September 2015 by Kevin Eckert

September 2015

An Open and Affirming

3RD ANNUAL UNITY FEST CELEBRATION, LEARNING AND FOOD Saturday, September 19 ● 12 noon - 4 pm JOIN US TO CELEBRATE the gift of God’s diverse creation. JOIN US TO LEARN what still needs to be done to achieve equality. Guest Speaker will be announced soon. Children will have their own program and childcare is provided. JOIN US TO SHARE A MEAL and experience Christ among us as we share bread. The invitation is for all. Come and invite your friends.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday, September 20 Following morning worship Join us to hear, discuss and vote. On the agenda: Formation of Search Committee, Proposal for a new Calling (vision) Statement, Proposal for restructuring. Come, be part of the journey!

COME ONE COME ALL Comfort Food. Soul Food. CASSEROLES AND CHOCOLATE Sunday, September 13 Summer is still in the air yet Labor day is on its way! Every fall, after summer’s break, we return to a year full of ministry programs and events. Join us on Sunday, September 13 for a special worship service and a meal following it, of Casseroles, Chocolate and more. If you wish to bring chocolate to share, a dessert or just your favorite chocolate, your gift will add to the celebration! Thank you!

SR. HIGH SUNDAYS 6-8PM 5TH & 6TH GRADE TUESDAYS 3-5PM 7TH & 8TH GRADE 3-5PM

SEPT. 18TH HELIX MOVIE MATINEE 1

SPIRITUAL RETREAT Sinsinawa Mound Center Friday, Sept. 25 – Saturday, Sept. 26

WORLD RELIGIONS DISCUSSIONS IN OCTOBER Wednesday evenings

There is still time to sign up for the retreat at Sinsinawa Center, Sinsinawa Mound, WI, a beautiful place for rest and spiritual rejuvenation, for connecting with God and with yourself. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy both solitude and community in a beautiful & restful setting for 24 hours. A sign up sheet is on the bulletin board in the Narthex. Please sign up so arrangements can be made. For questions please speak with Hugh or Sarah Knapp or Deb Scott.

Our world is increasingly pluralistic. Every year many worship centers are built around the US by faith communities that settle in new areas. Families are also continually pluralistic and diverse as we intermarry, have children in households that embrace not one faith but two or three. All this and more require that we, humans, especially people of faith learn about other faiths so we can receive one another as God’s children, build relationships and nurture respect and compassion among all.

ANNUAL HARVEST FEST Saturday, October 10 11am—2 pm Come, celebrate God’s generosity and abundance in the Harvest!

To that end we will gather on Wednesday evenings in October, 5:30 pm dinner, 6:30 discussion. We will begin with Islam, the first session will be led by Pastor Nayiri, the second by a guest from the Muslim community in Rockford. Additional details soon. A sign up sheet will be on the bulletin board soon.

Keith and Cherryl Hinrichs are again hosting an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and food on Saturday, October 10, 11 am—2 pm with food, field rides, and more. A sign up sheet will be on the bulletin board soon.

A UNIQUE EXCURSION To THE BAHA’I TEMPLE Wilmette, IL ● Saturday, October 3 Baha’i faith began with Bahá'u'lláh, an Iranian who was shunned from his country, and who taught that a just and peaceful global society was possible. Bahá'ís strive to give expression to the oneness of humanity, a core principle of their faith, by seeking to eliminate racial prejudice, advance the equality of women and men, and build vibrant spiritual communities that reflect the human family in all its diversity. There are today nine Baha’i temples around the world and one happens to be in Wilmette, IL. The others are in Uganda, Australia, Germany, Panama, Samoa, India and Chile. The Baha’i world center is in Haifa, Israel. Each of the temples are unique and simply magnificent in their design and exquisite in their gardens and grounds. Join us for this day trip to learn and be inspired. We will have a bus transporting us. Additional details soon. 2

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.

MUSIC MINISTRY S.O.S. BELL CHOIR & CHANCEL CHOIR Rehearsals are Thursday evenings Dear Choir & Bell Choir, I hope you had a restful summer, it sure went fast. I am looking forward to a new choir year. Our 1st rehearsal is Thursday September 3rd. I also want to welcome anyone who is interested in trying us out. We always need new members. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you, Gina Bertram

C.A.T.S. will meet again on Tuesday, September 8th from 10:00am-11:00am. Find us on Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/CATSPlayGroup?fref=ts

OPEN AND AFFIRMING MINISTRY PRISM LIGHTHOUSE 3rd Monday of the Month • 6:30pm The LGBTQ support group will gather next on Monday, September 21. 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.

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!

