The CornerstoneThe Monthly Newsletter of the Paxton Federated Church

November, 2012

Sunday November 4th we will be honoring those who have gone ahead of us with our All Saints Service.

All Saints’ Day is November 1st. Christians have been honoring, remembering the saints and the martyrs of the church on November 1st since the Middle Ages. At that time the Protestant Reformation had not yet occurred, and many Christians then thought that dead saints regularly interceded in the affairs of the living.

On All Saints’ Day back then, churches held masses for the dead and put bones of the saints on display. The night before the celebration of the holy dead became known as All Hallows’ Eve. Today we call it Halloween. But back then people baked Soul Cakes, which they would set outside their homes for the poor. They also lit bonfires and set out lanterns carved out of turnips to keep the ghosts of the dead away. Pumpkins did not grow in Europe and so did not become a part of Halloween until after Columbus discovered the New World.

Sunday, November 4th we will honor those that have passed since last All Saints Sunday. So come, remember and honor those great clouds of witnesses whom have gone before us.

All Saints ServiceSunday, November 4th I was certainly pleased with the Wee Kirk Seminar

that Gayle Dunahee and I attended. Wee Kirk stands for ‘small church’. It was held at Potawatomi Inn and Conference center in Angola, IN. An awesome retreat center. Any of you should consider it as a place to get away any time of the year. I attended three seminars. One was entitled “Shepherding the Shepherdless.” It was led by the Indiana General Presbyter Rev. Frank Vardeman. He spoke of the difficulty and concerns Presbyteries are having in tending to their ‘sheep’ (their churches.) The challenges of finding transitional or regular pastors. I do not know the exact numbers for Southeast IL, which we are a part of, but he commented on IN. Of his 85 churches, 20 are served with part time, 20 only Sunday Supply and 46 of some kind of called pastor. 50% of his churches have less than 50 in worship on a given Sunday while only 7 churches have more than 150 in worship. A need for prayer and concern. Second seminar was on Reaching Community Youth. Well, the troubles all our churches are having, AND even if they get the kids to come on weeknights, they nor their families come on Sunday or even join the church. We all decided OK, better to keep trying. Third seminar: Wee Love our Wee Kirk, the joys of small church. My favorite. There were testimonies and sharing and laughter on the things ‘only small church’ can do. There were dynamic speakers throughout the three days. An awesome worship leader who came to us from Alaska! She led us with her keyboard and probably had 90% of our old hymns, yet would jazz the chorus line. The event is held each year for the past 18 years, large churches fund it for we Wee Kirks. The only thing it cost Federated was the mileage for us to attend. Thank you for allowing Gayle and I to have the opportunity. PC

A BIG THANK YOU

Communion Elder List for Sunday Worship

Nov. 4th - Jackie Roy & Vicki Cole

Communion Elder List for Nursing Home Services (All 1:30 p.m. services)

November 25th - Heartland, Mike GoudyDecember 23rd- K.T. Home, Jim Niewold

November LectionaryAll Saints Sunday through Christ the King Sunday

4th Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 24; Revelation 21:1-6a; John 11:32-44

11th Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17; Psalm 127 Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44

18th 1 Samuel 1:4-20; 1 Samuel 2:1-10 Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18), 19-25; Mark 13:1-8

25th 2 Samuel 23:1-7; Psalm 132:1-12; Revelation 1:4b-8; John 18:33-37

Ps 55:22 “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you.”

Take to God Prayer Requests of Healing & Encouragement for...Bob LaVahn (Robin Niewold’s step-dad)

Mike-Active 101st Airborne(Doug & Deana Niewold’s son-in-law)

Wickie Roy, Janet Goudy, Alan Turner, Jeff & Barb Legener, Bill Cofel,

Marcella Woodworth, Wayne Niewold, John Lateer, & Lexi Harbin

Homebound or in Nursing HomesSue Moore

1115 Harbers Ln, Apt 132, Metamora, IL 61548

Wanda LarsonLa Canada Care Facility, Tucson, AZ

Jani FraimRoom 219, GC Hospital & Health Ctr.

Marcella Woodworth Prairie Village, Rantoul

Prayer Shawl Gathering

Every 3rd Thursday, 6:30pm

Next Gathering

Thursday, November 15th

atDeana Niewold’s Home

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

Psalm 139:13

Deadline for December Newsletter

The deadline for the December newsletter is

Sunday, November 25th. Please send in your news/photos to

lynn@protypeprinting.com or drop them off at the church by that date so we

can share the news of our church family.

Annual Iroquois Memorial Hospital Hospice Brunch

November 4th, 2012 • 8am-1pmWatseka Community High School

138 Belmont Ave • WatsekaBiscuits & Gravy, Rolls,

Egg Casseroles, Fruit & DrinkSilent Auction

Pastor ’s Page

November Greetings to All, I attended Election Judge School yesterday and in light of our upcoming Federal Election, I would like to share this reflection.

