November 2015 by Kevin Eckert

November 2015

An Open and Affirming Congregation

INTERIM GATHERING OF THE CONGREGATION Sunday, November 15

WHAT SPICE ARE YOU? Covenant Pledge Sunday November 22 The apostle Paul writes about the church as a body with different parts working together. I sometimes think of the church as an orchestra made up of different instruments making beautiful music and harmony together. I also like to think of the church as a culinary experience since God feeds us at the banquet table, each of us a spice in the recipe of the church.

Giving has always been a spiritual practice, and most of us church goers have been giving people both in finances and gifts and talents. In the last some years however Americans are giving more to charities than to churches. What kind of impact would that have for the future of the church? What are other giving trends in churches? How has giving changed in congregations? And where are we at St John financially and in giving patterns? Come and learn on Sunday, November 15 following morning worship, enjoy some baklava and be part of the interim transitional journey.

This year you are invited to reflect on what spice you are in the recipe of the church and what spice St John is in Freeport. Then prayerfully consider your financial gift to the church for 2016 when we will welcome a new pastor and begin a new journey toward a bright future.

PIE BAKING for THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION Fellowship Ministry will be taking orders for 3 kinds of pies for your Thanksgiving celebration the first 2 weeks in November. A sign up sheet is on the bulletin board.

Please bring your financial covenant pledge along on November 22 and join us for worship. Pastor Nayiri

Saturday, Nov 21 9:00am-12:00pm It’s time to begin thinking about what you want to bake. Look up your most delicious cookie recipes and decorate them with holiday flare, make a delightful snack mix, or cook up the most mouthwatering candy you have ever tasted! It’s lots of fun so don’t miss out! A sign up sheet is on the bulletin board. 1

Nov 1 Nov 1

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday, December 6 following morning worship

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE OF SCRIPTURE AND CAROLS THURSDAY DECEMBER 24 5 PM

Join us to discuss and vote on our 2016 annual budget for the church’s ministry. Please make every effort to attend. CHRISTMAS BASKETS GIFTS for FACC FAMILIES Collected December 1—14

TOTENFEST—REMEMBERING LOVED ONES WHO HAVE PASSED ON Sunday, November 8

December 1 through December 14 we will be collecting Christmas baskets for the Freeport Area Church Cooperative .

Join us for worship to remember and celebrate with prayer, candles, scripture and song.

250—2 lb. boxes of spaghetti are needed. The pasta boxes are put in Christmas Boxes and distributed to 250 households in the Freeport area.

Poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary for Christmas Details on page 9

Please drop of your gift of spaghetti in the cart in the church entryway. Thank you!

WINTER CLOSET

RED CAN SUNDAY November 1 We will be receiving monetary gifts on the first Sunday of the month, for the FACC, Freeport Area Church Cooperative, emergency fund.

Starting November 2, we will collect mittens, hats, and gloves (no scarves please). The winter closet also includes sweatshirts, sweatpants, sweaters, winter coats and boots. We have yarn in the office for anyone to use for homemade items. Your donations will help keep the children of Freeport warm!

$154.82 was collected in October. THANK YOU for your generosity!

HANGING OF THE GREENS Saturday, November 29 3-5 pm Come, help prepare our sacred space in celebration of the birth of the Christ Child. A light supper will be served. 2

WINTER WORSHIP TIME December through March ● 10 am Did you know that?      

Choirs are disappearing and that from 1998—2007 the percentage of churches with choirs decreased from 54% to 44%? Preaching is longer than 15 minutes. Sermons now can be around 30? Sunday evening services that were once popular are waning? Congregations that worship with a variety of styles in music, liturgy and other art forms are growing? Churches that have Children's Sunday school after 9:30 to 10:30 am have better attendance? The most popular worship times start between 9:30am to 10:30am?

