January 2016
An Open and Affirming Congregation
EPIPHANY/NEW YEAR BRUNCH CELEBRATION Sunday, January 10 Following morning worship Everyone is invited to join us to celebrate the birth of the Light of The World, the Star that guides us by its light, welcoming the Christ Child and celebrating the New year. On the menu: Variety of Egg Casseroles, Mimosas for those who’d appreciate it, muffins, fruits, and more… Additional details soon. A sign up sheet is on the bulletin board.
WINTER WORSHIP TIME
HELIX WINTER RETREAT 2016 The PAUSE Learning to seek God Saturday, January 23 10 am through Sunday, January 24, 5 pm All young people are invited to join this time of talking, learning, and having fun. This will be a relaxing time of discussion and contemplation of the future. The event will include art projects and a labyrinth walk, time to “pause,” and more. Questions? Ask Kevin Eckert.
December through March ● 10 am
SPIRITUAL RETREAT
January 22-23, 2016 ● Sinsinawa Mound Center This is a beautiful place for rest and spiritual rejuvenation, an opportunity to get away to retreat, find solitude and community, to be nurtured in mind, body and spirit. Rooms at Sinsinawa Mound Center are reserved for Friday evening January 22 through Saturday afternoon January 23. Please speak with Deb Rockey or Pastor Nayiri if you have questions about or interest in the retreat. A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the Narthex. 1
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday, January 31 following morning worship Join us to receive our annual 2015 financial report and to vote on the annual Ministry Spending Plan of 2016. Please make every effort to attend.
FROM THE SEARCH COMMITTEE
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE February 10 ● 7 pm
The search committee is hard at work compiling the church profile. The profile is 25 pages containing information about our congregation. Its purpose is to introduce St John to candidates who show an interest in the position of pastor.
Supper ● 6 pm The cyclical nature of life is reflected not only in nature but also in the church seasons of the year. In February we will move form the light of Christmas and Epiphany to the darkness of Lent . The movement from darkness to light is much easier than the other way around. Yet such is the cycle of the seasons of our lives, reflected even in the story of our faith. Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a period of 40 days, not counting Sundays. In Biblical tradition ashes and sackcloth were worn to signify mourning, pain and penitence, as well as to cleanse and to heal. So on Ash Wednesday we begin to ponder the tough and the dark moments of our lives as we embrace Jesus’ story as our own, walking though the wilderness, the desert, the ashes ad the dust. Join us for an Ash Wednesday service and supper. Additional details soon.
The committee plans to have the church profile completed by the end of December. Once completed; the profile shall give us a better picture of who we are (as a church) and what we need from our new pastor. Also, once completed a copy or two will be available in the church office for your perusal. In the new year, we shall begin the process of advertising the position on the United Church of Christ employment opportunities and through the IL Conference receive profiles of pastors who might be interested in us. Then, we will read their profiles, conduct interviews, and discern how to match the candidates’ gifts with our calling and vision, and our ministry. We will keep you updated on the process. We ask that you keep us in prayer as we walk this path together.
PRACTICING TO BE GREENER… We continue to work on being greener and more aware about environmental justice. To that end beginning this month we are sending our monthly newsletter electronically to those whose email addresses we have. Those for whom we do not have email addresses will continue receiving the newsletter in paper form, in snail mail. Of course, paper copies are always available in the church office and in the Narthex. The newsletter can always be accessed through our church website www.stjohnuccfreeport.org. 2
I do not ride on camels, through a wind swept desert. I do not see the star that guides the stalwart riders. Yet I, too, am seeking and longing. I go among the busy days yearning for he Unknown One. In the care of a friend, in the beauty of a bird, a star-like glimpse comes to me. A flicker of hope arises, enough to stay in the fray, to keep searching for the One who is slowly revealed in tiny sparks of daily encounters. —Joyce Rupp
HELIX YOUTH MINISTRY WINTER SCHEDULE SR. HIGH SUNDAYS 6-8PM 5TH & 6TH GRADE TUESDAYS 3-5PM 7TH & 8TH GRADE THURSDAYS 3-5PM C.A.T.S—CAREGIVERS AND TODDLERS Tuesdays, 10-11am Please join us for our play group geared for toddlers and the adults that care for them. We get together in St. John’s nursery Tuesday mornings from 10 am—11 am. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CATSPlayGroup?fref=ts
OPEN AND AFFIRMING MINISTRY PRISM LIGHTHOUSE 3rd Monday of the Month 6:30pm This is a group for teens and adults that are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered or those Questioning their sexual identity.
