December Tidings 2010

December

2 0 1 0

St. John UCC

“Bringing the Healing Love of Christ

To Our Community for the Glory of God”

ST. JOHN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

1 0 1 0 S P AR K B L V D ~ F R E E P O R T , IL

www.stjohnuccfreeport.org

The TIDINGS

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ST.JOHN UCC FREEPORT

MONTHLY TIDINGS

VOLUME 76 DECEMBER 2010

CHURCH STAFF

MINISTERS………………….…THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH SENIOR PASTOR……………………...……DONNLEY DUTCHER DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY…KEVIN ECKERT MINISTRY OF CHURCH LIFE & MEMBERSHIP…....PAM WESSEL STAFF SECRETARY…………………………..KIRSTEN ECKERT ORGANISTS………….CAROLE BERTRAM & MARSHA ROBERTS

OFFICE HOURS MONDAY– FRIDAY...…8:30 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M.…&.1:00 TO 4:00 P.M.

Church (815) 235-2824 E-Mail: [email protected]

Website: www.stjohnuccfreeport.org

The deadline for submitting articles in the January TIDINGS is the 2ndTuesday of the month (December 14th) due to

the Christmas season.

AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME…..

The original title page reads thus: A Christmas Carol. In Prose. A Ghost Story of Christmas by Charles Dickens (London,

1858).

In his preface to this short novel, by today’s standard (100 pages), Dickens shared his

hope and purpose for this story:

“I endeavor in this Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my readers out of humour with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me. May it

haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it!”

He hoped it would be a pleasant story for the season; a story which no one would want to put down; a story that would affect the reader’s household, mindfully and pleasantly. Is that not what a part of each of us desires for the coming Christmas season - that our households, and we, will be pleasantly mindful and reflective of the meaning of the season, and so enraptured by the Story and meaning of the season that we do not want to put it

down or set it aside?

Yet, as we know all too well, ―life‖ often gets in the way – family or marital issues, issues of life & death, problems at work, worry about finding a present that expresses love and brings joy to another (with more emphasis, often, on the latter, rather than former) and more. And we, often, find ourselves getting caught up in the wrong focus and concerns, like Scrooge – and not realizing it, or coming to our senses, until it’s almost too late. And we don’t need his book to get us ―out of humour‖ with ourselves –

or with each other, as Dickens wrote.

After he has woken up from his time travel with the spirits, Scrooge says, “I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future!,” .. and, shortly later, “I don’t know how long I have been among the Spirits. I don’t know anything. I’m quite a baby. Never

mind. I don’t care. I’d rather be a baby.”

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ST.JOHN UCC FREEPORT

MONTHLY TIDINGS

VOLUME 76 DECEMBER 2010

CHURCH STAFF

MINISTERS………………….…THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH SENIOR PASTOR……………………...……DONNLEY DUTCHER DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY…KEVIN ECKERT MINISTRY OF CHURCH LIFE & MEMBERSHIP…....PAM WESSEL STAFF SECRETARY…………………………..KIRSTEN ECKERT ORGANISTS………….CAROLE BERTRAM & MARSHA ROBERTS

OFFICE HOURS MONDAY– FRIDAY...…8:30 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M.…&.1:00 TO 4:00 P.M.

Church (815) 235-2824 E-Mail: [email protected]

Website: www.stjohnuccfreeport.org

The deadline for submitting articles in the January TIDINGS is the 2ndTuesday of the month (December 14th) due to

the Christmas season.

AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME…..

The original title page reads thus: A Christmas Carol. In Prose. A Ghost Story of Christmas by Charles Dickens (London,

1858).

In his preface to this short novel, by today’s standard (100 pages), Dickens shared his

hope and purpose for this story:

“I endeavor in this Ghostly little book, to raise the Ghost of an Idea, which shall not put my readers out of humour with themselves, with each other, with the season, or with me. May it

haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it!”

He hoped it would be a pleasant story for the season; a story which no one would want to put down; a story that would affect the reader’s household, mindfully and pleasantly. Is that not what a part of each of us desires for the coming Christmas season - that our households, and we, will be pleasantly mindful and reflective of the meaning of the season, and so enraptured by the Story and meaning of the season that we do not want to put it

down or set it aside?

Yet, as we know all too well, ―life‖ often gets in the way – family or marital issues, issues of life & death, problems at work, worry about finding a present that expresses love and brings joy to another (with more emphasis, often, on the latter, rather than former) and more. And we, often, find ourselves getting caught up in the wrong focus and concerns, like Scrooge – and not realizing it, or coming to our senses, until it’s almost too late. And we don’t need his book to get us ―out of humour‖ with ourselves –

or with each other, as Dickens wrote.

After he has woken up from his time travel with the spirits, Scrooge says, “I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future!,” .. and, shortly later, “I don’t know how long I have been among the Spirits. I don’t know anything. I’m quite a baby. Never

mind. I don’t care. I’d rather be a baby.”

