THE HE HE HE MESSENGER ESSENGER ESSENGER ESSENGER ~ A Communication Ministry of Salem United Church of Christ ~ December 2016 Volume 62, Issue 12 We are God’s children called to seek, share, teach, and continue to experience the Word of God. Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, * and have come to pay him homage.’ Matthew 2:2 ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ Luke 2:15b But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NIV There are many words that come to mind when thinking of the Christmas season: presents, decorations, trees, cookies, oh, and of course, Jesus. However, there is another word I would offer that captures this season – “seek”. Have you ever noticed how many times the words “seek” or “journey” appears in the Bible? We read in the birth narratives of Matthew and Luke (the only Gospels that actually have a birth narrative) of two distinct journeys of faith; both seeking the Christ child. Too often we lose perspective of our own faith journeys – in fact; we do not acknowledge that we are on a journey. For whatever reason, people think that they are no longer on a journey and they no longer need to seek. That is why the Christmas story is so very important for us; it reminds us to keep seeking the Christ. Jesus is not like a scavenger hunt where we seek Christ, and picking up things along the way like salvation, justification, and sanctification. Christ is not a prize to be possessed, but rather a gift to be shared. Christ is not a destination but a journey. Over the centuries, we have merged two very different birth narratives into one. Matthew and Luke approach the nativity of Jesus from two different perspectives. Matthew‘s approach is to help people see that Jesus is the fulfilment of the promise of a Messiah. In Matthew’s telling, wise men seek Jesus. In other words, kings bow before Jesus, which challenges the Roman theology of worshipping the emperor. Luke on the other hand approaches Jesus’ birth from a different perspective. He approaches the birth narrative as one for all people to hear – even the disenfranchised. This story includes the Good news being shared with of the lowest possible status on the social ladder – a shepherd. However, as stated before, both stories have “seeking” as the base of the story. Both wise men (royalty) and shepherds (the disenfranchised) are seeking the one who can relieve their suffering and point the way to salvation. So, rather than wish you a ”Merry Christmas”, I bid you “Happy Seeking,” Amen Blessings Pastor Jerry Pastor Jerry Pastor Jerry Pastor Jerry ******************************************************************************************************************* Monday Morning Reflections With Pastor Jerry Monday Morning Reflections With Pastor Jerry Monday Morning Reflections With Pastor Jerry Monday Morning Reflections With Pastor Jerry Come join us at Maedge’s on Monday mornings at 10:00 a.m. to have a cup of coffee, discuss the sermon, read scripture together, and talk about whatever is on your mind. ******************************************************************************************************************* Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Did You Know? Which Pastor of Salem considered the elementary school and two nursing homes in Alhambra a plus when being considered to be Pastor of Salem? Rev. Dr. Gladys Herzog’s doctoral study and thesis was in the area of Spiritual Care for Elders in Nursing Home Settings. With two nursing homes and a grade school in Alhambra, she felt the call to Salem was a chance to culminate her ministry with everything she had ever learned.
Transcript
TTTTHE HE HE HE MMMMESSENGERESSENGERESSENGERESSENGER
~ A Communication Ministry of Salem United Church of Christ ~
December 2016
Volume 62, Issue 12
We are God’s children called to seek, share, teach, and continue to experience the Word of God.
Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising,* and have come
to pay him homage.’ Matthew 2:2
‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’
Luke 2:15b
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew
6:33 NIV
There are many words that come to mind when thinking of the Christmas season: presents, decorations, trees,
cookies, oh, and of course, Jesus. However, there is another word I would offer that captures this season –
“seek”. Have you ever noticed how many times the words “seek” or “journey” appears in the Bible? We read
in the birth narratives of Matthew and Luke (the only Gospels that actually have a birth narrative) of two distinct
journeys of faith; both seeking the Christ child.
Too often we lose perspective of our own faith journeys – in fact; we do not acknowledge that we are on a
journey. For whatever reason, people think that they are no longer on a journey and they no longer need to
seek. That is why the Christmas story is so very important for us; it reminds us to keep seeking the Christ.
Jesus is not like a scavenger hunt where we seek Christ, and picking up things along the way like salvation,
justification, and sanctification. Christ is not a prize to be possessed, but rather a gift to be shared. Christ is not
a destination but a journey.
