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Focus on Faith

Faith United Presbyterian Church Newsletter

December 4, 2014 

Phone:   734-5129     Hours:  M-F   8 AM - Noon  and 1 -4 PM   

   

Pastor:  Rev. Dr. Kathy Stoner-Lasala

revkathysl@gmail.com  (609) 319-4030

 

     Church Email: faithup@maplecity.com      

Website: www.faithpresmonmouth.org
This Sunday - Second Sunday in Advent
December 7, 2014
  10:30 a.m. 

 

Choral Meditation on Advent

Lectionary:   Mark 1: 1-8
Liturgist:  Susan Van Kirk
Ushers:  Buff Hottle, Dalton Hottle, Mark McVey, Brenda Runge, Sheila Wilson
Greeters: Ed Melvin, Martha & Ralph Whiteman
Children's Church:  Sarah Torrance
Nursery: Lolla Ballard
  Coffee Hour:  John & Mary Lyle
CD Recording:  Ted Briscoe 
Advent Readers:  Douglas, Sarah & Gabriel Torrance

Upcoming Meetings/Events 

 

TODAY!  Thursday, December 4 - Thai Circle - 9:30 a.m. 

Thursday, December 4 - Maple Leaf Concert - 7 p.m.  The Caterpillar Employees Big Band

Friday, December 5 - Faith Church booth at Living Windows @ 1st Street Armoury - 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Sunday, December 7 - College Care Packages assembled and delivered - bring treats for the packages by 9:30 a.m. to pack during Sunday School hour

Sunday, December 7 - Special Called Session Meeting to Receive New Members - 10:00 a.m. in library

Sunday, December 7 - Youth meet at church to build gingerbread church - 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 9 - Regular Session & Deacons Joint Meeting - 7 p.m. 

Thursday, December 11 - No Fillman Fellowship 

Wednesday Night Live - Resumes January 14, 2015
New Officers Elected at November 30 Congregational Meeting

     

SESSION:  Nancy Dowell, Doug Torrance, and Susan Van Kirk were elected to the Ruling Elders Class of 2017.  We still have a vacancy in the Class of 2017 and one 2-year vacancy in the Class of 2016.  

 

DEACONS:  Debbie Dingman, Karen Gibson, Bonnie Heflin, Alice Lawson, and Jenny Makiney were elected to the Deacons Class of 2017. 

 

2015 NOMINATING COMMITTEE:  Congregational members elected to the Nominating Committee for 2015 were Betsy Akey, Gary Distin, Sharon Graham, Betty McBride, and Carolyn Meling.  

 

Following election of officers, copies of "How We Spend Our Worship Time" were handed out to everyone at the meeting.  This was a second-by-second time analysis of each element of a recent "typical" worship service (i.e. no communion, guest speakers, special music, etc.)  Each table was to discuss three questions, select one person to be the scribe, and have the scribe report to the group as a whole:  

  1. Are you satisfied with what is contained in the worship service?  Are there elements you feel should be added or deleted?
  2. Are you satisfied with the order in which these elements occur?
  3. Are you satisfied with the amount of time allocated to each element?
After each table's scribe reported their table's input to the group, papers were turned in so that the Session can make decisions about what changes might be made in the worship service going forward. 
 
 Advent Devotionals are available in the Narthex and outside the office. If you want something different, come see me (Ann). I have lots of samples of different devotionals.

There is a reading corner set up in the Social Hall and you are invited to spend some quiet moments there as respite from all  the Christmas hubbub. 
Nursery
Available from 10:30 through the end of the service. 

Children's Church
Meets after the children's Time in the service.  Children's Church helps children to learn to worship God and to understand what happens during worship.  Children 5 years old to 3rd grade are encouraged to attend Children's Church. 

Adult Ed.
Sunday class will continue with a study of Advent and Christmas hymns led by Pastor Kathy.

The Wednesday evening discussion class will have one more meeting on the Afterlife at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3.

