Our Mission Statement:

“Bringing the Healing Love of Christ

To Our Community for the Glory of

God”

Sunday Worship 9 a.m.

Kids Worship 9:20

New Years Eve Prayer and

Communion Service

6:30pm Dec. 31st

Januray 2013 Vol..99

2

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 DIRECTOR…………………...……….....GINA BERTRAM 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

www.stjohnuccfreeport.org

The deadline for submitting articles in the monthly Tidings is

January 15th by noon.

AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME…..

Here’s a prayer I share with you, for the close of last year and the new year before you:

Lord, in humility and hope I pray for You to bless me with:

- the wisdom to hear and respond to Your call to faithfulness

- the recognition of and appreciation for Your presence in my life

- a confident trust in and promise for the future because of You.

Lord, I am mindful of and thankful for:

- those whom I love and need, and who love and need me

- those who affirm, support, strengthen and challenge me

- friends whose friendship will withstand all that challenges it

- those I remember whose life in this life ended this year or past years

- the strength, comfort, peace and joy of Your presence this past year

- Your strength and guidance in times of difficulty; purpose in times of emptiness; hope and joy in times of sorrow and despair

- all I know in the depths of my heart and soul, but am unable to name in these moments.

Lord, help me in the coming year:

- to grow in love, life, faith and joy

- to be in love with life and You, the Giver of Life; to practice Your presence; and, when appropriate, to forget self

St. John United Church of Christ is an open and affirming congregation who is welcoming and

embracing of every person, of every race, age, nationality, ability, sexual orientation, gender

identity and gender expression, as a child of God. We invite all to join and fully participate in the life

and ministry of this church.

3

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 DIRECTOR…………………...……….....GINA BERTRAM 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

www.stjohnuccfreeport.org

The deadline for submitting articles in the monthly Tidings is

January 15th by noon.

AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME…..

Here’s a prayer I share with you, for the close of last year and the new year before you:

Lord, in humility and hope I pray for You to bless me with:

- the wisdom to hear and respond to Your call to faithfulness

- the recognition of and appreciation for Your presence in my life

- a confident trust in and promise for the future because of You.

Lord, I am mindful of and thankful for:

- those whom I love and need, and who love and need me

- those who affirm, support, strengthen and challenge me

- friends whose friendship will withstand all that challenges it

- those I remember whose life in this life ended this year or past years

- the strength, comfort, peace and joy of Your presence this past year

- Your strength and guidance in times of difficulty; purpose in times of emptiness; hope and joy in times of sorrow and despair

- all I know in the depths of my heart and soul, but am unable to name in these moments.

Lord, help me in the coming year:

- to grow in love, life, faith and joy

- to be in love with life and You, the Giver of Life; to practice Your presence; and, when appropriate, to forget self

4

- to love, care for, and serve the world and all who are in need

- to be strong enough to draw on the power of Christ, that I might not succumb

to evil and be wise enough to let Your Good lead me

- to see in every friend a proof that You are Good, and in those I dislike or with whom I am uncomfortable, the opportunity for reconciliation and for sharing Your forgiveness and love

- to turn hindrances into helps

- to help Your light break forth into the darkness, wherever it is

- to learn from the past, be open to and live well in the present, and to live to the future You would fulfill in me and our midst

- to become more whole, spiritually and in every way

- to love others and myself and to live faithfully as one of Your children and as a follower of Christ

- to be a living example of the Spirit, life, love and joy of Christ

In Christ, I pray. Amen.

LAYCARE MINISTRY

After my dad passed away, my mom came to visit - for short times - at each of our homes. We always thought it was so special to have her with us - she made the most wonderful pecan rolls. Each visit was such a special occasion. Each

time she came, I tried to convince her to stay with me and my family a little longer. Her reply was always “I want to leave while you still want me.”

My visits to San Antonio are like that. They always tell me that I don’t stay long enough. I have my life to live, my friends here in Freeport and my service to God through my church. They know all of that, but they still remind me that my visits are too short. So this year, my reply was “I want to leave while you still want me.” (Thank you Mom.)