Over the centuries, we have merged two very different birth narratives into one. Matthew and Luke approach
the nativity of Jesus from two different perspectives. Matthew‘s approach is to help people see that Jesus is
the fulfilment of the promise of a Messiah. In Matthew’s telling, wise men seek Jesus. In other words, kings
bow before Jesus, which challenges the Roman theology of worshipping the emperor.
Luke on the other hand approaches Jesus’ birth from a different perspective. He approaches the birth
narrative as one for all people to hear – even the disenfranchised. This story includes the Good news being
shared with of the lowest possible status on the social ladder – a shepherd.
However, as stated before, both stories have “seeking” as the base of the story. Both wise men (royalty) and
shepherds (the disenfranchised) are seeking the one who can relieve their suffering and point the way to
salvation.
So, rather than wish you a ”Merry Christmas”, I bid you “Happy Seeking,” Amen
Blessings
Pastor Jerry Pastor Jerry Pastor Jerry Pastor Jerry
Monday Morning Reflections With Pastor JerryMonday Morning Reflections With Pastor JerryMonday Morning Reflections With Pastor JerryMonday Morning Reflections With Pastor Jerry
Come join us at Maedge’s on Monday mornings at 10:00 a.m. to have a cup of coffee, discuss the sermon, read scripture together, and talk about whatever is on your mind.
Did You Know?Did You Know?Did You Know?Did You Know?
Which Pastor of Salem considered the elementary school and two nursing homes in Alhambra a plus when being considered to be Pastor of Salem?
� Rev. Dr. Gladys Herzog’s doctoral study and thesis was in the area of Spiritual Care for Elders in Nursing Home Settings. With two nursing homes and a grade school in Alhambra, she felt the call to Salem was a chance to culminate her ministry with everything she had ever learned.
(Suggested Readings: Luke 6:46-49 & Corinthians 3:9-17) Most of the original sidewalk in town has been replaced. The Old walk was failing not so much from age, as from poor quality concrete, poor quality bedding material, and insufficient thickness. How do we see our building for the Lord? How deep is our faith life? What is underlying it all? Only God and ourselves know the true condition of our building for God. We could pour some low quality concrete quite thin and fool the casual observer for a time. We would always know the truth and God is never fooled. Reading, mediating over God’s Word, and praying for guidance are God quality bedding materials. The strength of the material, will require that we are obedient in all God call us to do and be. As we pray The Lord’s Prayer, we pray the words “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” This is our cue. We are to be about building God’s Kingdom on Earth and we have much to do. May we be ever diligent and devoted to our Lord and King. At the first Christmas, there was no room in the inn for Jesus, the world had little room for Jesus at all. May we live, love, build, relationships and hope on this earth; so that at the second coming of Christ there will be a place for Him and a people that love His coming.
After this election season, I realized what it is that bothers me about today’s society. We devote so much time and energy in demoralizing the other side and spreading negativity and hate. It is hard to be positive about our lives when what we see in the news and on tv focuses on failures and mistakes. Yes, we all have imperfections and, we all make mistakes. It is easy to give in to these and complain, or to think “woe is me.” Often times, we focus too much on our failures instead of praising our accomplishments and talents. The question to ask yourself is: are you a complainer or are you one that gives thanks? Yes, we all have imperfections. But showing thanks for what we have in our lives will bring back the positive attitude and shift the focus back to what we are doing right. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” No matter what is going on in your life, positive or negative, we need show God our gratitude. We say thank you for the youth we have in our congregation. We show gratitude to have the opportunity to go on mission trips. We pour out our thanks for the overwhelming support from our congregation to make these two things possible. Without the positive support of Salem, TurkeyFest would not be successful. So, in a society of hate and failures, Exhale chooses to be a group that gives thanks. We would like to thank everybody that came to TurkeyFest to help support us. Though we may not be perfect, our success would not have happened without you, the congregation, supporting and believing in us. ~ Becca Braundmeier, Youth Director
IMPORTANT DATES FOR EXHALE:IMPORTANT DATES FOR EXHALE:IMPORTANT DATES FOR EXHALE:IMPORTANT DATES FOR EXHALE:
� Sunday, December 4: Exhale @ 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. � Sunday, December 11: Exhale @ 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. � Sunday, December 18: Exhale Christmas Party @ 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. � Sunday, December 25: NO Exhale Due to Christmas
From The Men’s Fellowship & Women’s GuildFrom The Men’s Fellowship & Women’s GuildFrom The Men’s Fellowship & Women’s GuildFrom The Men’s Fellowship & Women’s Guild
Next Meeting of the Men’s Fellowship & Women’s Guild:
There will be a meeting on Thursday, December 15, at 7:00 p.m.
