First Presbyterian Church

Hoopeston, Illinois

September 2017

The Bridgebuilder

Inside this issue:

Letter, Park 2

Children, Youth, Preschool

3

College Youth, Choir, Handbells,

4

Who’s Who 5

Finance, Mission, Session

6

Mail, Prayers

7

First Presbyterian Church

915 E Orange St

P.O. Box 297

Hoopeston, IL 60942

Phone: 217-283-6229

Fax: 217-283-6229

E-mail: church@fpchoopeston.com

W e ’ r e o n t h e w e b !

w w w. f p c h o o p e s to n . c o m

F i n d us o n F a c e b o o k

First Presbyterian Church

P.O. Box 297

915 E. Orange St

Hoopeston, IL 60942

Return Service Requested

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Permit No. 49

Hoopeston, IL 60942

First Presbyterian Church of Hoopeston

Organ Fund Drive—Wow!

You did it! We are humbled and thrilled by the generous response of our members and friends to

the Organ Fund Drive. Thirty-nine pledges were received within a month - enough to cover the

cost of the organ. The Session has met and has placed the order and we expect the organ to be

installed by the end of October. A special commissioning service will be planned. Hallelujah!

On behalf of the Session and congregation, I thank everyone who opened their hearts to fill our

need. Several particularly generous gifts were given, as you see below, and we are particularly

grateful for those. God has opened many hearts. God did it!

Below is the list of the pledges we received in the order we received them. The response from

friends of the church was a special surprise and was such an affirmation that the ministry of a

congregation can reach way beyond its walls and its immediate community. Love is never bound.

Because of God and these givers, the new organ will be offering its praise to God for many years

to come. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! - Rev. Wade

Head of the Church Jesus Christ

Ministers of the Good News All of Us

Session Elders

Lent/Easter Season Planning Laura Flint, Janet Smith

Pentecost Summer Season Joe Steiner, Julie Stump

Pentecost Fall Season Karl Steiner, Wayne Bandy Advent/Christmas Season Debi Dixon, Linda Martin Epiphany Season Gloria Jahn, Julie Stump

Deacons Shirley Wagoner, Rita Carter, Dale Smith

Organist and Music Director Rick Brackmann

Custodian Gary Deck

Preschool Director Julia Kaeb

Pastor Wade Meranda

Administrative Assistant Betsy Schellhardt

Preschool Assistant Teacher Sarah Tribbey

Youth Group Director Kathy Watson

Each of you should give what you have

decided in your heart to give, not reluc-

tantly or under compulsion, for God loves

a cheerful giver. -2 Corinthians 9:7

Member 25,000 Friend 200 Friend 3,000 Friend 25 Member 500 Friend 5,000 Member 1,000 Friend 50 Member 1,000 Member 100 Friend 200 Friend 25 Member 5,000 Friend 100 Member 500 Member 1,000 Member 1,000 Member 2,500 Member 1,000 Friend 7,000 Member 200 Member 500 Friend 100 Member 50 Member 500 Member 250 Member 500 Member 2,500 Member 500 Friend 1,000 Member 1,000 Member 50 Member 250 Member 40 Member 2,000 Member 100 Member 1,000 Member 300 Member 200

Page 2

Letter, Park

Page 7

Mail, Prayers

In Our Prayers

Those who grieve: The families of Evelyn Swartz, Wanda Ervin, Bob Alkire, Matt Schertz (G. Jahn’s nephew), Mark Drollinger (Police Chief), Richard “Dick” McFarland, Jinnie Siewert (Past Pastor of FPC, Rossville), Lorraine McBeath (P. Clem’s sister), Brett Hufford, Brian Hodge, Dick Martin, Margaret Pelman (K. Cox’s grandmother) and Leo Huffman.

