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Faith United Presbyterian Church
| November 3, 2011 |
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What Do You Think?
Is Pastor Myers Leaving?
Over the past few months, this question has been raised here and there. Some saw the completion of my doctorate as a step toward greener pastures. Others are mindful that Will will be graduating from high school in a year and a half. They see that as an opportune time for a move. Some are simply worried. I've been your pastor for ten years and I am approaching fifty. Others are hoping.
Those of you who are life long Presbyterians know the congregation has relatively little input into the call process, especially when the pastor is leaving. Inevitably, the day will come when I will simply announce to you that I am leaving. Whether we like that fact or not, and Margie and I don't, that is our call process. One of the benefits is that it avoids the dreaded "lame duck" pastorate, "I thought she said she was leaving?" after a pastor announces her desire to seek a new call and then the "call" doesn't come. Because speculation about a pastor's departure can be equally debilitating, I want to share with you some of my thoughts.
As you may remember, a few months ago, I invited your prayers and participation for my season of discernment. I have been your pastor for ten years and, whether I am here for another ten or not, that is a good time to take stock. While I still consider myself to be in a season of discernment, I wanted to share some things that have come to mind thus far.
Margie, I, and Will enjoy serving you and living in Monmouth. While we may have thoughts about ways to improve the quality of life our congregation, the college, and our community have to offer, we find great joy in being part of all three. With regard to the ministry of our congregation, I appreciate the relative stability we have enjoyed. The last two years have been two of our best years financially. We have meaningful ministries with our children and youth. The quality of music we enjoy in worship is unheard of in most congregations our size, particularly in rural communities. We have been able to maintain our facilities in excellent condition without undermining our ability to serve others. We continue to make generous contributions of time and talent to a variety of missions.
As for the future, it will be important for us to continue to identify opportunities for ministry outside of our church walls. Where the goal of church programs was once to get people into church, that is no longer the world in which we live. The cultural imperative to be a part of anything, let alone the church, is no longer there. We are driven by our mission: to share the good news of God's love in Jesus Christ. While we will still provide quality programs in every facet of our church life, we have to understand "outreach" and "evangelism" will have to be part of everything we do. Wednesday Night Live now has a mission component in its programming in addition to the intentional efforts to invite unchurched children into the program. Our Youth Director spends much of her time visiting with kids and families at school events in addition to running the youth ministry programs. Our music ministry is intentional about bringing in evermore guest musicians, who might not otherwise be in church. We will continue to find ways to support the Presbyterian ministry at Monmouth College, through the Office of the Chaplain, as well as any teaching opportunities which arise. We will continue to look, as well, for additional opportunities for "hands on" ministry, such as our Wash Day Ministry provides.
With all that we have going for us and the good work yet to do, why would I even entertain the thought of leaving? Certainly, there are a number of secondary issues, but the truth is, it comes down to one question. Do I believe God has given me the gifts to address the opportunities and challenges for ministry, which are on your horizon? That is a long way to say, it comes down to my sense of call and our shared vision for ministry and, right now, I don't have an answer, which is why I am in a season of discernment.
Before I became your pastor, your worship attendance was around 125 per Sunday. Over much of my tenure, our attendance has been in the 150-170 plus range. We have had a good number of Festival Sundays where we were well over 200. The past year or so, we have been hovering around the 130 mark. Even though much of this decline can be traced to the death or illness of many beloved and steadfast members over the years, it still weighs heavy upon me.
Everything I read about "church growth" suggests the most effective method is to provide a ministry which inspires people to want to share that ministry with their family and friends. Ninety percent of people who join a church do so because of family and friends. After ten years, I have failed to provide such a ministry. By most standards, we had a wonderful worship experience on Sunday, if only because of our choir's beautiful anthem and the magnificent accompaniment of organ and brass. We were able to deliver one loaf of bread to a first time visitor, who came on her own accord. On the bright side, we did have about 140 in worship.
Suffice to say, this is the question that is receiving most of my attention during this season of discernment. As always, your thoughts and prayers are most appreciated.
See you in church!
Pastor Myers
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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.
November 6 Canned vegetables November 13 Pasta, sauce, and rice November 20 Cereal November 27 Soups & Canned meat
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| An Invitation to Read the Bible
Sunday
Romans 10:21-13:14
Monday
Romans 14:1-16:27
Tuesday
1 Corinthians 1:1-5:4
Wednesday
1 Corinthians 5:5-8:13
Thursday
1 Corinthians 9:1-11:33
Friday
1 Corithians 11:34-14:39
Saturday
1 Corthians 14:40-16:23
Sunday (11/13)
1 Corthians 16:24-
2 Corthians 4:18
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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
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This Sunday...
November 6, 2011
"Have We Prepared?"Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Psalm 78:1-7 Matthew 25:1-13
Lay Assistant: Lorna BlackfordBeedle/Crucifer: Noah & Job Runge
Ushers: Buff & Dalton Hottle, Mark & Mitch McVey, Brenda Runge Greeters: Leroy & Joyce Lantz and Josh & Alison Clark and family
Nursery: Jim, Shari, & Zach Glasgow Children's Church: Kristie Murdock
Coffee Hour: Buster & Jane Kellogg and Alice Lawson
View our calendar. |
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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: meet in the Social Hall
We have the opportunity to extend our series on Economics with a few additional guest speakers.
November 6 - We will continue our discussion of the current economic
situation.
November 13 - Dr. Rod Lemon - MC - will give us his perspective on the
world situation.
November 20 - Mr. Paul Schuytema will tell us about the Economic
situation in Monmouth.
Bible Study Class: meet in the Brides' Room.
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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.
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Heifer Project - Belle the Cow
Have you heard the sound of a cow bell on Sunday mornings? It's coming from Belle the Cow. Belle has been arriving in the arms of children as they bring her back to the church after she has mossied into their yards sometime on Friday. She is very agreeable and waits patiently to visit someone else each week. Belle is a reminder to our children that Heifer Project is an important part of our Sunday School Offering each week. Right now we have given enough to purchase 3 batches of chicks. After we have enough to buy 6 batches we will decide if we would rather buy chicks or buy a sheep instead. All the animals will not live at Faith, they are sent to homes around the world to help alleviate poverty. Someday, after Belle has visited all the children she might just come and visit you!
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Out of the Mouths of OUR Babes
We made spiders out of pipe cleaners for fun on October 26. I asked, "Why didn't the birds on the ark eat the spiders on the ark?" Immediately the answer came from Sammy, "The ark is made of friendship". I asked how she knew that and she said, "I just figured God made it so it had to be.
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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!
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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)
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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.
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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.
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Thanksgiving Potluck
Presbyterian Women will once again host our annual Thanksgiving potluck on November 20 following worship. Bring a dish to pass and table service.
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Community Thanksgiving Service
Join the Warren County Ministerial Association for their Annual Community Thanksgiving Service on November 21, 2011, at 12:10 p.m. at Monmouth College's Dahl Chapel. The Rev. Dr. William C. Myers will lead the service.
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Congregational Meeting
Following worship on November 27, we will have our annual meeting where we will vote on newly elected officers.
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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.
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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.
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New Books in the Library
There are new books on the table in the Narthex!
The Hole in our Gospel
Bible Stories for Kids
The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven
Heaven Is For Real
Bonhoeffer - Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
New on DVD - Bonhoeffer
Please remember to sign and leave the card when you take a book. Thank you!
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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!
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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.
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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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New Address
Shirley Armstrong has moved. Her new address is 105 Courtyard Estates, here in Monmouth.
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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.
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Contacts
Administrative Assistant
Heather Fisher
309-734-5129 |
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