CPC logo

 

Chatham Presbyterian 

News, Events and More! 
  
   
  
January 2015 Newsletter
 
Issue 34
 

Goodbye 2014. . . Hello 2015 at CPC

Unbelievable!  I use that word both to describe how fast 2014 flew by, as well as how wonderful a year it has been here at CPC.  Just one year ago, JoAnn and I were preparing to come out for the Worship and congregation vote. I had great anticipation and expectations once everything was set for our move. And you not only met, but you exceeded those expectations. What a great place. What an amazing congregation. What a Spirit-filled community of faith. 

They say that sometimes you need to step outside of an experience to really appreciate it.  I know you all can't do that easily. Yet I ask you to trust me, since I am the "Newer Guy on the Block," that I can see what you really have here in this place. God has been with you every step of the way, no matter the rough times you have faced.  God has blessed and is blessing us each and every day in ways that go beyond what we can ask and even imagine.  

The end of a year is both a time to reflect on the past year and begin to look forward to what is yet to come.  So I want to ask you to spend some time thinking about both your personal faith with Jesus, as well as this place called CPC that God has blessed you with this past year.  Then begin to anticipate what is yet to come. What will God be doing in your life, in the life of this church?  Where will God lead us in the months that lie ahead?

Over the next few weeks, I will lead us as a Community of Faith to review both where we have been and look forward to what we sense God will be doing in our midst. On January 11, we will reflect back upon God's goodness here at CPC. On January 18, we will begin to envision what God is setting before us in the year to come.  Come join together as we celebrate the wonderful place we call our church home. 
UnHanging of the Greens: Saturday, January 10 at 9 a.m. 

Didn't the church look beautiful during the Christmas season? Help us put away and store the decorations.  Many hands make light work, and we'd love to put your hands to work for a couple of hours or fifteen minutes, whatever you can spare.    

 

CLUBHOUSE
THIS JAN. 

We're going to LEVEL UP in January as we look at some Christian Beliefs together in the Clubhouse.

Jan 4 - The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17) We wear the armor of God.

Jan 11 - Jesus Gets His Power from God (Matthew 12:22-29) We know Jesus is stronger than anything.

Jan 18 - The Serpent Tempts Eve (Genesis 3:1-8) We say no to temptation.

Jan 25 - God is Victorious (1 Corinthians 15:20-28) We celebrate victory with Jesus.

February Sneak Peek: Off Road Wacky Wednesdays!
What are they? Wednesday evenings filled with wacky good times - January 14 & 28, February 11 & 25, March 11; 5:30 - 6:45 p.m.
Who are they for?  First through fifth graders.
What will they include? After a light supper provided by a different family each week, Pastor Jim and his helpers will have games and activities beyond your wildest imagination!
How do we get involved? Register at the Welcome Center or Clubhouse Counter by January 11.  Registration is required to participate, so get signed up. Invite your friends and get them signed up, too!  Then watch your e-mail for more information. Contact Laura VanProyen at 494-0503.
 
girl reading
Confirmation Class Update  
Confirmation Class starts this month for ninth graders and older. We will meet for the first time on Sunday, January 11th in the Adult classroom. Both parents and youth are asked to attend. After a brief meeting with everyone, parents will be excused and we will meet together as a class.  Please call the church office no later than January 16 if your child plans to be a part of Confirmation Class. 
 
Congregational Meeting: Save the Date: Jan. 18
This meeting will immediately follow our Worship Celebration. Watch your mail for a letter describing the exact changes being requested for the by-laws, the latest news from the Lewis Trust, the names of those being nominated to serve on Session, The Board of Deacons and the Nominating Committee. A budget update and the Terms of Call for the Pastor will also be on the agenda for the meeting. All members are encouraged to attend.
 
Weather Cancellation Policy 
snowy-treescape.jpg
In the case of bad weather and the need to cancel church-wide events, a decision will be made by Jim and the Clerk of Session in consultation with other staff and key volunteers. Your safety is of the utmost importance to us. Here is what will happen:
  • Immediate notification of people in key leadership rolls.
  • Notification will be posted to the church web site no less than 12 hours before the beginning of the scheduled event.
  • A church-wide email will be sent to all members who have given the church email addresses.
  • Notification will be posted to local TV stations.
  • Please be sure to check to see if we are canceled before heading out.
 