Those with immediate concerns: Julia Terri-to (B. Park’s sister), Patti Root (K. Root’s mom), Verna Rieches (J. Steinier’s friend), Kim Smith, Mary Zemke (L. Martin’s friend), Chet Catron, Paul Roberts, Nate Bushong (G. Morgan’s friend), Marshall Smith (J & D Smith’s son), Brenda Pelman (K. Cox’s mom), Bill Couch (C. Lee’s dad), Nathan Allis (C. Newman’s nephew), Neta Odle (S. Eckersley’s sister), Blake Kin-nett (BHHS student), Brian Lemenager (M. Foster’s grandson), Stephanie Crabtree (E. Donley’s friend), Sue Davia (D. Dixon’s sister), Mary Kane (K. Root’s aunt), Lucy Hines (kidney recipient at Riley’s), Natalie Zollar (E. Donley’s niece), Lois Lankford, Joyce Cottingham (L. Martin’s friend), Amy Buhr (S. Burton’s friend), Marla Haas (S. Burton’s friend), Loretta Tarr (K. Wat-son’s aunt), Linda Brown (R. Stump’s friend), Ian Anderson (J. Stump’s nephew), Vickie Anderson (J. Stump’s sister), Carly

Chase (R. Brackmann’s friend), Ann Coffman, Gary Fritz (H. Steiner’s dad), Ann Wise (L. Martin’s friend), Holly Brown (K. Steiner’s friend), Howard Kellum (C. Flint’s brother), Mort Young (G. Morgan), Martha Barner, John and Carole Ronane (J. Stump’s friends), Beth Meese (G. Morgan’s friend).

Those with long-term concerns: Paula Sims, Ruth Highfill, Chalmers Flint, Carol Kloska, Steve Johnson (S. Wagoner’s friend), Rob Burton (J. Stump’s brother), Larry Betka, Mason Steiner, Doug Harper (Huffman’s son-in-law), Ken Bryant (pastor), John Lindley, Gary Deck, Dennis and Renne Carter (R. Carter’s brother-in-law), John Masengale (S. Burton’s dad), Ma-son Whitaker (G. Deck’s grandson), Glen Hoel (J. Gaddis’ uncle), Sue Burton, Charlie Pajor, Linda Briscoe (L. Huffman’s niece), Betty Kilgore (L. Huffman’s sister), Lori Egnew Vaughan (G. Morgan’s friend), Sophia Voyda (E. Donley’s niece), Debbie Ca-tron.

Those homebound or in assisted living or nursing homes: Dee Schellhardt, Vader Clements, Mike Blankenship, Pat Vacket-ta, Louise Donley (E. Donley’s grandma).

Those in church leadership: Our Session and Deacon Board, Rev. Wade, Denise Anderson and Jan Edmiston (General Assem-bly co-moderators), J. Herbert Nelson (G.A. clerk), Laurie Fields (Presbytery moderator), Bill McLean (Pres. PCC), Cindy Bean (Pres. clerk).

Nominating Committee

This time every year, our Nominating Committee be-

gins its work to determine which of our members God

has called to serve in the office of Elder and Deacon.

Discernment is a quiet and prayerful ministry. Mem-

bers are: Melissa Betka, Holly Steiner, Kristi Keller, Rita

Carter, Debby Dixon, Karl Steiner, and Gloria Jahn.

Pastors are also members of the NC, but do not vote.

The NC will select a slate of elders and deacons and

will present the slate for a vote of affirmation at the

October 29 meeting of the congregation. Please keep

the NC in your prayers this month as they do this im-

portant work.

