october 2016 issue 68 volume 10 - clover...
TRANSCRIPT
October 2016Issue 68
Volume 10
First United Presbyterian Church1303 Royal Heights Road • Belleville, IL 62223
618.233.0295 • www.firstunitedpres.org
We are a Christian church that glorifies God through meaningful worship, active discipleship,
faithful service and nurturing fellowship.
WORSHIPSCHEDULE
October 2 8:00 & 10:30 am
The Rev. Robert J. DyerAnd Let It Begin with Me
Peacemaking SundayMatthew 5:23–24
2 Corinthians 5:16–21
October 98:00 & 10:30 amSurprise Sunday
Guest Pastor
October 168:00 & 10:30 am
The Rev. Robert J. DyerVoting as a Christian
Romans 12:9-21
October 238:00 & 10:30 am
The Rev. Robert J. DyerMasks We WearJohn 17:11-19
October 308:00 & 10:30 am
The Rev. Robert J. DyerPresbyterian Past and Future
Scottish Heritage SundayLuke 19:1-10
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Remembering Your Past
E very day, when I walked into Mr. Torigian’s civics class during my freshman year at Belleville West, I saw the
large sign that he created. It had red construction paper letters spelled in all caps, “THOSE WHO DO NOT REMEMBER THE PAST ARE CONDEMNED TO REPEAT IT.” Remembering the past is worth more than merely avoiding old mistakes. It can also beckon us to repeat that which produces life and grace. As we remember the ways that God has blessed us, we are encouraged to repeat the behaviors that have honored and appreciated those blessings.
H ow has your past shaped your journey with God? Do you see the hands of God shaping your past? For some, the
past is not a series of warm memories. Some have had to endure hardships along the way. But if we remember the past, we can choose how we repeat it. We can also use the past to inform what changes and new decisions we might yet make. In this way, our past can empower our future by shaping our approach to life.
M r. Torigian is now retired. I see him around town every month or so. He shaped my life by the way I saw him enjoy
and live into his calling as a teacher. He demanded much of his students, but you never doubted that he truly cared about the task of shaping our preparations for the future. I imagine my God cares at least as much as Mr. Torigian. I imagine that my God wants to see me learn from the past and then be empowered for what lies ahead. I must remember the God of my past, present, and future. I must remember my God’s love. And then, I hope to be empowered to repeat that love as the Spirit beckons me. I hope by remembering your past with God, you will be empowered to repeat it in many beautiful ways.
In Christ, Pastor Rob
Sermons OnlineMissed last week’s sermon? Did you know that you can find it online?1) Go to www.firstunitedpres.org.2) Click on “Sermons and Resources” and then click on “LISTEN TO SERMONS.”3) You can click to listen to the sermon4) Or you can read a PDF of the sermon.The Video Ministry Team uploads the audio of each week’s sermon by Sunday or Monday evening; the PDF is uploaded by Thursday or Friday.
Christmas Season WorshipThese time changes are a result of the congregational survey and the holidays falling on Saturday and Sundays. • December 24: Christmas Eve services will be at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm.• December 25 & January 1: Sunday worship services will be combined at 10:30 am; no Sunday School
Please share these time changes with family and friends as we move into preparations for the Advent Season.
New Blessing
Family News Information current as of September 25
Ministering to God’s People
In Our Prayers
October 2USHERING 8:00 amConi JacksonMary PollockKathy SchmidtUSHERING 10:30 amKC ClaytonGigi & Roger CoxAdrian CroissantAlly DyerAustin Dyer (Jr. Usher)Susy RybickiZack Tambala (Jr. Usher)LITURGISTChuck ThurigAMBASSADORRosemary EhrsteinPHONEJoyce LiedBUS DRIVERDennis HubbardCOUNTERSBill BeebeKevin MederHOSPITALITYSand DollarsSOUND OPERATORAl KrausVIDEO OPERATORRich StehnachCHILDCARE ATTENDANTSKeely & Mike GilesSheila & Dave MisselhornAbby SmithCaroline Smith