December Golden Agers Are:
Jack Frandsen on December 13, Alice Stille on December 13, Edith Kaufman on December 18, and Irene Soens on December 31.
Church Council Meeting SummaryChurch Council Meeting SummaryChurch Council Meeting SummaryChurch Council Meeting Summary
November 10, 2016
The meeting was called to order by Patty Uhe with 9 Church Council members and Pastor Jerry present. Pastor Jerry led the devotion, “Mornings with Jesus 2016,” and then opened the meeting with a prayer. The previous month’s minutes, treasurer’s report, and bills were presented and approved
Secretary’s Report: The previous month’s minutes were accepted.
Treasurer’s Report: Scott Demkey reported offering was better after a lower couple of months. Pastor Jerry said the link for online giving has been set up now.
Committee Reports:
� BOCE: No Comments.
� Evangelism/Worship: Christmas Day worship will remain at 9:00 a.m. this year.
� Mission/Stewardship: Kris Lynn reported that Donna Yates, Verna Gilley, and Shirley Fall will remain on the committee for two more years. They would also like the Council to approve a new logo for Salem (the new logo based on the new cross).
� Property: Still waiting on the Parish Hall doors. The elevator re-inspection has been done and passed. Lewis sent in all the paperwork.
� Personnel: Staff reviews have been done; they’re just waiting for the compensation amount recommendation from the Council.
� Vision Committee: Pastor Jerry reported that the committee met with the consultants, and came up with some things they need to talk about as a committee. The committee will meet in a couple of weeks and then reconvene with the Architects after the new year.
� Pastor’s Report: Pastor Jerry reported that the carillon system hasn’t been inspected since 2014, and the company has been sold and no longer offers a service contract. Ours is a 2003 model, and parts will be hard to find if anything goes wrong. Right now there isn’t a particular problem. This is something we need to be aware of for the future. Pastor Jerry would like permission to carry one week of vacation over to the first quarter 2017 if needed.
� Old Business
•••• Nominating Committee – Each committee and outgoing Council member should find a replacement. Dagmar would be interested in joining the Personnel committee.
•••• 2017 Budget – Scott presented a proposed budget, and it was discussed in closed session. Pastor Jerry excused himself so the Council could discuss the proposed.
� Communications: A thank you note was received from Kindercottage for purchasing the cross; they money from the cross was given to Kindercottage after their funding was cut.
A motion to adjourn was made and accepted. Meeting adjourned with the Prayer of Our Savior. Next Church Council meeting will be on December 8 at 7:00 p.m. at Pastor Jerry’s house.
Note: The approved minutes of all Church Council meetings are available in the church office.
Once again we have a shortage of church keys. If you use your key, please keep it.
Please check for the following:
� If you do not use your key, please consider turning it in to the church office. � If you have a duplicate, please return one to the church office. � If more than one person in your family has a key, please consider returning one to the church office.