We’ve Got Mail

For organ fund giving:

Thank you for your response to my gift to the organ fund. I have always loved God, Jesus, and the church. The gift is part of what God has given me over the many years. I was very grateful to help in some way by giving back what has been given to me. My vision and hearing have not been good for many years now. Thank you and pray for me. Sincerely, Vader Clements

For organ fund giving:

So happy the church was blessed with donations to purchase a much needed organ. The church family, friends, and community made this possi-ble. I feel blessed to be a part of this larger endeavor—and as Luke teaches us—to give and as it is given unto you. Such an honor to have Rev. Wade to guide us. Out-standing job from all! - Marge Foster

For visitor welcome basket:

Thank you for the wonderful welcome basket. I love everything in it and have already put the cookbook to good use. Sincerely, Donna Boyer

For care card:

I cannot thank you enough for the kindness you’ve shown to me. When I opened your card and read the

names of people I’ve always known, I just cried. It was such a kind thing to do. Thanks from the bottom of my heart.—Ava Johnson

Letter of Response From the PCUSA Denomination

In the aftermath of the events of August 11 and 12 in Charlottesville, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) reaffirms its condemnation of white supremacy and racism, names them as sin, and renews its commit-ment to disrupting them and working for justice and equity.

We give thanks for the presence and faithful witness of church mem-bers who stand against white supremacy and racism. Individually and collectively the church, including Presbyterians, stood against hate in Charlottesville. Individually and collectively the church, in-

cluding Presbyterians, works to disrupt racism and to build racial equity in places across the country. We grieve for Heather Heyer, who was killed while standing witness; we grieve for state police officers H. Jay Cullen and Berke Bates, who died in a helicopter crash while monitoring events in Charlottesville; we pray for the recovery of all who were injured.

We acknowledge that Scripture has been misused to justify white supremacy and racism. However, we proclaim that the Bible’s mes-sage presents a far more consistent and insistent witness to God’s love for diversity and justice. This may be observed in God’s delight in the varied creation; heard in the words of prophets who reject oppression and commend justice as true worship; seen in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, who values all persons regardless of any aspect of their identity; and experienced through the work of the Holy Spirit, who consistently blows through all the divisions we create, to reveal God’s love for all humanity.

White supremacy and racism stand in stark, irreconcilable contradic-tion to God’s intention for humanity. They reject part of the human family and are utterly contrary to God’s Word made incarnate in Jesus. They are idolatries that elevate human-created hierarchies over God’s freely given grace and love. They are lies about the human family, for they seek to say that some people are less than other peo-ple. They are lies about God because they falsely claim that God fa-vors some people over the entirety of creation.

But as we give thanks, we acknowledge the church’s complic-ity in the creation of white suprem-acy and racism. We confess the church’s failure in challenging and disrupting white supremacy and racism. Too often we have accept-ed the status quo. Too often we have stood silent in the face of injustice and oppression.

By God’s grace may we remember the events in Charlottesville; re-pent of our acquiescence and failures; and renew our commitment to proclaim and live the good news of Jesus Christ. May that commit-ment lead us to stand against, speak against and work against racism and white supremacy, this day and every day.

May it be so. Amen.

Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II Stated Clerk of the General Assembly

Tony De La Rosa Interim Executive Director - Presbyterian Mission Agency

Rev. T. Denise Anderson & Rev. Dr. Jan Edmiston Co-Moderators of the 222nd General Assembly (2016)

Church in the Park

The Hoopeston Area Ministerial Association is work-

ing to bring congregations together in a new way, with

a special event called Church in the Park—a day of

worship and fellowship at McFerren Park on Sunday,

September 17 at 10:45 a.m. Participating congregations

(that includes us!) will not worship in their sanctuaries

on this day, and instead, will gather at the park to wor-

ship God together. Please invite your friends and

neighbors!

Church in the Park will include a one-hour worship

service followed by lunch and activities afterwards. If

you’d like to help on the set-up crew, parking crew,

ushers, children’s ministry, lunch preparation, or clean-

up crew, please sign up in fellowship hall soon. At least

seven churches in town are participating. All churches

have been invited.

Scott Pittman at the Methodist Church is organizing a

community choir to sing and the next practice is on

September 10 at 2:00 p.m. at the UMC church.

A lunch will be provided after worship, including

burgers and hot dogs grilled out. The recommended

donation for the meal is $5 per person or $15 per fami-

ly. Worship will be by the basketball

court and there is plenty of parking at

the park. Bring a lawn chair if you

can. If it rains or snows, we will wor-

ship inside the Civic Center. See Rev.