We at St John are blessed with a worship experiences that inspire and nurture our hearts and our community. We enjoy quality music and preaching, the participation of numerous people who share their various gifts, and as a result we can live as faithful followers of Jesus, bringing Christ’s light and love into our community and the world. The Church Council once again discussed the issue of worship time change for several reasons: Although we, the congregation, voted on changing the worship time couple of times in the past, the issue has not been completely resolved or put to rest. The pending arrival of a new settled pastor in 2016, and our preparation for it, require that we at least try and experiment with this change. We invite your thoughtful consideration and participation in Sunday worship at 10am during the darkest and coldest months of the year, December through March. We understand that this is a “close to heart” topic for many, and we appreciate it. We also however consider the following reasons: 

Our worship service is not only for those of us who already attend and participate. It is also for those who are absent and cannot be here at 9am for different reasons.  We want to think of those who are our potential guests and visitors. Those of us who are here are “family.” It would be helpful for us to think of hospitality, of our guests and visitors, especially potential families with children and those who need more time to prepare in the morning.  The time of worship is not only a matter of convenience or preference for those who attend and participate, it is a mater of what is good for the whole church community, and how the community can reach out to those who are absent. At its core the issue is about hospitality.  Morning ice and cold temperatures. 10 am will allow more time for our roads and parking lot to be plowed and more welcoming. The choir and others involved in music ministry will appreciate a few additional minutes to prepare. Please join us to experiment worshiping at 10 am, with adult education ministries at 11:15am. 3

HELIX YOUTH MINISTRY FALL 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

MUSIC MINISTRY S.O.S. BELL CHOIR & CHANCEL CHOIR Rehearsal is on Thursday nights for S.O.S., Sound of Spirit, Bell Choir, & Chancel Choir. S.O.S. rehearsal is at 5:30 pm, Bell Choir at 6:30 pm, and Chancel Choir at 7:15 pm. If you enjoy singing and would like to participate please contact Gina Bertram, Choir Director.

OPEN AND AFFIRMING MINISTRY PRISM LIGHTHOUSE 3rd Monday of the Month 6:30pm The LGBTQ support group will gather next on Monday, November 16. 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. SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT LOF CLASS

Sundays 10:30—11:30am 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.

BIBLE STUDY Wednesdays, 9am Chapel Hearth Room Continues to discuss The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, & A Jew by Suzanne Oliver, Ranya Idliby, & Priscilla Warner. All are welcome to join us!

Please consider joining us for some thought-provoking discussions. All are welcome! 4

PRAIRIE ASSOCIATION FALL MEETING Saturday, November 7

Happy Birthday Happy Anniversary

The meeting will be held at Shabbona, UCC, and will gather at 8 am for coffee and registration with opening worship at 9am. Guest speaker is Jason Moore, an innovator in digital imagery for the church today and a teacher and practitioner of creative worship.

NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

If you are interested in attending please speak to Pastor Nayiri by November 1.

11/02 11/03 11/13 11/24 11/25

Lawrence & Paula Nieman Thomas & Kathaleen Koch Jim & Gwen Drew William and Ruth Kuntz Arnold & Mary Eder, Jeffrey & Margaret Richardson 11/26 Galen & Carole Bertram

MEN’S GROUP We gather on the first Saturday of the month at 8am for about an hour and half. It’s coffee, donuts and an early jump on the day. We have freewheeling conversations from what’s in the news to what’s new at church. We have some serious discussions and some not so serious.

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS 11/01 11/02 11/04 11/05 11/06

If you would like to know more about the group, talk to Hugh Knapp, Jim Drew, Jack Fox, Stan Smith, Don Franz, or Dave Rockey. CARD CLUB 1st Monday of the month • 1pm We meet in Chapel Hearth Room. Our next gathering is scheduled on Monday, November 2.

11/07 11/08 11/11 11/12 11/13 11/14 11/16 11/18 11/19

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! RESOURCE GROUP Thursdays, 9am Join us on Thursdays at 9am for coffee, treats, friendship, and volunteer work! We will assemble the December Tidings on November 19.