Pastoral Care 0.00 455.02 Benevolence Paid 692.00 6,991.55 Total General Fund Expenses 17,862.26
188,419.99
GENERAL FUND ENDING BALANCE $ 6,913.28
$ 6,913.28
MEMORIAL FUND BEGINNING BALANCE 31,680.58
83,466.78
Memorials Received 150.00
9,0500.00 Honorariums Received -
1,370.00
Miscellaneous Receipts 30.00
345.00 Memorial Fund Expenses: Transfer to Building Fund
(40,852.27)
Transfer to Reserve Fund
(20,425.00) Parish Hall Painting (9,000) (9,000) Misc. – Postage; Paint for Parlor Choir Folders; Book Lights
(122.03)
(665.95)
(550.01)
MEMORIAL FUND ENDING BALANCE $ 22,738.55
$ 22,738.55 BUILDING FUND BEGINNING BALANCE 42,686.02
13,465.65
Building Fund Offering 1,810.00 9,500.00 Memorials Received - 510.00 Misc. Receipts – Mower Purchase - 200.00 Transfer from Memorial Fund 40,852.27 Building Fund Expenses: Landscaping – New Mower - (5,100.00) Passageway – Windows Replacement - (14,931.90) BUILDING FUND ENDING BALANCE $ 44,496.02
$ 44,496.02
SABBATICAL FUND BEGINNING BALANCE 13,896.12 12,896.12 Contribution from Men's Fellowship 0.00 1,000.00 SABBATICAL FUND ENDING BALANCE $ 13,896.12
$ 13,896.12
ENDOWMENT FUND BEGINNING BALANCE 61,377.76
61,173.76 Memorials – Endowment Fund - 520.00
Endowment Fund Disbursements:
Interest Distribution – General Fund
(158.00) Interest Distribution – Benevolence
(158.00)
ENDOWMENT FUND ENDING BALANCE $ 61,377.76
$ 61,377.76
INVESTMENT FUND BEGINNING BALANCE 181,816.03
174,008.22 Change in Market Value (5,565.26)
9,242.55
Withdrawal for Scholarships 0.00
(7,000.00)
INVESTMENT FUND ENDING BALANCE $ 176,250.77
$ 176,250.77
MISSION MATCHING FUND BEGINNING BALANCE 111,606.90
106,836.61
Change in Market Value (2,603.65)
930.02 Donations for Ecuador 2016 794.08 2,230.70 Mission Fund Disbursements:
Expenditures for Ecuador Mission Trip
(200.00)
MISSION MATCHING FUND ENDING BALANCE $ 109,797.33
$ 109,797.33
RESERVE FUND BEGINNING BALANCE 30,882.00
10,307.70 Interest Income – Reserve Fund 16.13
165.43
Transfer from Memorial Fund
20,425.00 RESERVE FUND ENDING BALANCE $ 30,898.13
$ 30,898.13
OTHER RESTRICTED FUND BALANCE
$ 1,554.11
$ 1,554.11
Donations for HD Camera 50.00 50.00 $ 1,604.11 $ 1,604.11
Salem Seekers Salem Seekers Salem Seekers Salem Seekers
Christmas Animals Rotation
December 4 December 11 December 18 December 25
Gathering Room
Opening 8:45 – 9:05 a.m.
Opening 8:45 – 9:05 a.m.
Opening 8:45 – 9:05 a.m.
Gathering Room (Media & Popcorn)
ALL CHILDREN Pre-K – 6th
ALL CHILDREN
Pre-K – 6th __________________________ No Sunday
School
Parish Hall (Christmas Eve Program Practice)
__________________________ __________________________ ALL CHILDREN
Pre-K – 6th
Gathering Room
Closing 9:40 – 9:50 a.m.
Closing 9:40 – 9:50 a.m.
Closing 9:40 – 9:50 a.m.
All children will start in the Gathering Room at 8:45 a.m. After the opening gathering, the children will be led to their specific workshop by their shepherds.
Please pick up your child in the Gathering Room at 9:50 a.m.
She (Mary) gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger because
there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
Christmas Eve Christmas Eve Christmas Eve Christmas Eve
ProgramProgramProgramProgram!!!!
The Children are beginning to practice the songs for the Christmas Eve Program, which will be on Saturday, December 24, at 7:00 p.m. Please have your children in the gathering room by 8:45 a.m. each Sunday. Practice is on December 20, at 6:00 p.m.
Thank you to all who helped in any way and to all who participated in the fun at Salem’s 9th Annual Trunk-or-Treat on Sunday, October 23. Approximately 50 kids, 14 trunks, and 30 adults participated in Trunk-or-Treat in October.
From the BOCE and Women’s GuildFrom the BOCE and Women’s GuildFrom the BOCE and Women’s GuildFrom the BOCE and Women’s Guild
The Board of Christian Education and the Women’s Guild are sponsoring a Christmas Store on Sunday, December 11, following worship. The Christmas Store is for all children through 5th grade. While the children are shopping at the Christmas Store, the Board of Christian Education will have cookies in the Parish Hall basement for the parents.
