Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK It is with some sadness that I will be leaving First Presbyterian Church. My last Sunday will be July 31 st. I will be starting a chaplain residency at Genesis Health Systems located in Davenport Iowa. A letter was sent to you recently with this information. Chaplaincy has been on my mind for many years and I am looking forward to this new challenge. I started on January 1, 2012 and this was a kind of home coming for my family. Most of you know Kate grew up in Bureau County and we still have family here. Three of our children were born in Perry Memorial Hospital. It may have been coincidence that you were looking for a pastor at the same time I was searching for a new call or maybe it wasn t coincidence. I have no doubt God has been at work in me and in you. I hope you will not waver but will continue to attend worship and participate in the mission to which God has called you. Thank you for your faithfulness, hard work, and friendship. I can honestly say I have met and gained some new friends. I don t want to embarrass anyone by naming names but they know who they are and their support and faithfulness helped keep me going through both times of joy and pain. Peace, Pastor Brian in the Worship service will be held on Sunday, June 12th at 10:30 a.m. in the Zearing Park shelter. We will have a potluck dinner following the service. Please bring a dish to share and your own table service. Meat, ice cream and drinks will be provided. Join the Deacons for this fun way to begin summer! WORSHIP HOURS Starting June 5th, Worship service will begin at 9:30 a.m. This time change will run through September 4th. General Assembly is the annual meeting for representatives of the whole Presbyterian Church denomination (PCUSA). It will be held the week of June 19 th in Portland, Oregon. Follow the action by going to pcusa.org and following the links. A congregational meeting is called for Sunday, June 5, 2016 immediately following worship for the purpose of accepting the resignation of Rev. Brian Hall effective July 31, 2016. IN THIS MONTH'S ISSUE: p. 2 Announcements, Thinking of the Homebound p. 3 Our Daily Bread, Power of Prayer p. 4 Notes from the Session, Those Serving in June p. 5 Come Worship With Us! p. 6 June calendar
2016 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE Hailey Hilmes Hailey is the daughter of Scott and Elena Hilmes, the Granddaughter of Jim and Pam Cochran. During her High School years Hailey has keep busy with a number of activities. She was a member of the volleyball team for 2 years, the softball team for one year and was active in the Sportsman s club for 4 years. As a member of FFA for four years, she kept busy with a number of their programs: In 2014 she won a PHS FFA Public Speaking Award and the PHS FFA Agronomy Award. As a Junior she was the FFA Treasurer and again in the Speech contest, winning the PHS FFA Public Speaking Award. She attended the FFA Leadership Conference in Springfield, Illinois and the FFA National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Another award Hailey received was the Community Service Learning Award. A special award Hailey received was PHS Student of the Month in December 2015. Hailey was confirmed and joined the church in 2012. Her service in church has included helping for four years as a Bible School leader and also as a Lay leader for church. As a reader, she helped with the children s Christmas programs many times. Her future plans include attending IVCC for a year and then transferring to Joliet Jr. College to prepare to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. Hailey, your church family wishes you success in the future and will pray for you as you continue to work toward your goals. OUR VOLUNTEER DATES FOR PRINCETON WORK CAMP We have volunteered to deliver mid-morning snacks to crews helping repair, renovate, and update area housing for people who are unable to do the work themselves. Our two sites are in Dover and our days for delivery will be June 20-21, and 23-24. We also have the opportunity to join in a prayer vigil. In the narthex you will find signup sheets stating the date and time you will pray. Your help will be greatly appreciated. Thinking of the Homebound Members & Friends at Home: Emma Krase, Ann Mickow Members & Friends at Retirement Communities: Roy McKune Veteran s Home 1015 O' Connor LaSalle, IL 61301 Diane Seidel Greenfield Home 508 Park Avenue East Princeton, IL 61356 Marilyn Pryor Millcreek Care Center 3319 Ginger Creek Road Springfield, IL 62700 Norma DeRose Colonial Hall 515 South Bureau Valley Parkway Princeton, IL 61356 Helene Gleason & Lil Johnson Liberty Village 140 N. 6th Princeton, IL 61356 Chuck & Margaret Stiles June 14th Len & Barbara Brumbaugh June 21st VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2016 BEGINS JULY 24th Bible School will run from Sunday, July 24, through Thursday, July 29, starting at 5:30 p.m. with supper and ending at 8:15 p.m. The location will be announced soon! Christian Education Committee Meets June 7th Our next meeting will be held Tuesday, June 7 th, at 6:30 p.m. The location will be announced. Anyone interested should attend. Volunteers are needed for Vacation Bible School: Teaching, music, recreation, crafts and helpers for the classes and kitchen would be appreciated. 1 st Presbyterian will be responsible for the supper, treats and a leader to introduce the lesson on Wednesday, July 28 th. Contact: Beth Schultz, Barbara Brumbaugh and Carolyn Workman Call the church office at 815-875-1306 if you want to help!
