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Faith United Presbyterian Church News
Focus on Faith September 15, 2011 |
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What Do You Think?
Can You Believe Pastor Myers Said That?
On the rare occasion that somebody raises a question about a sermon, I like to respond in writing because I believe, like a classroom, there are probably others who share similar questions. Most of the comments I received about Sunday's sermon, even those who raised questions, reflected an appreciation for the difficulty, not only in living Jesus' charge to offer a measure of forgiveness which goes beyond perfect, but in preaching upon Jesus' charge in the context of 9/11. I think most people recognized that, while there are times in our lives when we are unprepared to live the life of faith Jesus sets before us, as his followers, we still need to hear there is a standard to which we are called. Most appreciated both the clarity in which Christ's call to forgive was presented and the acknowledgement that each of us sometimes fall short.
Interestingly enough, the questions came not from my comments around 9/11, but the opening illustration, where I raised the question: "If these were children of our congregation, wouldn't it be wonderful if they, and their parents, came forward to seek the forgiveness of our congregation or at least our session?" The reference was to a group of young people in town, who were recently arrested for illegal consumption or possession of alcohol. Acknowledging that it sounds a little absurd, given the culture in which we live, I went on to suggest that seeking forgiveness in this way, might be an opportunity, not for judgment, but for healing.
Making it very clear that none of us were in a position to judge, because we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory, I suggested that coming before the congregation, or at least the session, would give the young people and their families an opportunity to acknowledge what they did was wrong; hear they were not alone, because we have all sinned; but, most importantly, they would have the opportunity to hear, as we have heard, that they are forgiven. This is the promise of the gospel. We have been forgiven in Jesus Christ, therefore we may approach God, without fear, to confess our sin and, receiving God's mercy, strive to live a new life.
I am grateful for the questions a couple of our members asked because they offer an important insight into something which may be holding us back as a community of faith. Their concern was not so much with the theology of what I said. One did raise a question about the need for an intermediary, but agreed that a process of confession and forgiveness could bring healing.
Their primary concern was with the issue of stigma. Would confidentiality be respected? Would the young people be branded as trouble makers? Were young people in our congregation, who weren't there, already being looked at with suspicion? These are all important questions and reveal a devastating truth, if not about our congregation, at least the church at large. Too often, pastors and parishioners, have used a person's sin against them. Rather than being a sanctuary where sinners can hear they are forgiven, the church of Jesus Christ holds people in judgment. Those who raised questions about the opening illustration of my sermon were in effect asking, does our congregation have the capacity to be such a forgiving community, where people may come to confess their sin and find a healing word of forgiveness?
My friends, that is a question only you may answer. For myself, I have been privileged to participate in a number of "healing" services, where families came before the sessions or the congregations, with whom I served. In some cases, there was sin to be addressed. In other cases, there was no sin, but rather the burden of how to live with debilitating mental illnesses. Those who sought "healing" in this way, still struggled with their sin or still had to cope with their mental illness, but they did so in a new way, as members of a faith community who embraced them for who they were and accompanied them on their journey to become who God had created them to be.
People of faith, the purpose of being in church is not to deny our sin and appear holy. The purpose of being in church is to share the burden of our sin and hear the good news we are forgiven.
See you in church!
Pastor Myers
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This Sunday...
September 18, 2011 "Living a Life Worthy of the Gospel"
Jonah 3:10-4:11 Philippians 1:21-30
Psalm 145:1-8 Matthew 20:1-16
Lay Assistant: Crystal Sargent Beedle/Crucifer: Noah & Job Runge Ushers: Jim Brown, John Turnbull, Greg Baber, John Lyle, Jim & Shari Glasgow Greeters: Darlene Moffet & Rose Trimble Les & Jo Ellen Dollinger Nursery: Kathy Lewis & Chloe Larson Children's Church: Erika Solberg |
Monmouth College Chapel
You are invited to worship with The Rev. Dr. Teri Ott on Monday's in Dahl Chapel from 12:10-12:40 p.m. |
| Sr. High Youth Group Kick-Off
September 18, 2011 - Sr. High Kick-off at
Tom & Crystal Sargent's house in
in the country. Meet at the church at
5:40 p.m. to carpool. Will be back at the
church for pick up by 8:30 p.m.
You can RSVP to Stephanie through
email at youth@maplecity.com, send
her a message through Facebook, or
you can text or call her at
309-368-0457.
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| A Time for Refreshment Returns!
Beginning September 15, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoons, Pastor Myers will again be serving tea and shortbread in the Church Office. Drop in for a time of refreshment after school or on your way home for work. Featuring: Teas from McNab's Tea Room, Boothbay, Maine & Music from Bach to Bix!
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| Bring Sister Home!
