Tidings March 2012

MARCH

2 0 1 2

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

2

ST.JOHN UCC FREEPORT

MONTHLY TIDINGS

VOLUME 89 MARCH 2012

CHURCH STAFF

MINISTERS………………….…THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH SENIOR PASTOR……………………...……DONNLEY DUTCHER DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY / DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGIES………………………………..…KEVIN ECKERT MINISTRY OF CHURCH LIFE & MEMBERSHIP…....PAM WESSEL STAFF SECRETARY…………………………..KIRSTEN ECKERT CHOIR DIRECTORS……….....GINA BERTRAM & MARY ARNOLD ORGANISTS………….CAROLE BERTRAM & MARSHA ROBERTS CUSTODIAN ………………………………….ANGELA NEWKIRK

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 monthly Tidings is

March 20th by noon.

AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME…..

Are you familiar with the Christian hymn, “The King’s Highway”? The author is unknown, but I find her or his words to be a very powerful expression of what it is to be a follower/disciple of Jesus Christ. Here are

some of the verses:

I know not where the road will lead. I follow day by day, Or where it ends: I only know I walk the King’s highway.

I know not if the way is long, and no one else can say;

But rough or smooth, up hill or down, I walk the King’s highway.

The way is truth, the way is love, For light and strength I pray, And through the years of life, to God, I walk the King’s highway.

Through light and dark the road leads on Till dawns the endless day,

When I shall know why in this life I walk the King’s highway.

Our congregational meeting in January, at which the congregation decided to hire Paul Nixon was one of the most positive, meaningful congregational meetings we’ve had since I’ve been pastor of St. John UCC. But not because the decision to hire Paul was affirmed, though that was far more important than some

realize.

What I am referring to is the wonderful open discussion, agreement and disagreement, questions for clarification and understanding - without any raised voices, rancor or anger. It has not always been that way here. So it was a joy to have that kind of meeting and to hear those who held true to the integrity of their

beliefs and voted, “No.” Thank you to all you!

As we begin our process with Paul, I am mindful of the words of the hymn above. We do not know where God will lead us; yet, we are walking “the King’s Highway.” We do not know what God will require of us, whether the road before us will be more challenging

3

ST.JOHN UCC FREEPORT

MONTHLY TIDINGS

VOLUME 89 MARCH 2012

CHURCH STAFF

MINISTERS………………….…THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH SENIOR PASTOR……………………...……DONNLEY DUTCHER DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY / DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGIES………………………………..…KEVIN ECKERT MINISTRY OF CHURCH LIFE & MEMBERSHIP…....PAM WESSEL STAFF SECRETARY…………………………..KIRSTEN ECKERT CHOIR DIRECTORS……….....GINA BERTRAM & MARY ARNOLD ORGANISTS………….CAROLE BERTRAM & MARSHA ROBERTS CUSTODIAN ………………………………….ANGELA NEWKIRK

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 monthly Tidings is

March 20th by noon.

AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME…..

Are you familiar with the Christian hymn, “The King’s Highway”? The author is unknown, but I find her or his words to be a very powerful expression of what it is to be a follower/disciple of Jesus Christ. Here are

some of the verses:

I know not where the road will lead. I follow day by day, Or where it ends: I only know I walk the King’s highway.

I know not if the way is long, and no one else can say;

But rough or smooth, up hill or down, I walk the King’s highway.

The way is truth, the way is love, For light and strength I pray, And through the years of life, to God, I walk the King’s highway.

Through light and dark the road leads on Till dawns the endless day,

When I shall know why in this life I walk the King’s highway.

Our congregational meeting in January, at which the congregation decided to hire Paul Nixon was one of the most positive, meaningful congregational meetings we’ve had since I’ve been pastor of St. John UCC. But not because the decision to hire Paul was affirmed, though that was far more important than some

realize.

What I am referring to is the wonderful open discussion, agreement and disagreement, questions for clarification and understanding - without any raised voices, rancor or anger. It has not always been that way here. So it was a joy to have that kind of meeting and to hear those who held true to the integrity of their

beliefs and voted, “No.” Thank you to all you!

As we begin our process with Paul, I am mindful of the words of the hymn above. We do not know where God will lead us; yet, we are walking “the King’s Highway.” We do not know what God will require of us, whether the road before us will be more challenging

4

or easier than we wonder; but we are being moved by and responding to God’s Spirit working mightily and powerfully in our

midst.

It reminds me, a lot, of a conversion experience; of the new walk and journey of faith that is before one who has just come to faith in Jesus Christ and made the decision to be His follower and disciple. One knows not where that road of faith will lead or take them. In fact, God could lead them in a very different direction

than they initially intended or desired.

I know I was called to pastor churches to which I never thought God would call me; nor to which I, initially, wanted God to call me. But through faith, time, trusting God, and daring to go where God called me, I was called to those churches and to St. John

UCC, a church to which I wanted God to call me.

I have been incredibly blessed, all along that unknown road, and even more so, by my “call” to St. John UCC. But there is no way to know, ahead of time, where, exactly, God will take us on our personal journey of faith or in this Spirit-led process with Paul

Nixon. It’s a journey of faith. It’s the way the journey of faith is.

