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Faith United Presbyterian Church
Focus on Faith |
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 What Do You Think? Who Will Be at the Table with You?
"Geographic distance is not emotional distance." I tell this to young couples every time we do their Genogram. A Genogram is a tool I use in pre-wedding pastoral care to discuss family issues and relationships the couple may be bringing into their life together. To say that "geographic distance is not emotional distance" is to say that a person may be living halfway around the world but, emotionally, they are so close that it is as if they are living at home. The opposite is also true. Two people can be living under the same roof but, emotionally, it is as if one is living at the North Pole. Geographic distance is not emotional distance.
I find this to be a helpful way to think about the Lord's Supper. We speak of our celebration of the Lord's Supper as communion, but what does this mean? Who are we in communion with as we break the bread and share the cup? Some would say it is the individual's opportunity to be in communion with God, to examine his or her life, to receive God's forgiveness, to celebrate God's love. Others would offer that it is an opportunity for the faith community to celebrate their life together, nurture their relationships as God's children, receive the presence of Christ and witness to the world a new quality of life. All of these are important facets of the communion we share. But, I believe, there is more.
As important as the bread and wine are in our celebration of the Lord's Supper, particularly as vehicles through which we experience the presence of Christ, our communion comes through the Spirit. Here is where I would suggest, "Geographic distance is not spiritual distance." What I mean by this is that we can be sitting in the same sanctuary, sharing of the same bread and cup, and be as far from God's grace and each other as anyone can imagine. Conversely, we can be celebrating communion in sanctuaries halfway around the world, yet be at the same table, sharing in the communion of the Lord's Supper, together. Geographic distance is not spiritual distance.
This truth applies not only to those living halfway around the world, but to those who live in eternity with God. We call this the communion of saints. Those who have gone before us, our family, other loved ones and friends, as well as others, including those we did not love so much, are gathered at Christ's table with us. You see, distances defined by time and space, even life and death, are not the same as spiritual distance. Our celebration of the Lord's Supper, if we are open and prepared to receive the communion the Spirit offers, is an opportunity to be "present" with those we love, to speak the words in our heart that we said so often, or to speak the words we never had a chance to say. Holy Communion is also an opportunity to speak words of forgiveness to those who hurt us or those we hurt. Holy Communion is an opportunity for us to make right the wrongs that yet exist in our lives and to celebrate the precious gifts of life and love we have been given. Holy Communion is the moment when the bounds of time and space, life and death, are broken and we are in the very presence of God through our mystic union with Jesus Christ.
People of faith, on Sunday, World Communion Sunday, we will be celebrating communion with our sisters and brothers throughout the world. As you prepare to celebrate communion that day, I would invite you to give some thought as to who might be present with you around that table - your family and friends, those you loved and those you hated, those you hurt or who hurt you, sisters and brothers from down the street or in foreign lands. What will you say to them? What will they say to you?
See you in church!
Pastor Myers
revhaggis1@hotmail.com
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This Sunday...
"An Invitation to the Table"Genesis 45:4-15 Psalm 22:1-15 Hebrews 1:1-14, 2:5-12 Mark 10:2-16 Lay Assistant: Scott McClintock
Communion Servers: George and Elizabeth Nieman, Bob & Carolyn Meling, John & Mary Lyle, Carol Bowman, Barbara Byrne, Lolla Ballard, Julie Armstrong, Armond & Betsy Akey
Beedle/Crucifer: Courtney Fisher and Landen Crosier
Usher: Buff & Dalton Hottle, Mark & Maggie McVey, Brenda Runge
Greeters: Carol & Bonnie Heflin and Ruth Wright
Children's Church: Crystal Sargent
Nursery: Bonnie Heflin & Chloe Larson
Coffee Hour: Alice Lawson & Joyce Hagemann
Special Offering: Peacemaking Offering
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Sunday School
Sunday school begins at 9:15 a.m. PreK (3+) and Kindergarten - meet in the upstairs theater. Your teachers are Mrs. Lyle and Ms. Simpson. 1, 2, 3th grade - meet in the upstairs theater. Your teacher will be Mrs. Myers and Crystal Sargent. 4, 5, 6th grade - meet in the upstairs theater. Your teachers are Mrs. Heaton, Mrs. Dingman, and Mr. Best. 7 & 8th grade - meet in the junior/senior high room above the nursery. Your teachers will be Dr. Sargent and Jill McClintock. Senior High - will meet for lunch on October 14. Location to be announced. Adult Sunday School Faith & Life: We will begin again on October 14. Pastor Myers will be leading a class based on the book, A Sustainable Presbyterian Future. You may purchase a book in the Social Hall or office. The book costs $10.00. It isn't necessary to purchase the book, but it will be a valuable resource. Bible Study: Will meet in the brides room across from the chapel just outside the social hall.