4

Never having read any of the original story (until I read portions of it on line a few moments ago), I didn’t know Scrooge had spoken those words. His first words, above, are, surely, a spiritual reminder of Jesus Christ - the One ―who was, and is, and is to come‖ - the God and Lord of the past, the present and the future. But, we, like Scrooge, also need to be spiritually connected with

our past, present, and future.

I’m also impressed that Scrooge refers to himself as ―a baby‖ - a new person - one recently born to new life. Is that, also, not who we are to become through the Baby of the Manger – the Christ-child? Are not we to find and live a new life because of Him and in Him through Christmas? So maybe you and I can become ―a

baby,‖ again, this Christmas.

As this wonderful story draws to a close, Dickens said this of Scrooge: ―Scrooge... became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, as any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world. Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them... It was always said of him, that he knew to

keep Christmas well. ... May that be truly said of us, and all of us!”

May you and I know how to keep Christmas well, this year, and always. May God make it so, as you remember, reflect upon, and live the Spirit of the real Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and

Christmas Future.

Holiday Service Schedule

December 19th 9:00 am Children’s Christmas Worship

Accompanied by the Chancel Choir and Bells.

December 24th 5 & 7 pm Christmas Eve Worship Services

December 26th 9:00 am Sunday Worship Service

December 31st 6:30 New Year’s Eve Communion Service

Advent Devotionals available in the Narthex

SPIRITUAL RETREAT

We have reserved rooms at Sinsinawa Mound Center for Friday evening, January 28 through Saturday afternoon, January 29, for our next spiritual retreat. This is a beautiful place for rest and spiritual

rejuvenation. Please speak with Pastor Donnley if you have questions about or interest in the retreat. A sign-up sheet will be on the bulletin board in the narthex soon.

5

Never having read any of the original story (until I read portions of it on line a few moments ago), I didn’t know Scrooge had spoken those words. His first words, above, are, surely, a spiritual reminder of Jesus Christ - the One ―who was, and is, and is to come‖ - the God and Lord of the past, the present and the future. But, we, like Scrooge, also need to be spiritually connected with

our past, present, and future.

I’m also impressed that Scrooge refers to himself as ―a baby‖ - a new person - one recently born to new life. Is that, also, not who we are to become through the Baby of the Manger – the Christ-child? Are not we to find and live a new life because of Him and in Him through Christmas? So maybe you and I can become ―a

baby,‖ again, this Christmas.

As this wonderful story draws to a close, Dickens said this of Scrooge: ―Scrooge... became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, as any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world. Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them... It was always said of him, that he knew to

keep Christmas well. ... May that be truly said of us, and all of us!”

May you and I know how to keep Christmas well, this year, and always. May God make it so, as you remember, reflect upon, and live the Spirit of the real Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and

Christmas Future.

Holiday Service Schedule

December 19th 9:00 am Children’s Christmas Worship

Accompanied by the Chancel Choir and Bells.

December 24th 5 & 7 pm Christmas Eve Worship Services

December 26th 9:00 am Sunday Worship Service

December 31st 6:30 New Year’s Eve Communion Service

Advent Devotionals available in the Narthex

SPIRITUAL RETREAT

We have reserved rooms at Sinsinawa Mound Center for Friday evening, January 28 through Saturday afternoon, January 29, for our next spiritual retreat. This is a beautiful place for rest and spiritual

rejuvenation. Please speak with Pastor Donnley if you have questions about or interest in the retreat. A sign-up sheet will be on the bulletin board in the narthex soon.

6

Kirsten’s Korner…..

Praying in Color

Perhaps you have seen the colored pictures on the Sunday School hallway Bulletin boards. Our Christ First Weight-loss groups have been ―praying in color‖ for months and these pictures are the results of

their prayer times.

―Praying in Color is an active, meditative, playful prayer practice. It is both process and product. The process involves a re-entry into the child-like world of coloring and improvising. The product is a colorful design or drawing that is a visual reminder of the time spent in prayer.‖ Praying in Color is a prayer practice described as praying with the right side of your brain. It is great for visual and kinesthetic learners, and those who just love to color or those who are struggling with their prayer life. The books on the bulletin board are there for you to look through to learn

more about this prayer practice.

I will give a brief overview: Get some crayons, markers, or pencils and a piece of paper. Find a quiet spot to sit. Now, start thinking of a person you would like to pray for and write their name on a piece of paper. Start doodling around the name or making branches off of the name with specific prayer requests. Then begin coloring the doodle and/or pictures that branched off, and these branches may have included other people or words that came to mind. It is a way to keep a person and their needs in mind while concentrating on the colors you’ve chosen and pictures you’ve doodled. If you are intimidated by the ―doodling‖ part try a coloring page out of a coloring book or a printable coloring page you find online. Try searching for a Celtic design or mandala coloring page online and you will find plenty to choose

from like those on the bulletin board at church.

As part of our Christ First prayer practice Kevin inserts the names of all of our past and present participants in the program and hands the sheets out each week so that during our prayer time throughout the week we can color over a name and pray for

that person. It is a wonderful creative way to pray for your friends

and family.