We put our trust in the Spirit of God - the Ever-present Spirit of our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ, who has brought us to this moment in time and who is calling us forth. Too much planning and micro-management, ahead of time, could stifle, if not squash, the

power and creativity of the Spirit.

We know not where the road will lead. We follow day by day, Or where it ends: we only know we walk the King’s highway.

We know not if the way is long, and no one else can say; But rough or smooth, up hill or down, we walk the King’s

highway.

Kevin’s Korner…

What’s Up?

I write these articles every month and on occasion I receive a response from our congregation members. Most often I don’t really know if anyone actually reads these

or just flips past my article because they don’t have kids or youth in our ministries. Honestly! Most of the younger families that do attend our church have expressed to me that their lives and schedules are so busy that they just don’t have extra time. So my assumption is that they rarely get a chance to read my articles. I could be wrong. I hope I’m wrong. Well, for those of you who enjoy reading my article here it is. Let me tell you what’s happened in our youth ministry this past month. We have been in the process of having parents enroll their youth in our Helix Middle School Program. I’ve held three meetings and met with over 40 parents. It’s been awesome getting to share my vision of our ministry with them. Their feedback has been a great encouragement to me. The parents who have enrolled their youth in our program are excited about what we are doing for their kids. That feedback assures me we are now headed in the right direction. I’m excited about our middle school ministry. I look forward to leading them towards a life with Christ. VBS planning has begun. I will be co-directing with First UMC. I’ve have already begun to look through the materials, and this year the action will take place under water. First UMC will be hosting and I’m sure we will have many sea creature floating around. I’ve also been working on A/V equipment and proposals. Doing research on and assembly of some new ministry equipment. I’ve set up skype at the church and have been working on extending the wireless network so that we can better use the Internet in our ministries within our building. I recently finished reading “I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church” by Paul Nixon. Awesome book, get a copy and read it. Personally, I can’t wait to hear his suggestions on how we can become a growing church. I’ve also been in the process of reading “You

5

or easier than we wonder; but we are being moved by and responding to God’s Spirit working mightily and powerfully in our

midst.

It reminds me, a lot, of a conversion experience; of the new walk and journey of faith that is before one who has just come to faith in Jesus Christ and made the decision to be His follower and disciple. One knows not where that road of faith will lead or take them. In fact, God could lead them in a very different direction

than they initially intended or desired.

I know I was called to pastor churches to which I never thought God would call me; nor to which I, initially, wanted God to call me. But through faith, time, trusting God, and daring to go where God called me, I was called to those churches and to St. John

UCC, a church to which I wanted God to call me.

I have been incredibly blessed, all along that unknown road, and even more so, by my “call” to St. John UCC. But there is no way to know, ahead of time, where, exactly, God will take us on our personal journey of faith or in this Spirit-led process with Paul

Nixon. It’s a journey of faith. It’s the way the journey of faith is.

We put our trust in the Spirit of God - the Ever-present Spirit of our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ, who has brought us to this moment in time and who is calling us forth. Too much planning and micro-management, ahead of time, could stifle, if not squash, the

power and creativity of the Spirit.

We know not where the road will lead. We follow day by day, Or where it ends: we only know we walk the King’s highway.

We know not if the way is long, and no one else can say; But rough or smooth, up hill or down, we walk the King’s

highway.

Kevin’s Korner…

What’s Up?

I write these articles every month and on occasion I receive a response from our congregation members. Most often I don’t really know if anyone actually reads these

or just flips past my article because they don’t have kids or youth in our ministries. Honestly! Most of the younger families that do attend our church have expressed to me that their lives and schedules are so busy that they just don’t have extra time. So my assumption is that they rarely get a chance to read my articles. I could be wrong. I hope I’m wrong. Well, for those of you who enjoy reading my article here it is. Let me tell you what’s happened in our youth ministry this past month. We have been in the process of having parents enroll their youth in our Helix Middle School Program. I’ve held three meetings and met with over 40 parents. It’s been awesome getting to share my vision of our ministry with them. Their feedback has been a great encouragement to me. The parents who have enrolled their youth in our program are excited about what we are doing for their kids. That feedback assures me we are now headed in the right direction. I’m excited about our middle school ministry. I look forward to leading them towards a life with Christ. VBS planning has begun. I will be co-directing with First UMC. I’ve have already begun to look through the materials, and this year the action will take place under water. First UMC will be hosting and I’m sure we will have many sea creature floating around. I’ve also been working on A/V equipment and proposals. Doing research on and assembly of some new ministry equipment. I’ve set up skype at the church and have been working on extending the wireless network so that we can better use the Internet in our ministries within our building. I recently finished reading “I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church” by Paul Nixon. Awesome book, get a copy and read it. Personally, I can’t wait to hear his suggestions on how we can become a growing church. I’ve also been in the process of reading “You

6

Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church...and Rethinking Faith” by David Kinnaman. Based on new research conducted by the Barna Group, “You Lost Me” exposes ways the Christian community has failed to equip young adults to live "in but not of" the world--to follow Christ in the midst of profound cultural change. This book has helped me to understand some of the reasons (over the last 11 years in ministry) I see so many students leave church after confirmation. My hope is that Paul Nixon will offer suggestions that we can implement that would interest those we may have lost over the years. I’m excited to see the changes 2012 has in store for St. John UCC and I will do my best to welcome them with open arms. That is “What’s Up” with me from a ministry perspective. My biggest personal up is I’m moving around again. My back pain has subsided after a cortisone injection. I wont be involved with the church workouts but for the time being Kirsten has graciously taken that over. During the last few months many congregation members and friends have stepped in to help me get things done when I was physically unable, due to absence or injury. I’m incredibly grateful for your willingness to help out in my time of need. I also appreciate all the cards and meals that were shared with my family while I was in the hospital. It was a crazy week and your

love was very much appreciated. Thank you for your prayers.

