March 2016Issue 68Volume 3

First United Presbyterian Church1303 Royal Heights Road • Belleville, IL 62223

618.233.0295 • www.firstunitedpres.org

We are a Christian church that glorifies God through meaningful worship, active discipleship,

faithful service and nurturing fellowship.

XYOU ARE HERE

WORSHIPSCHEDULE

March 6 Fourth Sunday in Lent

8:00 & 10:30 am The Rev. Miriam Foltz

Celebrating the Gifts of Women1 Samuel 2:1-10; Mark 14:3-9

March 13Fifth Sunday in Lent

8:00 & 10:30 am The Rev. Robert J. DyerTwo Sons, Three Stories

Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

March 20Palm Sunday

8:00 & 10:30 am The Rev. Robert J. Dyer

Palms UpLuke 19:28-40

March 24Maundy Thursday

Worship Feast6:30 pm

First United PresbyterianEversull Hall

March 25Good Friday Service

7:00 pm Westminster Presbyterian

March 27Easter Sunday

8:00 & 10:30 am The Rev. Robert J. Dyer

AmazedPhilippians 2:5-11, Luke 24:1-12

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YOU ARE HERE

E aster is coming early this year. I t is so

interesting that Easter is a moving holiday.

We have other holidays that move around a bit,

but i t seems k ind of funny that such an imp or tant

holiday in the Church moves around so much.

P erhaps that is a go o d thing. The message of

G o d ’s great love for us in the Easter stor y

c atches us by surprise and invites us to stop and

notice. Easter invites us to lo ok around and notice

where G o d has placed us and how G o d reveals

saving love ever y day.

R esearchers say that the happiest p eople are

the ones who c an appreciate the present,

b eing aware of r ight where they are. Where are

you? What is G o d placing around you and near

you? What might G o d b e preparing for you to do

or say. M ay G o d bless your Easter exp erience and

may you celebrate exac tly where G o d has placed

you in this l i fe.

I n Christ,

Pastor Rob

Statement of FaithI t h i n k i t i s i m p o r t a n t t o b e p a r t o f a c hu r c h b e ca u s e i t e n a b l e s u s t o r e s p o n d t o G o d a s a co m mu n i t y, t o r e a f f i r m o u r fa i t h a n d t o s t r e n g t h e n u s i n t h e B o d y o f C h r i s t. ~ Lorenzo Clayton

New Blessing

Family News Information current as of February 21

Ministering to God’s People

In Our Prayers

March 6USHERING 8:00 amConi JacksonMary PollockKathy SchmidtUSHERING 10:30 amKC ClaytonGigi & Roger CoxAdrian CroissantAlly DyerNathan Dyer (Junior Usher)Will Gagen (Junior Usher)Susy RybickiLITURGISTSheila MisselhornAMBASSADORRosemary EhrsteinPHONEAbbey CroissantBUS DRIVERLarry ScottCOUNTERSAl KrausAndy LinkHOSPITALITYPresbyterian WomenSOUND OPERATORWill WeeksVIDEO OPERATORRich StehnachNURSERY ATTENDANTSCrib RoomLeah & Shawn LankfordToddler RoomAbbey CroissantCathy JensenSharon Scott

March 13USHERING 8:00 amJackie & Dan BainterLou Stark USHERING 10:30 amSharon & Jerry GaskillDelaney Giles (Junior Usher)Marian & Jim MorrisBetty ScherrerMitch Stark Karen ThompsonDean WallenACOLYTEAustin DyerJessie PalusColin WiltsieLITURGISTDarby JamesonAMBASSADORNorma JacksonPHONEJane WilkinBUS DRIVERMatt HallCOUNTERSJoe HarnistDennis HubbardHOSPITALITYMoms’ GroupSOUND OPERATORDan HarresVIDEO OPERATORAlex TambalaNURSERY ATTENDANTSCrib RoomCarol Rosenkranz Jillian RosenkranzToddler RoomAmy AbernathyJane Bynum

March 20USHERING 8:00 amBillie & Steve ChaneyUSHERING 10:30 amBabs HillKatie Jameson (Junior Usher)Al KrausCyndi & Ed LangenAmber Lankford (Junior Usher)Shawn Lankford Larry ScottACOLYTEMike JamesonZack TambalaLITURGISTLorenzo ClaytonAMBASSADORBrenda & Roger DollPHONEPat DayeBUS DRIVERDennis HubbardCOUNTERSJoe HarnistDennis HubbardHOSPITALITYYouth MinistriesSOUND OPERATORMark VandiverVIDEO OPERATORRich StehnachNURSERY ATTENDANTSCrib RoomPat DayeStephanie KrausTeresa BransonMelissa EppsToddler RoomDee Mann, Terri O’SabenKaren & Pete Thompson