Kids with Karts This Sunday, Jan. 4  

Thanks to the community's generosity, the Food Pantry is well-stocked for January. But they continue to request monetary donations for their purchases at County Market.   

 

Cleaning Help Needed:

Good with a mop, vacuum cleaner or dust rag? Consider a gift of time and labor. Contact Tadd Moorehead at 801-0053 to help.    

 

Quick CPC Links

Staff 

2014 Session 

Life Groups 

Need Help? 

Sermons on YouTube 


 

Jim's Quote Corner for the New Year 
"You cannot think yourself into a new way of living, but you must live yourself into a new way of thinking." Dr. David Schnarch 

Angel Tree and Holiday Book Drive Brightened  Christmas for Many     

Thanks to Ron Smith for this update from Contact Ministries. Their Annual Christmas Give-Away held on Dec. 17 was a huge success because of you!  With your help, we were able to serve more than 800 families  and 2,822 total people. 
baby book Jane Byram writes: "As Jim has said, CPC is a church that truly cares about others. This is evidenced in our church's participation in the recent Holiday Book Drive. Our church provided nearly 500 books for underprivileged children in our area (33 new books donated and $460). Your generosity played a large part in allowing the Holiday Book Drive to donate books to more than 4100 area children this year.  Thank you all!" 
 

The New Year kicks off Jan. 11, with Olsen Cafe at 5:45 followed by Youth Group at 6:30. Stay tuned for more details about the 2015 Mission Trip and fundraising opportunities. Remember, the deposit of $50 is due by Jan. 18. Questions? Call Amy at 483-4204 or email sabiffers@aol.com.
 
Soul Food Life Group 
It's back! The Soul Food group will resume their study of the book Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Come join our discussion and be encouraged in how our own community of faith can be strong in this day and age. January 7 and 21 at 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Pastor Jim at 483-4204. 
 
Women in the Word Meeting Again Women in the Word will resume their study, Life and Ministry of the Messiah,  January 6 and Tuesdays throughout January, from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the adult education room.
 
 
First Place 4 Health: Growing In the Fruit of the Spirit   
An informational orientation will be held on January 5 at 6:00 p.m. for interested participants. The study begins on January 12 and runs from 6 - 7:30 p.m. This First Place 4 Health Bible study contains 12 weeks of daily studies to help you put Christ in first place, as well as weekly "Live It Trackers" to document your progress.  Also included are Scripture memory cards, a coordinating Scripture memory music CD, and two complete weeks of menu plans with grocery lists, recipes and detailed nutrition information. 
 
 Joys
Christmas and the way our
Clubhouse Kids told the Christmas Story with their artwork (see above). 
T.J. Knollenberg has returned to work.
Karla Kunzeman's father, Guy, is now in a rehab facility.
Kathy Ridley, great doctor's report.

Concerns
Ken Doetsch, smooth recovery from surgery for torn Achille's tendon  
Pauline White, recovering from a fall
Tina, Emily & TJ Knollenberg, Grandpa, Dwight Knollenberg passed away
Devin Edmison, bone infection
Bill and Linda Carter, health challenges  
Laura Black's mother, Sue Brimm, health   
Don Byram's father, Glen Byram, health
Ken Doetsch's brother, Ron Doetsch, health 
Steve Bifano's sister, Kim Steinart, health 
Devin Edmison, continued recovery
Laura Black, treatment for brain tumor
Sally Trawick, Todd Marvel's mom, health
Tina Knollenberg's great niece, McKenna Crain, health 
Kelli Severs, health and work concerns 
 
Our Shut-ins: Betty Creasey, Twila Juraska; Maxine McCoy, Lewis Memorial. Our Boosters Who Need Extra Prayer: Jay Sampias, The Dahl Family, The Baird Family, The Van Pelt Family, Dwight Elliott, Wendy Ford, Harold & Helen Kaiser, Mary Jane Elliott,  Irma Gobleman, Chuck Hendricks, Lois Siemer, Paul Spindler, Bill & Carolyn Templeton, Cynthia Wilson.
Our Military Members: Eric Anderson, Brody Correll, Drew Correll, Aled Fain, Gary Kirchner, Clay Kuetemeyer, Nicholas Michael , Margaret Siemer, Josh Yakle, Joe Sadaj.
  
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.

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