May 31, 2012
Focus on Faith
Faith United Presbyterian Church
June Birthdays 

   

1        Jim Brown

2        Jane Kellogg

3        Bryce Willett

4        Carol Bowman

          Charles Peirce

5        Hallie Lemon

6        Evelyn   

             Moschenross

12      Bill Myers

          Malik Reading

15      Mollie Murdock

17      Chris McLaughlin

19      Pete Sorensen

23      Neil Agan

          Esther White

28      Linda Groves

30      Betty Lee

 

 


 

 

 

 
BillWhat Do You Think?
 
"Says Who?"
 
In visiting about my sermon on Sunday, a member of our congregation asked:  "What did you mean, when you said, "some of his beliefs were simply wrong"?  As you may remember, I was sharing the encounter I had with a man, who was an avid fan of Glenn Miller and the music of his day, and an even greater advocate for a particular world view, whose beliefs I do not share entirely.  In recounting my decision to seek "common ground", rather than argue politics, I made the passing comment, "some of his beliefs are simply wrong".
 
On first read, to make this judgment, would suggest that, though I may have a different perspective about the issues we were discussing, I am no less set in my beliefs than the gentleman with whom I was speaking.  While there is probably some truth in this, as the temptation is always there for each of us to see our position as the "right" one, what I had in mind, when I made the comment, was the reality that there are simply certain positions, which cannot be reconciled with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
 
Theologically, Presbyterians are one of the most liberal, (meaning magnanimous, not politically liberal), denominations in Christendom.  We believe that people of good faith may disagree in good conscience on matters of consequence.  We recognize the baptism and ordination of every other Christian denomination.  We welcome anyone who has been baptized to participate in our celebration of the Lord's Supper.
 
However, we also believe that "truth is in order to goodness".  This is to say, it is more important to seek the truth and speak the truth, than it is to be polite.  So, while we are magnanimous to our sisters and brothers, and strongly affirm ecumenical and interfaith relationships, there are occasions where we have to stand for truth.
 
For example, people of faith may disagree in good conscience as to whether abortion should be legal or not.  Valid biblical and theological arguments can be made on both sides of this issue.  Where we must stand, together, on truth, is to claim and preserve the sanctity of life by working to reduce the prevalence of abortion.  We must also stand, together, on truth, by claiming and preserving the sanctity of life for all people, not simply the unborn.  Issues of poverty, retributive and restorative justice, healthcare, personal accountability, education, and spiritual health are but a few of the issues on which we may find "common ground" on matters related to the sanctity of life, such as abortion.
 
Likewise, the question of marriage between two men or two women is another area where we must strive for "common ground" amidst our differences.  The theological question of whether or not to call a union between two men or two women a marriage is a complicated one.  There is the biblical mandate that in marriage "a man must leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife".  However, there is the biblical example of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar, among others, that prove there are exceptions to the rule.  This is simply to say, again, that people of good faith may disagree in good conscience on matters of consequence.  Where we must stand, together, on truth, whatever our nomenclature for the relationship, is the preservation of the civil rights for all people.  Questions of the distribution of property, power of attorney, determining end of life issues, child custody and visitation are but a few of the issues where we may find "common ground" by working together, despite our differences, for the preservation of civil rights.
 
These are but a couple of the cultural issues on which our culture and the church of Jesus Christ are, both, deeply divided.  While I affirm the importance of passionate arguments, even conflict, when it comes to seeking the "common good" on such matters, we must remember the deeper ties which bind us together as children of God.  Our political, cultural and theological differences play an important role in seeking what is true and good and beautiful in life, but it is the love of God, a love we receive and share as God's children, by which we must live, together.
  
See you in church!
 
Pastor Myers


Inquirers' Class
 

Those who would like to learn more about membership are welcome to attend our Inquirers' Class on June 3 and June 10 at 9:15 a.m. in Pastor Myers office.  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, June 17, at 9:00 a.m., those choosing to become members will meet for breakfast with our session and be welcomed in worship that morning.


 

 

 


This Sunday...
 

"The Triune God of Love"

 

The Psalter  Psalm 29

The Prophets  Isaiah 6:1-8

The Gospel  John 3:1-17

 

Lay Assistant:  Ann Phelps     

Special Music:  Brent King, Vocal/Guitar 

Ushers:  Carol & Bonnie Heflin, Ralph & Martha Whiteman    

Greeters:  Lowell & Dee Long and George & Liz Nieman  

Children's Church:  Stephanie Reading 

Nursery:  Bonnie Heflin & Emily Fisher    

Coffee Hour:  Mark & Julie McVey       

 

 

View our  calendar.   

 

 

 
Vacation Bible School
                                           

SAVE THE DATE:  June 25 to 29th.  Registration begins this Sunday, May 27.  Help is needed in all areas:  teachers, registrars, painters, aids...