Wade with questions.

Please pray for our town’s first

Church in the Park event. May God

be glorified!

Page 3

Children, Youth, Preschool

Page 6

Finance, Mission, Session

Change for Change Mission

On August 20, our mission offering was $295 and sup-

ported the Back to School Supplies program for

Hoopeston area children. Thanks to all who gave.

On September 10 our mission

offering will support the Milk

Club ministry, providing milk

for school children who have

parents unable to pay. Please

give.

Food Cupboard and Animal Shelter

Bins are available at the entrance door to donate food

items to the Grant Township Food Cupboard and to the

Hoopeston Animal Shelter. The Food Cupboard needs

bar soap, empty egg cartons, cereal, canned fruit or oth-

er items. The Animal Shelter needs cat litter, towels

(clean, used is fine),

canned dog and cat

food, blankets (clean,

used) , laundry soap,

bleach, paper towels.

General Fund Giving

2017 2016 2015

Given as of Aug 31 65,136 $67,162 $69,669

Total for Year tbd $107,438 $107,211

Pledges for Year $101,880 $107,363 $108,436

Small Wonders Preschool Begins

Small Wonders is back for another great school year! It

will be good to have little children and their cheerful

noises filling the hallways and classroom again as we

start back to school.

We have 25 young ladies and gen-

tlemen signed up for our preschool

program, which is a good increase

from last year. Thanks to those of

you who have spread the word

about Small Wonders! We are excited that our new as-

sistant, Sarah Tribbey, will be joining our preschool

team. Sarah and her husband live here in Hoopeston.

She has worked in childcare settings for many years.

We like to use the month of September to get to know

our new friends and teachers. Our students will learn

the rules of their new school, names of their new

friends, and a new routine. We also get to talk about

fall and enjoy some of the fun things that come with

this time of the year.

A big thank you for those who have already donated

snacks and supplies for our classroom! Classes begin

on September 5. - Julia Kaeb, Director

Sunday School Begins

Our Preschool-4th grade Sunday School class is small,

but faithful! Classes will resume on September 24 and

like last year, the children will leave worship after the

Children’s Time and class will conclude at 11:00 a.m.

The northeast area of fellowship hall is designated as

the Pre-4th Sunday School area so

the children have a consistent

place to gather. Classes do not

meet on Sundays when commun-

ion is served so the children can

receive the sacrament.

We use a lectionary based curricu-

lum so the children learn about the same Biblical sto-

ries that are being heard in worship that day. If you

would like to teach a class or two, please sign up on the

bulletin board. Our curriculum is friendly to use and

the children are always grateful for the time and atten-

tion given to them.

Recycling Mission

Help us be good stewards of God’s creation. We are a

recycling center for several hazardous items. Collection

bins are located on the back stairwell.

• Recycling paper, glass,

and plastic. If you are not

able to participate in

Hoopeston’s curbside pro-

gram, bring your recy-

cling to church. Pickup is

every other Friday.

• Recycling batteries and

light bulbs. Both batteries

and CFL bulbs contain toxic heavy metals.

• Recycling cell phones. A bin for these can be found

on the big table in the narthex. Your donations of old

phones provides phone cards for U.S. military per-

sonnel serving away from home.

• Recycling ink jet cartridges. The ink in printer car-

tridges is very toxic.

• Recycling pop tabs. Tabs are collected for recycling

to support the Ronald McDonald House at Riley’s

Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.

Session Highlights

From the August 6 called meeting:

• 10 of 10 present

• Reviewed Organ Fund Drive results, the 39 pledg-

es are enough cover the cost. Approved purchase of a new Rodgers Organ as quoted.

• Approved our participation in HAMA’s Church in

the Park worship on Sept 17 at 10:45 a.m. Many area churches will worship together and not in their own church that day.