Make it a family event this holiday season. Find a festive picture and put all of your family’s names in it and let the kids and adults color together and talk about prayer. Praying as a family can be intimidating and people feel self-conscious about what to say and coming up with the perfect words. God knows your heart and sometimes color is the best way to express the words of your

heart.

On page 18 there is a Christmas mandala to get started. Use the scripture verses on page 19 or write the names of friends and family in the open spaces. Get our your crayons (or go treat

yourself to a brand new box) and start praying in color.

Peace and Love to you and yours this holiday season,

Kirsten Eckert

Staff Secretary

GROWTH MINISTRY

This is a season of gathering together, being thankful, and appreciating all the good in our lives. Family and friends are often what we are most grateful for and

consider our greatest blessings. During the holidays, we think of those with whom we are or have been close family and friends, and remember and re-connect with those with whom we’ve lost touch in our busy lives. Some of them are our church family and friends, whom we realize we haven’t seen for a while. Is there someone you miss seeing on Sunday mornings at St. John? Please consider reaching out to them in this season. A call or visit from you might be a particular blessing in their lives. Tell them you miss them, and that we miss them. Invite them back or find out if we can help them in any way to reconnect with the St. John family, who has missed

them, as well.

This is a time of sharing our blessings with others, and our St. John

family is certainly one of them!

7

Kirsten’s Korner…..

Praying in Color

Perhaps you have seen the colored pictures on the Sunday School hallway Bulletin boards. Our Christ First Weight-loss groups have been ―praying in color‖ for months and these pictures are the results of

their prayer times.

―Praying in Color is an active, meditative, playful prayer practice. It is both process and product. The process involves a re-entry into the child-like world of coloring and improvising. The product is a colorful design or drawing that is a visual reminder of the time spent in prayer.‖ Praying in Color is a prayer practice described as praying with the right side of your brain. It is great for visual and kinesthetic learners, and those who just love to color or those who are struggling with their prayer life. The books on the bulletin board are there for you to look through to learn

more about this prayer practice.

I will give a brief overview: Get some crayons, markers, or pencils and a piece of paper. Find a quiet spot to sit. Now, start thinking of a person you would like to pray for and write their name on a piece of paper. Start doodling around the name or making branches off of the name with specific prayer requests. Then begin coloring the doodle and/or pictures that branched off, and these branches may have included other people or words that came to mind. It is a way to keep a person and their needs in mind while concentrating on the colors you’ve chosen and pictures you’ve doodled. If you are intimidated by the ―doodling‖ part try a coloring page out of a coloring book or a printable coloring page you find online. Try searching for a Celtic design or mandala coloring page online and you will find plenty to choose

from like those on the bulletin board at church.

As part of our Christ First prayer practice Kevin inserts the names of all of our past and present participants in the program and hands the sheets out each week so that during our prayer time throughout the week we can color over a name and pray for

that person. It is a wonderful creative way to pray for your friends

and family.

Make it a family event this holiday season. Find a festive picture and put all of your family’s names in it and let the kids and adults color together and talk about prayer. Praying as a family can be intimidating and people feel self-conscious about what to say and coming up with the perfect words. God knows your heart and sometimes color is the best way to express the words of your

heart.

On page 18 there is a Christmas mandala to get started. Use the scripture verses on page 19 or write the names of friends and family in the open spaces. Get our your crayons (or go treat

yourself to a brand new box) and start praying in color.

Peace and Love to you and yours this holiday season,

Kirsten Eckert

Staff Secretary

GROWTH MINISTRY

This is a season of gathering together, being thankful, and appreciating all the good in our lives. Family and friends are often what we are most grateful for and

consider our greatest blessings. During the holidays, we think of those with whom we are or have been close family and friends, and remember and re-connect with those with whom we’ve lost touch in our busy lives. Some of them are our church family and friends, whom we realize we haven’t seen for a while. Is there someone you miss seeing on Sunday mornings at St. John? Please consider reaching out to them in this season. A call or visit from you might be a particular blessing in their lives. Tell them you miss them, and that we miss them. Invite them back or find out if we can help them in any way to reconnect with the St. John family, who has missed

them, as well.

This is a time of sharing our blessings with others, and our St. John

family is certainly one of them!

8

LAYCARE M INISTRY

It’s Christmastime and I am thinking about all of

the gifts God has given me - and you.

God has given us everything we need - Jesus, love, hope, beauty, peace, joy, faith, our families and our

friends.

Our Laycare Ministry is a gift too. I say that because we have love, hope, joy, and faith - all the tools we need to serve our

church members and members of our community.

Let’s all relax and enjoy this Christmastime and listen to the messages we hear in church on Sunday mornings and listen to

the beautiful music our choir sings.

I know you all will have way too many gifts, all wrapped in beautiful paper, under your Christmas Tree. That’s all part of a good family gathering, and, please, don’t forget to sing Happy

Birthday to Jesus!

Merry Christmas and we hope for you, a Happy and Healthy New

Year!

