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What Do You Think?
Can a New Roof be a Statement of Faith?
A few weeks ago, I led one of our small congregations through their triennial visit. They are one of the oldest congregations in our presbytery and one of the smallest. Their Sunday morning worship attendance is usually less than twenty.
To some, theirs would be a most discouraging situation. Once a thriving rural congregation, they have encountered many of the same challenges as our rural schools, grocery stores and fire stations. Many of the people have died or moved away. The resources for sustaining this quality of life are not as plentiful. While there may, one day, be a resurgence in our rural communities, it will take more than a desire for the quality of life we have lost. Like urban regentrification, there will need to be a resurgence of those willing to invest themselves in reclaiming this way of life.
Until that day, that community of faith continues a vital ministry in Christ's name. They host a variety of community gatherings and ministries. They have a heart for hands on mission. They have a passion for being the church, not simply for themselves, but for others.
One of the things I was able to lift up, during their triennial vision, was how large their circle of influence was. Because they are intentional in their evangelism, they have the opportunity to touch the lives of hundreds of people each week, if not each day, with the love of Jesus Christ. Are there efforts bringing in large numbers of new members? No. Just a few here and there. Nevertheless, God is sustaining their ministry for they are participating in Christ's work in their community.
During my visit, we also discussed how, in some ways, even though we are larger, our congregation may have a harder row to hoe than theirs. Twenty people in their small sanctuary doesn't feel as desolate as a 120 in our sanctuary. They don't have the cost of heating, insuring or maintaining a facility such as ours. Their entire building could probably fit in the foot print of our sanctuary. They don't have the children's ministry, youth ministry, or music ministry that we have, but, then again, they don't have the cost of maintaining a staff, either.
We have been blessed for many generations. Most recently, we have been able to sustain a vital ministry, even through difficult economic times. We are seeing some wonderful growth in our diversity, not only on Sunday mornings, but in those taking on leadership roles in our various ministries. Almost every day, I find a reason to give thanks for the new things God is doing in our life together.
Nevertheless, I did wonder, as the contract was signed to put "lifetime" shingles on our sanctuary, which will last longer, the congregation or the roof? While I am grateful for the modest growth I have witnessed in our efforts to do evangelism, if we are to have a future that lasts longer than our new roof, we will need everyone's help.
Faithful participation in our worship life and opportunities for Christian nurture; reading the Bible; praying for our congregation; making phone calls to family and friends we haven't seen for awhile; inviting friends, old and new, to participate in some of the many ministries our congregation offers are but a few of the ways anyone may share in Christ's work in our community, through our life together. People who have made this commitment, whether long ago or more recently, will tell you living this life of faith has made all of the difference in their lives.
People of faith, as you look around our community, and the world at large, it is not hard to see, the life of faith may soon go the way of the rural life many of us remember fondly, a quaint memory of a day gone by. It doesn't have to be this way. However, if our new roof is to become a statement of faith in the future of our congregation, it will take more than wishful thinking. It will take a resurgence of those, old and new, willing to invest themselves in reclaiming this way of life as people of faith.
See you in church!
Pastor Myers revhaggis1@hotmail.com
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Paradox
of Our Time
From their October 2010 Heart-Line News edition, the Galesburg Rescue Mission and Women's Shelter included the following information about the paradox of our time in history. I found it quite interesting and wanted to share...
- We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less
- We have bigger houses and smaller families;
- More conveniences, but less time;
- More medicine, but less wellness
- We read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom
- We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values
- These are the times of tall men, and short character;
- profits, and shallow relationships
- These are the days of two incomes, but more divorce;
- Of fancier houses, but broken homes.
- We've learned how to make a living, but not a life;
- We've added years to life, not life to years;
- We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
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Coming Up on Sunday:
Sermon:
"Praising God in a New Land"
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Luke 17:11-19
Lay Assistant: Sharon Graham
Beedle/Crucifer:
Malik Reading and Dalton Hottle
Ushers:
Gary Distin, Jon Graham, Bill Hoover,
Dick Speer, Larry Willett
Greeters:
Sue Connell & Darlene Moffet
Mick & Susan Trevor
Nursery:
Lolla Ballard and Chloe Larson
Children's Church:
Stephanie Reading
Coffee Hour: Bob Roney and Raj & Saro Ambrose
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Adult Education
All are welcome to come to the Brides Room - Across from the Chapel to kick off our adult education year with a great series about us! If you are thinking of joining our congregation, just curious, always been a member, young, old..... we hope you will come. Our curriculum comes out of the monthly magazine "Presbyterians Today" and will be facilitated by Pastor Myers.
Welcome to the Presbyterian Church
October 10: An Invitation to Read the Bible
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Sunday School
Children 3yrs - 6th grade: meet in the theater upstairs. Parents are welcome.
Youth 7th - 12th grade: meet in the senior high room in the youth wing. Faith & Life and Bible Study Class will meet together in the Brides room.
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Garden Gals
The Garden Gals have been cleaning up the garden and have clippings that need to be taken to the dump. If you are available to do this, please call the church office.
