December 2016 Vol. 65 No. 12

Worship Services

8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary

8:15 a.m. | Fellowship Center

9:30 a.m. | Fellowship Center

11:00 a.m. | Fellowship Center

Church Office 217.732.7618 I Fax 217.732.5683 I lcchurch@lincolnchristianchurch.org

www.lincolnchristianchurch.org

2016–2018 Sermon Series Join us for the next 16 months as

Sundays at LCC are focused on

Jesus . . . period, as we observe the

ministry and teachings of Jesus in

the Gospel of Luke.

Sunday, January 8 & 15 in the Family Room

Join a life group

Baptismal Assistant Nursery Volunteer

Join the choir

Door Greeter

Join an

adult

Sunday

School

New Year . . . Fresh Start I read a recent article that listed the five most

popular resolutions made every year:

5. Take up a new hobby

4. Make more money or get out of debt

3. Improve relationships

2. Stop smoking

And the most popular New Year’s resolution? You

guessed it:

1. Losing weight

A woman walked into her bathroom at home and

saw her husband weighing himself on the scales as

he was sucking in his stomach. She laughed and

then said sarcastically, "sucking in your stomach is

not going to help you to weigh less you know."

Her husband said, "I’m not trying to weigh

less. It’s the only way I can see the numbers."

How was 2016 for you? Was it a good year

with lots to be grateful for? Or was it a challenging

year? Did you have some hopes that didn’t

become a reality like healings, professional

advancements, reconciliations? Did

disappointment knock at your door this last year?

For many, that was the case.

But for others, maybe some good things

happened and you’re hoping they will repeat in

2017.

The great thing about the New Year is that

every time it comes around it brings a chance to

take stock of our lives. Where are we going? How

are we doing?

Two elderly women were lamenting about

their old age: “Well, Ethel, we’re constantly tired,

we both have bad hips and we need a walker to

get around; we can’t hardly hear a thing, and we

can’t see past our own face.”

Ethel comments, “Yes! But at least we can

still drive!”

What can we do to make 2017 a better year

in the face of such pessimistic reports? I have a

suggestion that comes from the Apostle Paul:

First, release the past! A new year means a fresh

start.

The Apostle Paul was never one to let

circumstances of the past overly effect his

tomorrow. Listen to Paul’s attitude in Philippians

3:12–14:

Ron Otto

Preaching Minister

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is

behind and straining toward what is

ahead, I press on toward the goal to

win the prize for which God has called

me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Your memory can be both a friend or your enemy.

Hopefully, you’ll recall some very pleasant things

about this past year, but chances are that you’ll

also remember some negative things.

Maybe this past year was a time of painful

transitions in your life—the kids grew up and left

home and you’re now trying to deal with empty

nest syndrome. Maybe your job came to an end

and you’re having a tough time making ends

meet. Maybe a relationship ended. Maybe a

loved one died and you’re trying to deal with the

lingering grief and loneliness. Moments like these

can cripple us and hold us in bondage to the past.

This is why Paul said: I forget about what lies

behind me. Paul had a lot to overcome from his

past. He persecuted the church. He used his

authority to kill Christians. By his own admission he

said, "I am chief of sinners." He could have walked

around the rest of his life with a tremendous

burden of guilt and regret. Instead, he released

the past.

Second, look forward to what lies ahead.

In other words, I’m looking forward so much

that I’m going to press on to get there. To

summarize Paul again: I’m moving on now.

Truth be told, maybe you don’t know where

you are moving on to. In fact, whenever we leave

behind a vice or regret that has been such a

defining element of our lives it’s sometimes unclear

what the future holds. But you can bank on this,

when we make Jesus the center of that future, it’s

bound to be good!

Upcoming Jesus. Messages: Jan 1 Jesus with Simeon and Anna Luke 2:21–40

Jan 8 Boy Jesus in the Temple Luke 2:41–52

Jan 15 John the Baptist Luke 3:1–22

Jan 22 Jesus’ Genealogy Luke 3:23–37

Jan 29 Temptations of Jesus Luke 4:1–13

As we continue on in our Jesus. series, be reading

and looking ahead at the above passages.

Interested in Membership? Join our LifeStep 1: Discover Lincoln

Christian Church. Explore your faith

and the beliefs of Lincoln Christian

Church in a relaxed setting with Ron

Otto and Brandon Boyd. You’ll get

to ask any questions you have as well as meet

others who are exploring the same journey. This

class meets on Sunday, January 29 from 5:00–7:00

p.m. It’s free, it’s casual, and we provide dinner

(sorry, no childcare). Sign-up at the Welcome

Center.