Laycare Ministers - Carol Ahrens, Mary Arnold, Anne Carroll, Jeanne Koch, Doris Last, Lucy and Ben Lee, Dixie Marklund, Jeri

Nieman, Marilyn Ruthe, Carol and Stan Smith and Deb Scott

MEALS ON WHEELS

January 3-7th

If you would like to help with Meals on Wheels

please contact Sherrill Spaide or the church office.

STEWARDSHIP M INISTRY

One of the most familiar of all Bible passages is 1 Corinthians 13, which is known by many as the ―Love Chapter.‖ Many people — Christians and non-Christians alike — have committed part or all of these thirteen wonderful verses to memory. But most people probably do not realize that one of the greatest truths

concerning giving is taught in this passage.

The Apostle Paul, writing under the direct and divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said, ―If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.‖ In other words, according to this verse, our giving is to be motivated by love. If it is not, then it has absolutely no value

to us.

The question here is not how much we give, or how frequently we give, or the manner in which we give, but why we give. And it is

based on the principle taught so clearly in Romans 5:8, ―But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners, Christ died for us.‖ When we were nothing but sinners, Christ died for us. When we had nothing but the refuse of sin in our lives, Christ died for us. When we were ―strangers‖ to God’s promises, Christ died for us. Long before we could ever love Him, He provided convincing evidence of His love for us by dying for us on Calvary.

And that’s why ―We love because he first loved us‖ (1 John 4:19).

One of the ways in which we demonstrate our love for God is through giving. If we give out of a sense of obligation or because ―the church needs the money‖ or because we feel we have to give, we miss the point of 1 Corinthians 13:3. We also miss the blessing that comes from giving out of a heart motivated by our love for the Lord. When we give because of that motivation, our giving provides a tangible expression of our love for Him as we

give in response to His love and grace.

As the offering plate passes by you next Sunday at church, you might want to pray this prayer of thanksgiving and commitment: ―Lord, thank you for loving me before I could love you. Thank you for demonstrating your love by dying on Calvary for me. And

9

LAYCARE M INISTRY

It’s Christmastime and I am thinking about all of

the gifts God has given me - and you.

God has given us everything we need - Jesus, love, hope, beauty, peace, joy, faith, our families and our

friends.

Our Laycare Ministry is a gift too. I say that because we have love, hope, joy, and faith - all the tools we need to serve our

church members and members of our community.

Let’s all relax and enjoy this Christmastime and listen to the messages we hear in church on Sunday mornings and listen to

the beautiful music our choir sings.

I know you all will have way too many gifts, all wrapped in beautiful paper, under your Christmas Tree. That’s all part of a good family gathering, and, please, don’t forget to sing Happy

Birthday to Jesus!

Merry Christmas and we hope for you, a Happy and Healthy New

Year!

Laycare Ministers - Carol Ahrens, Mary Arnold, Anne Carroll, Jeanne Koch, Doris Last, Lucy and Ben Lee, Dixie Marklund, Jeri

Nieman, Marilyn Ruthe, Carol and Stan Smith and Deb Scott

MEALS ON WHEELS

January 3-7th

If you would like to help with Meals on Wheels

please contact Sherrill Spaide or the church office.

STEWARDSHIP M INISTRY

One of the most familiar of all Bible passages is 1 Corinthians 13, which is known by many as the ―Love Chapter.‖ Many people — Christians and non-Christians alike — have committed part or all of these thirteen wonderful verses to memory. But most people probably do not realize that one of the greatest truths

concerning giving is taught in this passage.

The Apostle Paul, writing under the direct and divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said, ―If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.‖ In other words, according to this verse, our giving is to be motivated by love. If it is not, then it has absolutely no value

to us.

The question here is not how much we give, or how frequently we give, or the manner in which we give, but why we give. And it is

based on the principle taught so clearly in Romans 5:8, ―But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners, Christ died for us.‖ When we were nothing but sinners, Christ died for us. When we had nothing but the refuse of sin in our lives, Christ died for us. When we were ―strangers‖ to God’s promises, Christ died for us. Long before we could ever love Him, He provided convincing evidence of His love for us by dying for us on Calvary.

And that’s why ―We love because he first loved us‖ (1 John 4:19).

One of the ways in which we demonstrate our love for God is through giving. If we give out of a sense of obligation or because ―the church needs the money‖ or because we feel we have to give, we miss the point of 1 Corinthians 13:3. We also miss the blessing that comes from giving out of a heart motivated by our love for the Lord. When we give because of that motivation, our giving provides a tangible expression of our love for Him as we

give in response to His love and grace.

As the offering plate passes by you next Sunday at church, you might want to pray this prayer of thanksgiving and commitment: ―Lord, thank you for loving me before I could love you. Thank you for demonstrating your love by dying on Calvary for me. And

10

thank you for the privilege of giving to you today as I worship you

through this expression of my love for you.‖

As you consider not only next Sunday’s offering, but equally important, your on-going financial support of the ministry at St. John United Church of Christ, what is your response to God’s love

for you?

FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY

CAROLING

Everyone loves Christmas Carols!

December 19th at 6:00 pm

Last year we had a great time caroling for the Luminary Walk. It was cold but Tom kept the fire burning. Come and join us this year for

music and laughter. It is a great way to get in the holiday spirit! It’s

just fun, you don’t have to be a great singer!