This is also a safe group for allies, friends, and family of the LGBTQ community. Childcare is provided.
MEN’S GROUP 1st Saturday of the Month ● 8 am
MUSIC MINISTRY
The Men’s Group will not meet in January. Our next meeting will be February 6th.
Rehearsal is on Thursday nights: S.O.S.— 5:30 pm
Bell Choir - 6:30 pm
BIBLE STUDY Wednesdays, 9am Chapel Hearth Room We will be discussing; If Yo u Want To Walk On Water You’ve Got To Get Out Of The Boat by John Ortberg
Chancel Choir— 7:15 pm
CARD CLUB 1st Monday of the month • 1pm We meet in Chapel Hearth Room. Our next gathering is scheduled on Monday, January 4th.
SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT LOF CLASS Sundays 11:15am — 12:15pm
PING PONG Tuesdays, 9am • Fellowship Hall We meet every Tuesday at 9am in Fellowship Hall. We would love to have more men & women join in on the fun!
LOF Class will be gathering on Sunday mornings after Worship to study What We Talk abo ut When We Talk about God by Rob Bell.
RESOURCE GROUP Thursdays, 9am Join us on Thursdays at 9am for coffee, treats, friendship and volunteer work! We will assemble the February Tidings on January21.
ADULT FORUM Sundays, 8:30am We meet in the Library. Everyone is welcome to join! 3
OUR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
Happy Birthday Happy Anniversary
The following is a list of our friends who cannot leave their residence and may love a visit or a card from those thinking of them. Oakley Courts: Deloris Burkhalter & John Heiden Parkview: Claire Biesemeier, Ardath Lei, Dorothy Miller & Laura Uthlaut Stephenson Nursing Center: June Nagel & Lois Walz Presence-St. Joseph: Kathryn Cramer & Herbert Divan Kewanee Provena: Evelyn Dworak In their homes: Shirley Durrstein, Karen Salter, Vivian Pals & Harold Reints Please pray for: Khamsin Giedd, Sally, Dorothy Miller & Zael Klapp
JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES 01/24 Thomas & Melinda Ferguson 12/23 Marvin & Sandra DeBoer
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 01/01 01/02 01/05 01/06 01/07 01/08 01/11 01/13 01/14 01/15 01/19 01/20 01/22 01/23 01/24 01/27 01/30
01/31
Richard Frost, Owen Sheppard Marilyn Ruthe Cynthia Price Sally Wagner Sharon Frost, Delene Tessmann Robert Luedeke Joan Wootan, Wayne Bahn Gerald Schneiderman, Lexi Hartman Clyde Cross David Gutschlag, Paul Bertram, Leland Otte Sandy Dutcher, Cheryl Sheppard, Jeff Wagner Vivian Schlickman, Laura Wessel Greg Bicksler Jack Gastel Shirley Ifert, Patricia Weik, Michael Clock, Erin Gorsh Sharon Simler Diane Vowles, Daniel Stowe, Cheryl Lieber, Sheena Mathews, Rachel Roemer Charli Trimble
RED CAN SUNDAY January 3 We receive monetary gifts on the first Sunday of the month, for the FACC, Freeport Area Church Cooperative emergency fund. $262.47 was collected in December. THANK YOU! FOOD FOR FACC In January, we will be collecting 250 boxes of Instant Potatoes for Freeport Area Church Cooperative. If you are looking ahead for sales, in February we will be collecting 250 packages of Ramen Noodles. Thank you! 4
SERVING IN
DECEMBER
USHERS 01/03 Tim Ebbers, Jim Drew, Dennis Manus, Shan MacAdam 01/10 John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus 01/17 Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Jeanne Koch, Shirley Ifert, Carla Meyer 01/24 Keith & Kathy Moffatt & Carla Meyer 01/31 Clyde & Jeanne Cross, Sharon Simler, Diane Heilman
01/03 01/10 01/17 01/24 01/31
JANUARY COFFEE HOUR On Sunday mornings, before and after worship, we gather for coffee and treats in the Narthex area and Fellowship Hall, to socialize. If you would like to find a place to sit and talk, there is plenty of room in the Chapel Hearth. Please, if your name is on the list (dates are assigned alphabetically by the directory) for this month, bring in a treat to share. Some ideas are... cookies, bars, mini muffins, bagels, etc. or please consider bringing fruit to share. If you do not wish to be on the list for treats, please contact the office and we will remove your name.
