September

2 0 1 1

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 , I L

www.stjohnuccfreeport.org

The TIDINGS

2

ST.JOHN UCC FREEPORT

MONTHLY TIDINGS

VOLUME 85 SEPTEMBER 2011

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 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: stjohn@comcast.net

Website: www.stjohnuccfreeport.org

The deadline for submitting articles in the monthly Tidings is the Third Tuesday of the month by noon. (September 20th)

AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME…..

In the earlier years of our marriage, when we lived small apartments and homes, Sandy and I would go through the cupboards and closets to toss, sell at a garage sale, or give away anything we hadn‘t used in 3 years; sort of like in Christ‘s parable in which the gardener says, “For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?” (Lk. 13:7)

In the parable, grace wins out and the fig tree is given another year to bear fruit; but Sandy and I always believed if we hadn‘t used it in three years, why should it waste space in our house? .. Unfortunately, we got out of that pattern of cleaning out every three years; so we‘ve been accumulating stuff that‘s just taking up space.

So, after the 8+ inches of rain in one day a few weeks ago, and 18+ in our rain gauge over a week‘s time, and some water and wet carpeting the basement, we started going through that ―accumulated stuff.‖

As we were going through that ―stuff‖ Sandy found some newspaper clippings that her grandmother or other distant relatives kept. I found myself saying, “People actually said or believed this stuff?” For instance, this except from a longer article:

“Next to June, which ancient lore declares to be the luckiest month of all the year for weddings, so far as the bride is concerned, as the month is governed by Juno, the classic goddess who protects woman, comes October....

“And then you probably have recited (this rhyme) about the days of the week on which to marry:

Wed on Monday always poorer; Wed on Tuesday wed once more; Wed on Wednesday, happy match; Wed on Thursday, splendid catch; Wed on Friday, poorly mated; Wed on Saturday, better waited; Wed on Sunday, Cupid’s wooing.

3

ST.JOHN UCC FREEPORT

MONTHLY TIDINGS

VOLUME 85 SEPTEMBER 2011

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 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: stjohn@comcast.net

Website: www.stjohnuccfreeport.org

The deadline for submitting articles in the monthly Tidings is the Third Tuesday of the month by noon. (September 20th)

AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME…..

In the earlier years of our marriage, when we lived small apartments and homes, Sandy and I would go through the cupboards and closets to toss, sell at a garage sale, or give away anything we hadn‘t used in 3 years; sort of like in Christ‘s parable in which the gardener says, “For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?” (Lk. 13:7)

In the parable, grace wins out and the fig tree is given another year to bear fruit; but Sandy and I always believed if we hadn‘t used it in three years, why should it waste space in our house? .. Unfortunately, we got out of that pattern of cleaning out every three years; so we‘ve been accumulating stuff that‘s just taking up space.

So, after the 8+ inches of rain in one day a few weeks ago, and 18+ in our rain gauge over a week‘s time, and some water and wet carpeting the basement, we started going through that ―accumulated stuff.‖

As we were going through that ―stuff‖ Sandy found some newspaper clippings that her grandmother or other distant relatives kept. I found myself saying, “People actually said or believed this stuff?” For instance, this except from a longer article:

“Next to June, which ancient lore declares to be the luckiest month of all the year for weddings, so far as the bride is concerned, as the month is governed by Juno, the classic goddess who protects woman, comes October....

“And then you probably have recited (this rhyme) about the days of the week on which to marry:

Wed on Monday always poorer; Wed on Tuesday wed once more; Wed on Wednesday, happy match; Wed on Thursday, splendid catch; Wed on Friday, poorly mated; Wed on Saturday, better waited; Wed on Sunday, Cupid’s wooing.

4

I will be officiating at two weddings in September, but this is not the kind of pre-marital counsel I prefer to give them.

I‘m reminded of a wedding another pastor on staff with me told me about nearly thirty years ago. The bride had refused to walk down the aisle during the wedding rehearsal because she had a superstition against it. It‘s sort of like the more familiar wedding tradition of: ―Something old, something new, Something borrowed, something blue, And a silver sixpence in her shoe”.

I was so surprised - and partially offended - that that bride would not walk down that aisle - in the church, no less - because of her superstition. She gave more power to her superstition than to her faith in God and God‘s presence with us.

It‘s amazing some of the things you and I have believed, once upon a time. They make as much sense, now, as that silly, superstition rhyme above. Sometimes, we need to clear out the closets and basements of our minds of old, outdated, no longer meaningful, silly beliefs about God and ourselves, too.

Walking down that aisle with her father at her wedding rehearsal was not going to determine the success or failure of her love and marriage, any more than the day you got married, as in the humorous words of the rhyme above.

It‘s forgiveness and love, commitment and reconciliation, honesty and vulnerability, partnership and cooperation, giving in and compromising, sharing dreams and common purpose, faith and hard work, open-mindedness and so much more. But not just in marriage. In all our relationships. With family, friends, strangers, and newcomers. In all of life. In our faith and relationship with God.

That‘s where we find the power and strength of God in an enduring, surviving relationship with God.

Is that the kind of relationship you have with God? I hope so.

PASTOR ON SPIRITUAL RETREAT

Pastor Dutcher will be on personal spiritual retreat from Sunday afternoon, September 25

th, through Thursday,

September 29th. Please contact the Rev. Carol Ahrens

at (815) 990-1902 or the Rev. Randy Nicholas at (815) 713-7702, as they will provide pastoral services in his absence.