Elementary and Junior High Sunday School
Regular classes in November and December EXCEPT: no class on Dec 28th.
Save the Date - Sunday, December 14
  • Deacons' Christmas Caroling - meet at church 2:00 p.m. Caroling at homes 2:30 p.m., Courtyard Estates 3:30, Monmouth Nursing Home 4:00, Legacy Estates 4:30.  At 5:30 there will be soup, drink, and table service furnished to carolers at the church. Please bring finger foods to share.  
   Sign Up for Caroling on December 14      Caroling

Sign up for caroling is now taking place by calling the church office at 734-5129 or using the sign-up sheet on the office door. We will gather at 2 PM at church to carol in  the afternoon, returning for fellowship in the evening. All ages, voices are needed. Talent is NOT a requirement , only the spirit to share in this outreach to members. As I'm singing it is evident that voice quality is not a must. Your sign up gives the committee a heads-up for number at supper.    Jim Brown
Christmas Pageant - December 24   
  
Christmas Pageant practices are Dec. 3rd, 10th and 17th. Please let Ann know if you have a child who wants to be in the pageant or if you are willing to help.  I need adults to help children run through their lines, to put together costumes (we have a whole closet full of costume stuff) and to just be there in case more help is needed.  Younger children (not yet in Kindergarten) are encouraged to come on the 10th to get used to the sanctuary and get fitted in a sheep costume.  The pageant will be Christmas Eve at 5 pm. 
College Student Care Packages - This Sunday

Next week is finals time for our college students.  Help us make their studies a little easier and show them we are thinking of them with snacks, cookies, fruit or some silly games.  
The box for donations is by the office door.

 

College Care Packages will be given out this Sunday on Dec. 7.  Please bring items for boxes before 9:30 on Sunday, Dec. 7. We will pack the boxes during the Sunday School hour. We typically deliver around two dozen care packages. 

  

    Youth Group - Upcoming Events
  • December 7 - will meet to build a gingerbread house
  • December 14 - will participate in Deacons' Christmas Caroling 
       The Crockpot Cook-Off raised over $250!  Thank you to everyone!
Isabel Circle - Thursday, December 4

Isabel Circle will meet at 7 p.m., Thursday, December 4 at Holt House, 402 E. 1st Avenue, Monmouth.  Denise Turnbull will host the meeting and Janice Cunningham will be the facilitator of Lesson 3, "Covenants and God's Enduring Faithfulness." (2 Corinthians 3: 1--4:6). 
New Church Directory Photos - Deadline December 20

It has been since 2007 that we have published a pictorial church directory, and in honor of our 50th birthday as Faith Church, it's time to commemorate it with a special edition.  Portraits by Buff has been taking the photos and we thank them for being so accommodating and for giving us this gift
.  Please call Sarah Torrance at 
1-208-914-0391 to schedule your photo appointment.

The deadline for getting your photos done is December 20, 2014.  
Tree of Hope

Take the first step to help alleviate the burdens of those in need around the world. 


In 2013, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) launched the Presbyterian Giving Catalog, a simple way to help those in need while supporting projects Presbyterians are actively engaged in. The Giving Catalog allows you to purchase items like families of chickens, water wells, bags of seed, and beds for children. We are called, as followers of Christ, to help those in need, and this catalog is a way to do just that.

 

Last year you helped change the lives of countless people with your gifts.  The new 2014 Giving Catalog features new items, providing even more opportunities for you to share the love of Christ by helping people in need around the world.

 

With your support, we, as Presbyterians, can bring relief to those in need.

 

Please help by checking out the Tree of Hope in the Social Hall and consider choosing a life-changing gift today during this Christmas season. You can even give in honor of a friend or loved one.  Instructions are available under the tree. 

 

Your gift truly does make a difference. 