KFC Christmas Party Pinata, music, games… It must be a party! Bring a friend and a canned good to the KFC party on December 11, at 4:00 p.m. Parents are welcome to join in the festivities.
National U.C.C. Christmas Fund National U.C.C. Christmas Fund National U.C.C. Christmas Fund National U.C.C. Christmas Fund
The Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund is one of the four special mission offerings of the National United Church of Christ. This special offering helps provide pension and health premium supplementation to low-income retired church workers, emergency grants to clergy families in need, and Christmas "Thank You" gift checks to hundreds of annuitants; administered by the Pension Boards. Envelopes for this offering will be in the December 6 bulletin.
In December, funds received in the “Christmas” envelopes will be donated to Hoyleton Ministries. The Hoyleton Ministries are dedicated to helping all people realize the quality of life that God intends. Their staff provides compassionate care to thousands of children who have, through no fault of their own, entered the child welfare system. Your donation helps to provide the resources necessary for the Hoyleton Ministries to care for the most vulnerable members of our communities.
Have you ever had one of those days that for whatever reason you cannot make it to church? Fear not! Salem Church uses Livestream to broadcast our worship services. Here are four easy steps to watch the worship service online:
1. Go to Livestream.com 2. Click on “Watch.” 3. In the search box (top left), type “Salem UCC.” 4. Click on the black and white picture of the church, and you will either see the live broadcast
of the worship service or you can look for archived services.
Totenfest: A Service of RemembranceTotenfest: A Service of RemembranceTotenfest: A Service of RemembranceTotenfest: A Service of Remembrance
Date Acolytes Greeter(s) Liturgist Ushers
Dec. 4 (10am)
Reese Bolen Kody Ouart
Jim Annable Dagmar Annable Joe Dauderman Cindy Henschen & Susi Miller Erika & Zach Schlechte
Dec. 11 (10am)
Elizabeth Brown Erin Brown
Elinor Stille Laura Muench Becca Braundmeier Kara Braundmeier Richelle Braundmeier & Shirley Gall
Dec. 18 (10am)
Shayden Hogg Sayde Hogg
Ken Gehrig Lisa Uhe Scott Demkey & Krista Mansholt Dave & Ronna Renken Lisa Uhe
Dec. 24 (9pm)
Need Volunteers Need Volunteer Patti Reckmann Paige Basler & Judy Blom Justin Bonnell & Laura Muench Laverne Korsmeyer
Dec. 24 (11pm)
Need Volunteers Pat Hinton Krista Mansholt Ken Gehrig Lewis & Lorene Knackstedt Steve Stille & Ken Suhre
Dec. 25 (10am)
Need Volunteers Patty Uhe Emily Uhe Gale Bolen & Anita K. Cain Dennis Conrad & Larry McGee Ken Suhre
If you are sad or struggling inside, do not suffer alone. Ask for help. We have a team of Stephen Ministers who are ready to listen, care, encourage, pray, and help you through a tough time. (It is confidential too!) Find out more about Stephen Ministry by talking with one of our Stephen Leaders listed below. Our Stephen Ministers are there to care!
Rev. Jerry Amiri: (O) 618-488-3215 / (C) 636-328-3332 Pastor John Mindrup: (C) 618-409-3941/ Betty Imboden: (C) 618-973-0572
On Sunday, November 20, we celebrated Totenfest at our 10:00 a.m. worship service. Totenfest is the day on which we pause to remember those who have died in the past year.