Spring Sign-ups On January 8 and 15, 2017 you will have a great

opportunity to sign-up for your next steps at Lincoln

Christian Church in two important areas:

1. LifeGroups, Sunday School, and Bible Studies.

On these two Sundays you can find out how to

join a smaller group that emphasizes Bible

study, friendships, and spiritual growth in faith.

We will have studies for couples, men, and

women. There will be opportunities for those

with questions about their new faith, and

opportunities for those who want to take their

longstanding faith to the next level.

2. Ministry Teams

Another important way to grow in your faith is

by serving others. It takes over 400 people

each week to help with all the ministry of

Lincoln Christian Church. On these sign-up

Sundays, you will be able to find out more

information and sign-up the same day for an

area of service where you can make an

impact. Watch for more details.

Discipleship Information Website For the latest information on the adult discipleship

ministry, check out the website—

lccdiscipleshipministry.wordpress.com.

Brandon Boyd

Minister of

Adult Discipleship

Man on Fire Study

Begins January 11

Join Tim Becke as

he leads a men’s

study discussing

the key issues and

needs for men and

their biblical

solutions. God is

calling each man

to authentic Christian manhood. This study begins

on Wednesday, January 11, at 6:30 p.m.

New Wednesday Study

Begins January 11

This Spring, join Dr. Pete Verkruyse, Undergraduate

Dean at Lincoln Christian University, for an eight-

week study in the New Testament Book of

Hebrews. Coinciding with our sermon series

through the Gospel of Luke, this study will offer

another vantage point focusing on the person and

work of Jesus. No cost. Begins January 11 at 6:30

p.m.

Women’s Bible Study

Begins January 30 This semester’s study focuses

on Sharon Jaynes’ book

focusing on the power of

words in the life of a Christian

woman. Two sessions are

available:

- Mondays, beginning

January 30 at 6:30 p.m.

- Tuesdays, beginning

January 31 at 1:00 p.m.

Cost is $15. Sign up in the Family Room on January

8 and 15.

Zach Ramsey

Student Minister

Grab a Spring Calendar! Jr. High and High School Calendars are available

at the Youth Info Desk. These calendars have

important info about all of our spring events.

The Gathering (9th-12th Grade

Youth Group) resumes Sunday

Jan 8th 6:30–8:00 pm. Doors

open at 6:00 pm.

Fuel (5th-8th

Grade Youth Group) resumes

Wednesday Jan 11th 6:30-7:50 pm.

Doors open at 6:15 pm.

NEW! Post – High School We will have Post after the Gathering Sunday,

January 8 and 22, 8:00–9:00 p.m. Post is going to

be totally new! We can’t wait!

Ski Trip – High School Saturday, January 28, we will head up to Cascade

Mountain in Wisconsin to go skiing. It is going to be

a blast. Grab a packet at the Youth Info Desk!

Approximate cost will be $80 + 3 meals. Sign-up by

January 8.

SuperStart – 5th

Graders Only! Hey 5th Graders,

SuperStart is March 10–11

in Bloomington, IL. $65

plus 2 meals. Be sure to

grab a packet for more

info at the Youth Information Desk. Non-

Refundable deposit of $30 due Sunday, January

29.

Believe – 6th-8th Grade Hey 6th-8th Graders, mark your calendars. Believe

is April 8–9 in Anderson, IN. $110 plus 3 meals. Be

sure to grab a packet for more info at the Youth

Information Desk. Non-Refundable deposit of $55

due Sunday, February 26.

Move – 8th Grade – Graduated Senior Move is July 10t–15 in Wheaton, IL. $350 plus 2

meals and a sack lunch. We will have a fundraiser

in April to help you raise funds for your trip. Be sure

to grab a packet for more info at the Youth

Information Desk. Non-Refundable deposit of $50 is

due Sunday, March 26.

8th Grade Scholarships for CIY Move 8th grade students who attend CIY Believe over

April 8–9 can apply for a scholarship of $110 for

Move. That means that what you paid for Believe

is taken off the cost for Move. How sweet is that!

Hey Juniors and Seniors! Check out LCU’s

LEAP Program! Lincoln Christian

University’s Early

Achievement

Program (LEAP) is a

great opportunity for

high school juniors

and seniors to get a

practical and affordable jump on their college

education. Through the LEAP dual enrollment

program, students have the opportunity to enroll

and receive credit for college courses while still in

high school at a discounted rate. Begin your

college journey now by enrolling in LCU classes

either on campus or online! For more info check

out their website:

www.lincolnchristian.eduacademics/programs/.

Seriously! You should check out this program!