THE POWER OF PRAYER by Franklin Graham The Bible tells us that the first time the Apostle Peter ever preached, 3,000 people were saved. Peter wasn t welleducated or a powerful orator. We know from the opening chapters of Acts, however, that the Holy Spirit was upon Peter, and that prayer preceded the Spirit s empowerment. Jesus followers all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication from His ascension until Pentecost and, after they had baptized thousands, they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers (Acts 1:14, 2:42, NKJV). On May 22nd, adults from First Presbyterian Church traded places with the Youth Group and performed as "Puppeterians" during worship service. Puppeterians included (Left to right) Dawn Brown, Pastor Brian Hall, Kate Hall. (Back row, left to right) Jennifer Powelson, Beth Schultz. "The Restoration Business" by Dennis Fisher I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ. Philippians 3:8 Adam Minter is in the junk business. The son of a junkyard owner, he circles the globe researching junk. In his book Junkyard Planet, he chronicles the multibillion-dollar industry of waste recycling. He notes that entrepreneurs around the world devote themselves to locating discarded materials such as copper wire, dirty rags, and plastics and repurposing them to make something new and useful. After the apostle Paul turned his life over to the Savior, he realized his own achievements and abilities amounted to little more than trash. But Jesus transformed it all into something new and useful. Paul said, Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ (Phil. 3:7-8). Having been trained in Jewish religious law, he had been an angry and violent man toward those who followed Christ (Acts 9:1-2). After being transformed by Christ, the tangled wreckage of his angry past was transformed into the love of Christ for others (2 Cor. 5:14-17). When we turn our lives over to Him, He makes us into something new. If you feel that your life is just an accumulation of junk, remember that God has always been in the restoration business. When we turn our lives over to Him, He makes us into something new and useful for Him and others. Pick up your free copy of "Our Daily Bread" in the Narthex! If the disciples learned anything from Jesus, it was the power of prayer the privilege of going straight to the throne of God with the concerns of their hearts, seeking God s purposes. Jesus had taught them, Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son (John 14:13, NKJV). That principle has never changed. When we pray in Jesus Name and pray without ceasing, we will see our Lord do wonderful things and gather people unto Himself. Did you know? (From Pew Research.org) For many Americans, every day is a day of prayer. More than half (55%) of Americans say they pray every day, according to a 2014 Pew Research Center survey, while 21% say they pray weekly or monthly and 23% say they seldom or never pray. Other survey results: Among those who are religiously unaffiliated, 20% say they pray daily. Women (64%) are more likely than men (46%) to pray every day. Americans ages 65 and older are far more likely than adults under 30 to say they pray daily (65% vs. 41%). May we pray for you? Intercessory prayer is held every Monday at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:19 Food Pantry Needs for JUNE According to Tri County Services, now that school is out for the summer, families will be having an even more difficult time making their dollars stretch. Food Pantry Needs for JUNE and the summer months include: Mac & Cheese, peanut butter, tunafish, instant potatoes, fruits & vegetables, (especially fruit!), spaghetti sauce, Hamburger Helper, noodles, soup, cereal, rice, jello, sugar, coffee, crackers. ~ Thank you from the Deacons
The Session met on April 19, 2016 for a regularly scheduled meeting. The meeting opened with prayer and the minutes of the last meeting and the Treasurers Report were approved as written. 32 persons were served communion on April 3rd. Home communion was taken to 5 persons in April and 3 people in March. Pastor Brian attended the Midwest Career Development Center to learn how his personality has affected his job. He also accompanied our youth group to Stronghold Retreat Center for a work day. The 2016-2017 nominating committee will be meeting to find two persons who will serve on the Deacons committee. The annual Worship in the Park will take place June 12th. "Lunch in the Park sponsored by our church will take place on August 5th." A clean up day at the church will be scheduled soon. The knob and tube wiring in the manse will need to be replaced. Compassion Child Sunday will be celebrated on April 14th with the Jr/Sr High class giving a short program about the child they sponsor. Graduation Sunday will be held on May 15th honoring Hailey Hilmes who graduates from high school this year. A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall. May 22nd will be the last day of Sunday School for the term. The Christian Education committee is looking for a Sunday School Superintendent. Lunch in the Park sponsored by our church will take place on August 5th. The Fabry Organ Co. will be repairing the organ after our fund raising had raised the required money. Pam Cochran will keep in touch with Fabry's to determine when they will come to do the repairs. Session continues to discuss the idea of another worship service not on the church grounds that would bring Christ to the non-churched. The session adjourned and all recited the Lord's Prayer. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, where there is hatred, may I bring love, where there is doubt, may I bring faith, where there is despair, may I bring hope, where there are shadows, may I bring light. -St. Francis of Assisi THOSE SERVING IN JUNE Deacon: Barbara Brumbaugh Lay Leaders: 5 - Ron Gibson 12 - (in the park) 19 - Kate Hall 26 - Len Brumbaugh Ushers: 5 & 19 - Ron & Marlene Gibson 12 & 26 - Len & Barb Brumbaugh Communion Servers for June 5th: Dave & June Larson Nancy Sims Barb Wiggins
Our Mission is to live and love in faith, identifying and using all the gifts, talents and resources that God has given us. We minister to spiritual, physical and emotional needs, serving with love in God's name. Communion~ We gather at the table to share in the breaking of bread. The Lord's Supper is celebrated the first Sunday of every month during the 10:30 service. All who have been baptized in Christ are welcome at the table. Baptism ~ We gather at the font to welcome both young and old into the fellowship of the Church through baptism. Scripture ~ We gather at the pulpit, symbolizing the Word of God. We believe the Word of God is Jesus Christ revealed to us in scripture. The Choir sings once a month and we welcome all who love to sing. Rehearsal is the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The 10:30 AM Worship is traditional. The pipe organ provides the music and the hymns are more familiar to an older generation. You will follow a paper bulletin and sing from a hymnal. Refreshments are provided in the fellowship hall downstairs after the 10:30 service. Here you can make new friends, reconnect with old friends and meet the pastor. Accessibility ~ The Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall are accessible by elevator and earphones are available. There is also a nursery in the education building available for parents and children if needed. The church library is available just off of the sanctuary and provides a comfortable and safe place as well. Presbyterian Women provide the opportunity for all women to fellowship and participate in bible study and mission. Circle meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month from September through May. SUMMER WORSHIP HOURS Beginning June 5th, Worship service will be held at 9:30 a.m. This time change will run through September 4th. Jesus said "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." While we have honestly struggled with the meaning of these words, in our life together we practice and value some things that define who we are. We are a part of the Reformed tradition and practice the sacrament of baptism as the sign and seal of our belonging to God. While baptism does not save us, it does point to that mystery of faith we call salvation. We gather at the Table of our Lord. Also known as the Eucharist, Communion, and the Lord's Supper, it too is a sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives and reminds us of our dependence on Christ for our lives. Finally, we are guided and ruled by the Word of God, Jesus Christ. Christ is revealed to us in the scripture of the Hebrew bible (Old Testament) and the New Testament. And so we value bible study, preaching, and scripture reading. Even so, we can only understand and hear the Word with the help of the Holy Spirit. Each of these; our belonging to God, our dependence on Jesus Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit leads us into the world. Our reason for being a church is described in the Great Ends of the Church. The Great Ends of the Church The great ends of the Church are: The proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind; The shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God; The maintenance of divine worship; The preservation of the truth; The promotion of social righteousness; and The exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the whole world.
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Colossians 2:7 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 Alexandra Powelson 5 9:30 a.m. Communion Worship Service Congregational Meeting after Worship Service 6 Intercessory Prayer 1:30 p.m. 7 Christian Ed Committee Meeting 6:30 p.m. 8 9 10 11 12 13 Intercessory Prayer Worship & Potluck In The Park 10:30 a.m. 19 Worship Service 9:30 a.m. June Larson 1:30 p.m. "Our Table" Brad Powelson 20 Intercessory Prayer 1:30 p.m. Ann Mickow 14 15 16 17 18 Session 7 pm (PRINCETON WORK CAMP - SNACKS) 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 (PRINCETON WORK CAMP - SNACKS) Dana Schultz Ed Kapp Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Mary Jeanne Brown Lunch At Soldiers & Sailors Park Aug. 5th, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. This is a fundraiser for mission. We'll serve lunch to the public at Soldier's and Sailor's Park. All proceeds will go to a mission designated by the church. If you would like to help, call the office. Otherwise, join us for lunch, and bring a friend!