Sunday Worship 9:00 am

Kids Worship 9:20 am

Maundy Thursday Worship-

7pm

Good Friday Worship- 10am

Palm Sunday 9:00 am

Easter 9:00 am

Our Mission Statement:Our Mission Statement:

“Bringing the Healing Love of Christ“Bringing the Healing Love of Christ

To Our Community for To Our Community for

the Glory of God”the Glory of God”

April 2014 Vol.114

2

STAFF

MINISTERS………………….…THE MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH SENIOR PASTOR……………………….……DONNLEY DUTCHER DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRY / DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGIES………………………………...…KEVIN ECKERT YOUTH MINISTRY ASSISTANTS ………….....JASMINE COLEMAN, CHRISTINE BUSKER & SAVANNA MUELLER NURSERY ASSISTANT………….…………....SAVANNA MUELLER MINISTRY OF CHURCH LIFE & MEMBERSHIP…......PAM WESSEL STAFF SECRETARY…………….…………………….JODY AKINS CHOIR DIRECTOR…………………….……….....GINA BERTRAM ORGANISTS………………………..….…..….CAROLE BERTRAM

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

AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME…

By the time you read this, the first day of Spring will have come. It’s been a long time coming, for most of us. There are some people who have actually enjoyed the length of this winter. But, for the rest of us, we’re weary of the many days of deep, bone-chilling cold, putting on layers of clothing, the children missing another day of school, slippery roads, icy sidewalks, cancelled events, the 40+ snowfalls (the number of snowfalls to which the street crew of Freeport has had to respond), and more. It was a long winter.

The cold temperatures and chilling winds, often, force us to face the outdoors beneath layers of clothes or enter a pseudo-hibernation indoors. Some people try to avoid winter, all together, by going south beyond its reach, hopefully.

The stark scenes of leaf-less trees, barren fields, wind-blown snow drifts, and frozen rivers, lakes and streams, often, remind us of the dormancy or hibernation of creation. At times, during a very-lengthy winter, one will occasionally wonder when life will break forth from winter’s grasp.

Yet, winter is more than this. When used as a metaphor for life, winter is a time when creation and we, sometimes, get to rest a little from the labors required of us in the spring, summer and fall. I'm thinking of the digging, tilling, planting, mowing, raking, weeding, outside maintenance and repairs to the house, etc. of those seasons.

In this metaphor, when winter is the season creation and we get to rest a little from the labors of the others season, winter is more a season of transition - the time “in between" that transitions from a “harvest time” in our lives to a “new season” of creativity and life breaking forth. In this metaphor, winter is not a season of bearing fruit. In relation to plants, gardens and fruit trees, we don't even do anything to feed, nurture, or assist them for bearing fruit in the future, other than giving them a season of rest.

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 YOUTH MINISTRY ASSISTANTS ………….....JASMINE COLEMAN, CHRISTINE BUSKER & SAVANNA MUELLER NURSERY ASSISTANT………….…………....SAVANNA MUELLER MINISTRY OF CHURCH LIFE & MEMBERSHIP…......PAM WESSEL STAFF SECRETARY…………….…………………….JODY AKINS CHOIR DIRECTOR…………………….……….....GINA BERTRAM ORGANISTS………………………..….…..….CAROLE BERTRAM

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

AS THE SPIRIT MOVES ME…

By the time you read this, the first day of Spring will have come. It’s been a long time coming, for most of us. There are some people who have actually enjoyed the length of this winter. But, for the rest of us, we’re weary of the many days of deep, bone-chilling cold, putting on layers of clothing, the children missing another day of school, slippery roads, icy sidewalks, cancelled events, the 40+ snowfalls (the number of snowfalls to which the street crew of Freeport has had to respond), and more. It was a long winter.

The cold temperatures and chilling winds, often, force us to face the outdoors beneath layers of clothes or enter a pseudo-hibernation indoors. Some people try to avoid winter, all together, by going south beyond its reach, hopefully.