March 27USHERING 8:00 amKathy & John HarrymanShirley Thien USHERING 10:30 amAlex AbernathyAmy AbernathyGrace FarinasDan HarresElizabeth KearnsGrace Kearns (Junior Usher)Shirley & Bob SamplesACOLYTEHeaven BeckettMarissa KearnsLITURGISTJohn MannAMBASSADORSharon & Jerry GaskillPHONEPam Halel Linda GurrBUS DRIVERCliff FittsCOUNTERSJoe HarnistDennis HubbardHOSPITALITYCoffee Cake SundaySOUND OPERATORDave EppsVIDEO OPERATORAlex TambalaNURSERY ATTENDANTSCrib RoomSheila & Dave MisselhornToddler RoomNancy KreebLarissa VenhausElizabeth Schramm

For Wonda and Carl Karibian and Ashton, Dominic, and Nathaniel Karibian on the death of Carl’s mother, Lois Karibian, who died on February 1 in Belleville. For Ellen, Sue, Matt and Toni Hall on the death of Ellen’s sister, Ruth Veatch, who died on February 4 in Florida. For the family and friends of Betty Kunze who died on February 5 in O’Fallon. For Celeste Stiehl and family on the death of her husband, William (Bill) Stiehl, who died on February 8 in Belleville. For Dee and John Mann on the deathof Dee’s brother-in-law, Robert Powell, who died on February 18 in Pennsylvania. For Leah, Shawn, Amber, and Rachel Lankford on the death of Leah’s mother, The Rev. Dr. Patricia Fae Karns, who died on February 21 in Kentucky.

Our Deepest Sympathy

Eunice Anderson (Home)Bill Burke (The Shrine Apts.)Jean Canale (Home)Irene & Wade Coverdell (Cedarhurst, Shiloh)Mary Diel (Rosewood)Nellie Elam (St. Paul’s Nursing Home)Patti Glatthaar (Presence Hospital, Urbana, Illinois)Annette Grove (Home)

Helen Handley Fabre (St. Paul’s Asst. Living)Bernice Handrich (Chesterfield, Missouri) Lucile Katty (St. Paul’s Apts.)Bonnie Krause (St. Paul’s Apts.)Adam Landry (Illinois Veterans’ Home, Anna, Illinois)Bill Lawrence (Cedarhurst of Shiloh)Ted Lawrence (Home)Jeanette McCurdy (Knollwood, Caseyville)

Lane Miller (The Shrine Apts.)Mary Ellen Pollock (Still Waters Senior Living)Nancy Reinecker (Home)Wanda Lee Schmidt (Highland Nursing Home)Roberta Symonds (Home)Our efforts to express our faith clearlyOur efforts to grow spirituallyOur efforts to discover and use our spiritual giftsOur efforts to serve the community

Levi Alexander Cox was born on Saturday, February 13, in Decatur, Illinois. Levi is the son of Sara and Doug Cox, the grandson of Gigi and Roger Cox, and the great grandson of June and Wayne Cox.

Our efforts to care for one anotherOur efforts to reach new believersPeople who are depressed and anxiousAll world leadersOur enemiesOur elders

Presbyterian WomenMarch 4: GatheringThe next PW Gathering will be Friday, March 4, at 11:30 am. The program will be The Rev. Miriam Foltz speaking about UKirk – St. Louis, the PC(USA) Campus Ministry at Washington University and

Saint Louis University. Lydia Circle will host the luncheon, and the cost is $4. Reservations are due by February 29 to circle leaders or can be made by calling the Church office, 233-0295. At this meeting, officers will be elected and the Collection and Dedication of the Birthday Offering will be held. Remember to bring items for Kindercottage. (For details on what to bring, see article under Ways to Serve and Give on page 9.)

Give-a-Meal-a-Month (GAMAM)Thank you for supporting this program! The menu to the right suggests non-perishable items to buy during March. All items collected are taken to the Catholic Urban Program Food Bank which ministers to families in the Metro East. Fill up a yellow GAMAM bag or fill your own bag and bring the items to the church. Monetary gifts are also welcome; make checks payable to First United Presbyterian with the memo to PW GAMAM.