October 9USHERING 8:00 amJackie & Dan BainterLou Stark USHERING 10:30 amSharon & Jerry GaskillDelaney Giles (Jr. Usher)Gabby Mokriakow (Jr. Usher)Marian & Jim MorrisBetty ScherrerMitch Stark Karen ThompsonDean WallenACOLYTESCarson DyerColin WiltsieLITURGISTLorenzo ClaytonAMBASSADORNorma JacksonPHONEJane WilkinBUS DRIVERMatt HallCOUNTERSBill BeebeKevin MederHOSPITALITYVolunteers NeededSOUND OPERATORDan HarresVIDEO OPERATORAlex TambalaCHILDCARE ATTENDANTSAmy AbernathySharon GaskillSean Choo KimKristen LinkVicki McAdamsDiane Winland
October 16USHERING 8:00 amBillie & Steve ChaneyUSHERING 10:30 amHeaven Beckett (Jr. Usher) Babs HillAl KrausCyndi & Ed LangenAmber Lankford (Jr. Usher)Shawn Lankford Larry ScottACOLYTEFaith BeckettLITURGISTLorenzo ClaytonAMBASSADORBrenda & Roger DollPHONEPat DayeBUS DRIVERKevin MederCOUNTERSDonna BockDawn SittonHOSPITALITYStephen MinistersSOUND OPERATORMark VandiverVIDEO OPERATORRich StehnachCHILDCARE ATTENDANTSKari BechtoldJane BynumTodie ElseaCathy JensenNatalie Maley-Bill
October 23USHERING 8:00 amKathy & John HarrymanShirley Thien USHERING 10:30 amAlex AbernathyAmy AbernathyNathan Dyer (Jr. Usher)Grace FarinasDan HarresElizabeth KearnsGrace Kearns (Jr. Usher)Shirley & Bob SamplesACOLYTESJoy Hunter Marissa KearnsLITURGISTJohn MannAMBASSADORSharon & Jerry GaskillPHONEPam Halel Linda GurrBUS DRIVERRoger CoxCOUNTERSDonna BockDawn SittonHOSPITALITYDeaconsSOUND OPERATORDave EppsVIDEO OPERATORAlex TambalaCHILDCARE ATTENDANTSCarrie BairAnn HunterJoy HunterStephanie KrausKaren & Pete Thompson
October 30USHERING 8:00 amBillie & Steve ChaneyUSHERING 10:30 amHeaven Beckett (Jr. Usher) Babs HillAl KrausCyndi & Ed LangenAmber Lankford (Jr. Usher)Shawn Lankford Larry ScottACOLYTESFaith BeckettLITURGISTDick PalmerAMBASSADORDaphne SumnerPHONEJanice HoenigBUS DRIVERDennis HubbardCOUNTERSDonna BockDawn SittonHOSPITALITYWorship CommitteeSOUND OPERATORDave EppsVIDEO OPERATORRich StehnachCHILDCARE ATTENDANTSPam & Danny HalelKatherine HallLaura HallDee MannTerri O’Saben
Bill Burke (The Shrine Apts.)Jean Canale (Home)Katherine Hines, Uganda (See page 9)Irene & Wade Coverdell (Cedarhurst, Shiloh)Mary Diel (Rosewood)Marguerite French (The Colonnades)Annette Grove (Home)Sue Hall (Home)Helen Handley Fabre (St. Paul’s Asst. Living)Bernice Handrich (Chesterfield, Missouri)
Mary Hotta (Home)Lucile Katty (St. Paul’s Apts.)Bonnie Krause (St. Paul’s Apts.)Adam Landry (Illinois Veterans’ Home, Anna, Illinois)Bill Lawrence (Cedarhurst, Shiloh)Ted Lawrence (Home)Henri Lawrence (Home)Jeanette McCurdy (Knollwood, Caseyville)Lane Miller (The Shrine Apts.)
Mary Ellen Pollock (Still Waters Senior Living)Nancy Reinecker (Home)Wanda Lee Schmidt (Highland Nursing Home)Roberta Symonds (Home)Our efforts to express our faith clearlyOur efforts to grow spirituallyOur efforts to discover & use our spiritual giftsOur efforts to serve the communityOur efforts to care for one anotherOur efforts to reach new believers
Maxwell James Stone was born August 26 in San Antonio, Texas. Max is the son of Megan and Brandon Stone, the grandson of Linda and Bruce Stone, and the great grandson of Jennie Stone and Marilyn and Adam Landry.
People who are depressed and anxiousAll world leadersPresbyterian Community PreschoolOur enemiesOur eldersOur deaconsOur trustees Our Church staff
Presbyterian WomenOctober 7: Presbyterian Women Day Out PW will sponsor a “Tour of Belleville’s History” with a tour of the Victorian Home Museum (10:00 am) followed by a tour of the Emma Kunze House; lunch will follow at Fischer’s Restaurant (11:30). The small
bus will be available. Meet at 9:30 am in the Commons. The tour cost will be $2, with lunch on your own. Reservations should be made by Monday, October 3. Call the church office, 233-0295; sign up on the sheet at the front desk in the Commons or through your PW Circle. Please indicate if you will be participating in the tour or just lunch, or both. For information or questions, call Shirley Samples, 624-3340.
Bakeless Bake Sale MonthDuring October, all women of the church are invited to donate to Presbyterian Women’s Bakeless Bake Sale. Please remember this fall project by giving your contribution – the price you would have paid to bake a pie or cake. Envelopes can be returned to the church office or dropped in the Sunday offering plate. Funds raised through the Bakeless Bake Sale are used to help support the mission and work of Presbyterian Women.