Consumed by the Call, Kevin T. Eckert Director of Children & Youth Ministries

Director of Technologies Ministry

RELAY FOR LIFE

This Year’s Relay is scheduled for June 15th. If you are interested in forming a team

or being part of the event, please contact Pam Wessel here in the church office 235-

2824 or someone on the Fellowship

Committee.

2012 Special Services

Sun. April 1st Palm Sunday 9 a.m.

Thurs., April 5 Maundy Thursday Service 7 p.m.

Fri., April 6 Good Friday Service 10 a.m.

Sun. April 8th Easter Service 9 a.m.

This year’s Lenten Series will feature Paul Nixon’s book, I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church Wednesday evenings begin with a fellowship dinner at 5:45 p.m., with the Lenten study beginning at 6:30 p.m. Please sign up for the fellowship dinner on the bulletin

board by the Sunday before. Thank you.

SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT SUNDAY March 4th 9:00 Worship

S.O.S (Kirsten Eckert, Sarah Knapp, Hugh Knapp, Patty Weik, Greg Weaver and Gina Bertram) will be providing all of the music for worship. Please come and be part of this

upbeat service.

7

Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church...and Rethinking Faith” by David Kinnaman. Based on new research conducted by the Barna Group, “You Lost Me” exposes ways the Christian community has failed to equip young adults to live "in but not of" the world--to follow Christ in the midst of profound cultural change. This book has helped me to understand some of the reasons (over the last 11 years in ministry) I see so many students leave church after confirmation. My hope is that Paul Nixon will offer suggestions that we can implement that would interest those we may have lost over the years. I’m excited to see the changes 2012 has in store for St. John UCC and I will do my best to welcome them with open arms. That is “What’s Up” with me from a ministry perspective. My biggest personal up is I’m moving around again. My back pain has subsided after a cortisone injection. I wont be involved with the church workouts but for the time being Kirsten has graciously taken that over. During the last few months many congregation members and friends have stepped in to help me get things done when I was physically unable, due to absence or injury. I’m incredibly grateful for your willingness to help out in my time of need. I also appreciate all the cards and meals that were shared with my family while I was in the hospital. It was a crazy week and your

love was very much appreciated. Thank you for your prayers.

Consumed by the Call, Kevin T. Eckert Director of Children & Youth Ministries

Director of Technologies Ministry

RELAY FOR LIFE

This Year’s Relay is scheduled for June 15th. If you are interested in forming a team

or being part of the event, please contact Pam Wessel here in the church office 235-

2824 or someone on the Fellowship

Committee.

2012 Special Services

Sun. April 1st Palm Sunday 9 a.m.

Thurs., April 5 Maundy Thursday Service 7 p.m.

Fri., April 6 Good Friday Service 10 a.m.

Sun. April 8th Easter Service 9 a.m.

This year’s Lenten Series will feature Paul Nixon’s book, I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church Wednesday evenings begin with a fellowship dinner at 5:45 p.m., with the Lenten study beginning at 6:30 p.m. Please sign up for the fellowship dinner on the bulletin

board by the Sunday before. Thank you.

SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT SUNDAY March 4th 9:00 Worship

S.O.S (Kirsten Eckert, Sarah Knapp, Hugh Knapp, Patty Weik, Greg Weaver and Gina Bertram) will be providing all of the music for worship. Please come and be part of this

upbeat service.

8

UPDATE ON OUR PROCESS WITH PAUL NIXON

1) A Committee of 6 persons, plus Pastor Donnley, was appointed by Perry Cowan and affirmed by the Church Council. Perry Cowan, Lisa Ebbers and Marilyn Ruthe are from the Council. Patrick Busker, Shelly Griswold and Hugh

Knapp are from the congregation, at-large.

2) When Pastor Donnley emailed the committee, saying, “Hi, Team,” he asked them to name their team. Marilyn Ruthe suggested, “The B.O.L.D. Team,” for bold, open, loving

and daring. It is how they will identified, hereafter.

3) As of Wednesday, February 15th, 75 people had completed the Readinesds360 Survey, with 5-1/2 days to go. THANK

YOU!

THREE DAYS WITH PAUL NIXON

Sunday, March 11

9:00 a.m. Paul joins us for worship (in the congregation,

not as a worship leader)

11:45 a.m. 2 hour lunch and meeting with Paul making his

first presentation (Lunch provided. Sign up or

call by Tuesday, March 6th)

Monday, March 12

Noon Open Forum meeting with Paul for all church

members and friends

Tuesday, March 13

6:00 p.m. Open meeting with Paul for all church members

and friends (Eat dinner before you come.)

