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Faith United Presbyterian Church
Focus on Faith |
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 What Do You Think? "Are the Protestants to Blame?"
From time to time, I hear someone blame the Protestants, particularly Calvin, for the overbearing cycle of production and consumption, which threatens to consume us. One person recently invoked Weber's The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. In the words of her paraphrase, "Work is good. Do more work, so you can make a profit. Put your profit back into your work, so you can do more work, because work is good." You will not be surprised to hear that I challenged her point of view.
We live in a culture where the cycle of production and consumption is out of control. In our nation, a person's worth is too often defined by her capacity to produce. Moreover, in times of recession, there are always those who believe the way out is through increased consumption and production. In some ways, my friend is correct. We live in a culture enslaved by the premise: "Work is good. Do more work, so you can make a profit. Put your profit back into your work, so you can do more work, because work is good." However, my contention is: The Protestants are not to blame for this. In fact, I would contend it is the decline of Protestantism marked by the silencing of the Protestant voice in families, schools, churches, and church related institutions, which is to blame.
Inherent in Protestantism are values and virtues, "governors", if you will, that serve to control our production and consumption. The fear of scarcity, of never having enough, is balanced by trust in the providence of God. Among the gifts God has provided are nighttime and Sabbath rest, so that we will not spend all day or all week at work. There is the Lord's Day, where, in offering our worship to God, we are reminded there is a purpose greater than ourselves. Avarice and greed are held in check by our understanding of faithful stewardship. Individual gain is countered by the common good. Anxiety is met with generosity. Worth is defined, not by our potential for production, but by God's love for us. In all of these things, we see: Protestantism is not the cause of our current affliction. Protestantism is the cure.
Families who observe the Sabbath, who stop their work and choose to worship, together, on the Lord's Day, will discover there is still time for the other things they enjoy, but their lives will have a healthier balance. They will have clearer perspectives on what is truly important in life. Schools that involve faith communities in the educational process, and there are many legal ways to do so, will discover rich resources in our teachings on stewardship, grace, and the common good. Churches, and other church related institutions, that strive to be evermore faithful to their identity and calling will discover they are no longer held captive by the vicissitudes of an all consuming culture, but they will, again, stand strong among the influences shaping our culture. Everyone, be they individuals or institutions, will discover a new, and better, quality of life, when we strive to become the people God has called and created us to be.
In Journey to the Common Good, Walter Brueggemann interprets the Exodus story as a "journey to the common good". From Brueggeman's perspective, Pharaoh's dreams are "nightmares of scarcity", which led to the enslavement of God's people. In the Joseph narrative, Pharaoh's fears are turned into economic policy, in part, because, when a great famine hit the land, and in spite of the unrealistic and unreachable production goals placed upon them by Pharaoh, God's people found slavery in Egypt more appealing than trusting the providence of God.
After generations of slavery, God heard the cry of God's people and sent Moses to deliver God's people, from the anxiety of their enslavement in their captivity to Pharaoh's "nightmares of scarcity, to a new way of life, focused on the common good and lived out in the abundant generosity of God. In the wilderness, where the only food, quail and manna, was provided by God's grace, God's people learned: God is a God, not of scarcity, but of abundant generosity. From Mt. Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, God's people discovered the life of neighborliness, or the common good, as an alternative to living as slaves to a system of scarcity where, no matter how much is produced, there is never enough.
This new life is embodied in the Protestant Work Ethic, where balance is maintained by Sabbath and Grace. When these elements are removed, people are consumed by their production for, apart from God, the only purpose of the production/consumption cycle is to enable more production/consumption. This is why Protestantism is the cure. The Protestant way stands over and against mindless production and consumption. For Protestants, our production has a purpose: the Glory of God. The Protestant way is to give thanks to God for the many blessings and opportunities we have in our lives and try to be good stewards of all we have been given, giving back to God and neighbor a generous portion of what we have received. The Protestants were right. Work is good, if done for the glory of God and the common good.
See you in church!
Pastor Myers
revhaggis1@hotmail.com
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This Sunday is Reformation Sunday!
