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Focus on Faith

Faith United Presbyterian Church Newsletter

December 5, 2013 

Phone:   734-5129           

Pastor Charles B. Cunningham (emergencies after hours) 309-221-8168

This Sunday - 2nd Sunday of Advent

December 8, 2013

     

Sermon Title:  "Unquenchable Fire?"
 

Isaiah 11:1-10                                                            Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

Romans 15:4-13                                                                  Matthew 3:1-12

 
Liturgist: John Marshall

 Ushers: Gary Distin, Jon Graham, Ted Briscoe, Larry Willett, Bryce Willett
Greeters:  Ed Melvin, Jim Brown and Pat Brown

Children's Church:  Jane Kellogg
Nursery:  Krista Larson, Chloe Larson
Coffee Hour:  Tim Phelps

Advent Readers: Jim & Kris Brown, Tralynn Mitchell

Special Music:  Buchanan Community Chorus

 

Upcoming Meetings/Events

 

Thursday, December 5 - Thai Circle - 9:30 a.m.
                                                 Isabel Circle - 7 p.m. @ Holt House
  
Sunday, December 8 - Packing College Care Packages - 9:00 a.m.
  
Monday, December 9 - Buchanan Community Chorus Rehearsal @ Sanctuary
  
Tuesday, December 10 -  Joint Deacons/Session Meeting - 7 p.m.
  
Wednesday, December 11 - Christmas Eve Pageant Rehearsal - 3:20 - 5:00 p.m.
 
Wednesday, December 11 -  Bible Study with Pastor Charles - 5:00 p.m.
 
Wednesday, December 11 - Community Thanksgiving Dinner Wrap-Up Meeting - 6:15 p.m.
  
Thursday, December 12 - Fillman Fellowship - 11:30 a.m.
                                                      CE Meeting - 7 p.m.
  
Friday, December 13 - REGISTRATION DEADLINE - MLK Weekend Mission & Ski Trip
  
Friday, December 13 - Teddy Bear Child Development Center Christmas Program - 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 14 - Buchanan Community Chorus Christmas Concert - 4 p.m.
 

Loaves and Fishes and the Kingdom of Heaven

  

The Thanksgiving Dinner went GREAT!!!  We not only fed over 500 free meals, delivered to everyone who requested a dinner and provided carry-outs, we also had enough money left over to fund Thanksgiving 2014 & 2015, and we sent leftover food to the Galesburg Rescue Mission and fed more people through them. They were very grateful and wrote us a lovely thank you letter & personalized note.  There was food for every body and fellowship for every soul.

Christmas Eve Pageant  

  

Rehearsal Dates:                                                                     
  • December 4
  • December 11 (preschoolers also)
  • December 18

Children will be picked up after school, given a snack, and will be ready for parents to pick them up at 5:00 p.m.  Preschoolers are welcome, too, at the December 11th practice.  If you have any questions or would like to help, please call Ann at 734-5129. 

Christian Education   
  • Children, Pre-K through 6th, meet upstairs in the movie theater for opening and then go to individual classrooms
  • Faith & Life Adult Class:  December 1 & 8 - What Do Presbyterians Believe about The State, Debt, and Basic Ethos? - December 15 - What Do Presbyterians Believe about Stewardship?
  • Adult Bible Class with Pastor Cunningham:  Meet at 9:15 a.m. in the Bride's Room
  • Adult Wednesday Night Bible Class with Pastor Cunningham:  Meet 5:00 p.m. in Pastor's office. Both Bible Study classes are discussing the Gospel of Mark.  PLEASE NOTE NEW TIME.  The Bible Study will go back to meeting at 6:00 p.m. when Wednesday Night Live resumes on January 15, 2014.  

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.

  

Youth Group - Upcoming Events: 

 

Presbytery of Great Rivers Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service - January 19 & 20

 

This will be a youth service and celebration weekend.  Mission & Ski Trip - January 19 & 20.  Let Stephanie Reading know before December 13 if you are planning to attend.  Cost is $25 per person, but please speak to Stephanie if a scholarship is necessary. Cost includes all meals, ski equipment, and project supplies. Sunday noon to 6 p.m. will be skiing at Ski Snowstar in Andalusia, IL. Youth will be staying overnight at Broadway Presbyterian in Rock Island.  Monday from 9  a.m, to 3 p.m. will be service projects around Rock Island to commemorate Dr. King's birthday and legacy for service.

 

December 15 - 12:30 p.m. lunch for youth at church (Subject to change)

 

Dec. 15 - 4 p.m.  The Youth will also be accompanying the Deacons for caroling.

