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Faith United Presbyterian Church
| November 10, 2011 |
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What Do You Think?
Was It Worth It?
We are nearing the end of our first year of "An Invitation to Read the Bible" and it is time for confession. I will not have finished reading the Bible in a year. However, I will have read much more of the Bible, than I would have, if we had not had this invitation. Not to mention, I will continue reading the Bible in the hope of finishing next year or the year after.
As you may remember, in solidarity with those who are unable to read the Bible at work, I chose to do my devotional reading when I was not in the office. In and of itself, this was a good discipline for me. Even though I read the Bible almost every day for my work, limiting my devotional reading gave me a better understanding of how hard, and what a commitment, it is for most people to read the Bible daily.
The "Invitation" also helped me remember how difficult a task it is to read some parts of the Bible. Most of my Bible reading for work has to do with the lectionary texts, relatively small passages of scripture geared for preaching. Like many of you, I struggle with many parts of the Bible, especially the Levitical code; the geneology of the kings of Israel; and, the dreadful repetition of events, people, places and practices. Again, my own struggles helped me to remember what a commitment it is to make Bible reading, let alone study, an important part of our devotional life.
While either of these would be reason enough to have undertaken this endeavor, the most important benefit of striving to read the Bible in a year is that, even though I didn't fulfill the task, I have been changed in the process. Throughout the year, I found myself looking at life a little differently, taking a more bibilical view of things, reflecting on the scriptures more frequently. The more faithful I was to my devotional reading; the more faithful I was in the life choices I was making.
As we approach the beginning of a new liturgical year, I will continue reading through the Bible on my delayed "Invitation to Read the Bible" plan. We will extend another invitation to those of you who might not have joined us the first time and continue providing the "Invitation" passages each week. In addition, I will be adding to my devotional practices - "Daily Feast".
One of the primary resources I use in my preaching is a commentary series entitled "Feasting on the Word". One of the benefits of this commentary is that it offers four different perspectives on each of the lectionary texts for the week. "Daily Feast" is a devotional, which offers daily reflections on the lectionary texts for the week, based on the "Feasting on the Word" series. My hope is that this practice will provide a natural connection between my devotional reading and my worship preparation.
I mention this, as some of you may find this practice helpful, as well. If you would like more information about "Daily Feast" or if you would simply like to share your experiences with "An Invitation to Read the Bible", I would love to visit with you. In the meantime, I pray we may all find ways to continue to grow in our practice of bringing faith and life together.
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 13 Pasta, sauce, and rice November 20 Cereal November 27 Soups & Canned meat
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| An Invitation to Read the Bible
Sunday
1 Corinthians 16:24-
2 Corinthians 4:18
Monday
2 Corinthians 5:1-9:14
Tuesday
2 Corinthians 9:15-13:13
Wednesday
2 Corinthians 13:14 -
Galatians 3:29
Thursday
Galatians 4:1 - Ephesians 1:22
Friday
Ephesians 1:23-4:32
Saturday
Ephesians 5:1 - Philippians 1:30
Sunday (11/20)
Philippians 2:1 - Colossians 1:15
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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 13, 2011
"How Shall We Wait for the Lord?" Judges 4:1-7 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Psalm 123 Matthew 25:14-30
Lay Assistant: Ron TenoldCommunion Servers: Jeanne Robeson, Julie Armstrong, Phyllis Wilson, Lolla Ballard, Betty McBride, Don Robeson, Bill Hoover, George Nieman, Buster Kellogg, Bob Green, Ann Phelps, Brad Larson
Beedle/Crucifer: Courtney Fisher and Ushers: Jim Brown, John Turnbull, Greg Baber, John Lyle, Jim & Shari Glasgow
Greeters: Dorothy & David Behnke and Carol & Bonnie Heflin
Nursery: Kathy Lewis and Chloe Larson
Children's Church: Erika Solberg
Coffee Hour: Gary & Jonalyn Heaton and Rose Trimble
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 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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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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Wednesday Night Live - Bread
If you would be willing to donate a loaf of bread (homemade or otherwise) for this Wednesday, November 16, we would appreciate your generosity. Please sign up on the office door if you can help. The children's parents will be joining them for supper as they finish their first semester of WNL. All WNL volunteers are invited as well.