Presbyterian Women’s Circles in March A circle is a small group of women who meet monthly. In each circle, faith is nurtured and growth takes place through worship, Bible study, fellowship and outreach. There are three circles which meet at different times and days. These circles are open to all women. The Horizon’s Bible study this year is Come to the Waters.

March 2: Lydia Circle, 7:00 pm in the Conference Room (200)

Menu for March

Beef Stew

Macaroni and Cheese

Canned Carrots (no or low salt)

Canned Fruit Cocktail (lite or in fruit juice)

Cornbread Mix (no egg required)

Powdered Milk

Additional Items:Dental Care Month

Toothbrushes

Tooth Paste

Dental Floss

Monetary donations always welcome.

GIVE-A-MEAL-A-MONTH

Sponsored by Presbyterian Women

March 15: Lamplighters Circle, 1:00 pm in the Library (102)March 16: Hannah Circle, 11:30 am in Eversull Hall (104)

For more information, contact Carol Purviance, 394-8443.

Additional March Dates for PWMarch 6: Celebrate the Gifts of Women SundayMarch 12: Rummage Sale, 8:00 am – noon March 25: PW Coordinating Team Meeting, 9:30 am

April 2: Salad Luncheon and Fashion ShowThe PW Salad Luncheon and Fashion Show will be Saturday, April 2, at 11:30 am in the Multi-Purpose Room. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased from circle leaders or from the Church office. Models will walk among the tables wearing fashions from Dress Barn.

March 6: PW Dishes and Books – SALE!Presbyterian Women has taken an inventory of all the dishes, serving pieces, silver sets, dish sets, etc., and in the spirit of being good stewards of storage space has decided to downsize. On Sunday, March 6, after both services, stop by the tables set up in Cornell Commons to claim something that might catch your eye or that you feel “you just can’t live without.” Also on the tables will be reference books that the Library Committee has decided to part with. Whatever is left will be given to charity or put in the rummage sale. If you have any questions, please call Shirley Samples, 624-3340, or Dawn Sitton, 234-1757.

March 6: Choose a Treasure from the Library Books about Easter are now on the book truck, along with books on prayer and non-fiction selections. Children’s easy-reading books are at a child’s eye level on the book truck; many more are available in the Library on the lower level. The Library also has a good collection of religious reference books. Due to downsizing, these books are being removed from the Library and will be on display in the Commons on March 6. Make a donation, and go home with a treasure!

April 15: Organ ConcertOur gifted organist, Dennis Bergin, will perform in concert at First United Presbyterian Church on Friday, April 15, at

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7:30 pm in the Church Sanctuary. The program will include the music of J. S. Bach, Charles-Marie Widor, Marcel Dupre, Louis Vierne, and Dennis Bergin. The concert is free and open to the public, so please invite your friends and any music-lovers you know to attend.

50-Year MembersHave you been recognized as a 50-Year Member of First United Presbyterian Church? If you joined either First Presbyterian of Belleville or First Presbyterian of East St. Louis in 1966, then we want to celebrate your membership. A special recognition is planned for Sunday, May 1, so help us make sure no one is missed. Please call the Church Office, 233-0295, or email lorlet@firstunitedpres.org, to check the list for your name.

Update on Blankets+ SundayPresbyterian Woman remind you that you can continue to make donations to Blankets+. So far $1,398 has been donated, sending a powerful message to people in crisis: “You matter to us.” The funds collected will allow Church World Service to provide emergency resources and long-term assistance to help families around the world recover from disasters and build viable, sustainable lives and communities.

Adult Discipleship

Adult Fellowship

Q & A Series: Q (Part 1) (Sunday, March 6)Come to Pastor Rob Dyer’s class and bring questions that you have about God, faith, the Bible, etc. He will collect the questions and begin to explore and answer them. Join him at 9:15 am in the Vista Room (206).

Feasting on the Word Bible Study (Sundays)During March, join this group at 9:15 am on Sunday mornings in the Conference Room (200) as participants study different Bible passages.

Date Leader Focus ScriptureMarch 6 Linda Hangsleben Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32March 13 TBD John 12:1-8March 20 Kathy Schmidt Luke 19:28-40; 23:1-49March 27 Easter: No class

Parent Class (Sundays)The Parent Class will meet during March at 9:15 am in the Library (102). Grab a cup of coffee and join the class led by Brian Dulski for a discussion of the book The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. At one time or another we may all have wavered in our belief in Jesus as Christ. Join the class to examine and discuss the evidence surrounding the life, miracles, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. All parents and grandparents are welcome!