SHARE YOUR STORY, PLEASE!

I‘m still watching the mail for your stories. Please stop being bashful or thinking your faith story isn‘t worthy of being included. Sometimes, what we think is the simplest, least significant incident is the most powerful, as when the simplest gesture by another can be a most meaningful moment for us.

You are a person of faith in God, be your faith the size of a mustard seed or the faith that is able to move mountains. But you have faith. You believe in God. You have experienced God.

It was a moment or experience that moved you to be mindful of God. Or, you felt God‘s presence or a moment of profound wonder, grace or awe. Or, maybe it was a something you saw, felt or heard. Maybe something happened that, at first, seemed to be just a wonderful coincidence; but, as you thought about it, you knew God had worked in that moment. It may have been a moment of forgiveness, reconciliation, connection, service or humility.

These or other moments in your life caused you to have or confirm your faith in God or believe a little bit more. It may be a short story - a few sentences, or it could be quite involved. Either way, it is a story that can and will enrich all of us in our faith. Share your story with us.

(You may sign your name, your initials, or write it anonymously.)

5

I will be officiating at two weddings in September, but this is not the kind of pre-marital counsel I prefer to give them.

I‘m reminded of a wedding another pastor on staff with me told me about nearly thirty years ago. The bride had refused to walk down the aisle during the wedding rehearsal because she had a superstition against it. It‘s sort of like the more familiar wedding tradition of: ―Something old, something new, Something borrowed, something blue, And a silver sixpence in her shoe”.

I was so surprised - and partially offended - that that bride would not walk down that aisle - in the church, no less - because of her superstition. She gave more power to her superstition than to her faith in God and God‘s presence with us.

It‘s amazing some of the things you and I have believed, once upon a time. They make as much sense, now, as that silly, superstition rhyme above. Sometimes, we need to clear out the closets and basements of our minds of old, outdated, no longer meaningful, silly beliefs about God and ourselves, too.

Walking down that aisle with her father at her wedding rehearsal was not going to determine the success or failure of her love and marriage, any more than the day you got married, as in the humorous words of the rhyme above.

It‘s forgiveness and love, commitment and reconciliation, honesty and vulnerability, partnership and cooperation, giving in and compromising, sharing dreams and common purpose, faith and hard work, open-mindedness and so much more. But not just in marriage. In all our relationships. With family, friends, strangers, and newcomers. In all of life. In our faith and relationship with God.

That‘s where we find the power and strength of God in an enduring, surviving relationship with God.

Is that the kind of relationship you have with God? I hope so.

PASTOR ON SPIRITUAL RETREAT

Pastor Dutcher will be on personal spiritual retreat from Sunday afternoon, September 25

th, through Thursday,

September 29th. Please contact the Rev. Carol Ahrens

at (815) 990-1902 or the Rev. Randy Nicholas at (815) 713-7702, as they will provide pastoral services in his absence.

SHARE YOUR STORY, PLEASE!

I‘m still watching the mail for your stories. Please stop being bashful or thinking your faith story isn‘t worthy of being included. Sometimes, what we think is the simplest, least significant incident is the most powerful, as when the simplest gesture by another can be a most meaningful moment for us.

You are a person of faith in God, be your faith the size of a mustard seed or the faith that is able to move mountains. But you have faith. You believe in God. You have experienced God.

It was a moment or experience that moved you to be mindful of God. Or, you felt God‘s presence or a moment of profound wonder, grace or awe. Or, maybe it was a something you saw, felt or heard. Maybe something happened that, at first, seemed to be just a wonderful coincidence; but, as you thought about it, you knew God had worked in that moment. It may have been a moment of forgiveness, reconciliation, connection, service or humility.

These or other moments in your life caused you to have or confirm your faith in God or believe a little bit more. It may be a short story - a few sentences, or it could be quite involved. Either way, it is a story that can and will enrich all of us in our faith. Share your story with us.

(You may sign your name, your initials, or write it anonymously.)

6

Kevin’s Korner…

HELIX

MIDDLE SCHOOL (entering grades 5-8th)

Thursdays after school 3-5 pm

if there is no school we don‘t meet

HALLOWEEN LOCK-IN

This is a student planned event and we have some really great and creative Middle Schooler‘s that came up with some

awesome ideas. October 28th 9pm -7am

HIGH SCHOOL (entering grades 9-12th)

August 28th and September 25th and October 23rd

6-8 pm

CHRIST FIRST This is an ongoing Faith Based Weightloss

program that meets Monday evenings from 5-6 or Wednesday evenings from 5-6pm. Please contact the Kevin Eckert 815-218-0286 for

more information.

WORKOUT NIGHTS

Zumba (Latin dance based workout), Monday at 6pm Biggest Loser 3 mile Power Walk, Wednesday 6pm

RALLY DAY IS COMING!

The Luau is September 11th.

Dig out your grass skirt and your best Hawaiian shirt and Get ready to Hula!

There will be leis for everyone and our very own Hula dancers. This will be a very festive occasion with the promise of a

fabulous Pig Roast , Snow Cone machine, Go Kart rides, Photo Booth and more...

There will also be the ever popular Bingo game! There is a bin in the Narthex to collect “White Elephant” type bingo prizes. Please donate if you are able. Creative, Funny,

Simple prizes make it fun for all ages to be able to shout out

“BINGO!!”