11/23 11/24 11/25 11/26

Taylor Sheppard Dean Amendt Quentin Valkema, Stanley Bomgarden Sally Kahler, Justin Nesemeyer David Crowell, Krista Manus, Samantha Ross, Alexander Mack Marvin Deboer, Carly Taylor, Hunter Ditsworth Daniel Kreeger Robert Miller Dorie Sheppard Betty Carpenter Stanley Smith Doris Roberts, Kasie Beach Timothy Newkirk Joyce Bloyer, BettyTrester, Vicki Spyrison Carl Roderick Kathryn Cramer Carol Smith Ellen Roderick, Thomas Mathews

NOVEMBER SCRIPTURE READINGS 01

Chronicles 13.1-14

Psalm 90

Chronicles 14.1-17

Psalm 91

Chronicles 15.1-24

Psalm 92

Chronicles 15.2516.7

Chronicles 16.8-43

Psalm 95

Chronicles 17.1-27

Psalm 96

Psalm 8

Psalm 97

OUR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS AND FRIENDS 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

Psalm 93

Parkview: Claire Biesemeier, Ardath Lei, Dorothy Miller, and Laura Uthlaut Stephenson Nursing Center: June Nagel, Lois Walz Presence-St. Joseph: Katherene Benson, Kathryn Cramer, Herbert Divan

Psalm 73

Psalm 98

Psalm 75

Psalm 99

Psalm 76

Psalm 100

Psalm 80

Luke 20.45-21.4

Psalm 81

Luke 21.5-24

Psalm 82

Luke 21.25-38

Psalm 84

Psalm 24

Psalm 87

Psalm 89

Kewanee Provena: Evelyn Dworak In their homes: Shirley Durrstein, Karen Salter, Vivian Pals & Harold Reints Hospitalized in September: Lois Aurand, Ellen Roderick & Jackie Stewart Please pray for: Khamsin Giedd, Sally and Dorothy Miller

FOOD FOR FACC In November, we will be collecting 250 cans of Pork & Beans for Freeport Area Church Cooperative.

The deadline for submitting articles for the December Tidings is November 10.

SERVING IN USHERS 11/01 Tim Ebbers, Jim Drew, Dennis Manus 11/08 John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus 11/15 Ray & Jeri Nieman, Jeanne Koch, Shan Mac Adam

11/22 Lyle & Jane Krug, Keith & Kathy Moffatt 11/29 Clyde & Jeanne Cross, Sharon Simler Diane Heilman GREETERS 11/01 Jack & Diana Fox 11/08 Ray & Jeri Nieman 11/15 Don & Ronnie Clock

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 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. MISSIONS/GROWTH will set up and clean up in November.

11/22 Edee Rosenstiel & Doris Last 11/29 Carl & Ellen Roderick WELCOMERS 11/01 Roger & Deb Swanlund 11/08 Shirley Ifert & Linda Heidenreich 11/15 Lisa & Steve Schubert 11/22 Tim & Lisa Ebbers 11/29 Rosie Cosgrove & Betty Carpenter NURSERY CHILDCARE 11/01 Dale Priewe & Jacob Priewe 11/08 Carla Meyer 11/15 Olivia Schaffer 11/22 Jill & Logan Kuntz 11/29 Marla Kreeger

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

11/01– Edward & Connie Orde, Leland & Nancy Otte, Dwight & Diane Peterson, Royce & Janet Piefer, Donna Polhill, Ulan & Cindy Price, Dale & Kelly Priewe, 11/08– Betty Pruitt, Mike & Michele Queckboener, John & Paula Rawleigh, John & Debra Rice, Shaun & Erin Rice, Wes & Joyce Robinson, Dave & Deb Rockey 11/15– Edee Rosenstiel, Marilyn Ruthe, Donna Ruthe, Floyd & Vivian Schlickman, Gerald & Patricia Schneiderman, Steve & Lisa Schubert, Deb Scott 11/22– Sybil Scovil, David & Olivia Shaffer, Vanessa Shallenberger, Sharon Simler, Michael Simler, Mike Smith, Stan & Carol Smith 11/29– Mary & David Spencer, Steve & Vicki Spyrison, Roger & Deb Swanlund, Dave & Dana Underhill, Glenn & Marilyn Underwood, Don & Norma Valkema, Quentin Valkema

