, 1942, and died from injuries sustained in an August, 1962 auto accident. Her brother Charles Frank Dennis II was born April 23, Ann was graduated from Kansas State University in 1957 as a registered medical technologist. From 1987 to 1989 she studied at the University of Illinois Springfield, and attained her K-9 teacher certification. She has served as a substitute teacher for several years for Lincoln and area school districts. While a member of First Presbyterian Church, Ann served four three-year terms as an Elder, twice as Clerk of Session. She also taught Sunday School at the primary level. In 1988 Ann and David were divorced. Ann explored working for Banker s Life Insurance Co. Then, On October 15, 1994 Ann and Shuwei Bi were married in this church by Rev. Paul Gilmore. Ann has ten biological grandchildren, and Bi is grandfather to two, both of whom reside in China. Ann relates that all six of their children s names, obviously unplanned, begin with the letter K. Bi s son Keduan, resides in China. Daughter Keshu is now a citizen of Singapore. Spiritual Life October brings that familiar outing so many of us love the Weiner Roast at Connie and Roger Bosses house. It will be on Sunday, October 13 at 5 p.m. Bring a dish to share, and be ready for a fun night around the campfire. Be sure to bring a chair or two. Watch the bulletins for more information. The Spiritual Life Committee will meet on Sunday, October 6 at 8:30 a.m. If you are interested in joining our committee, please come. November will bring a fun game night. Be sure to watch the bulletins as well as the November Link for a definite date and other details. I know this is early, but on April 29 we will be getting together a group to go to the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts for a 7:30 p.m. performance of the Church Basement Ladies. More information to follow, but you might want to put that on your calendar. DEACON NEWS The Deacons are planning to send care packages to our currently serving military personnel and college students who are family members of our congregation. We need your help to compile a list of names and addresses so that we don t miss anyone. Connie Boss will be compiling the mailing list for us. It would be helpful if you have someone you would like to receive a package, please the name and shipping address information to Connie. Our plan is to have the packages mailed towards the end of October. If you have any questions, please contact Connie or myself. Cathy Tiffany or ctiffany@sblincoln.com;

4 Page 3 Connie Boss rcboss@comcast.net DEACON NEWS CONT D or God bless our military members who serve to protect our freedoms that we so often take for granted. God bless the college students who are working toward becoming the leaders of tomorrow. Both are important members of our church family and we hope a care package will brighten their day and let them know we are thinking of them. We also are working with Adam on setting up a training session on how to use our emergency defibrillator kit and also providing an opportunity to get CPR training. We anticipate offering this through one of our Wednesday night gatherings, so be looking for more information on that in the upcoming weeks. Finally, we wanted to let everyone know Janis is now printing several LARGE PRINT bulletins for our Sunday services. If a large print bulletin would be helpful to you during the service, please be sure to ask one of the Deacon Greeters when you arrive for worship. We also have large print hymnals available on the round table at the back of the Sanctuary. The Deacons continue to discuss ways we can care for our members in need and support the worship experience for our congregation members on Sundays. Please let us know if we can do something for you or if you have any new ideas you would like to Blessings of the Animals Animals are an integral part of God s creation. They inhabit the skies, the earth, and the sea. They share in the ways of human beings. They have a part in our lives. On October 6 at 5 p.m., in the parking lot of First Presbyterian Church, you and your pet are invited for a brief Blessing of the Animals worship service. Through singing and praying, and of course, with a blessing, we will gather to express our gratitude to God for the gifts of creation and especially our pets. All are welcomed: cats and dogs, birds and sheep, amphibians and even the church mouse! Oh humans too! (For safety s sake, please be sure your pets are on their leash, harness, or are in their carrier. If you are not able to bring your pet (or all of your pets) you may bring a photo or drawing of them with their name(s).) If you have any questions, please contact Adam. KIRK NIGHT SCHEDULE During the month of October Kirk Night will feature a variety of topics and conversations. If you d like more information, please contact Adam. October 2: Kemmerer Village- Adult Mission Night October 9: A Hymn Sing October 16: Food for Thought: A Night of Sharing Dishes October 23: Our Columbarium and the Hope of Resurrection October 30: Celebration Through Story Telling: A Night of Remembering CARE PACKAGE LIST Here is the List of Names that we have addresses for: Kate Harmon, Kyle Frick, Kelsey Dallas, Brennan Boss, Kristine Apel, SFC Bradley Boss, Michael Vander Wilt, Tom Hewes, LTJG Emily Ham. We are still needing addresses on the following people: Amanda Miner, Nick Bell, Brendan Birch, James Leisinger If you have anyone else that needs to be added to this list, please contact Cathy Tiffany or Connie Boss with the address information for any of the above, or new ones you want to add. Thanks.

