|
|
Faith United Presbyterian Church
Focus on Faith |
|
|
|
 What Do You Think? "When Things Don't Go Quite Like We Planned"
Last Sunday, I had prepared a discussion on A Sustainable Presbyterian Future, by Dr. Louis Weeks. This is an excellent and hope-filled book about the strengths and future of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Frankly, in our time and place, I can't imagine anyone who loves the church, not wanting to participate in such a discussion, but I digress.
Having prepared a Power Point presentation on the first chapter that would take most of the hour; we made it through the first couple of quotes from the book, before our discussion went "local". It's hard to read the book and not connect the dots with our congregation. I did it, all the while I was reading the book, as well as in preparing the class. The comments and questions, which took me away from my prepared presentation, were excellent. As we consider our life together, it is vital we face the challenges head on, while maintaining a hope-full perspective about our future. Our culture is not conducive to church life. The challenges are legion. However, the resources we have in our particular congregation are greater than we realize.
When I arrived eleven years ago, we spoke of the importance of a "stone soup" mentality for our ministry. Today, I see that being lived out in the lives of many in our congregation. For this, we must all be grateful.
The class didn't go as I planned. But if you were in church on Sunday, you experienced some of the fruits of the conversation we had. Because of something said in the class, I was inspired to have everyone on the south side of the sanctuary move to the north. Why? To let everyone see, what it would feel like if our sanctuary was half its size, which would make it the size of most church sanctuaries in our community.
Many in worship responded positively to the experience. They could feel what it was like to actually be surrounded by people during worship. They could sing more confidently, knowing their voices would not stand out. They could see, even at 125 (our attendance Sunday), which is higher than the average worship attendance of most American Protestant congregations (60-120); we have a significant core group in worship each week.
The class didn't go the way I had planned but, because it didn't, a good number of our folks had the opportunity to look at our congregation a little differently. We still have the challenge of filling one of, if not the, largest auditorium in the county, each week. But even on a low Sunday, we have a vital worshiping congregation which is more than viable. As I mentioned on Sunday, we can either lament who is not here, or we can be grateful for who is and invite others to join us. The choice is yours.
People of faith, I believe this is how God often works in our lives. While it is important for us to have plans and prepare for the future, it is even more important for us to recognize, sometimes God's plans are not our own. Yet, even when things don't turn out quite like we plan, when we have entrusted our lives and our future to God, we may praise God nonetheless.
See you in church!
Pastor Myers
revhaggis1@hotmail.com
|
|
|
|
This Sunday...
"Is It Worth It?"Job 38:1-7 Hebrews 5:1-10 Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c Mark 10:35-45 Lay Assistant: Vicki Briscoe
Beedle/Crucifer: Megan & Abby Brown
Usher: Julie Armstrong, Bob Wells, Josh Clark, Nancy Dowell, Lolla Ballard
Greeters: Jon & Sharon Graham and Dale & Debbie Dingman
Children's Church: Lorna Blackford
Nursery: Ian & Sarah Moschenross
Coffee Hour: Buster & Jane Kellogg
|
|
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, at 12:30 p.m., at Dew's Diner. Adult Sunday School Faith & Life: October 21 & 28, November 4 & 11 - Pastor Myers will lead a (now) four week session based on the book, A Sustainable Presbyterian Future. In this study of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Louis Weeks examines the present state of the denomination and how congregations can grow in faith through the current time of transition in the church. He considers markers of Presbyterian identity, new ways of connecting and faith development, and defining qualities of the church. Recognizing that many congregations are changing in different ways. Case studies of congregations and interviews with leaders of local congregations and denominational leaders are included. These studies explore aspects of Presbyterian faith and life that are viable and necessary for the future. Since the class got off topic last week, we will begin with chapter 1 this Sunday. Chapter 1 and 2 are available through email (pdf) or hard copy by contacting Heather here. There is still time to order a book (orders will be here on October 26); however, orders need to be made through Margie by this Sunday. Bible Study: Will meet in the brides room across from the chapel just outside the social hall.