 

Isabel Circle - TONIGHT Thursday, December 5   
 

Isabel Circle will meet at 7 p.m., Thursday, December 5 at Holt House, 402 E. 1st Avenue, Monmouth.  Denise Turnbull will host the meeting, and Sharon Graham will be the facilitator of Lesson 3, "Set Free by God."

Fillman Fellowship - Thursday, December 12  
 

Fillman Fellowship will meet Thursday, Dec. 12 at 11:30 a.m. in our Social Hall.  Bring a sack lunch, and coffee and hot tea will be available.  At our November gathering we decided to donate instead of having a gift exchange.  This month we will decide where we wish this collection to go.  Invite a friend and join us for fellowship and support, as well as fun and laughter!

Community Thanksgiving Dinner   

 

We would like to say THANK YOU to all those who helped with the Community Thanksgiving Dinner. When Pastor Cunningham began speaking to our congregation about this event, he mentioned the opportunity to demonstrate what Faith [Church] is all about. When those who were involved stood last Sunday during worship, we definitely saw the answer!  Thank you to those who led the charge: Scott & Jill McClintock; Ralph Whiteman; Jane Kellogg; Carol & Bonnie Heflin; JoEllen Dollinger; Donna Larson; Pastor Cunningham; and Vicki Young Briscoe. The support and commitment in making this happen included so many people, it was almost overwhelming. Again THANK YOU to ALL who helped in any way! 

 

Brad & Krista Larson

 

NOTE:  There will be a "wrap-up" meeting on the Community Thanksgiving Dinner next Wednesday, December 11 at 6:15 p.m.   

  

Tornado Damage in Washington, Pekin, and East Peoria

Update: 12/2/13

 

If you would like to volunteer as an individual, you may call 309-698-5002. If you have a group with specialized skills (chain saws, tractors, etc.) you can call 309-698-5003. Both of these are hotlines being staffed by Americorps.

   

If you would like to donate money, please do so to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, directly to their office or the Presbytery.  You may give an undesignated gift through their website: www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/pda/ There is a link provided there for gifts. Or, if you would like to donate through Faith United Presbyterian Church, you may make checks payable to Faith UPC and then designate "Presbyterian Disaster Assistance" in the memo line, and we'll have Andrea send one big check to the PDA. If you want to designate your gift specifically to the November 17 tornado recovery, you may write "DR000015 - Fall Tornadoes" on the memo line.

 

Watch the presbytery web page www.greatriverspby.org and Facebook page for the latest updates on how churches and church members can help. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Presbytery-of-Great-Rivers/159445010769873

 

Service of Remembrance - Sunday, December 8, 2013 - 7:00 p.m.

 

The public is invited to a special "Service of Remembrance" at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth to remember and honor the memory of your loved ones during this busy holiday season.  It will be a night of candlelight, music, meditations of the heart, fellowship and reflection.  Please come and enjoy a quiet night designed just for you.

 PW Mitten Tree - December 8

  
PW is sponsoring a mitten tree again this year!  Mittens, gloves, and hats will be collected thru December 8 for the Jamieson Center Christmas Store.  We will collect after that as well for Jamieson Center,
as they have requests throughout the winter for these warm items.  Thanks in advance!  Last year we collected two big sacks full and Jamieson Center was very appreciative.
Christmas Care Packages for Monmouth College students - Dec. 8
  

We would like to thank the many Monmouth College students who participate in the life of our congregation by giving them a care package of goodies during their finals. We need your help.

 

Please sign up on the office door if you can donate a homemade baked good, microwave popcorn, candy, hot chocolate, or fresh fruit. Please bring it to the church by 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 8. Care packages will be assembled and delivered on that day.

 

We have approximately 18-20 college students to gift this year.

 

If you would like to help deliver care packages on campus, please let Ann Phelps know.

  
PW Christmas Cookie Extravaganza - December 15 during the Coffee Hour  

 

Sunday, December 15, immediately following the worship service, come to the Christmas Cookie Extravaganza  to be held in the Social Hall!  There will be enough cookies for each family to take home a dozen cookies of their choosing.  You can pick whichever cookies look good to you.  If you like to bake cookies, we will gladly accept donations, and if you don't bake, then come and take some home.  Those of you who could donate a batch of cookies, please sign up on the office door so we will know how many to plan for.  We will also be taking cookies to at-home members.  Isabel Circle is planning the event and will accept donations  for our PW mission projects. So, come and enjoy the fellowship and take a plate of delicious cookies home with you on December 15. 

 

Donated cookies can be dropped off Saturday morning or brought on Sunday.

 

Deacons Caroling - December 15  4 PM

  There is a sign-up sheet on the office door.  The youth and Mother-to-Mother will be joining us. Soup & goodies afterwards in the

Social Hall!