The stark scenes of leaf-less trees, barren fields, wind-blown snow drifts, and frozen rivers, lakes and streams, often, remind us of the dormancy or hibernation of creation. At times, during a very-lengthy winter, one will occasionally wonder when life will break forth from winter’s grasp.

Yet, winter is more than this. When used as a metaphor for life, winter is a time when creation and we, sometimes, get to rest a little from the labors required of us in the spring, summer and fall. I'm thinking of the digging, tilling, planting, mowing, raking, weeding, outside maintenance and repairs to the house, etc. of those seasons.

In this metaphor, when winter is the season creation and we get to rest a little from the labors of the others season, winter is more a season of transition - the time “in between" that transitions from a “harvest time” in our lives to a “new season” of creativity and life breaking forth. In this metaphor, winter is not a season of bearing fruit. In relation to plants, gardens and fruit trees, we don't even do anything to feed, nurture, or assist them for bearing fruit in the future, other than giving them a season of rest.

4

Another common metaphor for winter, as often expressed by poets, is being a season of death or dying.

I'm mindful of these two metaphors of winter as metaphors for our faith and spiritual journey, as well. Sometimes, we experience a “winter season” in our faith – a time when our faith and spiritual journey becomes dormant. Sometimes, it’s almost as though we hibernate from a life of faith or our spiritual journey. We do little to feed, nurture, or assist our faith or progress on our spiritual journey. Often, I wonder if people will ever break forth from the long wintry hibernation of their faith.

Some people even suffer the death of their faith in the “winter season” of their faith. There is no season, for them, when their faith sprouts new growth or blooms, again. Maybe something traumatic happened to them from which they have never healed. Maybe they didn’t prune, feed, or care for their faith as they needed to do to keep it vital and healthy. Maybe something else happened.

All of us experience different seasons in our faith. I've known times when my faith was barren, wind-blown, and didn't bear good fruit. It wasn't fed. I wasn't fed. I didn’t feed it or grow as I needed, in preparation for the “winter season” of my faith.

But God has always brought me forth from the winter seasons of my faith; and being a part of a community of faith - or being in an active relationship with spiritual directors or mentors or clergy colleagues - has been a very significant and vital part of breaking winter's hold on me.

May the Spirit of God, or you, break any hold the winter season of your faith has on you. It will make a difference for you, in whether your faith becomes stark, barren and lifeless or it breaks forth into a new season of ecstasy, bearing good fruit, fulfillment, meaning and joy.

For some of you, it's been a long winter in your faith. I hope you open yourself to a new season in your faith. Easter is coming.

I figured I would write about me for a bit. Many have noticed that I have been losing weight. It has taken quite a while, but my back seems to be less troublesome and I have begun to figure out how to work out safely. Since August I have lost 50 lbs. I’m glad we have a great support group here at church.

I’m happy to announce that Diane Bardell has agreed to co-lead the Christ First Weight Loss Group with me. She was the Leader of the group that I originally started my weight loss journey with. I’m very pleased she has joined us. She is a very compassionate leader and wonderfully encouraging.

I’m looking forward to a lock-in I’m in the process of preparing for. I’m using the “Back to the Future” movie trilogy as a tool to begin a discussion on Purpose and Future planning. I know we will have a big group of kids here at the church and I’m glad that we can give them these times of learning and fellowship.

I’m also in the process of set design for the Kids Worship room. The next several weeks I will be in a fire station garage. With the Helix youths’ help we will create a large mural back drop. I’m hoping to have them assist me during the lock-in.

VBS planning is in full swing as well. This year we will be hosting VBS. The theme is Workshop of Wonders. VBS will be July 20

th-

24th.

With all this planning and preparing I’m looking forward to my first trip to Disney with our children. We have been planning the trip for several months. I will be on vacation from May 16

th-27

th. I’m

ready for some R&R.