Salem remembered these friends and family:
Gloria Marie Henschen (03/09/1931 – 12/05/2015)
Carol Lee Dauderman (12/18/1933 – 01/17/2016)
Sheryl Cecco (10/06/1944 – 04/20/2016)
Jacob Casper (10/29/1977 – 04/20/2016)
Charles W. “Charley” Vassier III (05/06/1938 – 05/13/2016)
Bob Hosto (12/18/1935 – 12/18/2015)
Carol “Ducky” E. Ruehrup (09/15/1936 – 02/20/2016)
Elmer Henry Frank (02/13/1934 – 03/30/2016)
Janet Beth Hunsche (10/17/1952 – 04/21/2016)
Thomas Earl “Tom” Glassmaker (03/01/1944 – 07/03/2016)
Elizabeth Rose “Betty” Whitworth (08/21/1932 – 07/09/2016)
Acknowledgment of Gifts & MemorialsAcknowledgment of Gifts & MemorialsAcknowledgment of Gifts & MemorialsAcknowledgment of Gifts & Memorials December 2015 – November 2016
Delmar Blom Parlor Décor & Paint
Jacob Casper Salem Memorial Fund Vicki Conrad Salem Memorial Fund
Carol Dauderman Salem Memorial Fund
Elmer Frank Salem Memorial Fund
Doris Kaufman Salem Memorial Fund
Tom Glassmaker Salem Memorial Fund
Gloria Henschen Salem Memorial Fund Salem Building Fund Salem Cemetery Sale Endowment Fund
Janet Hunsche Salem Memorial Fund
Electa Leitch Painting of Parish Hall & New Door
Don Merkle Salem Memorial Fund
Sheryl Robinson Salem Memorial Fund
Carol Ruehrup Salem Memorial Fund Betty Whitworth Salem Memorial Fund
Salem Memorial Fund (Undesignated) Repair Stain Glass Window
Acknowledgment of Honorariums of Acknowledgment of Honorariums of Acknowledgment of Honorariums of Acknowledgment of Honorariums of RemembranceRemembranceRemembranceRemembrance December 2015 – November 2016
Russell Abert 90th Birthday Salem Memorial Fund
Don Beshears Salem Building Fund
Chuck Bloemker Salem Memorial Fund
Luella Boedicker Salem Memorial Fund
Esther Foulke Salem Memorial Fund
Don & Vera Mae Henschen Salem Memorial Fund
Carol & May Hosto Salem Endowment Fund
Nancy Jakel Salem Memorial Fund
Elmer & Roberta Korsmeyer Salem Endowment Fund
Historical Committee
Henry & Francis Korsmeyer Salem Endowment Fund
Barb Otto Salem Memorial Fund Fred & Florence Otto Salem Memorial Fund
Danny Reinhardt Salem Memorial Fund Dexter Riechmann Salem Building Fund
Leroy Sander Salem Building Fund
Herb & Elda Schmidt Salem Memorial Fund Herb Schmidt 99th Birthday Salem Memorial Fund
Cancer Concerns: Reverend Arnold Bizer / Doug Bizer
Jack Frandsen / Wayne Gentry / Pat Hinton
Health Concerns: Connie Abert (Niece-in-Law of Fern Scheller) / Dagmar Annable Quintin Byrne (Cousin of Lisa Reinhardt) / Bob Dauderman Deanna Dauderman / Diana Donohoo
Helen Dugan / Ginny Gehrig / Lester Gentry Larry Kaufman / Marie Mindrup Roger Reilson/ Don Riepshoff Melvin Roberts / Wayne Stille
BaptismsBaptismsBaptismsBaptisms Denny Karl Ludwig Schuetz was baptized at Salem U.C.C. on Sunday, October 30, 2016, by Rev. Jerry Amiri. Denny was born on July 22, 2016, to Jason & Lisa Schuetz. His grandparents are Colette & Wayne Schuetz, Juanita & Kevin Shavers, Michael Schroeder, and the late Denny Harris. His great-grandparents are Rose Henrichs, Helen & Leroy Haukap and June & Herb Williams. His godparents are Jim & Dianne Peters, Dawn Gilbert, Richelle Ernst and Jeffery Schroeder.
REMINDER: ANNUAL MEETING REPORTS ARE DUE SOON!!!
I would like to remind everyone (especially all committees) that Salem’s Annual Meeting is coming up soon, so please start preparing your committee’s summary and treasurer’s report (if your committee has one) for the past year. Annual Reports are due on Thursday, December 15, 2016 by 9:00 a.m. I understand the treasurer’s reports will not be ready by this date, so please give me those reports as soon as you have them done. I would like to thank everyone in advance for helping me with this.
Thank You Notes…Thank You Notes…Thank You Notes…Thank You Notes… We want to thank Pastor Jerry and all others for their thoughts and prayers for our Granddaughter born needing heart surgery. She’s back home and doing fine. Thanks to all of you for all your prayers.