IMPORTANT Kroger Fundraising Info! If you are interested in or already

have a Kroger Plus Card and would

like to help fund raise for LCC's

General Youth Fund by easily

earning rebates on shopping you'll

already be doing, please fill out the pink

1/2 sheet at the Youth Info Desk (back of

Welcome Center)! If you enrolled your Kroger Plus

Card with LCC in 2016, we thank you for your

earnings! If you'd like to continue (or start afresh in

2017) we need ALL PARTICIPANTS to re-enroll in

2017, and this is our friendly annual reminder!

Visit kroger.com/communityrewards & either sign

in with your existing Kroger info, or start afresh by

creating a new account with Kroger! You'll need

an email to complete their instructions & to start

earning rewards in 2017 for LCC students. Follow

their simple directions & you'll be set up ASAP!

Select our Lincoln Kroger & choose L.C.C. (N.P.O.

#: 10095) & you can start earning within the

following 10 business days! Happy shopping &

thank you for earning for LCC's Youth!

KIDS’ WORSHIP— January 2017 Cornerstone Construction Zone

Christian Beliefs Children’s Ministry is a place

where dedicated

volunteers work to help

parents build a strong

foundation for

children’s faith. During

January, kids and

leaders will explore

God’s Word to discover

some of the basic

principles of what we believe as Christians. Below

are the key concepts we will be studying. Also, our

key verse for the month will be Matthew 16:16,

“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

January Series Titles:

“The Transfiguration” (We believe in God the

Father.) Luke 9:28–36.

“Prophets Predict the Messiah” (We believe

that Jesus was born of the Holy Spirit.) Isaiah

7:14; 9:6; Luke 1:26–38.

“Jesus Comes Back to Life” (We believe that

Jesus died and came back to life.) Mark 15:42–

16:7.

“The Shepherd and His Flock” (We believe that

Jesus is the head of the church.) John 10:1–15.

“The Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids” (We

believe that Jesus will return.” Matthew 25:1–13.

Sign-up during the month of February at the

Children’s Check In Area for the class “Becoming

a Christian,” offered to kids in 2nd, 3rd and 4th

grades. We will explore what the Bible says about

becoming a Christian and living life as a Christ

follower. Class will meet on Monday’s, March 13,

20, 27 and April 3, from 3:30–5:00 p.m. each week.

Marcia Wells

Children’s Minister

On EveryBODY Sunday our kids invited their friends

to a fun day wearing CRAZZZZY Socks! Here are a

few pictures of their fun day!!!

There are just a few spots left in LCC’s Preschool

and your preschooler can join now for second

semester! Take advantage of this opportunity for

your child to gain skills for kindergarten in a

Christian environment multiple times each week!

For more information, call 217.732.7618 and ask for

Jenni.

Laurin Hill

Worship Minister

Thank You! Thank You! Thank you to everyone who contributed to

Celebrate! Christmas 2016: Peace. What beautiful

moments of worship!! As I reflect on my seventh

Celebrate! Christmas, with almost 200 participants,

what a great a thing it is to work with each of you.

I pray you are as blessed by participating as I was!

Thanks to all of the choirs, the orchestra, the

handbells, and technical crew for your hard work

and hours of rehearsal and preparation. Thanks to

those who helped to set up and decorate the

building. Thank you all for your gift of service! I pray

all who celebrated Christmas with us will continue

to live in the presence of the Prince of Peace as

we enter this new year. Have a Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year!

UNDecking the Halls! Everyone’s help is needed to take down our

beautiful Christmas decorations throughout the

building to be stored properly for their next use. If

you love seeing the halls decked out for Christmas,

please consider coming to help us take it all down

and store it away for next year. We will be

UNdecorating

Tuesday, January 3,

from 6:00–9:00 p.m.

Many hands make

light work! Your help

is definitely needed.

Good News and HeartSong meet again

January 8!

Open enrollment thru January Good News, for 9th–12th grade students, and

HeartSong, for 5th–8th grade students, will be

taking a break for the holidays and resume

rehearsing on Sunday, January 8. There is open

enrollment until the end of January (Sundays =

Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29) to make a commitment to the

tours. If you would like more information on either

group, please contact Laurin Hill at 217.732.7618 or

laurin.hill@lincolnchristianchurch.org.

Good News meets Sundays from 5:00–6:00

p.m. with HeartSong meeting just after from 6:00–

7:00 p.m. Now is the time to invite your friends to

join us for our upcoming tours.

HeartSong will go on mini-tour April 21–23,

2017 with our home concert Sunday afternoon,

April 23, at 4:00 p.m.