The book of Isaiah talks about ‘peace like a river’ and you can see the connection between peace and a river. The river may cut new channels or it may twist and turn, but it keeps moving ahead. That river’s peace comes from that forward flow. I hope I can always move forward and feel God’s peace as we enter this New Year.

The late Dr. Lew Smedes who was a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary was a great encourager and he wrote the following words and I want to pass them on to all of you……

“We want you to be blessed with joys deeper than any sadness, gratitude happier than any regrets, hopes brighter than the shadows of any discouragement, and the vitality to make of every day what God on Christmas Day made for all days.”

So I wish you joy, gratitude, hope and vitality for every day of this New Year!

Peace and Love

Marilyn Ruthe, Coordinator

Laycare Ministry

5

- to love, care for, and serve the world and all who are in need

- to be strong enough to draw on the power of Christ, that I might not succumb

to evil and be wise enough to let Your Good lead me

- to see in every friend a proof that You are Good, and in those I dislike or with whom I am uncomfortable, the opportunity for reconciliation and for sharing Your forgiveness and love

- to turn hindrances into helps

- to help Your light break forth into the darkness, wherever it is

- to learn from the past, be open to and live well in the present, and to live to the future You would fulfill in me and our midst

- to become more whole, spiritually and in every way

- to love others and myself and to live faithfully as one of Your children and as a follower of Christ

- to be a living example of the Spirit, life, love and joy of Christ

In Christ, I pray. Amen.

LAYCARE MINISTRY

After my dad passed away, my mom came to visit - for short times - at each of our homes. We always thought it was so special to have her with us - she made the most wonderful pecan rolls. Each visit was such a special occasion. Each

time she came, I tried to convince her to stay with me and my family a little longer. Her reply was always “I want to leave while you still want me.”

My visits to San Antonio are like that. They always tell me that I don’t stay long enough. I have my life to live, my friends here in Freeport and my service to God through my church. They know all of that, but they still remind me that my visits are too short. So this year, my reply was “I want to leave while you still want me.” (Thank you Mom.)

The book of Isaiah talks about ‘peace like a river’ and you can see the connection between peace and a river. The river may cut new channels or it may twist and turn, but it keeps moving ahead. That river’s peace comes from that forward flow. I hope I can always move forward and feel God’s peace as we enter this New Year.

The late Dr. Lew Smedes who was a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary was a great encourager and he wrote the following words and I want to pass them on to all of you……

“We want you to be blessed with joys deeper than any sadness, gratitude happier than any regrets, hopes brighter than the shadows of any discouragement, and the vitality to make of every day what God on Christmas Day made for all days.”

So I wish you joy, gratitude, hope and vitality for every day of this New Year!

Peace and Love

Marilyn Ruthe, Coordinator

Laycare Ministry

6

QUILT RAFFLE 2012

The quilt raffle drawing was Sun., 12/16 during church service. The winner was Cami Grossenbacher of Leaf River. Cami is the daughter of Lawrence and Paula Nieman and attended St. John Church in her younger years.

Our quilt group thanks our church members for all of their generous support and interest in our project.

MISSONS MINISTRY

RED CAN SUNDAY

We will be receiving monetary donations on January 6th for the FACC emergency fund. $331 was collected in December.

FOOD FOR FACC

In December our food item to collect is 250 boxes of Macaroni and cheese. In case you are looking for sales to stock up February’s food item will be grape jelly.

MEALS ON WHEELS

St. John is helping with Meals December 31 - January 4th with no delivery on New Years Day. If you can help with driving and delivering please see Edie Rosensteil or Pam Wessel.

STEWARDSHIP

If you have not received giving envelopes and would like some please contact the office. Pam

Wessel will be able to help you. Thank you for all that you gave - monetarily and through time and

talent - in 2012 to help our church fulfill its mission in “Bringing the healing love of Christ to our

community for the glory of God”.

FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY

SOUP/SALAD AND A MOVIE IS BACK

JANUARY 27TH

At 11:30 (following the adult Sunday School hour) there will be soup and salad provided by the Fellowship Committee and then a movie (not yet determined, if you have any good ideas let us know in the office) Look for a

sign up sheet in the Narthex.