Thursday Dec. 1 7:00pm BOCE Meeting Sunday Dec. 4 8:45am Salem Seekers (Sunday School) 10:00am Worship with Communion (Second Sunday of Advent)
HHS Madrigals Praise Team Practice following Worship
4:00-5:30pm Exhale Monday Dec. 5 10:00am Monday Morning Reflections at Maedge’s 6:30-8:30pm Stephen Ministry Training 7:00pm Property Committee Meeting Tuesday Dec. 6 6:30pm Evangelism/Worship Committee Meeting 7:30pm Vision Committee Wednesday Dec. 7 6:30pm Salem Chimes Practice 6:30pm Confirmation Class 7:30pm Salem Chancel Choir Practice Thursday Dec. 8 7:00pm Church Council Meeting at Parsonage Sunday Dec. 11 8:45am Salem Seekers (Sunday School) 10:00am Worship – (Third Sunday of Advent)
4:00-5:30pm Exhale 4:00pm KFC Christmas Party Monday Dec. 12 10:00am Monday Morning Reflections at Maedge’s
6:30-8:30pm Stephen Ministry Training Wednesday Dec. 14 6:30pm Salem Chimes Practice 6:30pm Confirmation Class 7:30pm Salem Chancel Choir Practice Thursday Dec. 15 7:00pm Guild & Brotherhood Meeting Sunday Dec. 18 8:45am Salem Seekers (Sunday School) 10:00am Worship –(Fourth Sunday of Advent)-Choir Cantata Historical Committee Meeting following Worship 4:00-5:30pm Exhale Christmas Party Monday Dec. 19 10:00am Monday Morning Reflections at Maedge’s
Tuesday Dec. 20 12:00pm Senior Citizen’s Pot Luck Wednesday Dec. 21 6:00pm Christmas Eve Practice 6:30pm Confirmation Class No Salem Chimes 7:30pm Salem Chancel Choir Practice Saturday Dec. 24 7:00pm Children’s Christmas Eve Program 9:00pm Christmas Eve Worship with Altar Communion 11:00pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship with Pew Communion Sunday Dec. 25 9:00am Christmas Day Worship with Altar Communion No Salem Seekers (Sunday School) Wednesday Dec. 28 6:30pm No Confirmation Class 6:30pm Salem Chimes Practice No Salem Chancel Choir Practice
The Pastor/Parish/Personnel Relations Committee
The Pastor/Parish/Personnel Relations Committee (PPPRC) is always ready to hear ideas and suggestions. 2016 PPPRC members are: Dennis Conrad, Krista Mansholt, Kathy Porter, Jerri Riechmann, Ken Suhre, and Lisa Uhe.
The Salem Wire
There is a lot that happens from Sunday to Sunday—deaths, births, weddings, etc. Wouldn’t it be nice to know these things sooner than later? The Salem Wire is an email message delivery system where you would receive notice of events and happenings in the church. To sign up for the Salem Wire, please email the church office at [email protected].
The Salem E-Messenger
Would you rather receive The Messenger by email? The Salem E-Messenger is a delivery system where you would receive The Messenger and all committee meeting minutes by email instead of regular mail. To sign up for the Salem E-Messenger, please email the church office at [email protected].
2016 SALEM CHURCH COUNCIL:
President Steve Stille
Vice-President Gary Boda
Secretary Ronna Renken
Treasurer Scott Demkey
Financial Secretary Chris Uhe
Dagmar Annable
Richelle Ernst
Kris Lynn
Ron Mindrup
Donita Prott
Patrick Stille
Jill Verson
Salem United Church of Christ 1117 West North Street Alhambra, Illinois 62001 Phone: 618-488-3215 Fax: 618-488-3212
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Rev. Jerry Amiri, Senior Pastor Pastor John Mindrup, Assistant Pastor Rev. Arnold A. Bizer, Pastor Emeritus Becca Braundmeier, Youth Director Melissa Taylor, Office Coordinator Dawn Reinhardt, Music Director Patti Reckmann, Custodian
TTTTHEHEHEHE MMMMESSENGERESSENGERESSENGERESSENGER ~ A Communication Ministry of Salem United Church of Christ ~
