First Congregational

Community Church

Congregational Times April 2018 Volume 18, Issue 4

Little Things from Lisa

1 Corinthians 12:12-27 12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we

were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free, and we were all

given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason

stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it

would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of

hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the

parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the

body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think

are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special

modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving

greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should

have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every

part rejoices with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

Have you ever stubbed your toe? Have you ever stubbed it so hard you sprained or even broke your toe? There’s nothing they can do for a broken toe. The bone is too small to set. You just have to wait it out. What once was this small insignificant appendage on your foot has now taken over your entire life. You can’t walk correctly! Heck putting on a sock or shoe is absolute horror! Who knew something so small and insignificant could be so important! But it is. Every toe is as important as every finger, every hair, every skin cell, and every fiber of our being. God arranged them all in perfect harmony to make up who we are and function together as a unit. Now apply that metaphor to the human race as Paul does in our passage from 1Corinthians above. Every single person has been created by God uniquely and specially for a purpose. When we work together, we accomplish what God has designed us for. We work in harmony with the strengths and weaknesses of our whole being.

(Continued……)

Little Things from Lisa (continued…) But lately, it seems that the foot is raising cane with the ear. And the tongue is raising cane with the heart. And what is happening is that people are starting to cut off the feet around them. They are cutting off the ears of others. They are silencing the tongues of others because they don’t like what they hear. What starts to happen is that we start to limp without our toes, or we become cold without our hearts, or we become deaf without our ears. In short, we do not function as our Creator intended. The world is not supposed to be governed by one idea and one mindset. That is tyranny. But instead, we have been created differently to work together and temper one another’s motives. Can you imagine how God feels when we tear each other apart for the convictions that He has placed within us? We tear down in each other what makes us unique and important to the body….if we do not agree with them. Meditate on the scripture lesson above for several days. I have been. When I see the world so broken and divisive, I turn to God and ask, what are we doing wrong? And 1 Corinthians was where he led me. God created us different on purpose! In order that we can learn to be humble, wise, discerning, and cooperative. That is the only way we successfully live as the body of Christ. Ask yourself today, “Am I working in harmony with the body? Or am I a broken toe causing havoc at every turn?” In closing, remember the age-old adage that God gave us two ears and only one mouth for a reason! To listen twice as much as we talk. Please join with me in brining unity back to the body in our world. Peace.

Locally, this Pray For America event is being held at noon at Settler’s Park in Rockton at the Gazebo on the River.

BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES 1 Jeff Ball 27

0 Lori Iversen

4 Wendy Mathieu 28 Marie Mathieu

7 Karen Lewis 29 Adyson Andrews

9 Alicia Bolar 29 Karen Gothard

22 Samantha Henderson 30 Beth-Ann Ward

22 Joan Traff

23 Mary Lou Sprague

25 Clayton Mathieu

26 Katy Sprague

8:00 GREETERS 10:00 GREETERS

1 Bud & Linda McAffee Jim Matheson

8 Oscar & Dean Presley Jan Smith

15 Gina McLaren Allan & Marie Mathieu

22 Brian & Diane Wheeler Karen Lewis

29 Diana Andrews Bill & Misty Melton

LITURGISTS FLOWERS

1 Stan McCord Tulips for Easter

8 Jordan Menges TBD

15 Paula Pettersen Dee Dunnett

22 Clayton Mathieu Karen Gothard

29 Ethan Menges Allan & Marie Mathieu

Pastor Rev. Lisa M Abb

Music & Outreach Holly Richardson

Custodian Bill Melton

Moderator Paula Pettersen Allan Mathieu

Treasurer Stan McCord

Financial Secretary Diane Wheeler

Church Clerk Marie Mathieu

Christian Education Children: Tracy Terry

Youth: Ethan & Jordan Menges Adult: Karen Gothard

Diaconate Bill & Misty Melton

Brian & Diane Wheeler Stan McCord/Jayne Oakes

Trustees Jeff Ball

Cathy Henderson Noah Melton

Nominating Committee

Judy Melton, Wendy Mathieu, Jeaneal Lantz

Memorial Committee

Janet Lind, Dawn Lindsey, Lynne Nelson

Missions Committee

Karen Gothard, Stan McCord, Marcie Ball,

Joy Aiello, Darlene Worley

Church Office: 815-623-2348

Items for Weekly Bulletin: email to firstconroscoe@gmail.com

Please put “Bulletin” in the subject line

Items for Monthly Newsletter: email to klgothard@att.net

Well we’re having fun now! What a competitive bunch you are! Too bad your bible knowledge isn’t as aggressive as your game play! But we will continue to battle on as long as you enjoy the games! The increase in attendance has been encouraging and certainly makes for a more enjoyable group experience. So keep on coming and let’s sharpen our bible knowledge!

Vertical

Focus

Coming To The Pulpit After our season of Lent, Easter, and Holy Humor, we will be beginning a new series that focuses on heaven, the afterlife, and what happens when we die. Most people have significant questions surrounding the topic of what’s next. While much of heaven will remain a mystery until such a time as we join our Savior, we can look to the scriptures for clues and hints of what lies in store. Are there ghosts? How old will we be? Will we know other people? These questions and more will be examined throughout April and into May. See you in church!

Our next meeting is Monday, April 16th at 7pm. We meet the 3rd Monday of each month. We will be discussing upcoming events. Come and share your thoughts. All women of the church are invited. Don’t forget the Women’s Evening Circle is still selling Rada knifes. If you are interested please see Judy Melton.

Women’s Evening Circle

First quarter financial update:

Our 2018 budget was approved for $137,055. The quarterly breakdown is $31,763. This first quarter we have brought in

$26,302, a difference of $5,461(in the RED). Please prayerfully consider the financial needs of our church. Any "bursts" of extra income would be APPRECIATED!! Let's make 2018 a good year

like last year!!

With kind regards, Diane Wheeler

Financial Secretary

Our men’s luncheon will be on Wednesday, April 4th at 11:30 AM at Sophia’s Restaurant in Roscoe. Hope to see ya’ there!

Norm Iversen

Psalm 37:23-24 The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. Perseverance is the name of the game right now in the area of congregational care. The only folks on our list right now are folks who have been on there for quite some time. We are all aware of how it feels to be burdened with an on-going infirmity that can wear on your soul, good disposition, and your patience. Please do not cease to pray for these folks who continue to fight for a better quality of life. Your prayers work! Connie’s daughter Cher is a living testament to the power of prayer. And many others like her experience blessings every day. So pray for strength, patience, and peace for each person continuing to fight the good fight! They need to know we are in it with them.

Retiree’s and WannaBe’s

Please keep these folks in your prayers. If you have someone you would like to have listed here in the future, please notify the church office, Karen Gothard, or Pastor Lisa.

Dustin Insko & Family Karen Lewis’ niece Gail

Sally & Bruce Marshall Connie Leather & daughter Cher

LaVeda Stout & Francis Darlene Worley & brother Larry

Shirley Putnam

GROUP LIFE AND FELLOWSHIP

Thank you to all who provide goodies each Sunday, making our time of fellowship yummy.

Just a reminder:

Coffee and goodies are provided weekly following each worship service.

If you would like to share a treat or help with kitchen duties, sign-up

sheets available downstairs (or just pitch-in when you can).

Did you know??

Saturday, May 5th is Ula Bryan’s

90th BIRTHDAY!! Ula would love hearing from her friends and church family on this special day. Let’s send her a ton of birthday cards and well wishes!

Alpine Fireside Emma Ula Bryan Please contact the church for address.

*Note: No visits on the 5th please – the family is gathering

that day with her and it will be a busy day 😊

WORSHIP CHOIR REHEARSALS:

Every Sunday at 9:15am

(last Sunday School room on the left)

Have questions or ideas? Call Holly for details.

Monday Afternoon Bible Study

We’re diggin’ in deep!