Mahatma Gandhi 7

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS October 12, 2015 Members Present: Tim Ebbers, President, Kirsten Eckert, Judy Garkey, Shelly Griswold, Shirley Ifert, Dennis Manus, Deb Rockey, Roger Swanland, Pastor Nayiri, ex-officio. Checking In: Members took a moment to check-in. Terms of Service: Council discussed what the appropriate length of term should be for Council and Leadership positions. We will begin with 2 and a half year terms initially, with May 1st marking the beginning of a new term. We will also want to stagger the terms for those on the teams and council so that we have continuity as new leaders join. We will work this out as we move forward. Pastor Nayiri will be attending all ministry meetings to continue to educate and answer questions as we move into this new structure. All Ministry Meeting: There will be an all-ministry meeting October 25 following worship service. Worship Time Change: Shelly made the motion to change the time of worship to 10:00 am starting in December and continuing through March. Judy 2nd. Discussion followed, motion carried. Christmas Eve Service: December 24 at 5 pm. Copier: Pastor Nayiri presented 2 options regarding the leasing of a new copy machine. Shelly made the motion to go with Option 1 at a monthly cost of $278.77 which does not include the folding unit. Option 2 was $310.39/month, the price difference due to a folding unit. Since we already have a folding machine in the office it was decided to go with the less expensive option. Roger 2nd. Discussion followed, motion carried. Our paper usage has decreased due to the new bulletin format and it is hoped that at some point the Tidings can be delivered electronically so that we will not be printing as many of these. The importance of having email addresses was discussed again. It will have a big impact on the efficiency of communicating and cutting down on printing, mailing and paper costs. Cleaning Service: The current cleaning service is not meeting our standards or expectations. Council authorized changing to the other cleaning service that had been interviewed previously. The cost would be $3,000 more but it is believed that the result will be more to our needs and standards. Stewardship/Budget: November 22 will be â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pledge Sundayâ&#x20AC;?, emphasizing the connection between Stewardship and Church Programming and finding new and more effective ways to help clarify how giving directly impacts the variety and reach of our efforts. Upcoming Dates: November 8 -- Totenfest November 15 -- Interim Gathering December 6 -- Congregational Meeting/Budget Presentation Financial Report: Everything looks fine at this time, discussion on streamlining and making some changes to the report to better reflect the financial status. Report approved by consensus. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned. Thank you to Dennis for his dedication to his term on Council. Respectfully submitted, Deb Rockey, Council Clerk 8

ST. JOHN UCC CONGREGATIONAL MEETING MINUTES

10-11-15 Call to Order: Tim Ebbers, Council President, called meeting to order. Nominations: The Nominations for elected leadership positions were read. Jack Fox made the motion to approve as presented. Ben Lee 2nd. Motion carried. Those who were elected and are able are urged to attend the Council Meeting October 12. Structure: The new structure format was highlighted again and reviewed. Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Deb Rockey, Council Clerk

POINSETTIA ORDER FORM

We will once again be ordering Poinsettias to beautify our Sanctuary for the Christmas season. The cost for a poinsettia is $10. If you wish to order a poinsettia through the church, please turn in the form below with your money BY DECEMBER 6TH . You can pick up your flower after the service on Christmas Eve.

—————————————————————————————————— Poinsettia ($ 10.00) X Quantity _____

Enclosed is $______________________

IN MEMORY OF____________________________________ ____________________________________________________ IN HONOR OF______________________________________ ____________________________________________________

IN CELEBRATION OF _______________________________ ____________________________________________________ PRESENTED BY_____________________________________ Please take to a homebound member or friend ___________ I will pick up the flower. ___________