5 Page 4 The Link Helpers Schedule for October Deacons Oct. 6, Kenny Schwab & Bill Best Oct. 13, Bill Best & Connie Boss Oct. 20, Cari Rohlfs & Steve Kasa Oct. 27, Cathy Maciariello & Carrie Osborn Worship Assistant Oct. 6, Marsha Dallas Oct. 13, Diane Ham Oct. 20, Judy Busby Oct. 27, Cince Bowns Youth Assistants Oct. 6, Hope, Natalie & Piper Graber Oct. 13, Evan & Avery Rohlfs Oct. 20, Alex Hoffert & Skylar Witt Oct. 27, Kaylee, Grace & Addison Beekman Birthdays and Anniversaries Oct. 3, Gene Blue Oct. 5, Emory Gaffney Oct. 5, Ken Schweitzer Oct. 5, Marlene Wilson Oct. 6, Cince Bowns Oct. 6, Cathy Tiffany Oct. 8, Cathy Maciariello Oct. 9, Jill Apel Oct. 11, Jonathan Graber Oct. 12, Bev. Brown October 2013 Calendar Oct. 2, Wednesday, Kirk Night: Kids 5:30 p.m./dinner 6-7 p.m./ Kemmerer Village Night Adult Oct. 5, Saturday, Women s Coffee at Carolyn Reynolds home, 503 Delavan Street. Oct. 6, Sunday, Worship 10 a.m. Communion/Sunday School 11 a.m. Oct. 8, Tuesday, Deacons 5:30 Oct. 19, Jean Peters Oct. 22, Hope Graber Oct. 23, Lori Beekman Oct. 24, Marilyn Kasa Oct. 26, Sue Dehner Oct. 29, Donna Miller p.m./ Session 7 p.m. Oct. 9, Wednesday, Kirk Night: Kids 5:30 p.m./dinner 6-7 p.m./a Hymn Sing Oct. 13, Sunday, Worship 10 a.m./ Sunday School 11 a.m./ Mission Committee after worship/wiener Roast 5 Bosses, 521 Comet. Oct. 16, Wednesday, Kirk Night: Kids 5:30 p.m./dinner 6-7 p.m./ Food for Thought: A Night of Sharing Dishes Anniversaries Oct. 11, Mike & Bev Brown Oct. 12, Stuart & Linda Churchill Oct. 15, Ann Kvitle & Shuwei Bi Oct. 19, Saturday, Mission trip to Kemmerer Village Oct 20, Sunday, Worship 10 a.m./ Sunday School 11 a.m. Oct. 23, Wednesday Kirk Night: Kids 5:30 p.m./dinner 6-7 p.m./ Our Columbarium and the Hope of Resurrection Oct. 27, Sunday Worship 10 a.m./ Sunday School 11 a.m.. Oct. 30, Wednesday, Kirk Night Kids 5:30p.m./Dinner 6:15 p..m./ Celebration Through Story Telling: A Night of Re-membering.