• Approved the Sept 10 Change for Change offering

for the Milk Club.

From the August 21 stated meeting:

• 10 of 10 present

• Heard good comments about organ fund, mission

trip. movie night, guest preachers, church picnic. • Approved an operating budget for the preschool

for this school year. Enrollment estimate is 25 stu-dents. We’ll have morning classes and enrichment hours each day. Approved teacher salaries.

• Heard report from Dale Smith (our commissioner

to presbytery) on the May presbytery meeting. • Received Ray Stump into membership by letter of

transfer from FPC Rossville. • Reviewed and approved finance report for July. All

records are in good order. • Received the annual audit report for the 2016 fiscal

year, conducted by Debby Dixon and Debi Lank-ford. All bank transactions and records were found to be in good order.

• Heard the DCFS license renewal for the preschool,

done every three years, is underway. The State Fire Marshall inspection report is being reviewed. As always, the Session will adhere to all licensing re-quirements.

Youth Program Begins

The Youth Group (5th-8th) and Discipleship Class (9th-

12th) will kick-off the year on September 10 at 5:30 p.m.

The youth will gather again on September 24, Youth

Group at 6:30 and Discipleship Class at 7:30.

Our youth program includes

two gatherings a month, local

mission work, a summer mis-

sion trip, providing an Easter

Sunrise Service and a Mission

Trip sharing service, sending

care packages to our college

students, Bible studies, and

fundraisers for the mission trip. These activities pro-

vide the youth with the opportunity to participate in

several types of ministries, including education, ser-

vice, and fellowship. The love of God can be learned

and shared in many ways!

We are grateful for our youth who participate and our

youth program director, Kathy Watson. The picture

below is from the summer mission trip at the AMEN

mission ministry in St. Louis, MO.

College, Choir, Handbells

Page 5

Who’s Who

Page 4

College Students

Pray for our youth who have recently begun their fall

semester at college. Send notes of encouragement dur-

ing the year as you can. Godspeed to each of them!

Danville Community College

Nick Brown, 10930 State Route 9,

Hoopeston, IL 60942

Eastern Illinois University

Brenna Deck, 1009 Greek Court, 101 AST, Charleston, IL 61920 Sadie Hofer, 2302 Bostic Dr., Bldg 2358 #101, Charles-ton IL 61920

Illinois State University

Aiden Berg, 202 W Locust, Apt 2, Normal, IL 61761 Tanner Burton, 805 S Franklin Ave, Normal, IL 61761 Laura Meranda, Clay 220, 315 S Fell Ave, Normal IL 61761

Illinois Wesleyan University

Noah Jett, 1301 N East St,

Bloomington, IL 61701

Indiana State University

Ashley Morgan, Pickerl Hall Room 419, 220 N 6th St, Terre Haute, IN 47809 Karsen Root, Sandison Hall Room 512, 440 N. 6th St, Terre Haute, IN 47809 Connor Watson, Pickerl Hall Room 417, 220 N 6th St, Terre Haute, IN 47809

