The Chimes Volume.15 Issue.11 November 28, 2018
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The Chimes
Church Leadership
In this issue: Page 2 Church Leadership Page 3 Letter from Laura Page 4 Worship & the Arts Page 5 Parish Nurse Thank You Notes Page 6 Nature Connections Youth Group Christian Education Congratulations Page 7 Mission Page 8 Parish Nurse Page 9 Church Life Stewardship & Finance Page 10 PGR Assembly Highlights Page 11 Calendar
December 2018
Session Class of 2018 Jenna Hague Mark Hanson Linda Kelley Ralph Krall Cindy Shipley
Laurie Hartshorn, Clerk of Session Class of 2019 Charlotte Cronin Mary Jo Mays Alicia McKeighan Megan McKeighan Kathy Nordvall
Class of 2020 Tim Cole Deb Hanson Don Hartshorn Pam Madden Alexis Maloof
Board of Deacons Class of 2018 Victoria Best Marcia Boyer Rose Dickerson Vicki Ghidina Angie Gross Laurie Hartshorn Michael Kelley Ron Kirchgessner Charlene Mousty Sandy Nott Rose Schmollinger Trudy Sholtz
Class of 2019 Theresa Bender Ken Krancher John Madden Sue McGill Rick Noetzel Deb Paul Nancy Pogue Bev Ranson Myrna Schwarz
Session Committee Liaisons Church Life Hospitality & Growth Christian Education Human Resources Member Care Mission Properties Stewardship & Finance Worship & the Arts Preschool
Class of 2020 Judi Beck Audrey Beeney Pat Bensing Theresa Buley Betty Downard Ann Gropp Megan Marsh Nancy Thompson
Charlotte Cronin Linda Kelley Cindy Shipley Alicia McKeighan & Pam Madden Mary Jo Mays & Deb Hanson Jenna Hague Don Hartshorn Megan McKeighan & Tim Cole Mark Hanson Kathy Nordvall
Pray for the pastoral leadership even now being prepared by God to partner with UPC. Interested in joining United Presbyterian Church? Contact the pastor or visit our website at: www.unitedpc.org.
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Letter from Laura For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (KJV) J. Barrie Shepherd reminds us that these Advent promises so dramatically sung in Handel’s Messiah are persistently, insistently communal. The child is born to us for our salvation, and not for “me” or “mine.” They address us as a family, a people, a kindred, and is so doing teach us once again that, if we would know the blessings of this looking-forward season, if we would ever taste the promised joy that is to be, then we must shift the focus of our thinking, acting, even praying from ourselves to this communion in which we stand within God’s bright creation. Even the nature of the gift itself, the gift of a child, defines God’s promise in a social way, for a child evokes – demands – cooperation and community. One’s life goes out to meet that of a child and, when returned, is never quite the same. So when we say: For unto us a child is born…..we are rejoicing in the call to give ourselves, to pour forth gentleness and kindness, to nurture carefully and mutually for this tiny glowing spark of life entrusted to us. As we enter this season, may we see the moments and the spaces where we may fail to see the child, hear its call, the hand that reaches out towards ours, that impulse, all too easily discarded, to break through the deadly isolation of our needs, hopes and fears and listen to and really hear the problems and possibilities of another human life. As we move across these weeks to the manger, may God make real for us, not just God’s presence as our guide, but also unite us to the company of all our fellow pilgrims as we sing: “For unto us a child is born..…..” Amen. Advent blessings, Rev. Laura
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Worship & the Arts VIVID in December VIVID will host a Christingle Program at 4:00 pm on Sunday, December 9. A Moravian Christmas Eve tradition begun in 1747, this lovely interactive service, where we will make our own Christingle (Christ light), is coming to VIVID this year. You will especially want to be at this if you are unable to join us on December 24. Please RSVP to
[email protected] so we know how much food to order.
Advent Devotionals Remember to pick up your advent devotionals at the end of November. This year our devotionals will be accessible to people of all ages so you can go through this resource on your own, with a partner, or with the whole family.
Hymns and Hops (Christmas Edition) Hymns and Hops is back in time for Christmas. On Monday, December 10th from 7:00-8:00 pm we will meet at the Fox Pub in Peoria to indulge in adult beverages while singing (or listening to) favorite Christmas Carols. Matt at the Fox is opening up the bar just for our group, so please invite your friends to this special event! There will only be drinks (no food), so make sure you eat ahead of time.