Please sign up in the Social Hall.  

 

VBS Needs:   

paper towel rolls - lots!

wet suit and mannequin

4x6 index cards

shaving cream

old CDs or DVDs

paper plates (Chinet)

clothes pins - clip

 

An Invitation to Read the Bible

Sunday - Psalm 124:2-135:20, Monday - Psalm 135:21-140:12, Tuesday - Psalm 140:13-146:10, Wednesday - Psalm 147:1-Proverbs 2:21,
Thursday - Proverbs 2:22-5:22, Friday - Proverbs 5:23-8:13, Saturday - Proverbs 8:14-11:12, Sunday (06/10/12) - Proverbs 11:13-14:13.     


Survivor Registration Form 2012
                                           

Cancer survivors are welcomed and encouraged to register for Relay for Life of Warren County on their website www.relayforlife.org/warrenil, but Heather also has registration forms in the office you'd like to pick one up.  Registration forms are due by June 1, 2012.

 

The American Cancer Society considers a cancer survivor to be anyone who defines himself or herself this way, from the time of diagnosis throughout the balance of his or her life.

  

   

 

Horizons Bible Study
                                           

Place:  Scotland Trinity - Macomb

Date:  Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Leader: The Rev. Lonna Lee

Reservations to:  Eloise McMillan, 4690 E. 100th St., Industry, IL  61440  309-254-3602

Reservations due Tuesday, May 29

Cost:  $7.00

 

   

 

Rewarding Volunteer Opportunity Available

Are you being called to reach out to others?  Are you looking for flexible opportunities to volunteer?  Are you hoping to find a way to offer meaningful help, but don't have a lot of time to commit?  The Wash Day Ministry Committee of Faith U.P., a unique ministry, has a need to expand our volunteer pool to meet the need for this important community outreach.  Current volunteers have found their time to be personally enriching and rewarding.  We are offering volunteer training on June 6th at 7:00 p.m. in the church Social Hall.  Please call the church office if you are planning to attend so we can be sure to have enough materials available.  If you are interested, but cannot attend that day, please call Barb Byrne at 734-8709 to arrange an alternative time.  We thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration of this unique opportunity!

Going Out of Business Sale
                                              

Dear Church Partners,

I want to thank each of the churches that I have been privileged to partner with over the last 19 years.  It is with a very heavy heart that I make the announcement that Genesis will close June 30, 2012.  I don't yet know where God is leading but I will trust Him each step of the way.  I highly value the many special friendships made through my years at Genesis.  I have truly enjoyed this ministry.

 

Going Out of Business Sale

Starts May 29

I would remind everyone to redeem gift cards and $10 coupons before June 30.  Library Builders receipts dated May 26 or before will be accepted through June 16.

Saturday, June 9 - Last day for new house charges on all church accounts.  Final statements including May charges will be sent at that time instead of June 1.

 

In Christian love and with my deepest gratitude,

Carol Olsen

 

   

 

Coldbrook Christian Church
                                           

1428 State Hwy 164

Rural Cameron

342-8915

To benefit:  "The Starting Point"

Sunday, June 10, 2012

4:00 - 6:30 p.m. 

$6.00 includes:

Homemade Ice cream, pie or cake, & beverage

Also available for purchase:

Country BBQ, grilled hot dogs and additional servings.

Tickets at the door.

 

   

 

Fillman Fellowship
                                              

At 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, Fillman Fellowship will gather at Faith Church parking lot to carpool to the Lutheran Church Strawberry Festival.  Serving time is from 5 to 7:00 p.m.  Tickets are available at the door - $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for children 10 and under.  The menu includes barbeque sandwiches, cake, ice cream, strawberries, and a drink!  A concert by the Monmouth City Municipal Band will start at 7:00 p.m. in the church Sanctuary.

 

   

 

Annual Strawberry Festival
                                           

Date:  Thursday, June 14, 2012

Time:  5 - 7:00 p.m.

Location:  First Lutheran Church

116 South B Street, Monmouth

Held in the basement Fellowship Hall

BBQ Sandwiches

Strawberries, Ice Cream, Cake and Drink

Suggested donation $6.00 adults; $4.00 children (10 and under)

Monmouth Municipal Band Concert

7:00 p.m.

Held in the church Sanctuary

  

   

 

Thank You

Thank you to all those who contributed to the church yard sale and Joes at Church.  We made $1,065 at the yard sale and $200 at Joes at Church.  All the money goes to missions.  Start saving for next year!

 

 

Please Keep the Following in Your Prayers

Vern Carr, Carol McCurdy, Don Robeson, Debbie Dingman, Beth Dingman, Carol McCurdy, Joe Cutt (childhood friend of Sharon Graham), Tracey Williams, Jim & Janet Paris.