LAYCARE MINISTRY

Matthew 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said ‘love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? And are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your

heavenly Father is perfect.”

Now, that being said/read - let me bring some thoughts to you

from J. Ellsworth Kalas.

Jesus gave a standard for measure and recognition. Jesus said “Look, God makes the sun to rise on the evil and the good and God sends rain on the just and the unjust. And that’s the way we

should relate to people, too.”

Kalas says “Someone has said that in the matter of loving our enemies, love is not so much something of the heart as it is of the will. When we speak of those who are dear to us we sometimes use the phrase ‘falling in love’ as if to show that we can’t help what has happened to us. Loving our enemies, however, is quite a different matter. We have to use our will to do that. He disagrees with the person who said agape love is the power to love those whom we do not like and who do not like us . Kalas says that Christian agape love ought to include the lovable and the unlovable. He says “In that connection, perhaps we could note that such love works with those we love even when they’re not that appealing - that is when they do something that is irritating or thoughtless or rude. But the large point, he feels, is

that agape love simply rises above feelings, whether good or ill. “

So the love we seek, if we want to love as God loves, is not really a matter of emotion - which is usually what we associate with the

concept of love - but a quality of character.

9

UPDATE ON OUR PROCESS WITH PAUL NIXON

1) A Committee of 6 persons, plus Pastor Donnley, was appointed by Perry Cowan and affirmed by the Church Council. Perry Cowan, Lisa Ebbers and Marilyn Ruthe are from the Council. Patrick Busker, Shelly Griswold and Hugh

Knapp are from the congregation, at-large.

2) When Pastor Donnley emailed the committee, saying, “Hi, Team,” he asked them to name their team. Marilyn Ruthe suggested, “The B.O.L.D. Team,” for bold, open, loving

and daring. It is how they will identified, hereafter.

3) As of Wednesday, February 15th, 75 people had completed the Readinesds360 Survey, with 5-1/2 days to go. THANK

YOU!

THREE DAYS WITH PAUL NIXON

Sunday, March 11

9:00 a.m. Paul joins us for worship (in the congregation,

not as a worship leader)

11:45 a.m. 2 hour lunch and meeting with Paul making his

first presentation (Lunch provided. Sign up or

call by Tuesday, March 6th)

Monday, March 12

Noon Open Forum meeting with Paul for all church

members and friends

Tuesday, March 13

6:00 p.m. Open meeting with Paul for all church members

and friends (Eat dinner before you come.)

LAYCARE MINISTRY

Matthew 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said ‘love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? And are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your

heavenly Father is perfect.”

Now, that being said/read - let me bring some thoughts to you

from J. Ellsworth Kalas.

Jesus gave a standard for measure and recognition. Jesus said “Look, God makes the sun to rise on the evil and the good and God sends rain on the just and the unjust. And that’s the way we

should relate to people, too.”

Kalas says “Someone has said that in the matter of loving our enemies, love is not so much something of the heart as it is of the will. When we speak of those who are dear to us we sometimes use the phrase ‘falling in love’ as if to show that we can’t help what has happened to us. Loving our enemies, however, is quite a different matter. We have to use our will to do that. He disagrees with the person who said agape love is the power to love those whom we do not like and who do not like us . Kalas says that Christian agape love ought to include the lovable and the unlovable. He says “In that connection, perhaps we could note that such love works with those we love even when they’re not that appealing - that is when they do something that is irritating or thoughtless or rude. But the large point, he feels, is

that agape love simply rises above feelings, whether good or ill. “

So the love we seek, if we want to love as God loves, is not really a matter of emotion - which is usually what we associate with the

concept of love - but a quality of character.

10

We respond with a certain type of character because we have chosen, by grace, to belong to a certain family - the family of God. Jesus said that God is like this, as impartial as the rain -

and you and I ought to demonstrate the same family trait.

(Quote - unquote)

I happen to like how J. Ellsworth Kalas describes God’s love. If we want to be a part of His family, then we need to love those who aren’t so much like us. I happen to have raised four children

- none of whom are alike. I love them all. They are my family.

Peace and love,

Marilyn Ruthe, Coordinator

Laycare Ministry

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER St. John is hosting this year’s Church Women United’s World Day of Prayer Celebration. The Christian Women of Malaysia have created this worship service with the theme of “Let Justice Prevail”. A clear message emerges from this service: It takes courage, compassion and active engagement for justice to prevail. All are welcome to partake in this meaningful worship service.

Service Friday, March 2nd 1:30pm at St. John UCC Refreshments to follow.

STEWARDSHIP M INISTRY

Applying Bible Principles

When Jesus Christ becomes Savior and Lord of a person’s life, a new creation takes place (2 Cor. 5:17). Old things truly pass away, and new things take their place. This is nowhere more visible than with a person’s outlook on money and material

possessions.

Take Zacchaeus, for example. Here was a man who had made it to the top. He was literally “king of the hill” as he looked down over the city of Jericho. But the respect, friendship and status that Zacchaeus longed for had eluded him as people from all walks of

life despised him. After all, he was the chief tax collector.