Consumed by the Call, Kevin Eckert

Director of Children & Youth Ministries

5

Another common metaphor for winter, as often expressed by poets, is being a season of death or dying.

I'm mindful of these two metaphors of winter as metaphors for our faith and spiritual journey, as well. Sometimes, we experience a “winter season” in our faith – a time when our faith and spiritual journey becomes dormant. Sometimes, it’s almost as though we hibernate from a life of faith or our spiritual journey. We do little to feed, nurture, or assist our faith or progress on our spiritual journey. Often, I wonder if people will ever break forth from the long wintry hibernation of their faith.

Some people even suffer the death of their faith in the “winter season” of their faith. There is no season, for them, when their faith sprouts new growth or blooms, again. Maybe something traumatic happened to them from which they have never healed. Maybe they didn’t prune, feed, or care for their faith as they needed to do to keep it vital and healthy. Maybe something else happened.

All of us experience different seasons in our faith. I've known times when my faith was barren, wind-blown, and didn't bear good fruit. It wasn't fed. I wasn't fed. I didn’t feed it or grow as I needed, in preparation for the “winter season” of my faith.

But God has always brought me forth from the winter seasons of my faith; and being a part of a community of faith - or being in an active relationship with spiritual directors or mentors or clergy colleagues - has been a very significant and vital part of breaking winter's hold on me.

May the Spirit of God, or you, break any hold the winter season of your faith has on you. It will make a difference for you, in whether your faith becomes stark, barren and lifeless or it breaks forth into a new season of ecstasy, bearing good fruit, fulfillment, meaning and joy.

For some of you, it's been a long winter in your faith. I hope you open yourself to a new season in your faith. Easter is coming.

I figured I would write about me for a bit. Many have noticed that I have been losing weight. It has taken quite a while, but my back seems to be less troublesome and I have begun to figure out how to work out safely. Since August I have lost 50 lbs. I’m glad we have a great support group here at church.

I’m happy to announce that Diane Bardell has agreed to co-lead the Christ First Weight Loss Group with me. She was the Leader of the group that I originally started my weight loss journey with. I’m very pleased she has joined us. She is a very compassionate leader and wonderfully encouraging.

I’m looking forward to a lock-in I’m in the process of preparing for. I’m using the “Back to the Future” movie trilogy as a tool to begin a discussion on Purpose and Future planning. I know we will have a big group of kids here at the church and I’m glad that we can give them these times of learning and fellowship.

I’m also in the process of set design for the Kids Worship room. The next several weeks I will be in a fire station garage. With the Helix youths’ help we will create a large mural back drop. I’m hoping to have them assist me during the lock-in.

VBS planning is in full swing as well. This year we will be hosting VBS. The theme is Workshop of Wonders. VBS will be July 20

th-

24th.

With all this planning and preparing I’m looking forward to my first trip to Disney with our children. We have been planning the trip for several months. I will be on vacation from May 16

th-27

th. I’m

ready for some R&R.

Consumed by the Call, Kevin Eckert

Director of Children & Youth Ministries

6

SECOND SATURDAY SERVICE

BEGINS APRIL 12TH

We’ll begin with a time of snacks and conversation at 6 pm. (Please bring a snack to share. Beverages will be provided.) We will turn to a time of worship at 7 pm. The service will have a different format and flow than our Sunday morning service. We’ll conclude worship around 7:45, with us turning to a time for more socializing and games.

Child care will be provided for these Second Saturday events.

6 pm - Snacks and conversation in a casual atmosphere

7:00 - Worship

7:45 - Games and socializing

PASTOR ON VACATION

Pastor Dutcher will be on vacation, Sunday

afternoon April 27th through Sunday, May 4th. Please contact

the Rev. Carol Ahrens at (815) 616-8901, the Rev. Stan

Bomgarden at (815) 441-2165, or the Rev. Becky Hebert at

(815) 616-5904, at any time during the week, if you are in need of

pastoral services in Pastor Dutcher’s absence.