7

Kevin’s Korner…

HELIX

MIDDLE SCHOOL (entering grades 5-8th)

Thursdays after school 3-5 pm

if there is no school we don‘t meet

HALLOWEEN LOCK-IN

This is a student planned event and we have some really great and creative Middle Schooler‘s that came up with some

awesome ideas. October 28th 9pm -7am

HIGH SCHOOL (entering grades 9-12th)

August 28th and September 25th and October 23rd

6-8 pm

CHRIST FIRST This is an ongoing Faith Based Weightloss

program that meets Monday evenings from 5-6 or Wednesday evenings from 5-6pm. Please contact the Kevin Eckert 815-218-0286 for

more information.

WORKOUT NIGHTS

Zumba (Latin dance based workout), Monday at 6pm Biggest Loser 3 mile Power Walk, Wednesday 6pm

RALLY DAY IS COMING!

The Luau is September 11th.

Dig out your grass skirt and your best Hawaiian shirt and Get ready to Hula!

There will be leis for everyone and our very own Hula dancers. This will be a very festive occasion with the promise of a

fabulous Pig Roast , Snow Cone machine, Go Kart rides, Photo Booth and more...

There will also be the ever popular Bingo game! There is a bin in the Narthex to collect “White Elephant” type bingo prizes. Please donate if you are able. Creative, Funny,

Simple prizes make it fun for all ages to be able to shout out

“BINGO!!”

8

GIVE US YOUR MINISTRY DREAMS

Do you have a dream or an idea for something St. John UCC needs or needs to do for others? ... There‘s a dry-erase board in the narthex for you to brainstorm with us. Our suggestion board, so to speak. Please add your ideas and dreams!

THE GARDEN

As you know, our garden is now starting to produce some very nice veggies. We will have them in the entrance off of the parking lot every Sunday morning. We think this is a good project we have going on with God. So we are asking

you to leave a small donation for the fresh veggies you enjoy. We are only asking for a small donation that we will use to purchase seeds and plants for the garden next spring - we don‗t intend to make a profit. So help yourself and enjoy! And thank you for your support. Stay Healthy!!

HOME RUN DERBY

Thank you to everyone who participated in, attended and/or pledged a little money (5¢, 10¢, 20¢ per home run) as we participated in the Little Cubs Field Home Run Derby. It was a great time, with members and friends of St. John participating in our hour of hitting home

runs. We hit 324 home runs in that hour! That was more than we thought we would do. But as Chicago Cubs fans often say, ―Maybe next year will be better.‖

The Church Council has committed the monies raised to go toward the redecoration/renovation of our Chapel Hearth Room.

LAYCARE M INISTRY

Luke 18:14 ―Jesus commented ―This tax man, not the other, went home and made right with God. If you walk a round with your nose in the air, you‘re going to end up flat on your face, but if you are content to be simply yourself you will become more than yourself.‖

This Laycare Ministry is a pretty simple ministry to be involved in. Just simply give, care, love and pray.

We never know how we touch the lives of others until we get that unexpected ‗thank you note‘ or that unexpected phone call of thanks. I think we all receive much more than we give. We have learned generosity, we‘ve learned kindness and compassion. Oh, not that we didn‘t have those qualities before we came into this ministry, it‘s just that all of those ‗things‘ have taken on a deeper meaning in our lives.

Yet, we have so much to learn - especially in the way we commune with God. I suppose there are opportunities to give and love that we have let slip through the cracks and I suppose that will happen over and over again. We‘re sorry about that and we hope that will not happen over and over again.

I think about how Jesus served others - providing wine for the guests at the wedding in Cana, giving sight to a man born blind, welcoming children into His arms, and the list goes on. Now, I know we can‘t serve in the ways Jesus served, but we can serve and we can be excited and feel joy in our serving others.

I wonder if Jesus celebrated with the recipients of His wonderful works...surely He must have felt joy knowing the great things He could do. We, too, feel joy in serving our congregation and our community.

―Simply give, simply pray, simply care and simply love. That‘s the way God loves us. That‘s the way He wants to be loved back.‖ (Guideposts Devotional quote)

Peace,Joy and Love, Marilyn Ruthe, Laycare Ministry

9

GIVE US YOUR MINISTRY DREAMS

Do you have a dream or an idea for something St. John UCC needs or needs to do for others? ... There‘s a dry-erase board in the narthex for you to brainstorm with us. Our suggestion board, so to speak. Please add your ideas and dreams!

THE GARDEN

As you know, our garden is now starting to produce some very nice veggies. We will have them in the entrance off of the parking lot every Sunday morning. We think this is a good project we have going on with God. So we are asking

you to leave a small donation for the fresh veggies you enjoy. We are only asking for a small donation that we will use to purchase seeds and plants for the garden next spring - we don‗t intend to make a profit. So help yourself and enjoy! And thank you for your support. Stay Healthy!!

HOME RUN DERBY

Thank you to everyone who participated in, attended and/or pledged a little money (5¢, 10¢, 20¢ per home run) as we participated in the Little Cubs Field Home Run Derby. It was a great time, with members and friends of St. John participating in our hour of hitting home

runs. We hit 324 home runs in that hour! That was more than we thought we would do. But as Chicago Cubs fans often say, ―Maybe next year will be better.‖

The Church Council has committed the monies raised to go toward the redecoration/renovation of our Chapel Hearth Room.