Presbyterian Women’s Circles in October A circle is a small group of women who meet monthly. In each circle, faith is nurtured and growth takes place through worship, Bible study, fellowship and outreach. There are three circles which meet at different times and days. These circles are open to all women. The Horizon’s Bible study this year is Who Is Jesus? What a Difference a Lens Makes by Judy Siker. • October 5: Lydia Circle, 7:00 pm, Conference Room (200)
Menu for October
Canned Chicken & Dumplings
Canned Green Vegetable (no or low salt)
Canned Pears (lite or in fruit juice)
Powdered Milk
Additional Items:Kid-Friendly Month
Peanut Butter
Jelly (no glass containers)
Macaroni & Cheese
Monetary donations always welcome.
GIVE-A-MEAL-A-MONTH
Sponsored by Presbyterian Women
• October 18: Lamplighters Circle, 1:00 pm, Cornell Commons• October 19: Hannah Circle, 11:30 am, Conference Room (200)
For more information, contact PW Moderator, Mary Jo Mordhorst, 397-4914.
Additional Upcoming Dates for PW• October 28: PW Coordinating Team Meeting, 9:30 am• November 4: PW Gathering with lunch followed by the program by David Grove, “All About the Arch & Museum.” Look for details in October bulletins.
Give-a-Meal-a-Month (GAMAM)Thank you for supporting this program! The menu above suggests non-perishable items to buy during October. All items collected are taken to the Catholic Urban Program Food Bank which ministers to families in the Metro East. Fill up a yellow GAMAM bag or fill your own bag and bring the items to the church. Monetary gifts are also welcome; make checks payable to First United Presbyterian with the memo to PW GAMAM.
October 30: Scottish Heritage SundayFirst United will celebrate its Scottish heritage on October 30, complete with bagpipes and special food. Start planning your outfit for this special day. Wear your family’s plaid or even your colorful kilt to honor our Scottish heritage. If your family has a Scottish connection, help
us decorate with your Scottish crest. All are invited to participate, but please email Terri O’Saben, [email protected], so we can plan for your mementoes and crest.
November 6: All Saints’ DayThe Faithful of every generation: An excerpt from the Companion to the Book of Common Worship (Geneva Press, 2003, 150-151).
All Saints’ Day is a time to rejoice in all who through the ages have faithfully served the Lord. The day reminds us that we are part of one continuing, living communion of saints. It is a time to claim our kinship with the “glorious company of apostles … the noble fellowship of prophets … the white-robed army of martyrs” (Te Deum). It is a time to express our gratitude for all who in ages of darkness kept the faith, for those who have taken the gospel to the ends of the earth, for prophetic voices who have called the church to be faithful in
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life and service, for all who have witnessed to God’s justice and peace in every nation.
We will be recognizing our faithful servants on November 6, All Saints’ Day. We have the names of many who have died this past year. However, if you want to confirm that your loved one is already on the list or if you have someone to add, please call the Church Office before October 28.
Softball Team and Another Good SeasonAfter an 11-3 regular season record and first place finish, FUPC Softball wrapped up the 2016 season with a 5-11 loss to the eventual champion, Christ Church II, in the semi-finals.
Adult Discipleship
Adult Fellowship
Thoughtful Christian Gathering (Sundays, 9:15 am, Room 200)• October 2: “How Did Jesus’ Death Save Us?” – Rooted at the heart of the Christian faith is the stubborn declaration that Jesus “died for us.” Precisely why his death came to mean so much to Christians has, however, been a subject of wonderful and diverse exploration over the ages. This study will explore different understandings and encourage participants to appreciate the mystery, the “somehow,” of our atonement through Jesus Christ. Jim Nicholas will lead this study. • October 9: “What Happens When We Pray” – This study will look at different views Christians have about prayer, particularly whether prayer just changes the one who prays or whether God is actually affected and might be moved on the basis of our prayer requests. Participants will consider biblical examples where prayer changes the outcome of events. Danny Halel will lead this study. • October 16, 23, 30: “Lord, Teach Us to Pray (Lord’s Prayer)” – The Lord’s Prayer is among the greatest treasures of faith. This study explores the key phrases of the Lord’s Prayer as they lead us to greater spirituality and growth.
To receive materials in advance for any of these classes, contact Stephanie Foltz, [email protected].
Pastor’s Classes (Sundays, 9:15 am, Vista Room, 206)• October 2: Coffee Chat with Pastor Rob – Come spend an hour asking questions and chatting about whatever the group wants to discuss with the pastor. • October 16, 23, 30: The Ragamuffin Gospel – Spend three weeks exploring the lessons and reflections in this wonderful book written by Brennan Manning. It is a book about explaining, receiving and thriving as a forgiven child of God. It explains the meaning of God’s grace. The book was especially meaningful in Pastor Rob’s personal journey of faith.