THE WORLD THAT PRODUCED THE

BIBLE

Our Lenten Evenings and Study

We appreciate our country’s Declaration of Independence and Constitution for many reasons. One of the reasons is because we have a basic understanding of the history of the Colonies in the 150 years before the delegates came together to declare their independence. We have a sense of the historical context that resulted in those great documents being written.

This is very different from our understanding of the historical context that resulted in the Old Testament. Most of us have little or no knowledge of that, at all. This greatly affects our appreciation and understanding of the Old Testament.

Our Lenten evenings will help you with this. The focus for the evenings will be:

Wed., Apr. 2

The World That Produced the Bible, 587-400 B.C.

Wed., Apr. 9

The World that the Bible Produced (notice the shift in words)

We will begin each evening with a fellowship dinner at 5:45 p.m., followed by the Lenten study at 6:30 p.m.

Please sign up for the fellowship dinner on the bulletin board by the Sunday before.

Maundy Thursday—7pm Communion Service

Good Friday-10am Communion Service

Easter-9am Worship Celebration

7

SECOND SATURDAY SERVICE

BEGINS APRIL 12TH

We’ll begin with a time of snacks and conversation at 6 pm. (Please bring a snack to share. Beverages will be provided.) We will turn to a time of worship at 7 pm. The service will have a different format and flow than our Sunday morning service. We’ll conclude worship around 7:45, with us turning to a time for more socializing and games.

Child care will be provided for these Second Saturday events.

6 pm - Snacks and conversation in a casual atmosphere

7:00 - Worship

7:45 - Games and socializing

PASTOR ON VACATION

Pastor Dutcher will be on vacation, Sunday

afternoon April 27th through Sunday, May 4th. Please contact

the Rev. Carol Ahrens at (815) 616-8901, the Rev. Stan

Bomgarden at (815) 441-2165, or the Rev. Becky Hebert at

(815) 616-5904, at any time during the week, if you are in need of

pastoral services in Pastor Dutcher’s absence.

THE WORLD THAT PRODUCED THE

BIBLE

Our Lenten Evenings and Study

We appreciate our country’s Declaration of Independence and Constitution for many reasons. One of the reasons is because we have a basic understanding of the history of the Colonies in the 150 years before the delegates came together to declare their independence. We have a sense of the historical context that resulted in those great documents being written.

This is very different from our understanding of the historical context that resulted in the Old Testament. Most of us have little or no knowledge of that, at all. This greatly affects our appreciation and understanding of the Old Testament.

Our Lenten evenings will help you with this. The focus for the evenings will be:

Wed., Apr. 2

The World That Produced the Bible, 587-400 B.C.

Wed., Apr. 9

The World that the Bible Produced (notice the shift in words)

We will begin each evening with a fellowship dinner at 5:45 p.m., followed by the Lenten study at 6:30 p.m.

Please sign up for the fellowship dinner on the bulletin board by the Sunday before.

Maundy Thursday—7pm Communion Service

Good Friday-10am Communion Service

Easter-9am Worship Celebration

8

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE

You are invited to submit a description of a woman who influenced you, be you a man or a woman. These descriptions will be used in our May 11th worship service or as part of a bulletin insert. Please turn them in to the office by April 30. Only submit one, please.

First name of woman: _________________________________

Relationship to you: __________________________________

(church member, friend, relative, neighbor, teacher, co-worker, etc)

CONGRATULATIONS, CAROL!

Recently, Pastor Donnley received a phone call from Ms. Lori Alsum of the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, who is serving on the “Jail Health Care Conference Planning Committee.” The reason for her call? The Committee wants to invite the founding members of the Committee back for some well-deserved recognition. Ms. Alsum was seeking contact information for our own Carol Ahrens, one of the people the Committee wants to recognize.

Congratulations, Carol!!! Thank you for your part in organizing this form of ministry to “one of the least of those” for whom our Lord is most concerned as to how we care for, minister to, and share His healing love.