Sermons available online Were you gone on a Sunday but still want to keep up-to-date with the sermons? We have you covered! Just visit http://unitedpc.org/ resources/sermons/ for the latest sermons. You can also view archived sermons by searching preachers or sermon texts.
The Chimes
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December 2018
Christmas Program – Sunday, Dec. 16 Andrew Harrison and Aaron are bringing to morning worship “Telling God’s Story”, a vibrant, memorable focus on the Christmas story as told by our children and youth. We'll project the whole script so you don’t miss a thing being said by our youngest disciples. Those with a speaking part must come to the only rehearsal on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 9:30 am. If your child would like to participate in this, please email
[email protected] for details.
Annual Service of Light and Hope – Friday, December 21 at 6:30 pm As we near the longest night of the year, and spend more hours of the day in darkness, we long for light. As we draw near to the Christmas holiday, some of us are feeling blue. Perhaps it is because it is our first Christmas without our loved one, or perhaps many years have passed since a death. Some of us carry sadness for any number of reasons; (illness, loneliness) in a season when the festivities and laughter may leave us feeling forgotten and alone. In this candlelight service, we will be inviting the light and hope of Christ to lead us and guide us through the season of darkness.
Christmas Poinsettias on Sale in December Christmas Poinsettias will be available for sale in the Fellowship Hall after the worship service on December 2, 9, and 16. The poinsettias are $5 each and can be purchased “in memory” or “in honor” of a loved one. The flowers can be picked up after the 7:00 pm Christmas eve service.
Christmas Eve Services – December 24 4:00 pm – Family Christmas Eve Worship – This informal Christmas Eve service of worship will feature music, readings, a meditation, and interactive elements geared for families. 7:00 pm – Lessons and Carols Candlelight Service- This is our traditional Christmas Eve worship service featuring Scripture Readings, music from all of the UPC ensembles, a Christmas meditation by Laura, and the ritual of lighting candles at the end of the service.
Are you a Facebook User? If so, you can help us! If you are a Facebook User, you can help the church by doing three very simple things. 1) Please “Like” the United Presbyterian Church page 2) give us a 5-star rating with a brief little note on why you like the church 3) Recommend the page to other. These three easy things will greatly help visitors when they look at the page to get a sense of our church and they will be more likely to view the content on our Facebook page. Thank you.
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The Chimes
Parish Nurse Please keep the following people in your thoughts: Eunice Andrews Mary Buesing Ken Brower Penny Brower Charles Cook Kerry Dickerson Betty Downard Mary Everett Geneva Hall (Gulley) Jes Hall Jaxson Harper Mary Jermac Dwight Jones Katie (Cronin) Mike Kelley Ralph Krall Debbie Kutter Duane Mach David McDowell Dean Peoples Christy Presseau (Maloof) Anna Saxon Fred Selling Larry & Sara Stotts Josh Swank Felicia Vallosio Cal Vobroucek Richard West Jon & Kim Wrigley Ruthie Yingling For those in active service: Holly Donald Our prayers of Christian sympathy for Pam & John Madden & family on the death of Pam’s Mother, Margaret Hutchison, on November 16. Congratulations to Ralph and Rina Krall on their 55th wedding anniversary on October 27. Congratulations to Zac and Alexis Maloof on the baptism of their son, Felix, on November 11.