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT LOF CLASS Sundays • 10:30—11:30am Beginning September 13 LOF Class will be gathering on Sunday, September 13 to begin its fall sessions.

COMMUNION SERVERS NEEDED! We are looking to expand our volunteer list for Communion Servers & hope you will consider serving occasionally. The Worship Ministry can provide training. Please let Vicki Spyrison or Lisa Ebbers know if you are willing to help or with any questions. Thank you! 3

What We Talk about When We Talk about God by Rob Bell has been selected for study. We will be taking orders for copies at our 1st meeting. Please consider joining us for some thoughtprovoking discussions in the fall!

CARD CLUB 1st Monday of the month • 1pm We meet in Chapel Hearth Room. Our next gathering is scheduled on Monday, October 5.

MEN’S GROUP 1st Saturday of the month • 8am The Men’s Group will not meet again until October 3rd because of upcoming holiday weekends that fall on our regular meeting day. Otherwise, we gather on the first Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. 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. 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.

PING PONG Tuesdays, 9am • Fellowship Hall We meet every Tuesday at 9 am 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 9 am for coffee, treats, friendship, and volunteer work! We will assemble the October Tidings on September 24.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES 09-03 09-06 09-08 09-09 09-10 09-12 09-12 09-15 09-16 09-17 09-18 09-19 09-23 09-24 09-25 09-28 09-29

Jack & Jill Gastel Steven & Natalie Smith John & Paula Rawleigh Steve & Lisa Schubert Jerald & Jacqueline Watson, Jeffrey & Debra Nesemeyer Jim & Barbara Barkau, Kevin & Amy Beach Jon & Kristine Vick Jeff & Samantha Dutcher Tom & Sharon Hull, Eric Lantz & Krista Manus Seth & Katrina Spangler Alex & Nicole Bertram Donald & Victoria Franz Terry & DeLeana Atz Tim & Lisa Ebbers Vivian & Floyd Schlickman Daniel & Marla Kreeger Steve & Vicki Spyrison

09-01 Sarah Kreeger 09-02 Claire Biesemeier, Lisa Schubert, Mike Queckboerner 09-03 Marilyn Underwood, Roger Swanlund 09-04 William Condie 09-05 Michael Doboer 09-08 Carol Ahrens 09-11 Michael Weaver, Heath Atz 09-13 Rick Kahly 09-14 Debra Rice, Olivia Shaffer, Kyllian Jacobs 09-15 Kay VanNess, Wendy Gusloff, Bryce Bicksler 09-17 Luke Wagner, Kayleigh NewKirk 09-19 Deb Scott 09-20 Arnold Eder 09-21 Deborah Fruth 09-22 Roger Bingner, Robert Lahne, Barbara Barkau 09-23 Jeri Nieman, Barbara Luedeke, Jeanette Rafferty Holly Foulker 09-24 Jeffrey Nesemeyer, Kalel Eckert 09-25 Kris Scheider 09-26 Diane Kahly, Maxen Hughes 09-28 Velda Wichman, Jon Roemer, Tim Ebbers, Amanda Mack 09-29 Carter Young 09-30 Donald Franz

SEPTEMBER SCRIPTURE READINGS 01

James 1.1-27

Proverbs 10.1-32

James 2.26

Proverbs 13.1-25

James 3.1-18

Proverbs 14.1-35

James 4.1-17

Proverbs 15.1-33

James 5.1-20

Proverbs 16.1-33

1 Kings 2.1-12

Proverbs 18.1-46

OUR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

1 Kings 3.1-15

Proverbs 22.1-29

1 Kings 3.16-28

Proverbs 23.1-35

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.

1 Kings 4.20-34

Proverbs 241-34

1 Kings 5.1-18

Proverbs 28.1-28

AUGUST WORSHIP ATTENDANCE 08/02—130 08/09 —108 08/16– 111 08/23—120

Oakley Courts: Deloris Burkhalter, John Heiden Parkview: Claire Biesemeier, Ardath Lei, Dorothy Miller, and Laura Uthlaut

1 Kings 6.1-14

Proverbs 29.1-27

Job 28.1-28

Ecclesiastes 3.1-15

1 Corinthians 1.1-17

Ecclesiastes 7.1-25

1 Corinthians 1.1831

Ecclesiastes 12.1-14

Proverbs 8.1-36

Kewanee Provena: Evelyn Dworak

Proverbs 9.1-18

In their homes: Shirley Durrstein, Karen Salter, Vivian Pals, & Harold Reints

Stephenson Nursing Center: June Nagel, Lois Walz Presence-St. Joseph: Katherene Benson, Kathryn Cramer, Herbert Divan

PLEASE PRAY FOR: Khamsin Giedd, Myra & Helen, Bonnie Gennusa

The deadline for submitting articles for the October Tidings is September 8.