Yours is always a heart of justice and compassion! We are honored for you and that you are a part of our St. John UCC family!

A sentence or two that describe how this person made a

difference in your life:

9

The 13th Annual

Spaghetti Supper

April 26th from 4:30-7pm

Tickets go on sale April 13th. We will

be making meatballs on April 6th after worship. If you wish to help with meatballs sign up on the bulletin board. If you have any questions see Lisa Ebbers.

The deadline for submitting articles in the May

Tidings is April 8.

10

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!!

For several years St. John has depended on volunteer assistance to help maintain the cleanliness of the church and school classroom area. This is especially true since we no longer have a part time custodian. Stan Smith, Bill Kuntz and Don Valkema, have provided untold hours of work, with many others pitching in weekly as able.

The amount of work has grown, particularly since Career-Tec has joined us, which means that jobs such as emptying the trash and cleaning the floors have led to a lot of extra work.

Stan has been coming to the church every morning by 6:00AM to make sure that the trash has been emptied, the floors are swept and the restrooms are clean and resupplied. Bill comes to the church during the week to make sure that all of the floors are swept and scrubbed, quite often with Larry's help. Bill also works to maintain the restrooms and scrub fixtures. The floors have been much, much more difficult to maintain with the winter we are now going through.

Here's what we need: While Stan chooses to get everything ready before the students arrive in the morning, it would be fine to do the work after they leave for the day. If you would like to empty trash and sweep/mop the floors anytime after 3:30PM they will be ready for the following morning.

Bill does the most detailed cleaning of the floors on Friday and Monday mornings. This gets the church ready for the Sunday service and also for the beginning of the new school week. He could use additional help during the week, but would appreciate the help even more on Friday and Monday.

Those who are able can contact Stan and Bill to arrange times and days . If you have an hour to help out, stop in and clean the doors or cobwebs . Let's all work together to ensure that the church and school areas are not only presentable, but up to the standards that God's house should be kept . Thanks

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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

BIBLE STUDY

We meet at 9 a.m. Wednesdays, in the Chapel Hearth Room, and are discussing the book “Rummaging For God”

by Melanie Svoboda. All are welcome!

.

CARD CLUB

Join us for Euchre the first Monday of the month, in the Chapel Hearth. See you April 7th at 1pm

PING PONG

We meet every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. We would love to have more

men & women join in on the fun!

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, April 5th at 8 am. Come check us out!

RESOURCE GROUP

Join us on Thursdays at 9 a.m. for coffee, treats, friendship, and volunteer work! We will assemble the May Tidings on April 24.

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LGBTQ Ministry Group

The LGBTQ support group will meet at 6:30 pm on Monday, April 28. 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.

HELIX

Honor, Engage, Listen,

Include, eXample

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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

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

SENIOR HIGH

Sundays (9th thru 12th graders) 6-8pm

C . A. T. s

(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 Tuesday 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

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S . O . S . , BE L L & C H AN C E L C HO I R

Practices are Thursday evenings. S.O.S. 5:30pm, Bell Choir 6:30pm, and Chancel Choir 7:15pm. If you have a love for music, we would like you to join us! Contact

Gina Bertram. All are invited.

MISSIONS

RED CAN SUNDAY

We will be receiving monetary donations on

April 6th for the FACC emergency fund.

$297.00 was collected in March.

FOOD FOR FACC

In April our food item to collect is

250 Cans of tuna.

If you are watching for sales, our item for May will be 250 cans of Spaghettios

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COFFEE HOUR

On Sunday mornings, before and after service, we gather for coffee and treats in the Narthex area and Fellowship Hall, to socialize. If you would like to find a place to sit and talk there is plenty of room in the Chapel Hearth. 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 your name.