Good News will be on tour from June 6–13,

2017, heading to the northeastern US and New

York City. Our Good News home concert is

Monday, June 5 at 7:00 p.m.

Kid’s Choirs resume January 8! The Kid’s Choirs (3 years old through 4th graders)

rehearse from 6:00–7:00 p.m. each Sunday in

preparation for our spring musical, “Tale of the

Three Trees” coming up Monday, April 24, at 6:30

p.m. We’ll be working hard and having a ton of

fun in the coming months. See you Sunday nights!

Sanctuary Choir resumes January 4! The Sanctuary Choir resumes rehearsing

Wednesday, January 4, from 6:30–7:45 p.m. We

sing and lead worship each week in the 8:15 a.m.

Sanctuary service. We are in need of additional

voices because a few have moved away. Come

and lift your voice!

A few dates of importance to mark on your

2017 calendar:

Service of Shadows Thursday, April 13

Easter Sunday, April 16

you!

Happy New Year 2017!

Ooops!

News for the Family!

New Member by Baptism: Jadyn Fish – 12/11/16

*34 total baptisms for 2016

**17 total transfers for 2016

Sympathy and Prayers: Elaine Smith and family at the passing of Elaine’s

husband, Charles Smith; Tom Sowers and family at

the loss of Tom’s father, Bennie Sowers; Jim Stone

and family at the loss of Jim’s sister, Sharon Stone;

Wallace Reese and family at the passing of

Wallace’s wife, Nancy Reese; the family and

friends of Helen Taft at her passing; Marjory Smalley

and family at the passing of Marjory’s husband,

Duane Smalley; and Joe Diers and family at the

passing of Joe’s brother, Jay Diers.

Sanctuary Flower Dedications for 2017 The flower schedule for 2017 is being made. If you

would like to dedicate a flower arrangement in

memory or in honor of someone, or in celebration

of a special occasion, contact the Church Office

at 217.732.7618 or at

lcchurch@lincolnchristianchurch.org by Sunday,

January 1. Flowers cost $25 and the bill is mailed

the week of dedication.

Elder Affirmation Update Will D’Andrea and Chuck Bennett were affirmed

by the congregation for a 3-year term with over

99% approval. Will and Chuck will be great

additions to our elders’ leadership and ministry.

End of the Year Special Giving for 2016 Harvest of Talents $110,654.10

Heart for the House Large Offering $113,023.26

Christmas Eve for Local Impact $2,808.97

2017 Offering Envelopes Boxes of giving envelopes will be available at a

table in the Family Room for the first few weeks of

January. If you do not have a box and would like

one, please leave your name, address, and phone

number on the sheet at the table, and one will be

provided for you. Similarly, if you are unable to

attend on Sunday’s but would still like to give, call

the Church Office at 217.732.7618 or email

lcchurch@lincolnchristianchurch.org to had a box

mailed to you.

Other Ways to Give See the giving page on the website:

lincolnchristianchurch.org/give.

Global Impact Highlight: Rondal and Janice Smith, Pioneer Bible

Translators (PBT)

This couple has worked with

PBT from its very conception

on the LCU campus in the

early 70’s. Both Rondal and

Janice have recently

experienced painful health

issues. Pray for their healing

and continued service as

translators and mentors for

other PBT workers. Both have

provided leadership for

young translators like Dustin

and Sarah, interns in a North

African nation fraught with civil and militant upheaval;

even the capital city has been bombed. The young

interns have been working in a refugee camp which

has taught them to be flexible enough to handle all

the unexpected changes that come regularly. They

write, “We never again take for granted a shower,

electricity, clean drinking water, and a bed that isn’t

kept warm by the many bugs.” Their goal is simple but

powerful—to translate the Bible into the language of

these war torn people. Most recently, Dustin and

Sarah had to return to the U.S. due to escalating

violence, but their desire is to return when more

stability occurs.

Please pray for all of PBT’s missionaries in North

Africa, who periodically must leave the country when

such violence escalates. Moreover, prayer for their

courage and resilience when they are called to return

and continue working among these regions. Pray for

safety for the nationals who help with the translation

process and that the finished work will be understood

by the people.

We may ask, “Why are they risking their lives for

this?”

They would answer, “God called us to bring His

word to these people. How shall they hear unless

someone is sent? Blessed are feet of those who bring

glad tidings.”

The Call is published monthly by Lincoln Christian Church,

204 N. McLean St. Lincoln, IL 62656–2847. U. S. P. S. 559620

periodical postage paid at Lincoln, IL 62656–9998 Post-

master: Send change of address to Lincoln Christian

Church 204 N. McLean St., Lincoln, IL 62656–2847