THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
January 1, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
SERVING IN WORSHIP GREETERS: Jan 6 – Bill & Irma Cheffer, Lisa & Aurelio Garcia Jan 13 – Jim & Christine Bushey, Barbara Simmons & Pat Posing Jan 20 – Nancy Campbell & Ida Mae Cuprys, Iris Robinson & Marilyn Vanden Jan 27 – Janet Bushey & Earline Larson, Mark & Judy Whitehead
ACOLYTES:
K and N Bushey
CHILDREN’S HOMILY
WORSHIP LEADERS: Jan 6 Jan 13 Jan 20 Jan 27
Bill Cheffer Noah Garrett Nancy Campbell Michelle Garrett
Lisa Garcia Lois Bangs Rev. Bushey Rev. Bushey
SERVING AT THE LORD’S TABLE ELDERS Teri Bushey & Iris Robinson DIACONATE: Servers: Jim Bushey & Bill Cheffer Preparers: Sharon Sovinski & Mary Joubert
CHURCH CALENDAR THURSDAY, JANUARY 3 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal SUNDAY, JANUARY 6 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 2:30 p.m. Vision Leader Team Take Christmas Decorations Home MONDAY, JANUARY 7 9:30 a.m. Take down Christmas Decorations TUESDAY, JANUARY 8 9:30 a.m. Miriam Circle 10:00 a.m. Cluster Clergy Gathering THURSDAY, JANUARY 10 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal SUNDAY, JANUARY 13 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service MONDAY, JANUARY 14 7:00 p.m. Faith/Joy Circle
1-Richard Love 2-Mary Ommen 5-Dorothy Carton 7-Loren Flouhouse 8-Thom Hooppaw 12-Aurelio Garcia
12-Lois Bangs 17-Irma Cheffer 22-Dan Pickering 26-Ken Bade 28-Nick Garcia 28-Sharon Sovinski
TUESDAY, JANUARY 15 9:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl Group
Food Pantry Collection Items Canned Fruit
BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS TO ALL!
Gifts for Four Families
Youth Handbell Ensemble Santa’s Visit Christmas Day
Children, Youth & Family Ministry NEWS "Y.O.L.O" (You Only Live Once For God)
The time has come! This event, for teens in grades 6-12 (Chi-Rho & CYF) is an overnight event with workshops, worship, swimming and sports and much more! Where: University Place Christian Church 403 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL When: 11:00am on Saturday, January 26 - 2:00pm on Sunday, January 27, 2013 Cost: $15.00
News from Friends and Family Dear Friends at Central Christian Church… I want to Thank You so much for the beautiful poinsettia. It really brightons up my room. Merry Christmas to my friends. - Barbara Flowers Thank You… The Worship Committee would like to thank all the Elders, Diaconate, Worship Leaders, Acolytes, Ushers, Greeters, Homily Leaders, Chancel Choir, Organist, Pastor, Sound Tech, Church Secretary and Substitute Custodian for being a part of the worship service. It takes a lot of people to make your worship experience meaningful. We would like to thank everyone for being so willing to volunteer when asked. Thanks again. I’m still unpacking boxes but I’ve jumped into Bible Study Fellowship, I’m back to being librarian, and was asked to help with Coffee. Keeping busy but miss all of you terribly. Connected in Christ ~ Suna Miller. Dear Friends at Central Christain Church… Thank you for your contribution of $200 to the Christian Church in Illinois and Wisconsin’s Annual Fund. We are Together Making Disciples of Christ.
From the Staff
Deadline to Register: (postmarked by) January 15, 2013. Download the registration form at: CCIWDISCIPLES.ORG
Thank you all so much for the gift of love that was given to me at the Wassail Bowl. The love of God shines through each and every person at Central…and I’m so happy that God put me here to see and be a part of it.
Youth Meeting
The Staff of Central wishes to express our gratitude for the generous Christmas gifts we received during the Wassail Bowl Fellowship. We are grateful to be in ministry with you! ~ Dianna, Jim, Ken, & Rev. Robert.
Immediately after worship service on Sunday, January 27th. Souper Bowl Activity.
Game Night February 1st at 6 p.m.
~ Dianna Clem
Christmas Outreach Touching Lives Four families received a display of God’s love thanks to your generosity. Through your giving, $1,440 was raised for the Christmas Families Outreach. These gifts were dedicated during worship on Sunday December 16th. Aurelio Garcia & Rev. Robert Bushey delivered the gifts. Shirley Herberger purchased and wrapped the gifts. The Christmas Card Tree raised $280 for Harbor House. Thank you all for your giving hearts. 58 books were donated to the Baby Talk Program. Thanks for your generosity. One Hundred Sixty people were served at the Annual Christmas Day Dinner hosted by Central which was one of eight sites. Dave & Cheryl Herberger coordinate the dinner at Central. Thanks to all Central folks who helped serve!
Orders Received Sundays, Jan 20 & 27
Epiphany Gifts for Central On January 6th as we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord when the church recalls the wise men who came bearing gifts for the newborn king, we will receive gifts of Kitchen supplies, Custodial Supplies and Office Supplies for Central Christian Church (see list below.) If you are not able to bring your gift on Sunday, we will receive them throughout the month of January. Thank you for your generous support of Central Christian Church!
KITCHEN SUPPLIES Disposable heavy-duty dinner and dessert plates Disposable soup bowls Disposable hot and cold beverage cups (9oz or 12oz preferred) Disposable paper napkins (Solid colors: white, red, yellow, green etc.) Disposable heavy-duty forks, knives, and spoons Coffee, regular and decaffeinated
JANITORIAL SUPPLIES Paper towels (Large rolls) Toilet paper (Double size rolls of soft or ultra-soft paper) Garbage bags (Hefty tall kitchen; Boulder tall kitchen draw string; Ruffles 76 /roll 8 gal.) Cloth (Cotton) Cleaning Rags Glass Cleaner, Bleach, Magic Erasers, Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Furniture Polish
OFFICE SUPPLIES Gift Cards (Staples, Office Max) Batteries AA or 9 volt (Heavy-duty Media Quality) Postage stamps (First-class)
Robert’s Reflections As I write to you the New Year is already a day old and I am reflecting on all that was meaningful during our Advent & Christmas seasons. During Advent we journeyed with Mary as she delivered a message of hope for all caught in the despair of the world. We grew in our understanding and faith as we explored Mary’s Song of hope and deliverance and as we heard different perspectives on her witness of faithfulness. Thanks to our Mary living portrait actresses, Demetia, Delanie, Abbey & Teri! We were visited by messengers from our regional church and from the lonely roads of homelessness. We touched the lives of many
through our giving to the Christmas Families Outreach. This year, I had the privilege to accompany Aurelio Garcia as the gifts were delivered to four families from Bourbonnais, Bradley and Kankakee. Words cannot express the joy which filled the faces of the seventeen children and six adults as we carried in the gifts made possible by your generosity. (I’ll have photos to share on Sunday.) We were hosts to 160 folks for dinner on Christmas Day! We shared our gifts as we collected books for Baby Talk’s new mom’s, donated for Harbor House and gave lotions for the YWCA. We felt the joy of witnessing and listening to our youth grace us with their many talents and we were blessed by our talented Organist/Choir Director, Ken Bade. We are blessed! Among my favorite activities of the season each year is joining our youth for Christmas Caroling to folks who we know as our Limited Activity Members (LAMs) and to members whose lives have been touched by grief or illness/injury during the past year. We are not a professional choir of carolers and yet our brief visits are met by smiles, appreciation and sometimes tears – not due to our singing – but simply because the songs of joy we bring remind all of us we are not alone in our trials, our sufferings, or our losses. This was evident when we visited our friend Mary Evans, whose powerful hugs and testimony of her faith and love for her church moved us as much as our presence brought hope to her. Thank you Mary for allowing us to be in ministry with you! As we begin 2013 in ministry together for our Lord Jesus Christ, may we continue to find meaningful ways to grow in our faithfulness, to touch the lives of others and to share our gifts within and beyond our congregation. One way to begin your 2013 faith journey is to pledge your financial support for the mission and ministry of Central Christian Church by completing one of the forms in the Narthex. By doing so, you indicate your estimate of giving for the year, but even more important you make a commitment to the Lord to give of yourself to further the mission of Christ’s church. I am grateful for the generous spirit I witness in you throughout the year! I pray we will continue to be a people who live our faithfulness as we journey through 2013. Happy New Year! Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 CONTACT US: Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist Phone: (815) 939-4433 Email:cccbourbonnais@gmail.com Website: http://www.cccbourbonnais.com Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771 Email: revbushey@gmail.com
Season’s Greetings from the Christmas Card Tree Clarence & Lois Bangs Jeanie Burkhalter Mary Jane Burkhalter Bob & Janet Bushey Rev. Robert & Teri Bushey Nancy Campbell Bill & Irma Cheffer Betty Conard Merwyn Cook Ida Mae Cuprys Sue Elias Bonnie & Loren Flouhouse Barbara Flowers Juanita Goodrich Elaine, Steven Gray & Family
Ellie Guenette Larry & Wilma Hastings Shirley Herberger Thomas Hooppaw Earline Larson Richard Love Suna Miller Ethel Odle Pat & Del Posing & Family Mario & Betty Sebastiani Charles & Barbara Simmons Bob & Kay Smith Ed & Sharon Sovinski Marilyn Vanden Sandy Wadley
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
January 15, 2013
Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
Robert’s Reflections As many of you know I am recovering from laryngitis which developed late last Saturday evening. Arriving at church on a Sunday morning with almost no audible voice was interesting to say the least. I have rarely lost my voice completely. ...the church has Sure, I’ve had my share of colds and struggled to give a sinus infections with sore throats, but relevant voice to the this time my voice was gone. And, for life affirming, me, that is a challenge! My voice is welcoming spirit of the significant in my vocation, family life, gospel of Jesus Christ. and for my conversational personality. By some miracle I was able to squeak through my sermon, one of the best I’ve prepared on the Baptism of Jesus, IMHO expressing a clear understanding of baptism and yet I have to wonder if anyone really heard the word or were folks just distracted by my attempt to speak? I struggled the rest of the day on Sunday as I tried to participate in dialogue only to give up time and time again. I was frustrated by my inability to say what I wanted to say.
Baptism an Act of Stewardship On Sunday, I tried to proclaim baptism as an act of stewardship, indeed the purest form of Christian stewardship. In baptism we GIVE our whole selves BODY, MIND & SPIRIT in COVENANT or RELATIONSHIP with GOD. When we enter the waters of baptism, we allow all that holds us back from complete commitment to follow Jesus to be washed away as we symbolically die with Christ and are buried with him. In other words, we give up the distractions that claim our attention, such as our addiction to “our stuff.” When we RISE from the waters of baptism, we enter into newness of LIFE in Christ Jesus, indeed abundant and eternal life. We are not made perfect, although baptism is a once-and-done, symbolic act. We are granted the opportunity to give of ourselves freely for the mission and ministry of Christ in the world namely the church and her witness to the good news of Jesus. So, baptism is an act of stewardship, of giving of ourselves for the service and mission of Jesus. You may notice a common stewardship theme during worship for the month of January as we invite everyone to make an estimate of your giving for 2013. I (Continued on page 3)
CHURCH CALENDAR
SUNDAY, JANUARY 20 8:00 a.m. Cheerful Survivors 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 2:30 p.m. Vision Leadership Team THURSDAY, JANUARY 24 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal SATURDAY, JANUARY 26
11:00 a.m. Y.O.L.O. SUNDAY, JANUARY 27 8:30 a.m. Elder’s Meeting 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service
Noon Youth Meeting 2:00 p.m. Y.O.L.O. MONDAY, JANUARY 28 9:00 a.m. Newsletter Articles Due THURSDAY, JANUARY 31 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1
6:00 p.m. Game Night SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service Pick up Sub Sandwich Order TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 9:00 a.m. Cluster Clergy Gathering
Children, Youth & Family Ministry News
Notes and News Thank You! THANK YOU NOTE RECEIVED Thank you for your financial support of The Salvation Army here in Kankakee County. Your gift is deeply appreciated. I just want you to know I am grateful for your concern for others —Cheryl L. Mosely
"Y.O.L.O." (You Only Live Once For God) The time has come! This event, for teens in grades 6-12 (Chi-Rho & CYF) is an overnight event with workshops, worship, swimming and sports and much more!
Where: University Place Christian Church 403 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL When: 11:00am Saturday, January 26 - 2:00pm Sunday, January 27, 2013 Cost: $15.00 See Rev. Bushey for deadline! Download the registration form at: CCIWDISCIPLES.ORG
Youth Meeting Immediately after worship service on Sunday, January 27th. Souper Bowl Activity.
Sub Sandwiches Orders Received Sundays, Jan 20 & 27
Game Night February 1st at 6 p.m. Bring a favorite game and snack to share.
THANK YOU Thank you so much for your recent gift to Harbor House. Your generous donation will allow us to help many of the survivors of domestic violence in our community.
Stewardship is More than Money… Thank you to Property Chair James Bushey for stripping and waxing the tile floors recently.
Central’s Ministry of Prayer Prayer Request Cards:- Prayer Request Cards have been provided at each Entrance to submit a prayer request. The cards help the minister keep the Prayer List accurate, help our Sharing Time stay efficient and keep us within the laws around personal privacy (see below). Weekly Prayer List:- To keep our list current, names added stay on the list until an update is received or for 30 days and then removed unless the request is renewed. Notes of sympathy, thanks and congratulations are on the list for one week. Requests may be left on the church voicemail, through email, via the website or in person. Thank you for sharing your joys and concerns as we seek to touch lives with God’s love through our ministry of prayer at Central!
Prayer Chain Different from the Prayer List, the Prayer Chain consists of several persons (including the Minister) who have volunteered to be on the chain and are contacted when an individual contacts the office with a request to activate the chain. Your request is then shared through the chain and they hold your request in prayer. To begin a Prayer Chain Request call the office at 815939-4433.
Minister’s Prayer List At any time an individual may contact the Minister, via phone, email, text message, etc. and request prayers. Please, be sure to indicate the privacy of your request (i.e. Is the request for the minister only, for the prayer chain or the prayer list?)
A Note About Privacy Laws The church is not exempt from the Health Information Protection Act. When submitting a prayer request, we must be careful about sharing specific medical and other personal information. In other words, we do NOT need to hear the whole story. God already knows the specifics, anyway. Lifting a person’s name in prayer with permission is sufficient for God and for the congregation to share in our joy or concern.
(Continued from page 1)
was moved by the testimony of one of our most recently baptized youth during the Call to Stewardship on Sunday. Hearing how Central Christian Church has already made a difference in his life, points us to the real purpose of our Christian Stewardship, to transform lives by sharing our gifts of time, abilities and money. Your generosity has made an impact on his life and provided hope for the witness of Central in future generations.
Where Are the Younger People? Nearly every week recently, I have found an article or news program focusing on the rising number of people who have either left the church or have never been a part of church in their lives. NPR ran a series last week called Losing My Religion. Known as the “nones” or the non-religiously affiliated group, they are mostly younger adults without any upbringing in religion. Some say they represent an entire generation. And, while several factors are always listed for the growth in this particular group and the decline of organized religion as a whole, especially Christianity in the US, a couple factors always get my attention. Researchers say the “nones” often believe the church as an institution has become irrelevant, but many still believe in God. Irrelevancy is the result of the failure of the church to communicate the message of faith in a meaningful way to new generations and cultures of people. Several service clubs and associations are also seeing declines among younger members. Another factor for many who have left the church has been the unwelcome spirit they encountered in the church, indeed many have been hurt by the church in some way, by some meaningless or negative comment or worse the abusiveness of a member or staff person. Nothing will drive a person away from a church like mean criticism or judgment from another member. The gift of humility allows us to accept and respect another person with their “imperfections” because we understand ourselves as imperfect as well. Healthy relationships in the church and all walks of life begin with humility. And, healthy relationships draw people to the church to belong to something
powerful and worthy of their investment of themselves. Just to be clear, humility is not the same as being a victim of another’s abusive behavior.
Update on Our Extreme Church Makeover As we begin 2013 our Extreme Church Makeover visioning process for transformation is underway as we seek God’s direction and guidance for our future as a congregation. Soon, the Vision Leadership Team will be inviting all of us to participate in a series of Holy Conversations over a ten week period. The conversations, which begin in February, will include a time for prayer, fellowship and guided discussion. Each conversation group will set their own schedule, place, etc. You may participate as you are comfortable, however, our conversations will not be complete without you. I promise Holy Conversations will not assume you are a church history or Bible scholar, will not be intensive group therapy (therapy is a very healthy process), and will allow you to share/listen as you wish with respect for other conversation partners. The purpose of the Holy Conversations is to grow our relationships as a congregation as we listen for God’s guidance. You may think you know everybody and everybody knows you. And, one of the first lessons in being together in covenant as church is to not take relationships for granted. If the recent surge in articles about the growth of the spiritual-but-not-religious crowd often members of the “nones” tell us anything, it may be that the church has struggled to give a relevant voice to the life affirming, welcoming spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The church has too often been silent where voices of solidarity and justice for the oppressed were needed all the while Christianity was represented publicly and politically by those shouting fear and condemnation for all who are cast out socially, the very people Jesus sought to serve. In other words, the church has talked about loving one another but not actually done it very often. Let’s turn that around, shall we? Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
«Title» «First Name» «Last Name» «Address Line 1» «Address Line 2» «City», «State» «Zip Code»
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 CONTACT US: Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist; Phone: (815) 939-4433 Email: cccbourbonnais@gmail.com Website: www.cccbourbonnais.com Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771 Email:revbushey@gmail.com
SHARING BRINGS JOY TO US. TO OTHERS. TO GOD.
Everyone Has a Gift To Bring! Can you imagine what it would be like to never give? Never to reach out, lend a hand, or give of oneself? Through Week of Compassion, we experience the joy of giving not only because it is a blessing, but also because our offerings literally change lives. By giving to those who suffer and are in need, we give back to God. Our Week of Compassion offering will be received February 17th & 24th, 2013.
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
February 1, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
SERVING IN WORSHIP
CHURCH CALENDAR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1
6:00 p.m. Youth Game Night
GREETERS: Feb 3 – Mary Joubert & Ruth Lanoue, Bob & Kay Smith Feb 10 – Betty Conard & Shirley Herberger, Elaine & Steve Gray Feb 17 – Mary Jane & Jeanie Burkhalter, Bob & Kay Smith Feb 24– Sandy Wadley & Ellie Guenette, Sharon Sovinski & Merwyn Cook
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service Pick up Sub Sandwich Order 2:30 p.m. Vision Leadership Team
ACOLYTES:
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 9:00 a.m. Cluster Clergy Gathering
Demetia and Daniel Gray
WORSHIP LEADERS: Feb 3 Feb 10 Feb 17 Feb 24
Bob Smith Kay Smith Mary Joubert Aurelio Garcia
CHILDREN’S HOMILY Lisa Garcia Lois Bangs Rev. Bushey Rev. Bushey
SERVING AT THE LORD’S TABLE ELDERS Betty Conard & Elaine Gray DIACONATE: Servers: Nancy Peterson & Kay & Bob Smith Preparers: Nancy & Pete Peterson
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11 9:00 a.m. Newsletter Articles Due 7:00 p.m. Faith/Joy Circle TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 9:30 a.m. Miriam Circle WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 - ASH WEDNESDAY Read Roberts Reflection for times and places
BIRTHDAYS 1 11 12
Patricia Agee Carolyn Pickering Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
25 25
Earline Larson Mario Sebastiani
Food Pantry Collection Items: Mac & Cheese and Peanut Butter
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Lenten/Easter Series Faith Quest 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 6:00 p.m. Board Meeting
Children, Youth & Family Ministry News
Notes and News Stewardship by the Numbers During the month of January, our average worship attendance was 48 and we received $4,873 for the General Fund. Our 2013 budget includes $3,333 per month drawn from Estate Giving, approved by the congregation in 2011, to meet our expenses. The budgeted amount needed for January was $9,736 leaving a deficit of $1,530 as we begin the 2013 fiscal year. Your generous giving is appreciated and essential as we seek to be a vital witness for Christ in our community.
Game Night February 1st at 6 p.m. Bring a favorite game and snack to share.
Super Sub Shop Youth will meet at Central at 8:45AM Sunday, February 3rd to assemble our Super Subs for delivery after worship.
Week of Compassion Offering—February 17th & 24th Join a Holy Conversation Group
We will have a few extra subs for sale for those who did not order subs.
Beginning in February the Vision Leadership Team will be inviting you to take part in Holy Conversations as we seek God’s vision for the future of Central Christian Church. Lead by members of the VLT, the groups will meet ten times over about 100 days with times, locations, etc. determined by the groups. During the conversations, you may expect to share in prayer as you are comfortable, to participate in discussion about our mission and ministry as a congregation and to build stronger relationships with the members of your group. Your participation is vitally important to our visioning process as we celebrate 120 years of ministry and look to the future God is calling us toward. Watch for your invitation, soon!
CWF Come and be a part of our Women’s Ministry. Here are our up– coming events:
Not Too Early to Think Camp
FAITH/JOY CIRCLE Monday, February 11th at 7p.m. Lesley Osback will be giving the lesson, and Merwyn Cook will serve refreshments.
2013 Summer Camp schedules are available on the Region’s website at cciwdisciples.org
MIRIAM CIRCLE Tuesday, February 12th at 9:30 a.m. PRAYER SHAWL GROUP Tuesday, February 19th at 9:30 a.m.
Robert’s Reflections In less than two weeks we begin the season of Lent on the Christian calendar. Lent which begins on Ash Wednesday and Abundant life is lasts for forty-six days is overflowing with joy, a season of self- inner peace, and the reflection and repentance sense we are part of for our sins. Typically, the church encourages something bigger followers of Jesus to than ourselves. make a sacrifice of something mundane so as to make room for something sacred, in other words give up something which would otherwise capture our attention, energy, time or resources and use them for growing our relationship with God. Some people give up things like chocolate, soda pop, watching TV, and social media has recently made the list. Others give up their gourmet coffee, fast food lunches, movie rentals or buying extra stuff during the season. These sacrifices are meant to clear our hearts, minds, and calendars so as to reset our priorities as disciples of Jesus who gave everything so we may have life, abundant life here and in eternity. Abundant living is not filled with instant gratification and stuff. Abundant life is overflowing with joy, inner peace, and the sense we are part of something bigger than ourselves. So, Lent may be best understood as an opportunity to clear away the clutter and distractions in our day to day existence in order that we may find room for a living relationship with God through Jesus the Christ.
begin a holy Lent. I will be at Starbucks on Rt. 50 in Bradley from 7-9AM. An Elder will be at McDonalds on North 5th Ave in Kankakee from 911AM and I will be at the Kankakee Public Library (near the circulation desk) from 5-8PM. Here’s what you may expect: you arrive at the place listed above during the hours above, find me or Sharon Sovinski and an Elder, you will receive a card with a silent prayer of forgiveness and explanation of Ash Wednesday, after you read the card we will make the sign of the cross with ashes on your forehead and pray for you to have a holy Lent, you wear the ashes throughout the rest of the day as a sign of your commitment to Jesus. You are not obligated to purchase anything, your patronage of the business is at your discretion. By offering these opportunities in public, we make a public witness of our faith, others who witness our devotion may inquire about our faith, our church and most importantly about Jesus. Speaking of inquiring about faith, our 2013 Lenten/ Easter Series Faith Quest: Real Questions, Honest Answers begins on February 17th. Based in part on the 2011 book, What’s the Least I can Believe and Still be a Christian? A Guide to What Matters Most By Martin Thielen, the series will tackle some of the big questions about faith: Feb 17: Is Some Religion Unhealthy? Feb 24: What Matters Most in Faith? March 3: Am I Really Good Enough? March 10: Where Is God, Today? March 17: What Brings True Fulfillment? March 24: Where is God in Suffering? March 31: Is There Really Hope?
Our recent Lenten traditions have included an Ash Wednesday service in the evening with prayers and the imposition of ashes by an Elder of the church, marking us with the sign of the cross and charging us to have a holy Lent. The sign of ashes is not just a “Catholic” thing. The ashes remind us of our need for forgiveness, our humanity, the death of our Lord on the cross, and grace that despite our imperfection God claims us as God’s own children. We wear the ashes on the first day of Lent as an outward symbol of our faith and commitment as disciples of Jesus.