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Faith & Art - Advent Calendars
Our next display will begin on Sunday, November 27 and it requires you to dig into your Christmas things a little early. We will have a display of Advent Calendars. Many families have shared the tradition of opening a window on a paper calendar each day. This symbolized the expectation and waiting all have done for the birth of the Christ child. If you have saved some of those calendars please bring them in before Sunday, November 20. We will also welcome all Advent calendars whether paper, cloth, wooden etc. You may pick up your pictures from the previous display after November 22. Thank you!
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Inquirers' Breakfast
On Sunday, November 6, 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.
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Lantz Wedding Reception
You are cordially invited to a reception to celebrate the marriage of Randy Lantz and Chris Sheckler on Saturday, November 12, at Immanuel Baptist Church here in Monmouth, from 2 - 5:00 p.m. Randy is the son of Leroy and Joyce Lantz. No gifts please, your presence is their gift!
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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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Thanksgiving Dinner
Westminster United Presbyterian Church, 200 East Cedar St, Kirkwood, IL, will once again serve a community dinner on November 13, 2011, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Turkey, potatoes, dressing, gravy, desserts, and beverages will be available.
Please call 309-768-2004 if you would like to have delivery.
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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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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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Thank Offering and Thanksgiving Potluck
Presbyterian Women will once again accept donations for the Thank Offering. They will also be hosting 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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Advent Fair & Supper
On Wednesday, November 30, all people of the church are welcome to begin the advent season by helping us decorate the church and create items to take home with you.
5:30 - A meatloaf supper will be provided free of charge.
6:00 - We will begin decorating and making advent items.
7:00+ - Ending.
Singles, Couples, and Families and friends are all welcome.
It is necessary for you to sign up on the office door so that we can make enough food and crafts.
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Madrigals
The Icebreakers program planning for the year included a Saturday night or Sunday afternoon at the Monmouth-Roseville High School Madrigals program under the direction of Kevin Ferry (December 3 & 4) and the Galesburg High School Madrigals program where Carolyn Kellert Griffiths is director (December 10 & 11). Both schools do excellent programs.
Those interested in the Monmouth-Roseville School should contact the school directly (734-5118). The reservations for the Galesburg program will work better through a group reservation.
The format for each appears as follows:
Monmouth-Roseville High School: Saturday evening, December 3, at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday afternoon, December 4, at 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $15
Menu: ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans with bacon, fruit cup, cheese
cake, roll
Galesburg High School: Saturday evening, December 10, at 5:00 p.m.
Sunday afternoon, December 11, at 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $14
Menu: wassail, soup, 1/2 chicken, rice, green beans, fruit salad, figgy pudding
Reservations for either Galesburg program made through the Church need to be made and paid for by Wednesday, November 16. Checks should be made out to: Faith United Presbyterian Church along with the names of those attending. (A printed program will include all names). Contact Jim McCurdy at 734-2638 if you have questions.
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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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Congratulations
Our 11th great grandchild of Ralph and Martha Whiteman, Helen Margaret Parsons, arrived on October 31, 2011. Her parents are Major William and Molly Parsons of West Point. She was greeted by her brothers, Will, Samuel, and Gabriel.
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Sympathy
To Joyce Allison, family, and friends, on the death of David Allison, who died early Wednesday morning, November 9, 2011. Arrangements are being made.
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Pray Concerns
Premraj Ambrose (Raj's brother who recently underwent major surgery), Lauren Hendel, Al Kulczewski, Janet Paris, and Kylie Logsdon.
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Contacts
Administrative Assistant
Heather Fisher
309-734-5129 |
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