We will meet in front of Ferguson’s (1307 W. Stephenson)

Please sign up on the bulletin board so that we know how many

to expect.

WICKED

Treat yourself to tickets to the Broadway show. We still have 10 tickets available to see Wicked at the Cadillac Palace in Chicago January 22nd matinee performance. We will be renting a couple of 15 passenger vans to take a group trip into Chicago. We have lower balcony seating for $72 each. There is a signup sheet on the bulletin board and a deposit will hold your ticket. Please call Kirsten in

the office if you are interested and want more information.

MISSIONS MINISTRY

RED CAN SUNDAY

Please bring your donations of can goods, cereal, pasta, food items as well as the much needed

personal items to church each month. We will also be receiving monetary donations on December 5th for the FACC emergency

fund. $223 was collected in November.

MITTEN TREE

There is still plenty of room on our annual mitten tree in the entry way for donations of Mittens, Hats, Gloves and Scarves for those in need. Pam has

yarn in her office for anyone to use.

FACC PAS TA

It’s that time again! FACC needs 250 boxes of pasta from St. John. The pasta boxes are put in the Christmas Baskets that FACC gives out to 250

families in the Freeport Area. There is a shopping cart in the Narthex for your pasta donations. Dec. 12th is the last day to

donate.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

The Gifts for the needy list is on the bulletin board. Choose a child that you would like to buy for and take the corresponding slip of paper as your reminder. Please note on the signup sheet which child you selected. Please have all gifts to the church by December 12th. This is a great way to give to a child who may not get a gift otherwise. It is a season of giving,

and Jesus calls us to give generously!

11

thank you for the privilege of giving to you today as I worship you

through this expression of my love for you.‖

As you consider not only next Sunday’s offering, but equally important, your on-going financial support of the ministry at St. John United Church of Christ, what is your response to God’s love

for you?

FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY

CAROLING

Everyone loves Christmas Carols!

December 19th at 6:00 pm

Last year we had a great time caroling for the Luminary Walk. It was cold but Tom kept the fire burning. Come and join us this year for

music and laughter. It is a great way to get in the holiday spirit! It’s

just fun, you don’t have to be a great singer!

We will meet in front of Ferguson’s (1307 W. Stephenson)

Please sign up on the bulletin board so that we know how many

to expect.

WICKED

Treat yourself to tickets to the Broadway show. We still have 10 tickets available to see Wicked at the Cadillac Palace in Chicago January 22nd matinee performance. We will be renting a couple of 15 passenger vans to take a group trip into Chicago. We have lower balcony seating for $72 each. There is a signup sheet on the bulletin board and a deposit will hold your ticket. Please call Kirsten in

the office if you are interested and want more information.

MISSIONS MINISTRY

RED CAN SUNDAY

Please bring your donations of can goods, cereal, pasta, food items as well as the much needed

personal items to church each month. We will also be receiving monetary donations on December 5th for the FACC emergency

fund. $223 was collected in November.

MITTEN TREE

There is still plenty of room on our annual mitten tree in the entry way for donations of Mittens, Hats, Gloves and Scarves for those in need. Pam has

yarn in her office for anyone to use.

FACC PAS TA

It’s that time again! FACC needs 250 boxes of pasta from St. John. The pasta boxes are put in the Christmas Baskets that FACC gives out to 250

families in the Freeport Area. There is a shopping cart in the Narthex for your pasta donations. Dec. 12th is the last day to

donate.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

The Gifts for the needy list is on the bulletin board. Choose a child that you would like to buy for and take the corresponding slip of paper as your reminder. Please note on the signup sheet which child you selected. Please have all gifts to the church by December 12th. This is a great way to give to a child who may not get a gift otherwise. It is a season of giving,

and Jesus calls us to give generously!

12

PRAYER SERVICE

December 8th at 5:30

Come and be part of a prayer time for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding in the Chapel Hearth Room. Prayers and actions of faith communities are

need to restore mental wellness in America. By seeking God's guidance, we can recommit ourselves to replacing misinformation, blame, fear and prejudice with truth and love in order to offer hope to all who are touched by mental illness. This is an ongoing

ministry of our church. Please tell others who might be interested.

O N G O I N G A C T I V I T I E S

BIB L E S T UD Y

We meet at 9 a.m. every Wednesday in the Library. We are studying the book, ―Grace in a Tree Stump‖ by J. Ellsworth

Kalas, come and join us.

CARD CLUB

Card Club will play on the first Monday of the month at

1:00pm.

PING PONG

We meet every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. (the second week of the month on Tuesday) in the Game Room (North Wing). We would love to have more men &

women join in on the fun!

RESOURCE GROUP

Join us on Thursdays at 9 a.m. for coffee, treats, friendship, & to do volunteer work! Tuesday December 21st we will assemble

The Tidings due to Christmas timing.

TAU ALPHA

We will be gathering for our annual Christmas Dinner at St. John

in Fellowship Hall. It will be a catered dinner at 6pm.