This series and the study which will accompany it are an excellent opportunity to invite your friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. to attend, especially those who may be spiritual but just not religious. Our study will begin on Feb. 20th at 10AM & 7PM. Hope you will make this a part of your Lenten journey. And, whatever you choose to do to make your Lent a holy time, may God bless you as you walk with Jesus!
This year, we are taking Ash Wednesday into the community, offering three different times and places to receive ashes. And you are invited to come and
Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
2013 General Assembly The 2013 General Assembly theme, "Lord, Teach Us to Pray," calls us to pray deeply for God's direction, strength, courage, and initiative in mission. It offers the opportunity for praying communities of Disciples to connect with each other as the family of God.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
February 15, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL Our 2013 Lenten/Easter Series Faith Quest: Real Questions, Honest Answers begins on February 17th. Based in part on the 2011 book, What’s the Least I can Believe and Still be a Christian? A Guide to What Matters Most By Martin Thielen, the series will tackle some of the big questions about faith
Is Some Religion Unhealthy?—February 17 Matthew 9: 14-17
th
What Matters Most in Faith?—February 24th Mark 12: 28-34 Am I Really Good Enough?—March 3rd Matthew 9: 10-13 Where Is God, Today?—March 10th John 1: 1-5, 14 What Brings True Fulfillment?—March 17th John 13: 1-5, 13-17 Is the Church Still Relevant?—March 24th I Peter 2:4-6, 9-10; Mark 13: 1-7, 32-33, 37 Is There Really Hope?—March 31st
Easter Sunday Matthew 28: 1-7 This series and the study which will accompany it are an excellent opportunity to invite your friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. to attend, especially those who may be spiritual but just not religious. Our study will begin on Wednesday, Feb. 20th at 10AM & 7PM. The evening session will be available live on Google Hangout and our YouTube Channel at: www.youtube.com/cccbourbonnais.
CHURCH CALENDAR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Lenten/Easter Series Faith Quest 8:00 a.m. Cheerful Survivors Bkfst 9:00 a.m. Faith Quest 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 2:30 p.m. Vision Leadership Team TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19 9:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl Group WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 10:00 a.m. Lenten Study 6:00 p.m. Board Meeting 7:00 p.m. Lenten Study THUSDAY, FEBRUARY 21 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24 9:00 a.m. Faith Quest 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 6:00 p.m. Youth “Hangout” MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25 9:00 a.m. Newsletter Articles Due THUSDAY, FEBRUARY 28 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal TUESDAY, MARCH 5 9:00 a.m. Cluster Clergy Gathering SATURDAY, MARCH 9 10:00 a.m. CWF General Meeting SATURDAY, MARCH 16 8:00 a.m. ONU Prayer Breakfast
Children, Youth & Family Ministry News
Notes and News Baby Shower for Rachel (Chad) Peterson All women of Central are invited to Rachel (Chad) Peterson's Baby Shower on Saturday, March 30th in the Fellowship Hall. You will need to R.S.V.P. to Linda Cunnington by phone: 815-953-5799 or by email: ode2joy12@yahoo.com OR R.S.V.P. to Nancy Peterson by
March 15th.
Join a Holy Conversation Group
Super Sub Shop Central Youth raised over $300 with the Super Sub Sandwich sale. Thanks to everyone who purchased subs or gave donations and to our youth parents who donated ingredients and helped assemble the subs. Funds raised will support our youth activities and mission throughout the year.
NEW Youth “Hangouts” Begin Sunday, February 24th @ 6 – 7PM Central Youth grades 6-12 are invited to “Hangout” with Rev. Bushey online. We will chat securely via Google video Hangout. We will begin our hangouts by sharing when we were introduced to Jesus for the first time. If you do not have a webcam available, you may still join via chat. We will also choose a time for regular hangouts, so be thinking about the best time most weeks to hangout. More information will be given to parents before we begin. See you online!
What is in store for the future of Central Christian Church, Bourbonnais? How will we be a witness for current and future generations? What will it require to meet God’s vision for our community? Beginning in February the Vision Leadership Team will be inviting you to take part in Holy Conversations as we seek God’s vision for the future of Central Christian Church. Led by members of the VLT, the groups will meet ten times over about 100 days with times, locations, etc. determined by the groups. During the conversations, you may expect to share in prayer as you are comfortable, to participate in discussion about our mission and ministry as a congregation and to build stronger relationships with the members of your group. Your participation is vitally important to our visioning process as we celebrate 120 years of ministry and look to the future God is calling us toward. Sign up and watch for your invitation, soon!
CWF/Ladies Ministry News You are cordially invited to a light breakfast and a guest speaker on Saturday March 9 at 10 a.m. in the fellowship hall, hosted by the Miriam Circle. This is open to both men and women. The speaker is Jean Wallace, who works through Global Ministries, and will discuss her work as a missionary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This should be quite interesting and will also touch on how missionary work in general has changed. The breakfast and speaker will be followed by a brief CWF general meeting. If you are not involved in CWF you are welcome to leave before the CWF meeting. We hope to see you there.
SAVE this DATE 2013 SUMMIT for Youth Grades 6-12 – November 22-24th at Lake Williamson Christian Conference Center in Carlinville, IL more information at cciwdisciples.org
20th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast Saturday, March 16th at 8:00 a.m. in Bourbonnais at ONU’s Chalfant Hall. Tickets available at the Church Office or $11 at the door.
Robert’s Reflections Among the major news stories this week was the unexpected resignation of Pope Benedict XVI of the Roman Catholic Church. The Holy Father speaking of his deteriorating health said, "In today's world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the barque of St. Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary — strengths which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me." Health concerns aside, the 85yr old leader of the billion plus member church faced many difficult challenges ahead including the ongoing and increasingly damaging scandal surrounding abuses within the priesthood and the perceived cover-up of deviant behaviors, the role of women in the life and ministry of the church, the explosion of Catholic growth in non-Eurocentric countries, and the overall decline of religion in developed countries such as the USA. With respect for the Papal office, I believe many ministers of the gospel have been feeling inadequate to the challenge of overseeing the church and preaching the Gospel in the ever-changing context we find ourselves in ministry these days. I found it interesting that this breaking news came just as we were stepping outside of our comfort zones and bringing Ash Wednesday to the community and as we are invited to join our Holy Conversation groups as we seek God’s vision for the future of Central Christian Church. Several folks stopped by our three designated locations for ashes to begin a Holy Lent. We made a witness for Christ as we were marked for repentance and renewal. Ash Wednesday has long been associated with established religion which has fallen to ill repute over the last few decades especially among younger generations. With a disdain for most institutions, members of my generation forward have experienced the unscrupulous behavior of religious figures and political leaders played out through mass media. In fact, nearly every adult role of authority has had some type of fraudulent behavior uncovered, from school teachers, police officers, firefighters, doctors, preachers, to Senators, and Presidents many of whom were protected by systems wherein which the victims were dishonored or worse
punished for the crime(s) committed against them. Suffice it to say, those born after 1968 typically do not trust the very organizations our parents and grandparents trusted with leadership for society, including the church. So, the question for the Pope and for all of the church of Jesus Christ is, “how do we speak with meaning to a culture conditioned not to believe a word we are saying?” Or, at least geared to be suspicious of any organized religion? These are challenging times for the church, but then again the Gospel has always been challenging to bear as light to a world filled with fallible human beings.
The challenges facing the church are real and great, but they are still only challenges capable of being met with vision driven mission and ministry. And, we will only meet the challenges with collaboration and commitment. In other words, we must be willing to participate in the creation of solutions and How do we speak with not just be sideline meaning to a culture critics or gatekeeping conditioned not to believe controllers stagnating a word we are saying? God’s vision for the church and for the world God created. As was true for the founders of our church 120 years ago, I believe God has a vision for Central Christian Church, Bourbonnais and our wider community and God is calling us to be a vital and meaningful witness for Jesus Christ for current and future generations. I pray you will join the spiritual journey we are on as we seek God’s vision for our future. I pray you will seek God’s direction as we gather in conversation, prayer and fellowship over the next several weeks. And, I pray you will know God’s unbounded love in your life calling you to be a beacon of love and light for a world in need of love and too often void of light. Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
Central Christian Church Parsonage Damaged in Hattiesburg, MS Tornado Week of Compassion Offering Feb 17th & 24 This week we received word that a tornado heavily damaged the parsonage of Central Christian Church in Hattiesburg, MS (pictured here). Week of Compassion responds to communities in need from solidarity grants to help those displaced by natural disasters, to financial support for response organizations and long term recovery committees, to mission trip grants for churches ready to help. We will receive our annual offering for Week of Compassion Feb 17 & 24. Please, bring your gift in the envelope attached to the bulletin insert. Do not mail your gift to the Indianapolis address on the envelope.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
March 1, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
SERVING IN WORSHIP GREETERS: Mar 3 – Janet Bushey & Earline Larson, Bill & Irma Cheffer Mar 10 – Marilyn Vanden & Iris Robinson, Mary & Judy Whitehead Mar 17 – Barbara Simmons & Pat Posing, Lisa & Aurelio Garcia Mar 24– Shirley Herberger & Ida Mae Cuprys, Gordon & Marilyn Bear Mar 31—Michelle & Steve Garrett, Jim & Christine Bushey ACOLYTES:
D & N Garrett
WORSHIP LEADERS: Mar 3 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31
CHILDREN’S HOMILY
Nancy Campbell N Garrett Bill Cheffer Michelle Garrett Mary Joubert
SUNDAY, MARCH 3 8:30 a.m. Holy Conversations 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 3:30 p.m. Holy Conversations TUESDAY, MARCH 5 9:00 a.m. Cluster Clergy Gathering 2:30 p.m. Holy Conversations WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 10:00 a.m. FaithQuest Study 7:00 p.m. FaithQuest Study
Lisa Garcia
THURSDAY, MARCH 7 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Holy Conversations
Rev. Bushey Rev. Bushey Rev. Bushey
SATURDAY, MARCH 9 10:00 a.m. CWF General Meeting
SERVING AT THE LORD’S TABLE ELDERS Merwyn Cook & Nancy Campbell DIACONATE: Servers: Jerry Colbert, Emily Osback, & Roger Schultz Preparers: Sue Elias, & Pat Agee
1 Judy Whitehead 19 Marcia (Pat) Posing 25 Ida Mae Cuprys
CHURCH CALENDAR
SUNDAY, MARCH 10 8:30 a.m. Holy Conversations 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 3:30 p.m. Holy Conversations 6:00 p.m. Youth Hangout MONDAY, MARCH 11 9:00 a.m. Newsletter Articles Due 7:00 p.m. Faith/Joy Circle TUESDAY, MARCH 12 9:30 a.m. Miriam Circle 2:30 p.m. Holy Conversations
BIRTHDAYS
Food Pantry Collection: March Items: Instant Potatoes and Canned Stews
SATURDAY, MARCH 16 8:00 a.m. ONU Prayer Breakfast SUNDAY, MARCH 17 8:30 a.m. Holy Conversations 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 12:00 p.m. Potato & Salad Fundraiser 3:30 p.m. Holy Conversations
Children, Youth & Family Ministry News Not Too Early to Think Camp 2013 Summer Camp schedules are available on the Region’s website at cciwdisciples.org
CWF/Ladies Ministry News Guest Speaker You are cordially invited to a light breakfast and a guest speaker on Saturday March 9 at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall, hosted by the Miriam Circle. This is open to both men and women. The speaker is Jean Wallace, who works through Global Ministries, and will discuss her work as a missionary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This should be quite interesting and will also touch on how missionary work in general has changed. Let's try to have as many people as possible attend. The breakfast and speaker will be followed by a brief CWF general meeting. If you are not involved in CWF you are welcome to leave before the CWF meeting. We hope to see you there.
Notes and News Thank You! I just want to thank my church family for being there for me, through all my sickness. Thank you for all the calls and cards during the four weeks I had to stay in the house. I was depressed and I came to church Sunday and most every one came up to me and told me how glad they was to see me. All the hugs from everyone was so much help. This bought me out of my depression. My church family means all the world to me. I am so lucky to be in a loving and caring church. Central Christian Church is a great place to be. Thanks again. …Jeanie Burkhalter
Special Thank You! In the past year my life has certainly changed with Stan’s passing. I feel so lucky to have made new friends at Central and to have renewed past friendships. My Thanks to You, Rev. Robert, and members from Central, for your love and support. From deep within my heart, I am so grateful. ...Marilyn Vanden
Thank You All! We want to thank all of you for your care for us during the time Clarence was in the hospital and now that he is home. First, we thank you for the beautiful cards with the wonderful personal notes. They were so encouraging. The phones call the visits and the many prayers were appreciated more than words can say. We thank the church for loaning us the wheel chair, walker, commode, and shower bench. Thanks to Bill Cheffer for bringing the items to our house, to Pete Peterson for removing the snow from our sidewalk and driveway more than once, to Aurelio Garcia for putting hand rails in our hallway (they are used many times a day). To Betty Conard and Gayle Robins for the much needed supplies. Thanks also to Pastor Robert Bushey for his calls and help when we needed him. When it was time for Clarence to come home from the hospital the staff at the hospital said I would not be able to take care of him. They were right. I could not have done is without the help from all you. May God bless you as you have blessed. The thank you for the food will be in the next Challenger. ...Clarence & Lois Bangs
March Circle Meetings Faith/Joy Circle will meet Monday March 11at 7:00 p.m. in the library/ parlor. Jeanie Burkhalter will provide refreshments and Elaine Gray will present the lesson (Chapter 7). Miriam Circle will host the general meeting on March 9, but will not have another March circle meeting.
St. Patrick’s Day Erin Go Orlando! BAKED POTATO BAR & SALAD BAR FUNDRAISER Sunday, March 17th Noon – 1:30p.m. Tickets $6 for Adults $4 for Children 12 and under. In Support of Rev. Bushey & Family, Central’s General Assembly Delegates traveling to Orlando, FL in July.
Robert’s Reflections During my Report of Ministry at the February Board Meeting I shared that I had been busy with meetings with other clergy and agencies in our community as I continue to connect and re-connect in Kankakee County. I’m excited to share with you that a new multi-cultural, ecumenical clergy association is in the early stages of formation. When I returned to the community in 2010, I was surprised by the absence of a ministerial alliance or association in the area. I’ve been blessed to connect with Disciples clergy, however, I have always valued the relationships clergy and congregations of differing backgrounds may forge and the resulting ministry and mission partnerships which may develop as a result. The same has been true for connections I’ve made with social service agencies and mental health providers in former communities. For instance, in another community the relationships between the churches and a collaborative of agencies established a day shelter for homeless persons who previously had nowhere to go during the daytime hours. More than just a shelter, the safe place we created provided links to services, showers, laundry and access to communication resources as we worked to help the clients journey from poverty to hope and beyond. I learned in January, when I attended the IKAN Homelessness Continuum meeting, over 400 school children are considered homeless in Kankakee County with more than 100 more in Iroquois County. How do you feel about those numbers? Do they have any impact on the mission and ministry of the church? As we consider the paths God is calling us forward to find and follow, knowing the needs of our community will play a major role in our visioning. As I continue to begin new relationships with colleagues and potential ministry partners in our community, I am encouraged by the possibilities presenting themselves for future mission engagement right here in our community. I also reported to the board progress we have made connecting with folks through social media and the internet. I shared that we have more “likes” on our Facebook page than our average Sunday worship, which simply means we reach a “second” congregation of folks with every post we make, every witness we share through this
ever evolving tool of ministry. My goal is to exceed 100 “likes” this year, which may result in more than 1,000 people being reached by Central Christian Church online. Ministry in the 21st century is in the midst of transformation, just as the institutional church is facing transformation as we continue to carry the gospel into the world. Just 20 years ago or less, ministry was less computer use intensive. Some would argue ministry should remain a less technological vocation, while others make the case that without technology newer generations of believers will not be reached. I have tried to find balance God’s desire for between the two extremes, but abundant life for I must admit that the instant all the world be communication culture we our guide, our live in demands quite a bit of strength, our my time for ministry today. courage and our And, that says nothing of the path. “always on” culture of communication available to us 24/7. As we turn our hearts toward Jerusalem and face the crucifixion of Good Friday a few weeks from now, we may be tempted to want to turn ourselves inward rejecting the connections with others in our community we make, whether in body or by media. We may find ourselves being drawn closely into the last days of Jesus as we try to have a “personal” relationship with our God whose abundant love and life was demonstrated in the drama of the Easter experience. And we may forget, neglect or reject the transformative hope for the whole world embodied in Christ’s resurrection. In other words, we may get so caught up in the salvation of our souls that we pay no attention to the awesome world changing power of the gospel proclaimed in Jesus to build the “kin-dom” or realm of God right here in our midst. As we journey through the wilderness of Lent may God’s spirit of encouragement, God’s voice for justice, God’s heart of compassion, God’s desire for abundant life for all the world be our guide, our strength, our courage and our path. Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
Offering March 24th & 31st The Easter Offering for Disciples Mission Fund supports the General Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) including our ministries for men, women, youth and children. General Ministries serve across the U.S. and Canada and around the world. General Ministries are partners in ministry serving through far-reaching and unique organizations.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
March 15, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
CHURCH CALENDAR SATURDAY, MARCH 16 8:00 a.m. ONU Prayer Breakfast
PALM SUNDAY March 24th the children will wave palm branches during the Hymn of Praise All Glory, Laud, and Honor. The Chancel Choir will sing their anthem At Calvary. And, our FaithQuest worship series will ask the question, Is the Church Still Relevant? from I Peter 2 & Mark 13. Coffee Fellowship is from 10-10:20a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Worship begins at 10:30a.m. th
MAUNDY THURSDAY, March 28 at 5:30 p.m. Passed meal and Tenebrae Communion. We will begin with a finger-food meal that we pass from table to table. Suggestion of what to bring: fresh fruit, cheese, veggies, crackers, chips, cookies – anything you can eat with your fingers. A service of Extinguishing candles with readings recounting the passion of Jesus and communion will follow the meal. The choir will sing I Know Not How. GOOD FRIDAY ELDER’S PRAYER VIGIL March 29th 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Our annual day of prayer during Holy Week, the Elder’s will have devotional materials and prayers available for you in the Parlor Sign up for half-hour prayer times or to be a monitor during the vigil in the Narthex. EASTER SUNDAY March 31st 10:30 a.m. Our worship will open with Christ the Lord Is Risen Today! Our Faith Quest worship series will ask Is There Really Hope? Based on Matthew 28: 1-7. Easter fun & games for children will begin at 9:30a.m. in the Fellowship Hall with Easter Coffee & Danishes at 10-10:20a.m.
SUNDAY, MARCH 17 8:30 a.m. Holy Conversations 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 12:00 p.m. Potato & Salad Fundraiser 3:30 p.m. Holy Conversations TUESDAY, MARCH 19 9:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl Group 2:30 p.m. Holy Conversations THURSDAY, MARCH 21 6:30 p .m. Choir Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Holy Conversations PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 24 8:30 a.m. Elder’s Meeting 8:30 a.m. Holy Conversations 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 3:30 p.m. Holy Conversations TUESDAY, MARCH 26 2:30 p.m. Holy Conversations WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27 6:00 p.m. Youth Hangout MAUNDY THURSDAY, MAR. 28 5:30 p .m. Passed Meal & Tenebrae GOOD FRIDAY, MARCH 29 9:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. Prayer Vigil SATURDAY, MARCH 30 2:00 p.m. Peterson Baby Shower EASTER SUNDAY, MARCH 31 8:30 a.m. Holy Conversations 9:30 a.m. Children’s Activities 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship 3:30 p.m. Holy Conversations
Children, Youth & Family Ministry News
Sanctuary Easter Lilies Three Lilies will adorn the Chancel for our Easter Season worship In Memory or in Honor of our Loved Ones. Sign up to have your recognition listed in the Easter Bulletin on March 31st. Donations in any amount toward the Lilies will be accepted and all funds received above the cost of the lilies will be added to our Easter Offering for Disciples Mission Fund. Please, note with your donation you are not purchasing a lily to carry home with you.
CWF/Women’s Ministry News
NEW Youth “Hangouts” Wednesday, March 27th 6 -7PM Central Youth grades 6-12 are invited to “Hangout” with Rev. Bushey online. We will chat securely via Google video Hangout. If you do not have a webcam available, you may still join via chat. We will also choose a time for regular hangouts, so be thinking about the best time most weeks to hangout. See you online!
EASTER SUNDAY FUN! Easter fun & games for children will begin at 9:30a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
CAMP INFORMATION Check out the Youth Bulletin Board for Information on CCIW Summer Camps. More information and registration forms available on Central’s website.
Notes and News Christian Friends… Hope all is well—doing good in Arizona. Looking forward to coming home. See you all around mid April. Keeping the church in our prayers. Love, Wilma & Larry
General Meeting On March 9, 18 people, enjoyed a light breakfast and social time. Following breakfast, Jean Wallace gave a presentation of her work with Global Ministries in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We were able to see and hear about mission work and life in the Congo, various churches, Disciples’ worship services and styles of worship. It was especially interesting to hear of the different types of numerous offerings during one worship service, and the significant amount of time and celebration for the offering (up to 45 minutes). We also heard about some of their money generating projects, such as sewing and soap making.
Upcoming Events for Women Ladies Day at ONU Saturday, April 6 is Ladies Day at Olivet, featuring Gloria Gaither. The cost is $35. Call 815-928-5791 for more information. Register by phone or online at olivet.edu. By registering as a group, we can sit together. Talk to Lisa Garcia if you're interested. Disciple Women's Spring Gathering The Disciple Women's Spring Gathering is Saturday April 27 at Eureka College. Keynote speaker is Dr. Pat Donahoo, Executive Director of Disciples Women for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The day will include celebration and worship, shopping at the free trade store, dedication of blessing boxes, and a silent auction, with proceeds to establish a women's endowment fund. The cost is $32, but CWF will pay the first $5, so actual cost is $27. Please get your registration and check to either Jeannie Burkhalter or Lisa Garcia by March 31. Registration forms are near both entrances. We will plan to carpool to the event. Blessing box Offering Blessing Box offerings will be taken to and dedicated at the Spring Gathering. Please bring your offering to the April circle meeting or get it to Jeanie Burkhalter by April 14. You may bring cash (bills please) or a check made out to CWF. One check will be made by our CWF for the total and brought to the Gathering. Thanks!
Robert’s Reflections One month ago I wrote to you just after Pope Benedict had announced his resignation. As I write this column the world is learning more about the newly elected, Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio. A man of many firsts, he is the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to be chosen for the papal office. He is the first to choose the name Francis, which of course comes from St. Francis of Assisi who was called by God to “rebuild my church” in the 12th century, known for his love of the poor and his uncanny connection with nature. St. Francis is perhaps most widely known for this prayer: Prayer of St. Francis Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen As I said in a previous column, Pope Francis will be faced with great challenges in the months and years ahead as he leads the billion plus member global Catholic church in a time of massive cultural change and deep controversies. Perhaps rooting his papacy in the humility, compassion, concern, connectedness, and the desire for peace of St. Francis will assist him as he guides the massively, powerful institution of Roman Catholicism through the seas of discontent swirling around the tenets and policies of the most influential movement of Christian faith through the centuries. Even as we get to know the attributes of the person chosen for the papacy, some will undoubtedly say choosing him was a radical move by the conclave of Cardinals. Being non-European and from an order of the priesthood always said to never be chosen for the papal office makes this choice unpredicted and somewhat radical. Even the media folks were
completely caught of guard including the “crickets” chirping as they fumbled through sheets of bios looking for this “non-contender,” which by the way fits with the Jesuits, or Society of Jesus, very well. Being a teaching order, scholarly, humble, and poor, the Jesuit way is not associated with high pomp and circumstance. I have read Pope Francis taught high school chemistry before being elevated to Cardinal status, lived in a simple apartment and used public transportation everyday. Blessings to Pope Francis, who began his papacy by simply inviting his followers to pray for him, and blessings to our sisters and brothers of the Catholic Church as they celebrate and begin in ministry together! Certainly, a radical choice is not a bad To be radical is to choice. “Radical” comes be rooted, to be from the Latin radix, the same word from which grounded in such a we derive the English way as to draw “root.” To be radical is to from the place be rooted, to be grounded where one is in such a way as to draw planted. from the place where one is planted. In this sense, I hope the new Pope is radical and I hope I am too. For the Lord we serve was radical, himself. Jesus was rooted in the unconditional love of God for each and everyone, which he demonstrated through his life and ministry and perhaps most dramatically during the most holy of weeks as he faced the cross only to rise again in newness of life. As we prepare for Holy Week and for the Easter that follows, I hope you will know the radical Jesus, who challenged the systems of oppression in his midst including the religious institutions, who lifted up the poor and the lowly, who healed the socially outcast and the physically ill, who reconciled the vilest offenders with God’s amazing grace, who became a servant of all even unto death, and who gave everything so that we may know and receive life abundant. And, I pray we will grow as disciples of Jesus, who is Christ the Lord! Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Ps. Always a fan of St. Francis, I have a statue of the beloved Saint in my office to help me stay rooted as I serve Christ’s church. Stop by and see it sometime.