SERVING

IN SEPTEMBER

USHERS 09-06 Tim Ebbers, Jim Drew, Dennis Manus 09-13 John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus 09-20 Ray & Jeri Nieman, Tom & Melinda Ferguson

09-27 Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Jeanne Koch, Shan McAdam GREETERS 09-06 Arnold & Mary Eder 09-13 Steve & Lisa Schubert 09-20 David Crowell & Shawn Killingbeck 09-27 Dale & Kelly Priewe

SEPTEMBER COFFEE HOUR Fall hours are back! 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.

WELCOMERS 09-06 Ben & Lucille Lee

STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY will set up and clean up in September.

09-13 Jeanne Koch & Betty Carpenter 09-20 Doris Last, Carla Meyer 09-27 Joyce Bloyer, Holly Edler NURSERY CHILDCARE 09-06 Marla Kreeger 09-13 Carla Meyer 09-20 Jill & Logan Kuntz 09-27 Dale & Jacob Priewe FOOD FOR FACC In September, we will be collecting 250 jars of Tuna for Freeport Area Church Cooperative. If you are looking ahead for sales, in October we will be collecting 250 jars of Spaghetti Sauce. Thank you!

09/06– Tim & Lisa Ebbers, Kevin & Kirsten Eckert, Arnold & Mary Eder, Holly Edler, Kim Evans, Karen Ewing, Mike & Susan Feagan 09/13– Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Jack & Diana Fox, Don & Vickie Franz, Mary Frazee, Clyde Fruth, Melinda Fruth & Greg Ware, Denny & Judy Garkey 09/20– Jack & Jill Gastel, Jan Geary & Mary Hollister, Bonnie Gennusa, Shelly Griswold, Richard & Mary Heffner, Linda Heidenreich, Diane Heilman 09/27– Keith & Cherryl Hinrichs, Jessica Houghton, Shirley Ifert, Sally Kahler, Shawn Killingbeck & David Crowell, Della Kirkpatrick

CHURCH COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS August 10, 2015 Members Present: Tim Ebbers, President, Kirsten Eckert, Judy Garkey, Jane Krug, Shan MacAdam, Ulan Price, Deb Rockey, Deb Scott, Pastor Nayiri, exofficio. Check-In: Members took a moment to checkin. Search Committee: Tim reported the results of his contacts from the list of potential candidates compiled at the last Council meeting. We have 6 members who have agreed to serve on the Search Committee and need one more to complete it. Pastor Nayiri gave an overview of how the process works and the resources available. Timeline: Council reviewed the church calendar and selected September 20 for the next Congregational meeting. We will present the Search Committee members, the results of the Vision Team’s work and explain the new structure of Council and Ministries. Data Collection: Forms for collecting all member’s contact information and what their strengths and gifts are were sent via snail mail and email where possible. It is very important to have in emergency situations and will become necessary information when building the church’s profile required for the pastoral search process. All members are asked to fill out the form completely as soon as possible. Vision Team Report: The Vision Team, made up of Pastor Nayiri, Kirsten Eckert, Jane Krug, Shawn Killingbeck and Thompson Brandt, have formed a “calling” statement. This began with the words that people submitted at a previous congregational meeting. It will take the place of a “vision” and/or “mission” statement. It is easy to remember, concise and will basically be a job description for the pastoral candidates to consider and a commitment for the members of St. John’s congregation as we move through and beyond this interim period: Be a sacred place to inspire faith and nurture compassion. At this time in the life of the church, this is what we are called toward. Deb Rockey made the motion to accept the calling statement. Deb Scott 2nd. Motion carried. Planning Events: A trip to the Baha’i Temple in Wilmette, IL is being planned and will be open to those interested. A series of Interfaith discussions will be presented by Pastor Nayiri on scheduled Wednesday evenings this fall. Council/Ministries Restructure: Clarification on the restructure was discussed. There will be a congregational meeting on October 4 to help members discern their gifts and interests. Other Business: Pastor Nayiri reported on the new cleaning service and administrative assistant. All is going well with the new staff. She will address the topic of Stewardship this fall. Financial Report: The report was reviewed. The issue of needing to review how and from what source certain bills are paid was discussed. Report approved by consensus. Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned with Mizpah Benediction. Respectfully submitted, Deb Rockey, Council Secretary 7