April-Staff Relations-Set Up/Serve

04/06 Kim Evans, Michael & Susan Feagan, Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Jack & Diana Fox, Don & Vickie Franz, Mary Frazee, Clyde Fruth

04/13 Melinda Fruth, Greg Ware, Dennis & Judy Garkey, Jack & Jill Gastel, Bonnie Gennusa, Audrey Gianquinto, Shelly Griswold, Brian Hamon

04/20 Deb Hartman, Richard & Mary Heffner, John & Betty Heiden, Linda Heidenreich, Diane Heilman, Becky Hebert, Eunice Hildebrandt

04/27 Keith & Cherryl Hinrichs, Vanessa Hughes, Shirley Ifert, Sally Kahler, Shawn Killingbeck, David Crowell, Della Kirkpatrick, Don & Ronnie Clock

MAY-Worship Ministry-Set Up/Serve

05/04 Zael & Donna Klapp, Hugh & Sarah Knapp, Jeanne Koch, Dan & Marla Kreeger, Lyle & Jane Krug, Jill Kuntz, Larry & Lana Kuntz

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USHERS

04/06-Tim, Colin, Kristi Ebbers, Dennis Manus, Jim Drew

04/13-John & Paula Rawleigh, Phil & Barb Copus, Tom Priewe

04/17- Maundy Thursday-1st Sunday Ushers

04/20-Tom & Melinda Ferguson, Wes & Joyce Robinson

04/27-Keith & Kathy Moffatt, Jane & Lyle Krug, Dana Underhill, Jeanne Koch

GREETERS

04/06-Lyle & Jane Krug

04/13-Sharon Simler & Rachel Bicksler

04/17-Maundy Thursday- Ben & Lucille Lee

04/20-Clyde & Jeannie Cross

04/27-Roger & Deb Swanlund

WELCOMERS

04/06-Rosie Cosgrove & Edee Rosenstiel

04/13-Mary Frazee & Sandy Dutcher

04/20-Jackie Stewart & Marilyn Ruthe

04/27-Carla Meyer & Shirley Ifert

16

NURSERY– Savannah Mueller is our new Nursery Staff

04/06-Olivia Shaffer

04/13-Carla Meyer

04/20-The NewKirks

04/27-Tom Priewe

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SHUT-INS: The following is a list of people that can’t get out

and may love a visit or a card from those thinking of them.

Deloris Burkhalter at Oakley Courts

Claire Biesemeier, Dorothy Miller and Laura Uthlaut at Parkview

Nettie Hendren at Hawthorne Inn, Liberty Village

June Nagel, and Lois Walz at Stephenson Nursing Center

Katherene Benson, Dorothy Fox, Kathryn Cramer at Provena

Evelyn Dworak in Kewanee Provena

In their homes are, Esther Dickman, Shirley Durrstein, Maida

Gimple, Ardath Lei, Karen Salter, Vivian Pals, Harold Reints

PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR PRAYERS:

Amy, John Ness, Arlene Kreeger, Jerry Simler, Penny, David,

Bruce Libke, Linda Skibicki, Mary Larsen

BIRTH: Oliver Henry Busker, born to Patrick & Christine

Busker, on March 14, 2014.

HOSPITILIZED: Arlene Kreeger, Dan Kreeger, Jerry Simler, Christine & Oliver Busker.

DEATH– Condolences to the family of Holly Genant who passed away on March 19, 2014.

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THANK YOU FROM JASON C. WILSON

