Faith United Presbyterian Church

Focus on Faith

Phone: (309) 734-5129 
Pastor Charles Cunningham: (emergencies)
(309) 221-8168
September 26, 2013
In This Issue
This Sunday
Meetings
Isabel Circle
Mission Focus
Tools & Blankets Update
Wednesday Night Live
Sunday School News
Potluck Coming Up
MC Chapel Services
Thank You
In the Community
Prayer Concerns
Community Thanksgiving Meal
Rick Ufford-Chase
Elder Training
Love Tea
Crop Walk
Immigration Assistance Day
Presbyterian Youth Day at Monmouth College

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(309) 734-5129


  September Birthdays


23 - Colton McClintock

25 - Rachel Haynes

26 - Ethan Clark

30 - Mona Buchholz
  


 
     October Birthdays

1 - Dorothy Behnke

2 - Lorna Blackford

5 - Barb Byrne

6 - Elizabeth Nieman

7 - Michael Crosier

11 - Chloe Larson, David Spoerl, Paul Mason III

12 - Benant Bukari

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, Kathy Lewis  



     
This Sunday ~ Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost ~ September 29, 2013   
10:30 a.m.

Sermon Title:  "Even If..."  
Luke 16:31 

Lectionary
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15             Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16
1 Timothy 6:6-19                                 Luke 16:19-31          
Liturgist: 
Ushers:  Julie Armstrong, Bob Wells, Jonalyn Heaton, Lolla Ballard, Betty McBride
Greeters:  Phyllis Wilson, George & Liz Nieman
Children's Church:  Jonalyn Heaton
Nursery: Jim and Shari Glasgow
Coffee Hour:  Joyce Hagemann and Alice Lawson

Meetings

Thursday, September 26- Sewing Circle - 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, September 26 - Isabel Circle - 7 p.m. @ Jane Kellogg's house (734-5275)

Sunday, September 29 - After-Worship Visioning Group - 11:45 a.m.

Tuesday, October 1 - Community Thanksgiving Meal Planning  Meeting - 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 2 - Bible Study - 6 p.m.

Friday, October 4 - CWU Love Tea @ Roseville United Methodist Church
Isabel Circle - TONIGHT

Isabel Circle will meet at the home of Jane Kellogg at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 26th.  Jane's address is 1012 East Euclid Avenue and the telephone number is 309-734 - 5275. 

Jonalyn Heaton will serve as the lesson facilitator.  The Bible Study books can be purchased in the church office for $9.00.

 

The first lesson from the 2013-2014 Horizons Bible Study, An Abiding Hope: The Presence of God in Exodus and Deuteronomy, is titled "God at Work." The Background Scripture is Exodus 1-2, with the Key Scripture focusing on Exodus 1:1-2:10 and 2:23-25.  The key idea is that God prepared for the exodus event, which saved the Hebrew people, through the intervention of five women.  The people came to see that God was with them throughout all their suffering, acting on their behalf.

 

The organization of Presbyterian Women is open to all women and friends of the church. 

Sept. Mission Focus - Strom Center
  

Strom will help anyone 65 (or almost 65) with Medicare D (prescription drug plan) enrollment.  The center will hold several informational meetings in October to help you choose the plan best suited for your needs.  Persons with Low Income Subsidy (AKA "Extra Help") are under a different set of rules; Strom will help you.  Just call or go to Strom for information.  There telephone number is  

 

Strom will also have information about the Affordable Care Act.  Keep watching their newsletter and the local papers for meeting dates.  You have heard all the political rhetoric--- Strom staff will let you know how the Act will affect you.  
 

This is one way in which Strom serves the needs of the senior population of Warren County; $519  has been given so far this month.  Thank you very much for your support of this deserving agency. 

Tools & Blankets Update
  
So far, a total  $665 was received from our congregation for the Church World Service Tools & Blankets offering!  Thank you for your generous giving. That means there are 133 people who now have a blanket to cover them, to keep them warm, and to remind them of God's love. 
  
Wednesday Night Live!
Fruit of the Spirit
We have 30 children signed up for WNL so far, but it's still not too late to register, so if you know of any more children who would like to enroll, please contact Debbie Dingman at 734-3943 or call the church office at 734-5129.