6 Page 5 Emphasis for October: Cleaning Supplies/Laundry Soap. Women s Coffee Saturday, October 5, Food Pantry News This time of year there are many fresh vegetables available. The community really supports the Food Pantry effort. The officers and board are especially thankful for the produce and the monetary gifts from our church. In August 580 families were registered. Yearly registration is new families. Government commodities The mission committee met on 9/8/13. Food for Thought is scheduled to begin this month. Further information regarding this program will be included in next month s report. Despite the late start, the garden has done well with green beans, sweet corn, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash harvested. The majority of the meeting was spent discussing the 2014 mission budget. Specifics of the budget will be available in the annual report. The committee is excited to sponsor a mission trip to Kemmerer Village in Assumption, IL. This facility has served children and youth since We have supported this mission partner for many years. The trip will be Saturday, October 19. We will include whole chickens, boxed potatoes and peanut butter. A larger variety is coming from the Food Bank since they are in their new facility and have more room for storage. Cheer and Tide were both available from them in August. Meat for choice includes corned beef, brisket, bacon, Italian meat balls and pork sausage. Mission Committee Report leave in the morning and return in the evening. The trip is open to those of all ages. We hope for as many as possible to attend. A sign up sheet is available at church. I can also be contacted if someone would like to attend. The next meeting will be 10/13. Respectfully submitted, Paul Kasa Flower Chart Oct. 6, Ben & Gloria Read Oct. 13, Rhoda & Martha Holland Oct. 20, Gerald & Sue Dehner Oct. 27, Katherine Abbott Hostess: Carolyn Reynolds Where: 503 Delavan St. When: 9-11 a.m. Sunday Worship Scripture October 6 World Communion Sunday Lamentations 1:1-6 Psalm 137, Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17:5-10 October 13 Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 Psalm 66:1-12; 2 Timothy 2:8-15; Luke 17, October 14 Deuteronomy 26:1-11;Psalm 100; Philippians 4:4-9; John 6:25-35 October 20 Jeremiah 31:27-34;Psalm 119:97-104; Psalm 121;Timothy 3:14-4:5; Luke 18:1-8 October 27 Joel 2:23-32, Psalm 65; 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18; Luke 18:9-14

7 First Presbyterian Church Lincoln 301 Pekin Street Lincoln, IL Office Hours: Tuesday Friday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Staff Rev. Adam Quine, Pastor Janis Klockenga, Secretary Amanda Miner, Children s Ministry Assistant Julie Kasa, Music Director Debbie Schweitzer, Organist Roger Boss, Organist Leo Logan, Sexton Elders Paul Kasa Kendall Martin Linda Zinser Roger Boss Carolyn Reynolds Cheryl Aper Pat Baker Bill Opper Angie Stoltzenburg Deacons Cari Rohlfs Connie Boss Kenny Schwab Diane Osborn Bill Best Cathy Maciariello Sandy Blane Stuart Churchill Steve Kasa Carrie Osborn Beth Green Cathy Tiffany Wednesday Kirk Night October 2: In Matthew Jesus says, What you do to the least of these you do unto me. This Kirk Night, we will have the opportunity to explore how Kemmerer Village in Assumption, Illinois is doing just that. You are invited to learn more about this Presbyterian ministry, and how you can get involved in the upcoming Adult Mission Trip to Kemmerer Village on Saturday, October 19. October 9: Has it been a while since we sang your favorite hymn? Is there a particular hymn of which you just can t get enough? This Kirk Night, we ll sing our favorite hymns and share stories about why they mean so much to us. Whether you re a skilled vocalist or can t carry a tune in a bucket, come for a night of singing and sharing songs! October 16: Are you interested in how food relates to justice? Do you have a favorite recipe for those green beans from your garden? This week at Kirk Night we will give thanks for our food and our church garden, while exploring the importance and impact of food justice, both globally AND locally. We will also discuss the Food Bank, and how they are working to end hunger in Logan County. You are invited to bring a local dish to share for supper. October 23: Adam and the Columbarium Committee invite you to Kirk Night as we hear more about the Columbarium Ministry of First Presbyterian Church. We ll learn more about our Columbarium located in the Union Chapel here at church, and will have a brief theological discussion of cremation and resurrection. October 30: We get to know our friends and neighbors by sharing intentional quality time. This Kirk Night, we ll extend this practice to our church! Exploring our church photo albums and years of church directories, we will share our stories about First Presbyterian Church, and what we love about this place and one another. Adam cannot wait to hear about how each of you came to this place, and what this community means to you! Bring your stories, your photos, your memories, and most importantly, yourself!