Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors The Circuit Rider February 2017 First United Methodist Church Newsletter Office: 210 W Center St Parsonage: 220 W Center St Paxton, IL 60957 Paxton, IL 60957 217-379-3817 217-379-2540 [email protected]www.paxtonumc.com John Hauck, Pastor Barb Zimmerman, Lay Leader Judith Voorhees, Chancel Choir Director & Organist Sherrie Morrison, Early Serv. Co-ord. & Bell Choir Director Barbie Hari & Hope Miller, Ed. Specialist Leanna McClure, Parish Nurse Suzie Shell, Financial Secretary Judy Hasngs, Administrave Assistant Denise Peers, Treasurer Ed Brown, Custodian Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-3;Isaiah 60:4-6;Matthew 2:1-2; Matthew 2:3-6;Matthew 2:7-8;Matthew 2:9-12 CHURCH SERVICES HELD IN JANUARY SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (01/01/2017) Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10 Sermon: “A Tree Grows in Bethlehem” Pastor John Hauck FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (01/15/2017) Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, 46-55 Sermon: “A Joyful Song to a Glorious God” THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (01/08/2017) CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE (12/25/2016) Scripture: John 1:1-14 Sermon: “The Cost of Christmas” Pastor John
Transcript
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
The Circuit Rider February 2017
First United Methodist Church Newsletter
Office: 210 W Center St Parsonage: 220 W Center St Paxton, IL 60957 Paxton, IL 60957 217-379-3817 217-379-2540 [email protected] www.paxtonumc.com
John Hauck, Pastor Barb Zimmerman, Lay Leader Judith Voorhees, Chancel Choir Director & Organist Sherrie Morrison, Early Serv. Co-ord. & Bell Choir Director Barbie Hari & Hope Miller, Ed. Specialist Leanna McClure, Parish Nurse Suzie Shell, Financial Secretary Judy Hastings, Administrative Assistant Denise Peers, Treasurer Ed Brown, Custodian
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (01/08/2017) CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE (12/25/2016)
Scripture: John 1:1-14
Sermon: “The Cost of Christmas” Pastor John
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
FROM THE PASTOR – January 2017
“Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this Your servant and to the prayer of Your servants who delight in revering Your name. Give Your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” (Nehemiah
1:11 NIV)
“Benaiah son of Jehoiada, a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, performed great exploits. He struck down Moab’s two mightiest warriors. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.” (2 Samuel 23:20 NIV)
I have been seeing all kinds of comments toward the end of 2016 that people will be so glad when this year is over, mostly due to the deaths of so many celebrities this year. However, 2016 has been a very good year in our church. We have received 29 new members (starting with a wonderful Confirmation Class of 17); had 14 baptisms; raised over $77,000 toward our renovation project in the church kitchen and downstairs bathrooms; given thousands of dollars to missions, both locally and globally; seen growth in our Sunday School, especially among the children and youth; and made a difference in the lives of hundreds of people in our church and community. But a church cannot rest on its laurels.
What will 2017 have in store for us at First United Methodist Church in Paxton? Only God knows for sure. But are we open to what God wants to do in and through our church in the coming year? I love to read books by pastors who are making a huge impact for the Kingdom of God in our world. I began reading two such books recently, The Favor Factor by Pastor Arni Jacobson and In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Pastor Mark Batterson. Pastor Arni Jacobson explores the story of Nehemiah, who prayed for God’s favor with Artaxerxes, the King of Persia, to allow him to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls around the city which had been destroyed by the Babylonians nearly 150 years before. Pastor Mark Batterson explores the story of Benaiah, one of King David’s mighty men, who became the head of King David’s bodyguard. Many of you may be familiar with the story of Nehemiah, but most have probably never heard of Benaiah. His is an amazing story told in just a few verses of the Bible. But the common thread between these two Bible characters is that they were willing to take risks. How willing are we to step out in faith and take risks for God? How big is our God?
I have read many of Pastor Mark Batterson’s books in the past, which include The Circle Maker, All In, and The Grave Robber. His newest book is Chase the Lion which is a sequel of sorts to his first book In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. I have been fascinated by the great title of his first book, but have never read it, until now. One of the amazing stories which Mark tells is about how their church acquired the property where Ebenezer’s Coffeehouse is located in Washington D.C. It has become the most popular coffeehouse in Washington and sits near many famous buildings in the Capitol Hill District. The proceeds from the coffeehouse are used for missions the church supports and in the last 10 years they have been able to give over $1,000,000 to missions from their profits. Space does not permit me to tell the story here, so if you want to hear it you will have to read the book or ask me to share it.