Parent Class (Sundays, 9:15 am, Library, 102)All parents and grandparents are invited to grab a cup of coffee and join the class led by Leah and Shawn Lankford for a discussion of the book, Unplug the Christmas Machine: A Complete Guide to Putting Love and Joy Back into the Season. You will have a chance to examine your current practices, define your values, create a fantasy Christmas, and then combine all your insights into a workable plan long before the holiday season.
October 3: Friends Dine OutOur dinner group will meet at Agostino’s Restaurant, 130 Ludwig Drive, Fairview Heights, on October 3, at 6:00 pm. For reservations or more information, call Marcia Mellone, 398-9895, or Betty Bucknell, 397-2114. Please join us!
October 12: Faith in FictionBarbara Kingsolver’s Flight Behavior is our book selection for October. Kingsolver’s riveting story concerns a young wife and mother on a failing farm in rural Tennessee, who experiences something she cannot explain. Her discovery energizes various competing factions of religious leaders, climate scientists, environmentalists and politicians, trapping her in the center of the conflict and ultimately opening her world. The November book is Hunting Eichman by Neal Bascont. We will meet at 9:00 am in FirstXpression (202), unless notified otherwise. Contact Susy Rybicki, 792-9458.
October 14: Merry Mates Merry Mates will hold a regular meeting with dinner and program on October 14 at 6:00 pm in Cornell Commons. The program for the evening is a Musical Event with Dennis and Julia Bergin. For more information, contact Vicki McAdams, 405-227-8950.
October 15: HelmsmenReturning to our normal schedule, the Helmsmen Mariners will meet on October 15, the third Saturday in October. Pat Etling, from the SWIC Speaker Program, will talk to us about Mission & Volunteer Work. REMEMBER: Eversull Hall and the kitchen will be under construction and will NOT be available until the renovation project is complete. We are in the process of determining an alternate meeting location, as well as how to handle food preparations;
we will let you know when the decisions are final. As always, our monthly dinners and meetings are open to anyone who would like to join us and see what the Helmsmen are all about. The Helmsmen “Munch Bunch” also meets informally every Friday to have dinner at various local restaurants; anyone is welcome to join us. For more information, contact John or Dee Mann, 624-3040. For the Friday “Munch Bunch” dinners, contact Amy Brummitt, 235-4226, or Betty Scherrer, 397-5137.
Potlucks with a PurposeThis life group for women will gather for its quarterly meeting on Tuesday, October 25, at 6:30 pm. Due to construction issues with the Vista Room, we will meet in Cornell Commons; enter from the Sanctuary parking lot. We will finalize our support of the project that was agreed upon at our July meeting. The Covering House, (www.thecoveringhouse.org), is a place of refuge and restoration for girls who have been sexually trafficked or exploited in the United States. Bring a dish to share, your “Dining Out Dollars” and join us for Fun, Food, Fellowship and Fundraising! Questions? Call Shirley Samples, 624-3340, or [email protected].
Calling All Veterans!The Veterans’ Ministry group had their initial meeting on Sunday, September 11. After brief introductions, the 15 attendees discussed the need for a Veterans’ Life Group at First United, ways to obtain medals and medical care, fellowship, fundraising, and mission opportunities. The first mission project is to make a list of all the veterans in our congregation. If you or a member of your immediate family is a Veteran, or currently serving in the Armed Forces, please provide your/their name, branch of service, and email/phone information to the Church Office (care of: Ken Stange or Shawn Lankford). The next meeting will be Sunday, October 16, at 12:00 pm in the Conference Room (200).
Ways to Serve and Give Golf League
Construction UpdateRenovations have begun and work in progress can be seen! A big thanks to all who helped to meet September preparation deadlines with moving things to different spaces or away from windows. From now until the first of the year, groups that plan to meet in Eversull Hall will need to find alternative meeting spaces or even go out into the community to meet in places where they may meet new people. Please contact the Church Office to ask about available meeting spaces at First United, as this will change
often. Soon, the Renovation Team will have decorating colors and materials to display.
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact Pastor Rob. He is staying connected with various aspects of the project and is happy to help you figure out how to work around whatever arises. These are exciting times for our church, as we prepare to an even greater blessing to our ministries and to our community! What a Season of Increase it has been and will be!
October 2: Peace & Global Witness OfferingPeace Begins With Us. When we think of conflict, many of us think of places mired in war, a world away. Yet often, some of our greatest opportunities to witness to the Prince of Peace are right outside our doors. When you give to the Peace & Global Witness Offering, 25% of your gift stays local, bringing the power of reconciliation and the peace of Christ to your own community; 25% is used by presbyteries and synods; and 50% is allocated to General Assembly ministries.
During this Season of Peace, consider the difference your gift can make to challenges like these. Your generous support of the Peace & Global Witness Offering compels change in cultures of violence.