LAYCARE M INISTRY

Luke 18:14 ―Jesus commented ―This tax man, not the other, went home and made right with God. If you walk a round with your nose in the air, you‘re going to end up flat on your face, but if you are content to be simply yourself you will become more than yourself.‖

This Laycare Ministry is a pretty simple ministry to be involved in. Just simply give, care, love and pray.

We never know how we touch the lives of others until we get that unexpected ‗thank you note‘ or that unexpected phone call of thanks. I think we all receive much more than we give. We have learned generosity, we‘ve learned kindness and compassion. Oh, not that we didn‘t have those qualities before we came into this ministry, it‘s just that all of those ‗things‘ have taken on a deeper meaning in our lives.

Yet, we have so much to learn - especially in the way we commune with God. I suppose there are opportunities to give and love that we have let slip through the cracks and I suppose that will happen over and over again. We‘re sorry about that and we hope that will not happen over and over again.

I think about how Jesus served others - providing wine for the guests at the wedding in Cana, giving sight to a man born blind, welcoming children into His arms, and the list goes on. Now, I know we can‘t serve in the ways Jesus served, but we can serve and we can be excited and feel joy in our serving others.

I wonder if Jesus celebrated with the recipients of His wonderful works...surely He must have felt joy knowing the great things He could do. We, too, feel joy in serving our congregation and our community.

―Simply give, simply pray, simply care and simply love. That‘s the way God loves us. That‘s the way He wants to be loved back.‖ (Guideposts Devotional quote)

Peace,Joy and Love, Marilyn Ruthe, Laycare Ministry

10

STEWARDSHIP M INISTRY

Applying Bible Principles

Describing the Macedonian Christians, Paul wrote, ― . . . during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a generosity on their part. For . . . they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond‖ (2 Cor. 8:2-3).

What does it mean to give beyond our ability? In some ways, it means to discard our treasured calculators and push our giving to the point where the numbers don‘t add up. It means to give when the proverbial bottom line indicates we shouldn‘t give. It might also mean to give away not just the luxuries, but also some of life‘s necessities.

Let‘s face it — most Christians (including most of us) do not give beyond our ability. Most of us do not give out of proportion to our income. In effect, we claim 1 Corinthians 16:2 as our life‘s verse concerning giving, where we are admonished to give as God has prospered us or in direct proportion to our income. Make no mistake about it — that‘s a good pattern for giving, a pattern that every child of God should be following. But sometimes, God calls us to give out of proportion to our income. He calls us to give sacrificially in order that His kingdom might advance and prosper.

Such giving is unguarded, spontaneous, and uncalculated. This type of giving refuses to count the cost of giving, but instead, counts only the joy of fully obeying how God has directed in our lives. Such giving is frequently lavish and represents an act of love and discipleship. Such giving is exemplified by the widow who gave all that she had (Mark 12) and by the Macedonian Christians.

David Livingston, pioneer missionary to Africa almost two centuries ago, was described as having ―sacrificed‖ his life in service for Christ on that continent. His response is highly relevant to our living and our giving:

Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply paid back as a small part of the great debt owing to our God which we

can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own reward of healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter? It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege . . . when we remember the great sacrifice which He made who left His Father‘s throne on high to give Himself for us.

As you consider your giving, are you giving less than your ability, according to your ability, or beyond your ability?

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 September 4th for the FACC emergency fund. $219 was collected in August.

HARVEST FEST

Come and celebrate the harvest! Keith and Cherryl Hinrichs are hosting an afternoon of fun, fellowship and food Saturday October 15th, from 11 a.m.—2 p.m. Pencil it in your calendar and look for more information to come.

HORSESHOE LEAGUE RESULTS

1st Place - First Lutheran - 31 wins, 2 losses

Steve Kampmeier & Don Brubaker

2nd Place - St.John UCC #1 - 20 wins, 13 losses

Lynn Zimmerman & Stan Smith

3rd Place - St.John UCC #2 - 15 wins, 18 losses

Roger Watson & Linda Rimington

11

STEWARDSHIP M INISTRY

Applying Bible Principles

Describing the Macedonian Christians, Paul wrote, ― . . . during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a generosity on their part. For . . . they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond‖ (2 Cor. 8:2-3).

What does it mean to give beyond our ability? In some ways, it means to discard our treasured calculators and push our giving to the point where the numbers don‘t add up. It means to give when the proverbial bottom line indicates we shouldn‘t give. It might also mean to give away not just the luxuries, but also some of life‘s necessities.

Let‘s face it — most Christians (including most of us) do not give beyond our ability. Most of us do not give out of proportion to our income. In effect, we claim 1 Corinthians 16:2 as our life‘s verse concerning giving, where we are admonished to give as God has prospered us or in direct proportion to our income. Make no mistake about it — that‘s a good pattern for giving, a pattern that every child of God should be following. But sometimes, God calls us to give out of proportion to our income. He calls us to give sacrificially in order that His kingdom might advance and prosper.

Such giving is unguarded, spontaneous, and uncalculated. This type of giving refuses to count the cost of giving, but instead, counts only the joy of fully obeying how God has directed in our lives. Such giving is frequently lavish and represents an act of love and discipleship. Such giving is exemplified by the widow who gave all that she had (Mark 12) and by the Macedonian Christians.