Kitchen team for October 2:   Lolla Ballard, Tiffany Marie, Agatha Johnson, Julie Blaesing.
More Christian Education News
  • Children, Pre-K through 6th, meet upstairs in the movie theater for opening and then go to their individual classrooms.   
  • Junior and Senior Highs - next meeting is lunch at Faith Church  on October 6.   
  • Faith & Life adult class:   On September 29, Rod Lemon will begin a two-week segment on "Income Inequality, Inequality of Opportunity:  Trends, Causes, Cures." This class meets in the Bride's Room.
  • Joyce Hagemann's Bible Study will start October 6th in the Bride's Room.  The focus is on Genesis and Exodus.  
Youth Group - Three upcoming events are the Crop Walk on October 27, the Crockpot Cook-off on November 3, and the Presbyterian Youth Day at Monmouth College on November 9. 
 
Nursery:  Contact Ann Phelps, Interim CE Director,  if you are interested in helping in the Nursery.  You would only work once every 6 or 8 weeks.
Provide Meals to Our Youth

The Jr. and  Sr. High Youth Groups will be meeting at the church once a month for lunch following worship on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. If you are interested in providing a lunch (pizza, hotdogs, tacos, sloppy joes, etc.) for our youth, please sign up on the office door or contact Stephanie Reading.  This is a great time for our youth to enjoy lunch and fellowship together. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Potluck Meal - October 6 

There will be a potluck meal after church on Sunday, October 6 in celebration of our guest, Rick Ufford-Chase, who will be preaching for us on World Communion / Peacemaking Sunday. Please bring a favorite dish to share---perhaps a soup, salad, or dessert--- and your own table service. Drinks will be provided.   
Monmouth College Chapel Services

Each Monday, from 12:10 - 12:40 p.m. during the academic year, chapel services are held in the Dahl Auditorium.  These are led by Rev. Dr. Teri Ott and the Lux Leadership Interns and are attended by faculty, administration, staff, students, and the public at large.  Though the services are short, they are very inspiring and it is a good chance to get better acquainted with students. 

Click here for further information about the chapel services and other events related to Religious & Spiritual Life at the college, some of which are open to members of the community.
 
Thank You

Dear Friends at Faith,

Thank you so much for all your recent kindnesses while I was hospitalized.  Calls and cards were so encouraging.  The dark red rose from the Deacons was a beautiful reminder of your support.

Joyce Hagemann
 
 In the Community
  
Muslim Journeys -
For further information and the full schedule, click Hewes Library .  The next event is the film "Prince Among Slaves" at 7 p.m. in the Barnes Electronic Classroom, Hewes Library, on the campus of  Monmouth College, Thursday, October 3.  
    
A Matter of Balance Classes
Are you concerned about falling?  Would you like to learn practical strategies to manage falls?  The Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging and RSVP of Knox & Warren Counties sponsor these classes to address these concerns and help make you safer from injuries caused by falls. Classes are held for 8 sessions and are 2 hours each on Thursday afternoons from 1-3 p.m. TODAY September 26 through November 14 at the Strom Center. Pre-registration is required.  There is a suggested donation of $20 to cover the cost of workbooks. For more information or to register, please call:  734-5677. 

Mother to Mother 
- Fall Fest at 308 North C Street - October 5.  Bring a dish to pass and a family photo. (Rain date - Oct. 12)

Friends of the Library Book Sale - October 5
The sale will be 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. on the second floor of the Warren County Public Library.  Books are priced to go--pay what you are able.  All proceeds will benefit programming at the WCPL. 
 
Warren County Health Department
Community 5K Run/Walk at the Monmouth College Huff Center at 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 28.

Open Auditions - October 7 & 8
Open auditions for the Monmouth College & Buchanan Center for the Arts "A Christmas Carol" will be held Monday, October 7 from 3-5 p.m. and from 7 - 9:30 p.m. at the Wells Theatre.  A second audition will be on Tuesday, October 8 from 7 - 9:30 p.m. No experience necessary -- there are over 40 speaking parts for all ages, as well as dancers and carolers.