Of Thee Written by Jan Geary How am I to write of you, you who are all seeing and all knowing? And, if I try, what am I to say of you, you who are the deepest of all mysteries, you who is the creator of the mystery? You are the very breath of all life. You are the shadow of the tallest of mountains and yet are the mountains themselves, they could no t be without your shape and form, without your beauty and majesty. You are the green of all grass, the ripple of every stream, the tide that goes in and goes out of all things. You are the soft touch on the cheek of all those who come to you and the tear of each eye that mourns. You are the love that spills from hearts and the one beat of all hearts combined. You are the whisper in the night and the breath of dawn. You are the maker and owner of all moments, of all years and of time itself. You are the giver of imagination yet remain unimaginable. You are the softest of sighs and the strongest of winds, the stillness of peace and the thunder of creation and destruction. You are the creator and the builder, the destroyer and the one who then rebuilds. You are the God who walks among us while tending to the entirety of the universe. Who can speak of you? You are the keeper of all things and of all life, the giver and the taker, according to your perfect plan. You are the one who is ever sought throughout the world, yet never seen. You are the always, the constant, the only truth. You are the beginning that has always been and the ending that has no end. YOU ARE GOD.

St. John UCC Mission, Thank you so much for your generous donation of school supplies. Each year the need becomes greater. We are so thankful that there are so many caring people in our community willing to help children succeed. Stacey Kleindl & Gigi Ditzler Blackhawk School Family Resource Coordinators

$609.00 was collected for the Neighbors in Need Offering. Thank you and Thank you!

Thank you Shirley Ifert and Betty Carpenter for volunteering with the Youth Ministry. You are both young at heart and will fit right in with our youth ministry. I look forward to you sharing with our ministry. Kevin Eckert, Director of Children & Youth Ministry 10

St. John UCC Sunday

Monday

FACC Red Can Sunday 1:00 pm Staff meeting 9:00 am Worship & 6:30 pm Choral Society Communion 9:20 am Kids Worship 6:00 pm Sr. High HELIX

November 2015

Tuesday

Wednesday

9:00 am 10:00 am 11:30 am 3:00 pm

Ping Pong 9:00 am Bible Study CATS 9:00 am TOPS Yoga Helix (5th6th) 6:00 pm CSA #839

9:00 am Resource Group 5:30 pm SOS 6:30 pm Bells 7:00 pm BSA #4 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal

Tidings 9:00 am Worship 1:00 pm Staff meeting Deadline 9:00 am Bible Study Remembering 6:30 pm Choral Society 9:00 am Ping Pong 9:00 am TOPS loved ones 6:30 pm Council MTG 10:00 am CATS 6:00 pm Boy Scout 9:20 am Kids Worship 11:30 am Yoga Leader 3:00 pm Helix (5th6:00 pm Sr. High 6th) HELIX 5:00 pm Worship Ministry 6:00 pm CSA #839 6:30 pm Camera Club 7:00 pm Audubon Board

Covenant Sunday 1:00 pm Staff meeting 9:00 am 9:00 am Worship 6:30 pm Choral Society 10:00 am 9:20 am Kids Worship 6:30 pm LGBTQ 3:00 pm 6:00 pm Sr. High Support 6:00 pm HELIX 6:00 pm

NYWC 9:00 am 9:20 am 3:00 pm 6:00 pm

Birthday Bank

1:00 pm Staff meeting 9:00 am 6:30 pm Choral Society 9:00 am Worship 10:00 am Kids Worship 3:00 pm Choral Society 6:00 pm Concert Sr. High HELIX

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

Ping Pong 9:00 am CATS 9:00 am Helix (5th- 11:30 am 6th) 6:30 pm CSA #839 Dinner FACC Homeless Shelter 6:30 pm CSA Leader meeting

Thursday

NYWC NYWC Bible Study 9:00 am Resource TOPS Group Yoga 3:00 pm HELIX (7th8th) 8 Choral 5:30 pm SOS Society 6:30 pm Bells 7:00 pm BSA #4 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal

25 Ping Pong 9:00 am Bible Study Pie Baking 9:00 am Pie baking CATS 9:00 am TOPS Helix (5th6th) CSA #839

1st Sunday of Advent 1:00 pm Staff meeting 9:00 am Worship 9:20 am Kids Worship 6:00 pm Sr. High HELIX

Office closed

Friday

Saturday

7 8:00 am Men's Group 9:00 am Prairie Association Meeting, place TBA

NYWC

NYWC 8:30 am Choral Society 9:00 am Cookie Walk

28 3:00 pm Hanging of the Greens

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 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

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