But when Jesus entered the life of this little man, the allegiance which Zacchaeus knew changed. He was no longer under the control of the world system as defined by Caesar. Now, he was

accountable to Christ.

As Ken Gire points out in Intimate Moments with the Savior,

. . . his soul knows that account isn’t good. The ledger is filled with entries of money extorted, money under the table, money skimmed off the top, money, money, money. That’s the bottom line for Zacchaeus. The bottom line of a bankrupt life. But the Savior isn’t looking for an audit. . . .Jesus is moved with compassion. . . .From behind the barriers he has erected around his heart, a flood of repentant feelings bursts forth. . . .What took a lifetime to accumulate, one sentence of devotion liquidates. And not by a token ten percent. Half to the poor. Fourfold to the defrauded. Look closely. Witness the miracle

— a camel passing through the eye of a needle.

As Christians — those who proclaim by that title that we are children of God through faith in Jesus Christ — our perspective on life should be different than non-Christians. How we acquire money, how we use it, and how we give it away should mark us as being followers of Christ. And just as Zacchaeus welcomed

11

We respond with a certain type of character because we have chosen, by grace, to belong to a certain family - the family of God. Jesus said that God is like this, as impartial as the rain -

and you and I ought to demonstrate the same family trait.

(Quote - unquote)

I happen to like how J. Ellsworth Kalas describes God’s love. If we want to be a part of His family, then we need to love those who aren’t so much like us. I happen to have raised four children

- none of whom are alike. I love them all. They are my family.

Peace and love,

Marilyn Ruthe, Coordinator

Laycare Ministry

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER St. John is hosting this year’s Church Women United’s World Day of Prayer Celebration. The Christian Women of Malaysia have created this worship service with the theme of “Let Justice Prevail”. A clear message emerges from this service: It takes courage, compassion and active engagement for justice to prevail. All are welcome to partake in this meaningful worship service.

Service Friday, March 2nd 1:30pm at St. John UCC Refreshments to follow.

STEWARDSHIP M INISTRY

Applying Bible Principles

When Jesus Christ becomes Savior and Lord of a person’s life, a new creation takes place (2 Cor. 5:17). Old things truly pass away, and new things take their place. This is nowhere more visible than with a person’s outlook on money and material

possessions.

Take Zacchaeus, for example. Here was a man who had made it to the top. He was literally “king of the hill” as he looked down over the city of Jericho. But the respect, friendship and status that Zacchaeus longed for had eluded him as people from all walks of

life despised him. After all, he was the chief tax collector.

But when Jesus entered the life of this little man, the allegiance which Zacchaeus knew changed. He was no longer under the control of the world system as defined by Caesar. Now, he was

accountable to Christ.

As Ken Gire points out in Intimate Moments with the Savior,

. . . his soul knows that account isn’t good. The ledger is filled with entries of money extorted, money under the table, money skimmed off the top, money, money, money. That’s the bottom line for Zacchaeus. The bottom line of a bankrupt life. But the Savior isn’t looking for an audit. . . .Jesus is moved with compassion. . . .From behind the barriers he has erected around his heart, a flood of repentant feelings bursts forth. . . .What took a lifetime to accumulate, one sentence of devotion liquidates. And not by a token ten percent. Half to the poor. Fourfold to the defrauded. Look closely. Witness the miracle

— a camel passing through the eye of a needle.

As Christians — those who proclaim by that title that we are children of God through faith in Jesus Christ — our perspective on life should be different than non-Christians. How we acquire money, how we use it, and how we give it away should mark us as being followers of Christ. And just as Zacchaeus welcomed

12

Jesus into his home gladly following that life-changing encounter at the sycamore tree, we should welcome Christ’s presence in

our lives gladly, with great joy as He alters the way we give.

J. Alan Youngren wrote, “When we begin to give out of some legalistic need to perform as Christians, we are well on the way toward frustration and defeat in our stewardship. Before long this attitude can lead to carelessness in giving, then reduction in

giving and, finally, defeat in other areas of our spiritual lives.”

Or as Wayne Watts put it: “Giving is the friend of wealth, for with

it comes joy and fulfillment rather than disappointment.”

MISSONS 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 March 4th for the FACC emergency fund.

$205 was collected in February.

FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY

11th Annual ALL-CHURCH

SPAGHETTI SUPPER

4:30-7pm

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Plan to join us in Fellowship Hall for the 11th Annual Spaghetti Supper! The menu includes: Spaghetti & Homemade Meatballs,

Tossed Salad, Garlic Bread, Dessert, Punch & Coffee

Tickets are on sale after service in the Narthex and in the office.

Cost is $7.00 for adults / $4.00 for kids 3-10 yrs. old

(2 & under free) Carry-outs will also be available.

ON G OI NG WAYS TO PAR TI C I PATE I N

TH E L I FE O F THE C HU RCH

CH OI RS

The adult Chancel Choir meets every Thursday at 7pm. Please come and join us if you have a

love for music and enjoy making a joyful noise!

The Bell Choir meets every Thursday at 6 pm. Please consider joining us. An ability to read music is helpful but

not required.

BIB L E S T UD Y

We meet at 9 a.m. every Wednesday in the

Library. Please join us!

TAU ALPHA

Our meetings start again in March! Please join us March 19th

at 1pm here in Fellowship Hall.