The shows will take place Thursday, November 21 and Friday, November 22. For more information, please call the BCA at (309)734-3033. 
 
 
Prayer Concerns

Please continue to keep in your prayers:  Brittany Wilson, Colorado flooding victims, Raj Ambrose, Joyce Hagemann (now home), Phyllis Wheeler, Blaine Robinson (son of Cindy and Bill Robinson),  Louise Roos, Cathy Abernathy,  Andrew Hayward Smith, Pat Brown, Cinda Stansbury (now at Kewanee), Eilleen Spoerl (now at Marigold), Vern Mettler,  Irvin Lipp,  Tara Hanson, Mary Johnson, Sally McVey, Gary Youngblood,  Lindsay Murdock,  and Jim Paris.

The Robinson family has started a Caring Bridge web page where they can post updates on Blaine called Saving Private Robinson at:  www.CaringBridge.org

There is an account set up at Midwest Bank for Blaine Robinson to help with medical expenses. He is currently at the Madonna Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln, NE recovering from a very serious motorcycle accident.
Community Thanksgiving Meal Thanksgiving

We're giving a banquet!  Faith Church has stepped up to ensure that the 31-year tradition of the Community Thanksgiving Meal in Monmouth goes on.
  
As a church, we are heading up and coordinating an undertaking which will provide nourishment, community, and comfort on Thanksgiving Day to between 500 and 600 people, including delivered meals, carry-out meals, and sit-down meals at the American Legion Hall. There is no charge for the meals, but donations are accepted.

Brad and Krista Larson will be in charge of co-ordinating the effort, and Scott McClintock has agreed to be in charge of the fund-raising. They and other interested persons from our church met on Tuesday night, September 24 for an organizational meeting.

We will involve other churches and community groups as much as possible.  Sue and Larry Hallman from Foursquare Gospel Church have served as the co-ordinators for the past six years. However, they will be moving to Texas at the end of October to join a new ministry and have sought someone to take over the operation of the Community Thanksgiving Meal.  Sue has generously agreed to meet with us next Tuesday to help "mentor" us toward a successful event.  She also has materials to help guide us and there are protocols in place, such as forms, volunteer lists, recipes, shopping lists, and decorations.
 
This event is going to happen!  Thanks be to God!

Peacemaking Sunday - October 6

Sunday, October 6 will be World Communion / Peacemaking Sunday, a special denominational offering will be taken, and our Mission Committee will be talking about four areas in which this offering is used: Preventing Gun Violence, Human Trafficking, Peace Builders, and A Place To Sleep.  

Faith Church is partnering with Monmouth College to bring Elder Rick Ufford-Chase to our community. He will be on campus and will also be our guest preacher on October 6.  Mr. Ufford-Chase was the moderator of the 216th General Assembly (2004) and is the Executive Director of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship. He has been actively involved in peacemaking initiatives around the world. 

On Sunday evening, Mr. Ufford-Chase will  give a presentation at Monmouth College on "Peacemaking in the 21st Century."   His talk will be at 7 p.m. in the Morgan Room of Poling Hall. You are encouraged to attend and support Faith Church's partnership with Monmouth College.

Mr. Ufford-Chase will also be giving the message at the college chapel service on Monday, October 7 at 12:10 p.m. at the Dahl Auditorium, and you are encouraged to attend that as well.

                                          - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Peacemaking is always on our minds, but especially in these days of civil war and how best to stop the killing of innocents in Syria.

Click here  to find a daily peace reflection and prayer based on The Biblical Witness to Peacemaking, provided through the resources of the PCUSA. 
  
Elder Training - October 5, 2013  
 
There will be an elder training session, Saturday, October 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the  Beulah Presbyterian Church, presented by Rev. Dick Johnson.  Please RSVP through Rev. Linda Baldwin at linda_baldwin_309@comcast.net or call Beulah PC at (309) 787-5755 as soon as possible.  Some of our elders have attended these training sessions in the past and found it useful, both for new and experienced elders.

Beulah Presbyterian Church is located at 9221 148th Avenue, Orion, IL  61273. 
  
