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Faith United Presbyterian Church
Focus on Faith |
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 What Do You Think?
Finding a Place for the Church
"That is what I am talking about!" This is what I thought, as I was watching President Obama's inauguration on Monday. Not so much because of his political rhetoric, but because of the many invocations of God's name. God's name was invoked in a variety of ways, some distinctly Christian, all respectful of people of other faiths. While I am sure it was of little consolation to our secular sisters and brothers, I believe this is what it means to be "one nation under God." We need no triumphal displays of the church's power and glory. A simple proclamation, "this is who we are, a people who humbly invoke the name of God", such as we saw on Monday, will suffice.
As most of you know, this question of "faith in the public forum" has been a passion of mine for some time, particularly as it relates to the identity and mission of our church related colleges. In packing my office, I have had the opportunity to reflect on some of my early correspondence with Monmouth College, over a decade ago, going so far as purchasing copies of Robert Benne's, Quality With Soul. How Six Premier Colleges and Universities Keep Faith with Their Religious Traditions, for a variety of persons connected to the college.
One of my great joys has been watching, as seeds planted over a decade ago, have begun to bear fruit. Whether, or not, I had a share in this is not important. Knowing the same Spirit working in me, at the time, was active in others, as well, is of great consolation. This is why we are here, to share in some small way in the work which God is doing in our world.
The inauguration was, to me, a sign that perhaps God is doing something similar on a much larger scale. If what we heard at the inauguration is any example, perhaps, we are seeing the birth of something new, a nation that can invoke the name of God in a non-partisan, non-triumphalistic manner. We live in hope.
Recognizing this will be the last opportunity I have to "preach" on this issue, I thought I would leave you with the words of, who else, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. In my devotional reading for January 19, I discovered Bonhoeffer's eloquent discussion of the church's place in our world. He writes,
The space of the church is the place where witness is given to the foundation of all reality in Jesus Christ. The church is the place where it is proclaimed and taken seriously that God has reconciled the world to himself in Christ, that God so loved the world that God gave his Son for it. The space of the church is not there in order to fight with the world for a piece of its territory, but precisely to testify to the world that it is still the world, namely, the world that is loved and reconciled by God. It is not true that the church intends to or must spread its space out over the space of the world. It desires no more space than it needs to serve the world with its witness to Jesus Christ and to the world's reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ. The church can only defend its own space by fighting, not for space, but for the salvation of the world. Otherwise the church becomes a 'religious society' that fights in its own interest and thus has ceased to be the church of God in the world. So the first task given to those who belong to the church of God is not to be something for themselves, for example, by creating a religious organization or leading a pious life, but to be witnesses of Jesus Christ to the world.
People of faith, finding our place, as members of the church of Jesus Christ is a wondrous, and life- long, journey. May God continue to bless you in yours and may your witness continue to bear good fruit in Christ's name.
See you in church!
Pastor Myers
revhaggis1@hotmail.com
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This Sunday - The Third Sunday after Epiphany
"The Joy of Faith"
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 I Corinthians 12: 12-31a
Psalm 19 Luke 4:14-21
Lay Assistant: Scott McClintock
Beedle/Crucifer: Courtney Fisher, Choir
Ushers: Buff Hottle, Dalton Hottle, Mark McVey, Maggie McVey, Brenda Runge
Greeters: Greg & Lynn Baber, Norma Mettler
Nursery: Bonnie Heflin
Children's Church: Lisa Willett
Coffee Hour: Godspeed Send-Off in Honor of the Myers'
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Wednesday Night Live
Our kitchen team for January 30 includes Sheila Wilson, Evelyn Carlson, Tom Best, and Jonalyn Heaton.
Fill the Corner for Jamieson Center's Food Bank!
Jan. 27 - Spaghetti Sauce & noodles
Feb. 3 - Ramen noodles & soups
Feb. 10 - Anything pink, red or white
Feb. 17 - Rice & beans
Feb. 24 - Peanut Butter & Jelly
Mar. 3 - Hamburger or Tuna Helper& tuna or Macaroni & Cheese
Sunday Morning Bible Study Class
This class, taught by Joyce Hagemann will not meet during January and February. It will resume in March.
Faith & Life
"The Ark of the Covenant and the Lost Tribes of Israel in the 21st century."
Did you know that a tribe of African people living in Zimbabwe has been proven to be one of the lost tribes of Israel? They also believe that they have the Lost Ark of the Covenant! Margie Myers (frustrated arm chair archeologist) will lead this short series.
January 20 - Documentary on the journeys of Tudor Parfitt and his discoveries
concerning the Ark of the Covenant.
January 27 - Finish Documentary and final discussion.
This class will meet in the social hall at 9:15.
