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Chatham Presbyterian 

News, Events and More! 
  
   
  

March 1, 2014 Newsletter

 
Issue 24

Macken family winter 2012

Dear Ones,  

Totally Incredible - That's how I describe the time I've had being your interim pastor at CPC. It's hard to believe in just 4 short weeks, I will not be entering the doors of your church to teach, lead, encourage, laugh, and cry!  

It has been an absolutely awesome ride, and I will never forget my time here. I came knowing just a few of you, and I leave having a whole host of new lifelong friends. You welcomed me to CPC, were patient as I learned Presbyterian polity, and so graciously put up with my occasional loud singing! Thank you for allowing me to use my creativity in preaching....remember that huge hanging burlap heart? I have truly loved my time serving as your pastor.

It has been amazing to watch CPC grow, renew, refresh, get healthier, and maintain a better financial standing. But now it is time for me to step aside for the new pastor. As Jim and JoAnn come to Chatham and CPC, I move on. But know I will be praying for you and watching with anticipation what God has in store for His great church.

I love you all and will miss you dearly.

In His Grip, Ken

Ash Wednesday Service

With Lent comes a period of preparation as we commemorate Christ's 40 days in the wilderness before the start of His public ministry. Christians throughout the world use this time for prayer, repentance, giving and self-denial. Take time to reflect on Ash Wednesday during a worship service this Wednesday, March 5, at 7:00 p.m.


SMILE AND SAY "SPRING!" 

DIRECTORY PHOTOS TAKEN THIS MONTH   

To help our incoming pastor, Jim Reitz, get to know us better, we're compiling an informal photo directory. Todd Marvel will set up photo equipment to take your photo this month. Please stop after worship to have your picture taken.

    

NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY NOW AVAILABLE

A newly-updated church directory has been emailed to all members recently. If you did not receive it or need a hard copy, please contact the church office at 483-4204 or info@chathampresbyterian.org. Many thanks to Amy Bifano for compiling this new edition directory!

silver-keyboard.jpg CATCH UP! CPC WEBSITE   
Have you visited the CPC website lately at www.chathampresbyterian.com, which was designed to educate our regular attenders and attract visitors to CPC. Best part? If you miss a service, we've got you covered! The message is online, thanks to James Carder's handiwork. Go to our Sermon Archive and catch up. Do you have something you'd like to see added to the website? Email Debbie Biel or Julie Kaiser with your suggestions.
GRIEF SUPPORT SERIES HOSTED BY
CROSSROADS COUNSELING THIS SPRING
A 10-week grief support series will be offered by Crossroads Counseling Center on Thursdays, March 6 to May 8 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Springfield. The program is free of charge and specially tailored for those who are struggling with the loss of a loved one. Participants will be led by caring people who can help you recover and rebuild your life. For registration information, contact Margie Wheelhouse M.A., L.P.C., here at Crossroads, ph. 483-1224. 
THE CLUBHOUSE: FRIENDS, FAMILY, FUN!
You can't beat Genesis for amazing stories. Don't miss even one of these tales of adventure, intrigue and surprise endings as we look at EPIC ADVENTURES this month.
  • March 2: God Creates People in His Image (Genesis 1) We are God's perfect creation.
  • March 9: God Sends Adam and Eve from the Garden (Genesis 3:6-24) God is perfect and holy.
  • March 16: God Tells Noah to Build the Ark (Genesis 6:5-7:5) God asks us to obey Him.
  • March 23: God Tests Abraham (Genesis 22:1-18) God is pleased when we trust him.
  • Coming on March 30: Fifth Sunday special event!
  • April sneak peek: The Ultimate Transformer

 

Looking for something lifechanging to do in 2014? We have openings with several Clubhouse age groups. The work is rewarding, and the pay is great - all the hugs and smiles you could want. If we call on you, please say yes.  Even better, call us first and volunteer. Contact Laura VanProyen at 494-0503 or christianed@chathampresbyterian.org.  

SUNDAY, MARCH 23rd is a BIG Day!
Sunday morning, March 23, we will celebrate Pastor Ken Macken's tenure with us at CPC. We encourage everyone to be at church that day to show our appreciation for Ken's work this past year and a half. Don't miss great food at the luncheon following worship, too! Sunday evening, March 23, we'll have BOWLING AND PIZZA instead of regular youth worship. Bring a friend!

 

MISSION TRIPPERS! On Sunday, March 7th we will have pizza the movie "Son of God." This much anticipated movie about Jesus' life will deepen your understanding and love of our Savior. Movie Trailer Here.  Don't miss it! 