Lincoln Land Community College

Ella Nelson, 1608 Toronto Road Apt 12, Springfield IL 62712

Milliken University

Mason Jett, 1305 N Macon St,

Decatur, IL 62522

Northeastern University, Boston

Alex Berg, 1788 Beacon St #3, Brookline, MA 02445

University of Illinois

Madie Brown, 1905 N Cunningham Ave, Apt 206-D, Urbana, IL 61802

Who’s Who in the Pews By Christy Lee

Devotion to their children, to their careers, to each oth-er. That’s the story of Lee and Katrina Cox and family. Katrina was raised in Danville by parents, Ken and Brenda Pelman. She graduated from Schlarman Acade-my in 2005 and began working for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, where she remains today as a client service specialist – helping clients set up benefits and resolving escalated issues. In 2014, she earned her asso-ciate’s degree in health information technology from DeVry University. Lee, the son of Lloyd and Carmela Cox, graduated from Hoopeston Area High School in 2000. He attend-ed Purdue University – where he was a member of the wrestling team – and earned a degree in aviation air-line management with a minor in flight in 2004. “The worst advice I ever got? Go to college. Get a degree in aviation. And then play with rocks for a living,” Lee says with a laugh. After graduation, Lee began work-ing for his dad’s field tile business. What began as a hobby of rock engraving eventually became a full-time career in rock and monument engraving – Cox Memo-rials – in 2006. The couple had known each other for years, but their relationship didn’t begin until they made a connection at the Schlar-min Academy raffle in 2007. After dating for a few years, the couple was married on April 24, 2010. The Cox family has grown to include three active, beautiful children: Brylie Nicole, born in 2007, active in basketball and softball; Gemma Leigh, born in 2012, who enjoys dance and softball; and Ronan Lee, 1 year old, who loves staying active and keeping mom and dad on their toes. Watching movies, swimming, eating out and attending waterparks are among the many activities the family enjoys together. As well, Lee enjoys weightlifting, vid-eo games, and playing sports and poker. “I also collect Legos and Donald Trump memorabilia,” Lee says. “In fact, I even have a mini Donald Trump Lego guy. It combines the best of both worlds.”

He also has conquered challenges at local dining estab-lishments, including eating 250 shrimp in 45 minutes and 11 pounds of crab legs on different occasions at Red Lobster; and beating the 30-minute record of eat-ing a Humble Hog “pig pile,” which includes 5 pounds of food, in 19 minutes. “I even had an appetizer before-hand,” Lee adds. When Katrina isn’t working or running the household, she enjoys crafting and shopping. Something you may not know about her? She was active in cheerleading and dance when she was younger. The Cox family was drawn to the First Presbyterian Church of Hoopeston for the family atmosphere. “Sue Burton first invited us, and we were immediately wel-comed,” Katrina says. “I didn’t know many people in town, and we wanted our kids to attend church and meet friends.” That’s exactly what they’ve found. “I think FPC has helped our kids learn to be more re-spectful and caring and considerate of those around them,” Katrina says. The Cox children have learned this through example, she says. “Everyone is so sup-portive and comes together if you have something hap-pening in your life,” she says. “They are so caring, they make you feel like family.”

After attending the church for three years, the Cox family be-came members in December 2016 and January of this year. Of the many activities of the church, Lee and Katrina say they and their children most enjoy the movie nights, trunk or treats, pasta dinner and va-cation bible school. Lee and Katrina both say their children and family inspire them to be better people. Katrina hopes to be remem-

bered as a devoted wife and mother. “I am trying to set a good example for our kids, and how we want them to grow up,” she says. “They inspire Lee and I to be better people.” Lee hopes to be remembered as a family man, a businessman and a craftsman. “It’s who and what I care about and love,” Lee says. The Cox family’s devotion to their children, each other and their community is evident. And the stage is being set for that to be their legacy for years to come.

Choir and Handbell Season Begins

Once again, beginning in September, our worship will

be enriched by our choir and handbells. We are grate-

ful for Rick and all who participate in our music minis-

try. We always need more ringers and singers, so

please come and share your faith with music! Choir

practice is held on Sundays

mornings at 8:30 a.m. about

twice a month. Handbell practice

is held on Wednesday evenings

at 6:30 p.m. about twice a month.

We will kickoff the choir/

handbell season on September

10 after worship, after which

the bells will be polished. Rick

will speak about plans for the

season.

September Birthdays

01 Lola Flint

06 Cheryl Steiner

07 Larry Betka

07 Ethan Steiner

11 Ann Schwartz

15 Terry Flint

15 Tonna Hofer

18 Lucas Hofer

21 Pat Catron

21 Jenn Robinson

22 Megan Deck

26 Colby Burton

30 Vera Keller

September Anniversaries

9/08/1957 Marty and Carol Kloska 9/13/2003 Joe and Cheryl Steiner