February 3 - TBA
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Last Time for Refreshment
The last meeting of the Time for Refreshment (Reflection) series, with the departing Myers as special guests will be held on Thursday, January 24 at the Whiteman home, 1405 East 2nd Avenue from 4:30 until 5:30 pm. Light refreshments will be provided by the committee including the Gene Larsons, the McCurdys, the Briscoes, and the Whitemans. All members of the church are invited.
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Isabel Circle Soup Supper
Isabel Circle will meet at 6:30 p.m.tonight on Thursday, January 24 at the home of Jane Kellogg. There will be a soup supper in honor of Margie Myers. Jonalyn Heaton will facilitate Lesson Four.
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30-Hour Famine Kick-Off
The Jr and Sr High's will meet at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 27 for their kick-off to the 30-Hour Famine. The 30-Hour Famine has been scheduled for February 22-23.
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2013 Elder Training
Saturday
8:30 - 3:00
Rev. Dick Johnson Date Place RSVP by
January 26 Lewistown - First January 11 (March 2 snow date)
February 2 Woodhull - United January 19
February 9 Bloomington - St. Luke January 26
February 16 Springfield - Third February 2
February 23 Peoria - First Federated February 9 Mark your calendar for the upcoming 2013 Elder Training! To register, please email (pattiparrish@greatriverspby.org) (or call 800-537-8592) Patti Parrish at the presbytery office. Or, you can call the Faith United church office to have Vicki register for you. NOTE: You need attend only ONE of these sessions. Because our presbytery is geographically large, the same workshop is repeated at various sites throughout January and February. A lunch is served at the workshop.
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Godspeed Send-Off
Join with us on January 27, following worship for Pastor Myers' Godspeed Send-off! This will be the last day Pastor Myers preaches and the last day his family will be worshiping with us. Hope you can all make it! You should have received a letter in December from the Godspeed Committee with further information.
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Welcome, New Officers
Ruling Elders for the Class of 2015: Heather Fisher, John Marshall, Denise Turnbull, Ann Phelps, and Gary Pullen.
Ruling Elder for the Class of 2014 (unexpired term): Debbie Tomlin
Deacons for the Class of 2015: Jim Brown, Jonalyn Heaton, Julie Armstrong, Ralph Whiteman, and Mary Baker
Trustees for the Class of 2015: Hallie Lemon, John Lyle, Sheila Wilson
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2013 Session Committees
Moderator: TBA
Clerk: Scott McClintock
Personnel Rob Hale -Moderator
John Marshall, Mary Distin
Worship Denise Turnbull-Moderator
Gene Larson, Deb Tomlin
Stewardship
& Budget Mary Distin-Moderator
Scott McClintock, Rod Lemon
Mission Barb Byrne -Moderator
Gary Pullen, Ann Phelps
Outreach Heather Fisher-Moderator
Tammi Hottle, John Marshall
CE Ann Phelps-Moderator
Rod Lemon, Rob Hale
Fellowship Tammi Hottle-Moderator
Heather Fisher, Denise Turnbull
Audit Gary Pullen-Moderator
Kristie Murdock
Memorial Deb Tomlin-Moderator
Kristie Murdock
Investment Scott McClintock-Moderator
Deb Tomlin
Nominating Gene Larson-Moderator
Vicki Young Briscoe
Wash Day Vicki Young Briscoe-Moderator
Barb Byrne
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Little Cedar Church Annual Soup and Salad Luncheon - February 24
Save the date! The Little Cedar Church in Little York will be having its Annual Soup and Salad Luncheon with a noon meal and a silent auction. More information to come later.
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January Birthdays
15 Natalie Baber
Matthew Blackford
18 Peggy Figle
Steve Distin
20 Ann Lal
Jim Lewis
25 Molly Inman
26 Heather Fisher
27 Dawn Fleming
28 Barb Gossett
29 Nisha Spangler
30 Ron Murdock
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Congratulations!
Alex Withenbury (son of Nancy Bloedel) and Caitlin Adamowicz were united in marriage December 22, 2012 in West Point, NY. Both the bride and groom are serving in the U.S. Army. Our prayers go out for God's favor on this marriage.
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In Sympathy
We extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Carol and Bonnie Heflin on the death of Bonnie's brother, William Cooper.
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Prayers
For
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Please pray for Tara Hanson, wife of former Monmouth City Administrator, Eric Hanson. Tara is experiencing complications from chemotherapy for breast cancer and is currently hospitalized in Des Moines, IA.
Please also continue to keep in your prayers: Sally McVey (cards can be sent to Roseville Country Manor, 145 South Chamberlain, Roseville, IL 61473), Bob Roney, Gary Youngblood, Vern Mettler, Jane Warfield, Lindsay Murdock, Janet Themanson, Jim and Janet Paris.
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