Focus on Faith
Faith United Presbyterian Church
October 27, 2011
What Do You Think?
Where is Your Faith Leading You?
 
I love my class.  As most of you know, I am teaching "Politics and Religion", with Ira Smolensky.  At first, I thought I might be the "token" person of faith.  However, the class is pretty evenly split between Religion majors and Political Science majors.  Most of the class conversation occurs around issues related to faith and the students, regardless of their backgrounds, are most articulate on these matters.
 
What I love most about teaching is the opportunities I have had to visit with students after class.  As they have become more comfortable with me as a teacher, they are taking time after class to explore issues at a deeper level.  Perhaps, once a week, two or three students will ask a question or initiate a discussion after class.  It is not uncommon for these conversations to last up to an hour.  Their questions are provocative and well thought out.  Last week, after one of these conversations, I said to Ira, "If nothing else, I think we have helped the students to see how complex and important these issues are."
 
This is a precious gift.  In our fast paced world, where sound bytes pass for thoughtful comments and attention spans are almost non-existent, to find people, particularly young people, willing to spend their time and energy talking about consequential matters, particularly matters of faith and life, is an extraordinary gift.  That I spend as much time listening to these students as speaking, gives me hope.
 
I was thinking about this on Monday, as I passed a church sign that read:  "Religion is not a guilt trip, it is a journey."  There is much truth in these words.  We need to hear, over and again, "we are forgiven."  Taking these words to heart, frees us from the incapacitating guilt we might otherwise bear in our lives.  We know we have sinned and fallen short of God's glory.  But we are more than sinners, we are forgiven sinners.  We need to hear this.
 
There is much truth in the sign byte:  "Religion is not a guilt trip, it is a journey."  But, sadly, there is also much sarcasm.  I know of no denomination, congregation, or pastor, that strives to lay a guilt trip on anyone.  However, I do know of many who are unwilling to address the real presence of sin in our lives, our life together, or our culture.  In a world where the life of faith, lived out in a community of faith, is becoming less and less a priority in people's lives, they prefer to tell people what they want to hear rather than preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Yes, we need to hear we are forgiven, but we will never truly believe we are forgiven, or know the great freedom which forgiveness brings, if we haven't first acknowledged our Sin.
 
My friends, truly, the life of faith is a journey, not a guilt trip.  While the journey of faith may take a different path for each of us, this journey leads us to the same place, the forgiveness of our Sin and a restored and redeemed relationship with God, through the love of Jesus Christ.  People of faith, throughout our lives and our life together, this journey of faith will lead us to many extraordinary places, if we will let God lead us.  However, apart from the profession of our Sin and the proclamation of God's forgiveness, the journey will never lead us home.
 
See you in church!
 
Pastor Myers



 

 
Food for Jamieson 

Please bring the following items and fill the hall outside the office!  The need at food pantry's is increasing, please join us in helping.  Thank you for being "The Hands of Christ" and thinking of others.      

 

October 30   

Paper towels

 

November 6

Canned vegetables

 

November 13

Pasta, sauce, and rice

 

November 20

Cereal

 

November 27

Soups & Canned meat 

 


An Invitation to Read the Bible 

Sunday
Acts 19:22-21:27

Monday   
Acts 21:28-23:35

Tuesday
Acts 24:1-26:32

Wednesday   
Acts 27:1-Romans 1:17

Thursday
Romans 1:18-3:31

Friday
Romans 4:1-7:25

Saturday
Romans 8:1-10:20

Sunday (11/6)  
Romans 10:21-13:14 
 

October
Birthdays
29        Marie Inman
30        Lynn Biggs
            Amanda Bowman
            Andrew Ockert
            J. Eric Ockert
            Kathy Lewis
31        Jane Newberry
            Alyvia Burton

November Birthdays

1         Larry Inman

2         Scott Gibson

6         Dalton Hottle

7         Tammi Hottle

           Heather Turnquist

8         Alice Lawson

           Alison Clark

           Susan Gilliland

9         Lila Blum

           Kylie Finnicum

10       Jodi Cheek

           Donna Lee

11       Megan Brown

           Brenda Runge

13       George Haynes

14       Dixie Wells

16       Deborah Stanton

           Jamie Youngblood

21       Mia Logsdon

26       Carolyn Simpson

27       Cindy Erickson

            Krista Larson

29       Bill Lee

30       Carolyn Meling

 

 

 
This Sunday...
October 27, 2011

"A Teachable Moment in the Life of Love"

Micah 3:5-12                                           Revelation 7:9-17

Psalm 34:1-10, 22                                    Matthew 5:1-12


Lay Assistant: Craig Watson
Beedle/Crucifer: Courtney Fisher & Will Best
Ushers: Heather & Emily Fisher, Steve Johnson, Bob Green, George Nieman   
Greeters: Justin & Meghan Wright and family
Bob & Amy Gound and family   
Nursery:  Tammy Hottle    
Children's Church: Margie Myers
Coffee Hour:  Rod & Hallie Lemon  
 
 


View our calendar. 