 

Ecumenical Singers - Sunday, December 22.

 

The Ecumenical Singers present their 33rd Annual Christmas Concert at Immaculate Conception Church from 4:00-5:00 p.m.

 New Pastor Installation Service - Sunday, December 15

 

You are invited to attend the Installation Service of the Reverend Gary Elg at Scotland Trinity Presbyterian Church in Macomb at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 15.  The church is located at 14950 N. 900th Street, Macomb, IL  61455. Phone:  309- 837-1918.

 

Birthdays


December 1 - Andrea Spainhour

December 2 - Beverly Davis
December 5 - Rodney Lemon
December 6 - Gary Pullen, Karen Angotti  
December 11 - Jo Ellen Dollinger
December 12 - Stephanie Reading
December 13 - Noah Clark
December 15 - Mark McVey
December 16 - John Sorenson, Alexis Crosier
December 17 - Job Runge
December 18 - Dorothy Hutchisson, Jarrett Baber
December 19 - Jason Haynes, Evelyn Blackford
December 21 - William Allison
December 23 - Joyce Allison
December 25 - Robert Whiteman, George Nieman
December 26 - Samantha Fisher
December 27 - Kristin Sorenson
December 30 - Bette Vance
December 31 - Dawn Brown
  
Prayer Concerns

The family of Marshall Dulen; the family of Genevieve Ball; the Mackiney, and Heflin families and any others who have family members who sustained losses in the Washington, IL tornado; Janie Hottle; Jessie James; Brittany Wilson; Joyce Hagemann; Bill Hoover; Blaine Robinson; Vern Mettler; Cathy Abernathy; Cinda Stansbury; Irvin Lipp; Mary Johnson; Tara Hanson; Gary Youngblood; Lindsay Murdock; and Jim Paris. 
  
Blaine Robinson anticipates that he will be moving to the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center in Minneapolis, MN in the near future, possibly this week. When we have an address update, we'll let you know.
  

With Sympathy

 

Our sincere sympathy to the family of Genevieve Ball who passed away in Maple Plains, MN on Friday, November 29, 2013, at the age of 93.  Genevieve was a beloved member of our congregation who was ordained as a Deacon in 1963 at Grace Presbyterian Church and ordained as an  elder at Faith in 1974. She will be remembered for her faithfulness and good humor.

  

Thank You  


Dear Friends,
  
Thanks for your very large and delicious Thanksgiving Dinner Food Donation.  Thanks so very, very much to each of you.  It is greatly appreciated and is such a help in our ministry of caring for needy people.  In addition to this written thank you, it will also be mentioned, with thanks, on our Sunday morning radio broadcast, WGIL 1400 AM, 8:05 a.m. on Sunday.  We are very thankful for your labors of love to benefit the poor and needy in our shelter and in our communities.  May God bless each of you.
  
Sincerely,
  
Dave Scholl
Executive Director
Galesburg Rescue Mission and Women's Shelter

A Word from our Treasurer  

 

Anyone wanting to know the balance of their pledge for 2013 may contact Andrea Crum at acrum@monmouthcollege.edu  or cell phone number 309-371-8573.   She will need  to look it up at the church and then get back to you with the amount.  Thanks.

Nary a Leaf Left
red-green-leaf.jpg
 
Thank you to David Behnke, part of our Family of Faith and nearby neighbor, who asked if it would be all right to rake the leaves on the north side of the church property. He did, and we really appreciate all of your hard work! 

 A Christmas Expedition - Friday, December 6, 2013 

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1st Street Armoury presents A Christmas Expedition from 5:30 - 8:30 pm featuring a Jingle Bell 5k Run/Walk, Festival of Lights parade, tour of holiday traditions around the world as well as a soup supper, local vendors, and photos with Santa. Festivities will begin with the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree in the town square at 5 pm, followed by the parade, and then travel to the Armoury. Questions - call 1st Street Armoury at 734-8991.

"All Aboard" at the Warren County History Museum - Dec. 7 & 8
 

Children's Program:  Saturday, December 7 - 1:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.

  • Pre-School Decorated Trees
  • The Polar Express - read by Blake Rappenecker
  • Train Cookie Decorating
  • Make Train Ornaments

     
  • Sticker Fun
  • Train Displays
  • Games
  • Train Raffle
  • Visit with Santa!

History of Trains in Warren County - Sunday, December 8 -

1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m.

  • 1:30 p.m.  - "History of Trains in Warren County" by Simon Cordery
  • 2:30 p.m. - "Growing Up in Warren County" by Norma Kirkpatrick
  • 3:15 p.m.  - "Going to School ~ 75 Years Ago" by Esther White   
Choral Dynamics Concert - December 6 & 7, 7:30 p.m.
                                                   December 8, 2:00 p.m.
  