Easter Offering March 24th & 31st The Easter Offering for Disciples Mission Fund supports the General Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) including our ministries for men, women, youth and children. General Ministries serve across the U.S. and Canada and around the world.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
2013 General Assembly The 2013 General Assembly theme, "Lord, Teach Us to Pray," calls us to pray deeply for God's direction, strength, courage, initiative in mission, and to connect with each other as the family of God. Early Registration Deadline is April 1st.
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
April 1, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
SERVING IN WORSHIP GREETERS: April 7 – Mary Jane & Jeanie Burkhalter, Merwyn Cook & Betty Conard April 14 – Elaine Gray & Nancy Campbell, Mary Joubert & Ruth Lanoue April 21 – Janet Bushey & Earline Larson, Bob & Kay Smith April 28– Sharon Sovinski & Mary Evans, Sandy Wadley & Ellie Guenette ACOLYTES:
K & N Bushey
WORSHIP LEADERS: April 7 April 14 April 21 April 28
Bob Smith Josh Bushey Gayle Robins Kay Smith
CHILDREN’S HOMILY Lisa Garcia Lois Bangs Rev. Bushey Rev. Bushey
SERVING AT THE LORD’S TABLE ELDERS
Shirley Herberger & Nancy Peterson
DIACONATE:
Servers: Jim Bushey, Bill Cheffer, & Steve Gray Preparers: Judy & Mark Whitehead
BIRTHDAYS 3 4 6 6
Elaine Giermak 11 Suna Miller 22 Elaine Gray Emily Osback 15 Janet Bushey 23 Dan Horton Steve Garrett 15 Jason Bushey 24 Linda Sais Lois Schultz
April Items: Canned Fruit & Vegetables
CHURCH CALENDAR EASTER SUNDAY, MARCH 31 8:30 a.m. Holy Conversations 9:30 a.m. Children’s Activities 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship 3:30 p.m. Holy Conversations MONDAY, APRIL 1 OFFICE CLOSED for EASTER THURSDAY, APRIL 4 6:30 p .m. Choir Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Holy Conversations FRIDAY, APRIL 5 6:00 p.m. Family Game Night SATURDAY, APRIL 6 9:00 a.m. Ladies Day at ONU SUNDAY, APRIL 7 8:30 a.m. Holy Conversations 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship 3:30 p.m. Holy Conversations MONDAY, APRIL 8 7:00 p.m. Faith/Joy Circle TUESDAY, APRIL 9 9:30 a.m. Miriam Circle 2:30 p.m. Holy Conversations THURSDAY, APRIL 11 6:30 p .m. Choir Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Holy Conversations SUNDAY, APRIL 14 8:30 a.m. Holy Conversations 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship 3:30 p.m. Holy Conversations 6:00 p.m. Youth Hangout SATURDAY, APRIL 27 Disciple Women’s Spring Gathering
Children, Youth & Family Ministry News
Holy Conversations Continue
NEW Youth “Hangouts”
As the groups continue their dialogue, insights gleaned are brought back to the Vision Leadership Team as a whole as these leaders work to catch God’s vision for Central. After the 100 days of dialogue conclude the VLT will compile their insights and begin to formulate the best options for ministry and mission for the church. The entire congregation will continue to be invited to be a part of the process as we celebrate 120 years of mission and ministry and look forward to go where God is leading us as a congregation.
Sunday, April 14th 6 -7PM Central Youth grades 6-12 are invited to “Hangout” with Rev. Bushey online. We will chat securely via Google video Hangout. If you do not have a webcam available, you may still join via chat. We will also choose a time for regular hangouts, so be thinking about the best time most weeks to hangout. See you online!
CAMP INFORMATION Summer Camp Early Registration Ends Soon!!! Early Registration Deadline for Summer Camps is April 15th. 2013 Summer Camp schedules are available on the Region’s website at cciwdisciples.org and are posted on the Youth Bulletin Board. Scholarships are available to help offset the cost for participating youth.
Notes and News Thank you for your support of the Baked Potato Bar Fundraiser for General Assembly which raised over $350 toward our trip to Orlando this Summer! Your generosity will help as we worship with thousands of Disciples, learn together, serve together and break bread together. Thank you, Central! ~ Rev. Robert, Teri, Josh & Nick Bushey
Senior Day! April 18 • Thurs • 10:00—NOON
Have a day of exercise, outreach, food and fun! Details forthcoming.
Five Holy Conversation groups have now met for five times and continue to seek God’s direction for Central’s future. So far the groups have learned that they don’t know others in the congregation as well as they thought and have enjoyed the building of stronger relationships with others in the groups. The groups have read scripture and prayed together each time they gather, and discussed the journey of faith Central has walked including how we have dealt with conflict and the openness of our decision making processes. The groups have discussed pastoral leadership and the contextual relevance of the congregation.
Stewardship by the Numbers During the month of February, our average worship attendance was 54 and we received $6,164 for the General Fund. Our 2013 budget includes $3,333 per month drawn from Estate Giving, approved by the congregation in 2011, to meet our expenses. The budgeted amount needed for February was $9,736 leaving a deficit of $1,799 for the 2013 fiscal year. Your generous giving is appreciated and essential as we seek to be a vital witness for Christ in our community.
Upcoming Events for Women Ladies Day at ONU Saturday, April 6 is Ladies Day at Olivet, featuring Gloria Gaither. The cost is $35. Call 815-928-5791 for more information. Register by phone or online at olivet.edu. By registering as a group, we can sit together. Talk to Lisa Garcia if you're interested. Disciple Women's Spring Gathering The Disciple Women's Spring Gathering is Saturday April 27 at Eureka College. Keynote speaker is Dr. Pat Donahoo, Executive Director of Disciples Women for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The day will include celebration and worship, shopping at the free trade store, dedication of blessing boxes, and a silent auction, with proceeds to establish a women's endowment fund. The cost is $32, but CWF will pay the first $5, so actual cost is $27. Please get your registration and check to either Jeannie Burkhalter or Lisa Garcia by March 31. Registration forms are near both entrances. We will plan to carpool to the event.
Robert’s Reflections As I write to you the final details of Easter preparations are being made. While the forty days of Lent are coming to a sudden end, the icy grip of winter seems reluctant to give way to the warmer lighter days of spring. One year ago we were already paying for mowing services at the church as we experienced a record number of days above 80 degrees in March. This year we are hoping to stay within our snow removal budget as we close out a chilly and snowy March. We never quite know what each season will bring, but rest assured, soon the soil will begin the gradual warming brought on by the changing angle of the sun as we spin through the weeks of early Spring and new growth will come. When the writer of Ecclesiastes chapter 3 expressed there is a time for every season under heaven, he or she must have been referring to IL. Seriously, I have been reflecting lately on the notion of an Easter of unending joy. Over the past twenty years, I have met so many people walking through the many seasons of life. Some I have walked with visiting the natural seasons of maturity and aging, from youth to young adulthood to maturity and senior adulthood. Others I have sat with visiting the seasons of doubt, grief, pain and sorrow. Still others I have danced with through seasons of joy, celebration, humor and inspiration. So, I have often wondered what meaning the Easter season has as we journey around the years of our lives. I believe Easter is a season of unending joy, permeating every other season with exuberance as we know ourselves as loved so much by God we are granted mercy, forgiveness, redemption, salvation all because God’s love cannot lose. Without a doubt, life is full of reasons to throw in the towel, to be angry and bitter, to hold grudges and sharpen resentments, to add insult to injury and to enact retributive justice upon others. Just last week our doorbell rang early on Friday morning, waking those who were not already preparing for school. At the door was an excited neighbor informing us that the Sheriff’s department had caught a man in the field
behind our home who had been trying to burglarize cars or homes in the neighborhood. We hadn’t even noticed the county police cruisers in our driveway and on the street. It seems a young man from Will County who was under the influence of alcohol was staggering around the neighborhood, had raised the alarm of the early birds along the street who had notified authorities. The suspected thief was found in the fetal position in our shed, we were later told by a deputy who had inquired of us about signing a complaint. We declined, nothing missing, nothing harmed and we chose mercy. Another neighbor signed and he was arrested for trespassing. As I posted on Facebook, I hope when he sobers and hears the tale of this morning he will know some mercy was given to him. I hope whatever is chasing him is reconciled soon and he finds peace. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy. God have mercy on us. Yes, life gets messy and we hurt others and we are harmed by others as we walk the seasons. And yet, when we fully grasp the hope of Easter, when we are filled with the love of one who did not grasp for power to exploit but gave up everything to give life abundantly, we are free to experience unending joy.
Christ the Lord is Risen! May you know true joy this Easter! Hallelujah! So, if you are carrying a heavy load of grief, are burdened by old grudges and resentments, overwhelmed by the work of keeping up with your status quo, stressed by the demands of parenting or aging, ready to give up, let go. Let go. Let go. Listen to the Lord of life filled with unending joy, Come to me, and I will give you rest. Let go and you may know a season of unending joy. Christ the Lord is Risen! May you know true joy this Easter! Hallelujah! Amen. Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
Palm Sunday Exuberance! Our children led our Palm Sunday Worship with a procession of palm branches as we remembered the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Later as our service progressed from Palms to the Passion of Christ, the Chancel Choir under the direction of Kenneth Bade blessed us with their testimony in song with At Calvary.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
April 15, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL A Special Thanks Thanks to those who donated to the Easter Lily Fund in memory of their loved ones. We were able to purchase several lilies and beautiful spring flowers and had enough left over to add $223.10 to the Easter offering for a total of $654.10.
CHURCH CALENDAR TUESDAY, APRIL 16 9:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl Group 2:30 p.m. Holy Conversations WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17 6:00 p.m. Executive Board Meeting THUSDAY, APRIL 18 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Holy Conversations SATURDAY, APRIL 20 10:00 a.m. Holy Conversations SUNDAY, APRIL 21 8:30 a.m. Holy Conversations 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship 2:00 p.m. Vision Leader Team Mt. 3:30 p.m. Holy Conversations
SANCTUARY EASTER LILIES In Memory of our Loved Ones: Gene Herberger Daniel Liddell Chester Cuprys Erma Baker Melvin & Ruth Kempen Stan Kaminski Levi & Doris Colbert Bill Burkhalter Leonard Spreen Lucas West Dick Goodrich Harry Burkhalter Robert Campbell Dustin Pickering Dean Rose Roy & Ruby Huntley Alan Mora and George & Mary Hooppaw John Coughlan Our Parents In Honor of: Betty Conard
MONDAY, APRIL 22 9:00 a.m. Newsletter Articles Due TUESDAY, APRIL 23 2:30 p.m. Holy Conversations THUSDAY, APRIL 25 10:00 a.m. Senior Day 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Holy Conversations SATURDAY, APRIL 27 Disciple Women’s Spring Gathering
With Thanks to you from Owensboro
SUNDAY, APRIL 28 8:00 a.m. Cheerful Survivors Brkt 8:30 a.m. Elder’s Meeting 8:30 a.m. Holy Conversations 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship 3:30 p.m. Holy Conversations 5:30 p.m. Youth Meeting
Children, Youth & Family Ministry News
Notes and News
Dear Central Christian Church,
Summer Camp Early Registration Ends Soon
Thank you so much for your gift of a hymnal (see bookplate above). Our Easter service was glorious! We appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we heal and move forward. Sincerely, First Christian Church Owensboro, KY
Early Registration Deadline for Summer Camps is April 15th. 2013 Summer Camp schedules are available on our website: cccbourbonnais.com and are posted on the Youth Bulletin Board. Scholarships are available to help offset the cost for participating youth.
Friends in Christ
Youth Meeting
Stewardship by the Numbers
Sunday, April 28th 5:30PM
During the month of March, our average worship attendance was 66 and we received $7,981 for the General Fund. Our 2013 budget includes $3,333 per month drawn from Estate Giving, approved by the congregation in 2011, to meet our expenses. The budgeted amount needed for March was $10,953 reducing the deficit to $1,438 for the 2013 fiscal year. Your generous giving is appreciated and essential as we seek to be a vital witness for Christ in our community.
Central Youth grades 6-12 will meet at the church.
Disciple Women's Spring Gathering The Disciple Women's Spring Gathering is Saturday April 27th at Eureka College. Keynote speaker is Dr. Pat Donahoo, Executive Director of Disciples Women for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The actual cost is $27. Please get your registration and check to either Jeannie Burkhalter or Lisa Garcia. Registration forms are near both entrances. We will plan to carpool to the event.
I do appreciate receiving the Newsletter. Thank you so very much. Nellie Kirkwood
Address & Phone Number Changes P Agee:
CALL OFFICE
L Sais:
FOR INFORMATION
Senior Day at Central Christian Church On Thursday, April 25th Central will host our first Senior Day for folks 55 and over beginning at 10a.m. and ending at 1:00p.m. A light lunch will be provided. We will offer opportunities for volunteer service for the church as well as other community agencies. Volunteers will have the opportunity to help with light office duties including folding bulletins and newsletters, creating care notes and organizing files, etc. We will offer an opportunity for exercise and an introduction to Central’s Internet Ministry. A brief worship time will ground our day in God’s word. Donations will be accepted to offset the costs of lunch. Friends are always welcome! We hope for enough interest to host Senior Day’s on a regular basis.
Robert’s Reflections A week or so before Easter I was working on our website one afternoon, updating items and posting promotional items for Holy Week. Our website is published on an internet platform called Word Press which is basically a place for bloggers. A blogger is an internet author sharing their thoughts, ideas, creativity, etc. online with their followers, people who sign up to receive updates to the blog. Bloggers are somewhat like syndicated columnists in newsletters, newspapers and magazines. Don’t worry there will not be a test on the terminology used is this column. For several months I had been dreaming about a new design for the site that would look less like a blog, which often scrolls endlessly through a myriad of posts by the blogger and look more professional. So, I explored some options and was looking at some examples, about 15-20 minutes worth of “just looking” when I found an interesting design. Then while I was exploring the design, I accidentally clicked on a button labeled “Activate.” Two weeks before Easter is not a great time to spend hours rebuilding a website, there are plenty of other details to work on. But, it was too late. Our website had already moved into a new home or design on the web. Not expecting the move, I didn’t have everything packed and ready to transition and so there was work to be done. My short exploration led to a longer sojourn and by the next day our newly designed website was well settled in and running. The old design is gone. And, the new design is definitely an upgrade! One of the essential callings of the church of Jesus Christ is to communicate the Gospel in the context the church finds itself. Cruising through the second decade of the 21st Century, the church cannot continue to communicate as if we live in the mid-20th Century. Our presence online is quickly becoming one of the primary methods for communicating the good news we proclaim as the body of Christ in the world. Take for instance our Facebook page which currently has 81 people who follow the page, meaning they receive updates from our page. When any of those 81 people interact with our page, hundreds more receive the updates potentially. Recently, one photo from our Palm Sunday worship reached nearly 800 people (not quite 10 times our Easter worship attendance.) As a tool for communicating the Gospel, the internet is one of the
ways churches are reinventing themselves for mission and ministry in the 21st Century. Recently, I visited our Holy Conversation Groups and shared demographic data we received from CCIW with them. We talked about population trends, giving potential and how we as Central Christian Church reflect or do not reflect the community we serve. When faced with the challenge of reaching an ever diverse population, we may be tempted to believe we must have the perfect answers and that another program or the right person will solve the obvious problems the mainline church is experiencing in terms of growth and vitality. Truthfully, most of us have not experienced anything different from our traditional methods of being church and if the data tells us anything, it is that those methods are not succeeding with newer generations which make up the overwhelming majority of our community. And so, solving the challenges we face may mean our answer currently is: “we do not know how to effectively reach new generations.” As I shared with the groups, admitting we don’t have the answers may be the first step in allowing God to speak a vision for our future of mission and ministry, for God to create something new through us. Scripture is full of visions of God doing a new thing and history, even the history of the church is full of innovation, reinvention and transformation. God is capable of doing a new thing and bringing new and abundant life even in the face of death. I believe this is the primary message of Easter.
Most of us have not experienced anything different from our traditional methods of being church. Whether we call it innovation, transformation or reinvention, the truth is the church must allow God to lead us into new and emerging places of ministry and mission or the church will wither away. And, this is really nothing new, my friends. The question is, will we allow God to lead us into a new day, a new vision for the future. God is ready. Are we? Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
Rummage Sale—May 9-11 Gently Used and Clean Items are now being received of Central’s Spring Rummage Sale scheduled for May 9, 10, & 11. Donation times are Monday—Thursday 9AM— Noon and Sundays after worship. All items donated to the Rummage Sale become the property of the Rummage Sale and will be sorted for sale or disposal, priced, and sold by the coordinators of the Sale. Donors may recommend a price; however, the final sale price is at the discretion of the coordinators. Proceeds from the sale are used for special projects, outreach requests and leadership development conferences.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
May 1, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
SERVING IN WORSHIP GREETERS: May 5 – Lisa & Aurelio Garcia, Nancy Campbell & Betty Conard May 12 – Mark & Judy Whitehead, Barbara Simmons & Pat Posing May 19 – Marilyn Vanden & Shirley Herberger, Gordon & Marilyn Bear May 26– Jim & Katelyn Bushey, Larry & Wilma Hastings ACOLYTES:
CHILDREN’S HOMILY Lisa Garcia Lois Bangs Rev. Bushey Rev. Bushey
SERVING AT THE LORD’S TABLE ELDERS
Marilyn Vanden & Jeanie Burkhalter
DIACONATE:
THURSDAY, MAY 2 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal SUNDAY, MAY 5 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship TUESDAY, MAY 7 7:00 p.m. VBS Planning WEDNESDAY, MAY 8 5:00 p.m. Preview Sale
R & K Ebersole
WORSHIP LEADERS: May 5 Bill Cheffer May 12 N Garrett May 19 Mary Joubert May 26 Nancy Campbell
CHURCH CALENDAR
Servers: Nancy Peterson , Kay & Bob Smith Preparers: Nancy Campbell & Irma Cheffer
BIRTHDAYS
THURSDAY, MAY 9 9:00 a.m. Rummage Sale 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal FRIDAY, MAY 10 9:00 a.m. Rummage Sale 9:00 a.m. Newsletter Articles Due SATURDAY, MAY 11 9:00 a.m. Rummage Sale SUNDAY, MAY 12 HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship MONDAY, MAY 13 7:00 p.m. Faith/Joy Circle TUESDAY, MAY 14 9:30 a.m. Miriam Circle
1 4 5 6 7 17 17
Robert Smith Barbara Simmons C Ommen Iris Robinson Jennifer Rickenberg Abby Sue Osback Cheryl Herberger
17 20 22 24 25 28 31
Demetia Gray Charles Simmons J. R. Bushey Michelle Garrett Dr. Frank Garton Clarence Bangs Sandy Wadley
BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS TO ALL!
THURSDAY, MAY 16 10:00 a.m. Senior Day 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
May Items:
Peanut Butter &
Children, Youth & Family Ministry News
Notes and News Central to Honor Women on May 12th
Everywhere Fun Fair VBS Planning Meeting Tuesday, May 7th at 7PM Anyone interested in helping plan our 2013 VBS is welcome to attend. This year’s theme is a Fun Fair where God’s World Comes Together. Details coming soon!
Central will honor all women on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12th with a sanctuary bouquet gracing our worship space, a Men’s Chorus and a Missions gift to Kankakee County Center Against Sexual Assault (KC-CASA). Founded in 1987, the mission of KCCASA is to improve the quality of services for survivors of sexual assault/abuse, to assist in their recovery and to work towards the elimination of sexual violence. In an effort to fulfill this mission, the Center provides public education and professional training in the area of sexual assault/abuse, counseling and psychological support to adult and child survivors and their significant others, assistance throughout the medical and criminal justice process, 24-hour telephone and in-person response, and partnership with community agencies to improve response to the crime of sexual violence. KCCASA has recently collaborated with local agencies to develop a coalition addressing human trafficking in Kankakee & Iroquois Counties.
Rummage Sale Preview Sale Wednesday, May 8 from 5:007:00 p.m. Gently Used and Clean Items are now being received of Central’s spring Rummage Sale scheduled for May 9, 10, & 11.
Stewardship by the Numbers
CCIW SUMMIT 2013 YOUTH 6TH-12TH GRADE
During the month of April, our average worship attendance was 52 and we received $5,714 for the General Fund. Quarterly Financial Statements will be available in the Narthex on Sunday, May 12th. Your generous giving is appreciated and essential as we seek to be a vital witness for Christ in our community.
A Day for Seniors at Central
SAVE THESE DATES November 22-24, 2013 Lake Williamson ~ Carlinville, IL
On Thursday, May 16th Central will host a day for folks 55 and over beginning at 10a.m. and ending at 1:00p.m. Those interested in volunteering to help with light office duties are welcome to come at 10AM. We will offer brief morning devotions at 11AM with chair exercises led by Marilyn Vanden following in the Fellowship Hall. A light lunch will be provided at noon. Pastor Robert will offer an introduction to Central’s Internet Ministry for those wishing to know more about how we connect to folks through the internet. Donations will be accepted to offset the costs of lunch. Friends are always welcome!
Robert’s Reflections For the next three weeks our worship will focus on stories from the Acts of the Apostles, the second volume of writing from the author of the Gospel of Luke. The first two weeks will focus on two important women in the life of the early church. We will begin with the story of Paul and Silas being imprisoned in Philippi shortly after Paul is driven by a vision to travel to the ancient city to share the good news of Jesus. While they were in prison an earthquake sets them free, but not before a trembling jailer and his family received salvation. We will look at the less familiar part of the story, the unnamed slave girl who is set “free” from her oppression resulting in Paul’s arrest and imprisonment. On Mother’s Day we will back up in the story and meet Lydia, the matriarch of the Philippian church. Without her hospitality and openness to the gospel, the missionary movement of Paul may not have been as expansive. One of my favorite qualities of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is the equal respect and authority of women and men within the ministry and membership of our church as a whole. Not only do Disciples celebrate and honor the ordination of women into the Christian Ministry, we recognize the leadership of women throughout the church as Elders, Moderators, Diaconate, Trustees, Teachers and Leaders of various programs and ministries. I am grateful to be active in ministry at a time in our church when our Regional Minister and our General Minister are both exceptional leaders and women in ministry. The gifts for ministry Rev. Teresa DulyeaParker and Rev. Sharon Watkins share with the church are guiding Disciples through an exciting moment of re-imaging what it means to be the church in this time and this place. For more than a century, women have been a driving force of vision, mission and witness in the life of our congregations and the Disciples’ movement. I am proud to be a member and a minister within a church where women are honored, valued, respected and empowered to lead and witness on behalf of Jesus 365 days every year. The role of women in the life of the church and communities is still much debated today by other traditions of the church and society as well. From the pulpits of Biblically conservative churches to the bully pulpits of politics, the rights and roles of women in society and family life continue to be controversial issues. Disciples are unique, but not alone, in our understanding of women as equal members of the
human family and the body of Christ. And, as we continue to seek God’s vision for reaching newer generations of disciples of Jesus, our inclusiveness of women in all aspects of the life of the church will be an attractive quality as a community of faith.