|
An Invitation to Read the Bible
(10/21/12) Sunday - Romans 4:1-7:25, Monday - Romans 8:1-10:20, Tuesday - Romans 10:21-13:14, Wednesday - Romans 14:1-16:27, Thursday - 1 Corinthians 1;1-5:4, Friday - 1 Corinthians 5:5-8:13, Saturday - 1 Corinthians 9:1-11:33, (10/28/12) Sunday - 1 Corinthians 11:34-14:39.
|
|
MC Raking for Seniors
On Saturday, November 3, 2012, Monmouth College will host our Saturday of Service program. Saturday of Service is a program which occurs each semester where students at the College volunteer in the Monmouth community at pre-assigned locations. Projects can range from painting, packaging items, raking leaves, moving furniture, working with children, working with elderly, assisting with setting up Christmas decorations, delivering supplies, etc. All we ask is for you to supply materials such as paint, ladders, brushes, etc. Please sign up on the office door no later than Friday, October 26.
|
Stroke Awareness
The OSF Holy Family Medical Center Chaplains Association invites you to attend a free community education session: "Stroke Awareness", presented by: Jean Garner, RN, along with members of the OSF Holy Family Medical Center Stroke Team on Sunday, October 21, at 4:00 p.m. at Faith United Presbyterian Church Social Hall.
OSF Holy Family Stroke Team Members will be presenting Pact to Act FAST. This is a health awareness program that was designed to educate individuals on the importance of acting fast when someone is having a stroke. They will educate attendees on learning the signs of stroke, what to do when someone is having a stroke, and the crucial time factor involved for receiving life saving treatment.
|
|
Annual Chili and Oyster Stew Supper Plus Bake Sale
Where: First Lutheran Church
116 South B St
When: Sunday, November 4
5 - 7:00 p.m.
Chili or Oyster Stew, veggies, dessert, and drink
Free will donation!
|
Per Capita
The per-capita assessment underwrites the operating costs of the Presbytery of Great Rivers, the Synod of Lincoln Trails, and General Assembly. It also pays for denominational dues in the National Council of Churches and the national ordination exams for candidates for the ministry. This year the per capita is $28.00 for each confirmed member. Traditionally, congregations ask that all members pay their per capita in addition to making a contribution above and beyond their regular giving to assist in meeting our denominational operating cost.
|
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) |
|
Icebreakers
The Icebreaker meeting for October will be on the 21st at 6:00 p.m. in the Social Hall. Tom Best will be our special guest and will speak on "Kansas City to San Antonio - a look at the south and west." Meal will be $5.00. Reservations can be made through Jo Ellen Dollinger at 734-8627, Donna Larson at 734-6103, and Darlene Moffet at 734-5537.
|
|
Grief Series - A Journey of Renewal
For six Wednesday evenings beginning on November 1, the Chaplains' Association of OSF Holy Family Medical Center will sponsor a fall series, "Grief: Journey of Renewal" for people who have recenly experienced the death of a loved one or those finding difficulty in coping with their grief. The discussions will be led by Doug Gibb, Bereavement Counselor. The sessions begin at 5:30 and adjourn at 7:00 p.m. Each session will be held at the OSF Holy Family Classroom. Registrations are appreciated. For information and registration call, 734-1404. Session Topics:
November 1 - "Getting to Know Your Grief"
November 8 - "The Positive Power of Grief"
November 15 - "Memories"
November 22 (holiday - date to be determined by group) - "Advice for Friends of the Bereaved"
November 29 - "God Cares" by a Chaplains' Association Member
December 6 - "Coping with Special Days"
|
|
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.
|
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 20 Jane Laughead 21 Taylor Turnquist 29 Marie Inman 30 Lynn Biggs Amanda Bowman 30 Kathy Lewis |
|
|
Prayers
For:
|
Lana Endicott, Premraj Ambrose (Raj Ambrose's brother), Wayne Hasting (Betty Lee's brother), Jane Warfield, Mick Miller, Tracey Williams, Lindsay Murdock & family, Vern Carr, Janet Themanson, Jim & Janet Paris.
|
|
|
|