"Life and Love"Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9 Revelation 21:1-6a Psalm 24 John 11:32-44 Lay Assistant: Rob Hale
Special Music: John Spurgeon from the Monmouth College Highlanders
Beedle/Crucifer: Elsie Wright and Will Best
Usher: Julie Armstrong, Bob Wells, Josh Clark, Nancy Dowell, Lolla Ballard
Greeters: Mike, Heather, Emily, Courtney & Kara Fisher and Sue Van Kirk
Children's Church: Tom Best
Nursery: Kathy Lewis and Emily Fisher
Coffee Hour: Buster & Jane Kellogg
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Stewardship Sunday - November 11, 2012
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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, at 12:30 p.m., at Dew's Diner. Adult Sunday School Faith & Life: October 28, November 4 & 11 - Pastor Myers will lead a 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. Bible Study: Will meet in the brides room across from the chapel just outside the social hall.
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An Invitation to Read the Bible
(10/28/12) Sunday - 1 Corinthians 11:34-14:39, Monday - 1 Corinthians 14:40-16:23, Tuesday - 1 Corinthians 16:24 - 2 Corinthians 4:18, Wednesday - 2 Corinthians 5:1-9:14, Thursday - 2 Corinthians 9:15-13:13, Friday - 2 Corinthians 13:14 - Galatians 3:29, Saturday - Galatians 4:1 - Ephesians 1:22, (11/4/12) Sunday - Ephesians 5:1 - Philippians 1:30.
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Isabel Circle
Isabel Circle will meet on Thursday, October 25th at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Margie Myers at 1021 E. Detroit Avenue. Crystal Sargent will facilitate Lesson Two from the 2012-2013 from the Horizons Bible Study. All women are invited to attend. Study Guides are still available for $9.00 and can be obtained from the church office.
Dispatches to God's Household
The General Dispatches
Lesson Two: Fatherhood
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-25; 1 John 4:7-21
What does it mean to be the parent of God's household? In the key idea for Lesson Two, we read that God both defines and defies the character of earthly parenthood. God embodies fatherhood and motherhood in ways that we have seen or experienced and in ways that we cannot completely understand. Imagine what it is like to be the child of such a parent. That is what you'll find as the basis for Lesson Two. What is it like to be loved by the one who loves best, most, and without end? We learn that God our father, our loving mother, nurtures us into life with and for love.
The term paterfamilias is defined in a Lesson Two sidebar. Historically, the father, or paterfamilias, was the protector of the household, with all power and responsibility for the family in the larger Roman society. Romans of the time understood what a paterfamilias was. By using the same image of a father in charge of everything that happens in the household, early Christians gained credibility for a faith struggling to find its footing in the first century. Read the author's reflections on motherhood and language in the corresponding box at the end of the lesson.
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World Community Day
Join with women on Friday, November 2, for a noon luncheon and program at Kirkwood Westminster Presbyterian Church for World Community Day. The guest will be Church Women United Illinois President, Rev. Adrian Johnson.
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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!
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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.
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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"
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Crock-pot Cook-off Entry
Yes, it's time again to hold our 3rd Annual Crock-pot Cook-off on November 11, following worship.  The rules are simple: Select a recipe that is cooked only in your crock. This can include anything from breakfast dishes, to soups, main courses, to desserts. Basically, anything that you can cook in a crock-pot. Adults, youth, and children will then sample each one, voting on the yummiest dish. The person with the most votes will win a gift certificate to a local restaurant! The entry fee is $5.00, and would be helpful if it is submitted along with your name and what you'll be making to the office by Sunday, November 4. Taste-buds Needed!
Crock-pot Cook-off
November 11, 2012
at 11:45 a.m. (following worship)
$3.00 per adult and $1.00 per child under 12 will let you...
sample from each crockery and give you the ability
to vote on your favorite one!
(Drinks will be provided.)
All proceeds will go toward the cost of our 2013 Triennium and youth missions.
Thank you always for your support!!!
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Looking for a Home
We have a fax machine and printer that need a home (free). Both work but are never used because of our new copier that has the capabilities to do both. If you are interested in either, please call the church office by November 4.
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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 20 Jane Laughead 21 Taylor Turnquist 29 Marie Inman 30 Lynn Biggs Amanda Bowman 30 Kathy Lewis |
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Prayers
For:
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Wayne Hasting (Betty Lee's brother), Jane Warfield, Mick Miller, Tracey Williams, Lindsay Murdock & family, Vern Carr, Janet Themanson, Jim & Janet Paris.
Sympathy: To Rob Hale, Erika, Barbara, and Eddie, on the death of Rob's father, William McCanless Hale, who died on Saturday, October 20, 2012.
To Raj and Saro Ambrose, on the death of Raj's brother, Premraj Ambrose, who died on Monday, October 22, 2012.
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