How does all of this connect with our church in Paxton? I want you to pray and dream with me about God’s vision and mission for our church. Most people probably don’t even know what our mission statement says. When I came to Paxton it took me several months to even find the mission statement written anywhere. I want to begin 2017 by revisiting and revisioning what God is doing and wants to do in and through our church. One of the common threads between Pastor Arni Jacobson, Pastor Mark Batterson, and others like them is that they are constantly seeking God’s vision, God’s mission, and God’s favor in their lives and ministries and are willing to take risks for God’s Kingdom. God may not ask us to open a coffeehouse in Paxton, build a wall, or chase a lion, but I believe He has some great things in store for us in 2017. Please join with me in prayer and seeking God’s vision and mission for our church as we begin this new year.
In Service of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom,
Pastor John
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
Dear United Methodist Church Family,
We are working with LifeTouch and their photographers to create an updated church directory. Each participating individual or family will receive a complimentary 8 x 10 portrait and a free directory. There will also be an opportunity to purchase additional copies of your portrait.
Photos will be taken at the church:
Thursday, January 12, 2017 2pm - 8:50pm
Friday, January 13, 2017 2pm - 8:50pm
Saturday, January 14, 2017 10am – 4:50pm
Schedule a photo session by going to our web-site, www.paxtonumc.com and scroll down to the LifeTouch Directory site and sign up. If you need help or would prefer, call Barb Zimmerman 217-766-1648.
You will receive a phone call and/or an email reminder.
The last date to schedule a photo session is January 8.
There might be a make-up photo session but no date has been set.
Your own photo can be submitted for a cost of $10.00. If you are physically unable to come for a photo session, a photo can be sub-mitted for no charge.
If you are out of town during our photo sessions and would like to have a photo taken, call 800-5214611 and speak to LifeTouch Customer Service. Provide a city in Florida (or wherever you go to escape from winter) and you can be scheduled at the nearest available location. This number can also be used to find a location near Paxton to schedule a photo during your college student's winter break.
We want to thank everyone in our church family for your meaningful gifts to our family during the
Christmas season. We received many cards and gifts and we appreciate them and all of you who
remembered us. Thank you so much for showing your love to us.
In Jesus’ Love,
Pastor John, Judi, and William.
I want to thank those leaders and members in our church who have completed their service on
committees at the end of 2016. Special thanks to Mike Anderson, Church Council Chairperson; Lana
Sample, Nurture Committee Chairperson; Rob Pacey, Outreach Committee Chairperson; and Kim
Evans and Judy Hastings, Witness Committee Co-Chairpersons for their leadership of several years.
Many other committee members are also ending their service, with some moving into other areas of
service. Your service is greatly appreciated. “Well done good and faithful servants.”
Pastor John
Dear Church Family,
Thank you so much for the monetary Christmas gift! It is not necessary but
greatly appreciated! I love what I do! Your are all so wonderful! Thank you all!
Sherrie
A BIG THANK YOU for the Christmas card and gift we received
from the church. We truly appreciate the kindness and
generosity shown to us throughout the year.
Ed Brown and Judy Hastings
Thanks to the Carolers for the beautiful music-and for the
cookie plate, too!
Lois Bodeen
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
Our Youth of the First United Methodist Church—Get to know them, our future.
Tate Graham receiving Farm
Bureau’s Bright Futures
Award. Luke Fitton going up for a
shot at recent basketball.
Alex Swanson in a production of
“Fruitcakes“ presented at Paxton
Market Street Theatre.
Ella
Curry receiving 8th
grade award as
Student of the Month.
Evie Ellis named News-
Gazette All-Area special
mention. Ty Graham as Student
of the Month for 6th
Grade Class.
Cassidi Nuckols going for
a lay up at recent
basketball game.
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
Minutes of the Trustees December 6, 2016
Members Present—Scott Allen, Jason Bowen, Bob Curry, Jason Hari, Pastor John Hauck, Debbie Langendorf, Tadd Ostendorf, Mary Parsons, Kris Rogers, LaVonne Smith and Dave Steiner.
Pastor John opened the meeting with prayer.
Minutes of the November meeting—Kris moved they be approved as printed. Scott seconded and the motion carried.
Parsonage—Scott reported that Gooden wants to do a tour of the basement this week if possible. Time and day was not determined for a tour this week. Scott suggested we get three estimates: (1) Adam does all the work. (2) We take out the floor. (3) Adam supervises removal of the floor and then he finishes up the work.
Back door steps—David mentioned seeing a set of steps on Craig’s list. He’ll take another look and see if they would work on the back of the parsonage.
Disposal and dishwasher—Both are working
Kitchen Fan—Coupon from Hunter has expired. Pastor John is still looking at what might work in the kitchen.
East window upstairs—The screen in the basement will not fit the window.