Join with us for a Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast to support Erin & Zac Harlan (Pam & Terry Moore's daughter and son-in-law and Gene and Donna Larson's granddaughter) so they can bring home their daughter they are adopting from Equador.
Breakfast will be held at Applebee's Neighborhood Bar & Grill at 1966 North Henderson St; Galesburg, on Saturday, September 17th from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. The cost is a $5.00 donation.
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Worship Art Workshop
Churches are invited to send a small group of members to work with fiber artist Grace Cox-Johnson in creating a new banner or a new set of paraments for your church. During the workshop Grace will share ideas, images, and artistic inspiration to make your sanctuaries come alive with your own unique paraments, banners, and liturgical art. This workshop will take place on Friday, September 16, at Faith United Presbyterian Church. Each church group is asked to bring a side dish or two to share at a 5:30 p.m. potluck. The workshop will begin at 6:15 and depart at 9:00. If you would like to attend, please sign up on the office door. |
| Isabel Circle
Isabel Circle will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at the home of Jane Kellogg at 1012 East Euclid Avenue in Monmouth. Lolla Ballard will facilitate the first lesson from the 2011-2012 Horizons Bible Study: Confessing the Beatitudes by Margaret Aymer. This year's study is unique and exciting because the participants will have the opportunity to explore the teachings of Christ and engage in the process of confession. The author has provided important insights about the orginal context of the scripture (mainly from Mark and Luke).
All women are welcome to attend and participate in the meetings and activities of Isabel Circle.
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| Icebreakers
(Please note date change.)
The September meeting of Icebreakers will be held on the 25th at Jon & Sharon Graham's farm for a Hayride and Weiner Roast. We will meet in the church parking lot at 3:30 p.m. to carpool. Cost of the meal will be $5.00 each. Reservations can be made by calling Jo Ellen Dollinger, 734-8627; Donna Larson, 734-6103; or Darlene Moffet, 734-5537.
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| More News from Icebreakers...
The Icebreakers will be producing and directing an all-church evening of skits and entertainment. We have some scripts ready to go and a couple more to find. There are spots for junior highs and senior highs and lots of spots for adults. If you're itching to get back on the stage or onstage for the first time, let the Larsons or the Distins know. If you and a friend do a wonderful duet of "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better," let us know. Do you have prepared a brilliant monologue you know we'll love? Let us know. And if the role that is right up your alley is Audience Member, we're totally okay with that too.
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| Adult Bible Study
Class will begin meeting on October 2 at 9:15 a.m. in the Bride's Room, across from the Chapel. All adults are welcome to join this informal study which includes reading and discussion from October 2 until Christmas. We will focus on the wisdom teachings found in the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. How do these apply to our lives as Christians today? How does Jesus expand upon them in the Sermon on the Mount? Come and share your ideas.
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| Festival Sundays - Invite a Friend!
Festival Sundays are Sundays are Sundays that are extra special in our life together. While the worship of God each and every the Lord's Day is worthy of our time and devotion, efforts will be made to set apart Festival Sundays as extraordinary opportunities for worship. Plan ahead to bring family and friends on these festive occasions, you will be glad you did!
October 2 - World Communion and Peacemaking Sunday
October 30 - Reformation Sunday
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An Invitation to Read the Bible
Your weekly Scripture readings are:
Sunday (9/18) - Matthew 25:20-26:58
Monday - Matthew 26:59-27:66
Tuesday - Matthew 28:1-Mark 2:27
Wednesday - Mark 2:28-4:41
Thursday - Mark 5:1-6:55
Friday - Mark 6:56-8:38
Saturday - Mark 9:1-10:36
Sunday (9/25) - Mark 10:37-12:43
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Prayer Concerns
Greg Gilliland, Tammy Inman, Mary Harrison, Bill Smallwood, Jan Gebauer, Ruth Carwile, Brian and Amanda Byers, Ollie Faith Reed, Janet Paris, and Kylie Logsdon. |
Thank You
Tuesday, August 28th Just a brief note to thank you for the birthday party for the oldsters at the church on Sunday. The recognition was very much appreciated by all of us. Thank you to the Faith Board of Deacons. Everitt Hardin *********************************************** Faith Church, Thanks for the beautiful rose vase, and the nice card. I really appreciate it. I am feeling better everyday, and I pray this will be the end of it! Thanks for all your prayers, and thoughtfulness! Tammy Inman |
Calendar
We now have a current up-to-date calendar on our website. If you see an event that you would like listed, please contact Heather. Check it out! |
September Birthdays
1 Lindsay Aberle
Lynn Bowman
5 Margaret Josephson
7 Tamara Inman
9 Gary Distin
Tiffani Glasgow
Pam Youngblood
10 Vicki Young
11 Greg Baber
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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