…women have been a driving The force of vision, mission and witness in the life of our congregations and the Disciples’ movement. Worship Committee recently decided the best way to truly honor the women of Central on Mother’s Day would be to be in mission with a local agency whose mission is to empower and uplift women in our community. The committee chose to give a gift KCCASA which is detailed on page 2. I am looking forward to the next two weeks as we celebrate women in the church, and those who have nurtured and cared for us as well. Then, on Pentecost Sunday we will return to the early chapters of Acts where we will encounter the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the story of the beginning of the movement to be known as the church of Jesus Christ. We will kick-off our celebration of Central’s 120th anniversary as a congregation in Kankakee County that morning with cake and punch after worship. Our celebration will run through the season following Pentecost with special events and fellowship times.
After Pentecost, I will be offering a Discipleship opportunity for all who wish to know more about the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and for any who wish to explore membership in our congregation. Watch for details soon. And, at the end of May we will begin a seven week worship/sermon series focusing on worship, where I hope to see you soon.
Peace & Joy,
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
«Title» «First Name» «Last Name» «Address Line 1» «Address Line 2» «City», «State» «Zip Code»
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914
CONTACT US: Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist; Phone: (815) 939-4433 Email: cccbourbonnais@gmail.com Website: www.cccbourbonnais.com Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771 Email:revbushey@gmail.com
Pentecost Offering—May 12th & 19th. Your gift to the Pentecost Offering helps start new churches. This offering is creating opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in places that don’t have a Disciples witness. When you give to the Pentecost Offering, one half of your gift stays in the Region where you live and one half goes to Hope Partnership for Missional Transformation to support the recruitment, assessment, training and coaching of new church pastors, spouses and core team members.
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
May 15, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
CHURCH CALENDAR PENTECOST SUNDAY, MAY 19 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Pentecost Birthday 2:30 p.m. Vision Leadership Meeting TUESDAY, MAY 21 9:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl Group
NEW Worship Series: May 26 – July 7 @ 10:30AM What is Worship and Why do we Worship in the First Place? What is the Value of Attending Worship with Others? Is Worship Required for Eternal Life? Which Style of Worship is the Right Way to Worship? Our Seven Week series will explore these questions and more as we seek to grow in our understanding of worship and grow in our faithfulness as disciples of Jesus. Meant for the novice and the expert, Why Worship? will offer something for all ages and places along the journey of faith.
THURSDAY, MAY 23 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal SUNDAY, MAY 26 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship MONDAY, MAY 27 Office Closed—Memorial Day
TUESDAY, MAY 28 9:00 a.m. Newsletter Articles Due 6:00 p.m. VBS Planning
May 26th: Why Do We Worship? Psalm 100
THURSDAY, MAY 30 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
June 2nd: Why Do We Serve Bread & Juice Each Week? 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26
SUNDAY, JUNE 2 9:00 a.m. Discipleship Series 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship 2:30 p.m. Vision Leadership Team
June 9th: Why Do We Pray? Matthew 6: 7-15
MONDAY, JUNE 10 6:00 p.m. Ladies Night Out
June 16th: Why Do We Baptize? Romans 6: 1-11 June 23rd: Why Do We Preach? Acts 10: 34-43 June 30th: Why Do We Give? 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15 July 7th: Blessings for the Journey! Ephesians 3:14-21; Romans 12:1-2, 9-21
May Food Collection: Peanut Butter & Jelly For June:
Notes and News Sympathy of the Congregation...
Central’s 2013 Friendship Festival “Lucky Bourbonnais” Float Parade is Sunday, June 30th! Construction and Decoration plans are being made for our 2013 Parade Float funded in part by Rummage Sale proceeds. Central’s float will feature a large lucky spinning wheel game playable by parade watchers on both sides of the street. The float will promote our VBS & 120th Anniversary Celebrations. Float sponsors, construction help and walkers are needed. Sign up Sunday to be a part of the fun!
Extended to the Family of Elder Emerita Mary Evans (June 11, 1928-May 11, 2013). Funeral service honoring Mary’s life was held on Wednesday, May 15th. Memorials may be given to Central Christian Church or to the Family to use as they wish. Memorial Fund Envelopes are available in the Narthex. A portion of Rev. Bushey’s homily may be found on his blog on Central’s website.
Congratulations! Congratulations to Chad and Rachel Peterson on the birth of Emily Lynn born on May 13, 2013 at 8:46 am in Springfield, IL. Emily weighed 8 pounds 3 oz. and is 21 inches tall. Proud Grandparents are Pete and Nancy Peterson and Great Grandparents are Bill and Irma Cheffer.
A Big THANK YOU... To everyone who donated items to the Rummage Sale—and to those who helped price and organize the sale. A total of $1,489.35 was raised at the sale.
Ladies Night Out! We will meet on Monday, June 10th @ 6PM. at Beef O’Brady’s. Sign-up sheets are at both entrances. Please sign-up by Sunday, May 26th so we can reserve seating.
VBS Planning Meeting CCIW SUMMIT 2013 YOUTH 6TH-12TH GRADE SAVE THESE DATES
•
•
November 22-24, 2013 Lake Williamson ~ Carlinville, IL
In the Hospital? Whenever you are hospitalized, unless you request the church be notified, we may not know you are there. Please, tell the hospital to contact Central Christian so we may visit and pray with you.
• •
We have a Vision for VBS 2013: God’s love in Jesus will be experienced by children grades K-5th in a child friendly and fun atmosphere. We have a Theme: Fun Fair Everywhere: Where God’s World Comes Together. We hope to combine our VBS with our 120th Anniversary Celebration, including a Fun Fair for the Community on Saturday, August 3rd. from Noon—3PM We have Dates: Friday, August 2nd 6-8PM, Saturday, Aug. 3rd 9:30AM-11:30AM & 3-5PM Sunday, Aug. 4th 9:30AM—11:30AM with Picnic at Noon. Now, we need YOU to help make VBS a special opportunity for children grades K-5th. Our next Planning Meeting is Tuesday, May 28th at 6:00p.m. We need Leaders and Helpers. We need Costume Makers and Refreshment Providers. Youth are Welcome to Help!
Robert’s Reflections This Sunday, May 19th, we celebrate the Day of Pentecost when, as recorded in Acts 2, God poured out the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the church of Jesus Christ was born. Fifty days after Easter, the festival of Pentecost represents the beginning of God’s work in the Spirit through the Christian community. Truth be told, God has been working through the Spirit since the beginning of time, when as Genesis says, the spirit of God swept over the face of the waters beginning the first story of the creation of the universe. The presence of the Holy Spirit is often associated with the beginning of God’s next big movement, such as the Spirit as a descending dove on the day of the baptism of Jesus by John in Jordan’s waters. When we baptize or ordain we call upon God’s Spirit to begin the new walk in faith. And, when we finish our sojourn in the body, we proclaim our faith in the promise of God, made real in Jesus’ resurrection, of eternal life in the Spirit given for you and for me. Another beginning is made possible by the Spirit of the living and loving God. So, Pentecost, marking the arrival of a new beginning, should be celebrated not only as a fixed commemoration of an event, but also every time God begins something in our lives, in the church and indeed in the world. When was your last Pentecost moment? When have you felt God’s Spirit pushing you, inviting you, pulling you, calling you to begin something new to the glory of God? As we commemorate Pentecost, we will also begin our celebration of 120 years of Community, Ministry and Mission in Kankakee County. From now until All Saints Sunday in November, we will have opportunities to celebrate the history of fellowship, commitment and witness of Central through the years. We will begin our 120th Celebration with a birthday cake for the universal church, celebrating the global witness of Christ. As we begin our anniversary, we will also begin a new worship/sermon series entitled, Why Worship? For seven weeks we will explore the reasons for worshiping together, why we do what we do in worship and how worship can be meaningful in our life of faithfulness. The series is being developed in response to feedback from the VLT Holy Conversation groups, where worship was one of the prevalent topics for discussion as we seek God’s vision for Central’s future. Knowing why we do what
we do in worship makes the experience much more meaningful and dare I say, transformational. Yes, worship is meant to change us and not just be on our Sunday checklist. I’m looking forward to exploring worship with you beginning on May 26th.
In
When have you felt God’s Spirit pushing you, inviting you, pulling you, calling you to begin something new to the glory of God?
June, I will begin an opportunity for anyone interested in learning more about the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and membership in our congregation. What do Disciples believe? Where did the Disciples begin? What is the role of Ministers in Disciples congregations? What is expected of members of Disciples churches? Meeting on Sundays from 9:00-10:00a.m. the Discipleship Series is designed for the novice and expert alike. Each session will begin with a brief presentation and conclude with discussion of questions you bring. Discipleship begins on June 2nd. The Vision Leadership Team will meet on Pentecost Day to receive remaining feedback from our Holy Conversations and to begin the next phase of our Extreme Makeover visioning process. Soon, the team will be sharing what they learned and begin exploring opportunities and options as we look to the future of our congregation. Please, hold the VLT in your daily prayers as they seek God’s presence in their efforts. You may have noticed I used the word begin in some form twenty times in the previous paragraphs. The spirit of Pentecost is made most evident whenever we begin to answer the call of our Lord Jesus Christ to go and make disciples. As Disciples of Christ, we claim to be a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. God is ready to begin, are we? Let us begin again this Pentecost! Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
Guatemala Mission
AUGUST 2nd-4th VBS Grades K-5
May 14-21 Rev. Dr. Christal Williams and Rev. Dr. Ed Taylor, Chair of our Mission Committee will lead the group of six. Including Rev. Linda Trowbridge from Rantoul (right) to visit our partners Concejo Ecumenico Cristiano de and she will visit us this summer Guatemala. Central’s Mission to share her journey with us. Committee granted Rev. Trowbridge a $100 scholarship
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
June 1, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
CHURCH CALENDAR
SERVING IN WORSHIP
SUNDAY, JUNE 2 9:00 a.m. Discipleship Series 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship 2:30 p.m. Vision Leadership Team
GREETERS: June 2 - Lois & Clarence Bangs; Gayle Robins & Lesley Osback June 9 - Janet Bushey & Earlene Larson; Mary Jane & Jeannie Burkhalter June 16 - Sandy Wadley & Ellie Guenette; Bill & Irma Cheffer June 23 - Nancy Campbell & Iris Robinson; Mary Joubert & Ruth Lanoue June 30 - Sharon Sovinski & Ida Mae Cuprys; Bob & Kay Smith ACOLYTES:
Daniel Gray and Adam Paulauskas
WORSHIP LEADERS: June 2 June 9 June 16 June 23 June 30
CHILDREN’S HOMILY
Bob Smith Kay Smith Josh Bushey Mary Joubert Gayle Robins
Lisa Garcia Lois Bangs Rev. Bushey Rev. Bushey
Aurelio & Lisa Garcia
DIACONATE: Servers: Pete Peterson , Collin & Mary Ommen & Steve Garrett Preparers: Michelle Garrett & Marcia Posing
Birthdays 2 6 8 14 15 16 17
Betty Sebastiani Elara Rickenberg Mary Jane Burkhalter
Lisa Garcia Roger Schultz Marilyn Bear Larry Cheffer
THURSDAY, JUNE 6 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal SUNDAY, JUNE 9 9:00 a.m. Discipleship Series 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 p.m. Ladies Chorus Practice MONDAY, JUNE 10 6:00 p.m. Ladies Night Out
SERVING AT THE LORD’S TABLE ELDERS
TUESDAY, JUNE 4 9:00 a.m. Cluster Clergy Gathering
TUESDAY, JUNE 11 9:30 a.m. Miriam Circle 6:00 p.m. VBS Training THURSDAY, JUNE 13 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal SUNDAY, JUNE 16 HAPPY FATHERS DAY! 9:00 a.m. Discipleship Series 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship TUESDAY, JUNE 18 9:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl Group
22 23 23 24 30 30
Juanita Goodrich Larry Bushey Mike Hooppaw Justin Bushey Madeline Phillips Betty Conard
Birthday Blessings to All!
SUNDAY, JUNE 23 8:30 a.m. Elder’s Meeting 9:00 a.m. Discipleship Series 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship 12:00 p.m. Spaghetti Dinner & Auct 1:30 p.m. Float Decorating June Food Collection: CONDIMENTS
Notes and News Thank You!
And Dessert Auction for VBS
Mario & Betty Sebastiani would like to thank everyone who sent cards at the passing of his brother, Louis. Also a special thanks to Rev. Bushey and those who attended the visitation. It was deeply appreciated. - Mario & Betty Sebastiani
Sunday, June 23rd Noon
Father’s Day June 16th
$5 per Person Not more than $15 per Family Spaghetti, Salad, & Drinks Auction Items Donated by VBS Leaders
Central will honor all men on Father’s Day during worship. A missions gift of $100 will be sent in their name to Habitat for Humanity of Kankakee County. The Ladies Chorus will sing. Ladies and girls will practice on Sunday, June 9th after church.
Everywhere Fun Fair VBS Training Meeting
We received $82.50 from the aluminum can donations. We would ask that you please separate the foil from the cans since Belson’s will NOT accept them together in the same sack. Thanks for your contributions.
Tuesday, June 11th at 7PM Anyone interested in helping plan our 2013 VBS is welcome to attend. This year’s theme is a Fun Fair where God’s World Comes Together. Speak to Teri Bushey, VBS Director if you have questions or wish to volunteer.
Aluminum Can Collection
Discipleship & Membership Course
SAVE THESE DATES
During the month of June, Rev. Bushey will offer a five week Discipleship Course on Sundays at 9-10AM in the Fellowship Hall for anyone interested in learning about the Disciples of Christ and/or membership in the church. The course will be designed for the novice and expert alike with a combination of presentation and discussion. What do Disciples believe and where did we come from? What is expected of members of Disciples congregations? How does our local congregation relate to the wider church? What’s happening at the General Assembly in July? Come and learn about your church as we grow in our faith and understanding.
November 22-24, 2013
May Board Meeting Highlights
CCIW SUMMIT 2013 YOUTH 6TH-12TH GRADE
Lake Williamson ~ Carlinville, IL
Minister’s Summer Hours Rev. Bushey will be changing his Day Off to Fridays beginning June 1st. He will be in the office on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays with Thursday reserved for worship preparation and sermon writing. Saturdays will continue to be by appointment.
The Board received the Financial Report for the 1st Quarter from our ConnectNow Accounting System (copies available in the Narthex). Girl Scout Troop 150 of which Demetia Gray is a member, asked to have a vendor fair in the fellowship hall on June 22 which was approved by the Board. The Board approved a proposal from the Executive Committee to change the Board Meetings schedule to quarterly with the Executive Committee meeting one month prior to create the agenda. Board meetings will be held in Jan, Apr, July, and Oct starting in 2014. Our next meeting is Aug. 21st, last meeting for 2013 on Nov.20th. The Board approved an allowance of up to $1000 from the Rummage Sale Fund for Rev. Bushey’s trip to the General Assembly in July. The theme for the Bourbonnais Friendship Festival Parade is “Lucky Bourbonnais” The design for our float is a double sided prize wheel. Board approved up to $200 from the Rummage Sale fund for the 2013 float. The Board gave consent and blessing for the wedding ceremony of Chelsea Hagler and Kamari Wells at Central on 9/28/13 with Rev. Bushey officiating. Next Executive Committee meeting is July 24th.
Robert’s Reflections Over the past several months I have learned more about church finance than I have in all my 23 years of professional ministry, quite by accident really. My course began in the spring of 2012 when our workstation in the front office was accidentally disabled and we lost our computerized accounting system. Over several weeks, I gained access to the old files, consulted with our leadership and computer and software sales folks and we were on the road to recovery, sort of. In the midst of decisions about updating our accounting system we were also preparing for and hiring Dianna Clem, who by the way celebrates her one year anniversary with us on June 4th. Our goal was to receive all the training necessary through the summer months and be up and running by the end of 2012. Well, that just did not happen. Several scheduling issues with the Logos Systems and a steep learning curve at least on my part, slowed the process significantly. After the end of the year holiday season, I took up the challenge to get our system up to date come…or high water! In the process, I’ve learned quite a bit about bookkeeping and we’ve had one of the wettest springs on record. Without pulling my transcript, my vague memory of my college Accounting 101 course is that I dropped it about mid-way, not because I couldn’t handle the concepts, but because I was busy answering a call to ministry and accounting was the most boring course I was taking, no offense to accountants! The good news is our financial/accounting system is working well and we are able to produce reports which are available in the Narthex along with my report to the Board. In today’s world, integrity when it comes to handling money in the church is vital to our effectiveness as witnesses for Christ in the world. Newer generations of church goers expect the highest forms of transparency and honesty when they decide to give their resources to support the mission and ministry of the church. Unlike previous generations, who often invested in institutions with a “blind” trust, that the institution in this case the church was always in the business of doing the greatest good and could and should be trusted, folks born after 1965 are much less
likely to grant anyone or anything the same trust our parents and grandparents gave to churches. Too many cases of embezzling funds, overpaid self-appointed gurus and stagnant large endowments stockpiled for rainy days have turned-off my generation’s generosity toward the church. We want to support specific programs, projects and direct forms of mission that make immediate impact rather than placing our offerings in a big bucket known as the church budget,
… integrity when it comes to handling money in the church is vital to our effectiveness as witnesses for Christ in the world. according to church coaches and recent studies on the generational shifts in the life of the church. So, the church must be open and honest with our finances while maintaining promised confidentiality for givers, and transparent for newer generations to gain trust in the church. To be honest, whenever I have been faced with supporting a cause or organization, I have always asked to see their financial reports and if the church or agency or individual was not able to provide a clear report for any reason, I have mostly refrained from giving. If you have nothing to hide, then you have nothing to hide, in my book. Speaking of newer generations and giving; Central will soon begin offering the ability for folks to give via debit or credit card with our Board approved PayPal Here service. A transaction fee is charged at 2.7% and our PayPal Account which is available for online giving is credited. Watch for this service in the coming weeks. You’ll also notice a couple of fundraisers and special offerings in this newsletter and I hope you will consider your part in our collective success in these endeavors.
Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
Friendship Festival Float Decorating
Sunday, June 23rd at 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 29th at 10:00 a.m.
The Parade is Sunday, June 30th at Noon. Sign up to participate TODAY!!! Central’s float will feature a large lucky spinning wheel game playable by parade watchers on both sides of the street. The float will promote our VBS & 120th Anniversary Celebrations. Float sponsors, construction help and walkers are needed. Sign up Sunday to be a part of the fun!
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
June 15, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
Everywhere FUN FAIR VBS for Children (Completed K – 5th Grades)
Friday, August 2nd 6-8PM Saturday, August 3rd 9:30-11:30AM & 3-5pm Noon – 3PM – FUN FAIR Sunday, August 4th 9:30AM – 11:30AM Picnic at NOON Everywhere Fun Fair takes children to a global celebration with the look and feel of a world’s fair. Children will make friends with neighbors around the world and discover that God’s love can be found everywhere, including their own neighborhoods. Children will be introduced to special places from all over the world and discover that we are all neighbors and all children of God.
CHURCH CALENDAR SUNDAY, JUNE 16 HAPPY FATHER’S DAY! 9:00 a.m. Discipleship Series 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship TUESDAY, JUNE 18 9:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl Group 6:45 p.m. VLT Meeting THURSDAY, JUNE 20 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal SUNDAY, JUNE 23 8:30 a.m. Elder’s Meeting 9:00 a.m. Discipleship Series 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship 12:00 p.m. Spaghetti Dinner and Auction 1:30 p.m. Float Decorating THURSDAY, JUNE 27 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal SATURDAY, JUNE 29 10:00 a.m. Float Decorating
SUNDAY, JUNE 23RD NOON-1:30PM Spaghetti, Mostaccioli & meat balls, Salad, bread & Dessert $5 per person CAKE AUCTION FOLLOWING
Sunday, June 30th vbs Bake sale Before & after Worship
SUNDAY, JUNE 30 9:00 a.m. Discipleship Series 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Bake Sale for VBS 12:00 p.m. Friendship Festival Parade TUESDAY, JULY 2 6:00 p.m. VBS Training SATURDAY, JULY 6 1:00 p.m. 80th Birthday Celebration (see page 2) SUNDAY, JULY 14 2:00 p.m. Ice Cream Social
Everywhere Fun Fair
VBS Training Meeting Tuesday, July 2nd at 6PM Anyone interested in helping plan our 2013 VBS is welcome to attend. This year’s theme is a Fun Fair where God’s World Comes Together. Speak to Teri Bushey, VBS Director if you have questions or wish to volunteer.
Friendship Festival Float Decorating Sunday, June 23rd at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 29th at 10:00 a.m. The Parade is Sunday, June 30th at Noon.
Sign up to participate TODAY!!! Central’s float will feature a large lucky spinning wheel game playable by parade watchers on both sides of the street. The float will promote our VBS & 120th Anniversary Celebrations. Float sponsors, construction help and walkers are needed.
Minister’s Summer Hours Rev. Bushey is now in the office on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays mornings with Thursday reserved for worship preparation and sermon writing. Friday is a Sabbath day and Saturdays and weekday afternoons will continue to be by appointment. Should you need to see Rev. Bushey it is always best to call/text/email ahead; community meetings, Regional commitments and Pastoral duties may change the minister’s schedule with or without much notice. Rev. Bushey’s contact information is published on the back of each edition of the Challenger.
Notes and News Sympathy
of the Congregation extended to Ida Mae Cuprys following the June 12th death of her grandson Matt Cuprys.
80th Birthday Celebration The Congregation is invited to a Celebration of Robert (Bob) Bushey Sr.’s 80th Birthday to be hosted by his family on Saturday, July 6th from 1-4PM in the Fellowship Hall. Please, rsvp by calling the church office. In lieu of any gifts and in honor of Robert, Sr. a donation may be made to Central Christian Church for the Benevolence Fund in his name.
Ladies Ministries News Ladies Night Out! Ladies Night Out was June 10, at Beef O, Brady's. Twenty -two women attended and enjoyed dinner and conversation. Officers were also installed as follows: Nancy Campbell, Vice President and Lesley Osback, continuing as Secretary. Thank you, Nancy for agreeing to serve and help us to continue the Ladies Ministries of Central Christian Church. Lesley, thank you for your continued service to the Ladies Ministries at Central. This is Lesley's third term as Secretary, and she has been dedicated and hard working, with a vision for Ladies Ministry that will reach as many women as possible. Watch your Challengers and church bulletins for future activities and projects. - Lisa Garcia, President
Ice Cream Social The 4th Annual Ice Cream Social will be Sunday, July 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. Please mark your calendars now and plan to attend. There will be ice cream with toppings, homemade dessert, and a drink, all for just $4! There will also be cakewalks and door prizes. Tickets will be sold before and after church June 30, July 7th, and July 14th, as well as at the door.
Discipleship & Membership Course Continues Rev. Bushey is offering a Discipleship Course on Sundays at 9-10AM in the Library/Parlor for anyone interested in learning about the Disciples of Christ and/or membership in the church. Topics to be discussed include: What is expected of members of Disciples congregations? How does our local congregation relate to the wider church? What’s happening at the General Assembly in July? Come and learn about your church as we grow in our faith and understanding.
Stewardship by the Numbers During the month of May, our average worship attendance was 66 and we received $6,266.25 for the General Fund. Your generous giving is appreciated and essential as we seek to be a vital witness for Christ in our community.