STITCH, SEW & QUILT

We will meet Fri. Dec. 10th at 1:30 in the Sun. School Wing’s Temple Room. Bring any ―Show and Tell‖ items and project to work on. Sherrill will show us a sample Walker Bag we can make for

the hospital or nursing homes. Hope you join us!

JOIN US AT OUR ST. JOHN UCC MEN’S

GROUP

We’re having a great time! Come join us! We’re not ―holier than thou,‖ nor is all the talk just ―God-talk.‖ It’s a wonderful blend of maleness, conversation, laughter, the spiritual and the

unspiritual.

Our next gathering is Saturday, December 4th at 8 a.m. in the

Temple Sunday School room. We meet until about 9:30 a.m.

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PRAYER SERVICE

December 8th at 5:30

Come and be part of a prayer time for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding in the Chapel Hearth Room. Prayers and actions of faith communities are

need to restore mental wellness in America. By seeking God's guidance, we can recommit ourselves to replacing misinformation, blame, fear and prejudice with truth and love in order to offer hope to all who are touched by mental illness. This is an ongoing

ministry of our church. Please tell others who might be interested.

O N G O I N G A C T I V I T I E S

BIB L E S T UD Y

We meet at 9 a.m. every Wednesday in the Library. We are studying the book, ―Grace in a Tree Stump‖ by J. Ellsworth

Kalas, come and join us.

CARD CLUB

Card Club will play on the first Monday of the month at

1:00pm.

PING PONG

We meet every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. (the second week of the month on Tuesday) in the Game Room (North Wing). We would love to have more men &

women join in on the fun!

RESOURCE GROUP

Join us on Thursdays at 9 a.m. for coffee, treats, friendship, & to do volunteer work! Tuesday December 21st we will assemble

The Tidings due to Christmas timing.

TAU ALPHA

We will be gathering for our annual Christmas Dinner at St. John

in Fellowship Hall. It will be a catered dinner at 6pm.

STITCH, SEW & QUILT

We will meet Fri. Dec. 10th at 1:30 in the Sun. School Wing’s Temple Room. Bring any ―Show and Tell‖ items and project to work on. Sherrill will show us a sample Walker Bag we can make for

the hospital or nursing homes. Hope you join us!

JOIN US AT OUR ST. JOHN UCC MEN’S

GROUP

We’re having a great time! Come join us! We’re not ―holier than thou,‖ nor is all the talk just ―God-talk.‖ It’s a wonderful blend of maleness, conversation, laughter, the spiritual and the

unspiritual.

Our next gathering is Saturday, December 4th at 8 a.m. in the

Temple Sunday School room. We meet until about 9:30 a.m.

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SERVING

Being a servant of the church is a great way to get to know fellow members. If you’re interested in serving please call the church

office or fill out a pew card.

COFFEE HOUR

Coffee Hour is a time for fellowship. You may not get a reminder call when it’s your turn to bring a treat, but please, if your name is on the list for this month, bring in about 3 dozen cookies, bars, mini muffins or please consider bringing fruit to

share. Everyone enjoys the treats and the social time together.

RESOURCE WILL CHAIR IN DECEMBER

12/5- Keith & Cherryl Hinrichs, Sally Kahler, Connie Kaiser, Della Kirkpatrick, Donna & Zael Klapp, Hugh & Sarah Knapp,

Jeanne Koch

12/12 - Dan & Marla Kreeger, Lyle & Jane Krug, Jill Kuntz, Larry & Lana Kuntz, Bill & Ruth Kuntz, Robert & Alice Lahne,

Doris Last

12/19 - Ben & Lucille Lee, Jane Lehman, Scott & Lannie

Lehman, Charles & Ardath Lei, Robert & Barb Luedeke, Shan

& Vicki MacAdam, Denny & Pam Manus, Dixie Marklund

12/26 - Betty Matthews, Tom & Dianne Mathews, Duane & Barb McDonough, William & Norma McLenahan, Dennis & Carla Meyer, Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Glen & Betty Mogle,

Carolyn Moyer

JANUARY COFFEE HOUR

01/02 - Jeffrey & Debbie Nesemeyer, Dorothy Ness, Bradley &

Jody Nieman, Paula Nieman, Tim & Angela Newkirk, Larae

Olson, Ruth Olson, Edward & Connie Orde, Lee & Nancy Otte.

GREETERS

December 5 – Russ & Bonnie Gennusa

December 12 – Audrey Gianquinto & Edee Rosenstiel

December 19 – Dorothy Ness & Betty Pruitt

December 24 – 5:00 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

7:00 Betty & John Heiden

December 26 - Ben & Lucille Lee

WELCOMERS

December 5 - Clyde & Jeanne Cross

December 12 – Marjorie Criddle & Doris Roberts

December 19 – Jean & Linda Heidenreich

December 24 - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

December 26 – Steve & Lisa Schubert

NURSERY

December 5 – Tim & Angela Newkirk

December 12 – Dennis & Carla Meyer

December 19 – Russ & Bonnie Gennusa

December 24 – 5:00 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

December 26 - Keith & Cherryl Hinrichs

USHERS

12/05 Tim, Colin & Kristi Ebbers, Dennis Manus, Jim Drew

12/12 John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus

12/19 The Youth will usher for Children’s Worship

12/24 5:00 Tim, Colin & Kristi Ebbers, Dennis Manus, Jim

Drew

7:00 Doris Last, Ben Lee, Sharon Simler, Diane

Heilman, James & Thomas Priewe

12/26 Lee & Nancy Otte, Jeanne Koch, Jane Krug,

Mike Smith

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SERVING

Being a servant of the church is a great way to get to know fellow members. If you’re interested in serving please call the church

office or fill out a pew card.