"All Wrapped Up for Christmas," directed by Alisa Ramer will be presented by the Choral Dynamics, with special performances by students from Costa Catholic Academy and Willaimsfield School to benefit KCCDD at the Orpheum Theatre, Galesburg on Friday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. , Saturday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 8 at 2:00 p.m.
  
Tickets:  The Orpheum Box Office, call 309-342-2299 or online at www.TheOrpheum.org.
  
Adults:  $15   Youth: $7.50    Kids 12 & under free with paid adult
Group discounts available 
  
This production made possible by grants from the Galesburg Community Foundation & the City of Galesburg.
  
Gingerbread House Competition at Legacy - Wednesday, Dec. 11

Join us for the 1st Annual Gingerbread House Competition on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at Legacy Estates, 1200 W. Broadway in Monmouth!  Build your most original gingerbread house and bring it to Legacy to be judged by our residents.  Drop off any time before 3 p.m. - voting will take place at 4 p.m. Entry fee of $10.00 will go towards resident activity fund.  For more information or to register your gingerbread house, please contact Legacy at 734-0909.
Maple Leaf Concert - December 12 at 7 p.m.

"Songs of the Season...with a Twist."  Maureen Christine rings in the holidays with favorite songs of the season, from "White Christmas," "Santa Clause is Comin' to Town," "Let It Snow," and "Winter Wonderland," to sacred selections such as "Silent Night," "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "Oh Holy Night."  There's lots of fun in this holiday program with sing-a-longs, interesting narratives about the songs and their history, a surprise audience participation number and many wonderful melodies designed to put audiences in the holiday spirit.  The concert will be held in the Monmouth College Dahl Auditorium.  Single-event tickets are $25. 
Upcoming Events at Monmouth College
 
Christmas Concert:  Saturday, December 7th at 7:30 p.m.  Featuring Holiday Music and Readings by Monmouth College Choirs.  Performances include the choirs, the Chamber Orchestra, and the Winds as well as audience sing-along carols.  There is a $5.00 suggested donation for adults (non-students).
 
Christmas Convocation:  Tuesday, December 10th at 11:00 a.m.  Traditional Christmas Candlelight and Communion service. Featuring music by the Monmouth College Chorale.
Buchanan Singers Christmas Concert at Faith Church - 4 p.m. Saturday, December 14
 
The Buchanan Community Chorus will present "A Child is Born..."  on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Faith United Presbyterian Church with Special Guest artists from the Monmouth-Roseville Choir Chimes. 
 
They will also have a Friday performance on December 13 at First Christian Church in Galesburg at 7 p.m. with special guest artists from United District Chamber Ensemble.  Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for students and are available from members of the Buchanan Chorus or at the door.   
  
The Buchanan Community Chorus was established over a quarter of a century ago under the auspices of the Buchanan Center for the Arts, and has continued to concertize regularly with a wide range of quality sacred and secular literature.  The Chorus is under the direction of Carolyn Kellert.
Galesburg Community Chorus - 7:30 p.m. Saturday, December 14
 
The Galesburg Community Chorus invites you to join them in celebrating the Christmas season as they present a concert of Christmas Classics under the direction of Dr. Tim Pahel.  The concert will feature beloved holiday classics such as Bach's Cantata 140 and well-known carols.  Members of our congregation singing in this concert include Janice Cunningham. The concert will be held on Saturday, December 14th at First Presbyterian Church at the corner of Prairie and Ferris Streets in Galesburg. For more information, please call Tim Pahel at 309-457-2171. Tickets are available at the door:  Adults $12, Seniors 60+ $10, Students free.
Christmas Flowers
  
Traditionally, we have a beautiful sanctuary during the Christmas season, and the tradition of poinsettias in the chancel has been a lovely enhancement. If you would like to make a donation for Christmas flowers  for the sanctuary ($7.00 each), please fill out the form below and return it with the money to the office by December 10. Please make any checks payable to Faith United Presbyterian Church, with "Christmas flowers" on the memo line.
  
(1) _______ I would like to donate to the Christmas flower fund
  
to be given in memory of:  _________________________________________
  
    ________ I would like to donate to the Christmas flower fund
  
to be given in honor of: ___________________________________________
  
 (2)  ____  I wish to take home a poinsettia following the Christmas Eve service.
  
        _____ I wish to donate a poinsettia to an at-home member.
  
Flowers are welcome simply as gifts to the church, either by family name or anonymously.
  
Given by:  _________________________________________________
  
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