Robert’s Reflections As the month of June progresses along, I am grateful for the positive feedback I have received from the Why Worship? series. So far we have looked at the purpose of worship, the role of the Lord’s Supper and the purpose of prayer. Baptism is on deck followed by preaching, giving and blessing. I hope you are finding some encouragement and meaning as we discover why we do what we do in worship. With the first day of summer less than one week away, I am excited about the preparation and planning for our float in the Bourbonnais Friendship Festival Parade and our Everywhere Fun Fair VBS the first weekend in August. Both of these community events will also celebrate our 120 years as a congregation in Kankakee County. As I was preparing for the first week of the Sunday morning Discipleship Course looking at our Disciples heritage, I pulled my photo copy of the original charter for Central Christian Church dated August 1, 1893. When the VBS planning group first met to choose dates and decided on a weekend format, we envisioned a large tent on the church campus for the VBS with a Fun Fair for the Community and a revival-like worship service on August 4th to celebrate our 120th, since Central began in a tent meeting on Station Street in Kankakee. We did not know the actual date of the charter when we met and only afterwards discovered we were planning for the very weekend of the anniversary. God works in marvelous and mysterious ways! A core belief of Disciples of Christ is the shared ministry of all believers. Disciples practice a congregational vision for the mission and ministry of the church of Jesus Christ where ALL members are considered ministers of the gospel. Clergy, while being held accountable for professional standing by Regions and the General church, are not the sum of ministry for Disciples. Every person engaging in the mission of the church, paid or volunteer is doing a valued and vital ministry, from the one scrubbing the toilets to the Elder
at the Table of the Lord on Sunday morning. None of the tasks assigned to, volunteered for, completed by a member of the staff or the worshiping community are simply jobs. They are only jobs to us when we have no vision driving us to do what we are called to do. As Disciples, we are commissioned by our Lord to go and make disciples…to teach, lead, support, encourage as ministers of the good news of God’s abundant love and life
… Every person engaging in the mission of the church, paid or volunteer is doing a valued and vital ministry
revealed in Jesus. Central would not be celebrating this year without the ministries of members past and present whose dedication to Christ’s mission through the church carried us thus far. Even as we prepare to celebrate a milestone, the Vision Leadership Team continues to seek God’s vision for Central as we look beyond our 120th year as a congregation. The next task of the VLT is to begin developing a future story for Central based on our core values, Disciples traditions and community opportunities for mission and ministry. After working together these past six months, the team, at their most recent meeting, rededicated themselves to the process of transformation and visioning for Central. I am grateful for the excellent ministries of Lois Bangs, James Bushey, Teri Bushey, Nancy Campbell, Bill Cheffer, Lisa Garcia, Michelle Garrett, Elaine Gray, Shirley Herberger, Mary Joubert and Roger Schultz. We are blessed to have them leading us through this journey!
Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
«Title» «First Name» «Last Name» «Address Line 1» «Address Line 2» «City», «State» «Zip Code»
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914
CONTACT US: Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist; Phone: (815) 939-4433 Email: cccbourbonnais@gmail.com Website: www.cccbourbonnais.com Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771 Email:revbushey@gmail.com
June 16th: Why Do We Baptize? Romans 6: 1-11 June 23rd: Why Do We Preach? Acts 10: 34-43 Our Why Worship? series continues as we seek to grow in our understanding of worship and grow in our faithfulness as disciples of Jesus. Meant for the novice and the expert, Why Worship? will offer something for all ages and places along the journey of faith.
June 30th: Why Do We Give? 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15 July 7th: Blessings for the Journey! Ephesians 3:14-21; Romans 12:1-2, 9-21
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
July 1, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
CHURCH CALENDAR TUESDAY, JULY 2 6:00 p.m. VBS Meeting
SERVING IN WORSHIP GREETERS: July 7 - Gordon & Marilyn Bear; Jim & Katelyn Bushey July 14 - Mark & Judy Whitehead; Betty Conard & Elaine Gray July 21 - Barb Simmons & Marcia Posing; Wilma & Larry Hastings July 28 - Marilyn Vanden & Iris Robinson; Janet Bushey & Erlene Larson ACOLYTES:
Demetia Gray and Katelyn Bushey
WORSHIP LEADERS: July 7 July 14 July 21 July 28
Michelle Garrett Mary Joubert Nancy Campbell Bill Cheffer
CHILDREN’S HOMILY Lisa Garcia Lois Bangs Rev. Bushey Rev. Bushey
SATURDAY, JULY 6 1:00 p.m. 80th Birthday Celebration (see page 2) SUNDAY, JULY 7 9:00 a.m. Discipleship Series 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship MONDAY, JULY 8 9:00 a.m. News Articles Due JULY 13—15 General Assembly, Orlando, FL
SERVING AT THE LORD’S TABLE ELDERS
THURSDAY, JULY 4 OFFICE CLOSED for 4th of July
Shirley Herberger & Nancy Peterson
SUNDAY, JULY 14 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Guests Barbershop Chorus 2:00 p.m. Ice Cream Social TUESDAY, JULY 16 9:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl Group
DIACONATE: Servers: Jerry Colbert, Emily Osback, & Roger Schultz Preparers: Sharon Sovinski & Mary Joubert
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24 6:30 p.m. Exec Committee Meeting
July Birthdays 3 5 8 9 12
William Cheffer Teri Bushey Robert Bushey, Sr. Gayle Robins James A. Bushey
23 23 23 23 30
Joshua Bushey Steve Gray Ellie Guenette Ethel Odel Frank Hoss
Birthday Blessings to All!
July Food Pantry Collection: Cereal and Peanut Butter
Everywhere Fun Fair
VBS Meeting Tuesday, July 2nd at 6PM Anyone interested in helping plan our 2013 VBS is welcome to attend. This year’s theme is Everywhere Fun Fair where God’s World Comes Together. Speak to Teri Bushey, VBS Director if you have questions or wish to volunteer.
Notes and News Card of Thanks… From Ida Mae Cuprys for the cards, prayers, visits and remembrances received after the June 12th death of her grandson Matt Cuprys.
80th Birthday Celebration
TIME TO PAINT THE BUS!
The Congregation is invited to a Celebration of Robert (Bob) Bushey Sr.’s 80th Birthday to be hosted by his family on Saturday, July 6th from 1-4PM in the Fellowship Hall. Please, rsvp by calling the church office. In lieu of any gifts and in honor of Robert, Sr. a donation may be made to Central Christian Church for the Benevolence Fund in his name.
Sunday, July 28th 6:00-8:00 PM
VBS Spaghetti Lunch & Cake Auction Success!
Central Youth will Paint a Demolition Derby School Bus which will compete at the Kankakee County Fair on Wednesday, July 31st. Our bus will promote VBS and our 120th Anniversary.
Our fundraiser and fellowship event raised $932.25 for VBS 2013. Over 70 people including many guests attended the event which featured an auction of 19 donated cakes and 9 dozen cupcakes donated by Nana’s Cakery. Thanks to our kitchen & serving crew: James, Chris and Katelyn Bushey, Betty Conard, Lesley and Emily Osback, Gayle Robins, Nancy Campbell, Teri, Josh and Nicholas Bushey, Michelle, Noah and Delanie Garrett. Thanks to our auctioneers Mike Hoopaw and Rev. Bushey. Thanks to all who donated cakes and who bid generously raising over $500 during the auction alone.
Worship Guests on July 14th The Spirit of IL Barbershop Chorus will be our musical guests on Sunday, July 14th during the 10:30a.m. worship service. The chorus rehearses on Monday evenings at Central and visits our worship each year to share their gifts and talents with us.
Everywhere FUN FAIR VBS AUGUST 2nd, 3rd & 4th CCIW SUMMIT 2013 YOUTH 6TH-12TH GRADE November 22-24, 2013 This awesome Youth Event is held at Lake Williamson ~ Carlinville, IL. Save these dates on your calendar for a weekend of faith and worship you will not forget.
Our weekend VBS is just four weeks away! Have you registered your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, neighbors & friends? We are planning for a fun filled weekend of growing in our faith as we celebrate God’s love for the world! Music, crafts, storytelling, games and snacks await children K5th grades! Join us for our Everywhere FUN FAIR VBS! Rev. Bushey will be attending General Assembly and Away July 12th—July 21st. Please, contact Aurelio Garcia or Shirley Herberger if you need Pastoral Care.
Robert’s Reflections This week we pause as a nation and celebrate our Independence from tyranny with picnics, festivals and of course fireworks. We light the evening sky with brilliant colors and fascinating shapes as we remind ourselves that we live in a nation where as our forbearers declared, We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. A beautiful sentiment and a powerful declaration, these words of liberty inspire us still. Of course, the definition of the prescribed unalienable rights and the access to them by all persons has been and continues to be the source of great divides in our not so perfect union. The past week has demonstrated the gulf that exists between ideologies, theologies and perceptions found across the land we call the United States of America. The highest court of law in our land, the Supreme Court, ruled on three controversial cases. The highly anticipated rulings were celebrated by some and decried by others. The overly politicized SCOTUS struck down fifty years of civil rights law which had ensured the right of persons to vote regardless of their race in places where blatant discrimination against people of color had prevented rightful citizens the ability to cast their vote. The ruling stated that demography has changed and the outdated law just doesn’t make sense anymore. When our founders signed the declaration, quoted from above, men were of one race and gender in America, white, European and land holding. Black and brown folks, indigenous peoples (native Americans & Mexicans), women and immigrants from other lands were not included in the men of the July 4th 1776 document. The justices were correct the demography has changed in the land that I love, which by the way is precisely why I love this land. Here, as is nearly nowhere duplicated, persons are persons regardless of any other describing or defining attribute, and as persons are endowed with liberty and promised justice for all. Freedom is the heart of America and justice is her soul. Ensuring liberty and justice for all has always relied on the democratic practice of lawmaking in our nation. I pray our leaders will continue to ensure the rights of Americans to voice our choices through the ballot box.
The rulings, handed down by SCOTUS on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8, concerning same sex marriage were by far the most dramatic, at least on social media and TV as persons on all sides of this issue stated their agreement or disagreement. While there is not space here for me to tackle the theological disagreements about the origin and nature of marriage and there are many, I will reflect briefly on the relationship of the
… Tyranny of religion, by religion and for religion was not the kind of country our founders envisioned.
rulings to the aforementioned document of our independence. When the colonists signed their argument for freedom from the tyranny of King George III, they also declared their independence from the Church of England, as the church and the monarchy were essentially one institution. Following their exercise in liberty, Congress established our Bill of Rights in 1791, including these words from the First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof… Tyranny of religion, by religion and for religion was not the kind of country our founders envisioned. So, as I understand the recent rulings, nothing prohibits the free exercise of anyone’s religious beliefs as a result. Folks who define marriage as only for heterosexual couples will still be able to marry, deny religious consecration for any folks outside their definition and receive the same rights and benefits as they had previous to last week. Folks who have a broader definition of marriage including same gender couples will now receive the same rights and benefits from the state and welcoming religious communities. In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty and in all things, charity—Disciples founders. When the red, white and blue lights up the skies this week, we celebrate our unity in diversity, our liberty, freedom and justice for all. Happy Independence Day! Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
Sunday, July 14th from 2:00—4:00 p.m. The 4th Annual Old Fashioned Ice Cream Sundae Social will be Sunday, July 14th . Tickets are $4 and include: Ice Cream with toppings, a homemade dessert, and a drink. There will also be cake walks and door prizes. You may purchase your tickets Sunday, June 30, July 7, and July 14 as well as at the door.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
July 15, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
CHURCH CALENDAR JULY 13—15 General Assembly, Orlando, FL TUESDAY, JULY 16 9:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl Group SUNDAY, JULY 21 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:00 a.m. VBS Theme Practice 10:30 a.m. Worship w/ Rev. Garton MONDAY, JULY 22 9:00 a.m. News Articles Due TUESDAY, JULY 23 6:00 p.m. VBS Meeting
Nineteen Children and Adults represented Central during the Friendship Festival Parade.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24 6:30 p.m. Exec Committee Meeting SUNDAY, JULY 28 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:00 a.m. VBS Theme Practice 10:30 a.m. Worship 6:00 p.m. Paint the Bus FRI, SAT, SUN, AUGUST 2-4 Everywhere Fun Fair! SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 6:00 p.m. 120th Tent Revival SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 9:30 a.m. Women’s Gathering Brkst
Everywhere FUN FAIR VBS for Children Friday, August 2nd 6-8PM Saturday, August 3rd 9:30-11:30AM, Noon—3PM—FUN FAIR and 3-5PM
Sunday, August 4th 9:15-11:30AM PICNIC at NOON
A list of the needed items will be in the Narthex for you to take. Shop for as many items as you can. On Sunday, August 11th & 18th, there will be a box at both entrances to collect the School Supplies.
Everywhere Fun Fair
VBS Meeting
Notes and News
Tuesday, July 23rd at 6PM
Central Youth Receives Honor
Anyone interested in helping plan our 2013 VBS is welcome to attend. This year’s theme is Everywhere Fun Fair where God’s World Comes Together. Speak to Teri Bushey, VBS Director if you have questions or wish to volunteer.
Noah Garrett was selected by the Bradley Elementary School District and his teachers, who have sponsored him, to attend the Summer Institute for the Gifted and talented (SIG). On July 28th, Noah will be leaving for the University of Chicago to participate in the three week camp designed to challenge academically gifted and talented students. Noah was very excited to choose his classes which include, Theories of Time Travel, Script Writing, Engineering, Jurisprudence and Two and Three-D Media. Once there he will not only participate in an academic curriculum, but also social, cultural and recreational components. It's a great opportunity for students to explore new interest areas, strengthen passions and skills and interact with others that love learning. A new found independence is generally a given at SIG. Noah will enter the eighth grade this fall and is the son of Steve & Michelle Garrett who are beyond proud of Noah for being selected for this prestigious honor. Congratulations Noah, your church is proud of you and wishes you much success at SIG!
TIME TO PAINT THE BUS! Sunday, July 28th 6:00-8:00 PM Central Youth will Paint a Demolition Derby School Bus which will compete at the Kankakee County Fair on Wednesday, July 31st. Our bus will promote VBS and our 120th Anniversary.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Robert “Bob” Bushey, Sr. and family wish to thank everyone who was able to celebrate his 80th birthday with us, for dozens of beautiful cards and several donations totaling $185 given in his honor to the Congregational Benevolence Fund (which was established to help members in financial crisis and emergency needs). We are loved and we love Central Christian Church!
Step Right Up! Community Fun Fair – August 3rd Noon-3PM
CCIW SUMMIT 2013 YOUTH 6TH-12TH GRADE November 22-24, 2013 This awesome Youth Event is held at Lake Williamson ~ Carlinville, IL. Save these dates on your calendar for a weekend of faith and worship you will not forget.
Central will host a Fun Fair open to the community on Saturday, August 3rd from Noon – 3PM. Carnival Games will be available as well as Popcorn provided by our community partner and neighbor First American Bank. The Fun Fair will take place between our Morning and Evening Sessions of VBS and will require the help of folks who are not already helping with VBS. We need persons to welcome our guests and to operate simple free carnival games such as a ring toss, duck pond, lucky wheel, bean bag throw and a dime toss. Please, sign up this Sunday to help make our Community Fun Fair a success. Donations of 2 litre Bottles of Any Kind of Soda Pop for the Ring Toss and glassware for the Dime Toss will be gladly accepted through August 1st.
50th Anniversary Celebration Please join us in celebrating (former Members) Dona & Jerry Nelson’s 50th Anniversary. Saturday, August 17th 2-5 p.m. at Calvary Bible Church—2587 East Armour Road, Bourbonnais. Cake, punch and appetizers will be served. Please RSVP to mjn214@comcast.net. - Scott, Marla and Mindy
Robert’s Reflections When you receive this, Teri, Joshua, Nicholas and I will be in Orlando, Florida attending the General Assembly (GA) of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). GA takes place every two years at various locations across the country, gathering thousands of Disciples laity and clergy along with the ministries of our Regional Churches and our General Units of the movement. As clergy, I have attended all but a handful of the GAs since 1993 in St. Louis, MO. Yet, since Nicholas was born in 2000 we have not been able to attend GA as a family. I’ve been privileged to attend GA in Portland, Oregon with Joshua in 2005 and Nicholas in Nashville, TN in 2011 and Teri and I have attended in Pittsburgh, Denver, Cincinnati and Indianapolis. This is my eighth experience of worship, study, work (business) and fellowship with our large Disciples family. This year the theme is Lord, Teach us to Pray from Luke 11:1-13 which will be the focus of our worship together on July 28th. I am grateful for the support of the congregation, to Dr. Frank Garton for being our Pulpit Guest on July 21st and for the congregational leadership stepping up to cover worship and pastoral duties in my absence! While we are away, plans will move forward on our 2013 Everywhere Fun Fair VBS, Aug. 2nd-4th. We have reserved a large red and white striped tent for the weekend for VBS, our Community Fun Fair and our 120th Celebration. From a tent meeting in the summer of 1893, Central Christian Church began one score and a century of Community, Ministry and Mission in Kankakee County. And so, how appropriate that we will gather as the saints of our congregation did so long ago to celebrate God’s wonderful works of grace and peace through Christ’s church. I hope you are planning to participate in the 120th weekend events by helping with VBS or the Community Fun Fair, by donating needed items, by attending worship and the church picnic following, inviting your family, friends and neighbors to join us
or being a part of a revival-like worship early evening of August 4th. The Rev. Roger Jenks, retired Disciples Minister from Grace Community Christian Church of Aurora has agreed to preach for us that evening. Rev. Jenks composed and dedicated the hymn, Let All We Do Be Done In Love for Central’s Centennial in 1993. Our tent revival will begin at 6PM.
… Giving of our time and abilities is a vital component of our Christian stewardship. Even as I look forward to our 120th Celebration, I am grateful for the ways God has been at work among us during the past few weeks. I am grateful for James Bushey whose skill and 24hrs of labor brought our Lucky Wheel parade float to life, to Jerry Colbert for allowing us to store the float at Levi’s Garage and for providing coolers and water for the participants, to Aurelio Garcia for pulling the float during the parade and for the nineteen participants (pictured on the front page) who walked the route, found people to interact with our game, delivered candy and 75 prizes and served as goodwill ambassadors for Central Christian Church! I almost can’t wait to see how we offer hospitality and joy during next year’s Bourbonnais Friendship Festival Grand Parade as the only church located on the parade route. Giving of our time and abilities is a vital component of our Christian stewardship. I am grateful for the gifts and abilities shared every week through our congregation! Soon, if not already, you will receive a giving statement reflecting the first half of 2013. We are glad to provide you with a quick snapshot of your stewardship of your money so far this year. I pray that each of us will always do our best, to give of ourselves for the ministry and mission of Christ’s church. Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
Everywhere FUN FAIR VBS AUGUST 2nd, 3rd & 4th
VBS DONATIONS
Our weekend VBS is just four weeks away! Have you registered your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, neighbors & friends? We are planning for a fun filled weekend of growing in our faith as we celebrate God’s love for the world! Music, crafts, storytelling, games and snacks await children K-5th grades! Join us for our Everywhere FUN FAIR VBS!
2 liter bottles of soda Hot dog buns Ketchup Mustard Kool-Aid mix w/sugar Plastic silverware Napkins Poster board Streamers (multi-colored)
Aluminum foil Pipe cleaners White glue Markers Drinking straws Elastic cording (bracelets) Clothespins 12” dowel rods (1/4” dia) Cereal boxes
Rev. Bushey will be Away at General Assembly July 12th—July 21st. Please, contact Aurelio Garcia or Shirley Herberger if you need Pastoral Care.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER August 1, 1893 -August 1, 2013 120th Anniversary Edition Celebrating 120yrs of Community, Ministry & Mission
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
Robert’s Reflections I have been inspired, moved, nourished and encouraged! Attending General Assembly and enjoying a little vacation time in Florida was renewing. Energizing worship was shared and meaningful decisions were made during our gathering. I hope to share the insights I gained with you soon and to serve with new vision for Christ’s church. Again, thank you for your generous support to make our trip possible! I hope you are planning to participate in the 120th weekend events by helping with VBS or the Community Fun Fair, by donating needed items, by attending worship and the church picnic following, inviting your family, friends and neighbors to join us or being a part of a revival-like worship August 4th. The Rev. Roger Jenks, retired Disciples Minister from Grace Community Christian Church of Aurora has agreed to preach for us that evening. Rev. Jenks composed and dedicated the hymn, Let All We Do Be Done In Love for Central’s Centennial in 1993. I’m excited to share that Hannah Fitch a soprano and recent Millikin University graduate in Vocal Performance will lead us in song for the evening. Our tent revival will begin at 6PM. I plan to focus our remaining August Sunday services on the theme for our anniversary: Celebrating 120yrs of Community, Ministry & Mission. Based in scripture we will draw from our frontier Disciple’s roots and look into the future through the eyes of newer generations of Disciples of Christ. Let’s celebrate Central! Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
120th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, August 3rd FREE FUN FAIR Noon—3PM
Sunday, August 4th ALL CHURCH PICNIC Serving Grilled Pork Sandwiches Bring a Dish/Salad/Dessert to Share
Noon—1:30PM TENT REVIVAL WORSHIP 6:00PM Special Guests: Rev. Roger Jenks, Preacher & Hannah Fitch, Soprano
See Page 3 for August Serving Schedule, Birthdays and Church Calendar.
Women’s Gathering All ladies are invited to a Fall Gathering, Saturday, August 10 at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. This event is hosted by the Executive Board (officers and small group leaders), and will include a light breakfast followed by a preview of this year's study options. Two groups which have met in past years will continue to meet. The Tuesday Morning group meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m., usually at McDonald's for breakfast, then returning to the church for their study. The Tuesday morning group will be using materials from Disciples’ Just Women magazine, either a season long study, or various articles, chosen on a month by month basis. The Monday night group meets the second Monday of the month at 7:00 pm. in the church library/parlor. This group has refreshments and social time, followed by Bible study. The Monday night group will be studying Twelve Women of the Bible: Life Changing Stories for Women Today by Lysa TerKeust. This has a study guide ($8) for participants with background information to read in preparation for each session which includes watching a video about a woman in the Bible and discussion. We are also hoping to add a Sunday morning group in the fall. Watch for details. Every woman who attends the August Gathering will receive a "Prayer Box" which you can keep and use for your prayer time at home. Sign-up sheets will be near both entrances just to give us an idea of how many will be attending. Even if you're not planning to attend a study group, or if you're undecided, feel free to come to this gathering. Just come and have some breakfast and fellowship.
Women’s Ministry News Ice cream Social Due to the efforts of many people, this year's ice cream social was again a success. $675 was received this year, with $413 in ticket sales (including $9 in donations) and $262 from the cake walk. Thanks to all who made tickets and posters, sold tickets, donated door prizes, cakes and other items, worked at the social, and of course, attended the social. It would be impossible to name all who helped without forgetting someone, so I'll not even try. However, there are a few whose efforts especially added to the social. First of all, thanks to all of you who served desserts, drinks, ice cream, and toppings. You kept things running smoothly. Thanks also go to Judy Whitehead for helping procure many of the door prizes and also for doing the cake walks. It just wouldn't be the same without Judy! Special thanks also go to Ken Bade for playing for our cake walks. Didn't he do a wonderful job? Thanks everyone for a successful ice cream social! The money raised is used toward our annual missions pledge and other CWF/Ladies Ministries mission projects. Hope to see all of you who attended (and a few more) next year. - Lisa Garcia, CWF President
Step Right Up! Community Fun Fair – August 3rd Noon-3PM Central will host a Fun Fair open to the community on Saturday, August 3rd from Noon – 3PM. Carnival Games will be available as well as Popcorn provided by our community partner and neighbor First American Bank. The Fun Fair will take place between our Morning and Evening Sessions of VBS and will require the help of folks who are not already helping with VBS. We need persons to welcome our guests and to operate simple free carnival games such as a ring toss, duck pond, lucky wheel, bean bag throw and a dime toss. Please, sign up this Sunday to help make our Community Fun Fair a success. Donations of 2litre Bottles of Any Kind of Soda Pop for the Ring Toss and glassware for the Dime Toss will be gladly accepted through August 1st.
Extreme School Bus Figure Eight— August 1st Last year Central Youth brought home a trophy for Third Place Best Paint Scheme for the Kankakee County Fair Extreme School Bus Figure Eight. Our bus had a dramatic finish and is featured on the 2013 fair webpage for Thursday’s schedule. We will paint our 2013 bus on Sunday, July 28th at 6PM. Thanks to Jerry Colbert and Levi’s Garage for donating our paint! Central’s bus will compete on Thursday, August 1st at 7PM, grandstands open at 6PM with rides for kids at 6:30PM. The event is included in your General Admission of $8. Wear your Central T-shirt and get $2 back from Pastor Robert!