COFFEE HOUR

Coffee Hour is a time for fellowship. You may not get a reminder call when it’s your turn to bring a treat, but please, if your name is on the list for this month, bring in about 3 dozen cookies, bars, mini muffins or please consider bringing fruit to

share. Everyone enjoys the treats and the social time together.

RESOURCE WILL CHAIR IN DECEMBER

12/5- Keith & Cherryl Hinrichs, Sally Kahler, Connie Kaiser, Della Kirkpatrick, Donna & Zael Klapp, Hugh & Sarah Knapp,

Jeanne Koch

12/12 - Dan & Marla Kreeger, Lyle & Jane Krug, Jill Kuntz, Larry & Lana Kuntz, Bill & Ruth Kuntz, Robert & Alice Lahne,

Doris Last

12/19 - Ben & Lucille Lee, Jane Lehman, Scott & Lannie

Lehman, Charles & Ardath Lei, Robert & Barb Luedeke, Shan

& Vicki MacAdam, Denny & Pam Manus, Dixie Marklund

12/26 - Betty Matthews, Tom & Dianne Mathews, Duane & Barb McDonough, William & Norma McLenahan, Dennis & Carla Meyer, Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Glen & Betty Mogle,

Carolyn Moyer

JANUARY COFFEE HOUR

01/02 - Jeffrey & Debbie Nesemeyer, Dorothy Ness, Bradley &

Jody Nieman, Paula Nieman, Tim & Angela Newkirk, Larae

Olson, Ruth Olson, Edward & Connie Orde, Lee & Nancy Otte.

GREETERS

December 5 – Russ & Bonnie Gennusa

December 12 – Audrey Gianquinto & Edee Rosenstiel

December 19 – Dorothy Ness & Betty Pruitt

December 24 – 5:00 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

7:00 Betty & John Heiden

December 26 - Ben & Lucille Lee

WELCOMERS

December 5 - Clyde & Jeanne Cross

December 12 – Marjorie Criddle & Doris Roberts

December 19 – Jean & Linda Heidenreich

December 24 - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

December 26 – Steve & Lisa Schubert

NURSERY

December 5 – Tim & Angela Newkirk

December 12 – Dennis & Carla Meyer

December 19 – Russ & Bonnie Gennusa

December 24 – 5:00 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

December 26 - Keith & Cherryl Hinrichs

USHERS

12/05 Tim, Colin & Kristi Ebbers, Dennis Manus, Jim Drew

12/12 John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus

12/19 The Youth will usher for Children’s Worship

12/24 5:00 Tim, Colin & Kristi Ebbers, Dennis Manus, Jim

Drew

7:00 Doris Last, Ben Lee, Sharon Simler, Diane

Heilman, James & Thomas Priewe

12/26 Lee & Nancy Otte, Jeanne Koch, Jane Krug,

Mike Smith

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DRIVERS

December 5 – Mike Smith 297-9092

December 12 – Lucille Lee 232-5581

December 19 – Don Valkema 235-2304

December 26 – Jack Criddle 233-7395

If you are in need of a ride to church please contact the person designated for driving. If you are a regular pick up and

not planning to ride, please call the driver to let them know!

LAST MONTH WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

11/07/10 — 206

11/14/10 — 155

11/21/10 — 175

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PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR PRAYERS

PRAYER CHAIN: Leona Bilotto

A big thank you to the Peanut Brittle Crew: Edith Rosenstiel, Lucille Lee, Carolyn Moyer, Betty Pruitt, Donna Klapp, Carolee Dietmeier, Barb McDonough, Marilyn Underwood, Sharon Simler, Betty Heiden, Connie Kaiser, Donna Ruthe, Marilyn Ruthe, and Vicki MacAdam. Also a very warm thank you to all the guys who so graciously volunteered to for the ―Quality

Control Commission‖ You made our day! - Ruth Olson

Our Cookie Walk was another

Huge success!

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.

ALL were greatly appreciated.