Sanctuary—Kitchen fund has grown to $77,000+. Over $5000 came in from recent memorials. Plans for the kitchen and restrooms were handed out. These were from 4-D Construction of Forrest, IL in 2015. Jason H. gave information on a contractor out of Bement. Jason will contact him and see if he would be interested in giving us an estimate. Hopefully work can start in January of 2017.
It was mentioned by Debbie and Kris that there is a leak in the boiler room near the sump pump. Needs to be watched and fixed in the spring if possible.
Electrical Work—Doug is getting closer to having time to check out previously noted items.
Kitchenette Ceiling—Brandon will get here when he can.
Small Sunday School Classrooms—Dave and Jason H. will check out the wall between the two small rooms tonight and see how they should proceed to remove the wall.
Elevator Inspection—Debbie read of changes in the inspection process beginning January 1, 2017. She will call Kone and get an estimate on the cost of the required changes that we are to make.
Alley door weather stripping—Completed by Jason B.
Project of the Month—Fence has been removed from the back yard of the parsonage, garbage disposal is working and the upstairs toilet is fixed.
West Classroom—Someone remarked about the coolness in the classroom. Ed said the time change may have had something to do with that.
Debbie had an invoice for the fire extinguisher. She will give that bill to Denise.
LaVonne mentioned the cold draft from the big vent over the stove in the basement kitchen. It does still work and will be looked at closer when renovation begins.
Scott moved the meeting be adjourned and Mary seconded the motion. Motion carried and meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by LaVonne Smith, Secretary
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
Nursing Home Residents Lela Barringer residing at: Country Hills Care Center, 2304CR 3000N, Gifford 61847 **Mickey Anderson is a resident at: Heartland **Edwina Campbell is a resident at: Heartland Ken Riecks is residing at: KT Home Kaye Marshall is residing at: K T Home 450 E. Fulton Paxton for rehabilitation Arlene Ogle is residing at: Villas of Hollybrook 1400 N. Melvin Apt. 49 Gibson City, IL 60936 Elna Maphis is residing at: Villas of Hollybrook 1400 N. Melvin Apt. 13 Gibson City, IL 60936 Bettie Tucker is residing at: Heartland for rehabilitation
Our Current Prayer List Gary Anderson (6-12 healing from illness)
Ellen Beyer (12-4 comfort and healing from knee replacement)
Sharon Eyre (11-16 comfort and healing of kidney problems)
Stan Fredrickson (11-20 comfort and healing; Father of Teri
Hancock)
Kenny Freeman (12-4 recovery and healing from a severe
stroke; Son is a co-worker of Richard Arnold)
Jim Hansen (2-14 healing of bone cancer; Uncle of Kim Evans)
Stan Heinroth (12-11 comfort and healing; nephew of Bonnie
Howard)
Elizabeth Hobbs (7-24 for healing and comfort; Richard Arnolds’
sister)
Barb Hoover (12-17 at Heartland for healing and comfort from
recent fall)
Scott Hoover (9-18 healing and therapy at Heartland)
Brent Lawrence (8-15 needs a heart transplant; Pastor Colleen’s
son from Federated Church)
Rene Loch (10-11 comfort and healing; Diana Hale’s niece)
Ed Mabry (12-11 comfort and healing of cancer; friend of Bonnie
Howard)
Brent Marshall (12-12 for healing and comfort; father of Barbie
Hari)
Kaye Marshall (11-14 rehabilitation at KT from broken hip and
another fall; Stephanie Kyrouac’s Grandmother)
Sandra McClure (12-31 peace and comfort)
Carol Najzer (12-4 for comfort and healing; Non-Hodgkins
Lymphoma; Mother of Ashley Williams’ boyfriend)
Shereen Patrick (3-23 recovery and healing of pancreatic
cancer; niece of John Rypski)
Mary Parson’s daughter Casey’s husband and family (9/20 healing and comfort)
Bev Potts (9-25 comfort & healing for mini-strokes)
Gary Rypski (11-12 healing and comfort; treatment for cancer)
John Rypski (12-13 for healing and comfort following pacemaker
surgery)
Eric Shell (10-16 healing during treatment for a brain aneurysm;
nephew of Suzie Shell)
Todd Shively (9-18 for comfort and healing; starting cancer
treatments)
Coleen Street (10-23 comfort and healing; mother of Jeff
Schrodt)
Bettie Tucker (11-22 comfort and healing from fractured leg; now
at Heartland
Kirra Lantz passing ball
during a JV basketball
game.
Andrew Swanson
passes
basketball.
Luke Fitton signs letter of intent to
play baseball with Olney Central
College.