AUGUST SERVING IN WORSHIP GREETERS: August 4 - Michelle & Steve Garrett; Nancy Campbell & Sharon Sovinski August 11 - Gordon & Marilyn Bear; Mary Joubert & Ruth Lanoue August 18 - Clarence & Lois Bangs; Mary Jane & Jeanie Burkhalter August 25 - Bill & Irma Cheffer; Bob & Kay Smith ACOLYTES:
Delanie Garrett and Nick Bushey
WORSHIP LEADERS: August 4 August 11 August 18 August 25
CHILDREN’S HOMILY
Kay Smith Carolyn Pickering Lesley Osback Noah Garrett
Lisa Garcia Lois Bangs Rev. Bushey Rev. Bushey
SERVING AT THE LORD’S TABLE ELDERS
Betty Conard & Elaine Gray
DIACONATE: Servers: Pete Peterson, Colin & Mary Ommen, & Steve Garrett Preparers: Nancy & Pete Peterson
1 1 1 4
Barbara Flowers Wilma Hastings Mary Joubert Katelyn Bushey
6 10 15 31
Ben Garcia Bonnie Flouhouse Nancy Campbell Delanie Garrett
4 Lesley Osback
Birthday Blessings to All! Everywhere FUN FAIR VBS AUGUST 2nd, 3rd & 4th Have you registered your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, neighbors & friends? ! Music, crafts, storytelling, games and snacks await children K-5th grades! Join us for our Everywhere FUN FAIR VBS!
CHURCH CALENDAR THURSDAY, AUGUST 1 7:00 p.m. Bus Figure Eight at Kankakee County Fair FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 6:00 p.m. Everywhere Fun Fair VBS! Begins SATURDAY, AUGUST 3 9:30 a.m. VBS Noon-3PM FREE FUN FAIR 3:00 p.m. VBS SUNDAY, AUGUST 4 9:15 a.m. VBS 10:30 a.m. Worship Noon ALL Church Picnic 6:00 p.m. 120th Tent Revival SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 9:30 a.m. Women’s Gathering Breakfast SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 School Supplies Collection 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship—Community MONDAY, AUGUST 12 9:00 a.m. Newsletter Articles & Board Reports Due SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 School Supplies Collection 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship - Ministry TUESDAY, AUGUST 20 9:30 a.m.
Prayer Shawl Group
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21 10:00a.m. 6:00 p.m.
Community Action Group Board Meeting
Hamburger Helper and Macaroni & Cheese
August 11 and 18, CWF/ Ladies Ministries will be collecting school supplies for needy students in area schools. Lists of suggested items are available near both entrances. Boxes are already out, as many school items are now on sale. Items collected will be donated to Shepard and Shabonna schools.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
August 15, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! To Pete Peterson who trimmed the bushes and weeded among other inside maintenance projects and to James Bushey for arranging for our tent leading up to our 120 th Anniversary Celebration. Thank You Continued on page 2. . .
CHURCH CALENDAR SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 School Supplies Collection 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship - Ministry TUESDAY, AUGUST 20 9:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl Group WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21 10:00 a.m. Community Action Group 6:00 p.m. Board Meeting SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 8:30 a.m. Elder’s Meeting 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship - Mission 2:30 p.m. Vision Leadership Team MONDAY, AUGUST 26 9:00 a.m. Newsletter Articles Due SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 9:15 a.m. Back to School Breakfast 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 LABOR DAY—OFFICE CLOSED THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 6:30 p.m. Choir Practice THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 5-7 p.m. Preview Rummage Sale FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 9am-4 pm Rummage Sale 9:00 a.m. Youth Bake Sale SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 9am-Noon Rummage Sale 9:00 a.m. Youth Bake Sale
News From Central Thank You Continued from front page. . . To Teri Bushey, VBS Director and the Everywhere Fun Fair Team: Lois Bangs & Dominick Leitch; Jeannie Burkhalter; James & Chris Bushey; Katelyn, Nick & Josh Bushey; Nancy Campbell; Betty Conard; Lisa Garcia; Michelle Garrett; Elaine & Steve Gray; Leslie, Emily & Abby Osback; Gayle Robins and Betty Sebastiani for a great weekend VBS!
JR HIGH & HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH & PARENT BACK TO SCHOOL BREAKFAST SUNDAY, SEPT 1ST 9:15AM in FELLOWSHIP HALL Join us for Bagels & Pastries from Panera Bread! Bring your Calendars, School Activity Schedules and Ideas for the 2013-2014 School Year!
To Mary Jane Burkhalter, Wilma Hastings, Shirley Herberger, Roger Schultz, Joanne Paulauskas, Sharon Sovinski and VBS Team members for operating games and activities at our Fun Fair. To Larry & Vickie Bushey and James Bushey for cooking for the All Church Picnic and for helping create and operate games for the Fun Fair and with sound system set up. To Lois Bangs for sharing her gifts on the keyboard, our sound operator Nancy Peterson, Sharon Sovinski & Aurelio Garcia for traffic control, the Diaconate, Elders, and all who helped in any way with two worship services in our red & white tent! Your contributions made our celebration and revival a great success! Thank you!
Sympathy of the Congregation is extended to Marcia Posing, Barbara & Charles Simmons and family following the August 6th death of Delmar “Jake” Posing. A Celebration of Del’s life will be held at the X-Line Sportsman’s Club (4800 E Exline Club Rd) on Sunday, August 18th from 2-5PM.
Let Us Sing Unto the Lord!!! YOUTH BAKE SALE SEPTEMBER 20TH & 21ST 9AM-11AM Bring Baked Goods to Sell at the Rummage Sale. Proceeds will Support Youth activities and Mission projects during the year.
CCIW SUMMIT 2013 YOUTH 6TH-12TH GRADE November 22-24, 2013 This awesome Youth Event is held at Lake Williamson ~ Carlinville, IL. Save these dates on your calendar for a weekend of faith and worship you will not forget.
Chancel Choir will resume their rehearsals THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th AT 6:30 p.m. It will be great to have our choir back with us as they participate in worship, the last Sunday of each month. We have room for more singers—come join us!
Women’s Ministry News Ice Cream Social Thanks again to all who helped make this year’s ice cream social a success. The final profit was $675, and will be used for our missions pledge and other mission projects. Women’s Gathering Saturday August 10, thirteen women gathered for breakfast and fellowship. We received and learned about prayer boxes, previewed study materials, and discussed the possibility of additional study topics and groups. Watch future Challengers for further information. School Supplies We will continue to collect school supplies through August 18. These will be given to students at Shepard and Shabonna schools who may not have all the required supplies to begin school. If any supplies are not needed now, the school social worker will distribute them throughout the year as need arises.
Robert’s Reflections I think I’ve been smiling in my sleep lately! After witnessing the spirit filled efforts of so many of you during our 120th Anniversary weekend, how can I keep from smiling? Joy, satisfaction, inspiration and hope are words that come to my mind when I reflect on our celebration. The weather could not have been better for the first weekend in August. The tent was both nostalgic and a visible witness to our community. The VBS team was flexible and full of energy for a small group of children. The cotton candy machine was well used as was the popcorn maker borrowed from First American Bank. The Fun Fair was well, fun for those who were here. The transformation from VBS to worship to picnic to worship again under the tent was amazing and quick. The lunch was delicious and the water in the dunk tank was a bit chilly but that just makes you get back up on the seat faster. The bounce house was busy and bouncy. The singing in both worship services was uplifting and the revival message was encouraging. And, on Monday afternoon when I arrived at the church to begin the weeklong process of putting things away and the tent was gone, I smiled, thinking of you and the joy we shared together. Now, as we said together in worship as a community of Christ, we are standing at the threshold of the past and the future. The image of a doorway and a threshold conjures many mental imagines and even perhaps memories. We cross thresholds and open and close doors nearly every day of our life. Doorways may be interior or exterior while thresholds are always exterior leading out into the world. On any given day, we may decide for many reasons to close our doors and stay behind the threshold where we are presumably safe from the unknowns of the outside world. We may cross our thresholds without choice depending on the circumstances of our lives at any given moment. And, we may boldly open our exterior doors and cross our threshold confidently entering the endless possibilities of another day of living in God’s good creation. Thresholds you see are much more than a secure footing or a weather tight seal for an entryway. Thresholds create a boundary between the familiar and the unfamiliar, between history and history yet to be made, between isolation and community, between comfort and challenges to our comfortableness. Rev. Roger Jenks reminded us at our revival worship of the stark reality facing the church of today and
tomorrow, the church standing at the threshold. He reminded us that thousands of churches are closing every year, large numbers of clergy are leaving the ministry and the statistics may be very saddening. At the General Assembly in July we were made aware that only 18% of Disciples’ congregations are sustainable, meaning able to resource ministry and mission for growth verses survival. The core mission of Christ’s church is to grow, in faith, in community and in our witness to the gospel. Temptation begs us to retreat within, to close and bar the outer doors so we may be alone in our suffering, when we reflect on the difficult reality we face as disciples of Jesus in this time and place. Perhaps the reason we are in the shape we are as the church of Jesus Christ is that we have already been hiding behind the threshold for quite awhile. Rev. Jenks encouraged us to reclaim the vision of the gospel, to fan the flame of a spirit filled life which ultimately calls us to cross the threshold in ministry and mission for Christ.
. . .The core mission of Christ’s church is to grow, in faith, in community and in our witness to the gospel. Several times during the past 120 years, members of Central have answered God’s call and crossed the threshold into the mission field of Kankakee County. I hope we will too. Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
FALL RUMMAGE SALE will be Friday, September 20th from 9 AM—4 PM and Saturday, September 21st from 9 AM—Noon. Please bring clean, gently used items during office hours (9AM-Noon, Monday thru Thursday). A Preview Sale will be held on Thursday, September 19th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. for Members and friends of Central.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
September 1, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
SERVING IN WORSHIP GREETERS: Sept 1– Mary Joubert & Ruth Lanoue; Shirley Herberger & Juanita Goodrich Sept 8– Betty Conard & Sharon Sovinski; Ida Mae Cuprys & Gayle Robins Sept 15– Janet Bushey & Earline Larson; Iris Robinson & Marilyn Vanden Sept 22– Elaine & Steve Gray; Lisa & Aurelio Garcia Sept 29—Mark & Judy Whitehead; Barbara Simmons & Marcia Posing ACOLYTES:
Kennedy and Riley Ebersole
WORSHIP LEADERS: Sept 1 Teri Bushey Sept 8 Gayle Robins Sept 15 Mary Joubert Sept 22 Michelle Garrett Sept 29 Bob Smith
CHILDREN’S HOMILY Lisa Garcia Lois Bangs Rev. Bushey Rev. Bushey
Iris Robinson & Teri Bushey
DIACONATE:
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 9:15 a.m. Back to School Breakfast 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 LABOR DAY—OFFICE CLOSED TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 9:00 a.m. Cluster Clergy at Rantoul SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship 2:30 p.m. Vision Leadership Team MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 9:00 a.m. Newsletter Articles Due 7:00 p.m. Women’s Small Group TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 9:30 a.m. Disciple’s Women THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
SERVING AT THE LORD’S TABLE ELDERS
CHURCH CALENDAR
Servers: Nancy Peterson, Bob & Kay Smith Preparers: Sue Elias & Pat Agee
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 9:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl Group THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 5-7 p.m. Preview Rummage Sale 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal FRI, SEPT 20—SAT, SEPT 21 9am-4 pm/Noon (Sat) Rummage Sale 9:00 a.m. Youth Bake Sale
13 Chris Cheffer 13 Tricia Peterson
26 27
Thelma Johnson Nancy Peterson
14 17 21 22
29 29 29 30
Howard Ditrick Vickie Bushey Noah Garrett Keith Aldridge
C. J. Osback Sarah Cheffer Ronald Ommen Donna Stage
24 Eleanor Ditrick
September Food Collection:
Soups and
Stews
News From Central Volunteers Invited
JR HIGH & HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH & PARENT BACK TO SCHOOL BREAKFAST Today 9:15AM in FELLOWSHIP HALL Join us for Bagels & Pastries from Panera Bread! Bring your Calendars, School Activity Schedules and Ideas for the 2013-2014 School Year!
The Northern Illinois Anglers Association, which I am a member, needs volunteers at the annual Kankakee River clean-up. Saturday, September 21st 8AM-1PM. Water, soda, gloves, and trash bags will be provided. I would love to see you out there. God Blesses when you give to others. - Roger Schultz
Thank You! I want to thank the Church families who sent so many cards of comfort to me and my family since we lost Del. Thank you for all the messages left stating that your thoughts and prayers were for us. And thank you to the members of Central Christian Church who came to the memorial celebration of Del’s life. To you all, we will be forever grateful. You are truly my Church family.
- Marcia “Pat” and my Posing family. Fall Rummage Sale will be Friday, September 20th from 9 AM—4 PM and Saturday, September 21st from 9 AM—Noon. Please bring clean, gently used items during office hours (9AM-Noon, Monday thru Thursday). A Preview Sale will be held on Thursday, September 19th from 5:007:00 p.m. for Members and friends of Central.
NEW Women's Small Group YOUTH BAKE SALE SEPTEMBER 20TH & 21ST 9AM-11AM Bring Baked Goods to Sell at the Rummage Sale. Proceeds will Support Youth activities and Mission projects during the year.
CCIW SUMMIT 2013 YOUTH 6TH-12TH GRADE November 22-24, 2013 This awesome Youth Event is held at Lake Williamson ~ Carlinville, IL. Save these dates on your calendar for a weekend of faith and worship you will not forget.
A NEW Monday night group (formerly known as the Faith Joy circle) will meet in the church library/parlor the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m., beginning September 9. We will be studying Twelve Women of the Bible: Life-Changing Stories For Women Today by Lysa Terkeust and others. We'll begin with refreshments, then watch a 15 to 20 minute video and discuss it. All women are invited. The study guide with background information on each woman studied is $8. Speak to Lisa Garcia for a book or questions. We’re also looking into beginning other small group studies and discussions. If you have an interest or a suggestion for a group or topic, contact Lisa.
NEW Disciple Women’s Meeting The Disciple Women (formerly the Miriam Circle) will meet Tuesday September 10th. They will meet at 9:30 AM at McDonald's just west of the church for a light breakfast. At 10 AM they will go to the church and have their meeting in the library. Their study will be taken from the Disciple magazine "Just Women". The first study is entitled "New Beginnings, Starting Over". The group will discuss new beginnings in their own lives, both good and difficult, and learn some principles that can help one through difficult transitions. All women are welcome to attend. Please contact Lois Bangs if you have any questions.
Robert’s Reflections As I write to you on August 28th, tens of thousands of people and maybe more are gathering on the National Mall in Washington, DC to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s inspiring I Have a Dream speech. I am blessed to have on multiple occasions stood on the steps of the Abraham Lincoln Memorial where Dr. King looked over the sea of humanity gathered along the reflecting pool to stand with the cause of civil liberty. Having studied the Civil Rights movement, including the life and works of Dr. King and having listened to the stories of my black and brown sisters and brothers who lived and organized for racial justice, I have been moved each time I have stood on the place where Dr. King’s name and the date of August 28, 1963 is engraved. The well-worn tribute is powerful for those who understand the monumental struggle of civil rights. I am blessed to have always lived with the achievements of the Civil Rights movement of the 1950’s & 1960’s, in other words, when I was born forced segregation was already illegal (no separate water fountains, lunch counters, schools, etc.) and the Voting Rights Act had been passed. I wish I could say that we have collectively achieved the dream that so many of us share with the legacy of Dr. King. But, I cannot. I cannot when less than a day ago I read about a group of African-American folks sending off a friend about to move out of state, who after having waited hours to be seated in a North Carolina restaurant were asked to leave and refused service because a white patron was “threatened” by their presence alone. Or another story I heard recently first hand from another eating establishment where two black men were eating in the “wrong” section and were told to pick up their plates and move to the back room where the other black and brown folks were eating. The men did as they were told. And this is 2013! Fifty years have passed since Dr. King declared,
former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by their character. I have a dream today. The truth is we have made important steps toward the realization of Dr. King’s dream, which remains rooted in the biblical ideals of God’s justice and God’s Kingdom on earth. And for many years we have been able to say that the blatant bigotry of pre-civil rights was replaced with more hidden and sophisticated forms of racist behavior from racial profiling to discriminatory lending practices. Now we are seeing the evil of racism in plain view once more. Changing laws and writing new legislation to guard equal rights for all citizens is always a good and necessary step on the journey of becoming an anti-racist multicultural community. And, yet laws do not change hearts or minds.
Jesus understood the impotence of the law when a change of heart/mind was needed. He knew the only agent of true change is grace and grace alone. Yes, grace, boundless acceptance without merit, grace. When we understand ourselves as full recipients of God’s mercy and love we are empowered to see others in the same way. Grace removes our need to be number one over any other we deem as number two. Grace defines us as good enough and humbles us to know everyone else is too. And so, when it came to our eternal salvation Jesus offered grace. When it comes to our realizing Dr. King’s dream, Jesus offers grace. Understand though it is a choice we make between living a life filled with judgment or living a life filled with grace. Praying you are filled with God’s grace…
I say to you, my friends, we have the difficulties of today and tomorrow.
Peace & Joy,
I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed. We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. I have a dream that one day out in the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of
PS. The full text of Dr. King’s speech is near the door in my study. Drop by and read it sometime.
Cemetery Lots for Sale Central owns six cemetery lots donated to it over the past few years, and would like to offer them for sale giving our members first choice to purchase. Two are in Mound Grove Gardens of Memory just South of Brookmont Blvd. The cemetery has lots in this area for sale at $995 plus $149.25 to be paid to the grave care fund. We are offering these two plots at $600 each and the $149.25 paid to the cemetery for each grave by the buyer at transfer of title. We have four lots in Memorial Gardens located on Rt. 17 East. These are priced by the cemetery at $995 and we are offering these four at $500 each plus $100 per grave paid to the cemetery by the buyer at transfer of title.
If you have any interest in these grave sites please notify the Church office or contact one of the trustees—Bob Smith, Lois Bangs, or Bill Cheffer.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
September 15, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL Light a Candle for Children Prayer Vigil Begins September 15th The theme for the 2013 vigil is Beating Swords into Plowshares: Ending the Violence of Guns and Child Poverty. Beginning September 15th, five weeks before the National Observance of Children’s Sabbath (Oct. 19-20) sponsored by the Children’s Defense Fund, people of faith across the nation will pray for children. You are invited to sign up at the church on Sunday morning, by calling the office, or online to Light a Candle at home or your work place and pray through the day for children in our families, communities and across the globe. You may even light a candle on your Facebook page for those who have an account. Devotions and prayers for each day are available on our website or at the church. Light a Candle for Children is a project of the Family & Children’s Ministries Partnership of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
CHURCH CALENDAR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Light a Candle for Children Vigil 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 9:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl Group THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 5-7 p.m. Preview Rummage Sale 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal FRI, SEPT 20—SAT, SEPT 21 9am-4 pm/Noon (Sat) Rummage Sale 9:00 a.m. Youth Bake Sale 8am (Sat) Youth River Cleanup 12pm (Sat) Youth Rummage Cleanup SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 9:00 a.m. Newsletter Articles Due TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 1:30 p.m. Community Action Team THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
Making Sense of the Christian Faith Does having faith mean you have no doubts or questions about the Bible, Jesus, or even God? Can the theory of evolution and the creation stories coexist? Is humanity really broken or fallen? What’s with the whole incarnation thing? What is the purpose and role of the church? Is the rapture really going to happen? If you have ever asked any of these questions then you may enjoy Making Sense of the Christian Faith. Join Rev. Bushey for an eight week journey beginning Sunday, Oct 6th at 9AM as we make sense of the Christian faith with the help of author David J. Lose. We will read his book by the same title and engage in thoughtful discussion. The conversational journey is open to anyone High School age and older.
Elders Fest SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13TH AT 4:00 P.M. Meat and Dessert will be provided. Please bring a salad or vegetable to share. Entertainment will be provided by the Spirit of Illinois Barbershop Chorus Come join us for a time of food, fellowship, and good music.
JR HIGH & HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH
SEPTEMBER 20TH & 21ST
YOUTH BAKE SALE 9AM-11AM Bring Baked Goods to Sell at the Rummage Sale. Proceeds will Support Youth activities and Mission projects during the year. Volunteers to staff the bake sale are needed Friday and Saturday morning.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST
YOUTH SERVICE PROJECT DAY 8am – Join The Kankakee River Clean Up – Meet At The Bird Park Boat Launch NOON – Rummage Sale Pack-Up At The Church
3RD ANNUAL TRUNK OR TREAT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27TH 4-6PM An Alternative Trick or Treating for families of all ages held in the church parking lot. Wear your costume, decorate the trunk of your car and bring candy to share.
CCIW SUMMIT 2013 YOUTH 6 -12 GRADE REGISTER NOW! TH
TH
November 22-24, 2013 This awesome Youth Event is held at Lake Williamson ~
News From Central Thank You! Thank you to everyone who donated school supplies in August. The school social worker will distribute them to students at Shabonna and Shepard schools who did not have the supplies needed to begin school. She will also distribute the remainder throughout the year as need arises.
Fall Rummage Sale will be Friday, September 20th from 9 AM—4 PM and Saturday, September 21st from 9 AM—Noon. Please bring clean, gently used items during office hours (9AM-Noon, Monday thru Thursday). A Preview Sale will be held on Thursday, September 19th from 5:007:00 p.m. for Members and friends of Central.
Cemetery Lots for Sale Central owns six cemetery lots donated to it over the past few years, and would like to offer them for sale giving our members first choice to purchase. Two are in Mound Grove Gardens of Memory just South of Brookmont Blvd. The cemetery has lots in this area for sale at $995 plus $149.25 to be paid to the grave care fund. We are offering these two plots at $600 each and the $149.25 paid to the cemetery for each grave by the buyer at transfer of title. We have four lots in Memorial Gardens located on Rt. 17 East. These are priced by the cemetery at $995 and we are offering these four at $500 each plus $100 per grave paid to the cemetery by the buyer at transfer of title. If you have any interest in these grave sites please notify the Church office or contact one of the trustees—Bob Smith, Lois Bangs, or Bill Cheffer.
Highlights of the Board Meeting August 21st Bids were presented and approved for the parking lot to be resealed and the center parking blocks removed from East lot by Monday Bros, and to replace 2 of the air conditioner/furnace units in the office and nursery section from Goodberlet Heating and Air Conditioning. Both projects have been completed since. The total cost is $23,768.00 to be paid with funds from the Maintenance Fund and a CD from the Donna Heil estate.
Robert’s Reflections September has traditionally been the month of church loyalty, when folks join new or established groups beginning a new year of programming usually designed to help members grow in their faithfulness. Among many congregations, this month represents the kick-off for the annual fall stewardship campaign seeking pledges of financial support for the mission and ministry of the church. September has traditionally been the month of the Christian Year for focus on the foundational identity of the church and of being disciples of Christ. In this day of rising numbers of people not attending any church, we may jump to proclaim the remnant of the faithful as loyal to the church. And, we may be correct depending on how we define church. The church may be defined as the living witness of Jesus in the world, the body of Christ as described by the Apostle Paul, actively sharing the Good News of God’s abundant love and grace available to All, growing in our faithfulness and pursuing the realization of God’s realm of peace and justice in our communities and across the globe. That definition may or may not be the object of our loyalty to the church. Too often church loyalty boils down to the seat we choose each week for our dutiful worship of the Almighty, to the maintenance of an edifice, or to whether or not we agree or disagree with someone or something. And, danger lurks for the body of Christ when our loyalty to our congregation breeds competitive disdain for other congregations of faith. As the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) we identify ourselves as a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us. At the General Assembly an identity initiative was launched in efforts to equip each other with a clear understanding of the traits and attributes of the Disciples of Christ. In other words, what makes us unique among the body of Christ? Last Sunday, we explored the Identity Statement as we recalled the expectations of disciples of our Lord from Luke’s Gospel. And, for the next four Sundays, we will unpack the statement further through a sermon series on Discovering Disciples: A Movement (9/15), For Wholeness (9/22), Welcoming All (9/29) and To the Table (10/6). The next four Sundays are excellent
opportunities to invite friends, neighbors, co-workers, fellow students, family etc. to discover the Disciples of Christ. Even as we seek a clear understanding of our uniqueness as a congregation, I am excited about developments between congregations of faith in our area. Our ecumenical witness is growing as ministers
… Discovering Disciples: A Movement (9/15), For Wholeness (9/22), Welcoming All (9/29) and To the Table (10/6) from several congregations have recently begun meeting to explore ways we may worship, study, serve and witness together in the community. As far as I know, area clergy have not been gathering like this for nearly ten years. I am also glad to share with you the date of November 24th when Central will host a Community Thanksgiving Service at 3:00PM with our speaker, Father John Peters of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Kankakee. We are just beginning to organize as ministers and I am encouraged to have a hopeful group of colleagues ready to join in the spirit of Christian unity for the good of our wider community. Finally, speaking of the spirit of Christian unity, I hope you will join me in the Light a Candle for Children Prayer Vigil detailed on the front page of this newsletter. Our children are too often the innocent victims of violence in our streets and war across the globe. Join me and pray for wisdom, compassion, peace and justice for the children in our homes, neighborhoods, near and far away.