GREETERS Jack & Diana Fox David Crowell & Shawn Killingbeck Roger & Deb Swanlund Bonnie Gennusa & Dorothy Ditsworth Steve & Lisa Schubert
Administration & Resource Leadership will set up and clean up in January
01/03 – Rosali Cosgrove, Perry & Martha Cowan, Jack & Marge Criddle, Clyde & Jeannie Cross, David Crowell, & Shawn Killingbeck, Marvin & Sandra Deboer, Dory Defrane
WELCOMERS 01/03 Doris Last & Shirley Ifert 01/10 Ulan & Cindy Price 01/17 Joyce Bloyer & Holly Edler 01/24 Deb & Dave Rockey 12/31 Tim & Tom Campbell-Outcault
01/03 01/10 01/17 01/24 01/31
01/10 – Laurie & Rick Ditsworth, Ray & Dorothy Ditsworth, , James & Gwen Drew, Tim & Lisa Ebbers, Kevin & Kirsten Eckert, Arnold & Mary Eder, Holly Edler
NURSERY CHILDCARE Jill Kuntz Carla Meyer Marla Kreeger Dale & Jacob Priewe Olivia Shaffer
01/17– Kim Evans, Karen Ewing, Michael & Susan Feagan, Thomas & Melinda Ferguson, Jack & Diana Fox, Don & Vickie Franz, Mary Frazee 01/24– Clyde Fruth, Melinda Fruth & Greg Ware, Denny & Judy Garkey, Jan & Mary Geary, Bonnie Gennusa, Shelly Griswold.
The deadline for submitting articles for the February Tidings is January 12.
01/31- Richard & Mary Heffner, Linda Heidenreich, Diane Heilman, Keith & Cherryl Hinrichs, Shirley Ifert, Sally Kahler 5
CHURCH COUNCIL NOTES December 2015 Members Present: Tim Ebbers, Council President, Thompson Brandt, Kirsten Eckert, Judy Garkey, Shelly Griswold, Shirley Ifert, Deb Rockey, Deb Scott, Pastor Nayiri, ex-officio. Checking In: The group took a moment to check in. Search Team Report: Deb Scott shared that the Search Team is making good progress completing the church profile. As a group there has been lots of input, sharing of perspectives and overall very cooperative. Some details are still required and there were a couple of questions that Council and Pastor Nayiri were able provide information toward answering. These also provided some guidance on areas we could further improve upon – such as evaluating the ministries of the church, supporting our pastor, setting goals. Ministry Leadership Team Reports: Mission & Outreach: Shelly, as representative, reported that the Missions team has discussed, according to their budget, focusing on local charities. They are also working on addressing special needs and what that would entail. Other areas they are interested in are mental health needs, a monthly community dinner and providing meals for FACC. Sunday, February 7, (Super Bowl) will be Souper Bowl Luncheon as a fundraiser. Administration & Resources: Kirsten reported that staff evaluations are currently in progress. A few building issues are being addressed. Paula Rawleigh is helping with making our financial statement more user friendly. November financial report shows a year to date income gap, but, as is usual this time of year, the month of December giving will most likely reverse this. A Sabbatical Fund was discussed for future use. Bookkeeping issues were also discussed. Care & Community: Shirley reported Epiphany New Year Brunch (formerly known as Mimosa Sunday) will be January 10, 2016. Worship & Education: Thompson reported that his Team has also discussed addressing Special Needs and how St. John can work with them in mind. All Ministry Retreat: Saturday morning, January 30 from 9 - 11:30 am there will be the quarterly gathering of Council and Leadership to discuss projects in progress, future planning, goal setting and more. Childcare will be provided. Other Business: Cookie Hour was discussed and how better to organize this. Also a program that is used by St. John UCC in Monroe was discussed. Important Dates: January 10, 2016
Epiphany New Year Brunch
January 30, 2016
All Ministry Retreat
January 31, 2016
Congregational Meeting
February 7, 2016
Souper Bowl Sunday
Respectfully submitted, Deb Rockey, Council Clerk
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ST. JOHN UCC CONGREGATIONAL MEETING ● DECEMBER 6, 2015
Call to Order: Tim Ebbers, Council President, called the meeting to order. Ministry Spending Plan: A copy of the 2016 Spending Plan was passed out for congregational review. The budget remained the same as last year with the following exceptions:
A 4% salary increase for staff (except Pastor Nayiri, by her consent and the Administrative Assistant because she is a recent hire).