Dear Mission Ministry members and St. John Family, Taking the first step, in order to begin a new journey, is one of the hardest things do. Daunting, difficult and terrifying are the first three adjectives, which come to mind, when I describe my journey (so far) from Freeport to the Hyde Park/Woodlawn area of Chicago and Chicago Theological Seminary. While the memory of Donnley and Sandy taking me to my first day of seminary will be a lifelong memory, the friendship and support of my St. John family hasn't been forgotten. I'm thankful for all those who lent a helping hand and listening ear. It was and is appreciated more than you'll ever know, I've now begun my second semester of seminary. Fear of the unknown and underestimating myself has dissipated. A thirst and desire for knowledge and opportunities to get involved has taken over. Although I'm slated to graduate with my M. Div. in 2016, I feel God calling me to get a Ph. D. in tandem with operating my own social justice ministry. I'm currently serving on the social justice committee of University Church (United Church of Christ/Disciples of Christ) in Hyde Park. When I'm not in class, in church or in choir practice, I'm covering stories for the Windy City Times and volunteering for the Baldwin-Delaney Institute, which offers research-based and theologically-grounded solutions for and alternatives to violence among Chicago youth. I'll officially begin a field placement (internship) in the Fall. I'm slated to do a clinical pastoral education placement this summer.

18

I'm also a member of a few student groups, including the Charles Shelby Rooks Society (Black student organization named for CTS' first Black president); Heyward-Boswell Society (GLBT student organization); and Seminarians for

Workers’ Justice. I'm planning to launch the Bayard Rustin Society (Black GLBT student organization with a community organizing focus) in the Fall. I want to sincerely thank the Mission Ministry and St. John family for all the support and friendship. It truly means more than you know. Thanks so much. Peace be with you, J.C. Jason Carson Wilson M. Div. Candidate, Chicago Theological Seminary Member, Charles Shelby Rooks Society Member, Heyward-Boswell Society Member, Seminarians for Worker Justice

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The family of Joyce Kaiser would like to thank the staff, volunteers, and friends at St. John for your cards, visits, and kindness to Mom over the years. We appreciate the thoughtfulness extended to our family. Thanks to those who prepared food and served at the special luncheon after her funeral. The family of Joyce Kaiser

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Emmaus Homes Friends: Emmaus’ homes are alive with people on life’s journey! Thank you for your generous gift of $250.00 and understanding the impact your gift makes now and throughout the year. Your donation will be used to support our more than 265 clients in a variety of ways. My sincere thanks to you for your generous donation and continued support of the Emmaus ministry and mission. Lisa A. Drier, Executive Director

19

St. John UCC Council Minutes

3-10-14

Members present: Tim Ebbers, President, Deb Hartman, Keith Hinrichs, Jane Krug, Shan MacAdam, Dennis Manus, Ulan Price, Joyce Robinson, Marilyn Ruthe, Pastor Donnley, ex-officio.

Opening prayer: Pastor Donnley

February Minutes: Approved via email.

Financial Report: The financial report revealed that, as we know from household budgets, the winter has affected the church in a major way. The deep cold has led to considerably higher heating costs, as well as higher than usual snow removal bills

On the positive side, February and March are showing to be good months in giving from attendees.

Tim said that he is formulating a letter to be sent to those in the congregation to remind those that have not been giving, that their faithful giving is essential to St. John.

There was also discussion in reference to an Auto Pay Program, so that those desiring to give a set amount could have it deducted from their checking accounts automatically each month. Discussion was positive that this could be a good option to open.

Small Group Process Recap: Hugh Knapp had led the meeting, and it was found to be a good start on the process. There will be much more work to do.

Ministry Positions: The filling of available positions is nearing completion. Many have stepped up to take the positions, with some coming onto committees that have not served before. As discussed, Church Growth and Missions committees will combine into one group.

Pastor’s Report:: It was decided to let Dozell (friend of Pastor’s and coming to give sermon during the retirement weekend in November) make air travel arrangements and flight insurance that will work with his schedule for that

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Weekend, let Pastor Donnley know the cost and we will cover his expenses.

Pastor Donnley received an interesting flier from a church that is a good example of marketing and could be helpful to us.

Stained glass inserts are nearing completion and will be put into place in the next few weeks.

The theme of our Lenten season this year, “Return, Reflect, Repent, Re-envision, Renew” would be a good model to follow during our transition/interim period.

Following reports of some issues regarding Career Tec, several Council members checked in with the teachers and they are satisfied that the problems have been resolved.