October 15: Annual Golf TournamentThe Clarence Voigt Memorial Golf Tournament, a four-person scramble, will be held on Saturday, October 15, at Clinton Hill Golf Course. Registration and lunch will begin at 11:15 am with the tee-off scheduled for noon. There will be closest-to-the-hole prizes and a skins game. All skill levels are welcome as there will be three flights. We want even the part-time or beginner golfer to attend - the only pressure is to have fun! The registration fee is $100 per person; forms are in the Church Office or for more information, call Don Darnell, 210-5404. All proceeds generated from the tournament will be used to benefit the three youth programs, PYC, KIX and TIM.
Wednesday Youth MealsWant to know what the youth groups do on Wednesday nights? There are still plenty of dates to prepare a meal and check out what the youth do! Pick a Wednesday, shop for ingredients, cook at church or at home, and serve! OR write a check and Jess Mokriakow will shop! OR order pizza! There is a fabulous kitchen crew to help! There are so many options. Contact Jess Mokriakow, 910-3738 or [email protected].
FUPC Team Wins First Place The Presbyterian A Golf Team won first place in the 2016 Belleville Area Church Golf League. Those attending the banquet to accept the tropy were: (L-R) Bob Meinders, Tom Cahoon, Bob Samples, and Dwight Lied.
The league was formed during the mid-1960’s and is composed of nine teams from churches in Belleville, Fairview Heights, O’Fallon and Swansea. The league plays nine holes every Tuesday evening for 18 weeks at Clinton Hill Golf Course. Both the front and back nine are used. Teams are paired in a double round robin format. Each team plays a specific team twice during the season. A church may have more than one team, and two or more churches may combine to form one team. Each team is allowed a maximum of ten players. The competition format is one-on-one individual handicapped stroke play using USGA rules. The paired team captains select four players from their roster and agree which player plays against which opposing team player. Each match is worth two points for a win, one point for a tie, and no points for a loss. The team winning the most match points receives an additional two points. In all ties, points are divided evenly.
Members of First United’s Pres A team are Tom Cahoon (captain), Bob Samples, Jerry Gaskill, Dwight Lied, Jim Nicholas, Don Darnell, Bruce Reeder, Bob Meinders, Joe Harnist and Dan Smith. Members of the Pres B team are Mark Winland (captain), Tom Bates, Kyle Bechtold, John Conkright, John Dorris, Danny Halel, Kevin Meder, Jim Smith and Jess Stanley. Other churches with teams in the league are Christ Church, O’Fallon First Baptist Church (two teams), Winstanley Baptist, O’Fallon Assembly of God, Grace Baptist and Fairview Heights First Baptist Church. If you might be interested in playing on next year’s team, contact Tom Cahoon, 726-7343.
P H O T O S B Y R O B D Y E R
Lindenwood Delivery to International StudentsRecently, the College and Young Adult Committee and FUPC volunteers delivered 80 welcome baskets to the new international students at Lindenwood University. The laundry baskets included pillows and blankets. Most of the new students also play sports at Lindenwood; so, we learned about their athletic interests in one-on-one conversations. This outreach effort was the result of many months of discussions with the Lindenwood Student Life office where we learned of the need. Simple supplies were needed for these students who arrive with very little. In addition, this helps us to build connections by which we can clearly communicate the love of Christ to many who have little to no church connections when they arrive. Pastor Rob addressed the orientation for 70 new international students. He welcomed them to Belleville, invited them to our International Mission Festival and offered First United as a community resource as these students become acquainted with their new home. From Lindenwood President, Brett Barger, “Your generosity helps enhance the personal approach Lindenwood provides its students.” Please give these students a special welcome if they come to visit.
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Belleville Helping Belleville 2016Once again, FUPC was well represented in the Belleville Helping Belleville event on Saturday, September 10. Volunteers helped with several projects at St. John Bosco Children’s Center. Other First United volunteers helped with cleaning and painting, as renovations continue at the two newly-acquired properties for Project Compassion.
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Children & Youth LifeChildren’s ChapelDuring October, the children will hear God’s Word through the stories of Birth of Isaac, Moses and the Burning Bush, Exodus, The Best Ways to Live, and The Ark and a Tent for God. After the time of Sharing Faith with Children during the 10:30 worship service, children ages 3 through 3rd grade are invited to leave with Worship Leaders and Greeters for a special worship time in Children’s Chapel. Children will gather in God’s name, hear God’s Word through stories, respond to God’s Word, and then receive their own blessing as they are picked up by their families.
FaithQuest in October FaithQuest is the Sunday morning Sunday School class for students in grades K-5. During October, students will continue the rotation called Creation and begin the new rotation called Noah. Each week, students will meet in the Sanctuary at 9:15 am for a brief opening and then move to different workshop locations.
PYC (Presbyterian Youth Club) News (grades 3-5) • Wednesdays, October 5, 12, 19, 26: Regular meetings of PYC, 5:15-7:30 pm; Homework Club will follow until 8:15 for those with older siblings in KIX and TIM. • Friday, November 4: Mark your calendars for the PYC Lock-in.