BIG THANK YOU To all those who helped with Ice Cream Social! On behalf of the Fellowship Ministry, Kim Evans, would like to thank everyone who helped make the Ice Cream Social a huge success. Thanks to all who generously donated a pie or cake, sold tickets, served ice cream, food and drinks, and the clean up crew. A big thank you to the Resource Group for cutting and serving the pies and cakes. Thank you also to the wonderful fellowship committee members for their help in making the pasta salad, and to the cleanup crew for such a great job. The final numbers are not in, but we anticipate approximately $800 was made for the general fund. Again a big thanks to everyone. FROM THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST Thank you to the members of St. John UCC, Freeport for your 2014 contribution of $15,640.00 for Basic Support of Our Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wider Mission. Geoffrey A. Black General Minister and President, UCC

RED CAN SUNDAY September 6 We will be receiving monetary gifts on the first Sunday of the month, for the FACC, Freeport Area Church Cooperative, emergency fund. $243.00 was collected in August. THANKS for your generosity!

The way to Prayer leads through acts of wonder and radical amazement. The illusion of total intelligibility, the indifference to total mystery that is everywhere, the foolishness of ultimate self-reliance are serious obstacles along the way. It is in moments of our being faced with the mystery of being faced with the mystery of knowing and not knowing, of love and the inability of love, that we pray, that we address ourselves to him who is beyond the mystery. A. J. Heschel

AMITY DAYCARE UNDERWEAR DRIVE A SUCCESS! We collected 174 pairs of underwear, 12 pairs of socks & 5 T-Shirts. Thank you! Thank you!

Dear Friends, Freeport Pregnancy Center would like to thank you for your kind donation of $406.18 for the Change for Life 2015 event. Thanking and praising God for true freedom and thanking you for your support. Sherrie Bicksler Executive Director 8

St. John UCC Sunday

FACC Red

9:00 am 9:00 am 9:20 am 7:00 pm

Can Sunday Communion Worship Kids Worship Sr. High HELIX

September 2015

Monday

Office closed

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

9:00 am Ping Pong 3:00 pm Helix (5th6th) 5:00 pm Audubon Potluck 6:00 pm CSA #839 6:30 pm Fellowship

9:00 am Bible Study 9:00 am TOPS 5:30 pm PEO

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

Tidings

9:00 am Resource 6:00 pm Wedding Group rehearsal 3:00 pm HELIX (7th8th) 5:30 pm SOS 6:00 pm Stewardship 7:00 pm BSA #4 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal

3:00 pm Wedding Evans

HELIX

MATINEE

12:00 pm Unity Fest

9:00 am Ping Pong 9:00 am Bible Study 10:00 am CATS 9:00 am TOPS 3:00 pm Helix (5th6:00 pm Property Mgt. 6th) 6:00 pm CSA #839 6:30 pm CSA Leader meeting

9:00 am Resource Group 3:00 pm HELIX (7th8th) 5:30 pm SOS 7:00 pm BSA #4 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal

-6th) 9:00 am Worship 1:00 pm Staff meeting 9:20 am Kids Worship 6:30 pm LGBTQ 9:00 am Ping Pong 10:00 am Support 10:00 am CATS Congregational 6:00 pm CSA #839 Meeting 7:00 pm Sr. High HELIX

9:00 am Bible Study 9:00 am TOPS

9:00 am Resource 5:00 pm Group 3:00 pm HELIX (7th8th) 5:30 pm 5:30 pm SOS 7:00 pm BSA #4 7:15 pm Choir Rehearsal

9:00 am Ping Pong 10:00 am CATS 3:00 pm Helix (5th6th) 6:00 pm CSA #839

9:00 am Bible Study 9:00 am TOPS

Birthday

Bank 1:00 pm Staff meeting 9:00 am Worship 6:00 pm Missions/ 9:20 am Kids Worship Growth ministry 7:00 pm Sr. High 6:30 pm Choral HELIX Society

Saturday

Deadline 9:00 am Bible Study 9:00 am Ping Pong 9:00 am TOPS 10:00 am CATS 6:00 pm Boy Scout 3:00 pm Helix (5thleader 6th) 5:00 pm Worship Ministry 6:00 pm CSA #839 6:30 pm Camera Club 7:00 pm Audubon Board

9:00 am COME ONE 1:00 pm Staff meeting COME ALL 6:30 pm Council MTG 9:00 am Worship 9:20 am Kids Worship 10:15 am Brunch 7:00 pm Sr. High HELIX

Friday

No Helix (5th

26 Retreat Sinsinawa Camp PEO

Retreat Sinsinawa Camp

OUR MISSION 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 & Savanna Mueller, 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

Bringing the Healing Love of Christ To Our Community for the Glory of God. 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