FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MAY Harvard Hills Rd. P.O. Box 846 Harvard, IL Jeff s Thots on Living The Faith

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1 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 7100 Harvard Hills Rd. P.O. Box 846 Harvard, IL Church MAY 2017 Jeff s Thots on Living The Faith This prayer came to my attention during the very difficult months when Joyce was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I originally read it in a book by Max Cleland. Max was the head administrator of the Veterans Administration. He was a Vietnam Veteran who had lost both his legs during the war. His book is titled Strong in the Broken Places. And refers to how a broken bone is actually stronger in the place where it has been broken. The Prayer of an Unknown Confederate Soldier I asked God for strength that I might achieve I was made weak that I might learn to humbly obey I asked for health that I might do greater things I was given infirmity that I might do better things I asked God for riches that I might be happy I was given poverty that I might be wise I asked God for power that I might have the praise of men I was given weakness hat I might know the need for God I asked for all things that I might enjoy life I was given life that I might enjoy all things I got nothing I asked for but everything I hoped for Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered I am among all men, most richly blessed. My prayer is that this prayer will continue to give you strength and insight into how God continues to make all things work together for good in you life. Now to some things you might be wondering about.. Beginning May 21st Claire Brennecka will be leading worship and visiting those in the hospital. She will be filling in while the search goes on for an interim pastor. Donna Ingram is the chairperson of the search committee. This Summer there will be a series of meeting to develop a mission statement for the Harvard church. This is a very important process toward calling a new permanent pastor. The steering committee has been appointed and their first meeting with be June 5th. Thanks to many people who are making plans for the future, everything for the transitions that could be done before my retirement is complete. Many, many good things have happened in the 28 years I have been your pastor. I look forward to hearing about the new adventures of the church I have loved all these years. Shalom, Jeff

2 2 Jeff's Retirement Party May 7 th 1 4 pm Treats & Coffee You are invited to bid a fond farewell as Rev. Dr. Jeff Borgerson prepares for the beginning of his retirement after 28 years of service. If you wish, bring a treat to share, Jeff's last service behind the pulpit will be on Mother's Day, May 14th. Effective immediately... If you find work that needs done at the church there are blank Work Request Forms in the workroom. Just fill out the form and place in the mailslot marked Completed Forms and a Trustee will address the issue. Contact any Trustee if you have a question or concern. Thank you. Your Board of Trustees. The Christian Education Committee is seeking volunteers to staff our summer session of Sunday School. Sunday School will be open to Preschool through 5th Grade. All lessons and materials will be provided. Anyone interested should contact Eileen Sieck or Marie Woodcock. Join us! Donate 1 Sunday of your time! Have a lot of fun, and get to know our great kids better!

3 3 COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE to both High School Senior Church Members and Adult Church Members seeking to further their education. Applications available in the office or from any Foundation Member. Applications must be returned to the Foundation BY MAY 1, 2017 MAY Anniversaries May 05 M/M Dexter Brennecka May 14 M/M Gregory Amelianovich May 25 M/M Robert Cutts May 28 M/M Corey Holstead May 31 M/M Aaron Bischke Birthdays May 01 Scott Munks May 02 Elizabeth Anderson, Melody Coffer May 03 Matt Bough, Gerald Kohel May 05 Robert Beetstra, Jacob Finfrock May 06 Gene Garey May 07 David Sunden, Alexander Bannwolf May 11 Payton Korpan May 12 Jim Kruckenberg May 13 Lorraine Carbonetti, Kathie Bough May 15 Mick Sipe May 17 Phillip Sandford May 18 Jessica Bye May 19 April Ashcraft, Elijah Greco May 20 Eva Anderson, Imogen Johnson, Ronald McFarlin, Moriah Kinney May 21 Grant Morris, Raymond Beetstra May 22 Mark Schuring May 27 Ethel Yuenger May 28 Melissa Lopez, Laurel Amelianovich, Cassandra McCullough May 29 Matthew Perkins May 30 Chase Bischke, Dexter Brennecka May 31 Alice Marquis, Letha Roesslein

4 4 Welcomed into church membership on Easter Sunday were members of this year s Communicants Class: Chase Bischke, Montana Brincks, Elijah Greco, Annabelle Jones, Moriah Kinney, Sadie Mayer and Gerald Riveron. April 8th April 15th Lucas James, son of Jason and Ami Powell Graysen David Paul, Liam Dahle Francis, and Kaide William Cody, sons of Patrick and Amber Soutar. MISSING COMMUNICANTS PICTURES Can you help us find them???? In the hallway of our church are pictures of each year s Communicants Class beginning with We are missing some years. If you have a copy of any of the following years please bring into the office so that we may make a copy of that year for the wall. Years missing: 1965, 1966, 1984, 1993, 1994, 2001 April 22nd April 29th Hunter Nathaniel Doyle, son of Chad and Susan Johnson. Brynna Grace, Kella Marie and Kenzie Rae, daughters of Brian and Julia Love. OFFICE CLOSED Friday, May the 26th And Monday, May the 29th FORGIVEN QUARTET returns Sunday, May 28 th at 6:30 pm Southern Gospel at its best! NO CHARGE Free will offering will be taken

5 5 50 YEAR MEMBER RECOGNITION Sunday, May the 7th 10:30 am Worship 9:45 am -Picture and Cake Reception The Christian Education Committee would like to honor our Graduates. Anyone with information on any of our church graduates, 8 th grade, High School or College graduates please contact any of our committee members so that we may compile a list. Marie Woodcock, Eileen Sieck, Claire Brennecka, Jim Miller, Laura Lucy, Mary Joslyn, Paula Carroll, Bobbie Carroll or by ing Mary at maryjoslyn@hotmail.com. Thank you. Please join us as we honor these graduates at a special fellowship time on May 21, All are invited to a TRUSTEES WORK PARTY On Saturday, May the 13th VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Hero Central Discover your strength in God Monday, June 19th Friday, June 23rd. All hands are welcomed and needed. Contact any Trustee for more information More information will be coming on screen announcements, CHIMES, and website.