Wednesdays at 1pm Fireside Rm

All are Welcome!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

A huge and heartfelt THANK YOU for all of your support for the Soup Luncheon benefit for the Insko family!!

Thanks to all who donated soups, desserts, breads/crackers, time, money, and LOVE to this wonderful family. We had an

AMAZING turnout and a lovely time of fellowship.

SAVE THE DATE – SAVE THE DATE – SAVE THE DATE

We will be continuing our efforts to serve this family in April by holding a Workday at their house to clean up the yard and flower beds and help with whatever other projects we can.

The workday will be held on: SUNDAY, APRIL 15TH at 1:00 pm

(RAIN DATE IS SUNDAY, APRIL 22ND)

All hands on deck for a fun afternoon enjoying some Spring weather and helping our friends.

More details will be coming in your weekly bulletins, but plan on joining us for the Sunday worship service of your choice, going home to grab a quick lunch and change into your

working clothes 😊, and meeting us at the Insko’s house at 1:00 pm.

11191 Dublin

Roscoe, IL 61073

The generosity and heart of this church family are AMAZING.

Thank you for all you do 😊

Monthly Church Events – April 2018

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 8AM & 10AM EASTER SERVICES 9:00 EASTER BREAKFAST 5PM – Strait Up Sundays Jeff Ball birthday

2 3 4 6:30 PM Bible Study Wendy Mathieu birthday

5 6 7

10:00 CHOIR REHEARSAL 1:00PM Instrumental Rehearsal Karen Lewis birthday

8 8AM & 10AM Worship Services 9:15 AM CHOIR REHEARSAL Fellowship Hour between services 5PM – Strait Up Sundays

9 1:00 PM Monday Afternoon Bible Study 7:00 PM Church Council Meeting Alicia Bolar birthday

10

11 1:00 PM Women’s Afternoon Circle 6:30 PM Bible Study

12

13

14 1:00PM Instrumental Rehearsal

15 8AM & 10AM Worship Services Fellowship Hour between services 1:00 PM WORKDAY at the Insko’s house 5PM – Strait Up Sundays

16 1:00 PM Monday Afternoon Bible Study Women’s Evening Circle Meeting 7:00 PM

17

18 6:30 PM Bible Study

19 10:00 AM CFO’s Meeting

20

21 1:00PM Instrumental Rehearsal

22 8AM & 10AM Worship Services Fellowship Hour between services 5PM – Strait Up Sundays Samantha Henderson birthday Joan Traff birthday

23 1:00 PM Monday Afternoon Bible Study

Mary Lou Sprague birthday

24

25 6:30 PM Bible Study

Clayton Mathieu birthday

26 Katy Sprague birthday

27 Lori Iversen birthday

28 1:00PM Instrumental Rehearsal

Marie Mathieu birthday

29 8AM & 10AM Worship Services 9:15 AM CHOIR REHEARSAL Fellowship Hour between services 5PM – Strait Up Sundays Adyson Andrews birthday Karen Gothard birthday

30 1:00 PM Monday Afternoon Bible Study

Beth-Ann Ward birthday

First Congregational Community Church 10780 3rd Street – P. O. Box 66 Roscoe, IL 61073-0066 Phone: 815-623-2348 Rev. Lisa Abb firstconroscoe@gmail.com web site: www.firstconroscoe.com

Every Sunday

8:00 A.M. Morning Worship Service

8:45 A.M. Bible Study

8:45 A.M. Coffee Fellowship Hour

9:15 A.M. Choir Rehearsal

10:00 A.M. Morning Worship Service

11:00 A.M. Coffee Fellowship Hour 5:00 P.M “Straight Up Sundays” Youth Programs

Join us for a Heart Warming Family

Worship Service at 8:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. Nursery

service is available for children 4 years of age and under.

Join us downstairs for coffee, dessert, and

Fellowship in between Worship Services.

Every Monday

1:00 P.M. Bible Study

Every Wednesday

6:30 P.M. Bible Study