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Merry Christmas from the staff of United Presbyterian Church Tom Bienemann, Handy Man Keli Briggs, Faith Community Nurse Trish Deppermann, Administrative Assistant Sue Hulin, Pianist/Organist Sabrina McGrath, Financial Secretary Rev. Dr. Laura Reason, Interim Pastor Rev. Dr. Randall Lee Saxon, Pastor Emeritus Pam Scranton, UPC Discovery Director Aaron Schultz, Director of Worship & the Arts
Thank You Notes “I believe there are angels among us, sent down to us from somewhere up above; They come to you and me in our darkest hour; To show us how to live, teach us how to give; To guide us with the light of love.” by Alabama All of you know this year has not been kind to either Larry or me. In January 2018, we packed up our belongings and moved into Courtyard Estates. Health issues have been many, but we know we are where God has led us. May God bless the staff and congregation of UPC. We are both very grateful for all of you, and all that you have done for us. May God richly bless you all. Love in Christ, Larry & Sara Stotts Thank you for the beautiful rose, the cards, calls, visits, especially Keli, and prayers during my recent hospital stay. I so appreciate all the wonderful caring people of UPC. Betty Downard To Our friends at UPC, Many thanks for the prayers, cards, calls, hugs and support during my Aunt Helen’s illness and since her death. Your thoughtfulness and concern is very touching. The white rose was lovely and still is quite beautiful. Linda Kelley
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Nature Connections
December 2018
Christian Education
It’s Bird Feeding Time ! Nature Connections will be providing free Bird Feeding Kits again this year. The joys of connecting with God’s little creatures is good for kids, good for families, and good for seniors. Nature Connections will provide a Free Bird Feeder, Instruction Information from Cornell Ornithology Lab, and your First Bag of Bird Seed. Pick up your kit on December 2 at Christmas Tree for the Birds. Email
[email protected] or tell the office if you want a kit. It’s free, give it a try!
Youth Groups Youth Groups Update Jump Start is for those in 3rd-5th grades RUSH is for those in 6th-8th grades QUEST is for those in 9th-12th grades 2018 Dec. 9 Jumpstart 1-2:30 RUSH/Quest 2:30-4:00 2019 Jan. 13 Jumpstart 1-2:30 RUSH/Quest 2:30-4:00 Jan. 27 Jumpstart 1-2:30 RUSH/Quest 2:30-4:00 Feb. 10 Jumpstart 1-2:30 RUSH/Quest 2:30-4:00 Feb. 24 Jumpstart 1-2:30 RUSH/Quest 2:30-400 Mar. 5 Pancake supper 5:30-7:30 Mar. 24 Jumpstart 1-2:30 RUSH/Quest 2:30-400 Apr. 14 Jumpstart 1-2:30 RUSH/Quest 2:30-4:00 Apr. 28 Jumpstart 1-2:30 RUSH/Quest 2:30-4:00 May 19 Jumpstart 1-2:30 RUSH/Quest 2:30-400 \
Presbyterian Youth Triennium Life changing—Life giving—Faith growing July 16-20, 2019
December Sunday School Schedule for Children December 2nd—Enjoy communion with your family December 9th– Regular classes December 16th-Children & Youth Program December 23rd-Regular Classes December 30th-Fifth Sunday winter break
Congratulations
Upcoming Fundraisers
January 27, 2019 Chili cook off after church at 11:00 am. Prepare your best chili recipe. March 5, 2019 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner— evening, time tbd March 9, 2019 Paint Night Fundraiser 4th Sundays at Oliver’s year round except for December
Congratulations Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Randall Saxon, Pastor Emeritus, on being recognized at the last assembly meeting of the Presbytery of Great Rivers in celebration of his ordination 45 years ago.
December 2018
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Mission
Christmas Joy Offering: A Perfect Gift this Advent Season In the lead up to Christmas, many of us spend time in search of the perfect gift — the gift that communicates to friends and family how much we know and love them. We search our memories for indications of what gift might cause the faces of our loved ones to light up. We scour the stores and shops, hoping to come across the thing that will communicate a depth of love that our words cannot. As important as gifts to loved ones are, we have an opportunity to give gifts that help many people we do not know through the Christmas Joy Offering. These gifts in particular draw us back to the manger and God’s perfect gift to us — Jesus Christ. Jesus came to live among us, bringing light into darkness, and reconciliation to God and to one another. A perfect gift from a gracious God. During this Christmas and Advent Season, we celebrate leadership: past, present and future through support of the Christmas Joy Offering. We do so because church leaders greatly impact our lives of faith, walking with us down the path to be more like Jesus. We want those church leaders and their families who find themselves grappling with a critical financial need to have the resources they need which are provided through the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions. We also support the offering to help our future leaders in the church and world, like those educated at our Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. Supporting these students helps the whole church develop leaders who reflect the wideness of God’s intended diversity. For those supported through the Christmas Joy Offering, this help is truly a gift from above. May our gifts, and the leaders who receive them, point us always to the truth of the one whose birth we celebrate, Jesus Christ — the truly perfect gift. Please give generously: Through when we receive the Offering on Sunday, December 23rd Text JOY to 20222 to give $10 presbyterianmission.org/give/christmasjoy To learn more about the Christmas Joy Offering, please visit: Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions: www.pensions.org, click on Plans & Programs Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges: www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/resc/