CARD CLUB

Card Club will be meeting March 5th at 1 pm.

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!

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Jesus into his home gladly following that life-changing encounter at the sycamore tree, we should welcome Christ’s presence in

our lives gladly, with great joy as He alters the way we give.

J. Alan Youngren wrote, “When we begin to give out of some legalistic need to perform as Christians, we are well on the way toward frustration and defeat in our stewardship. Before long this attitude can lead to carelessness in giving, then reduction in

giving and, finally, defeat in other areas of our spiritual lives.”

Or as Wayne Watts put it: “Giving is the friend of wealth, for with

it comes joy and fulfillment rather than disappointment.”

MISSONS 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 March 4th for the FACC emergency fund.

$205 was collected in February.

FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY

11th Annual ALL-CHURCH

SPAGHETTI SUPPER

4:30-7pm

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Plan to join us in Fellowship Hall for the 11th Annual Spaghetti Supper! The menu includes: Spaghetti & Homemade Meatballs,

Tossed Salad, Garlic Bread, Dessert, Punch & Coffee

Tickets are on sale after service in the Narthex and in the office.

Cost is $7.00 for adults / $4.00 for kids 3-10 yrs. old

(2 & under free) Carry-outs will also be available.

ON G OI N G WAYS TO PA R TI C I PATE I N

TH E L I FE O F TH E C H U R C H

C H OI R S

The adult Chancel Choir meets every Thursday at 7pm. Please come and join us if you have a

love for music and enjoy making a joyful noise!

The Bell Choir meets every Thursday at 6 pm. Please consider joining us. An ability to read music is helpful but

not required.

B IB L E S T U D Y

We meet at 9 a.m. every Wednesday in the

Library. Please join us!

TAU ALPHA

Our meetings start again in March! Please join us March 19th

at 1pm here in Fellowship Hall.

CARD CLUB

Card Club will be meeting March 5th at 1 pm.

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!

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RESOURCE GROUP

Join us on Thursdays at 9 a.m. for coffee, treats, friendship, & to do volunteer work! We assemble the

Tidings on Thursday, March 29th.

LEARNING OUR FAITH

We meet in the Chapel Hearth Sunday mornings during the Sunday School hour following service. Please feel free to join us.

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, March 3rd at 8 a.m. in the Temple Sunday School room. We meet until

about 9:30 a.m. Come check us out!

STITCH SEW QUILT

We had another well organized help work session for our church raffle quilt and have another planned for Friday, March 9, 1:30 p.m. in the Temple Room. Any

interested ladies are welcome to join our Quilt and Sew Group!

MONTHLY PRAYER SERVICE

The Monthly Prayer Service for uplifting the mentally ill has changed its time from 5:30 to 6 on the second Wednesday of each month. Rev. Carol Ahrens will be leading the service on March 14th in the Sanctuary

(normally in Chapel Hearth, except during Lent). This service is offered for those who struggle with mental illness as well as their

loved ones and concerned others.

HELIX

MIDDLE SCHOOL (grades 5-8th)

Thursdays after school 3-5 pm

if there is no school we don’t meet

HIGH SCHOOL (grades 9-12th)

Sunday March 25th 6-8pm

CHRIST FIRST WEIGHTLOSS

This is an ongoing Faith Based Weight loss program that meets Monday evenings from 5-6 or Wednesday evenings from 6-7pm. Please contact Kevin Eckert 815-218-0286 for more information.

WORKOUT NIGHTS

Monday at 6pm will be a DVD workout open to everyone Free! Zumba with Jacqui Davenport on Wed 5-6pm and Zumba Toning on Friday evenings from 5-6pm . First Class is $5 Drop in rate after that is $7 or buy a 10 class punch card for $50.

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. All of the members of St. John (unless requested otherwise) are alphabetically listed to bring a treat to share. 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 etc. or please consider bringing fruit to share.

Everyone enjoys the treats and the social time together.

15

RESOURCE GROUP

Join us on Thursdays at 9 a.m. for coffee, treats, friendship, & to do volunteer work! We assemble the

Tidings on Thursday, March 29th.

LEARNING OUR FAITH

We meet in the Chapel Hearth Sunday mornings during the Sunday School hour following service. Please feel free to join us.

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, March 3rd at 8 a.m. in the Temple Sunday School room. We meet until

about 9:30 a.m. Come check us out!

STITCH SEW QUILT

We had another well organized help work session for our church raffle quilt and have another planned for Friday, March 9, 1:30 p.m. in the Temple Room. Any

interested ladies are welcome to join our Quilt and Sew Group!

MONTHLY PRAYER SERVICE

The Monthly Prayer Service for uplifting the mentally ill has changed its time from 5:30 to 6 on the second Wednesday of each month. Rev. Carol Ahrens will be leading the service on March 14th in the Sanctuary

(normally in Chapel Hearth, except during Lent). This service is offered for those who struggle with mental illness as well as their

loved ones and concerned others.

HELIX

MIDDLE SCHOOL (grades 5-8th)

Thursdays after school 3-5 pm

if there is no school we don’t meet

HIGH SCHOOL (grades 9-12th)

Sunday March 25th 6-8pm

CHRIST FIRST WEIGHTLOSS

This is an ongoing Faith Based Weight loss program that meets Monday evenings from 5-6 or Wednesday evenings from 6-7pm. Please contact Kevin Eckert 815-218-0286 for more information.