 

Sunday School
9:15 a.m. 

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:  October 30, at 9:15, in the Social Hall -  Robin Johnson - a lecturer in the Department of Political Science will speak on the Economic situation in our country and world.  Please support this new guest speaker. 

Bible Study Class: meet in the Brides' Room.

 


Festival Sundays 

Festival Sundays are Sundays that are extra special in our life together.  While the worship of God each and every 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 30 - Reformation Sunday   

 


3rd Grade Bibles

This Sunday, October 30, four children will receive Bibles from our congregation.  They are: Noah Clark - son of Alison & Josh Clark and Grandson of Jonalyn and Gary Heaton.  D.J. Reading - son of Dominick & Stephanie Reading and grandson of Barb & Larry Byrne.  Barbara Solberg-Hale - daughter of Rob Hale and Erika Solberg.  Reese Putnam - daughter of Rob Putnam.

      

 


Inquirers' Class 

We will hold our next Inquirers' Class on Sunday - November 6, 2011.  We will meet at 9:15 a.m. in Pastor Myers' office, at the church.  The Inquirers' Class will provide you with an opportunity to discuss questions regarding faith in Jesus Christ, membership in Christ's church, and the ministry of Faith United Presbyterian Church.  On Sunday, November 13, those choosing to become members will meet with our session for our new member breakfast at 9:00 a.m. And then be welcomed in worship at our 10:30 a.m. service.  If you are interested in attending the class or if you have any questions about church membership, please speak with Pastor Myers.  

 


Isabel Circle 

The October meeting of Isabel Circle has been changed from October 27th to November 3rd due to parent-teacher conferences being held on October 27th.

 

The meeting will be held at the home of Jonalyn Heaton at 715 North 8th Street in Monmouth at 7:00 p.m. on November 3rd.  All women of the church are welcome to attend.

 

Vickie Young Briscoe will facilitate Lesson Two, Greatly Honored Are the Mourners from Confessing the Beatitudes, which can be found in the 2011-2012  Horizons Bible Study.  Jesus taught the Beatitudes in Roman-occupied Palestine.  The Empire of Rome brought many residents in Palestine into a system of oppression.  Famine, poverty, and economic injustice were the experience of many people in Jesus' audiences. It is in the context of the cruelty of Rome that Jesus lives and teaches.  In Lesson Two, we will learn that Jesus calls his disciples to honor the mourners, and he calls to account those who live a life of laughter unaffected by their neighbors' tears.  Through the Beatitudes, Jesus is teaching the people of his day (and us!) how to be disciples.  We will continue our journey of confession in light of the second beatitude.

 


New Trees 

Sadly, we had to remove more trees from the boulevard because of the danger they posed.  We are, however, in the process of planting new trees to take their place.  If you have any suggestions, please visit with a member of our Building and Grounds Committee, John Lyle or George Nieman.    

 


Youth to Gilson 

The Jr. & Sr. High Youth Group will be going to a haunted school in Gilson at 6:30 p.m. on October 29.  The cost is $8.00.  If you'd like to go, call Stephanie at 368-0457 or email her at youth@maplecity.com.    

 


Let Us Rake Your Leaves...

The youth will be raking again this year for a service project. If you are interested in having them rake for you, the sign up sheet will be on the office door. They will be raking the on Sunday, November 6, in the afternoon. Thank you!
 

2011 World Community Day

Living Our Faith, Unlocking Action
Roseville United Methodist Church
201 W. Union
Roseville, IL
Friday, November 4, 2011
Noon luncheon $6.00
Reservations are due to the church office by
Monday, October 31
309-426-2900

Handicap Accessible              Child Care Provided 
 

 


Sugar Tree Grove Church Soup Luncheon

                                               Where:  2210 M~A~M Trail
 
When:  Sunday, November 6, 2011
 
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
 
 
Serving:  Chili, Vegetable Beef, Broccoli Cheese, Oyster Soup;
 
Salad; Desserts & Beverages 
 
 
Price:  Adults $5.00
 
Children $2.50 (10 and under) 
 

Youth Mission Trip

The youth mission trip for 2012 has been set for June 9 - 15 to Saint Paul, Minnesota, through the same organization we've used for the previous two years, YouthWorks.
 