O N GOI N G WAY S TO PAR T I C I PAT E I N

T H E L I F E O F T H E C H U R C H

C H AN C E L C HO I R & B E L L

C H OI R

Practices are Thursday evenings. Bells at 6pm and Choir at 7pm. Our director is Gina Bertram and if you would like to join either of these groups

just show up! We would love to have you.

C . A. Ts

Caregivers And Toddlers Please join us for our play group geared for toddlers and the adults that care for them. We get together in St. John’s nursery Tuesday mornings 10-11am. On the Third Tues of the month we will be in Fellowship Hall to run and ride. Bring your friends, all are welcome. Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CATSPlayGroup?fref=ts

ATTN: GRANDMAS AND GRANDPAS!!! Sarah Knapp has been leading the CAT’s playgroup and it is now very well established. She is in need of a couple of people to volunteer once a month or so to just be a facilitator - set up, clean up and interact with the kids and their caregivers. Please see Sarah or contact the office if you would be willing to help out this this capacity.

7

QUILT RAFFLE 2012

The quilt raffle drawing was Sun., 12/16 during church service. The winner was Cami Grossenbacher of Leaf River. Cami is the daughter of Lawrence and Paula Nieman and attended St. John Church in her younger years.

Our quilt group thanks our church members for all of their generous support and interest in our project.

MISSONS MINISTRY

RED CAN SUNDAY

We will be receiving monetary donations on January 6th for the FACC emergency fund. $331 was collected in December.

FOOD FOR FACC

In December our food item to collect is 250 boxes of Macaroni and cheese. In case you are looking for sales to stock up February’s food item will be grape jelly.

MEALS ON WHEELS

St. John is helping with Meals December 31 - January 4th with no delivery on New Years Day. If you can help with driving and delivering please see Edie Rosensteil or Pam Wessel.

STEWARDSHIP

If you have not received giving envelopes and would like some please contact the office. Pam

Wessel will be able to help you. Thank you for all that you gave - monetarily and through time and

talent - in 2012 to help our church fulfill its mission in “Bringing the healing love of Christ to our

community for the glory of God”.

FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY

SOUP/SALAD AND A MOVIE IS BACK

JANUARY 27TH

At 11:30 (following the adult Sunday School hour) there will be soup and salad provided by the Fellowship Committee and then a movie (not yet determined, if you have any good ideas let us know in the office) Look for a

sign up sheet in the Narthex.

O N GOI N G WAY S TO PAR T I C I PAT E I N

T H E L I F E O F T H E C H U R C H

C H AN C E L C HO I R & B E L L

C H OI R

Practices are Thursday evenings. Bells at 6pm and Choir at 7pm. Our director is Gina Bertram and if you would like to join either of these groups

just show up! We would love to have you.

C . A. Ts

Caregivers And Toddlers Please join us for our play group geared for toddlers and the adults that care for them. We get together in St. John’s nursery Tuesday mornings 10-11am. On the Third Tues of the month we will be in Fellowship Hall to run and ride. Bring your friends, all are welcome. Find us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CATSPlayGroup?fref=ts

ATTN: GRANDMAS AND GRANDPAS!!! Sarah Knapp has been leading the CAT’s playgroup and it is now very well established. She is in need of a couple of people to volunteer once a month or so to just be a facilitator - set up, clean up and interact with the kids and their caregivers. Please see Sarah or contact the office if you would be willing to help out this this capacity.

8

HELIX

Honor, Engage, Listen, Include,

eXample

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Tuesdays (5th and 6th graders) 3-5pm

Thursdays (7th and 8th graders) 3-5 pm

(No Middle School Helix If there is a half day or no school)

SENIOR HIGH

First Sunday 10:30am in the youth lounge (room N4) after worship for food and discussion time together with Kevin.

BIBLE STUDY

We meet at 9 a.m. Wednesdays, in the Library. We will be starting January 9th to work through the Book of Proverbs. Please come and join

us ALL are welcome!

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!

CARD CLUB

Join us for Euchre the first Monday of the month, in the Chapel Hearth. See you on January 7th.

RESOURCE GROUP

Join us on Thursdays at 9 a.m. for coffee, treats, friendship, & to do volunteer work! We will assemble the Tidings on Januray 24th.

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, January 5th at 8 a.m. We meet until about 9:30 a.m. Come check us out!