By Timothy Merrill

In the 1994 Danish general election, Jacob Haugaard stood for parliament as a joke. His manifesto included free beer, nicer Christmas gifts, more Renaissance furniture in IKEA, Nutella in all army field rations, continuous green traffic lights, the introduction of several whales into Randers fjord, a tailwind on all cycle paths and the reclassification of people without a sense of humor as disabled. To support his candidacy he wrote a book entitled “If Work is Healthy Give it to the Sick”. The practical joke backfired, however, when this fine man not only got elected with a staggering 23,253 votes, but also had one of his manifesto policies made a law: Nutella in all army field rations. The stunned new MP for Aarhus said: “It was all a practical joke, honestly, I guess people elected me because my promises are just as trustworthy as those of conventional political parties.” Tuesday, November 6 we Americans go to the polls to elect our state and national leaders. Some of us are cynical about the process, wondering if it makes any difference. But most of us treasure our right to vote. IF....you cannot vote, you can PRAY------as we ALL should! ----that our leaders will govern wisely. In our prayer, we should not forget to thank God for this land of liberty in which we are allowed to worship freely, speak freely, and exercise our political rights freely.

Pastor Colleen

PAMA – PAMA met Oct. 3rd at Monical’s

Shanna Ferrell, area probation officer, Young Life Leader and member of the Upper Room Bible Church, discussed her work at Young Life. Young Life currently meets on Fridays at the Upper Room as a Bible Study for teens. She explained they help support teens go to summer leadership camps as well as other schools to prepare them in mission work. If anyone would like to support them financially she can be contacted. Otherwise, prayers for these teens would be appreciated. The Evangelical Covenant Church will host the Community Thanksgiving Eve Worship at 7pm Sunday, November 18th.

November, 2012 Upcoming Meetings/Events

Nov. 1 - All Saints’ DayNov. 4 - Sunday School (All Ages) - 8:45am All Saints’ Service - 10:00am Elders - Jackie Roy & Vicki Cole November Birthday & Anniversary Fellowship following worshipNov. 6 - National Elections, GET OUT & VOTE ! (Pastor Colleen serving as Election Judge)Nov. 7 - PAMA Meeting, Noon Youth Group, 7:00pm Choir Practice, 7:00pmNov. 8 - UCC Clergy Meeting, 10am - NoonNov. 11 - Sunday School (All Ages) , 8:45am Service honoring our Veterans, 10:00amNov. 13 - Blackhawk Presbytery- Robin, Grace & Pastor to take School Kits & help CWS sort the 2000 + they receive.Nov. 14 - Youth Group, 7:00pm Choir Practice, 7:00pmNov. 15 - Prayer Shawl Gathering, 6:30pm at Deana Niewold’s HomeNov. 18 - Sunday School (All Ages) , 8:45am Worship, 10:00am Community Thanksgiving Worship at Evangelical Covenant Church, 7:00pmNov. 19 - Church Council Meeting, 6:30pm Nov. 20 - Bible Study, 6:30pmNov. 21 - Youth Group, 7:00pm Choir Practice, 7:00pmNov. 22 - Thanksgiving DayNov. 25 - Sunday School (All Ages) , 8:45am Worship, 10:00am Heartland Healthcare Service, 1:30pm (Elder-Mike Goudy) December Newsletter DeadlineNov. 27 - Bible Study, 6:30pmNov. 28 - Youth Group, 7:00pm Choir Practice, 7:00pmNov. 29 - Presbytery Meeting in Greenville, 10-4pm

NovemberBirthdays & AnniversariesSunday, November 4th will be our monthly

celebration to honor the birthdays & anniversaries which take place in November.

9th - Dave & Laura Adkins Ann.21st - Don Lawrence

25th - Grace Funk27th - John Turner

28th - Marissa Williams

For November, please bring

canned soup, soup starter, crackers

& peanut butter for the

Food Pantry.

As always, any non-perishable

item is welcome and will be used.

FOOD

PANTRY

CONTRIBUTIONS

NOVEMBER

ATD At The DoctorsBFF Best Friend FellBTW Bring The WheelchairBYOT Bring Your Own TeethFWIW Forgot Where I WasGGPBL Gotta Go Pacemaker Battery LowGHA Got Heartburn AgainIMHO Is My Hearing-aid OnOMMR On My Massage ReclinerOMSG Oh My! Sorry, GasROFLACGU Rolling On Floor Laughing And Can’t Get UpTTYL Talk To Ya Louder

Senior Citizen Texting Code

Thank You!Thank You sincerely for sharing our sorrow. Your kindness is deeply appreciated and will always be remembered. Thank you for the Prayer Shawl, we really appreciate you thinking of us during this difficult time. The Plackett Family

The North Central Wee Kirk Conference in Angola, Indiana was wonderful. The first night we were assigned Prayer Partners, in groups of three. We had good discussions in our group for two evenings. We all had in common that we came from small churches. I did not have any classes with them, but whenever I would see them, they were friendly and we discussed the different classes that we were taking. It made you feel right at home. Our Musician and Worship Leader was from Fairbanks, Alaska. She was very motivating and revitalizing. The songs we sang were fun. She also had slides from Alaska that were shown on the screen. We had very dynamic speakers at our sessions. The sessions I took were Weeping With those Who Weep, When People of Faith Disagree and Where Do I Bloom Best. One thing that I had forgotten about that was mentioned by one of the speakers that all countries are not free to worship God like we are. That many Christians are abused and imprisoned when trying to teach their faith. Even though this is going on, God is always near, and that God’s work is slow and takes time. We were given handouts for further study at our Seminars, they were very informative and interesting. Some more information is going to follow in an email. It was very interesting, revitalizing, refreshing and motivating and I had a great time. Thanks again for the opportunity to attend. Gayle Dunahee

IGA RECEIPTSWe have $98,000

collected in IGA receipts! Keep them coming!

Remember to put your receipts in the container marked in the kitchen. Thank you!

Genesis 1:24 “And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures

according to their kinds:.....” Thank God for the cats, dogs, mules, cows, horses

and creatures of the earth we find to be great friends and comfort to us. Pets are a joy and important part of our lives. Let us see if we can match our Federated

Church family to their pet. (apologies for mis-spellings)

Animal Name PFC Member Animal Gracie Cole Cat Sugar Andreae Dog Daisy Mae J Niewold Dog Luke Funk Dog Patty J Goudy Dog Two-Face Deana Cat Paylin Lawrence Cat Slide Cassy Horse Sammy Turner Cat Mineau Roy Cat Snickers Johnson Cat Cabela Struss Dog Kiwi M Goudy Dog Lizzie Ellis Dog Bud Anderson Cat Yogi Nancy Mule Buddy Niewold Farm Cat Jim Russ Horse

Thank You!The Paxton Federated Church wishes to thank John Ellis for the wonderful Pulled Pork Sandwiches & the Smith-Ellis Family for the awesome desserts provided for us after worship on October 14th!

Pastor Colleen would like to thank DeDe Wood for filling the pulpit for the last 2 Sundays of October while she was away.

Pastor Colleen would also like to thank Priscilla, Jackie & Kammy for filling in for her at the Asta Care Service while she was away.

Sanctuary Floor Refinishing

Lane Fricks and his staff have completed the refinishing of the sanctuary floors and it looks amazing. Thanks to all church members and volunteers who helped with the moving of pews, cleaning of wood surfaces,

and replacement of sanctuary furniture. Special thanks to Don Lawrence for overseeing the project. Kammy Johnson, Head Trustee

Sunday Monday TueSday WedneSday ThurSday Friday SaTurday

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November 2012

Dec. Newsletter deadline

Don Lawrence Bday

Prayer Shawl Group Gathering at Deana Niewold’s Home - 6:30pm

Marissa Williams Bday

Dave & Laura Adkins Ann.

Heartland Srvc @ 1:30pmElder - Mike Goudy

Grace Funk Bday John Turner Bday

Youth Group - 7:00pmChoir Practice - 7:00pm

Youth Group - 7:00pmChoir Practice - 7:00pm

Youth Group - 7:00pmChoir Practice - 7:00pm

Youth Group - 7:00pmChoir Practice - 7:00pm

8:45am Sunday School (All Ages)10:00am Worship Service Honoring our Veterans

8:45am Sunday School (All Ages)10:00am All Saints’ Day Service, Elders-Jackie Roy & Vicki ColeNovember Bday & Ann.Fellowship after worship

8:45am Sunday School (All Ages)10:00am Worship7:00pm Community Thanksgiving Worship at Evangelical Covenant Church

Church Council Meeting @ 6:30pm

8:45am Sunday School (All Ages)10:00am Worship

Bible Study - 6:30pm

Bible Study - 6:30pm

All Saints’ Day

ELECTION DAY

PAMA Meeting - Noon

Blackhawk Presbytery Mtg - Pastor, Robin & Grace to take School Kits.

Thanksgiving Day

Presbytery Meeting in Greenville, 10-4pm

UCC Clergy Meeting 10-Noon

The Paxton Federated ChurchPresbyterian USA & United Church of Christ221 West Center StreetPaxton, IL 60957

The Paxton Federated ChurchUnited Church of Christ - Presbyterian USA

221 W. Center St. • Paxton, IL 60957 • 217-379-2442www.paxtonfederated.com

Sunday School - 8:45 a.m. • Sunday Worship - 10:00 a.m.(Memorial Day Sunday through Labor Day Sunday - Worship @ 9:00 a.m.)

Pastor Colleen LawrenceP.O. Box 103 • 1001 Park Dr., Paxton, IL 60957

Cell: 815-994-0674 • Home: 217-379-2722 pastorfglc@gmail.com