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The Chimes
December 2018
Parish Nurse Have a Safe and Healthy Winter Unfortunately, cold weather and snow showers are upon us. As we prepare for the months ahead, it is important to consider personal and environmental safety. Make sure your home is ready for winter. Clean gutters, repair roof leaks, and winterize windows. Make sure your heating system is working properly, and have chimney and fireplace maintenance done. Make sure your smoke detector batteries are working. Install a carbon monoxide detector. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include dizziness, weakness, headache, confusion, upset stomach, vomiting, and chest pain. Don’t forget about your car. Check tires, radiator, and antifreeze level. Keep gas tank full. Have an emergency kit in your car. Suggestions for your kit include non-perishable food and water, flashlight, batteries, blankets, first aid kit, cell phone and charger, extra batteries, booster cables, a sand bag for traction, and a battery-powered radio. Keep yourself safe when outside. When working or enjoying leisure activities outside, dress in appropriate outdoor clothing including hats, scarves, gloves, and boots. Sprinkle sand or cat litter on icy sidewalks or driveways. When working outside, do so slowly. Make sure someone knows you are working outside, and carry a cell phone. http://www.cdc.gov/features/winterweather/index.html Another important aspect of safety during the winter months is preventing falls. Here are a few tips.
Dress warm to keep muscles relaxed as tense muscles can affect your balance. Take your time getting out of the car, and have both feet firmly on the ground before standing up. Wear shoes with good traction. Walk on cleared sidewalks and paths. Pay attention to the surfaces in front of you. Be alert for black ice.
http://americanbonehealth.org/fall-prevention/tips-to-prevent-falls-duringwinter-months/ Keli Briggs, MSN, RN Faith Community Nurse
December Blood Pressure Screening Be sure to stop by the parish nurse office on December 16th to have your blood pressure checked. Cheryl and Keli will be there at 9:30 am and after the service at 11:00 am.
December 2018
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Church Life
Stewardship & Finance
Dining Tour Books
A Year End Tip From Stewardship and Finance
Dining Tour Books are available in the church office for $30.00 each. There are 17 new restaurants this year. All proceeds go towards the Share the Warmth blanket ministry of UPC. We receive $10.00 for each book. Contact the office if you are interested in one. Last day to purchase one is January 2, 2019.
Bus Trip We are taking a bus trip to see FOLEPI Wonderland Sunday, December 9th. The bus leaves UPC at 4:30 pm and returns after dinner (on your own). The restaurant will be decided. Cost is $5.00 per person (prepay). Please call Trish at 693-2002 to make reservations. Note: First 13 people will get seats on the church bus, overflow will be asked to drive their own cars.
Ladies Night Out Place: Steak ’n Shake, 99 Conference Center Dr, East Peoria. Date: Thursday, December 6 Time: 6:00 pm This is our white elephant gift exchange. Come a little early if you want to visit more. RSVP to Eunice Andrews @ 688-8458 or Betty Pugh @ 822-8500.
BUNCO
If you are 70 ½ or over you may be able to donate from your IRA’s RMD without the distribution counting as income. Talk to your financial advisor or fund administrator.
Stewardship and Finance Update The S&F Committee is overjoyed about the progress made during the UMM campaign. Because of the engagement and faithful giving from our congregation, our mortgage balance has been reduced to $381,007.68. UPC has paid down almost 85% of the original loan balance on our beautiful building. The UMM campaign runs through 12/31/2018, which means there is still time to make a contribution and get a participation bonus! Additionally, the committee is excited to begin working with our new treasurer, Kenton Bowles of 4ce, Inc. Kenton Bowles, a co-founder of 4ce, Inc., has over 20 years of accounting and consulting background in several industries, and partnering network with domestic and global companies ranging from Fortune 500 to privately owned. Kenton received his Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Business Administration and a MBA from Culver-Stockton College. Prior to co-founding 4ce, Inc. he was a partner in a top accounting firm, owned a tax and consulting business and was a Global CFO. Kenton spends his free time with family and friends, and enjoys being outdoors and traveling to new places. Kenton’s wealth of knowledge and experience is going to be a great addition to UPC!
No BUNCO in December, see you in January.
Anna Circle No Anna Circle or blanket making in December, see you in January.