WORKOUT NIGHTS

Monday at 6pm will be a DVD workout open to everyone Free! Zumba with Jacqui Davenport on Wed 5-6pm and Zumba Toning on Friday evenings from 5-6pm . First Class is $5 Drop in rate after that is $7 or buy a 10 class punch card for $50.

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. All of the members of St. John (unless requested otherwise) are alphabetically listed to bring a treat to share. 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 etc. or please consider bringing fruit to share.

Everyone enjoys the treats and the social time together.

16

MARCH—Resoure Group

3/4 - Mike & Karen Smith, Stan & Carol Smith, James & Sherrill Spaide, Seth & Katrina Spangler, Steve & Vicki Spyrison,

Jackie Stewart, James & Sharon Summers

3/11 - Roger & Deb Swanlund, Mark Swanson & Amy Doll, Daryl & Delene Tessmann, Leslie & Terry Thomas, Glenn & Marilyn Underwood, Don & Norma Valkema, Quentin & Joanne

Valkema

3/18 - Clifford & Diane Vowles, Ken & LaVonne Wagenkneckt, Jeff & Sally Wagner, William Wagner, Roger Watson, Mike

Weaver, Dan & Pam Wessel

3/25 - Patrick & Linda Wilson, Mark & Beth Winter, Eric & Ashley Woker, Jean Wurtzel, Cathy Williams, Lynn Zimmerman, Dean

& Irene Amendt

APRIL—VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

4/1 - Carol Ahrens, Mary Arnold, Terry & Deleana Atz, Wayne Bahn, Alex and Nikki Bertram , Carole Bertram, Regina

Bertram

GREETERS

March 4- Mavis Clark & Lavonne Wagenknecht

March 11- Donna & Zael Klapp

March 18- Dorothy Ness & Betty Pruitt

March 25- Carolyn Moyer & Jackie Stewart

WELCOMERS

March 4- Claire Biesemeier & Marjorie Criddle

March 11- Clyde & Jeanne Cross

March 18- Joyce Bloyer & Holly Edler

March 25- Bonnie & Russ Gennusa

NURSERY

March 4- Tom & Melinda Ferguson

March 11- Carla Meyer, Jill & Logan Kuntz

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March 18- Marla Kreeger & Olivia Shaffer

March 25 – Cherryl Hinrichs & Amy Doll, Mark Swanson

USHERS

3/04 Tim, Colin & Kristi Ebbers, Dennis Manus, Jim Drew,

3/11 John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus,

Mike Smith, James & Tom Priewe

3/18 Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Wes & Joyce Robinson,

Dana Brill

3/25 Lee & Nancy Otte, Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Jeanne Koch,

Jane Krug

DRIVERS

We have several drivers avai lable, i f you are in need of a r ide please contact the office before

noon on Friday, 815-235-2824 and talk to Pam

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

01/29 - 119 02/12 -144

02/05 - 153 02/19 - 161

SHUT-INS:

The following is a list of people that either can’t get out and may love a visit or a card from those

thinking of them.

Dorothy Miller and Laura Uthlaut at Parkview

Nettie Hendren, Jim Fry and Nada Scheisser at Liberty Village

Bob Heilman at Lena Living Center

June Nagel, Joyce Kaiser and Holly Genant at Stephenson

Nursing Center

In their homes are, Karen Salter, Vivian Pals, Phyllis Cohen, Bill &

Esther Dickman

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PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR PRAYERS

PRAYER CHAIN: Kevin Eckert, Amanda, Bill Dickman,

HOSPITALIZED: Kevin Eckert, Joyce Veer, Delores

Burkhalter

DEATHS: Our prayers and condolences for the family of Harold Schneiderman who passed away on Janurary 26th, Paul Kneller who passed away on January 22nd, Randal Carpenter who passed away on February 4th, and Marg

Shewman who passed away on February 19th.

Thank you so much for all of the support and concern and prayer for Kevin. He is doing really well and we are so appreciative for

our family here at St. John. Thank you - Kevin and Kirsten Eckert

************************************************************************* We would like to thank everyone for the cards, well wishes and the wonderful donations to FACC. Also to all who attended our 50th Wedding celebration. We are truly blessed by a wonderful church family. May God bless everyone and this church. - Monty & Carolee Dietmeier ************************************************************************* We want to thank the ladies of the church for a lovely lunch, you did such a nice job. - the family of Paul Kneller ************************************************************************** Thank you for supporting the Newkirk girls and their girl scout cookies sales! We really appreciate it. - Angela Newkirk

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PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR PRAYERS

PRAYER CHAIN: Kevin Eckert, Amanda, Bill Dickman,

HOSPITALIZED: Kevin Eckert, Joyce Veer, Delores

Burkhalter

DEATHS: Our prayers and condolences for the family of Harold Schneiderman who passed away on Janurary 26th, Paul Kneller who passed away on January 22nd, Randal Carpenter who passed away on February 4th, and Marg

Shewman who passed away on February 19th.

