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| Faith United Presbyterian Church |
September 24, 2009 |
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Greetings!
Have you ever been so distracted by the things going on in life that you couldn't even remember what you had just thought two seconds ago? This is the story of my life! (I say this as our home phone rings for the billionth time tonight, the kitchen is screaming for me to finish cleaning it, the dog needs let out, the kids are "Momming" me to death, and Mike's watching a t.v. show that we're supposed to be watching together.) Hmmm, now why is it that I can't keep a single thought in my head?
Ok, now that I've made it obvious to you all that I was unable to finish the newsletter at work, I should explain why. (I know, excuses, excuses!) Usually, every Monday I have a plan of what I'm going to write about for the "Introduction Block" of our newsletter. But when Monday got here I became so involved in another task that I completely forgot what I needed to be doing to keep my workweek flowing steadily. Tuesday was just as bad, too. I was still so caught up in this task that I couldn't even sleep Tuesday night. By Wednesday, my focus did finally shift back, but by that time, it was too late. My mind was already on it's way to circus town - you know what I mean - not being able to keep one thought going longer than a minute.
Let me just say that although I'd much rather be sitting in front of the tube right now, I don't regret getting so involved in this other task that threw the rest of my work week off. This was very important to do and required my full concentration! And, though it may have eventually turned my brain into an overwhelming state of craziness, I know it was well worth it!
Blessings,
Heather
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9/24/09 Worship Participants
Lay Assistant:
Susan VanKirk
Ushers:
Buff Hottle, Mark & Mitch McVey,
Leroy & Joyce Lantz, Brenda Runge
Beedle/Crucifer:
Marie Inman & Maggie McVey Greeters:
Krista, Clayton, & Chloe Larson
Rob Hale, Erika Solberg, Barbara & Eddie
Nursery:
Bonnie Heflin
Coffee Hour:
Tom Best & Pam Youngblood Children's Church:
Lisa Willett
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| Can You Help?
As some of you may know, Brittany Wilson will be having surgery today in Peoria. While her situation is non-life-threatening, it is surgery on her brain. She will be in the hospital for several days. And, while her mom, Sheila, is currently on vacation, she will have to return back to work sooner than Brittany will be returning back to school.
We need your help. We are looking for people to cook a meal, sit with Brittany at home while Sheila is at work, or assist in other ways. Please call Heather or Margie to let us know how you can help. Thank you! |
| Christ's Helping Hands: Jamieson Center
As part of the Mission Committee's new giving program this year, in September, we are again targeting Jamieson Center. We hope that at some point this month you will make a donation designated for this organization; to do so, write "Jamieson Center" on the memo line of your check or on a regular pew envelope and make the contribution during the weekly collection - or drop it by or mail it to the church office. Please also keep the Center in your prayers as it works to help those in need. Our goal is both to help the church maintain its traditional support for this mission and to raise awareness that it is to help the church maintain its traditional support for this mission and to raise awareness that it is important for all of us, in whatever way we can, to carry our message of Christ's love to others.
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Help Needed for WNL
Can you believe it's been 20 years since Wednesday Night Live after school children's program began? Come be a part of this great Faith tradition.
WE NEED teachers, table parents, dishwashers, aids, musicians, and all kinds of people to help. Please look for the WNL sign up sheet in the social hall and consider how you can make a difference in a child's life. Every job is so important, please sign up to help.
If you have any questions please call Margie in the office, 734-5129. Thank you.
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Isabel Circle
All women of the church are invited to attend the first meeting of the program year for Isabel Circle on Thursday, September 24th. The meeting will be held in the church fellowship hall at 7:00 p.m. Sharon Graham will be the lesson leader and Margie Myers will provide refreshments. Study guides can be purchased in the church office in advance of the meeting or they can be purchased that evening. |
Please Pray for:
Brittany Wilson; Tammi Hottle; Tammi's dad, Larry Dye; Don "Tiny" Fillman; Krista Youngblood; Roger Hawkins; Janet Paris; Reagan & Kate Kinser; Rod & Hallie Lemon; Carson Dowell; Connie Louck; Lamont Huff; Corgan Lantau; and Scott Price.
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| Calendar |
Thursday Isabel Circle @ 7:00 p.m.
Friday Mahr/Armstrong Rehearsal @ 5:30 p.m.
Saturday Mahr/Armstrong Wedding @ 3:00 p.m.
Sunday Sunday School @ 9:15 a.m.
Worship @ 10:30 a.m.
Youth Group @ 4:00 p.m. (Jr. & Sr. Highs)
Wednesday Wednesday Night Live @ 3:20 p.m.
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September Birthdays
1 Lindsay Gilliland
Lynn Bowman
3 Janice Cunningham
5 Margaret Josephson
7 Tamara Inman
9 Gary Distin
Tiffani Glasgow
Pam Youngblood
10 Vicki Young Briscoe
11 Greg Baber
Bryce Blackford
13 Brittany Wilson
14 Eileen Giddings
Phyllis Wilson
Eilleen Spoerl
17 Mary Fleming
18 Peter Byrne
19 Marian Mills
Jordan Watson
20 Brady Agan
22 Hannah Finnicum
23 Colton McClintock
25 Rachel Haynes
26 Ethan Clark
30 Mona Buchholz
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| Sympathy |
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Elder Richard "Doc" Kieft died peacefully on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at the Great River Hospice House in Burlington, IA. A celebration of his life took place in our Sanctuary on Saturday, September 19, 2009. |
| Contact Information |
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Administrative Assistant
Heather Fisher
309-734-5129
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What Do You Think?
Why Do People Need the Church of
Jesus Christ?
"Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples. 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'
Matthew 9:35-38
The story is told of a small town pastor, whose children were playing with a friend who lived a few houses down from theirs. After a wonderful afternoon of kick ball, exploring the creek in the back yard and hunting for bugs, they were all enjoying cookies and lemonade on the back porch. Out of the blue, the little neighbor boy said to the pastor, "My dad says your church is full of sinners." With little hesitation, the pastor said, "Your dad is right. Each Sunday, our church is filled with sinners and, as a sinner myself, I tell them God loves us anyway."
Here we have two common views of the church. In one, the emphasis is placed upon God's judgment. "Good" people - with "good" jobs, "good" clothes, "good" educations, "good" families, "good" morals, "good" lifestyles, etc. - go to church. Those who are not "good enough" or those who feel they are not "good enough" are unwelcome. In the other view of the church, the emphasis is placed upon God's mercy. The church is a place for those who have experienced the love of God in their lives and those who need to. In other words, the church is a hospital for sinners and not a hotel for saints.
As I thought about this story, I wondered, what do people say about us? Who do they think we are? I've heard many of the old stereotypes, some positive and some less so. Do they still reflect who we are as a people of faith? I don't think so, but what do people think? What do your children or grandchildren say about our church? What do their friends say? What do your friends say? If you don't know, have you asked?
While we must take care not to be unduly influenced by public opinion, it is good to know how we are being seen by others. God has created and called us to be a community of faith in this time and place, not just to care for each other, but to bear witness to God's love to those outside our community of faith, as well. The church of Jesus Christ is not a private club. The church of Jesus Christ is a public witness. One answer to the question, "Why do people need the church of Jesus Christ?", would, then, be to help others know they are loved by God. In the words of the insightful pastor, to tell people, "Yes! We are sinners, but God loves us no less!"
People of faith, who do people say that we are? How does our living the faith we profess shape their perceptions? Why do people need the church of Jesus Christ? Are we the church of Jesus Christ that people need?
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