Prayer Concerns

Dale Dingman; Louise Roos; Amy Hoffmeister (Bette Vance's daughter); Jack Stoner (Kathy's father); Jan Speer (at Monmouth Nursing Home); Rev. John Irwin: Thomas Vaughn (now at OSF Holy Family Medical Center); Jim Keefe; Tamene Bekele; Jim Andrews;  Bobbi Cady (Sarah Torrance's mother); Bob McClintock; Robert Cooper (Bonnie Heflin's cousin); Bill Smallwood;  Etta Jane Pullen; Ed Strickler; Cathy Abernathy; Greg &  Joy Haning; Bill Hoover; Blaine Robinson; Vern Mettler; Cinda Stansbury; Mary Johnson; Lindsay Murdock. 
PW Mitten Tree - Nov. 20 through Dec. 7


Winter seems to have arrived much too early this year! But you can help others keep warm by placing donations of hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, socks, and slippers for people of all ages and sizes by helping decorate the traditional Mitten Tree which can be found in the Fellowship Hall. 


 You can place your contributions on the tree between November 20th through December 7th. All items will be taken to Jamieson Community Center on Monday, December 8th. Thank you for caring and sharing. 

Community Thanksgiving Dinner  - Thank You
   Thanksgiving
Another successful dinner. Thank you to everyone that helped or supported the dinner this year. We served or delivered over 500 meals. Those of you that have moved away don't know what you are missing from this community. I am humbled by what I witnessed today. Thank you.  Brad Larson



Maple Leaf Concert - TONIGHT, Thursday, December 4

The Caterpillar Employees Big Band, established in the mid-1970s, has been performing all over the state and nation ever since.  They will present a concert on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Dahl Chapel and Auditorium of Monmouth College. They play the familiar and popular music from the 1930s to today in the styles popularized by the big bands of the 40's and 50's and this band has been featured in Fortune magazine.  For ticket information call the Chamber of Commerce at 734-3181 or go online at GoMonmouth.com. 
Choral Dynamics Concert - Dec. 5, 6, & 7

"Carols for Christmas," directed by Alisa Ramer will be presented by the Choral Dynamics group at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings, Dec. 5 & 6, and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 7 at the Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg.  Special performances include the Monmouth-Roseville High School Madrigal Singers on Friday, the Galesburg High School Chamber Singers on Saturday, and the District 205 Singing Streaks on Sunday afternoon.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for youth.  Kids 12 & under free with paid adult.  Call 309-342-2299 or go online at TheOrpheum.org. This is a benefit for the Galesburg Sunrise Rotary Club. The production is made possible by grants from the Galesburg Community Foundation and the City of Galesburg. 
Service of Remembrance - December 7

We at Turnbull Funeral Home would like to invite you and your family to a Holiday Service of Remembrance on Sunday, December 7, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at Turnbull Funeral Home, Monmouth.  

Having experienced the recent loss of your loved one, we are offering you this night of comfort and support.  This will be a time of music, candlelight, and reflections.  We would encourage you and your family to come and join us in an evening just for you.

RSVP - 309-734-2131
Harp Concert - December 13 - 4:00 p.m. 

A free Christmas Concert featuring Barb Gossett playing the harp will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. at Kirkwood United Methodist Church. 

Following the concert, a chicken noodle dinner will be served from 5 - 7 p.m. Cost for the dinner is a free will donation.  Funds will go to Untied Methodist Women's Mission Projects. 

235 S Kellogg St Kirkwood IL 61447

 (309) 768-2663


Galesburg Community Chorus - Saturday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 pm

The Galesburg Community Chorus and Music Director Tim Pahel present "The Seven Joys of Christmas" featuring classical and holiday favorites and a special guest performance by 
The Singing Streaks 
 directed by Pier Debes on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Galesburg. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors 60+.  Students are free. Tickets are available at Innkeepers and at the door. 