The line item for the Administrative Assistant was increased to reflect what the salary will be at the $13/hour rate. The number there is the maximum amount allotted for this position reflecting variation in weekly hours due to workload fluctuation.
The amount budgeted for cleaning service was changed to reflect the cost of our new cleaning service.
All are encouraged to take the Plan home to review. We will revisit for approval in January. Pledges: Tim gave an update on the pledges received and compared to last year. Electronic Giving: This is being reviewed to find the best arrangement for our needs. Search Committee: The Search Committee reported that they are nearing completion of the Church Profile which is extensive and requires time and diligence. They are hoping to be finished with the profile by Christmas. Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Deb Rockey, Council Clerk
THANKS TO ALL WHO MADE THE COOKIE WALK 2015 A SUCCESS! In spite of the weather, we had another wonderful Cookie Walk this year. After taking care of our bills we have a profit of $2500.00 for the general fund. Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way: making phone calls, setting up, making those delicious cookies, candy and snack mixes, The Peanut Brittle Crews, The Resource Group, working during the cookie walk, providing supplies or with your monetary donation. A special “Thank You” to anyone we forgot! ALL were greatly appreciated. Vicki Mac Adam, Chairperson
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JANUARY SCRIPTURE READINGS A huge thank you to anyone who purchased popcorn from a Scout. Their purchase supported both their Pack or Troop's general fund for activities, gear, Scout awards, and fees. Should you have purchased from a boy in Pack 839 a piece of their sales was placed into a personal account for uniform or scouting activity fees. Cub Scouts Troop #839 Thank you to all who purchased pies. We made a total of 54 pies this year. Thank you to Vicki MacAdam for making all of the wonderful crust!!
Dear Friends, I am home now and want to thank everyone for the prayers, cards & visits. I am slowly healing and feeling better each day. Zael Klapp Dear St. John Mission Ministry, “ Kids Coats and Clothes” thank you for the monetary donation. It is greatly appreciated. People like you make the world a better place. Have a blessed holiday season. Thank you with Hugs, Cherrie Cregan
01
Romans 1.1-17
17
Luke 9.1-17
02
Romans 2.1-16
18
Luke 9.18-27
03
Romans 3.19-31
19
Luke 9.28-45
04
Romans 5.1-21
20
Luke 9.46-62
05
Romans 6.1-23
21
John 8.1-20
06
Isaiah 60.1-22
22
John 8.21-47
07
John 5.1-29
23
John 12.20-36a
08
John 6.1-24
24
John 17.1-26
09
John 6.25-59
25
Acts 9.1-25
10
John 6.60-71
26
Acts 9.26-43
11
Luke 7.1-17
27
John 10.1-21
12
Luke 7.18-35
28
John 10.22-42
13
Luke 7.36-50
29
John 11.1-27
14
Luke 8.1-21
30
John 11.1-27
15
Luke 8.22-39
31
John 14.1-14
16
Luke 8.40-56
St. John’s Church, Thank you so much for the use of your church for our Volunteer Breakfast. We were able to let over 24 volunteers know how much they are appreciated. Thanks again! Contact of Northern Illinois 8
St. John UCC Sunday
January 2016
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
Saturday
2
Office Closed
3 FACC Red Can
4
CareerTEC
Sunday 8:30 am 10:00 am 10:20 am 6:00 pm