6 6 May 7 & 8 June remaining COMMUNION DATES Circle IV WILL MEET ON THURSDAY, MAY THE 11TH July 9 August 6 September 10, & 30 October 28 November 19 Dec 3 & 24 Foundation will meet Thursday, May the 4th at 6:30 pm CHURCH FUNDRAISERS Sentry Funds for Friends: Shop at Sentry in Walworth, and save your cash register receipts, A DATE MUST APPEAR ON EACH GROCERY RECEIPT IN ORDER FOR THEM TO GIVE US CREDIT, please do not cut off the date on the receipts. GROCERY RECEIPTS CAN NOT BE SUBMITTED IF THEY ARE MORE THAN 4 MONTHS OLD. Return your receipts as soon as possible to the church with a Funds for Friends Sticker on the back and place them in the container in the Narthex under our bulletin board. Shop on line at to sign up. Enter your cause as First Presbyterian Church of Harvard to earn us a % of your purchase for any of over 900 popular online sites. Many of the sites are linked to igive.com, so once signed up, when you make a normal purchase we will receive the donation automatically. You also can browse the participating sites at igive.com and see the related % of giving through each retailer. Direct your questions to Mike Engle. WE ARE NO LONGER COLLECTING USED INK CARTRIDGES

7 7 Coming in july. Sunday School Garage Sale July 14 & 15 It s that time of year for boxing up those gently used items to donate to our annual Rummage Sale. Beginning May 1, 2017 until July 12 th, we will be collecting clean gently used items for the rummage sale for pre-pricing. No need to wait to bring your items to the church until July but PLEASE do not bring in your larger items or furniture until July 10 th as we don t have room to store larger items ahead of time. Please place your Rummage Sale items in the Mission Lighthouse room just outside the Fellowship Hall. We cannot accept old TVs or outdated computers. Any Questions: Please contact Mary Joslyn Dear Congregation: On behalf of the Christian Education Committee, we wish to thank those who generously donated items for this year s Sr. High Mission Trip Silent Auction as well as those who bid on the items. We had 72 items to bid on this year. We were able to raise $1, which will help fund the Sr. High Mission Trip expenses. It is through the generous donations from people like you that have made this year s silent auction so successful. When called upon, we hope that you will consider donating items again next year. Thank you for helping us help others. Christian Education Committee

8 8 Food Pantry Work Day for MAY is the 23rd If you are able to help please contact Florence Spesard CHIMES, SCREEN AND BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT DEADLINES Bulletin and screen announcements MUST be in by 9 am the Wednesday morning before that Sunday. For the CHIMES you must have your signed article in by 9 am the morning of the 21st [Disclaimer: All articles will be printed as is as content/spelling is responsibility of submitted author] IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR CHIMES ARTICLES: We follow guidelines for non profit organizations bulk mailing restrictions. These restrictions relate to the type of advertisements allowed: the advertisement of a product, service or announcement of an activity must substantially contribute to one or more of the purposes on which our organization is authorized. Restrictions also apply to cooperative mailings, credit, debit, charge or similar financial instruments, or advertisements. These restrictions became effective on October 1, CHIMES usually available on-line on church s website after the 26th of each month. There will be paper copies of the CHIMES available in the Narthex after its completion each month

9 9 POP TOP COLLECTION PROGRAM: Little things can make a big difference. You can help the Ronald McDonald House in Chicago by saving the little tabs you pull to open soda, soup, or other aluminum cans. The funds generated from recycling these aluminum gems help offset the House s expenses. McHenry County s Home Community Education Association which is part of the University of Illinois Extension has been collecting pop tabs for many years. Last year they delivered over 72# to the Ronald McDonald House in Chicago. You can help by bringing your tabs to the church and placing them in the box by the door of the work room. Thank you, Florence Spesard KITCHEN INSPECTOR for the month of MAY Is Midge Roach A kitchen inspector s job is to check the kitchen and the parlor once a week during your month. Inspect the refrigerator for spills, old food and beverages which should be thrown out because of being expired. Please also take home any dish towels that need washing and return them the following week. If you are unable to inspect for your month please get a fill in for you. Thank you for your help!!!!

10 10 For over 50 years Stronghold s Summer Camp program has impacted thousand of people from all over the world and produced many life-changing experiences. An atmosphere of community and God s love is central to their program. Campers are challenged to build a Christ-centered community of acceptance. Trust, sharing, and forgiveness as they play, laugh, and grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, and socially. Scholarship assistance available both through Stronghold and through the Foundation of our church.. Register on line at reservations@strongholdcenter.org or call for more information.

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