CHRIST FIRST

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

RESTART FOR 2013 Christ First will be starting with new members on Wednesday January 9th. Give Kevin a call with any questions you might

have.

QUILTERS

Our St. John Quilt and Sew Group will meet Friday afternoon, Jan. 11 @ 1:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Bring a personal project to work on and any Show and Tell items. We will also discuss a group project to start when our Snow Birds return.

LGBTQ Support Group

January 28th at 6:30pm This is a group for teens and adults that are Lesbian, Gay, Transgendered, Bisexual or

those Questioning their sexual identity. This is also a safe group for allies, friends and family,

of the LGBTQ community. Childcare is provided.

9

HELIX

Honor, Engage, Listen, Include,

eXample

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Tuesdays (5th and 6th graders) 3-5pm

Thursdays (7th and 8th graders) 3-5 pm

(No Middle School Helix If there is a half day or no school)

SENIOR HIGH

First Sunday 10:30am in the youth lounge (room N4) after worship for food and discussion time together with Kevin.

BIBLE STUDY

We meet at 9 a.m. Wednesdays, in the Library. We will be starting January 9th to work through the Book of Proverbs. Please come and join

us ALL are welcome!

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!

CARD CLUB

Join us for Euchre the first Monday of the month, in the Chapel Hearth. See you on January 7th.

RESOURCE GROUP

Join us on Thursdays at 9 a.m. for coffee, treats, friendship, & to do volunteer work! We will assemble the Tidings on Januray 24th.

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, January 5th at 8 a.m. We meet until about 9:30 a.m. Come check us out!

CHRIST FIRST

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

RESTART FOR 2013 Christ First will be starting with new members on Wednesday January 9th. Give Kevin a call with any questions you might

have.

QUILTERS

Our St. John Quilt and Sew Group will meet Friday afternoon, Jan. 11 @ 1:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Bring a personal project to work on and any Show and Tell items. We will also discuss a group project to start when our Snow Birds return.

LGBTQ Support Group

January 28th at 6:30pm This is a group for teens and adults that are Lesbian, Gay, Transgendered, Bisexual or

those Questioning their sexual identity. This is also a safe group for allies, friends and family,

of the LGBTQ community. Childcare is provided.

10

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 speak with Pam Wessel our Volunteer Coordinator.

COFFEE HOUR

Before and after service we gather coffee and treats in the Narthex area with room

to mingle and socialize. If you would like to find a place to sit and talk there is plenty of room in the Chapel Hearth and Fellowship hall is always open. Please, if your name is on the list (dates are assigned alphabetically by the directory) for this month, bring in a treat to share, some ideas are... cookies, bars, mini muffins, bagels etc. or please consider bringing fruit to share. If you do not wish to be on the list for treats please contact the office and we will remove you.

JANUARY - FELLOWSHIP

1/6 - Dan & Marla Kreeger, Lyle & Jane Krug, Jill Kuntz, Larry & Lana Kuntz, Bill & Ruth Kuntz, Doris Last, Ben & Lucille Lee, Jane Lehman

1/13 - Scott & Lannie Lehman, Charles & Ardath Lei, Robert & Barbara Luedeke, Shan & Vicki MacAdam, Jean Mahon, Denny & Pam Manus, Dixie Marklund, Betty Mathews, Tom & Dianne Mathews

1/20 - Duane & Barb McDonough, William & Norma McLenahan, Carla Meyer, Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Carolyn Moyer, Dorothy Ness, Tim & Angela Newkirk

1/27 - Lawrence & Paula Nieman, Ray & Jeri Nieman, Ruth Olson, Lee & Nancy Otte, Diane & Dwight Peterson, Royce & Janet Piefer, Donna Polhill, Gary Polhill

FEBRUARY - MISSIONS

2/3 - Ulan & Cindy Price, Dale & Kelly Priewe, Betty Pruitt,

Rodney Pruitt, John & Paula Rawleigh, John & Debra Rice, Erin & Shaun Rice, Floyd & Marsha Roberts