David Livingston, pioneer missionary to Africa almost two centuries ago, was described as having ―sacrificed‖ his life in service for Christ on that continent. His response is highly relevant to our living and our giving:

Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply paid back as a small part of the great debt owing to our God which we

can never repay? Is that a sacrifice which brings its own reward of healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter? It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege . . . when we remember the great sacrifice which He made who left His Father‘s throne on high to give Himself for us.

As you consider your giving, are you giving less than your ability, according to your ability, or beyond your ability?

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 September 4th for the FACC emergency fund. $219 was collected in August.

HARVEST FEST

Come and celebrate the harvest! Keith and Cherryl Hinrichs are hosting an afternoon of fun, fellowship and food Saturday October 15th, from 11 a.m.—2 p.m. Pencil it in your calendar and look for more information to come.

HORSESHOE LEAGUE RESULTS

1st Place - First Lutheran - 31 wins, 2 losses

Steve Kampmeier & Don Brubaker

2nd Place - St.John UCC #1 - 20 wins, 13 losses

Lynn Zimmerman & Stan Smith

3rd Place - St.John UCC #2 - 15 wins, 18 losses

Roger Watson & Linda Rimington

12

O N G O I N G AC T I V I T I E S

C H OI R S

The adult Chancel Choir meets every Thursday starting Sept. 1st, a 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 starting Sept 8th at 6 pm. Please consider joining us. An ability to read music is helpful but not required.

B I B LE S T U DY

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

Please join us!

TAU ALPHA

September 19th at 7:15pm

CARD CLUB

Card Club will meet again October 3rd at 1pm

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! We assemble the Tidings the fourth Thursday of the month.

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, September 3rd at 8 a.m. in the Temple Sunday School room. We meet until about 9:30 a.m.

Come check us out!

NAMI

National Alliance for Mental Illness group meeting

A Support group for those who suffer with Mental Illness and their loved ones meets the first Wednesday of the month from 6-7:30 pm in Chapel Hearth.

MONTHLY PRAYER SERVICE

Rev. Carol Ahrens will be hosting the monthly prayer service on September 14th at 5:30 PM in Chapel Hearth. This service is to pray for and support those who suffer with mental illness and it is also for the loved one of those who need our support. Everyone is welcome!

CLOTHING ROOM

St. John is scheduled to help with the FACC Hang Up room August 29th, 31st, and September 2nd. These are 9-noon .

This is a great way to volunteer a little time to help a much needed community service. Please sign in the Narthex.

13

ON G O I N G AC T I V I T I E S

C H OI R S

The adult Chancel Choir meets every Thursday starting Sept. 1st, a 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 starting Sept 8th at 6 pm. Please consider joining us. An ability to read music is helpful but not required.

B I B LE S T U DY

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

Please join us!

TAU ALPHA

September 19th at 7:15pm

CARD CLUB

Card Club will meet again October 3rd at 1pm

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! We assemble the Tidings the fourth Thursday of the month.

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, September 3rd at 8 a.m. in the Temple Sunday School room. We meet until about 9:30 a.m.

Come check us out!

NAMI

National Alliance for Mental Illness group meeting

A Support group for those who suffer with Mental Illness and their loved ones meets the first Wednesday of the month from 6-7:30 pm in Chapel Hearth.

MONTHLY PRAYER SERVICE

Rev. Carol Ahrens will be hosting the monthly prayer service on September 14th at 5:30 PM in Chapel Hearth. This service is to pray for and support those who suffer with mental illness and it is also for the loved one of those who need our support. Everyone is welcome!

CLOTHING ROOM

St. John is scheduled to help with the FACC Hang Up room August 29th, 31st, and September 2nd. These are 9-noon .

This is a great way to volunteer a little time to help a much needed community service. Please sign in the Narthex.

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MEELS ON WHEELS

October 10-14 Please call Sherrill Spaide if you are interested in helping deliver meals.

ALL GOLFERS INVITED!!

The last St. John golf outing of the Summer is planned for Sunday, Sunday, Sept. 18 at Park Hills Golf Course - first tee time 3 p.m. We will eat after we play. The Summer went by so fast; this will be a great last Hurrah! Call Mavis Clark with any questions

FAC C PAS TA

Christmas will get her faster than you thing and FACC needs 250 –2pound boxes of

spaghetti from St. John. The pasta boxes are put in the Christmas Baskets that FACC gives out to 250 families in the Freeport Area. There will be a shopping cart in the Narthex for your donations .

ST. JOHN IS HOSTING THE CROP

HUNGER WALK

October 2nd, 2011

Registration at 1:30

“Step Off” at 2:00

There will be food and refreshments after.

If you would like to walk please see Kirsten or Pam. If you would like to donate you can do so by sending it to the office or contacting one of our walkers.

You can also donate online to our St. John team at www.churchworldservice.org and click on the Stephenson County (Freeport Area) link We have a team set up for St. John UCC,

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.