Pam Wessel and Vicki MacAdam

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Try Praying in Color

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December Scripture Readings

01 Luke 21:5-38 17 Revelation 14:1-20

02 Psalm2 18 Revelation 15:1-8

03 Isaiah 11:1-16 19 Revelation 19:1-16

04 Isaiah 25:1-12 20 Isaiah 9:1-7

05 Isaiah 60:1-22 21 Luke 1:1-25

06 Malachi 3:14 22 Luke 1:26-56

07 Malachi 4:1-6 23 Luke 1:57-80

08 Luke 3;1-20 24 Luke 2:1-20

09 Psalm 122 25 John1:1-18

10 Psalm 123 26 Luke 2:21-40

11 Psalm 124 27 John 1:19-51

12 Psalm 125 28 John 5:1-30

13 Revelation 1:1-20 29 Hebrews 1:1-14

14 Revelation 4:1-11 30 Hebrews 2:1-18

15 Revelation 5:1-14 31 Hebrews 3:1-19

16 Revelation 7:1-17

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ST. JOHN UCC COUNCIL MINUTES

November 8, 2010

Members Present: Bill Condie, Carla Meyer, Mary Arnold, Bruce Dykstra, Daryl Tessmann, John Hendren, Ulan Price, Perry Cowan, Jeannie Cross, Lisa Ebbers, Patty Weik,

Pastor Donnley

Guests: Members of the Staff Relations Ministry: Dan Kreeger, Judy Garkey, Jane

Krug, Carolee Dietmeier

Absent: Ben Lee

Meeting called to order at 6:30.

Pastor Donnley opened with a prayer.

Minutes from the October meeting were

approved.

Employee Handbook: Members of the Staff

Relations Ministry attended the meeting to review and discuss finalization of the

employee handbook. Council accepted the revised handbook. Staff Relations will present the new employee handbook to the staff. The Council thanks both current and past members of the Staff Relations Ministry for their hard work in

developing the new handbook.

Treasurer's Report: Daryl led the Council in reviewing the financial report, noting we are a little better off than what was projected. Ulan moved to accept the report as presented. Mary

seconded the motion. Motion carried.

PRESI DE NT Perry Cowan V ICE PRES I DE NT Daryl Tessmann SECRET ARY Patty Weik T REAS UR ER Ulan Price CHR IST I AN ED. Lisa Ebbers CHURC HGR OWT H & MEM BERS HI P John Hendren FELL OW S HI P Carla Meyer M ISSI ONS Bill Condie PROPERT Y MANAG EM ENT Daryl Tessmann Bruce Dykstra ST AF F REL AT I ONS Jeanne Cross ST EW AR DS HI P Ulan Price WOR S HI P Patty Weik Mary Arnold

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Budget: Pastor Donnley reported receiving notification that his

health and dental insurance has been increased by 12%.

Property Management Update: Mavis Clark has directed

Richard's memorial money to be used for a new flag display. The current location of the flag is hidden behind two trees. Property Management recommended removing the tree behind the sign in front of the church on Park Blvd. and putting the new flag in the apex behind the sign. Landscaping will also be done to enhance the area. This will create a nice area around the sign and better visibility of the labyrinth. John made a motion to remove the tree behind the sign and relocate the new flag display behind the

sign. Bill seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Janshen Estate Guidelines: Perry Cowan, Council President,

and Pastor Donnley worked together on, and presented guidelines for the investment and distribution of the income from the Joe and Helen Janshen Estate. The Council reviewed, amended, adopted and recommended, without dissenting voice, to present these guidelines to the congregation. Mary made a motion to approve the amended guidelines to be presented to the congregation at the annual meeting in January. Daryl seconded the motion. Motion

carried.

Office Equipment-Risograph: The risograph machine in the

office is breaking down and needs to be replaced. This is the machine that is used for printing Sunday bulletins, the Tidings, and anything else that requires more than 20 copies. The machine is breaking down more frequently and parts are getting harder to find. The cost of a new risograph is $3,495, which includes the trade in of our current machine. The maintenance and service agreement is $.0045/page, and covers all parts, labor, and black ink. These expenses are already covered in the budget. Carla made a motion to request funds from memorials to fund the new

risograph. Bill seconded the motion. Motion carried.

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Mission Request-Children of Uganda: The Children of

Uganda are planning a tour of the United States. These are some of the children who Sarah Cowan had the opportunity work with, and who this congregation supported in building their new library. Carla Meyer made a motion to make it an authorized mission of the church to help fund bringing the children to Freeport to give a concert. Mary seconded the

motion. Motion carried.

"If The Church Were Christian" , chapter 6: Pastor Donnley

led discussion of the book.

Meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm with the Mizpah Benediction.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Beginning Balance January 1, 2010 $28,364.92 11/01 General Fund Beginning Balance $28,411.06

11/01 GF Income $5,059.53 11/08 GF Income $6,221.20 11/15 GF Income $7,135.40 Less 11/19 GF Payroll & Compensation $10,672.22 11/19 GF Other Checks $6,012.69 11/19 GF Current Bills Outstanding $1,971.10 11/19 Ending Balance $28,171.18 _________________________________________________ Beginning Balance January 1, 2010 $29,559.65 11/01 Building Fund Beginning Balance $19,060.41

11/01 BD Income $62.00 11/08 BD Income $471.00 11/15 BD Income $379.00 Less 11/19 BD Checks $3,591.24 11/19 BD Current Bills Outstanding $0.00 11/19 Ending Balance $16,381.17

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