Buchanan Community Chorus - Dec. 12 & 13

The Buchanan Community Chorus presents "Christmas with the Buchanan Chorus" on Friday, December 12, 2014 @ 7:00 p.m. @ First Christian Church, Galesburg and Saturday, December 13, 2014 @ 4:00 p.m. @ Heritage Presbyterian Church, Monmouth.  There are some complimentary tickets on the table under the mirror outside the church office. 
Book Signings by Local Author 

The local author is Susan Van Kirk and she will have book sales and signings at these locations and times:
  • Warren County Public Library (talk & signing) Monday, December 15, 2014 - 7:00 p.m. 
  • Security Savings Bank (signing)                                     Friday, December 19, 2014  - 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. 
  • Market Alley Wines (signing)                                         Saturday, December 20, 2014 - 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. 
  • Sandburg Mall @ beginning of J.C. Penney corridor  (signing) Sunday, December 21, 2014  - 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. 
More information is available at www.susanvankirk.com
Cookies, Conversation & More - December 17

Faith's own Susan Van Kirk will be the guest speaker at the next book discussion on Wednesday, December 17 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at the Henderson County Public Library, 110 Hill Crest Drive, Biggsville (309) 627-2450.  She will be talking about her new book, Three May Keep a Secret, which came out in November and doing book signings. This is her first in a series of mysteries, and she is already working on her second.  Don't miss this special chance to hear from Sue!
Fifty Years Ago This Month... 
1964 - 2014

SPECIAL SESSION MEETING - DECEMBER 9, 1964

 

A special meeting of the Session and Trustees of Faith United Presbyterian Church, Monmouth, Illinois for the purpose of considering proposed plans for the expanded church building 

and taking any appropriate action thereon was held in the former Second Church building at 7:30 p.m., December 9, 1964.  Present from the Session were Elders Beveridge, Connell, Ebersole, Manley, Marshall, Allison, Armstrong, Royer, Wallace, Wells, White, Carlson, Hallam, Jewell and Lipes, the Rev. G. Robert Buttrick and the Rev. Chester O'Neal.  A quorum from the Board of Trustees was also present.

 

The meeting was opened with prayer by Mr. Buttrick.

 

The proposed plans were presented in detail by the Architect, Mr. Cooley, at the conclusion of which it was duly moved, seconded and carried that the proposed plans be approved for presentation to the congregation for final action.

 

There being no further business to come before this special meeting it was moved, seconded and carried that the meeting adjourn.  Adjournment followed the closing prayer by the pastor.

 

G. Robert Buttrick, Moderator

David M. Hallam, Clerk

 

Birthdays

 

December 1 -     Andrea Spainhour

December 2 -     Beverly Davis
December 5 -     Rodney Lemon
December 6 -     Gary Pullen, Karen Angotti
December 10 -   Ruth Wright
December 11 -   Jo Ellen Dollinger
December 12 -   Stephanie Reading
December 13 -   Noah Clark
December 14 -   Mark McVey
December 16 -   John Sorensen, 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 Sorensen
December 30 -   Bette Vance, Gabriel Torrance
December 31 -    Dawn Brown 

Anniversaries
 
November 22  - Jim & Lolla Ballard (39th)
November 25  - Phyllis & Ken Wilson (54th)
November 29 - Vernon & Norma Mettler (61st)
December 19  - Buster & Jane Kellogg (44th)
December 20 -  Lowell & Dee Long (51st)
December 22  - Charles & Joyce Peirce (37th)
Wanted - Nursery Attendants  

clapping-baby.jpg We are looking for Presbyterians who like adorable children (most of them do) or at least enjoy them enough to spend an hour or two with them every 
6 - 8 weeks during the worship service (10:30 - 11:45 a.m.) (The more nursery attendants we have, the more likely that will be every 8 weeks, instead of every 5 or 6). If you are interested, please contact Ann Phelps at 309-313-2011, or call Vicki in the church office, and she'll give Ann your name and number. 
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 9. 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:  _________________________________________________