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
January Anniversaries 01 Henry & Patty DeHeer
04 Jere Cross & Debbie Langendorf
17 James & Jennifer Muck
20 Mark & Becky Parsons
24 Richard & LaVonne Smith
26 Jason & Barbie Hari
31 Rollie & Alyce Seibring
January Birthdays 03 Rasmus, Diana
04 Langendorf, Debra
04 Witheft, Kennedy
05 Goetting, Kyle
07 Cottrell, Tommy
07 McClure-Martin, Tatiyana
09 Coulter, Delores
09 Goetting, Julie
10 Erwin, Kayla
11 Rogers, Mary
12 Evans, Daniel
12 Ostendorf, Carol
13 Kietzman, Candace
14 Allen, Joanne
14 Marshall, Anna
14 Sanders, Jerry
16 McClure, Leanna
17 Butzow, Linda
17 Carlson, Donald
17 DeOrnellas, Kempton
17 Pitman, Cheryl
21 Morrison, Sherrie
22 Hutchcraft, Charles
22 Kyrouac, Adam
23 Rust, Kylie
24 Coady, Shawn
24 Evans, Eric
25 DeOrnellas, Maddison
25 Lynch, Michael
26 Cottrell, Leslie
26 Cross, Jere
27 Schroeder, Alan
28 Anderson, Gary
28 Bennett, Jay
29 Humes, Jaxyn
30 Hastings, Jolee
31 Curry, Robert
All February Newsletter information, articles or
pictures must be received via e-mail, phone, or
brought to office by January 23rd, please.
Thank you.
January Sunday School News
Happy New Years! It's hard to believe it's already
January. The kids did such a great job on the Christmas
Program. Hope and I are so proud of them. A big thanks
to all who helped.
This month the kids will be starting on the Winter
Gospel Project lessons. If you are not currently coming
to Sunday School and would like to. It's never too late to
start. All of our Sunday school classes start at 9:15 until
10:15. We offer Sunday school for youth starting at age
3 all the way up to High School. They are located
downstairs. We also, have 3 awesome adult Sunday
school classes that are located upstairs and they are
always welcoming more. If you have any questions
about our Sunday school classes please contact Hope,
Myself or Pastor John for more information. Try to stay
warm!
Your Christian Education Coordinators,
Barbie and Hope
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
Nurture Committee Minutes December 1, 2016
Present: Barbie Hari, Pastor John, Mary Rogers, Andy Hudson, Keith Carson, and Lana Sample
Christian Education:
Children’s Christmas Program—Dec 18th at 2:30pm with refreshments to follow. “The Symbols of Christmas” will be
the program. Continuing: Lana to find an “opening act”.
Worship:
Laity Tables—Judy H has been putting the next week’s scheduled people in the Weekly Circuit Rider which has been a
positive change. Lana will try to put together a schedule for a year and have it posted on the bulletin board.
Advent—
Dec 11 at 3:30pm—Lana will try to get a sign up to send around for people to join and to provide cookies. Lana
will ask Judy H if she could call and see if those we are caroling to will be home.
Dec 11—Senior High Youth will have a spaghetti dinner after the 1030a service.
Dec 18th the choirs will perform during 1030a service and the brass choir will perform at 1015am
Christmas Eve—9pm traditional service and 11pm service. Pastor will check with Sherrie on getting the
candles ready. Brass choir will play at 830p.
Christmas Day—only 9am service! No early service or Sunday School!
New Year’s Day—only 9am service! No early service or Sunday School! Pastor may just have a video to show
as he has been unable to find someone to preach and would like to be off that day.
Jan 8th after the 1030am service we will un-decorate the church. There are 2 sections of lights on the
Christmas tree that do not work and should be addressed before next year.
Camping:
2017 camping schedules went out. Pastor will check on the Mission Specialist that does outreach to churches and see
if she would be able to come speak at our church. Discussion held to have kids talk to the church about their
experiences again this year. Discussion held on having anyone that has been to church camp complete a question
and put the answers together in a power point presentation. Keith suggested having it as a bulletin insert.
Special Events:
Poinsettias—Judy V will water the poinsettias again this year. We have 39! Have a couple people that still owe but
Lana will get the information to Judy H to put the insert together.
Brass Choir—Will have more practices.
Angel Tree—The gifts are due December 11th. People can donate money to shop for gifts or take a tag.
Miscellaneous:
Church directory—January 12-14. A paper sign up will go around at church and there will also be an online sign up.
Activity/group pictures can be put into the Dropbox on the website for consideration to be included in the
directory.
Confirmation—still in planning stages but looking at 1-2 youth
Phone/prayer/email chain—phone chain not working properly. Pastor mentioned Text in church for potential prayer
chain platform to use.
******Next meeting will be Thursday, January 5th*******