Peace & Joy,
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
Reconciliation Ministry Offering 2013 September 29th & October 6th The 2013 Reconciliation Offering will be received on September 29th and October 6th. The Special Offering is used to fund our Church’s mission priority to become an pro-reconciling/ anti-racist church through experiential education, inclusive worship and intentional dialogue across racial/ethnic difference. Funds from this offering are providing for leadership development in our camps, our communities and our congregations as well as providing resources to promote small group study and community-action. Your giving is changing lives and building hope for the realm of God for our children and for Christ's Church!
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433
Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
October 1, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
SERVING IN WORSHIP GREETERS: Oct 6– Lois & Clarence Bangs; Gordon & Marilyn Bear Oct 13– Bill & Irma Cheffer; Jim & Katelyn Bushey Oct 20– Larry & Wilma Hastings; Jeanie & Mary Jane Burkhalter Oct 27– Ellie Guenette & Ethel Odle; Roger & Lois Schultz
CHURCH CALENDAR TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1 9:00 a.m. Cluster Clergy Gathering THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 5:00 p.m. Blessing of the Animals SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8 9:30 a.m. Disciple’s Women
WORSHIP LEADERS: Oct 6 Oct 13 Oct 20 Oct 27
Kay Smith Noah Garrett Nancy Campbell Bill Cheffer
CHILDREN’S HOMILY Lisa Garcia Lois Bangs Rev. Bushey Rev. Bushey
SERVING AT THE LORD’S TABLE ELDERS
Merwyn Cook & Nancy Campbell
DIACONATE:
Servers: Jim Bushey, Bill Cheffer, Steve Gray Preparers: Judy & Mark Whitehead
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9 5:30 p.m. Executive Committee THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship 4:00 p.m. Elder’s Fest MONDAY, OCTOBER 14 7:00 p.m. Women of the Bible SG TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15 9:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl Group 7:00 p.m. BIB Coordinator Meeting WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23 6:00 p.m. Board Meeting
1 Elijah Rickenberg 13 Shirley Herberger
20 27
Daniel Gray Luke Garcia
Birthday Blessings to All! November Food Collection:
Canned Meats and Pasta
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship 4:00 p.m. Trunk or Treat The 2013 Reconciliation Offering will be received on October 6th. Your giving is changing lives and building hope for the realm of God for our children and for Christ's Church!
Children, Youth & Family Ministry News
News From Central Thanks to the Congregation We would like to thank everyone for the cards, prayers, and words of sympathy that were expressed for my sister Pam Kliewer. We are so grateful to have a caring congregation. - Kay & Bob Smith
Thank You 3 ANNUAL RD
TRUNK OR TREAT
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 4-6PM
TH
An Alternative Trick or Treating for families of all ages held in the church parking lot. Wear your costume (Optional), decorate the trunk of your car/suv/truck and bring plenty of candy to share. We will create a Spooky Pine Grove again this year as well. Donations of Apple Cider and Hot Chocolate Bulk Mix are needed.
Prayer Vigil for Children Continues Through Oct. 20th Beating Swords into Plowshares: Ending the Violence of Guns and Child Poverty. October dates are still open and you are invited to sign up at the church on Sunday morning, by calling the office, or online to Light a Candle at home or your work place and pray through the day for children in our families, communities and across the globe. Light a Candle for Children is a project of the Family & Children’s Ministries Partnership of the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
CCIW SUMMIT 2013 YOUTH 6TH-12TH GRADE REGISTER NOW! November 22-24, 2013 This awesome Youth Event is held at Lake Williamson ~ Carlinville, IL.
Pete Peterson, Bill & Irma Cheffer and Mark Whitehead for trimming shrubs, trees, and weed pulling.
Fall Rummage Sale Thanks to everyone who helped organize and operate the rummage sale. And to all who donated. We made $1,215.00
Disciple Women's Meeting The Disciple Women will meet on Tuesday October 8. They will meet at 9:30 AM at McDonald's just west of the church for coffee, a light breakfast and fellowship. At 10 AM they will go to the church for their meeting. The study will be concerning Human Trafficking. Human trafficking takes place in every community and socio-economic class in the United States. This is an important subject about which we need to be informed. The Disciple Women will be studying a wide range of subject at their meetings. If the subject matter interests you, you are welcome to come for just that meeting. If you have any questions please contact Lois Bangs.
Church Directory Time We are currently in the process of updating the Church Membership Directory. If any of your information has changed or you were not listed in the last directory and would like to be added, please forward your address, telephone, email address (for e-newsletters not for print) and birthday (month and day are enough). We hope to have all the information by October 21st.
Making Sense of the Christian Faith Does having faith mean you have no doubts or questions about the Bible, Jesus, or even God? Can the theory of evolution and the creation stories coexist? Is humanity really broken or fallen? Is the rapture really going to happen? If you have ever asked any of these questions then you may enjoy Making Sense of the Christian Faith. Join Rev. Bushey for an eight week journey beginning Sunday, Oct 6th at 9AM as we make sense of the Christian faith with the help of author Davd J. Lose. We will read his book by the same title and engage in thoughtful discussion. The conversational journey is open to anyone High School age and older.
Robert’s Reflections
millions of children. Operating in over 300 schools
I hope you are enjoying the brief sermon series on our
across the country, Blessings in a Backpack has
identity as Disciples of Christ. The series wraps up on
demonstrated results with children in academic
Sunday, Oct 6th with a focus on the Lord’s Table,
improvement, positive behavior and fewer absences
which happens to be World Communion Sunday.
due to illness. I look forward to sharing more about
Christians across the globe will celebrate the Eucharist
this exciting new initiative and the many ways we may
or Holy Communion during worship in an annual
become involved in the near future.
observance of ecumenism and Christian unity. In this same spirit, I continue to be impressed and grateful for the prophetic ministry of Pope Francis who challenges not only his fellow Catholics but indeed all believers to
. . . Hunger is the root of many health, learning and social issues for millions of children.
remember the call of Christ to strengthen the fainthearted, support the weak, help the suffering and honor all people. Rejecting the pompousness of his office, Pope Francis has reclaimed the humble ministry of Jesus reminding the church universal of
the
temptation and addiction of greed and gluttony at the expense of those who suffer under oppression and poverty. The Holy Father has shocked some and encouraged many in recent months as he has enacted the grace of God in acts of love and words of inclusion. I continue to be encouraged by the new collaborative energy between clergy and congregations growing in our community. Together, we are creating a mission to provide weekend nutrition for 100 children in our community beginning in January. Joining with a nationally
successful
program,
Blessings
in
a
Backpack which serves 55,000 students in 37 states,
October 4th is St. Francis of Assisi Feast Day, from whom the Pope took his Papal name. The feast day is often celebrated with a blessing of the animals. I’m glad to offer blessings for your animal(s) at the church on Friday, October 4th between 5 and 7PM. We will be outside, weather permitting, or in the Fellowship Hall if not. At 5PM I’ll offer a very brief liturgical service and then offer a prayer of blessing for each animal present. You will receive a printed copy of the prayer to keep as well. We will pause and sing a familiar creation hymn every half-hour. The Blessing of the Animals is a come as you are and come and go service. Animal owners are encouraged to bring your animal on a leash or in a pet carrier and have appropriate clean-up tools should your animal need tidying up after. Hope to see you and your animal on Oct. 4th.
we anticipate partnering with elementary schools in Bourbonnais and Kankakee. Bradley already has a
Peace & Joy,
weekend nutrition program in place. Over 62% of public school children in the U.S. benefit from the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch program on school days. Many of these children do not have adequate nutrition on weekends or after school. Hunger is the root of many health, learning and social issues for
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. P.S. Remember to mark your calendar for our Community Thanksgiving Worship on November 24th at 3PM at Central Christian Church.
Elders Fest SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13TH AT 4:00 P.M. Meat and Dessert will be provided. Please bring a salad or vegetable to share.
See Robert’s Reflections on page 3
Entertainment will be provided by the Spirit of Illinois Barbershop Chorus Come join us for a time of food, fellowship, and good music.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
October 15, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
3 ANNUAL TRUNK OR TREAT RD
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27TH 4-6PM An Alternative Trick or Treating for families in our community of all ages held in the church parking lot. Wear your costume (Optional), decorate the trunk of your car/suv/truck and bring plenty of candy to share. We will create a Spooky Pine Grove again this year as well. Donations of Apple Cider needed.
Making Sense of the Christian Faith Does having faith mean you have no doubts or questions about the Bible, Jesus, or even God? Join the discussion Sundays at 9AM. October 20—Missing the Mark: Sin October 27—East of Eden: Covenant, Law, and Community November 3—God con Carne: Incarnation
CHURCH CALENDAR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 9:00 a.m. Making Sense of Faith 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Prayer Shawl Sunday 2:30 p.m. Vision Leadership Team TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22 10:00 a.m. Worship Committee 2:30 p.m. Blessings in Backpack WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23 6:00 p.m. Board Meeting THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 9:00 a.m. Making Sense of Faith 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship 4:00 p.m. Trunk or Treat MONDAY, OCTOBER 28 9:00 a.m. News Articles Due THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
November 10—Life Wins: Atonement November 17—The Body of Christ: Church and Holy Spirit November 24—The End of All Things: Eschatology
Blessing of Animals was held on Oct 4th.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3—TIME CHANGE...FALL CHANGE...FALL BACK! BACK!
NEWS FROM CENTRAL Church Directory Time We are currently in the process of updating the Church Membership Directory. If any of your information has changed or you were not listed in the last directory and would like to be added, please forward your address, telephone, email address (for enewsletters not for print) and birthday (month and day are enough). We hope to have all the information by October 21st.
Thank You!
To the Prayer Shawl Group for donating copier paper to the office. We thank you for the thoughtful and heart felt gift!
September Stewardship During the month of September, our average worship attendance was 54 and we received $4,860 for the General Fund. Our 2013 budget includes $3,333 per month drawn from Estate Giving, approved by the congregation in 2011, to meet our expenses. The budgeted amount needed for September was $9,736. Other Receipts Included: Rummage Sale: $1250 Building Maint: $135 ($20, 168.90 from CD’s); Sale of Grave lots $1000. Your generous giving is appreciated and essential as we seek to be a vital witness for Christ in our community
Harbor House Annual Butter Braid Fundraiser The annual Harbor House Butter Braid Fundraiser will start this Sunday, October 20 and run thru Sunday, November 3. There will be several different Butter Braid coffee cakes plus cookie dough for you to purchase. All of the items are frozen so you can bake them when convenient. Last year the congregation purchased 37 units, allowing Ellie Guenette to be among the first three sellers. All items are $13.00 each and checks may be made out to Harbor House. Ellie will be available before services in the narthex for you to look over the items. Delivery will be November 24 and items will be available in the communion kitchen. All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit Harbor House, a shelter for women and children victims of domestic violence. Your support of their programs has been and continues to be very important to their presence in our community. We thank you again in advance.
Central’s Ministry of Prayer Prayer Request Cards:- Prayer Request Cards have been provided at each Entrance to submit a prayer request. The cards help the minister keep the Prayer List accurate, help our Sharing Time stay efficient and keep us within the laws around personal privacy (see below).
Sharing Concerns In Worship—A Note About Privacy Laws The church is not exempt from the Health Information Protection Act. When sharing a prayer request, we must be careful about sharing specific medical and other personal information. In other words, we do NOT need to hear the whole story. God already knows the specifics. Lifting a person’s name in prayer with permission is sufficient for God and for the congregation to share in our joy or concern. Weekly Prayer List:- To keep our list current, names added stay on the list until an update is received or for 30 days and then removed unless the request is renewed. Notes of sympathy, thanks and congratulations are on the list for one week. Requests may be left on the church voicemail, through email, via the website or in person. Thank you for sharing your joys and concerns as we seek to touch lives with God’s love through our ministry of prayer at Central!
Prayer Chain
Quarterly Financials Financial Statements for the Third Quarter are available in the Narthex.
Daylight Savings Time Ends Sunday, November 3, 2013. Don’t forget to turn your clocks back Saturday night 11/2.
Different from the Prayer List, the Prayer Chain consists of several persons (including the Minister) who have volunteered to be on the chain and are contacted when an individual contacts the office with a request to activate the chain. Your request is then shared through the chain and they hold your request in prayer. To begin a Prayer Chain Request call the office at 815-9394433.
Have You Remembered Central in Your Will? All Saints Sunday is November 3rd.
Robert’s Reflections Three years ago this week you welcomed me and my family back to Central Christian Church after twenty years of ministry with four congregations in Missouri, Indiana and Central IL. Twenty plus years had passed since you commissioned me as one of your Timothies whom you mentored and guided into the Christian ministry. October is Ministry Appreciation month and as I do each year I have been reflecting on and offering my gratitude for the many ministers who have touched my life as pastors, mentors, professors, Regional Ministers, colleagues and ecumenical and interfaith partners. The list is very long and every woman and man is essential to my understanding and practice of ministry today. I'm humbled and privileged to serve Christ's church. In 2010, my family moved into the home of my parents, and of my youth. Unfortunately, when we sold our home in Decatur the housing market had tumbled significantly and any equity we had achieved was erased. After two years of job searching, Teri was employed part time by the Kankakee Public Library a year ago and we are grateful for her job when unemployment continues to plague our community and nation. We continue to live in my parent’s home partly by choice and partly by necessity, grateful for their hospitality. Our cohabitation has brought joy and frustration for all of us at times. As you know, my parents have experienced health concerns during the past several years, and hopefully our presence has been helpful. On the other hand, many of our belongings are boxed in a storage unit because there just isn’t enough space for everyone’s stuff. Since January, I have been slowly remodeling space in the basement for a home study, a fun space for Nick and a private bedroom for Joshua who is now a Senior in High School. We have learned much over the last three years, some of our priorities have changed and we’ve been regular contributors to the church Rummage Sales. As a Disciples of Christ minister, I have always participated in our church-wide healthcare plans to provide coverage for myself and my family and to support ministers of every generation who have served the church. As one of the few younger clergy in our church, I felt a responsibility to ensure access for older clergy by paying my dues even when that meant spending more than I could really afford or would need to with private insurance. The church-wide plans moved with clergy families as well unlike many
employer provided plans. The cost of healthcare has risen drastically over the past decades and thus our premiums saw significant increases, 12-18% in some recent years. With the opening of the Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Exchanges, I am encouraged by the options which may be available for my family and for all of our clergy families, reducing premiums by as much as 60%. Lately, many of our clergy have been unable to afford the rising rates of insurance through the Church-wide plans and due to previous diagnoses were ineligible for private insurance. And, as Rev. Roger Jenks reminded us, thousands leave the ministry every year in part due to financial burdens like medical bills. Now I’m hearing encouraging stories from colleagues, active and retired who are able to obtain insurance for themselves and their families. Now, some ministers who were forced to search for employment by larger congregations or even outside the church in order that their families may continue to be insured, may be able to continue to serve the smaller congregations they love and enjoy being in ministry with. I’m grateful to be a part of a denomination that has always sought to provide quality care for our clergy families, even when rising costs made that mission nearly impossible. I’m grateful for the care my family has received through church-wide healthcare and I’m hopeful for the future. Together we have shared in many ministries and we continue to seek God’s vision for future ministries as Central Christian Church. Our Vision Leadership Team continues the work of transformation as we seek to be a vital witness for Jesus Christ in our community. The VLT has prayed and studied together, listened to your dreams, concerns and appreciation for Central and celebrated 120 years of ministry. We are currently working on a statement of a vision for Central. You may have noticed drawings in the Fellowship Hall recently which represent conceptual views of the future of Central. The images evolve into words and phrases such as welcoming community, an inclusive table, growing, faithfulness, discipleship, serving others and sharing resources. The task before the VLT is to construct a meaningful statement capturing the spirit of the images and the words and phrases and develop options for our future. I’m thankful for their effort and encouraged by the dreams they are sharing for Central. Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
November 1, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
CHURCH CALENDAR
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
Over 200 Attend Annual Trunk or Treat!!
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY, NOV. 3 & Daylight Savings Time Ends! 9:00 a.m. Making Sense of Faith 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 9:00 a.m. Cluster Clergy Gathering THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 10:00 a.m. FEI Meeting MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11 9:00 a.m. News Articles Due 7:00 p.m. Women of the Bible S.G. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 9:30 a.m. Disciple’s Women
Thanks to All who Decorated their vehicles, Served drinks & Donated candy, cider and cocoa mix for this Great Community Event!
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 9:00 a.m. Making Sense of Faith 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Noon Church Thanksgiving Dinner
Give Thanks! TURKEY POT LUCK DINNER SUNDAY, OCTOBER 17TH AT Noon Turkey & Dressing will be provided. Please bring a side or dessert to share.
COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING WORSHIP SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH AT 3:00PM Central Christian Church Sponsored By Ecumenical Clergy Alliance Rev. John Peeters, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Preaching Special Offering Received for Blessings in a Backpack – River Valley Communities Cookie Fellowship to Follow—Please, sign up to bring cookies to share.
Serving in Worship Schedule on page 3. . .
NEWS FROM CENTRAL Look Who’s Turning 97 yrs. old on November 5th!! Leo Phillips will be 97 yrs old on Tuesday, November 5th! If you’d like to send him a card, his address is: Our Lady of Victory, 20 Briarcliff Lane, Room E121, Bourbonnais, IL.
Thank you! To Bill Cheffer for installing new brighter fluorescent lighting in the hallway in the older part of the building. Let there be light! To James Bushey for cleaning the Fellowship Hall Carpet recently.
Note of Thanks Received Thank you to the Congregational Board for the Love Gift I received at the October meeting. It is my honor to serve the church. James Bushey (James has cleaned the church weekly since Sept. 2012 and was presented with a Love Gift on behalf of a grateful congregation.)
Baby Shower for Tricia Peterson! Ladies of Central . . . Please join us on Saturday, November 9th from 12:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m. at Willowhaven Nature Center at: 1451 N. 4000 E. Road., Kankakee. Regrets only call 815-768-9270 (Tracy). Tricia & Jaysen are registered at Target. Bring a package of diapers—any size to be entered in in a raffle for a Fabulous Prize!
Cemetery Lots We still have four lots for sale at half the price that the cemetery would charge. If interested contact Bill Cheffer.
Welcome to Central’s Newest Member! Central welcomes Carol Foster who joined our congregation on Sunday, October 27th. Carol is married to Leonard Gonzalez. She has two daughters Faith Foster who attends Bishop McNamara High School and Oraia Foster Jaramillo a graduate of DePaul University. Carol lives in Bourbonnais. Welcome Carol!
Women’s Ministry News The Disciples Women group will meet on November 12 at 9:30 a.m. at McDonald’s, or at 10:00 a.m. at church if you don’t want to come for breakfast. The study will be Fish Tales and Then Wisdom: Giving Generously, a story of a woman and her family and the generosity of her neighbor. The Women of the Bible group will meet on November 11 at 7:00 p.m. The study will be Leah: Overcoming Rejection and Insecurity. The lessons in both groups are free-standing, so feel to come to one or both groups, even if you can’t attend every month. Also, Women’s Ministry will be selling two year pocket planners November 3, 10 and 17, or until all are sold. The price is $2 and profits will benefit Woman’s Ministry missions.
Advent Devotionals—Begin December 1 Each year the writers of Partners in Prayer lead you on a journey of prayer and reflection through the Advent season. This year author Erin Wathen invites you on a journey to the heart of wilderness, where the Christmas season isn’t about shopping or cookie parties. Travel through weekly themes with biblical characters as companions and discover how God called them off the beaten path and into new life. Reserve your print copy in the Narthex by November 17th. The daily devotional is also available for your tablet pc or ereader from www.chalicepress.com
Christmas Is Not Your Birthday They did it again! Just when you thought your were ahead of things and went in early October to buy a new rake to be ready for the annual autumn clean-up, holiday decorations took the space of the garden center. Christmas has become a three month long commercial act of gluttony and for many has completely lost the true sense of the season. If you find Christmas creeping closer to Labor Day the least bit unsettling, our Advent/Christmas theme and congregational study, based on the book Christmas Is Not Your Birthday by Mike Slaughter, is designed for you. Soon copies for each Central family will be available as a gift to you courteous of the Rummage Sale Fund. Our Sunday worship will follow the theme through Advent as well.
SERVING IN WORSHIP
Robert’s Reflections I am still reveling in the success of our 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat! We had a great turn-out from Central and the community and the weather was just right! Nearly 700 people have already seen the 26 joy-filled images on the internet via our Facebook page. The pavement allowed for two young families with children who use wheel chairs to safely enjoy trick or treating and the blessing of receiving freely from someone unknown to them. And of course, we were blessed by giving freely of our hospitality to friends and strangers alike. A truly great experience for all involved! The community has been invited to a Poverty Simulation Experience hosted by Central on Tuesday, November 19th from 6-8PM. Designed to help folks understand the challenges of a low income family surviving from month to month in today’s economy, the experience is free and sponsored by the Ecumenical Clergy Alliance and Kankakee County Housing Continuum. Nov. 16-24 is National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week. Several Board members have signed up for the experience. If you are interested in attending or have questions let me know by Nov. 12th. In January 2014 Blessings in a Backpack River Valley Communities will begin distributing food each Friday to 100 children from four elementary schools in our area. I am grateful for the support of our Congregational Board who approved use of space here at Central to serve as a storage pantry and for volunteers to pack the bags each week. Our mission is serving homeless students and low income families and the need in our community is growing. According to national data, the number of homeless school children increased by 72% since 2008 topping over 1 million students. The offering received at the Community Thanksgiving Worship on Nov. 24th will benefit this exciting new outreach ministry. For now, our attention shifts to giving thanks for All the Saints of the church who from their labors rest. Sunday, November 3rd we will honor the memories of those members of Central who have died since last All Saints Day with a candle lighting ceremony during our prayer time: Richard Goodrich, Mary Evans, Delmar Posing & Esther Rehmer May God’s peace and grace be with those departed and those who grieve their loss.
Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
Daylight Savings Time Ends! Change Your Clocks Saturday Night Nov. 2nd GREETERS: Nov 3 – Bob & Kay Smith; Michelle & Steve Garrett Nov 10 – Merwyn Cook & Iris Robinson; Nancy Campbell & Gayle Robins Nov 17 – Mark & Judy Whitehead; Roger & Lois Schultz Nov 24 – Barbara Simmons & Marcia Posing; Earline Larson & Janet Bushey WORSHIP LEADERS Nov 3 Nov 10 Nov 17 Nov 24
CHILDREN’S HOMILY
Mary Joubert Josh Bushey Lesley Osback Gayle Robins
Lisa Garcia Lois Bangs Rev. Bushey Rev. Bushey
SERVING AT THE LORD’S TABLE ELDERS
Marilyn Vanden & Jeanie Burkhalter
DIACONATE: Servers: Pete Peterson, Mary & Collin Ommen, Steve Garrett Preparers: Michelle Garrett & Marcia Posing
1 2 5 5 7 8
Merwyn Cook Jeanie Burkhalter Gordon Bear Leo Phillips Rachel Peterson Kay Smith
11 15 27 27 28
Chad Peterson Pete Peterson Betty Spreen Yvonne Burnett Jaysen Peterson
BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS TO ALL!
Supporting Disciples Colleges & Seminaries—Developing Leaders for the Future
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
November 15, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
A New Vision to Guide Our Future The Vision Leadership Team has developed a Vision Statement for Central as we look to the future God is calling us toward. The statement was adopted by the Board and will be the focus of our Turkey Pot-Luck Dinner on Nov 17th.