1:00 pm Staff meeting 1:00 pm Card Club Adult Forum 6:30 pm Administration Worship & Resources Kids Worship Leadership Sr. High HELIX Meeting
10
11 CareerTEC
8:30 am 10:00 am 10:20 am 11:00 am
Adult Forum 1:00 pm Staff meeting Worship 6:30 pm Council MTG Kids Worship Epiphany/New Year Brunch 6:00 pm Sr. High HELIX
17
18
8:30 am 10:00 am 10:20 am 6:00 pm
24
CareerTEC
5
CareerTEC
25 CareerTEC
8:30 am 10:00 am 10:20 am 11:00 am
Adult Forum Worship Kids Worship Congregational Meeting 6:00 pm Sr. High HELIX
7 CareerTEC
Ping Pong 9:00 am Bible Study CATS 9:00 am TOPS Yoga Helix (5th6th) 6:00 pm Audubon 6:00 pm CSA #839 6:30 pm Care & Community Leadership Meeting
9:00 am Resource Group 3:00 pm HELIX (7th8th) 5:30 pm SOS 6:30 pm Bells 7:00 pm BSA #4 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
12 CareerTEC
14 CareerTEC
13 CareerTEC
8
CareerTEC
9
15
CareerTEC
16
22
CareerTEC
23
Tidings Deadline
9:00 am 10:00 am 6:00 pm 6:30 pm 7:00 pm
9:00 am Bible Study Ping Pong 9:00 am TOPS CATS 11::30 am Yoga CSA #839 6:00 pm Boy Scout Camera Club Leader Audubon Board
19 CareerTEC Ping Pong CATS CSA #839 Dinner FACC Homeless Shelter CSA Leader meeting
26 CareerTEC
1:00 pm Staff meeting 9:00 am 8:30 am Adult Forum 6:00 pm Missions & 10:00 am 10:00 am Helix Winter Outreach 11:30 am Retreat Leadership 3:00 pm 10:00 am Worship Meeting 6:00 pm 10:20 am Kids Worship 6:00 pm Sr. High HELIX 6:30 pm Choral Society
31
CareerTEC
9:00 am 10:00 am 11:3o am 3:00 pm
1:00 pm Staff meeting 9:00 am Adult Forum 6:00 pm Worship & 10:00 am Worship Education 6:00 pm Kids Worship Leadership 6:00 pm Sr. High HELIX Meeting 6:30 pm Choral Society 6:30 pm LGBTQ 6:30 pm Support
Birthday Bank
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20 CareerTEC 9:00 am 9:00 am 11:30 am 1:00 pm
9:00 am Resource Group 3:00 pm HELIX (7th8th) 5:30 pm SOS 6:30 pm Bells 7:00 pm BSA #4 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
21 CareerTEC
Bible Study 9:00 am Resource TOPS Group Yoga 3:00 pm HELIX (7th8th) PEO 5:30 pm SOS 6:30 pm Bells 7:00 pm BSA #4 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
27 CareerTEC
28
CareerTEC
Ping Pong 9:00 am Bible Study 9:00 am Resource Group CATS 9:00 am TOPS 3:00 pm HELIX (7thYoga 8th) Helix (5th-6th 5:30 pm SOS CSA #839 6:30 pm Bells 7:00 pm BSA #4 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal
9
3:00 pm Spiritual retreat Sinsinawa Center
9:00 am Spiritual retreat Sinsinawa Center 10:00 am Helix Winter Retreat
29
30
CareerTEC
OUR CALLING STATEMENT
CHURCH STAFF Ministers: Members of the church Interim pastor: Nayiri Karjian pastor-interim@comcast.net In case of emergencies Pastor Nayiri’s phone is: 203.722.9174 Director of Children and Youth Ministry, and Technologies: Kevin Eckert kevin.eckert@comcast.net Youth Ministry Assistants: Jasmine Coleman, Christine Busker, Madison Riddell Ministry of Church Life and Membership: Pam Wessel pamstjohn@comcast.net Administrative Secretary: Jessica Downs stjohn@comcast.net Choir Director: Gina Bertram Organist: Carole Bertram
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Be a Sacred Place to Inspire Faith and Nurture Compassion OFFICE HOURS Monday– Friday 9:00am—2:00pm Church office (815) 235-2824 E-Mail: stjohn@comcast.net www.stjohnuccfreeport.org www.facebook.com/stjohnuccfreeport AN OPEN AND AFFIRMING CONGREGATION