Thank you so much for all of the support and concern and prayer for Kevin. He is doing really well and we are so appreciative for

our family here at St. John. Thank you - Kevin and Kirsten Eckert

************************************************************************* We would like to thank everyone for the cards, well wishes and the wonderful donations to FACC. Also to all who attended our 50th Wedding celebration. We are truly blessed by a wonderful church family. May God bless everyone and this church. - Monty & Carolee Dietmeier ************************************************************************* We want to thank the ladies of the church for a lovely lunch, you did such a nice job. - the family of Paul Kneller ************************************************************************** Thank you for supporting the Newkirk girls and their girl scout cookies sales! We really appreciate it. - Angela Newkirk

We want to THANK YOU, for your continued support for the Children of Uganda. There are so many to thank…first, thank you everyone!! We are also so appreciative of all the work that the entire Ebbers family put in!! From Colin working with the Servant Leadership group, and the entire family helping at the performance, as well as the Swanlunds. To the Copus’ and Ebbers for hosting the children, as well as enjoying a brief time with these amazing children. To everyone who collected coats and clothes. To Pam Wessel, Bonnie Gennusa and all those who organized and worked at the pot luck as well as to those whom brought food for the potluck. To Mary Arnold and her knitters for the beautiful hand knitted sweaters that the children loved. To Gina Bertram, Mary Arnold, and Kirsten Eckert and our amazing children’s choir (and their parents). With St. John’s continued contributions and everyone’s support, we raised over $14,000.00 for the Children of Uganda. We cannot thank you

enough…

Sarah, Martha and Perry Cowan

20

St. John UCC Council Minutes 2-13-12

Members Present: Perry Cowan, President, Mary Arnold, Bill Condie, Deb Hartman, Keith Hinrichs, Ben Lee, Ulan Price, Joyce Robinson, Marilyn Ruthe, Pastor Donnley, ex-officio. Opening Prayer: Pastor Donnley January Minutes: Previously approved via email. Treasurer’s Report: Clarification on corrected year-end statement due to funds transfer from 2011 end of year donation. Motion to approve made by Marilyn Ruthe, 2nd by Mary Arnold. Discussion followed. Motion carried. Update on Paul Nixon: A subcommittee has

been formed of Congregational/Council members based on their credibility, generational diversity and sensitivity to cultural diversity. They will be known by the acronym B.O.L.D. (Bold,

Open, Loving, Daring). Members are: Pat Busker, Perry Cowan, Lisa Ebbers, Shelly Griswold, Hugh Knapp and Marilyn Ruthe. This group will work closely with Rev. Nixon and Pastor Donnley over the next 14 to15 months. Pastor Donnley gave updates on the surveys completed during worship and the online survey that will be completed by 2-20-12. Pastor Donnley will be using the book written by Rev. Nixon I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church for his Lenten series discussions starting on 2-26-12 and continuing on Wednesday evenings throughout Lent..

PRESIDENT Perry Cowan V ICE PRESIDENT

Bill Condie SECRETARY Deb Hartman TREASURER

Ulan Price CHRISTIAN ED .

Lisa Ebbers CHURCHGROWTH MAR ILYN RUTHE FELLOWSHIP

Ben Lee M ISS IONS Bill Condie PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Keith Hinrichs Bruce Dykstra STAFF RELATIONS

Joyce Robinson STEWARDSHIP

Ulan Price WORSHIP

Mary Arnold

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Upcoming events/dates:

3-11-12 11:45am -- 1:45pm Meeting with Paul Nixon.

Lunch will be provided.

All are encouraged to attend

Sign up sheet on bulletin board

3-12-12 1200 noon Open Forum with Paul Nixon

Lunch is not provided.


3-12-12 6:30pm Council meeting

3-13-12 6:00pm Wrap up with Paul Nixon


3-18-12 Following Congregational Meeting

Worship All are encouraged to attend

Recommendations from Paul Nixon will be presented for vote

or affirmation, as needed.

Council/Ministry Nominations: A list of Council and Ministry positions that will be open for the new year was distributed. Council members will call those nominated and report results to the church office.

Annual Report: Discussed those items from the past year to be included in report.

Adjournment: Adjourned with Mizpah Benediction. Respectfully submitted,

Deb Hartman Council Secretary

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FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Beginning Balance January 1, 2012 $32,692.43

1/01 General Fund Beginning Balance $35,501.74 2/06 GF Income $ 6,113.16 2/13 GF Income $ 5,075.07 Less 2/17 GF Payroll & Compensation $ 11,616.01 2/17 GF Other Checks $ 10,610.01 2/17 Current Bills Outstanding $ 2,483.51 2/17 Ending Balance $21,980.44 __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Beginning Balance January 1, 2010 $ 6,962.17 2/01 Building Fund Beginning Balance $ 4,089.15

2/06 BD Income $ 303.00 2/13 BD Income $ 244.00 Less 2/17 BD Checks $ 4,135.46 2/17 Ending Balance $ 500.69

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March Scripture Readings

01 Psalm 84 17 Psalm 17















16 Psalm 16

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Tidings March 2012

Documents

church staff

kings highway

church senior pastor

john united church of

pam wessel staff secretary

kirsten eckert choir

years of life

glory of god