GREETERS

January 6- Joyce Bloyer, Holly Edler

January 13 – Dana Brill, Betty Carpenter

January 20- Eleanor Chance, Mavis Clark

January 27- Tim & Lisa Ebbers

WELCOMERS

January 6- Doris Last, Edith Rosensteil

January 13- Ulan & Cindy Price

January 20- Marilyn Ruthe, Ruth Rockey

January 27- Stan & Carol Smith

NURSERY

January 6 – Amy Doll, Mark Swanson

January 13 – Carla Meyer, Bonnie Gennusa

January 20 – Dale & Tom Priewe

January 27- Tim & Angela Newkirk

USHERS

1/06 - Tim, Colin & Kristi Ebbers, Dennis Manus, Jim Drew

1/13 - John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus, Mike Smith, James & Tom Priewe

1/20 - Ray & Jeri Nieman, Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Wes & Joyce Robinson, Dana Brill

1/27 - Lee & Nancy Otte, Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Jeanne Koch, Jane Krug

11

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 speak with Pam Wessel our Volunteer Coordinator.

COFFEE HOUR

Before and after service we gather coffee and treats in the Narthex area with room

to mingle and socialize. If you would like to find a place to sit and talk there is plenty of room in the Chapel Hearth and Fellowship hall is always open. Please, if your name is on the list (dates are assigned alphabetically by the directory) for this month, bring in a treat to share, some ideas are... cookies, bars, mini muffins, bagels etc. or please consider bringing fruit to share. If you do not wish to be on the list for treats please contact the office and we will remove you.

JANUARY - FELLOWSHIP

1/6 - Dan & Marla Kreeger, Lyle & Jane Krug, Jill Kuntz, Larry & Lana Kuntz, Bill & Ruth Kuntz, Doris Last, Ben & Lucille Lee, Jane Lehman

1/13 - Scott & Lannie Lehman, Charles & Ardath Lei, Robert & Barbara Luedeke, Shan & Vicki MacAdam, Jean Mahon, Denny & Pam Manus, Dixie Marklund, Betty Mathews, Tom & Dianne Mathews

1/20 - Duane & Barb McDonough, William & Norma McLenahan, Carla Meyer, Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Carolyn Moyer, Dorothy Ness, Tim & Angela Newkirk

1/27 - Lawrence & Paula Nieman, Ray & Jeri Nieman, Ruth Olson, Lee & Nancy Otte, Diane & Dwight Peterson, Royce & Janet Piefer, Donna Polhill, Gary Polhill

FEBRUARY - MISSIONS

2/3 - Ulan & Cindy Price, Dale & Kelly Priewe, Betty Pruitt,

Rodney Pruitt, John & Paula Rawleigh, John & Debra Rice, Erin & Shaun Rice, Floyd & Marsha Roberts

GREETERS

January 6- Joyce Bloyer, Holly Edler

January 13 – Dana Brill, Betty Carpenter

January 20- Eleanor Chance, Mavis Clark

January 27- Tim & Lisa Ebbers

WELCOMERS

January 6- Doris Last, Edith Rosensteil

January 13- Ulan & Cindy Price

January 20- Marilyn Ruthe, Ruth Rockey

January 27- Stan & Carol Smith

NURSERY

January 6 – Amy Doll, Mark Swanson

January 13 – Carla Meyer, Bonnie Gennusa

January 20 – Dale & Tom Priewe

January 27- Tim & Angela Newkirk

USHERS

1/06 - Tim, Colin & Kristi Ebbers, Dennis Manus, Jim Drew

1/13 - John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus, Mike Smith, James & Tom Priewe

1/20 - Ray & Jeri Nieman, Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Wes & Joyce Robinson, Dana Brill

1/27 - Lee & Nancy Otte, Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Jeanne Koch, Jane Krug

12

NEED A RIDE TO CHURCH?

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

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.