Staff Positions: Pastor Donnley advised that there have been two applicants for the part time secretary position, with one more interview yet to be done. He was confident that we would be able to make a choice between the three applicants for the position. So far, no one has been stopping to help Stan and Bill with the custodial duties. We need to continue to get volunteers. Council discussed some options to solve some of these issues.

Church Cleanup: It is suggested that we set the first Saturday in April for an inside cleanup day. With spring, and upcoming weddings, along with other church functions, we need to clean up the winter grime, and return it to the outside, where it began. Council discussed ideas to manage the workload of maintaining the upkeep of our facilities.

Planning Committee for Retirement Ceremony: Keith Hinrichs will head the committee and Deb Hartman, Shan MacAdam and Marilyn Ruthe also volunteered to serve. They will begin the process of finding appropriate venues and making a guest list.

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Sound System Update: Two quotes were received for upgrades to the sound system. One for adding a speaker, training and upgrade of board came in at $7700. The other includes a new digital board (which will fit into the existing cabinet) was $10,684. This could be funded by memorial monies contingent on approval by Worship Ministry and families’ approval for this use of memorials. At this time, council decided to put this project on hold. In the intention of good stewardship, we would like to make progress on the debts currently owed from that which was borrowed previously to cover expenses, specifically loans from Endowment and Capital Campaign. We will revisit this project in a few months and, if necessary, hold a special congregational meeting for approval of this expenditure.

Foyer Project: Joyce and Jane have been looking at ways to improve the look and feel of our parking lot entrance. They have found some attractive, colorful banners and have ideas to make this space more beautiful and welcoming. Council approved spending of up to $500 from Memorial Funds for the materials and it should be completed in time for Easter.

Unity Fest 2014: To be held June 28, 2014. This group is going strong and is very supportive of families and individuals in need. The event was very successful last year and so they have decided to hold it again this year. Marilyn made a motion to allocate up to $1500 toward this event with the monies coming from the Janshen Fund. Keith 2

nd. Discussion followed and motion was carried.

Meeting was adjourned with the Mizpah Benediction.

Respectfully submitted,

Shan Macadam Council Member &

Deb Hartman Council Secretary

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April Scripture Readings

01 Psalm 33 17 Matthew 27:1-26

02 Psalm 34 18 Matthew 27:27-56

03 Psalm 40 19 Matthew 27:57-66

04 Psalm 41 20 Matthew 28:1-20

05 Psalm 42 21 John 20:1-31

06 Isaiah 40:1-31 22 John 21:1-25

07 Isaiah 49:1-26 23 Hebrews 4:1-13

08 Isaiah 51:1-23 24 Hebrews 4:14-5:14

09 Isaiah 52:1-12 25 Hebrews 6:1-20

10 Isaiah 52:13-53:12 26 Hebrews 7:1-28

11 Matthew 20:1-19 27 Hebrews 8:1-13

12 Matthew 20:20-34 28 Hebrews 9:1-22

13 Matthew 21:1-17 29 Hebrews 9:23-10:18

14 Matthew 21:18-46 30 Hebrews 10:19-39

15 Matthew 26:1-35

16 Matthew 26:36-75

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FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Beginning Balance January 1, 2013 $5,678.71

03/01 General Fund Beginning Balance ($8,681.71)

03/03 GF Income $9.153.00

03/10 GF Income $6,812.76

03/17 GF Income $5,181.00

03/24 GF Income $3,720.50

Less

03/24 GF Payroll & Compensation $10,953.99

03/24 GF Other Checks $7,266.24

03/24 GF Current Bills Outstanding

03/24 Ending Balance ($2,034.68)

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Building Fund Beginning Balance Jan. $3,676.70

03/01 Building Fund Beginning Balance $1,296.81

03/03 BD Income $196.00

03/10 BD Income $802.00

03/17 BD Income $270.00

03/24 BD Income $158.00

Less

03/24 BD Checks $1,326.00

03/24 Ending Balance $1,396.81

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