SEPTEMBER COFFEE HOUR - Yahoos

09/04 - Edie Rosenstiel, Amanda Rubin, Cherie Rucker, Marilyn Ruthe, Donna Ruthe, Vivian & Floyd Schlickman, Gerald & Pat Schneiderman, Lisa & Steve Schubert

09/11 - Deb Scott, Richard & Sybil Scovill, Dave & Olivia Schaffer, Jerry & Sharon Simler, Michael Simler, Mike & Karen Smith, Stan & Carol Smith, Jim & Sherrill Spaide

09/18 - Steve & Vicki Spyrison, Jackie Stewart, Dan & Amy Stowe, James & Shar4on Summers, Deb & Roger Swanlund, Mark Swanson & Amy Doll, Daryl & Delene Tessmann, Leslie & Terry Thomas

09/25 - Karl & Betty Trester, Glenn & Marilyn Underwood, Don & Norma Valkema, Quentin & Joanne Valkema, Diane Vowles, LaVonne Wagenknecht, Jeff & Sally Wagner, William Wagner

OCTOBER COFFEE HOUR—Tau Alpha

10/02 - Glenn & Roger Watson, Jerald & Jackie Watson, Mike Weaver, Tim & Patty Weik, Dan & Pam Wessel, Patrick & Linda Wilson, Mark & Beth Winter, Eric & Ashley Woker

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MEELS ON WHEELS

October 10-14 Please call Sherrill Spaide if you are interested in helping deliver meals.

ALL GOLFERS INVITED!!

The last St. John golf outing of the Summer is planned for Sunday, Sunday, Sept. 18 at Park Hills Golf Course - first tee time 3 p.m. We will eat after we play. The Summer went by so fast; this will be a great last Hurrah! Call Mavis Clark with any questions

FAC C PAS TA

Christmas will get her faster than you thing and FACC needs 250 –2pound boxes of

spaghetti from St. John. The pasta boxes are put in the Christmas Baskets that FACC gives out to 250 families in the Freeport Area. There will be a shopping cart in the Narthex for your donations .

ST. JOHN IS HOSTING THE CROP

HUNGER WALK

October 2nd, 2011

Registration at 1:30

“Step Off” at 2:00

There will be food and refreshments after.

If you would like to walk please see Kirsten or Pam. If you would like to donate you can do so by sending it to the office or contacting one of our walkers.

You can also donate online to our St. John team at www.churchworldservice.org and click on the Stephenson County (Freeport Area) link We have a team set up for St. John UCC,

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.

SEPTEMBER COFFEE HOUR - Yahoos

09/04 - Edie Rosenstiel, Amanda Rubin, Cherie Rucker, Marilyn Ruthe, Donna Ruthe, Vivian & Floyd Schlickman, Gerald & Pat Schneiderman, Lisa & Steve Schubert

09/11 - Deb Scott, Richard & Sybil Scovill, Dave & Olivia Schaffer, Jerry & Sharon Simler, Michael Simler, Mike & Karen Smith, Stan & Carol Smith, Jim & Sherrill Spaide

09/18 - Steve & Vicki Spyrison, Jackie Stewart, Dan & Amy Stowe, James & Shar4on Summers, Deb & Roger Swanlund, Mark Swanson & Amy Doll, Daryl & Delene Tessmann, Leslie & Terry Thomas

09/25 - Karl & Betty Trester, Glenn & Marilyn Underwood, Don & Norma Valkema, Quentin & Joanne Valkema, Diane Vowles, LaVonne Wagenknecht, Jeff & Sally Wagner, William Wagner

OCTOBER COFFEE HOUR—Tau Alpha

10/02 - Glenn & Roger Watson, Jerald & Jackie Watson, Mike Weaver, Tim & Patty Weik, Dan & Pam Wessel, Patrick & Linda Wilson, Mark & Beth Winter, Eric & Ashley Woker

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GREETERS

September 4 – Lee & Nancy Otte

September 11- The Priewe Family

September 18 – Royce & Janet Piefer

September 25 – Doris Roberts & Ruth Rockey

WELCOMERS

September 4 – Carol Ahrens & Claire Biesemeier

September 11- Clyde & Jeanne Cross

September 18 – Monty & Carolee Dietmeier

September 25 – Joyce Bloyer & Carolyn Moyer

NURSERY

September 4 – Keith & Cherryl Hinrichs, Bonnie Gennusa

September 11 – Denny & Carla Meyer, Kristi & Colin Ebbers

September 18 – Kirsten & Kya Eckert & Rachel Roemer

September 25 – Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Jeanne Cross

Due to the increased number of children in the nursery we are adding a third person to

the nursery schedule. The smaller kids can be kept in the nursery side and the older kids can be kept in the Preschool side with board games and puzzles and play-dough so that the tiny ones are safer and there is space for everyone. Thank you for your help and dedication to keeping our kids safe and happy during the worship service.

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USHERS

09/04 Tim, Colin & Kristi Ebbers, Dennis Manus, Jim Drew, Jerald Watson

09/11 John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus, Mike Smith, James & Tom Priewe

09/18 Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Wes & Joyce Robinson, Dana Brill, Ray & Jeri Nieman

09/25 Lee & Nancy Otte, Keith & Kathy Moffatt,

Jeanne Koch

DRIVERS

We have several drivers available if anyone should need a ride to church. If you are in need of a ride please contact the off ice before noon on Friday, 815 -235-2824 and talk to Pam or Kirsten.

