Faith United Presbyterian Church

Focus on Faith

Phone: (309) 734-5129 
Pastor Charles Cunningham: (emergencies)
(309) 221-8168
October 3, 2013
In This Issue
This Sunday
Meetings
Operation Backpack
Wednesday Night Live
Sunday School News
Potluck Coming Up
Thank You
In the Community
Sympathy
Prayer Concerns
A Joy and Celebration
In the Spotlight!
Community Thanksgiving Meal
Rick Ufford-Chase
Elder Training
Love Tea
Crop Walk
Presbyterian Youth Day at Monmouth College
Manuscript Collection

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     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 ~ Twentieth Sunday    after Pentecost ~ October 6, 2013   
10:30 a.m.

World Communion / Peacemaking Sunday

Sermon Title:  "A Call to Action"  
    
Lectionary
Lamentations 1:1-6;                                  Psalm 137
2 Timothy 1:1-14                     Matthew 25:14-30              
Guest Preacher:  Elder Rick Ufford-Chase
Liturgist: Robert Green
Communion Servers: Armond Akey, Betsy Akey, Julie Armstrong, Ted Briscoe, Vicki Briscoe, Jim Brown, Buster Kellogg, Jane Kellogg, Dee Long, Carolyn Meling, Ed Melvin, Craig Watson 
Ushers:  Tim Phelps, Tom Best, Will Best, Chuck Peirce
Greeters: Rose Trimble, Susan Van Kirk
Beadle/Crucifer: Benant Bukari, Evelyn Blackford
Children's Church:  Stephanie Reading
Nursery:
Coffee Hour: Potluck for Peace 

Meetings

Thursday, October 3 - Thai Circle - 9:30 a.m.

Friday, October 4 - CWU Love Tea @ Roseville United Methodist Church - 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 5 - Elder Training at Beulah PC

Sunday, October 6 - Public Lecture by Rick Ufford-Chase - "Peacemaking in the 21st Century" @ Poling Hall, Monmouth College - 7 p.m.

Monday, October 7 - MC Chapel Service - Rick Ufford-Chase preaching @Dahl Auditorium, Monmouth College - 12:10 p.m.

Tuesday, October 8 - Presbytery Assembly @ Five Points Conference Center, Washington, IL 
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 8 - Deacons Meeting - 7 p.m.

Wednesday, October 9 - Wednesday Night Live - 3:20 p.m.

Thursday, October 10 - Fillman Fellowship - 11:30 a.m.  in Social Hall

Thursday, October 10 - CE Committee Meeting -
7 p.m.
Upcoming October Mission Focus:
Operation Backpack 
 
A Word from our Treasurer ... 
 

In order to cover payroll, our treasurer had to transfer from reserves on Sept. 30 for the first time this year.   We've been so fortunate this year to have not had to rely on any reserve funds to meet our expenses.   Our income has been low the last two months.   Statements for those who pledge went out this week.   If at all possible, please try to bring your pledges up to date.  

Wednesday Night Live!
Fruit of the Spirit
Fruit of the Spirit for October 9:  Love

       We have 34 children signed up for WNL so far.

Kitchen team for October 9:   Sheila Wilson, Judy Andrews, Tom Best, Jonalyn Heaton
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  potluck lunch (sit together) at Faith Church  on October 6. Youth will then break out for meeting in Youth Wing at 12:30 p.m.   
  • Faith & Life adult class:   On October 6, Rod Lemon will conclude a two-week segment on "Income Inequality, Inequality of Opportunity:  Trends, Causes, Cures."  Meet in the Church Library.  October 13, 20, 27  - Tom Best - "God in Early America."  
  • NIV Adult Bible Study will start October 6th in the Bride's Room.  The focus is on Genesis and Exodus.  Lessons 1 and 2 are now available in the cabinet in the Bride's Room.  
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.
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.   
Thank You

Dear Friends,

I want to thank the Deacons for the cards and lovely red rose they gave me in the hospital.  I also want to thank Fillman Fellowship for their card and Rev. Cunningham for his wonderful visit.  I'm having surgery next Thursday (Oct. 3) and will need your prayers then too! 

Sincerely,             
Phyllis Wheeler
 
 In the Community
  
Muslim Journeys -TONIGHT
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, Monmouth College, Thursday, October 3.      

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. 

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.