Love Tea - Friday, October 4   
 
Church Women United of Monmouth will have their Love Tea at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, October 4 at the Roseville United Methodist Church.  Owen Muelder from Galesburg will present the program on the Underground Railroad.  Everyone is invited to attend this historical program.  Following the program, there will be cookies and drinks.
Save the Date!  October 27   
 
CROP WALK
~  Ending Hunger One Step at a Time ~
October 27, 2013, 2 p.m.

- all walkers, runners, and strollers are welcome -
Join others in Monmouth who are committed to making a difference.  Watch for details in the bulletin and
Focus.
Family of Faith Sunday - Thank You!

Family of Faith Sunday was a great success.  Many attended and had a great time chatting, eating, and listening to great music provided by Grace Notes.

The following people contributed to this success and I am very grateful for them:   Bus Kellogg for printing and putting up the banner that was outside.  It looked great!  Gary Pullen for grilling all the delicious hot dogs, hamburgers, and brats.  Deb Tomlin for furnishing all the condiments.  Denise Turnbull for furnishing the tea and lemonade. Gene and Donna Larson for setting up all the tables and covering them with tablecloths and centerpieces. Hallie Lemon for helping make sure all the food was out.  Sharon Graham and Deb Tomlin for helping clean up.  Carolyn Kellert-Griffiths and her two accompanists for the fantastic music. 

Oh, and I can't forget all of you who brought the dishes and desserts to share!  Everything was delicious!  Thank you EVERYONE!  I really hope I haven't forgotten anyone because without all the help I received, this day wouldn't have happened as wonderfully as it did!

Tammi Hottle
Fellowship Committee   
Free Immigration Assistance Day - September 28
 
First Presbyterian Church in Macomb, 400 E. Carroll Street, is hosting an event sponsored by the Immigration Project on Saturday, September 28.  Would you help get the word out in your community to persons who might be interested in this service?

Immigration attorneys and citizenship staff from the Immigration Project will offer free services on a walk-in basis.  Alice Daugherty, a graduate student at WIU and ESL instructor, is coordinating the project.  Melissa Calhoun and Linda Miller are recruiting volunteers to help visitors navigate the building, prepare & serve food, photocopy papers, etc. 

As First Pres Macomb learned from an eight-week study of Human Trafficking, vulnerability to exploitation by traffickers is higher when English isn't your  mother tongue, if your identification is missing, or your immigration status is unsettled.  This event can reduce those vulnerabilities. 

If you would like to help or know of others interested who could help on September 28, please contact one of the following for more information:

Alice Daugherty aliced@firstpresmacomb.org
Phone:  (309) 833.3333

Linda Miller linmil@macomb.com
Phone:  (309) 333-2158

Melissa Calhoun melissa@beadles.org
Phone:  (309) 333-9321

Sponsored by:  First Presbyterian Church - Macomb, IL, Illinois Department of Human Services, the Illinois Bar Foundation, the Lawyers Trust Fund of Illinois, and the New Americans Initiative. 

To learn more about the Immigration Project, "Serving downstate Illinois and Beyond," PO Box 3065, Bloomington, IL  61702, visit their website at www.immigrationproject.org  
Presbyterian Youth Day at Monmouth College - November 9, 2013

In partnership with the Austin College ACtivators, Monmouth College presents "Suit Up" for Senior High Youth on Saturday, November 9, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Learn how to suit up in the armor of God (see Ephesians 6:13-17). Enjoy worship, energizers, keynote, and small groups!  Check out a Presbyterian Church-Related College!  Finish the day by cheering on the Monmouth College Fighting Scots Football Team!

Registration is  $10 and includes a college-style lunch in the "Cafe," and a T-shirt.  (Note: If the registration fee is a problem, scholarships are available).

For more information or to register, contact Monmouth College Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Teri Ott by emailing teriott@monmouthcollege.edu  or calling 309-457-2380.

ANY SENIOR HIGH YOUTH INTERESTED IN THIS MONMOUTH COLLEGE PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH DAY NEED TO NOTIFY STEPHANIE READING SO THAT SHE CAN SEND IN OUR GROUP REGISTRATION BY THE OCTOBER 16th DEADLINE.