Plans for Kentucky are well underway, and it is sure to be a life-changing experience!

It's not too late to get involved, so please let us know if you have friends who are interested in joining us on this adventure. Contact Amy Bifano at sabiffers@aol.com with questions.  
 
letuspray
JOYS AND CONCERNS

CPC is a congregation of people who strive to pray for one another - in the good times and the challenging times. If you have a prayer request, click here for information on how to be included on our
Prayer Chain.

Our Grateful List
Spring ... on the way ... right?!
Dan Wirsing's heart tests came back okay. Plus his mom's heart surgery on Valentine's Day was successful!  She is now in rehab.
Jim and JoAnn Reitz and God's provision to bring them to CPC. Pray for a smooth move and transition this month from Pennsylvania to Chatham.

Prayer Requests
Todd Marvel's mother, Sally Trawick, facing a new bout with cancer and Marsha Marvel's mother Margaret Carroll, under hospice care.
Devin Edmison, facing surgery for scoliosis and spinal cord issues.
Stephanie and George Kennedy: the recent passing of Stephanie's father and George's carotid artery surgery.
Wendy Ford, continued health challenges.
Kelli Severs, severe back issues and possible surgery.
Laura Black: continued treatment for a brain tumor.
Jan Day: sister Melissa with ALS and sister Phyllis providing care.
April Woerner's father, Frank Alves, throat cancer.
Lisa Edmison, brother-in-law, kidney cancer.
Dwight Knollenberg: TJ and Emily's grandpa, cancer.

Military Members 
Aled Fain, Eric Anderson, Brody Correll, Drew Correll, Margaret Siemer, Brad Miller, Seth Baker, Gary Kirchner, Clay Kuetemeyer, Josh Yankle.

Shut-Ins 
Betty Creasey, Twila Juraska

Boosters: For those in need of extra prayer 
Clifford, Dave, Corrina and Issac Dahl; Dwight Elliott, Mary Jane Elliott,  Harold and Helen Kaiser, Lois Siemer, Paul Spindler, Bill and Carolyn Templeton, Cynthia Wilson, Chuck Hendricks.
  

March 23 is a Special Date! 

It's a Going Away Party
after worship, and you are invited for fun and fellowship with Ken Macken and his family. Come join us for a Lasagna Luncheon, and we will present Ken with his farewell gifts. 

We are asking for donations to help cover the cost of the lasagna and the custom-designed cross. Please write "Ken's gift" in the memo line of your check if you are able to help. Also, if your last name starts with A-M, please bring a side dish. If you are in the N-Z group, please bring a dessert. Thanks so much!

Construction Zone and Clubhouse Smiles!



SAVE THE DATE
Vacation Bible School is bringing a bunch of
 to CPC the week of
June 23 - 27th.
Stay tuned for more details about a fun week full of games, activities and learning about God's love!
 
 Lifegroups logo
 
Regular Meeting Times
    
Firm Foundations Adult Sunday School Class
Sundays, 8:30 am
Julie Kaiser, 483-5909  
  
Mondays, 6:00 pm
     Lisa Rigoni, 553-6781 
  
     
Mondays, 7:00-8:30 pm
Sara Metzger,
430-7374
Tuesdays 6:30-8:30 pm 
Thornton Woerner,
725-5646

 

UPDATED SCHEDULE  
Women in the Word
will be off March 6th but return with a fun social on March 13th.

"Hebrews: The Nearness of King Jesus" by Lisa Harper will kick off the spring session on March 25th as the group moves to Tuesday nights!
Laura Van Proyen
494-0503

Sexual Misconduct Policy Training Held in February
More than 50 people attended the mandatory meeting for volunteers and staff who work with children and youth led by Pam Bruzan and the Human Resources Management Team. Special thanks to everyone who helped prepare presentations, brought food, set up chairs and tables and coordinated sound and video recording. A copy of the policy is available in the church office, and a DVD of the training will be available in April.

The Session welcomes your questions, comments or concerns. 

Pam Bruzan:  
Dave Dahl:  
Dorothy Doetsch:
djd723@yahoo.com
Cindy Gamble: cmgamble11@comcast.net
Patrick Hansen
:
phansen58@comcast.net
Denise Koester
dlk63@juno.com
Todd Marvel:  
Cheryl Niemeyer:  
Barbara Olson: esfj57@yahoo.com 
Bernie Stoddard:
berstodd@comcast.net     
spring-word-flowers.jpg
 
    
Newsletter Editor:
Debbie Biel
Proofer
Julie Kaiser


1835 East Walnut, Chatham, IL 62629
Phone: 217-483-4204