Old Friends Talk Art (OFTA) - October 9
OFTA will be meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9 at the new Monmouth College Downtown Theatre, which is in the former Martha Brown Ltd.  store on South Main, on the south end of the 200 block across the street from the Maple City Restaurant.  Bill Wallace and students from the Theatre Department will be the hosts and presenters.  Although the theatre will not be fully open until January, at OFTA there will be tours of the structure and a chance to see some scenes from the recent production of Neil Simon's "The Good Doctor. " The audience will be asked to flex their creativity to brainstorm about ways the entire community can use the space.  
 
Sympathy

We extend our sincere sympathy to the family of Jennifer Margaret Frisby, 36, who passed away suddenly on  Saturday, September 21, 2013 in Little York.  She is the sister of Jayme Horner and aunt of Onnalee Horner, both of whom have been active with our Wednesday Night Live ministry, where Onnalee is a second grader.
 
We also extend our sympathy to Vicki and Ted Briscoe on the death of Vicki's only living biological and favorite aunt, Shirley Vandermeer, who passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 in Lombard, IL.
Prayer Concerns

Please continue to keep in your prayers:  Phyllis Wheeler (surgery on Oct. 3), Brittany Wilson, Colorado flooding victims, Joyce Hagemann (now home), Bill Hoover (at Monmouth Nursing Home), 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:  CaringBridge.org

A Joy and a Celebration!

If you have been following the journey of Lindsay Murdock on Caring Bridge, you will know that her journey is finally taking her home.  Lindsay comes home tomorrow!!

Read more about Lindsay's progress  in Jake Murdock's latest post on 

In the Spotlight!

Bill Hoover was recently featured in the "Resident Spotlight" column of the October edition of the Monmouth Nursing Home newsletter:

"Bill was born on May 13, 1924 to Clay and Minnie (Swanson) Hoover.  They lived in the rural area of Kelly Township in Warren County.  Bill had two sisters, Nelly and Hazel.  Bill went to school at the Alexis schools and graduated there.  He also worked hard helping his father and mother on the farm.  After graduating, Bill continued his edu- 
cation at Monmouth College for about a year, until he joined the army during the war, where he was stationed in the Philippines. After the army he went on to school, taking a Mortuary class in East Chicago for a year.  Bill came home and was working for the Lugg and Holiday Memorial Home when he met his wife, Dorothy Strong.  Dorothy's mother introduced them, and in July 1947 they married.  They enjoyed family and friends and going to the cabin at Lake Warren.  Bill bought the Lugg Funeral Home in 1947 and worked with Holiday until he left in 1965.  Bill then changed the name to Hoover Funeral Home.  Bill and Dorothy lived in Monmouth and raised one daughter Debbie Hall who lives in South Carolina.  They also fostered a girl, Peggy Figle, who lives in Monmouth.  He has 2 grandsons, Brian and William, and 6 great-grandchildren."

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!

                                                 -  -  -  -  -  -  -
Update:  Last night, October 1,  15 members of our church and Pastor Cunningham met with Sue Hallman, who had previously coordinated the Community Thanksgiving Meal.  Sue went over the details of operating the event and answered all of our questions.  There are a number of different volunteer roles available, not only on Thanks-giving Day, but also the day before--food preparers, delivery drivers, serving table workers, after-dinner clean-up--to name a few.  Please contact Krista Larson at 309-221-4020 if you are interested in being a volunteer or would like further information.
  
Peacemaking Sunday - October 6

This 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. 
                                 
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  
 
Last call!  Hurry!  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. 
  
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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 served.
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.
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 Sr. Highs interested in MC Youth Day need to register with Stephanie Reading by October 16.

Karen Gould Manuscript Collection at Monmouth College
 
October 11 - November 26
  
There will be an exciting opportunity this fall for people interested in church history and documents.  Monmouth College will be the host for the Karen Gould Manuscript Collection, on loan from the Spencer Art Reference Library of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City.  This newly assembled, significant collection consists of 31  illuminated manuscripts and leaves from early printed books, both religious and secular. Most of the pages date from the 15th century, but the collection includes a liturgical text from Italy dated to the early 12th century.  The manuscripts have been privately held until very recently, and Monmouth College is pleased to be able to make them available to the public in western Illinois.

The exhibit will open on Thursday, October 11, 2013 in Gallery 203 of Hewes Library and will remain open to the public until Tuesday, November 26, 2013.  On Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in the second floor foyer of the library, Bro. Thomas Sullivan, O.S.B., of Conception Abbey in Conception, Missouri, will give a gallery talk on the collection.  Monmouth College student docents will also be available for tours for individuals and school groups by prior appointment from Monday, October 28 through Tuesday, November 26.  The exhibit is open for unguided visits during regular operating hours of the Hewes Library (for times, see http://library.monmouthcollege.edu ).  Admission is free.