KIX (Kids in Christ) News (grades 6-8)• KIX Great Escape: It’s never too early to start thinking about your summer plans! This summer, the KIX youth are returning to Great Escape in Green Lake, Wisconsin. Cost is $250 before December 31; scholarships are available!
TIM (Teens in Ministry) News (grades 9-12) • Save the Date! November 18-19: TIM retreat to Mound Ridge! More details to come!• TIM Mission Trip: It’s never too early to start thinking about your summer plans! This summer, the TIM youth will be headed to Puerto Rico June 25-30. Cost is $400, scholarships are available! You must sign up and pay your deposit by December 31.
October 22: Bonfire/Fall FestivalThe Church-wide bonfire is just around the corner! Pull out your warm clothes and get ready to enjoy an evening playing flag football and sitting around the fire on Saturday, October 22. Flag football will begin around 3:00 pm; then about 4:30, we will spark up the fire and gather around to roast hot dogs and make s’mores. Bring your lawn chair, lap blanket, and join us for a great time of fellowship.
Candy MinistryIt’s that time of year…bulk candy time! Do you typically have leftover Halloween candy? Think about donating it to Youth Ministries. One of the simple ministries Kaitie does is having a basket of candy in her office. From youth stopping in on a Sunday morning, to up to 15 people hanging out before youth group on a Wednesday night,
Attendance and Giving
Date Worship Pledges & Contributions Attendance as of August 31, 201608.07.16 247 Pledged $38,295.50 08.14.16 272 Unpledged 5,082.00 08.21.16 322 Loose Offerings 589.7008.28.16 295 Schnucks eScrip Cards 61.58 Per Capita 127.00 Capital Campaign Funds 22,147.00 Additional Information: Online Giving* 4,588.00 Special Offering** 2,000.00 * The Online Giving amount is not a separate income, but is incorporated in the other income categories.
**The special offering is the $2,000 donated by members of First United to Neighbors for Renewal in honor of the retirement of The Rev. Drew Kramer.
If you have questions, please contact the Budget Committee Elder, Joe Fedak, 233-1213.
August 2016
the candy in Kaitie’s office provides an opportunity for connection. Thank you for your contributions.
Youth ActivitiesThe Youth Fall Kickoff took place on August 24. Families came to join us for a star-studded event. The red carpet was laid out, the paparazzi were in full force, swag bags were given away and we even had wonderful hors d’oeuvres for everyone to enjoy. The youth participated in games outside, while parents got to hear about upcoming events. On Wednesday evenings, our youth share a meal together and listen to a speaker. In addition, they share in faith-filled time together and participate in team- building activities (rec time.) On “Bring a Friend Night,” September 21, our youth were able to bring friends from outside the church to share in the fun. We are extremely excited that in the summer of 2017, our TIM group will have the opportunity to participate in an international mission trip to Puerto Rico! The youth are thrilled and are already looking forward to it.
We are very thankful for all the support for our Youth Program by the entire congregation. Put these dates on your calendar - the whole congregation can participate:
• Saturday, October 15 - Clarence Voigt Memorial Golf Tournament• Saturday, October 22 - Bonfire/Fall Festival
Our youth group is full of bright, amazing people, not just the youth, but the volunteers as well. Our church is very fortunate to have a group where youth can feel comfortable, safe and be able to grow in their faith. The impact a strong youth group has on each of the individuals that participate is priceless!
From the Mission CommitteeOctober 23 through 29: Adult Mission Trip This year’s trip to Kemmerer Village in Assumption, Illinois, is about a two-hour drive from our church. KV is close enough that you may come for the day if you cannot stay the whole week. All skill levels are welcome. Planned projects are; remove and replace a low-sloped roof on a single story cottage; install about 500 feet of three-rail wooden fence; paint and/or stain fences; power wash siding. The only cost will be for personal expenses. If you are interested, please mark these dates on your calendar and talk to Andy Morgan, [email protected], Dwight Lied or Chuck Thurig.
Meet a Mission Co-Worker Katherine Hines is another of the 13 mission co-worker teams supported by FUPC. Katherine’s parents lived in Belleville and her father, Jim, was a member of the FUPC Men’s Bible Study group. Katherine left a prosperous accounting career in Colorado to move to Uganda. She founded Hines Ugandan Ministries (HUM) in 1999. This ministry brings a message of hope with the Gospel of Jesus Christ by ministering to the spiritual, physical and practical needs of widows and orphans of Kamonkoli, a village in eastern Uganda.
Uganda is a nation largely made up of children. Fifty-one-percent of the population is under the age of 15. Almost 20 years ago, Katherine Hines set out to minister to the most vulnerable people of a country that was the epicenter of the spread of AIDS in Africa: the widows and orphans. HUM ministers to the village of Kamonkoli providing support that benefits the whole family, not just the child. “We seek to train and equip the children and youth to be future servant leaders and overcomers for the kingdom of God. We desire to see these children grow up knowing they have eternal life in Christ and to give them the love that He desires for them. The children are the future of the country. Reaching them now will make a difference for each child and for Uganda.”