Participants serve in a variety of ways during a YouthWorks mission trip.  Students may spend all week at one service site or switch between sites during the week.  Their goal in partnering with local service organizations and programs is to address the very basic needs of residents.  Students may serve at places like:  Children's Programs, Elderly Centers, Soup Kitchens/Homeless Shelters and Thrift Stores.

Some activities during a YouthWorks week are designed to give participants an insight into the lives of local residents and the culture of the area.  A list of evening/cultural activities they have done in the past include:  Tour St. Paul Cathedral and MN History Museum; listen to a community speaker; relax at a local park; and attend a community cookout.

To register for this mission trip, youth and parents need to attend a meeting on Sunday, November 13, in the youth wing, after worship (approximately 11:45 a.m.)  A $20.00 deposit is required at this time to lock in our reservation.  Space is very limited, so if you are unable to attend or are in need of financial assistance, please contact Stephanie Reading at 309-368-0457. 

Icebreakers

The November meeting of Icebreakers will be held on November 13, at 6:00 p.m. in the Social Hall.  The program will be given by Raj and Saro Ambrose regarding their continued work in India, with Presbyterian Women serving dessert.  Please note date change! 

Reservations can be made by calling Jo Ellen Dollinger, 734-8627; Darlene Moffet, 734-5537; or Donna Larson, 734-6103.    

India Presentation

Join Raj and Saro Ambrose on Sunday, November 13, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. in the Social Hall, for a presentation on their continued work in India.  Dessert will be provided.

Advent Fair

Advent Fair - Mark your calendars now.  Our Annual Advent Fair for EVERYONE will be held on Wednesday November 30.  More information will be coming.  

Time for Refreshment 

Join Pastor Myers onThursdays, from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., for tea and shortbread in the Church Office.  Drop in for a time of refreshment after school or on your way home from work.  Featuring:  Teas from McNab's Tea Room, Boothbay, Maine & Music from Bach to Bix!   

Kids Against Hunger & Coins for Kids 

Monmouth is now a satellite for a program based in Minneapolis call "Kids Against Hunger."  The local leaders are Dan & Wendy Allaman, who have traveled to Ethiopia twice with their family in the last 2 years.  Volunteers package meals which will be sent to Ethiopia, assembly-line style.  Each package of food costs $.25 and 2000 meals can be packaged in one hour with 10-12 volunteers for the cost of $500.00. 

 

In October, the youth of our church will package meals which have already been paid for.  Sometime in November or January we will be organizing an event for families with young children to package food.    In order to do this we need to raise money for each package.  Look for a large jar marked "Coins for Kids" in the social hall.  All kinds of coins (or paper) are welcome - especially quarters.   We hope to have $500.00 in a very heavy jar at least by January.  So, load up your pockets with change on Sunday morning and fill up our jar.   Thank You.




Milk Caps 

Bring in your Swiss Valley or Prairie Farms Milk Caps.  Each cap can be redeemed for $.05 which will go toward Teddy Bear Day Care. TBDC is located in our church basement and cares for children ages 2 - 5 plus before and after school care.  Every penny counts, so drink your milk and save the caps for us.  Just place them in the milk container in the social hall.  Thank you!

Elder - Trustee - Deacon
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:  Mary Distin, Phyllis Wilson, Crystal Sargent, Sally Bowman, Les Dollinger, Betsy Akey, Carolyn Meling, and Julie Armstrong.  
 

Thank You
Thank you to all who submitted a crock pot recipe for the Crock Pot Cook Off!  With the support of all who came to taste and vote it was a fabulous success.  The voting was hard with so many wonderful entrées, appetizers, and deserts to choose from. The winner was Crock Pot # 1- Chili Cheese Dip, made by Caleb Duke and Malik Reading.  A big thank you once again for supporting the Jr & Sr High Youth Group's
fundraiser for the 2012 mission trip.

New Address
Shirley Armstrong has moved.  Her new address is 105 Courtyard Estates, here in Monmouth.
Pray Concerns
Brittany Wilson (Brittany would enjoy receiving notes and cards from all of us.  Mail can be addressed to her at 902 London Street, Peoria Heights, IL 61616), Al Kulczewski, Janet Paris, and Kylie Logsdon.
Contacts
Administrative Assistant
Heather Fisher
309-734-5129