Reminder: The final deposit for 2018, in alignment with giving statements for 2018, will be made by noon on December 31, 2018. Any money received after that date will be recorded as 2019 giving.
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December 2018
December 2018 SUNDAY
The Chimes MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
11 THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY 1 4:00 Christmas Concert
December 2018 2 1st Sunday of Advent Communion 9:00 Adult Education 10:00 Worship 11:00 Congregational Meeting 11:00 Library Open 11:15 Christmas Tree for the Birds
3 8:30 Exercise 9:00 Home Communion Visits 5:30 Member Care 6:00 Tai Chi 6:00 Service of Light 6:00 Lawyers Basketball 6:30 Properties 6:30 Church Life
4 COM 9:30 PASG Gen Mtg 1:30 Tai Chi 3:00 Bereavement 6:30 Families Anonymous
5 8:30 Pastors’ Bible Study 10:30 Staff 5:30 Bells 6:00 Tai Chi 6:15 Choir 7:15 Worship Band
6 8:30 Exercise 1:30 Tai Chi 6:00 Bereavement 6:00 Ladies Night Out
7 1:00 Mah Jongg 5:00 Family Christmas Shop Set-Up
8 4:00 Family Christmas Shop
9 2nd Sunday of Advent 9:00 Adult Education 10:00 Worship/Sunday School 11:00 Fellowship 11:15 Officer Training 11:15 Worship & the Arts 1:30 Jump Start 2:30 Rush/Quest 4:00 Christingle Service 4:30 FOLEPI Bus Trip
10 8:30 Exercise 1:00 Parents Bereavement 6:00 Christmas Hymns & Hops 6:00 Moms Demand Action 6:00 Tai Chi
11 9:00 PASG Board 10:00 Independence Village Service 1:30 Tai Chi 3:00 Bereavement 4:00 Trinity Services 6:00 HR 6:00 Hospitality & Growth 6:00 Lawyers Basketball 6:30 Officer Training 6:30 Families Anonymous
12 8:00 Chimes Info Due 8:30 Pastors’ Bible Study 11:00 PEO BX 5:30 Bells 6:00 Nature Connection 6:00 Tai Chi 6:15 Choir 7:00 Preschool 7:15 Worship Band
13 8:00 Session Info Due 8:30 Exercise 11:30 PASGDTS 1:30 Tai Chi 6:00 Bereavement 6:30 Stewardship & Finance
14 1:00 Mah Jongg No BUNCO
15 9:30 Children’s Youth Christmas Program Practice
16 3rd Sunday of Advent Blood Pressure Screening 9:00 Adult Education 10:00 Children’s Youth Program 11:00 Fellowship 11:00 Library Open 11:15 Pack Snack Packs
17 8:30 Exercise 6:00 Tai Chi 6:00 Lawyers Basketball
18 1:30 Tai Chi 3:00 Bereavement 6:30 Families Anonymous 7:00 Session
19 8:30 Pastors’ Bible Study 10:30 Staff 5:30 Bells 6:00 Tai Chi 6:15 Choir 7:15 Worship Band
20 8:30 Exercise 1:00 Collate CHIMES 1:30 Tai Chi 6:00 Bereavement 6:30 Preschool Christmas Worship
21 No School 1:00 Mah Jongg 6:30 Service of Light and Hope
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23 4th Sunday of Advent 9:00 Adult Education 10:00 Worship/Sunday School 11:00 Fellowship
24 No School 25 No School Christmas Eve Christmas Day 4:00 Family Office Closed Christmas Eve Worship 7:00 Lessons and Carols Candlelight Service Office Closed
28 Office Closed
29 Wedding Eva Cox Scott Grubbs
30 31 No School 9:00 Adult Education 8:30 Exercise 10:00 Worship/Sunday School 11:00 Fellowship
1 New Year’s Day Office Closed
26 Office Closed
Office Closed
THE CHIMES
Published Monthly by United Presbyterian Church 2400 W Northmoor Rd Peoria, IL 61614-3343 309-693-2002 FAX: 309-693-7290 E-mail:
[email protected] www.unitedpc.org
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CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Postmaster: Send address changes to: CHIMES United Presbyterian Church 2400 W Northmoor Rd Peoria IL 61614-3343
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Education Hour 9:00 am (Sept-May) Worship Service: 10:00 am
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