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Faith United Presbyterian Church
Focus on Faith |
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Daylight Savings Time Ends this Sunday
Remember to fall back!
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 What Do You Think? "The Spiritual Gift of Hospitality"
On Sunday, I mentioned the Paraclete Book of Hospitality and how the title attracted my attention because of our congregation's recognition of the "paraclete" ministry of our elders who serve communion. As we discussed on Sunday, "paraclete" means advocate or helper and is the word Jesus used to speak of God's gift of the Holy Spirit. There is a deep connection between any ministry of hospitality, such as that of our communion servers or the Community of Jesus mention in the book, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
In the Paraclete Book of Hospitality, Sister Sharon recounts,
"When people come to Bethany, we thank God for bringing them, and we thank God for what he will do for them while they are with us. We anticipate that God is working in their lives, and we believe that since they have come to stay with us, we must be part of God's working in their lives. While guests are with us, we go about our business while affirming God's love and care for them and God's activity in their lives. Sometimes we get to see or hear about the results, other times we don't. It doesn't really matter. It is a very satisfying experience to be able to pray for people in this way, but we are careful not to tell God what we should be doing for them. God knows, and that's enough. Our job is simply to open our doors and our life to guests."
I found her words to be an excellent reminder that ministry is not about us, or our agendas. Ministry is about God and God's work in people's lives. In Sister Sharon's description, we see there is intentionality in ministry. We are to be intentional in our care for others and providing for their needs. One of the greatest gifts we can offer is the gift of anticipation, knowing the needs of others even before they ask. But it is also a gift to honor boundaries, creating a space where God's work can be done without our interference. This is the art behind the gift of hospitality, to be so invested in the lives of others, they can know the love of God through us, yet to provide enough space so they will not confuse our efforts with the hand of God working in their lives.
Sister Sharon also offers a helpful list of Hospitality Practices for when welcoming guests into our homes. I offer the list in its entirety for our consideration, as the people of Faith United, for part of our ministry is to welcome people, if not into our homes, into this house of God.
Offer a warm greeting to guests
Be sensitive to people who feel awkward and shy
Ask questions and listen
Always try and have fresh flowers visible
Keep everything clean
Plan ahead
Remember special needs and likes
Invite people who will make each other feel comfortable
Take people in as if they are already friends
Recognize Christ in other people
Give simple but meaningful gifts
Add special touches - caring gestures
Anticipate needs
Practice simplicity and keep everything in its place.
People of faith, may God provide us each day, not only the opportunity to practice, but to grow, in our ministry of hospitality, as the people, or better, the paracletes, of Faith United.
See you in church!
Pastor Myers
revhaggis1@hotmail.com
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This Sunday is Reformation Sunday!
"How Much is Enough? One Hundred Percent!"Ruth 1:1-18 Hebrews 9:11-14 Psalm 146 Mark 12:28-34 Lay Assistant: Mary Distin
Beedle/Crucifer: Kara Fisher & Choir
Usher: Gary Distin, Jon Graham, Ted Briscoe, Dick Speer, Larry Willett
Greeters: TBA
Children's Church: Stephanie Reading
Nursery: Cindy Wilson & Landen Crosier
Coffee Hour: Lowell & Dee Long and Dick & Carolyn Griffths
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Stewardship Sunday - November 11, 2012
Each fall the Stewardship Committee asks the congregation to make a financial commitment to the ministries of the church for the upcoming year. Commitment Sunday is preceded by a period in which the congregation is asked to reflect and pray about the use of their resources in the context of God's providing love. The committee then compiles the response in order to assist the session in determining the scope of ministry that will be possible for the coming year. Join us on November 11, 2012 for our Stewardship Commitment Sunday.
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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: November 4 - Pastor Myers will lead the final session based on the book, A Sustainable Presbyterian Future. Bible Study: Will meet in the brides room across from the chapel just outside the social hall.
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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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An Invitation to Read the Bible
11/04/12) Sunday - Ephesians 5:1 - Philippians 1:30, Monday - Philippians 2:1 - Colossians 1:15, Tuesday - Colossians 1:16 - 1 Thessalonians 1:15, Wednesday - 1 Thessalonians 1:16 - 2 Thessalonians 1:2, Thursday - 2 Thessalonians 1:3 - 1 Timothy 3:5, Friday - 1 Timothy 3:6 - 2 Timothy 1:17, Saturday - 2 Timothy 1:18 - Titus 1:15, (11/11/12) Sunday - Titus 1:16 - Hebrews 2:17.
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Cash for Caps
Program has finished here at Faith. Thank you for your contributions. we raised over $20.00 for Teddy Bear Day Care Center.
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How Can We Help?
When faced with the magnitude of devastation, such as that caused by Hurricane Sandy, one of the first questions that people of faith will ask is: "How can we help?" One of the great blessings of being a connectional church is that we have resources to respond in times of tragedy that we might not otherwise have, if we were left to our own devices. As part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), we may respond through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, knowing our time, talents, and money will be used in good faith. If you would like to know more about what PDA is doing in response to Hurricane Sandy, and other natural disasters throughout our nation and world, you may go to their website.
http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/who-we-are/
If you would like to know specifically how you may support their work in response to Hurricane Sandy, you may go to this web site.
http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/hurricane-sandy/
You may also give to PDA directly through our congregation. If you choose to do this, please designate your gift - "PDA Hurricane Sandy Response."
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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 this evening, 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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Fall Trivia Night
The Warren County United Way will be holding its annual Fall Trivia Night on Friday, November 16, at the Warren County History Museum in Monmouth. Registration will begin at 6:30 p.m. and trivia will begin at 7:00 p.m. The cost is $80 per team - Maximum of 8 players. $200 first place prize and $100 second place. To get a copy of the registration form, see Heather in the office no later than Tuesday, November 13, 2012.
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Thanksgiving Pot Luck
Our annual thanksgiving gathering as a church family will be Sunday, November 18, in the Social Hall following worship. Please bring a dish to share and your own table service. AS we celebrate our blessings with a feast, let us also share our bounty with our neighbors by bringing boxed or canned goods for the Jamieson Community Center pantry.
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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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November Birthdays
1 Larry Inman 2 Scott Gibson 6 Dalton Hottle 7 Tammi Hottle Heather Turnquist 8 Alice Lawson Alison Clark Susan Gilliland 9 Lila Blum Kylie Finnicum 10 Jodi Cheek Donna Lee 11 Megan Brown Brenda Runge 13 George Haynes 14 Dixie Wells 16 Deborah Stanton Jamie Youngblood 21 Mia Logsdon 26 Carolyn Simpson 27 Cindy Wilson Krista Larson 29 Bill Lee 30 Carolyn Meling
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Prayers
For:
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Vernon Mettler, Don Tomlin, Jane Warfield, Mick Miller, Tracey Williams, Lindsay Murdock & family, Vern Carr, Janet Themanson, Jim & Janet Paris.
Sympathy: To Bill and Betty Lee, on the death of Betty's father, Harold "Wayne" Hasting, who died on October 27, 2012.
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