Unlike typical organizations, HUM’s work goes far beyond feeding and clothing child victims. Instead, through our sponsorship program, orphanage, medical clinic, AWANA (Approved Workmen are not Ashamed) program, and primary school, we seek to train and equip these past victims to be future servant leaders and overcomers for the kingdom of God. Even if every dollar given by the world to help an African orphan actually reached the child in the form of food, clothing, and school supplies, the child might survive, but there is no assurance the child would not become an “adult victim” with needs and expectations of continued support; a victim of poverty, AIDS, diseases, corruption, starvation, or countless other symptoms of a fallen world.
In a country where scarcely half the children complete primary school, virtually all of HUM’s sponsored children do, many at HUM’s Genesis Primary School. One in six of the country’s youth attend secondary schooling while only two-thirds of these actually graduate. Even less attend or complete vocational or university degrees. All of the ministry’s sponsored youth receive the opportunity, and nearly all complete their secondary education as well as higher educational training. Our efforts and goals have begun to bear fruit, as many of the earliest sponsored children have secured life sustaining employment, and have become leaders in their families, churches and communities, ending the cycle of poverty in their generation. All of the children attend church,
Sunday school, AWANA clubs and youth activities, because Katherine believes it is even more important to feed people spiritually than physically. Each child is connected to their sponsor by regular personal correspondence, developing important lasting relationships with Christian families. Also, because the orphans of HUM are largely cared for in extended families and HUM provides support that benefits the whole family, the influence of Jesus is extended to the entire community.
You can meet with Katherine on October 5 in the Chapel at 10:00 am, for an update about what is currently happening with HUM. Visit the HUM website at www.hineskids.org.
Visit the Mission CommitteeThe Mission Committee meets in the Conference Room (200) at 6:30 pm on the fourth Wednesday from January through October and the third Wednesday in November and December. Our meetings are open to all, and we would be happy for you to visit us.
The forms above are published to meet postal requirements.
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tsPaul Cornell Scholarship RecipientDuring a worship service the end of August, Abbey Croissant was presented with the Paul Cornell Scholarship. This scholarship was established in 1977 to provide financial assistance to an individual pursuing a Christian vocation. This fund was begun in memory of Paul Cornell, the son of the late Reverend Dr. Fred Cornell, Pastor Emeritus of First United. Abbey is a student at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis. She is now under care of our Session, and the Session has endorsed her application to be enrolled by Presbytery as an Inquirer. Elder John Mann has been appointed as Abbey’s Session Liaison.
Katherine Hines
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2World Communion SundayPeace & Global Witness Offering8:00 am Worship9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship
MONDAY, OCTOBER 36:00 pm Friends Dine Out6:00 pm Metro East Chorale
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 49:30 am Quilters9:30 am Staff Meeting6:00 pm St. John Bosco Center Gym Time 6:00 pm Woodcarvers
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 58:30 am Men’s Bible Study9:30 am Deacons’ Prayer Group10:00 am Katherine Hines, Missionary - Chapel 5:15 pm PYC6:00 pm Grief Support Team6:00 pm KIX & TIM, Youth Supper6:30 pm Wednesday Night Live7:00 pm Lydia Circle
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 610:00 am Prayer Quilters10:30 am Parish Nurse 6:00 pm Illinois Heat Volleyball6:00 pm Preschool Open House7:00 pm Chancel Choir7:00 pm Equipping Team
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 79:30 am PW Day Out
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 98:00 am Worship9:15 am Confirmation Class9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship
MONDAY, OCTOBER 105:00 pm Faith Community6:00 pm Metro East Chorale6:00 pm Woodcarvers7:00 pm Trustees
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 119:30 am Quilters9:30 am Staff Meeting5:30 pm Personnel Committee6:00 pm St. John Bosco Center Gym Time 6:30 pm Session
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 128:30 am Men’s Bible Study9:00 am Faith in Fiction4:30 pm Evangelism Committee5:15 pm PYC6:00 pm KIX & TIM, Youth Supper 6:30 pm Wednesday Night Live7:00 pm Deacons
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1310:00 am Prayer Quilters10:30 am Parish Nurse 6:00 pm Illinois Heat Volleyball6:30 pm Membership Committee7:00 pm Chancel Choir
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14STEEPLE Deadline6:00 pm Merry Mates7:00 pm MaryMarthas
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 11:15 am Clarence Voigt Memorial Golf Tournament6:00 pm Helmsmen