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

7/31 - 164 8/7 - 140

8/14 - 163 8/21 - 135

PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR PRAYERS

PRAYER CHAIN: Dave Bardell, Wayne Smith, Hugh & Janet Knapp, Bill Dickman

HOSPITALIZED: Edith Rosenstiel, Jackie Watson, Paul Bertram, Phyllis Cohen

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On behalf of the Fellowship Ministry, I would like to thank everyone who helped at this year's Ice Cream Social. We had a good turnout. Thanks to all who generously donated a pie or cake, sold tickets, served ice cream, food and drinks and for the clean up crew. Thanks to the Resource Group for cutting the pies and cakes and to Vicki, Betty and Pam for helping make the BBQ and for Vicki and Karen for helping me make the pasta salad. The Fellowship Ministry members are fantastic and I couldn't have done it without all their help. The final numbers are not in, but we estimate to have made about $600. Thank you,

Kim Evans, Ice Cream Social Chair

************************************************************************* Thank you for all who sent Get Well cards. Also for visits from Marilyn Ruthe and Pastor Donnley, - Jackie Stewart ************************************************************************* The Norman Sleezer Youth Home would like to thank you and your VBS Committee for your most generous donation of food. Thank you for helping us to put our youth first. -Cara Williams Exec. Dir. ************************************************************************* Thank you to all my church family. Thank you for all the cards, phone calls and visits. I didn‘t think I could be taken down so fast, but with all your prayers and cards. I am coming back. - God Bless all of you, Edith Rosenstiel. ************************************************************************* Thank you, for all your payers, cards, and visits for Bill Chance at Provena. At our time of the loss of Bill, we also thank you for your prayers, cards, memorials, flowers, food and emails. We really appreciate what was done at the service by Pastor Dutcher, Kevin and the food committee. Blessing and peace, Eleanor Chance, Mike & Susan Chance and Jordan & Carter.

ST. JOHN UCC COUNCIL MINUTES Aug 8, 2011

Members Present: Ulan Price, Mary Arnold, Ben Lee, Lisa Ebbers, Keith Hinrichs, Joyce Robinson, Marilyn Ruthe, Pastor Donnley, ex-officio.

Meeting called to order at 6:38 p.m. Opening prayer by Pastor Donnley.

July Minutes: Previously approved by email.

Treasurer‘s Report: Donnley clarified several items and reviewed reserve account balances. Finances through July are in good shape.

Chapel Hearth Renovation: Joyce reported on monthly progress. Furniture will be ordered through Wagner Office Supply, Freeport. We reviewed the three bids received for drywall & painting and Joyce is going back to one source for a combination bid since they only provided a drywall bid. The current ceiling lights and lamps will be kept and cleaned.

Discussed funding sources for the Chapel Hearth renovation project, which is projected

to cost approximately $23,000 total.

Mary moved / Keith seconded to transfer $7,000 from the Building & Grounds Reserve Account to the Chapel Hearth project and transfer the remaining $10,833.67 back into the Building & Grounds Fund, thus closing out the B/G Reserve account. Discussed and approved.

Marilyn moved / Ulan seconded to transfer $6,000 from the Maude Ammerman Reserve Account to the Chapel Hearth Project, leaving a $9,000 Ammerman reserve balance. Discussed and approved.

The Stewardship Ministry will meet 8/9 to identify additional

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On behalf of the Fellowship Ministry, I would like to thank everyone who helped at this year's Ice Cream Social. We had a good turnout. Thanks to all who generously donated a pie or cake, sold tickets, served ice cream, food and drinks and for the clean up crew. Thanks to the Resource Group for cutting the pies and cakes and to Vicki, Betty and Pam for helping make the BBQ and for Vicki and Karen for helping me make the pasta salad. The Fellowship Ministry members are fantastic and I couldn't have done it without all their help. The final numbers are not in, but we estimate to have made about $600. Thank you,

Kim Evans, Ice Cream Social Chair

************************************************************************* Thank you for all who sent Get Well cards. Also for visits from Marilyn Ruthe and Pastor Donnley, - Jackie Stewart ************************************************************************* The Norman Sleezer Youth Home would like to thank you and your VBS Committee for your most generous donation of food. Thank you for helping us to put our youth first. -Cara Williams Exec. Dir. ************************************************************************* Thank you to all my church family. Thank you for all the cards, phone calls and visits. I didn‘t think I could be taken down so fast, but with all your prayers and cards. I am coming back. - God Bless all of you, Edith Rosenstiel. ************************************************************************* Thank you, for all your payers, cards, and visits for Bill Chance at Provena. At our time of the loss of Bill, we also thank you for your prayers, cards, memorials, flowers, food and emails. We really appreciate what was done at the service by Pastor Dutcher, Kevin and the food committee. Blessing and peace, Eleanor Chance, Mike & Susan Chance and Jordan & Carter.

ST. JOHN UCC COUNCIL MINUTES Aug 8, 2011

Members Present: Ulan Price, Mary Arnold, Ben Lee, Lisa Ebbers, Keith Hinrichs, Joyce Robinson, Marilyn Ruthe, Pastor Donnley, ex-officio.

Meeting called to order at 6:38 p.m. Opening prayer by Pastor Donnley.

July Minutes: Previously approved by email.

Treasurer‘s Report: Donnley clarified several items and reviewed reserve account balances. Finances through July are in good shape.

Chapel Hearth Renovation: Joyce reported on monthly progress. Furniture will be ordered through Wagner Office Supply, Freeport. We reviewed the three bids received for drywall & painting and Joyce is going back to one source for a combination bid since they only provided a drywall bid. The current ceiling lights and lamps will be kept and cleaned.

Discussed funding sources for the Chapel Hearth renovation project, which is projected

to cost approximately $23,000 total.

Mary moved / Keith seconded to transfer $7,000 from the Building & Grounds Reserve Account to the Chapel Hearth project and transfer the remaining $10,833.67 back into the Building & Grounds Fund, thus closing out the B/G Reserve account. Discussed and approved.

Marilyn moved / Ulan seconded to transfer $6,000 from the Maude Ammerman Reserve Account to the Chapel Hearth Project, leaving a $9,000 Ammerman reserve balance. Discussed and approved.

The Stewardship Ministry will meet 8/9 to identify additional

PRESIDENT Perry Cowan V ICE PRESI-

DENT Bill Condie SECRETARY Deb Hartman TRE ASURER Ulan Price CHRISTI AN ED . Lisa Ebbers CHURCHGROWTH MARILYN RUTHE FELLOWSHIP Ben Lee M ISSIONS Bill Condie PROPERTY MAN AGEMENT Keith Hinrichs Bruce Dykstra STAFF REL ATIONS Joyce Robinson STEW ARDSHIP Ulan Price

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potential funding sources available through memorial donations.

Little Cubs Field Home Run Derby Contributions: By consensus vote, the home run derby donations will be designated to the Chapel Hearth project.

8/21/11 Congregational Meeting: The Church Council calls for a Congregational Meeting following Worship on 8/21/11, providing updates and seeking authorization to complete the Chapel Hearth renovation project.

Property Management Report: Keith reported on two projects currently in progress in the North Wing. One of the air conditioning compressor units failed and is being replaced at a cost of $2,780 (compressor and condenser) complete with 5-yr warranty.

Also, carpeting is being replaced in the two East rooms currently used by Career-Tec. The previous carpet was 23 years old and worn out. Cost of the project is approximately $4,500. Career-Tec is an excellent tenant and we receive approximately $11,000 rental income from them each year, so those rooms are being done first. The two West rooms will be upgraded at a later date.

Pastor Donnley Time Away: Donnley will be on vacation from 8/21 (following the service and congregational meeting) through 8/29, returning to the office 8/30. Duane McDonough will preach 8/28. Donnley‘s annual week of Spiritual Retreat will be 9/25-29. He will also be on vacation from 10/16-30.

Next Council Meeting: September 12, 6:30 p.m.

Meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m. with the Mizpah Benediction.

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa Ebbers,

Acting Secretary

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FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Beginning Balance January 1, 2011 $40,498.26 8/01 General Fund Beginning Balance $24,274.88 8/01 GF Income $ 4,367.36 8/08 GF Income $ 4,762.04 8/15 GF Income $ 5,045.10 Less 8/19 GF Payroll & Compensation $11,125.85 8/19 GF Other Checks $ 5,363.23 8/19 Current Bills Outstanding $ 2,000.30 8/19 Ending Balance $ 19,960.00 ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Beginning Balance January 1, 2010 $15,208.74 8/01 Building Fund Beginning Balance $20,657.86 8/01 BD Income $ 37.00 8/08 BD Income $ 306.00 8/15 BD Income $ 233.00 Less 8/19 BD Checks $ 2,006.86 8/19 BD A/C Project Outstanding bill $ 16,233.00 8/19 Ending Balance $ 2,994.00 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Congregational Meeting was held on August 21st

Meeting was called to order by Council Vice President, Bill Condie. Prayer: Pastor Donnley

Report from Chapel Hearth Project Committee: Judy Garkey gave a brief history of how this project began and stated that the objective of the committee was to create a warm, inviting room that will last for many years. Joyce Robinson, Council member and also Project member, presented the report of ―Projected Costs for the Chapel Hearth Redecoration/Renovation‖. She reported that the committee was committed to shopping locally for labor and furnishings. Four bids were received for the dry walling and painting portion of the project and the committee will examine each bid line by line with the end cost not to exceed $4285. All costs presented in this report are ―high‖ estimates and it is expected that actual costs will be less. Marilyn Ruthe made the motion to accept this projected total and to move forward with the project. It was seconded by Carol Ahrens. Discussion followed. Motion carried. Project Funding Report: Pastor Donnley presented the ―Chapel Hearth Project/Realized or Possible Funding Sources‖ report reviewing how the costs will be covered from various resources. For the memorials portion, the families will be contacted for their approval. It was also noted that anyone who wishes to give toward this project are welcome to do so and their gifts will reduce the amount taken from the Reserve Building and Grounds account. CareerTec Carpet Replacement: Pastor Donnley also reported that it was necessary to replace the carpeting in the two classrooms that CareerTec is using and the cost for that was about $5,000. Sarah Knapp made a motion to adjourn. It was seconded by Ulan Price. Respectfully submitted, Deb Hartman

Council Secretary

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September Scripture Readings

01 Matthew 5:1-20 17 1 Corinthians 4:1-21

02 Matthew 5:21-48 18 James 1:1-27

03 Matthew 6:19-34 19 James 2:1-26

04 Matthew 7:1-29 20 James 3:1-18

05 Matthew 12:1-21 21 James 4:1-17

06 Matthew 12:22-50 22 James 5:1-20

07 Matthew 13:1-23 23 Psalm 34

08 Matthew 13:24-58 24 Psalm 37

09 Matthew 22:1-22 25 Proverbs 8:1-36

10 Matthew 22:23-46 26 Proverbs 9:1-18

11 Matthew 25:1-30 27 Proverbs 10:1-32

12 Matthew 25:31-46 28 Proverbs 12:1-28

13 1 Corinthians 1:1-17 29 Proverbs 16:1-33

14 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 30 Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:14

15 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

16 1 Corinthians 3:1-23

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