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Hurricane Isaac 
On August 28 Hurricane Isaac made landfall in Louisiana along a path that was devastated seven years ago by Hurricane Katrina. Communities that have just begun to recover from the impact of Katrina and the Gulf oil spill now face another challenge to rebuild and restore their lives once again. As people of faith, we pray with all who have been affected by this disaster. In these uncertain times we pray, trusting that God remains mightier than even the strongest of storms and largest of waves. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) stands ready to immediately respond to needs identified by mid councils in the affected areas. Trained National Response Team members are being deployed to provide a ministry of presence and help with assessments and other identified needs. Cleanup buckets and Gift of the Heart kits are being considered to help in many aspects of the cleanup and recovery process. Your generosity will make a big difference in the effectiveness of this work. To make a donation click here.
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An Invitation to Read the Bible
(10/07/12) Sunday - John 19:15-21:25, Monday - Acts 1:1-3:13, Tuesday - Acts 3:14-5:41, Wednesday - Acts 5:42-7:60, Thursday - Acts 8:1-9:43 , Friday - Acts 10:1-12:13, Saturday - Acts 12:14-14:27, (10/14/12) Sunday - Acts 14:28-16:39.
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Fillman Fellowship
The ladies of Fillman Fellowship will meet this Thursday, October 11, at 10:00 a.m. at Dew's Diner here in Monmouth.
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Commissioned Ruling Elder Program
Commissioned Ruling Elders (CREs) are elders in one of the churches of our presbytery who have felt a call to further their ministry by seeking further education. Once that education is complete, they work with the Committee on Ministry to determine whether or not they have a call to be commissioned as the pastor of one of our smaller churches. We have more than a dozen congregations now served by CREs.
Most of the education is now done online through Dubuque Seminary. The presbytery also requires that anyone who would like to be commissioned here does two other things. The first is to be evaluated as to their emotional and psychological readiness for the rigors of the pastoral life. Currently, this is done through a counseling service in Chicago but it will soon be done within the bounds of the presbytery. The second is to attend a class taught by members of the presbytery to look at the practical aspects of polity, preaching, worship, and sacraments. Online classes are good for theory and we are adding this component of practice.
Please contact Sue Krummel at skrummel@greatriverspby.org if you would like more information or if you or someone you know would like to attend.
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Handyman/woman Needed
Strom Center would like to partner with individuals from our church who have the capability and desire to help others in the community with minor house repairs who are incapable of doing it themselves. Please sign up on the office door if you can offer your time and talent.
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For the first time in decades "Crop Walk" is returning to Monmouth. On Sunday, October 21 at 2:00 walkers will meet at Monmouth College's Huff Center to begin their journey. If you are interested in walking please see Stephanie Reading in the social hall after church. She will give you a fund raising packet. If you are unable to walk but would like to donate walkers will be taking your donations in the social hall over the next couple of weeks. All age of walkers are welcome! Read what one pastor wrote to encourage his congregation and ours to participate. "I walk because I hope to experience the change that Jesus brought forth as he walked from Galilee to Jerusalem transforming the lives of those he encountered. I walk to help others. I walk to change the lives of my children, and to change my life. Let's walk together in our communities' CROP Hunger Walks knowing that we do not walk alone. For just as Jesus walked with the poor, the lonely, the sinful and the hurting, Jesus walks with us. Let's make this the year when we challenge those around us who are looking for a way to be of service to participate in their local Walk. And let them know that they make a difference in the lives of others who are connected to them by our common heritage as the children of God." (Written by, The Reverend Jimmie R. Hawkins) |
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New Orleans Mission Trip
The United Church of Oneida is planning on a mission trip to New Orleans from December 29 to January 5/6, 2013. If you are interested in joining us, please email Larry Lawson at llawson2@otelmail.com or call him at 309 368-0009. A planning meeting is planned for October 14 at 7:00 pm at the church in Oneida.
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Sympathy
To Barb Gossett, on the death of her father, Vern Haggenjos, who died on September 30, 2012. To Vern (Norma) Mettler and Dixie (Bob) Wells, on the death of their sister, Patricia Comer, who died on September 30, 2012.
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Candidate Suggestion Form - Faith United Presbyterian Church
Elder - Deacon - Trustee
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 2012 Nominating Committee is: Gene Larson, Mary Distin, Crystal Sargent, Sally Bowman, Julie Armstrong, Debbie Dingman, Gary Distin, Buster Kellogg.
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October Birthdays
1 Dorothy Behnke 2 Lorna Blackford 5 Barb Byrne 6 Elizabeth Nieman 7 Micheal Crosier 11 Chloe Larson David Spoerl Paul Mason III 13 Megan Byrne 15 Don Mills Austin Johnson 17 Thomas Best 19 Mandy Lyle 21 Taylor Turnquist 29 Marie Inman 30 Lynn Biggs Amanda Bowman 30 Kathy Lewis |
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Prayers
For:
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Rose Trimble, Wayne Hasting (Betty Lee's brother), Jane Warfield, Mick Miller, Tracey Williams, Lindsay Murdock & family, Don Mills, Vern Carr, Don Robeson, Janet Themanson, Jim & Janet Paris.
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