To be a Welcoming Community of Disciples of Christ Welcoming: Demonstrating Christian Hospitality by Opening our Hearts, Minds, and Doors to All People Inviting All Persons to the Table of the Lord as God has Welcomed Each One of Us Creating Meaningful Worship and Fellowship Opportunities for All Generations
Community: Deepening Our Relationships Within and Beyond Our Congregation Celebrating Diversity and Building Bridges of Inclusion across All Barriers Developing Ministries of Compassion and Justice with Our Neighbors Locally and Globally
Disciples of Christ: Growing in our Faith and Spirituality Creating a Culture of Generosity by Sharing our Resources, Gifts and Talents Serving Others with Love and Grace
COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING WORSHIP SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH AT 3:00PM Sponsored By The River Valley Clergy Alliance Rev. John Peeters, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Preaching Special Offering for Blessings in a Backpack – River Valley Communities Cookie Fellowship Following
CHURCH CALENDAR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 9:00 a.m. Making Sense of Faith 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Noon Turkey Pot-Luck Dinner (Bring Side or Dessert to Share)
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 9:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl Group 6:00 p.m. Poverty Simulation THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21 9:00 a.m. News Articles Due 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 9:00 a.m. Making Sense of Faith 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Congregational Meeting 3:00 p.m. Community Thanksgiving Worship THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28 THANKSGIVING—OFFICE CLOSED
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 9:00 a.m. Preparation of the Greens FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 1 9:00 a.m. Advent Study 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service & Hanging of the Greens COMING IN DECEMBER… Card Tree, Poinsettias Orders, Cookie Exchange, Gifts to the Families, Wassail Bowl
A Different Kind of Christmas – For Adults Beginning Sunday, December 1st at 9AM Rev. Bushey will offer a five week Advent/Christmas study. The learning journey is based on the book, Christmas Is Not Your Birthday, by Mike Slaughter. Themes for the weeks are: Dec. 1st Expect a Miracle Dec. 8th Giving Up on Perfect Dec. 15th Scandalous Love Dec 22nd Jesus’ Wish List Jan 5th By a Different Road
Time to Deck the Halls of Central
Everyone is invited to participate Saturday, November 30th as we deck the halls for our Advent-Christmas season! We will be putting the Christmas trees up and preparing decorations for Hanging of the Greens on Sunday morning. There is something for everyone to do! We’ll meet at 9:00 a.m. Coffee and donuts will be provided.
First Sunday of Advent— Sunday, December 1st Hanging of the Greens will begin our Advent season of watching and waiting for the coming of our Lord as we light the First Candle of Advent during 10:30a.m. worship. Families may bring an ornament to hang on the sanctuary tree near the close of the service.
Christmas Is Not Your Birthday Christmas has become a three month long commercial act of gluttony and for many has completely lost the true sense of the season. If you find Christmas creeping closer to Labor Day the least bit unsettling, our Advent/ Christmas theme and congregational study, based on the book Christmas Is Not Your Birthday by Mike Slaughter, is designed for you. Soon copies for each Central family will be available as a gift to you courteous of the Rummage Sale Fund. Our Sunday worship will follow the theme through Advent as well.
Women’s Ministry Cookie Exchange A Different Kind of Christmas – For Parents, Children & Youth Parents, Youth (teens) & Children (ages 6-12) are invited to our Advent/ Christmas study on Sundays December 1st & 15th & January 5th (Time TBD by Participants). We will begin with a shared meal as a large group and form small groups for children and teens. We hope to begin regular opportunities for parents and their children after Christmas and this is a great way to begin. Please, watch for and respond to the poll on our Facebook page so we may plan a best time to gather.
Attention all ladies! We hope to see you at the annual cookie exchange. Please mark your calendar for Saturday December 14 at 2:00 p.m. This is an opportunity to enjoy cookies and socialize, as well as take home a variety of cookies for holiday serving and gifts.
Week of Compassion Responding to Philippines Typhoon Haiyan is one of the strongest storms ever to make landfall and its impact for Filipinos has been devastating. Current U.N. and Philippine government estimates indicate more than 9.5 million people are affected by the typhoon in nine regions across the country. The humanitarian response is stretched and needs support. Your gifts to Disciple’s Week of Compassion make an impact on the lives of those directly affected by the devastating storm. You may give through Central by marking your check or online gift Typhoon. 100% of all donations are used to help the victims of Haiyan. Providing Weekend Nourishment to School Children on the Federal Free and Reduced Meal Program begins January 2014. Central is the home of this exciting new outreach in our community!
Robert’s Reflections One year ago at our Thanksgiving Pot-luck I invited you to write three things you are most thankful for about Central Christian Church. After the meal we began a journey of visioning and transformation as a congregation called Extreme Church Makeover. Our Visionary Leadership Team was called together and began their task reflecting on the list of gratitude collected at the dinner. Over the course of the next nine months the team facilitated a faith formation study during Advent, listened to you during ten weeks of Holy Conversations during Lent/Easter, explored and celebrated Central’s history, discovered the changing demographics of our community, learned from newer generations of Christians, and prayerfully developed a vision for the future of Central Christian Church. The Vision was presented to and adopted by the Congregational Board at their October meeting. The Vision statement, To Be a Welcoming Community of Disciples of Christ, is faithful, simple, direct, clear and compelling. It calls us to a future God is creating through Central Christian Church. And, it calls us to be transformed by our desire and commitment to be followers of Jesus. I am excited about the dedicated efforts of our Vision Leadership Team. I am grateful for the progress we have made in one short year as we seek to be the church God calls us to be in the Kankakee River Valley. I am hopeful as we continue the journey of transformation together as a congregation. Now that we have a Vision, we are challenged to develop the best options for the future of Central, keeping the Vision in mind. The last year has been meaningful and fruitful and for this we give thanks! The work of transformation and making the Vision a reality is only just beginning. When God declared through the prophet Isaiah, Look! I’m creating a new heaven and a new earth, the prophet himself knew this wasn’t an overnight, wave your magic wand and poof it is done kind of promise. As Christians we are all involved in God’s great re-creative work in and through Jesus, right here right now. Surely we have the hope of an eternal life in the presence of the Almighty, and yet God calls us to be about the transformation of the world we find ourselves in currently. And so, if God’s re-creative efforts have been ongoing for say 2500 years, then we certainly should understand that our
transformation efforts will take time and enduring commitment. Understanding the journey we are taking together, the Board is passing on to the congregation the recommendation of the Executive Committee to retain our current officers and suspend the rules concerning election of officers for a period of one year to provide continuity during the ongoing transformation process. Our current by-laws provide a process for filling any ...we are all involved in God’s great re-creative work in and through Jesus, right here right now
vacant office should an officer decide not to continue. We will be asked to approve this as an item of business along with our 2014 Budget during our Congregational Meeting on November 24th following worship. I hope you will attend this important meeting. Final plans are coming together for hosting the River Valley Clergy Alliance sponsored Community Thanksgiving Worship on Nov. 24th at 3PM in our sanctuary. I am grateful for my ecumenical colleagues and look forward to coming together as a community united in Christ. We will gather for a cookie fellowship after the service and if you would like to provide cookies for the event please bring them Sunday morning. During Thanksgiving week I will be away to observe the holiday with Teri’s family in the St. Louis area. I am thankful for a few days of relaxation before the wonder of Advent and Christmas move among us! I do hope the Vision Statement is meaningful, hopeful and powerful for you as we seek together to be the church of Jesus Christ in our community. I am thankful for Central Christian Church and all the ways this congregation has witnessed for Jesus over the past 120 years and I am thankful for you! Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
Have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving Holiday!
Christmas Family Donations We are accepting donations for the Christmas Families Outreach Project again this year. Last year we were able to purchase gifts for four families, consisting of 15 children and 5 adults. We give each child an outfit of clothing, a pair of pajamas and a toy. We purchased a sweater for each of the adults. We also gave each family grocery gift cards. Volunteers furnish all the wrapping paper and ribbon so all of the money collected is used for gifts. This year we hope to share our Christmas Spirit with two families from the Kankakee School District and two families from
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
Bourbonnais School District. Specially Marked Envelopes are available for your gifts or you may simply mark your gift FAMILIES. We will dedicate the gifts during worship on December 22nd .
Christmas Card Tree Will be available to hang your card to the entire congregation. Donations will be used for the BLESSINGS IN A BACK PACK PANTRY!
POINSETTIAS December 8th & 15th Money may be donated in honor or memory of a loved one for sanctuary poinsettias. Extra money received will be given to the Christmas offering.
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
December 1, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL CHURCH CALENDAR
SERVING IN WORSHIP GREETERS: Dec 1– Lois & Clarence Bangs; Gordon & Marilyn Bear Dec 8– Mary Jane & Jeanie Burkhalter; Bill & Irma Cheffer Dec 15– Lisa & Aurelio Garcia; Larry & Wilma Hastings Dec 22– Gayle Robins & Betty Conard; Ellie Guenette & Sandy Wadley Dec 29—Juanita Goodrich & Ethel Odle; Earline Larson & Janet Bushey
WORSHIP LEADERS: Dec 1 Dec 8 Dec 15 Dec 22 Dec 29
Nancy Campbell & Grandchildren Larry & Wilma Hastings Larry & Vickie Bushey Pat Posing, Barb Simmons & Linda Sais
Lisa & Aurelio Garcia
DIACONATE:
Servers: Jerry Colbert, Emily Osback, Roger Schultz Preparers: Nancy Campbell & Irma Cheffer
s y a d h Birt
7
Nicholas Bushey
20
Jerry Colbert
8
Marilyn Vanden
21
Larry Hastings
16
Mary Gilbert
21
David Herberger, Sr.
Birthday Blessings to All!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 9:00 a.m. Advent Study 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service & Poinsettias Donations 2:30 p.m. VLT Meeting MONDAY, DECEMBER 9 9:00 a.m. Newsletter Articles Due 7:00 p.m. Women of the Bible S.G.
SERVING AT THE LORD’S TABLE ELDERS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3 9:00 a.m. Cluster Clergy Gathering THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 6:30 p.m. Choir at Madrigal
ADVENT CANDLES
Aurelio Garcia Nancy Campbell Lois Bangs Mary Joubert TBD
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 1 9:00 a.m. Advent Study 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service TBD Family Study/Fellowship
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 9:30 a.m. Disciples Women SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 2:00 p.m. Cookie Exchange SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 9:00 a.m. Advent Study 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service TBD Family Study/Fellowship
December Food Collection: Rice Pasta Stuffing Mixes
A Different Kind of Christmas – For Adults Beginning Sunday, December 1st at 9AM Rev. Bushey will offer a five week Advent/Christmas study. The learning journey is based on the book, Christmas Is Not Your Birthday, by Mike Slaughter.
A Different Kind of Christmas – For Parents, Children & Youth Parents, Youth (teens) & Children (ages 6-12) are invited to our Advent/ Christmas study on Sundays December 1st & 15th & January 5th (Time TBD by Participants). We will begin with a shared meal as a large group and form small groups for children and teens. Please, watch for and respond to the poll on our Facebook page so we may plan a best time to gather.
Christmas Card Tree Will be available in the Narthex to hang your card with Holiday Greetings to the entire congregation. Donations of the postage you saved are welcome and will be used for the Blessings in a Back Pack Pantry!
Christmas Is Not Your Birthday Our Advent/Christmas theme and congregational study, based on the book Christmas Is Not Your Birthday by Mike Slaughter, begins December 1st. Our Advent season will include the lighting of the candles on the Advent wreathe each Sunday, readings for the season and of course those well known and loved carols. December 1st Expecting a Miracle We tend to confuse magic and miracle, craving a magical, holly-jolly holiday rather than an experience of the miracle of God coming into the world in such a humble way, in a babe born in lowly circumstance. Come and expect to be a part of God’s miracle this Christmas. December 8th Giving Up on Perfect We often set unrealistic expectations for the “perfect” Christmas. The first Christmas was anything but “perfect.” Jesus was born into a messy world bringing the hopeful promise of God in the midst of an imperfect world. Come and hear the good news of God’s hope for a fragmented world. God’s movement for healing and wholeness in the babe of Bethlehem includes you!
Women’s Ministry Cookie Exchange Attention all ladies! We hope to see you at the annual cookie exchange. Please mark your calendar for Saturday December 14 at 2:00 p.m. This is an opportunity to enjoy cookies and socialize, as well as take home a variety of cookies for holiday serving and gifts.
Christmas Family Donations We are accepting donations for the Christmas Families Outreach Project again this year. This year we hope to share our Christmas Spirit with two families from the Kankakee School District and two families from Bourbonnais School District. Specially Marked Envelopes are available for your gifts or you may simply mark your gift FAMILIES. We will dedicate the gifts during worship on December 22nd .
Congregation Approves 2014 Budget The Congregation of Central Christian Church approved the Board recommended Annual Budget of $127, 251 at our annual meeting on Sunday, November 24th. The body also approved the recommendation to suspend the rules concerning election of officers for a period of one year to provide continuity for our ongoing vision and transformational process.
Robert’s Reflections Wow! What a great day of worship and fellowship we had as we celebrated Christ the King Sunday and welcomed our community for a Thanksgiving worship service! Several area churches were represented by their clergy, lay readers, choir members and congregants as we joined in our Christian unity to give thanks to God. Several of you stepped up and were gracious hosts, servers, singers, choir members, and worship assistants and I am grateful for your spirit of hospitality! Whenever we have company it is always helpful for our house to be in good order and thanks to brother James, who finished painting the hallway in the sanctuary building, waxed floors and cleaned between services to welcome our guests. I’ve heard several compliments from our guests and continue to be encouraged by the growing ecumenical spirit in our community. I have been told it has been 9-10 years since any such service has taken place. And, through the free-will offering we raised $532 for Blessings in a Backpack River Valley Communities, which will officially kick-off the program in January. This Sunday begins the season of the church year known as Advent. A time of waiting, watching and anticipating the miracle of God through the birth of the baby Jesus, Advent is often overshadowed by Christmas, which really doesn’t begin until midnight December 25th and ends at midnight of Epiphany January 6th. However, our consumer culture has transformed the holy season of Advent into an orgy of materialism and self-indulgence which begins earlier each calendar year. Much of our time and energy, it seems, is spent on making a list and checking it twice and other “traditions” that may have nothing to do with the real reason for the season. In 2004 Mike Slaughter stood before his United Methodist congregation and invited them to bring an equal amount of money for hunger relief in Sudan as they would spend on their families. No, they did not circulate a petition to terminate his ministry. Instead, the vision for Christmas Is Not Your Birthday was brought to life and they raised $300,000 for the mission to Darfur, Sudan. And the church continues to support amazing missions each Christmas as they
focus on whose birthday the holy season is really all about. What if we approached our Christmas Families Outreach, or the Christmas Offering for our Regional Church, or Heifer International or another local or global outreach the same way? We easily get caught up in the wrong expectations for the month of December. We shop til we drop, we spend beyond our means and add to our credit card debt, we stress ourselves out trying to make everything perfect, we get depressed because we can’t make everyone get along or give what we think we should give or even get what we believe we should. ...our consumer culture has transformed the holy season of Advent into an orgy of materialism and self-indulgence... I invite you to begin some new traditions this holiday season. I hope you will read Rev. Slaughter’s little book. I pray you will enter this Advent with the purpose of focusing more on Jesus and less on sales ads and busy-ness. And, together may we grow in our faith and our spirituality as we seek to be a part of God’s miracle in this world, through Jesus Christ our Lord! O Come, O Come Emmanuel enter our hearts, enter our minds, enter our lives this Advent. Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
December Happenings Sanctuary Memorial Poinsettias—Sign up Dec 8 & 15 in Honor of or Memory of your loved one. We will not take home poinsettias but will decorate with a large plant for Dec. 22, 24 & 29 and all proceeds from donations will be given to the Christmas Offering for our CCIW regional church.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Join us on Christmas Eve at 6:00p.m. for a service of candle lighting, communion , readings and hymns of the season.
MISSION REPORT January 1st will launch our Blessings in a Backpack program. In November we held a missions meeting to discuss this project. Those offering to help will be notified later. $500.00 was pledged to help start the fund’s needed. You are invited A “Charity Christmas Market” hosted by St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Kankakee Saturday, December 7th 10:00 a.m. at noon. Give a donation to the charity (Blessings in a Backpack will be included) to receive a Free Christmas Card to notify your recipient of your gift in their name. Monies are also being collected for the typhoon in the Philippines and tornados in Illinois, accepted anytime but also in February 2014 at “Week of Compassion”. - In His Service, Nancy Campbell
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
CONNECT WITH US:
THE CHRISTIAN CHALLENGER
December 15, 2013 Growing in Faith, Touching Lives, Sharing our Gifts
Central Christian Church – Bourbonnais IL
Rejoice! A Savior has Come! Sunday, December 15th & 22nd Christmas Offering —10:30 am Please plan to support CCIW Regional Ministry.
Sunday, December 22nd Christmas Families Gift Dedication—10:30 am Wassail Bowl—11:30 am Christmas Caroling—2:30 pm
CHURCH CALENDAR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 9:00 a.m. Advent Study 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service Christmas Offering TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 9:30 a.m. Prayer Shawl Group THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
Tuesday, December 24th Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion—6:00 pm
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 9:00 a.m. Newsletter Articles Due
Bring your family for Candlelight Communion on Christmas Eve. at 6:00 p.m. We will celebrate the birth of Jesus. Come and experience anew the gift of Light and Love born for you!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 8:30 a.m. Elder’s Meeting 9:00 a.m. Advent Study 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service & Christmas Families Gifts Dedication 11:00 a.m. Wassail Bowl 2:30 p.m. Christmas Caroling /Youth
Wednesday, December 25th Merry Christmas!—10:30 am Celebrate Christ’s birth with Carols and Prayers at 10:30 a.m. The brief service will conclude before the community Dinner begins.
Christmas Day Dinner—11:00 am—1:00 pm (for reservations call 815-295-1610) Enjoy a Complete Holiday Feast, Family, and Friends on Wednesday, December 25, 2013. Serving from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Reservations are Required! Call 815-295-1610 (toll free) until Friday, December 21st (Monday – Friday).
Sunday, December 29th Worship in Song —10:30 am Join us as we worship and sing songs of the season.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25 OFFICE CLOSED for CHRISTMAS 10:30 a.m. Carols & Prayers 11:00 a.m. Community Christmas Day Dinner
News from Central To Our Friends at Central Our prayers are with you all. We think about you constantly and miss you very much.
Loren & Bonnie Flouhouse
Large Print Bulletins Youth Sponsored Events: Christmas Caroling At 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 22nd
Mitten Tree Please donate mitten’s, gloves, & scarfs on the tree in the Library. Jesus & Young People "The Race, The Reason, The Revolution" Hebrew 12:1-2
Bethany Park Christian Church 1401 East Grove Street Rantoul, Illinois February 1 & 2, 2014
Large print bulletins are available where regulars bulletins are located.
Pledge Cards & Offering Envelopes Will be available in the Narthex on Sunday, December 22nd. Please don’t your Offering Envelopes until 2014!
Christmas Card Tree Is available in the Narthex to hang your card with Holiday Greetings to the entire congregation. Donations of the postage you saved are welcome and will be used for the Blessings in a Back Pack Pantry!
End of the Year Giving Tuesday, December 31 is the last day for your gift to Central Christian Church to count for 2013 Income Tax deduction. The office will be open until noon. Your generous giving is appreciated. Giving statements will be prepared and mailed in January.
Cost $20 per person
Christmas Is Not Your Birthday
Grades 6-12
Our Advent-Christmas worship series, Christmas Is Not Your Birthday continues through January 5th. A few copies of the book remain available in the Narthex. A time for discussion on each chapter takes place at 9am on Sundays (except Dec. 29th) through the series. December 15th Scandalous Love We often fail to understand just how scandalous God’s love is for us and how radical it is that God would show us love by being born a tiny vulnerable infant. Despite our lack of faith in God’s unbounded grace, God welcomes us home into hope and sends us out to be light for the world. December 22nd Jesus’ Wish List We put so much time and energy into finding the perfect gifts for our loved ones. Whose birthday is it? Do we consider what Jesus wants from us? Jesus made it clear that we give to him by giving to others, feeding the poor, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned. (Matt 25:31-46) What gifts will you bring for Jesus this Christmas? Come and hear how Jesus hopes you will celebrate his birthday and join in the celebration as we dedicate our gifts for the Christmas Families Outreach. January 5th By a Different Road On Epiphany, we celebrate the magi’s visit to see Jesus, and note how they were transformed by their experience of the Christ child. We begin a new year, let’s resolve to make things different, to live a life transformed by Jesus.
Deadline: January 17, 2014 (All Forms and Money are due-Not postmarked!!! Even better why not register online!!!!) Today's youth are faced with many celebrations, challenges and different courses of action that they must take. It is inevitable that they would need the love, support and encouragement of their families; both biological, Church, and its leadership to help them Journey along the way. Friends, we do so without reservations. Please join the Regional Church in helping to prepare our youth spiritually for the race. This is a special invitation for all Youth Grades 6-12 and sponsors to meet us at the upcoming Midwinter Retreat as we take a look at Jesus & Youth "The Race, the Reason and the Revolution..."
Robert’s Reflections I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, and wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men! Those words make up the beginning stanza of an old familiar carol based on the poem Christmas Bells by American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow who wrote the poem in 1863 after his son, a Union Soldier was mortally wounded during the Civil War. The poem proclaims despite the grimness of life, especially during seasons of violence and hate, God’s peace and hope for the world reign above all else. In the end the bells of Christmas ring loudly above the poet’s despair. Bells have rung out through the ages announcing both sadness and tidings of great joy. This weekend bells are tolling to remember the young lives lost in Newtown, CT. Bells announce our presence as we visit with loved ones. Bells celebrate the joining of hearts and lives in marriage and according to an old Hollywood tradition, signify when an angel receives wings. Bells clamor for our attention reminding us to give to those in need at the entrance to nearly every shop and store. And, of course we cannot forget those silver bells! Christmas bells ring of both sadness and joy calling us to lives filled with the melody of God’s love for us made known in Jesus, whose advent anew into the world we celebrate this month. When we are full of song, our lives may find more joy to meet each sorrow, our hearts may be filled with more room to welcome the stranger and our spirits may have the courage to proclaim Jesus Lord of our lives, above all the other gods clamoring for our loyalties. The true miracle of Christmas happens when bells chime with hope, peace, love and joy amidst the cacophony of the world shouting fear, hate, violence and death.
And, speaking of Christmas, I am looking forward to our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Service with
communion at 6:00p.m. on December 24th. We will celebrate the birth of Jesus with readings, carols and candles. As a host site for the Christmas Dinner, Inc. free community dinner on Dec. 25th, we will be offering a brief service of Carols and Prayers at 10:30a.m. Christmas Day. On December 29th, the final worship of 2013 will be in song with hymns and carols of the season, including those favorite bells of Christmas. May you be filled with the melody of God’s love and grace for you this Christmas! Peace & Joy, Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
Blessings in a Backpack Update Excitement continues to grow throughout our community about Blessings in a Backpack River Valley Communities slated to begin delivering 100 bags of food each week to students at four local elementary schools. BIBRVC received just over $2000 during November, which is half of the funds needed for the remaining months of school. Just $80 provides food for one student for the entire school year. We are nearly ready to begin the outreach program when school returns after Winter Break. The first packing date has been set for January 9th. We will be packing bags every other week to begin. Please, see Nancy Campbell or Teri Bushey to be part of Central’s team. We are looking for volunteers to help with the pantry and to help deliver the bags, write thank you notes, etc. Central’s Mission Committee is working with the Property Committee and the Choir to prepare a pantry for the project in the Choir Storage Room. Shelving will be installed and a cart purchased from mission estate funds. We have an email account: BIBRVC@GMAIL.COM and soon we will have a Facebook Page.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! From Your Church Staff Ken Bade, Dianna Clem, and Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Thursday 9:00a.m – Noon 310 Main ST NW, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 Phone: (815) 939-4433 Staff: Dianna Clem, Administrative Secretary; Ken Bade, Organist
Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr. Minister Mobile: (815) 662-7771
CONNECT WITH US: