February

2 0 1 2

St. John UCC

“Bringing the Healing Love of Christ

To Our Community for the Glory of God”

ST. JOHN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

1 0 1 0 S P AR K B L V D ~ F R E E P O R T , IL

www.stjohnuccfreeport.org

The TIDINGS

2

ST.JOHN UCC FREEPORT

MONTHLY TIDINGS

VOLUME 89 FEBRUARY 2012

CHURCH STAFF

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

OFFICE HOURS MONDAY– FRIDAY...…8:30 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M.…&.1:00 TO 4:00 P.M.

Church (815) 235-2824 E-Mail: stjohn@comcast.net

Website: www.stjohnuccfreeport.org

The deadline for submitting articles in the monthly Tidings is

February 14th by noon.

AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME…..

Albert Einstein is credited with saying, “Insanity: doing the same thing over and

over again and expecting different results.”

Einstein was not making a comment on mental illness, nor was he minimizing the problems or the seriousness of mental illness. Those are serious issues not to be ignored, dismissed as insignificant or

disparaged.

Rather, if Einstein made this statement, which some people attribute to others, he was making a comment on our inability or unwillingness to come at a problem from a different perspective. We’ve said the same thing when we’ve said, “There’s more than

one way to skin a cat.”

This past Sunday, January 22, the congregation voted to hire Dr. Paul Nixon of Epicenter Group of Washington, D.C. as our “coach” for the next year. Surely, some may jokingly say, “Can anything good come out of Washington?” It’s similar to what Nathanael said when Philip told him the One they were looking for was Jesus of Nazareth. Nathanael said, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” .. But, yes, something good can come out

of Washington, and Dr. Paul Nixon is one.

I emailed Paul on Sunday to tell him of the congregation’s decision to go forward with hiring him. By 8:45 a.m. Monday morning I had an email from one of his assistants, with 4 attachments. We also spoke for an hour on the phone Monday afternoon, as he began to lay out our process, which you find

more information on in a later article.

Two important pieces you will want to know and in which we want you to participate - and this is for all members and friends of

the church:

1) an on-line questionnaire, which will help him get a fuller

picture of who we are as a church

3

ST.JOHN UCC FREEPORT

MONTHLY TIDINGS

VOLUME 89 FEBRUARY 2012

CHURCH STAFF

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

OFFICE HOURS MONDAY– FRIDAY...…8:30 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M.…&.1:00 TO 4:00 P.M.

Church (815) 235-2824 E-Mail: stjohn@comcast.net

Website: www.stjohnuccfreeport.org

The deadline for submitting articles in the monthly Tidings is

February 14th by noon.

AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME…..

Albert Einstein is credited with saying, “Insanity: doing the same thing over and

over again and expecting different results.”

Einstein was not making a comment on mental illness, nor was he minimizing the problems or the seriousness of mental illness. Those are serious issues not to be ignored, dismissed as insignificant or

disparaged.

Rather, if Einstein made this statement, which some people attribute to others, he was making a comment on our inability or unwillingness to come at a problem from a different perspective. We’ve said the same thing when we’ve said, “There’s more than

one way to skin a cat.”

This past Sunday, January 22, the congregation voted to hire Dr. Paul Nixon of Epicenter Group of Washington, D.C. as our “coach” for the next year. Surely, some may jokingly say, “Can anything good come out of Washington?” It’s similar to what Nathanael said when Philip told him the One they were looking for was Jesus of Nazareth. Nathanael said, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” .. But, yes, something good can come out

of Washington, and Dr. Paul Nixon is one.

I emailed Paul on Sunday to tell him of the congregation’s decision to go forward with hiring him. By 8:45 a.m. Monday morning I had an email from one of his assistants, with 4 attachments. We also spoke for an hour on the phone Monday afternoon, as he began to lay out our process, which you find

more information on in a later article.

Two important pieces you will want to know and in which we want you to participate - and this is for all members and friends of

the church:

1) an on-line questionnaire, which will help him get a fuller

picture of who we are as a church

4

2) his visit on March 11, 12 and 13, including a meeting open to all on Sunday, the 11th - possibly during lunch. The details are

yet to be finalized.

From the moment that the 7 of us from St. John heard Paul, at our Prairie Association meeting in November, through our conversations with Paul and the Council, we have been committed to an open, transparent process. No hidden

information. No hidden agendas.

Rather, just a firm commitment to thinking and doing something outside-of-the-box for us, which we believe gives us the best opportunity, at this time, to strengthen us as a church and better

position us for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

I, and the Church Council, hope you will fully participate in this opportunity. We want your voice and involvement. (Read more

later in this Tidings.)

ANNUAL REPORTS

All Ministries and social groups are asked to

submit a report of their activities for the past

year. All reports are due to the church office

by February 13th. They will be prepared and

distributed for the Congregational meeting in

March. Please check with your group or

Committee Chair person to decide who will

be preparing this report.

Kevin’s Korner...

God, Good Times, Great Food and a Side of NYE

2012 has begun with a great winter retreat. We took 18 students to Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells for three days of Good times. We made many memories and had

some emotional discussions about God and His role in our lives. Many of the youth shared their struggles and hopes for what 2012 will hold for them. They are Adventurously Expectant.

This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" Romans 8:15 (MSG)

We are not sure what is ahead of us this year but I’m excited to go on this adventure with God. This theme and verse was what we based our lessons on during the winter retreat. I would encourage you to spend some time and reflect on this verse. Are you greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?”

I’m also looking forward to building Subs with the students for our annual Helix Super Bowl Sub and Bake Sale. If you didn’t get your order in please stop by and see what baked goods we have available or consider making a donation to support our thriving ministry. Your help is greatly appreciated. That was the Great Food news, now on to the side of NYE. NYE stands for the Nation Youth Event. It is sponsored by the UCC. It is being held in Indiana at Purdue University, on July 10th-14th. We are currently looking for students ages 13-18 who would like to attend this event. This event only happens once every four years. For

more info on the NYE check out http://www.ucc.org/youth/nye/

If you are considering attending this event please let me (Kevin) know. I currently have three students who are interested in

attending. I’m hoping to take five youth.

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

Director of Technologies Ministry

5

2) his visit on March 11, 12 and 13, including a meeting open to all on Sunday, the 11th - possibly during lunch. The details are

yet to be finalized.

From the moment that the 7 of us from St. John heard Paul, at our Prairie Association meeting in November, through our conversations with Paul and the Council, we have been committed to an open, transparent process. No hidden

information. No hidden agendas.

Rather, just a firm commitment to thinking and doing something outside-of-the-box for us, which we believe gives us the best opportunity, at this time, to strengthen us as a church and better

position us for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

I, and the Church Council, hope you will fully participate in this opportunity. We want your voice and involvement. (Read more

later in this Tidings.)

ANNUAL REPORTS

All Ministries and social groups are asked to

submit a report of their activities for the past

year. All reports are due to the church office

by February 13th. They will be prepared and

distributed for the Congregational meeting in

March. Please check with your group or

Committee Chair person to decide who will

be preparing this report.

Kevin’s Korner...

God, Good Times, Great Food and a Side of NYE

2012 has begun with a great winter retreat. We took 18 students to Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells for three days of Good times. We made many memories and had

some emotional discussions about God and His role in our lives. Many of the youth shared their struggles and hopes for what 2012 will hold for them. They are Adventurously Expectant.

This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" Romans 8:15 (MSG)

We are not sure what is ahead of us this year but I’m excited to go on this adventure with God. This theme and verse was what we based our lessons on during the winter retreat. I would encourage you to spend some time and reflect on this verse. Are you greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?”

I’m also looking forward to building Subs with the students for our annual Helix Super Bowl Sub and Bake Sale. If you didn’t get your order in please stop by and see what baked goods we have available or consider making a donation to support our thriving ministry. Your help is greatly appreciated. That was the Great Food news, now on to the side of NYE. NYE stands for the Nation Youth Event. It is sponsored by the UCC. It is being held in Indiana at Purdue University, on July 10th-14th. We are currently looking for students ages 13-18 who would like to attend this event. This event only happens once every four years. For

more info on the NYE check out http://www.ucc.org/youth/nye/

If you are considering attending this event please let me (Kevin) know. I currently have three students who are interested in

attending. I’m hoping to take five youth.

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

Director of Technologies Ministry

6

LENTEN SCHEDULE 2012

Special Services

Wed., Feb 22 Ash Wednesday Service 7 p.m.

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

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

This year’s Lenten Series will feature Paul Nixon’s book, I Refuse to Lead a Dying

Church.

The office will be ordering books through amazon.com on February 13th. They are $11.25, please let Kirsten or Pam know if you

would like us to order one for you.

The Study will begin on Sunday February 26th during the Sunday School hour and continue on Wednesday evenings throughout Lent lead

by Pastor Donnley.

These Wednesday evenings begin with a fellowship dinner at 5:45 p.m., with the Lenten study beginning at 6:30 p.m. Please sign up for the fellowship dinner on the bulletin board by the

Sunday before. Thank you.

SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT SUNDAY

February 5th 9:00 Worship

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

service.

FIRST NEWS

on our process with Paul Nixon

Here’s what Paul Nixon and Pastor Donnley began to plan and

coordinate in emails and phone calls through Monday, Jan. 23.

1) The appointment of an advisory/steering committee, which will report to the Church Council, with 2-3 members from the Council

and 3 members from the membership at-large.

2) The criteria for appointment to the advisory/steering committee will be: credibility with the congregation, sensitivity to diversity and a provision for generational diversity. (The committee will be appointed by Perry Cowan, Council President, in conversation with Pastor Donnley. This committee will be appointed ASAP, because of planning and work that needs to begin almost

immediately.)

3) Phone calls scheduled between Paul and Donnley (Feb. 3)

and Paul, Donnley and 2-3 from the committee (Feb. 24)

4) Dates for members and friends of the congregation to complete the on-line questionnaire, Feb. 10-20. (The computer classroom will be open mornings to assist anyone with logging

on who does not have a computer or needs assistance.)

5) Paul’s visit to St. John and Freeport on March 11, 12, 13

6) Open meetings on March 11 and 12

7) Focus group mtgs. of persons specifically targeted/invited to the focus groups, as determined by Paul, the committee and Donnley. One of those focus groups will likely be the Church

Council at its regularly scheduled meeting of March 12.

8) Mtgs. between Paul, the committee and Donnley, via Skype,

in April, May, and 2-3 dates between now and March 2013

9) Monthly meetings, at least, between Paul and Donnley, via

Skype. PLEASE COME ON THE MARCH 11th

7

LENTEN SCHEDULE 2012

Special Services

Wed., Feb 22 Ash Wednesday Service 7 p.m.

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

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

This year’s Lenten Series will feature Paul Nixon’s book, I Refuse to Lead a Dying

Church.

The office will be ordering books through amazon.com on February 13th. They are $11.25, please let Kirsten or Pam know if you

would like us to order one for you.

The Study will begin on Sunday February 26th during the Sunday School hour and continue on Wednesday evenings throughout Lent lead

by Pastor Donnley.

These Wednesday evenings begin with a fellowship dinner at 5:45 p.m., with the Lenten study beginning at 6:30 p.m. Please sign up for the fellowship dinner on the bulletin board by the

Sunday before. Thank you.

SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT SUNDAY

February 5th 9:00 Worship

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

service.

FIRST NEWS

on our process with Paul Nixon

Here’s what Paul Nixon and Pastor Donnley began to plan and

coordinate in emails and phone calls through Monday, Jan. 23.

1) The appointment of an advisory/steering committee, which will report to the Church Council, with 2-3 members from the Council

and 3 members from the membership at-large.

2) The criteria for appointment to the advisory/steering committee will be: credibility with the congregation, sensitivity to diversity and a provision for generational diversity. (The committee will be appointed by Perry Cowan, Council President, in conversation with Pastor Donnley. This committee will be appointed ASAP, because of planning and work that needs to begin almost

immediately.)

3) Phone calls scheduled between Paul and Donnley (Feb. 3)

and Paul, Donnley and 2-3 from the committee (Feb. 24)

4) Dates for members and friends of the congregation to complete the on-line questionnaire, Feb. 10-20. (The computer classroom will be open mornings to assist anyone with logging

on who does not have a computer or needs assistance.)

5) Paul’s visit to St. John and Freeport on March 11, 12, 13

6) Open meetings on March 11 and 12

7) Focus group mtgs. of persons specifically targeted/invited to the focus groups, as determined by Paul, the committee and Donnley. One of those focus groups will likely be the Church

Council at its regularly scheduled meeting of March 12.

8) Mtgs. between Paul, the committee and Donnley, via Skype,

in April, May, and 2-3 dates between now and March 2013

9) Monthly meetings, at least, between Paul and Donnley, via

Skype. PLEASE COME ON THE MARCH 11th

8

A N o t e a b o u t t h e Q ui l t ed

Ad ve n t Ba n n er :

As our beautiful sanctuary "Christmas Windows" Advent banner is being put away for future Advent seasons - before it is forgotten, its history

should be recorded.

Our church sew and quilt group began work on this project spring of 2011. Additional talented church women outside our regular group were recruited to help, as a great deal of complex detailed

work went into the completion of this banner.

Many thanks and appreciation is due to: Mary Arnold, Eleanor Chance, Mavis Clark, Esther Dickman, Helen Hartog, Barb

McDonough, Kathy Moffatt, Paula Nieman and Joan Wootan.

STEWARDSHIP M INISTRY

Applying Bible Principles

As we saw recently, our giving is to be done in secret. That kind of giving causes our Heavenly Father, who sees in secret, to reward us openly. If we draw attention to ourselves and to our giving, we will receive the praise of other people, but unfortunately, that praise then becomes all the reward we will

receive.

But the Apostle Paul describes generous giving in 2 Corinthians 9:6-14 as something that will cause other people to praise God for our generosity. They will thank Him for our obedience that causes us to give in such a manner that the gospel is shared with

them.

What a difference. On the one hand, if we attract attention to ourselves and our giving, people will praise us, and that’s the end of it. On the other, if we give quietly and generously, any attention

that action gains will cause people to praise God for us!

The Lord Jesus described a situation like that. Mary anointed Him with a costly perfume. Some criticized her because it seemed like

a waste. After all, the perfume could have been sold and the

money used for the poor. Was Mary crazy or what?

One writer summed up her actions this way:

Generous giving to the Lord may be labeled fanatical by others. But Jesus labeled it “love.” In fact, He was so moved by the woman’s giving that he vowed “wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told in

memory of her.”

So today, centuries later, just as Jesus said, we still remember

Mary’s devotion and generous giving.

What will people remember you for? Will it be for your accomplishments in life? Will it be for your talents and abilities? Will it be for your work with the poor and needy? Will it be for the ministry you have had for Christ here at St. John United Church of Christ? Will it be for your efforts to share the gospel with

people along life’s way? Will it be for your generous giving?

Or stated another way, what do you want people to remember you for? You see, your answer to that question to a significant degree becomes a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” Do you want to be remembered for your generous giving? Then start now where you

are. . . .

LAYCARE MINISTRY

Isaiah 43:19 “See, I am doing a new thing! Now

it springs up; do you not perceive it?…….

Strange isn’t it how our lives unfold. We have been studying the book of Isaiah on Wednesday mornings. Strange, isn’t it, when

we see (as Beth Slade calls it) a God Wink!!!

Mavis Clark and I went to see a matinee - I HAAD to see “We Bought A Zoo” because Jean Carmean had given me that book to read a couple years ago and I fell in love with that whole family - the Benjamin Mee family. Mavis and I cried and we laughed out loud at that movie - it was a good one!! At the movie,

9

A N o t e a b o u t t h e Q ui l t ed

Ad ve n t Ba n n er :

As our beautiful sanctuary "Christmas Windows" Advent banner is being put away for future Advent seasons - before it is forgotten, its history

should be recorded.

Our church sew and quilt group began work on this project spring of 2011. Additional talented church women outside our regular group were recruited to help, as a great deal of complex detailed

work went into the completion of this banner.

Many thanks and appreciation is due to: Mary Arnold, Eleanor Chance, Mavis Clark, Esther Dickman, Helen Hartog, Barb

McDonough, Kathy Moffatt, Paula Nieman and Joan Wootan.

STEWARDSHIP M INISTRY

Applying Bible Principles

As we saw recently, our giving is to be done in secret. That kind of giving causes our Heavenly Father, who sees in secret, to reward us openly. If we draw attention to ourselves and to our giving, we will receive the praise of other people, but unfortunately, that praise then becomes all the reward we will

receive.

But the Apostle Paul describes generous giving in 2 Corinthians 9:6-14 as something that will cause other people to praise God for our generosity. They will thank Him for our obedience that causes us to give in such a manner that the gospel is shared with

them.

What a difference. On the one hand, if we attract attention to ourselves and our giving, people will praise us, and that’s the end of it. On the other, if we give quietly and generously, any attention

that action gains will cause people to praise God for us!

The Lord Jesus described a situation like that. Mary anointed Him with a costly perfume. Some criticized her because it seemed like

a waste. After all, the perfume could have been sold and the

money used for the poor. Was Mary crazy or what?

One writer summed up her actions this way:

Generous giving to the Lord may be labeled fanatical by others. But Jesus labeled it “love.” In fact, He was so moved by the woman’s giving that he vowed “wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told in

memory of her.”

So today, centuries later, just as Jesus said, we still remember

Mary’s devotion and generous giving.

What will people remember you for? Will it be for your accomplishments in life? Will it be for your talents and abilities? Will it be for your work with the poor and needy? Will it be for the ministry you have had for Christ here at St. John United Church of Christ? Will it be for your efforts to share the gospel with

people along life’s way? Will it be for your generous giving?

Or stated another way, what do you want people to remember you for? You see, your answer to that question to a significant degree becomes a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” Do you want to be remembered for your generous giving? Then start now where you

are. . . .

LAYCARE MINISTRY

Isaiah 43:19 “See, I am doing a new thing! Now

it springs up; do you not perceive it?…….

Strange isn’t it how our lives unfold. We have been studying the book of Isaiah on Wednesday mornings. Strange, isn’t it, when

we see (as Beth Slade calls it) a God Wink!!!

Mavis Clark and I went to see a matinee - I HAAD to see “We Bought A Zoo” because Jean Carmean had given me that book to read a couple years ago and I fell in love with that whole family - the Benjamin Mee family. Mavis and I cried and we laughed out loud at that movie - it was a good one!! At the movie,

10

of course, we talked about the need to see “War Horse“.

It went like this. We planned to go to see “War Horse” on Wednesday, but I had a funeral to go to and Mavis’s daughter was coming to help take down Christmas stuff. So we thought Thursday might be good - no, I had a luncheon with a friend and guests for dinner that night -so then we settled on Friday. That worked for both of us. Then Mavis called to say her friend Helen was having a birthday on Friday and could Mavis come to a “Tea party” to help celebrate the birthday - so, of course, Mavis said she could come to the party. When Mavis called to cancel our Friday plans, she asked if Tuesday might work. I had to say ‘NO‘,

because I was leaving for San Antonio the next morning.

Now do you see where I am going with this story? God says, “I am doing a new thing - do you not get it” God has a plan for each of us every day of our lives, we just have to pay attention and

recognize that we are not in control.

Whether it be a simple plan for a movie or a luncheon -we are not in control! You get the picture? By the time Mavis and I realized we were not going to see “War Horse” at the theater - we settled

on renting it on a DVD later and I’ll make the popcorn!

So we say to God “Help us to give up our frenzied over planning

and enjoy each day as it unfolds.” Amen and Amen!

Peace and Love,

Marilyn Ruthe,

Coordinator Laycare Ministry

MISSONS MINISTRY

RED CAN SUNDAY

Please bring your donations of can goods, cereal, pasta, food items as well as the much needed personal items to church each month. We will also be receiving monetary donations on February

5th for the FACC emergency fund. $380 was collected in January.

CHILDREN OF UGANDA

“TOUR OF LIGHT”

We are thrilled to be working hard on bringing the children to Freeport. They will arrive Wednesday, February 15, 2012 and participate in a cultural and educational experience at Freeport High School around 10:30. They will then have rehearsal from 2-4 at Jeannette Lloyd Theatre. They will return to the Jeanette Lloyd Theatre for a 6:00 rehearsal with our children’s choir, along with Faith United Methodist choir, Highland Children’s Choir, as well as several others not quite yet set. The performance will be at 7:00. On Thursday the 16th, there will be a luncheon provided for the Children at 11:30 and everyone is invited to a whole church potluck at 4:30 pm . We still need a lot of help. Please check sign up sheets in the Narthex for the pot luck and other

assistance needed..

***If the spirit moves you, the Children of Uganda is in need of individual child sponsors…your support will provide an education, food, medical and clothing for one year. In turn, you will receive letters written by your child and a report card. Your heart will be warmed by your generosity and you will significantly change a

child’s life.

We are eternally grateful for the support of our UCC family.

~Martha and Perry Cowan

February 15th performance at Jeannette Lloyd Theater 7pm

See Perry or Martha Cowan for tickets $10

POTLUCK with the Children of Uganda

Thursday, February 16th at 4:30pm

Please sign up in the Narthex.

11

of course, we talked about the need to see “War Horse“.

It went like this. We planned to go to see “War Horse” on Wednesday, but I had a funeral to go to and Mavis’s daughter was coming to help take down Christmas stuff. So we thought Thursday might be good - no, I had a luncheon with a friend and guests for dinner that night -so then we settled on Friday. That worked for both of us. Then Mavis called to say her friend Helen was having a birthday on Friday and could Mavis come to a “Tea party” to help celebrate the birthday - so, of course, Mavis said she could come to the party. When Mavis called to cancel our Friday plans, she asked if Tuesday might work. I had to say ‘NO‘,

because I was leaving for San Antonio the next morning.

Now do you see where I am going with this story? God says, “I am doing a new thing - do you not get it” God has a plan for each of us every day of our lives, we just have to pay attention and

recognize that we are not in control.

Whether it be a simple plan for a movie or a luncheon -we are not in control! You get the picture? By the time Mavis and I realized we were not going to see “War Horse” at the theater - we settled

on renting it on a DVD later and I’ll make the popcorn!

So we say to God “Help us to give up our frenzied over planning

and enjoy each day as it unfolds.” Amen and Amen!

Peace and Love,

Marilyn Ruthe,

Coordinator Laycare Ministry

MISSONS MINISTRY

RED CAN SUNDAY

Please bring your donations of can goods, cereal, pasta, food items as well as the much needed personal items to church each month. We will also be receiving monetary donations on February

5th for the FACC emergency fund. $380 was collected in January.

CHILDREN OF UGANDA

“TOUR OF LIGHT”

We are thrilled to be working hard on bringing the children to Freeport. They will arrive Wednesday, February 15, 2012 and participate in a cultural and educational experience at Freeport High School around 10:30. They will then have rehearsal from 2-4 at Jeannette Lloyd Theatre. They will return to the Jeanette Lloyd Theatre for a 6:00 rehearsal with our children’s choir, along with Faith United Methodist choir, Highland Children’s Choir, as well as several others not quite yet set. The performance will be at 7:00. On Thursday the 16th, there will be a luncheon provided for the Children at 11:30 and everyone is invited to a whole church potluck at 4:30 pm . We still need a lot of help. Please check sign up sheets in the Narthex for the pot luck and other

assistance needed..

***If the spirit moves you, the Children of Uganda is in need of individual child sponsors…your support will provide an education, food, medical and clothing for one year. In turn, you will receive letters written by your child and a report card. Your heart will be warmed by your generosity and you will significantly change a

child’s life.

We are eternally grateful for the support of our UCC family.

~Martha and Perry Cowan

February 15th performance at Jeannette Lloyd Theater 7pm

See Perry or Martha Cowan for tickets $10

POTLUCK with the Children of Uganda

Thursday, February 16th at 4:30pm

Please sign up in the Narthex.

12

FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY

11th Annual ALL-CHURCH

SPAGHETTI SUPPER

Saturday, March 10, 2012

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

Homemade Meatballs,

Tossed Salad, Garlic Bread, Dessert, Punch & Coffee

Tickets are on sale Feb 12th, after service in the Narthex and in

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

(2 & under free)

Carry-outs will also be available.

***Please signup in on the bulletin board to help with Meatballs

on Saturday morning Feb. 25th***

ON G OI NG WAYS TO PAR TI C IPAT E IN THE L I FE O F

TH E CH URC H

CH OI RS

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

joyful noise!

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

music is helpful but not required.

BIB L E S T UD Y

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

Please join us!

TAU ALPHA

We will be taking a break for the winter and will meet again in

March.

CARD CLUB

Card Club will be meeting February 6th at 1 pm.

PING PONG

We meet every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. (the second week of the month on Tuesday) in the Game Room (North Wing). We would love to have more men &

women join in on the fun!

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, February 23th.

LEARNING OUR FAITH

We meet in the Chapel Hearth Sunday mornings during the Sunday School hour following service. We started “Love Wins” by Rob Bell last month. Please feel free to join us.

MEN’S GROUP

We’re having a great time! Come join us! We’re not “holier than thou,” nor is all the talk just “God-talk.” It’s a wonderful blend of maleness, conversation, laughter, the

spiritual and the unspiritual.

Our next gathering is Saturday, February 4th at 8 a.m. in the Temple Sunday School room. We meet until about 9:30 a.m.

Come check us out!

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FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY

11th Annual ALL-CHURCH

SPAGHETTI SUPPER

Saturday, March 10, 2012

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

Homemade Meatballs,

Tossed Salad, Garlic Bread, Dessert, Punch & Coffee

Tickets are on sale Feb 12th, after service in the Narthex and in

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

(2 & under free)

Carry-outs will also be available.

***Please signup in on the bulletin board to help with Meatballs

on Saturday morning Feb. 25th***

ON G OI NG WAYS TO PAR TI C IPAT E IN THE L I FE O F

TH E CH URC H

CH OI RS

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

joyful noise!

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

music is helpful but not required.

BIB L E S T UD Y

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

Please join us!

TAU ALPHA

We will be taking a break for the winter and will meet again in

March.

CARD CLUB

Card Club will be meeting February 6th at 1 pm.

PING PONG

We meet every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. (the second week of the month on Tuesday) in the Game Room (North Wing). We would love to have more men &

women join in on the fun!

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, February 23th.

LEARNING OUR FAITH

We meet in the Chapel Hearth Sunday mornings during the Sunday School hour following service. We started “Love Wins” by Rob Bell last month. Please feel free to join us.

MEN’S GROUP

We’re having a great time! Come join us! We’re not “holier than thou,” nor is all the talk just “God-talk.” It’s a wonderful blend of maleness, conversation, laughter, the

spiritual and the unspiritual.

Our next gathering is Saturday, February 4th at 8 a.m. in the Temple Sunday School room. We meet until about 9:30 a.m.

Come check us out!

14

STITCH SEW QUILT

Our church Stitch, Sew & Quilt Group will meet Friday, February 10 at 1:30 p.m. to continue our work on our 2012 raffle quilt. We made impressive progress on the start of this quilt by everyone doing their part and hope for a good turnout and same team work for our second

session.

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 February 8th 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!

HELIX

MIDDLE SCHOOL (grades 5-8th)

Thursdays after school 3-5 pm

if there is no school we don’t meet

HIGH SCHOOL (grades 9-12th)

Sunday February 26th 6-8pm

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

WORKOUT NIGHTS

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

SERVING

Being a servant of the church is a great way to get to know fellow members. If you’re interested in serving please call the church office or fill out

a pew card.

COFFEE HOUR

Coffee Hour is a time for fellowship. All of the members of St. John (unless requested otherwise) are alphabetically listed to bring a treat to share. You may not get a reminder call when it’s your turn to bring a treat, but please, if your name is on the list for this month, bring in about 3 dozen cookies, bars, mini muffins etc. or please consider bringing fruit to share.

Everyone enjoys the treats and the social time together.

FEBRUARY - TAU ALPHA

2/05 - Gary Polhill, Sandy and Donnley Dutcher, Dale & Kelly Priewe, Betty Pruitt, Rodney Pruitt, John & Paula Rawleigh,

Marilyn Rawleigh

2/12 - John & Debra Rice, Shaun & Erin Rice, Floyd & Marsha Roberts, Doris Roberts, Wes & Joyce Robinson, Ruth Rockey,

Carl & Ellen Roderick

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STITCH SEW QUILT

Our church Stitch, Sew & Quilt Group will meet Friday, February 10 at 1:30 p.m. to continue our work on our 2012 raffle quilt. We made impressive progress on the start of this quilt by everyone doing their part and hope for a good turnout and same team work for our second

session.

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 February 8th 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!

HELIX

MIDDLE SCHOOL (grades 5-8th)

Thursdays after school 3-5 pm

if there is no school we don’t meet

HIGH SCHOOL (grades 9-12th)

Sunday February 26th 6-8pm

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

WORKOUT NIGHTS

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

SERVING

Being a servant of the church is a great way to get to know fellow members. If you’re interested in serving please call the church office or fill out

a pew card.

COFFEE HOUR

Coffee Hour is a time for fellowship. All of the members of St. John (unless requested otherwise) are alphabetically listed to bring a treat to share. You may not get a reminder call when it’s your turn to bring a treat, but please, if your name is on the list for this month, bring in about 3 dozen cookies, bars, mini muffins etc. or please consider bringing fruit to share.

Everyone enjoys the treats and the social time together.

FEBRUARY - TAU ALPHA

2/05 - Gary Polhill, Sandy and Donnley Dutcher, Dale & Kelly Priewe, Betty Pruitt, Rodney Pruitt, John & Paula Rawleigh,

Marilyn Rawleigh

2/12 - John & Debra Rice, Shaun & Erin Rice, Floyd & Marsha Roberts, Doris Roberts, Wes & Joyce Robinson, Ruth Rockey,

Carl & Ellen Roderick

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2/19 - Karen Roemer, Edith Rosenstiel, Jerry & Amanda Rubin, Tim & Cherie Rucker, Marilyn Ruthe, Donna Ruthe, Floyd &

Vivian Schlickman

2/26 - Gerald & Patricia Schneiderman, Steve & Lisa Schubert, Deb Scott, Richard & Sybil Scovill, David & Olivia Schaffer,

Jerry & Sharon Simler, Michael Simler

MARCH -

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

Jackie Stewart, James & Sharon Summers

GREETERS

February 5 – Monty & Carolee Dietmeier

February 12 –Roger & Deb Swanlund

February 19 –The Priewe Family

February 22 – Edith Rosensteil & Claire Biesemeier – Ash Wed.

February 26- Ruth & Dave Rockey

WELCOMERS

February 5 – John & Betty Heiden

February 12 – Lee & Nancy Otte

February 19 – Steve & Lisa Schubert

February 22 – Ben & Lucille Lee- Ash Wednesday

February 26 – Shirley Ifert, Sharon Simler

NURSERY

February 5 – VOLUNTEER NEEDED

February 12 –Carla Meyer & Jeanne Cross

February 19 – Kirsten, Kya, Cherryl Hinrichs

February 26 – Dale & Thomas Priewe, Jill Kuntz

USHERS

2/05 Tim, Colin & Kristi Ebbers, Dennis Manus, Jim Drew, 2/12 John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus, Mike

Smith, James & Tom Priewe

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2/19 Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Wes & Joyce Robinson,

Dana Brill

2/22 Ash Wednesday—Doris Last, Sharon Simler, Diane

Heilman, Shan MacAdam

2/26 Lee & Nancy Otte, Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Jeanne Koch,

Jane Krug

DRIVERS

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

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

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

12/24 - 204 1/1-109 1/15-124

12/25 - 88 1/8-152 1/22-135

PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR PRAYERS

PRAYER CHAIN: Maddox, Bill Staats

HOSPITALIZED: Maida Gimple, Shirley Durrstein

DEATHS: Our prayers and condolences for the family of Mike Edler who passed away on January 9th and Dennis

Meyer who passed away on January 12th.

SHUT INS: The following is a list of people that either can’t get out

and may love a visit or a card from those thinking of them.

Dorothy Miller and Laura Uthlaut at Parkview

Nettie Hendren, Jim Fry and Nada Scheisser at Liberty Village

Bob Heilman at Lena Living Center

June Nagel, Joyce Kaiser and Holly Genant at Stephenson

Nursing Center

Margret Shewman at St. Joseph’s Provena

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

Esther Dickman

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Thank you so much for the beautiful service provided in memory of Mike Edler. Rev. Donnley did an amazing job with the sermon and the luncheon afterward was fabulous. It was so impressive how everyone came together by providing so many delicious dishes and goodies and they treated everyone so kindly when serving. It was great and not having to clean up is priceless. We’ve never seen anything quite like it and everything was greatly appreciated. Thank you. Sincerely, Shane, Angie,

Alexandria Simon and Avri Edler.

************************************************************************* The Norman Sleezer Youth Home would like to thank you for your genenrous donation given on your behalf from Hugh & Sarah Knapp. Sincerely Cara Williams ************************************************************************* To the family of St. John, The family of Michael Edler would like to thank pastor Donnley for the wonderful memorial service and the Ladies for organizing the Luncheon. Everything was greatly appreciated -Holly Edler **************************************************************************

COM M U NI T Y E V E N TS :

MONROE CLINIC GRIEF GROUP:

HEAL

Wednesday evenings Feb. 8, 15, 22, 29; March 7

and 14th from 6pm—7:30pm

This is a Six Week Series that will be meeting at the St.

Camillus Center 2101 6th St. in Monroe

To register call 608-324-1230 or online at monroeclinc.org

There is no charge for HEAL and it is open to everyone.

COUNCIL MINUTES

Members Present: Perry Cowan, Bill Condie, Ulan Price, Ben Lee, Mary Arnold, Lisa Ebbers, Keith Hinrichs, Deb Hartman, Marilyn Ruthe, Pastor Donnley, ex-officio; guest Kevin

Eckert.

Meeting called to order at 6:33 p.m. Opening

prayer by Pastor Donnley.

December Minutes: Previously approved by

email.

Treasurer’s Report: Income & Expenses reviewed. We ended the year with a positive balance. Keith moved/Marilyn seconded

acceptance. Approved.

Last month, Council discussed the possibility of sending a letter to groups using our facilities, but not affiliated with St. John, to consider making a donation toward utility costs. After referring it to the Property Management Ministry to explore, the Ministry conducted an energy audit and after further discussion feels a letter is unnecessary and could be counterproductive. 2012 Proposed Budget Amendment: With Pam Wessel

assuming the accounting/bookkeeping duties, her office hours will be increased by 8 hours per two-week pay period resulting in an approximate $110 salary increase per period. Because the Social Security payment increases also, the budget will be amended to show an approximate $300/month total increase. Copies of the revised budget will be available in the narthex this Sunday, a

week ahead of the annual meeting on Jan. 22.

Rev. Dr. Paul Nixon, Coach/Consultant: Copies of the booklet developed for the congregational meeting were distributed and Rev. Nixon’s proposed coaching contract and fee schedule reviewed. With consulting and travel expenses, the first year total cost estimate is around $13,000. Pending congregational approval to move forward, Pastor Donnley has dates penciled for

19

Thank you so much for the beautiful service provided in memory of Mike Edler. Rev. Donnley did an amazing job with the sermon and the luncheon afterward was fabulous. It was so impressive how everyone came together by providing so many delicious dishes and goodies and they treated everyone so kindly when serving. It was great and not having to clean up is priceless. We’ve never seen anything quite like it and everything was greatly appreciated. Thank you. Sincerely, Shane, Angie,

Alexandria Simon and Avri Edler.

************************************************************************* The Norman Sleezer Youth Home would like to thank you for your genenrous donation given on your behalf from Hugh & Sarah Knapp. Sincerely Cara Williams ************************************************************************* To the family of St. John, The family of Michael Edler would like to thank pastor Donnley for the wonderful memorial service and the Ladies for organizing the Luncheon. Everything was greatly appreciated -Holly Edler **************************************************************************

COM M U NI T Y E V E N TS :

MONROE CLINIC GRIEF GROUP:

HEAL

Wednesday evenings Feb. 8, 15, 22, 29; March 7

and 14th from 6pm—7:30pm

This is a Six Week Series that will be meeting at the St.

Camillus Center 2101 6th St. in Monroe

To register call 608-324-1230 or online at monroeclinc.org

There is no charge for HEAL and it is open to everyone.

COUNCIL MINUTES

Members Present: Perry Cowan, Bill Condie, Ulan Price, Ben Lee, Mary Arnold, Lisa Ebbers, Keith Hinrichs, Deb Hartman, Marilyn Ruthe, Pastor Donnley, ex-officio; guest Kevin

Eckert.

Meeting called to order at 6:33 p.m. Opening

prayer by Pastor Donnley.

December Minutes: Previously approved by

email.

Treasurer’s Report: Income & Expenses reviewed. We ended the year with a positive balance. Keith moved/Marilyn seconded

acceptance. Approved.

Last month, Council discussed the possibility of sending a letter to groups using our facilities, but not affiliated with St. John, to consider making a donation toward utility costs. After referring it to the Property Management Ministry to explore, the Ministry conducted an energy audit and after further discussion feels a letter is unnecessary and could be counterproductive. 2012 Proposed Budget Amendment: With Pam Wessel

assuming the accounting/bookkeeping duties, her office hours will be increased by 8 hours per two-week pay period resulting in an approximate $110 salary increase per period. Because the Social Security payment increases also, the budget will be amended to show an approximate $300/month total increase. Copies of the revised budget will be available in the narthex this Sunday, a

week ahead of the annual meeting on Jan. 22.

Rev. Dr. Paul Nixon, Coach/Consultant: Copies of the booklet developed for the congregational meeting were distributed and Rev. Nixon’s proposed coaching contract and fee schedule reviewed. With consulting and travel expenses, the first year total cost estimate is around $13,000. Pending congregational approval to move forward, Pastor Donnley has dates penciled for

PRESIDENT Perry Cowan V ICE PRESIDENT Bill Condie SECRETARY Deb Hartman TREASURER Ulan Price CHRISTIAN ED .

Lisa Ebbers CHURCHGROWTH MAR ILYN RUTHE FELLOWSHIP Ben Lee M ISS IONS Bill Condie PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Keith Hinrichs Bruce Dykstra STAFF RELATIONS Joyce Robinson STEWARDSHIP

Ulan Price WORSHIP Mary Arnold

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Paul to be on-site for three days in March. Prior to his arrival, there would be pre-visit meetings via email and phone, and a survey to be completed by the congregation, with follow-up meetings via Skype with an advisory committee and the pastor in the year following his visit. For those members without internet access, the church computer lab will be available to complete the survey. It was noted that hiring Rev. Nixon would create no additional financial burden to the church since all expenses

would be paid out of the Addie Toelle Estate money.

National Youth Event Funding Update: Last month, Council approved taking up to $2,000 out of the Janshen Fund in coordination with Helix fundraising efforts to help offset the expenses for St. John member youth to attend the National Youth Event in July at Purdue University in Indiana. So far three

youth have expressed an interest in attending.

Energy Audit of Lighting System: Last month an energy audit was done on the church’s lighting systems. At the request of Property Management, Don Valkema brought representatives from 21st Century Lighting to overview their findings and present a bid for replacing all indoor lights, except in the sanctuary. Currently, there is an energy grant available through Com-Ed that funds 40-50% of the costs to upgrade to more energy efficient lights. The grant is available to smaller commercial businesses and pays a proportional share of the expenses, up to a maximum grant of $10,000 per year, per location. How long the grant will be available depends on how quickly funding is exhausted. St. John qualifies for this program for our indoor lights. 21st Century estimates that we can save up to 70% on the indoor lights alone. Most of the current fixtures are retro-fittable for the new technology. A bid was presented for replacement of all indoor lights except in the sanctuary. Total cost of project is $8,816.29 less the $3,960 grant refund for a $4,856.29 net project cost. Estimated electrical cost savings per year is projected at $2,200 for a return on investment of 41% and payback period of about 2½ yrs. Sanctuary lighting would also qualify for the rebate but would be more complicated to replace due to the current recessed can lights. 21st Century did not present a bid for the sanctuary lights but showed a couple of samples that might work if we are interested in pursuing

21

alternatives. Our exterior lighting does not qualify for the rebate program but the company reps believe that St. John could realize up to a 75% energy savings by switching to a more energy-efficient system. The Property Management Ministry is recommending the interior project bid be presented at the 1/22 Congregational Mtg. Ulan moved/Mary seconded that the bid to replace all lighting within the building, except the sanctuary, be presented as proposed at the Jan. 22 meeting, with funding

coming from the Building & Grounds Fund. Approved.

Council requested Property Management to secure firm bids for the replacement of all sanctuary lights also so we can consider it

while the rebate is available.

Audio-Visual System Upgrades: Kevin presented a bid of $9,294.81 from Electronic communication Systems, Inc. of Davenport, IA., for upgrading the AV and Sound Systems in the sanctuary. He estimated the improvements should serve our needs for at least the next 5 years. He will meet with the Worship Ministry to review the proposals and make sure everything is included that will be needed for the music and drama ministries also. It was suggested that we ask the Endowment Board if they have any funds available to put towards this project. Other possible funding could come from the Janshen Fund. The March Congregation Meeting was set for March 18. Candidates for Council and Ministry Positions will be presented at that time. Each Ministry will be asked to identify and help contact potential new members for their ministries. Next Council Meeting: February 13, 6:30 p.m. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. with the Mizpah Benediction. Respectfully submitted , Lisa Ebbers Acting Secretary

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FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Beginning Balance January 1, 2012 $30,573.47

1/01 General Fund Beginning Balance $30,573.47 1/2 GF Income $ 2,523.00 1/9 GF Income $ 5,382.00 1/16 GF Income $ 4,410.61 Less 1/20 GF Payroll & Compensation $ 5,529.19 1/20 GF Other Checks $ 2,122.88 1/20 Current Bills Outstanding $ 4,900.71 1/20 Ending Balance $30,336.30 __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Beginning Balance January 1, 2010 $ 9,081.13 1/01 Building Fund Beginning Balance $ 9,081.13 1/2 BD Income $ 262.00 1/9 BD Income $ 695.00 1/16 BD Income $ 264.00 Less 1/20 BD Checks $ 672.20 1/20 Ending Balance $ 9,629.93

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February Scripture Readings

01 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 17 John 8:31-59

02 1 Corinthians 14:1-25 18 John 9:1-41

03 1 John 2:1-17 19 John 10:1-21

04 1 John 3:1-18 20 John 10:22-42

05 1 John 4:7-21 21 Psalm 23

06 John 3:1-21 22 Psalm 51

07 John 3:22-36 23 John 13:1-20

08 John 4:1-42 24 John 13:21-35

09 John 4:43-54 25 John 14:1-31

10 John 5:1-18 26 John 15:1-17

11 John 5:19-47 27 John 15:18-16:15

12 John 6:1-24 28 John 16:16-33

13 John 6:25-71 29 Mark 12:28-44

14 John 7:1-24

15 John 7:25-52

16 John 8:1-30

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