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 168:00 am Worship9:15 am Sunday School 10:30 am Worship12:00 pm Youth Ministries 12:00 pm Veterans’ Group
MONDAY, OCTOBER 176:00 pm Metro East Chorale6:00 pm Woodcarvers
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 189:30 am Quilters9:30 am Staff Meeting1:00 pm Lamplighters 6:00 pm St. John Bosco Center Gym Time 6:00 pm Stewardship Committee6:30 pm Christian Education Committee
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 198:30 am Men’s Bible Study9:00 am Loaves & Fishes9:30 am Deacons’ Prayer Group11:30 am Hannah Circle5:15 pm PYC5:30 pm Worship Committee6:00 pm KIX & TIM, Youth Supper6:30 pm Vision Committee Meeting6:30 pm Wednesday Night Live
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2010:00 am Prayer Quilters10:30 am Parish Nurse Available6:00 pm Illinois Heat Volleyball7:00 pm Chancel Choir
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21Preschool Papa John’s Pizza Fundraiser
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 223:00 pm Bonfire & Fall Festival
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23Adult Mission Trip Leaves for Kemmerer Village, Assumption, Illinois8:00 am Worship9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship 3:00 pm SWIC Choir Concert - FUPC Chapel
MONDAY, OCTOBER 24 6:00 pm Metro East Chorale6:00 pm Woodcarvers
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 259:30 am Quilters9:30 am Staff Meeting6:00 pm St. John Bosco Center Gym Time 6:30 pm Potlucks With a Purpose 6:30 pm Stephen Ministry
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 268:30 am Men’s Bible Study9:30 am Prayer Shawl Ministry5:15 pm PYC6:00 pm KIX & TIM, Youth Supper6:30 pm Mission Committee 6:30 pm Wednesday Night Live
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2710:00 am Prayer Quilters10:30 am Parish Nurse Available6:00 pm Illinois Heat Volleyball7:00 pm Chancel Choir
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 289:30 am PWCT Meeting
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29Adult Mission Trip Returns9:00 am Compassion Day (Deliver items to Homeless)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30Scottish Heritage Sunday8:00 am Worship9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship
MONDAY, OCTOBER 31 6:00 pm Metro East Chorale6:00 pm Woodcarvers
Calendar of Events October 2016
S AV E T H E D AT E
November 4PYC Lock-in
November 5-6Woodcarver Show
November 12Veterans’ Day
Pancake Breakfast
November 18-19TIM Retreat to Mound Ridge,
Missouri
Stewardship Hopefully, you have received your BLESSED to be a BLESSING pledge card in the mail. There are also cards on the office counter. When you send it in, please add your name and any address changes to the card.
Learn Woodcarving!The Woodcarvers are starting a new beginner’s class on Mondays at 6:00 pm, here at FUPC. There is no charge for the class, but you will have to buy your own tools. Don Lougeay can purchase the tools wholesale for you. For more information, call Don Lougeay, 233-5970.
October 22: Bonfire/Fall Festival The Church-wide bonfire is just around the corner! Pull out your warm clothes and get ready to enjoy an evening playing flag football and sitting around the fire on Saturday, October 22. Flag football will begin around 3:00 pm; then about 4:30, we will spark up the fire and gather around to roast hot dogs and make s’mores. Bring your lawn chair, lap blanket, and join us for a great time of fellowship.
Legacy Please remember First United in your will.
Fall Kickoff 2016
On August 24, the red carpet was rolled out to welcome youth and their families. The Wednesday activities included posing for the paparazzi in everything from evening wear to more comfortable clothes for hot weather! PYC, KIX and TIM dined on delicious hors d’oeuvres, participated in games, and heard about events planned for the year. On Sunday, August 28, the red carpet welcomed all to Cornell Commons. Students moved up to their new Sunday School classes and new adult studies began. Tables in the Commons were staffed by representatives who shared info about their group’s mission at FUPC and in the community. The red carpet has been rolled up, and the 2016-2017 program year is in full swing!
P H O T O S B Y J O E F E D A K & L E A H L A N K F O R D
THE STEEPLE1303 Royal Heights RoadBelleville, IL 62223
Publication Postage
USPS 442-180Belleville, IL
PAID
F I R S T U N I T E DP R E S B Y T E R I A N
Senior Pastor / Head of [email protected] Rev. Robert J. Dyer
Director of Christian [email protected]
Stephanie Foltz
Director of Youth MinistriesDirector of Equipping Ministries
[email protected] Kautz
Director of [email protected]
Andy Jensen
Organist/AccompanistDennis Bergin
Office Staff (8:00 am - 2:00 pm)[email protected]
LuAnn Orlet
Financial Secretary (12:30 - 4:30 pm)[email protected]
Pat Olson
Jody Halton
Director of Audio/Video [email protected]
Loren Elliott
Maintenance SupervisorJim Hoffman
CustodianHerschel Bey
Sunday Childcare SupervisorSue Hall
Parish [email protected] Lied, RN
The SteepleArticles and Suggestions
OUR STAFF
Clarence Voigt Memorial Golf Tournament
(See page 6)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15
OC TOBER 23-29
Adult Mission Trip(See page 9)