Deloris Burkhalter at Oakley Courts

Dorothy Miller and Laura Uthlaut at Parkview

Nettie Hendren, Jim Fry, Nada Scheisser, Ken Buss at Liberty Village

Bob Heilman at Monroe Manor

Ruth Hille, June Nagel, Joyce Kaiser and Holly Genant at Stephenson Nursing Center

Katherene Benson, Elvira Miller, Dorothy Fox, and Rita Wittbecker at Provena

Evelyn Dworak in Kewanee Provena

In their homes are, Kathryn Cramer, Karen Salter, Vivian Pals, Phyllis Cohen, Esther Dickman, and Maida Gimple, Shirley Durrstein, Harold Reints

PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR PRAYERS

PRAYER CHAIN: John Ness, Wayne Crowell, Doug McCollum, Maddy

HOSPITALIZED: Phyllis Cohen, Margret Bertram, Joyce Kaiser

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

12/2 - 165 12/16 - 181

12/9 - 155 12/23 - 163

13

Thank you to my Church Family, Thank you for the good wishes and prayers during my recent knee surgery and recovery. Thank you for the visits, rides, food, cards, calls and the beautiful prayer shawl. Thank you to the choir and bell choir for card, flowers, monetary gift and patience. I appreciated the many hints and suggestions to help me along the recovery. Thank you for asking how I am and listening to my story. What wonderful friends. Thank you, Gina Bertram ************************************************************************* When I arrived in Freeport last May, I possessed a small bag of a few clothes and toiletries. Before I “landed” here, I spoke with Scott Lewis of FACC who provided me a space in the Liberty homeless shelter for a roof and sustenance. With God’s plan and my subsequent execution of His plan, step by step, my daily needs were met. This recently culminated with my acceptance into membership at St. John. I am indebted to St. John and FACC for my present situation. I have experienced homelessness first hand and God has led me to the wonderful members of this church. Thank you, Brian Peterson. ************************************************************************* Dear Pastor and Church Friends, Thank you for caring and all of your concerns. Thank you Pastor Donnley for your visits and prayers. I am doing well; continuing my therapy and getting stronger. I wish you all a Merry Christmas. - Claire Biesemeier ************************************************************************* The family of Jean Heidenreich would like to thank everyone for their prayers, concerns and cards during our mothers illness and after her passing. Thanks to everyone who helped in the kitchen serving the food. Thanks to Keith and Carole for their music, and thanks to Pastor Donnley for the visits and prayers. The service was extra special. It’s great to know so many people care. - Thanks again, Linda Heidenreich and family

*************************************************************************

14

On behalf of Amity’s children, parents and staff, I would like to express my sincerest appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to you for your continued support of our children’s programs and the very generous donation of much needed children’s clothing to our families in need. Most sincerely, Christel Walters, Exec. Dir.

*************************************************************************

Thank you to Denny Manus for delivering the Pasta and Gifts for the Christmas Baskets at FACC.

*************************************************************************

A huge thank you to Edie Rosenstiel for delivering the FACC donations every month! Those 250 jars of jelly are a lot to deliver and we appreciate you!

*************************************************************************

ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you have an announcement about a loved one such as a special anniversary or birthday or the birth of a new baby in the family- Kevin would be happy to post it on the TV screen in the Narthex. There are forms in the office to fill out so that he

has all of the information. Please give him at least a

weeks notice.

15

St. John UCC Congregational Minutes

11-18-12

Call to order: The meeting was called to order by Bill Condie, Council President with a quorum present.

Opening Prayer: Pastor Donnley

Budget Vote: Carol Ahrens made the motion to accept the budget as presented. Pat Busker 2

nd. Discussion followed.

Clarifications were made and it was emphasized that this is a deficit budget. Motion carried.

Adjournment: Quentin Valkema made the motion to adjourn. Ben Lee 2

nd. Discussion. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Deb Hartman

Council Secretary

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING JANUARY 27th following Service to

Review the end of year report for 2012.

16

St. UCC Council Minutes

12-10-12

Members Present: Bill Condie, President, Mary Arnold, Lisa Ebbers, Deb Hartman, Keith Hinrichs, Jane Krug, Ben Lee, Shan MacAdam, Dennis Manus, Ulan Price, Pastor Donnley, ex-officio.

Opening Prayer: Pastor Donnley

November Minutes: Previously confirmed via email.

Treasurer’s Report: Clarifications made, report reviewed. Motion to approve as presented made by Ben, 2

nd by Ulan.

Discussion. Motion carried.