Much thanks goes out to these gals, Jo Ellen Dollinger, Betty McBride, and Emily Yard. They have done such a wonderful job tending to our Courtyard garden this summer.
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Wednesday Night Live
WNL is off to a great start! However, since we've had an increase in our participation, we need more drivers and table parents. That is a good problem to have! Please talk to or call Margie if you are able to help.
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Peanut Free Nursery
Because we share space with Teddy Bear we need to be aware of one of their new students who is very allergic to peanuts. Therefore, anyone working or bringing your child to the nursery, please refrain from bringing in any kind of peanut substance. Thanks for your help.
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Thai Circle
Thai Circle will be this morning at 9:30 a.m. in the social hall.
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Icebreakers
The October meeting of Icebreakers will be held on the 17th, at 4:00 p.m., meeting at the Historical Museum on South Sunnyland, for a tour of the museum, followed by eating out at the New China Buffet. The meal will cost $10.00 each.
Reservations can be made by calling Jo Ellen Dollinger, 734-8627; Donna Larson, 734-6103; or Darlene Moffet, 734-5537. If you need a ride, call Gene Larson, 734-6103.
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Fillman Fellowship
Fillman Fellowship will meet in Fellowship Hall of Faith Church at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 14. All women are welcome. Please bring a sandwich. Dessert and beverages will be provided.
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Grief Series - A Journey of Renewal
For six Wednesday evenings beginning October 20, the Chaplains' Association of OSF Holy Family Medical Center will sponsor a fall series, "Grief: Journey of Renewal" for people who have recently experienced the death of a loved one or those finding difficulty in coping with their grief. The discussions will be led by Doug Gibb, Bereavement Counselor. One session will be conducted by a member of the OSF Holy Family Medical Center Chaplains' Association.
Session Topics:
October 20 "Getting to Know Your Grief"
October 27 "The Positive Power of Grief"
November 3 "Memories"
November 10 "Advice for Friends of the Bereaved"
November 17 "God Cares" by a Chaplains'
Association Member
Date TBA "Coping with Special Days"
The sessions begin at 5:30 and adjourn at 7:00 p.m. Each session will be held at OSF Holy Family Medical Center Classroom, 1000 West Harlem Avenue in Monmouth. Participants should enter the southwest entrance of the hospital from the West Visitor's Parking Lot where signs will be posted for room location. Each session includes a light meal.
Registrations are appreciated. For information and registration call 734-1404.
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Crockpot Cook-off Entry
Do you have a family secret recipe you prepare in your crockpot that everybody loves? If so, why not enter it in our Crockpot Cook-off on October 31, following worship?
The rules are simple: Select a recipe that is cook ed only in your crock. This can include anything from breakfast dishes to soups, main courses to desserts, etc. Basically, anything that you can cook in a crockpot.
Adults, youth, and children will then sample each one, voting on the yummiest dish. The person with the most votes will win a new Crockpot!
The entry fee is $5.00, and needs to be submitted along with your name and what you'll be making to the office by Sunday, October 24.
All proceeds will go toward the cost of the 2011 Youth Mission trip next summer to the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
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We Need Your Taste Buds!
You are invited to our first
Crockpot Cook-off
October 31, 2010
at 11:45 a.m. (following worship)
$3.00 per adult and $1.00 per child under 12 will let you...
sample from each crockery and give you the ability
to vote on your favorite one!
To cleanse the palate between taste-testing, buy some delicious goodies from our bake sale.
(Drinks will be provided. )
All proceeds will go toward the cost of our
2011 Youth Mission tip next summer to the
Lake Traverse Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
Thank you for your support!
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Elder - Deacon - Trustee Candidate Suggestion Form
The task of the Nominating Committee is to place the names of qualifies individuals before the Congregation as nominees to fill positions on the church boards. The Congregation must then vote to elect these persons. The Nominating Committee needs your help in determining who is qualified and able to serve, if nominated. Please give this form to any member of the Nominating Committee.
Candidate Name:
____________________________________________________
The 2011 Nominating Committee is: Phil Painter, Julie Armstrong, Carolyn Simpson, Crystal Sargent, Betsy Akey, Jo Ellen Dollinger, Darlene Moffet, Carol Heflin, Carolyn Meling
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Hospitalization
Erma Smallwood is currently at Bounce Back at Seminary Manor in Galesburg.
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Prayers For...
Erma Smallwood, Joan Steis, Carol Olsen, Joan Steis, Jack McBride, Ted Abernathy, Ron McClintock, Eilleen Spoerl, and Frank Sorensen.
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Calendar for the week
Thursday
Thai Circle @ 9:30 a.m.
Christian Education @ 7:30 p.m.
Sunday
Choir @ 9:00 a.m.
Sunday School @ 9:15 a.m.
Worship @ 10:30 a.m.
Sr. High Youth Group @ 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday
Deacon Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday
Investment Committee Meeting @ 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday Night Live @ 3:20 p.m. Thursday
Fillman Fellowship @ 5:00 p.m.
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