Staff Bonus and Honoraria: The policy manual’s intent on this area was that no tangible gifts could be given to some staff and not the whole staff from the church budget. We do, however, in cases of special anniversaries of service, departure from the staff, or retirement, gift individual members as members of the congregation wish to gift them. In the current discussion, we can express our appreciation for their work to the

entire staff by means of a card. This policy needs further clarification and possible amendment.

Building and Grounds Update: Mechanical has determined that the boiler exchanger malfunction meets the requirements for warranty work and will repair it at no cost to us other than the cost of removal and installation.

Building and Grounds Ministry members will work together to prioritize the list of projects/improvements from the architect Gehlhausen and present to the congregation for their approval/vote to move forward with these as funds become available.

PRESIDENT Bill Condie V ICE PRESIDENT Joyce Robinson SECRETARY Deb Hartman TRE ASURER Ulan Price CHRISTI AN ED . Lisa Ebbers CHURCHGROWTH Marilyn Ruthe FELLOWSHIP Ben Lee Jane Krug M ISSIONS Dennis Manus PROPERTY MAN AGEMENT Keith Hinrichs STAFF REL ATIONS Joyce Robinson STEW ARDSHIP Ulan Price WORSHIP Mary Arnold BOLD Deb Hartman

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Concerns Expressed: Projecting Image on Screen: Question as to why Pastor Donnley isn’t projected on the screen during his sermon—it would be helpful for those sitting where the pulpit is obstructed from their view. There is the same issue for the Children’s Message. As the audio/visual team becomes more comfortable with the controls this will be included.

Outdoor sign: Some of the messages on the outdoor sign have been “misinterpreted” because people do not catch the whole message as they are driving by.

Nametags: If you want to wear a name tag during the service or would like a new one, contact the office. You are responsible for your own tag—there is no longer a “board” to store them at church.

Boy Scout Troop #4 Insurance: We received an update regarding the insurance coverage for the property of the scout troop we charter. St. John, as the chartering organization, is responsible for insuring it. We will request a full, detailed inventory from the Scoutmaster. The liability portion is reviewed and re-chartered annually. A fee is paid by Troop #4 to Blackhawk Area Council per each leader and scout from their dues and fees that covers this cost.

Confirm January Annual Meeting Date: It was confirmed that the Annual Congregational Meeting will be January 27, 2013.

Adjournment: Motion to adjourn by Ulan, 2nd

by Dennis. Discussion. Motion carried.

Adjourned with Mizpah Benediction.

Respectfully submitted,

Deb Hartman

Council Secretary

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FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Beginning Balance January 1, 2012 $32,692.43 12/01 General Fund Beginning Balance $4,855.56 12/03 GF Income $7,835.75 12/10 GF Income $3,918.70 12/17 GF Income $6,865.00 Less 12/19 GF Payroll & Compensation $14,672.24 12/19 GF Other Checks $2,564.87 12/19 GF Current Bills Outstanding $3,191.64 12/19 Ending Balance $3,046.26 ________________________________________________________________________________________ Beginning Balance January 1, 2012 $6,962.17 12/01 Building Fund Beginning Balance $2,140.12 12/03 BD Income $277.00 12/10 BD Income $482.00 12/17 BD Income $275.00 Less 12/19 BD Checks $184.30 _________ 12/19 Ending Balance $2,989.82

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January Scripture Readings

01 Colossians 1:1-23 17 Luke 7:18-35

02 Colossians 1:24-2:5 18 Luke 7:36-8:3

03 Colossians 2:6-19 19 Luke 8:19-39

04 Colossians 2:20-3:17 20 John17:1-26

05 Colossians 4:2-18 21 Luke 8:40-56

06 Matthew 2:1-12 22 Luke 9:1-17

07 Matthew 2:13-23 23 Luke 9:18-36

08 Luke 3:1-22 24 Luke 9:37-62

09 Luke 4:1-15 25 Acts 9:1-25

10 Luke 4:16-30 26 Acts 9:26-43

11 Luke 4:31-44 27 Acts 10:1-23

12 Luke 5:1-16 28 Acts 10:24-48

13 Luke 5:17-39 29 Luke 20:1-18

14 Luke 6:1-19 30 Luke 20:19-44

15 Luke 6:20-49 31 Luke 20:45-21:4

16 Luke 7:1-17

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