Q & A Series: A (Part 2) (Sunday, March 13)Come to Pastor Rob Dyer’s class to have answered all the questions gathered during Part 1. Join Pastor Rob in the Vista Room (206) at 9:15 am.

Women’s Monthly Bible Study (Sunday, March 13)Join Shirley Samples for this monthly Bible class for women called Come to the Waters. This study turns to some of the water stories and images in the Bible to enable us to learn more about God and about how God would want us to live our lives. The study also draws our attention to the power of water, its potential, and its effect on our lives and culture. Shirley will use Lesson 6, “Waters of Justice and Righteousness.” The class meets on the second Sunday of each month at 9:15 am in the Computer Lab (205). For more information, please contact Shirley Samples, 624-3340.

The Whole Bible in 45 Minutes (March 20)An encore class from the fall where Pastor Rob covers the whole Bible in one class. Meet in the Vista Room (206) at 9:15 am.

Women of the Word (W.O.W.) (Monday, March 21)W.O.W., a women’s Bible study, is your answer if you are looking for a group to help you keep your New Year’s resolution to “Read the Bible regularly.” The group meets the third Monday of the month in Cornell Commons. There are daily readings and weekly emails to encourage one other. The group is studying the Gospel of Matthew. Our next meeting will be Monday, March 21, at 6:30 pm; please use the Sanctuary entrance. To be added to the email list or for more information, contact Amy Abernathy, 578-9736 or ranja@charter.net.

March 27: Easter Sunday – No Sunday School Classes On Easter Sunday, Sunday School classes for children, youth, and adults will not meet.

March 4: Sand DollarsWe will meet and dine on Friday, March 4, at 6:30 pm, in Eversull Hall (104). Brenda and Joe Fedak and Michele and Larry Geiger will be the galley crew. All are welcome to join us; please contact Karen and Mike Cassano, 977-5386. New officers for 2016 are Skippers – Karen & Mike Cassano, Pursers – Nancy & Bob Lonsdale, Log Keepers – Kay & Jeff Schanuel, Chaplain – Dee McCarty.

March 7: Friends Dine OutOn Monday, March 7, at 6:00 pm, our dinner group will meet at Olive Garden, 25 Ludwig Drive, Fairview Heights. Please join us! To make reservations, call Marcia Mellone, 398-9895, or Betty Bucknell, 397-2114.

March 9: Faith in FictionDevil in the White City by Erik Larson is the story of the events surrounding the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Larson tells the stories of two men, Daniel H. Burnham, the architect responsible for the Fair’s construction, and H. H. Holmes, a serial killer masquerading as a charming doctor. The Great Bridge by David McCullough will be discussed in April. Join us at 9:00 am on March 9, in FirstXpression (202). The group is open

to everyone; books are easily available in paperback and e-book format. For information, contact Susy Rybicki, 792-9458.

March 11: Merry Mates Merry Mates will hold a regular dinner meeting on Friday, March 11, at 6:00 pm in Eversull Hall (104). The program will be bingo with prizes! For more information, contact Vicki McAdams, 405-227-8950, or Bob Samples, 624-3340.

March 19: HelmsmenThe Helmsmen will gather at 5:30 pm in Eversull Hall (104) followed by dinner at 6:00 pm. The speaker is still to be determined. We will also have a Tie-On Ceremony for two new couples joining the group. Our monthly meetings are open for anyone to join us and see what the Helmsmen are about. Our “Munch Bunch” gets together informally every Friday to have dinner at various local restaurants; why not join us? For more information, contact John or Dee Mann, 624-3040. For the Friday “Munch Bunch” dinners, contact Amy Brummitt, 235-4226, or Betty Scherrer, 397-3027.

March 23: Prayer Shawl MinistryOur group of knitters will meet on Wednesday, March 23, at 9:30 am at the home of Betty McRoberts. We are always glad to have new faces among us. For more information, call Betty, 235-3197.

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tsMarch 24: Maundy Thursday Worship FeastOn Maundy Thursday, we will celebrate with a feast which incorporates the five traditional elements of a Seder meal. We will use present-day foods to reflect the new way of life that Jesus brought to us.

A traditional Seder meal consists of five main components: the Zeroah or lamb shank, symbolizing the ancient Passover sacrifice; the Beitzah, a roasted egg symbolizing the continuing life cycle; Haroset, a paste of fruit and nuts symbolizing the mortar used to build the pyramid of the pharaohs; Mar’or, a bitter herb representing the bitterness of slavery; Karpas, a green vegetable representing spring; and a bowl of salt water to symbolize the slaves’ tears. Also served is matzo, an unleavened bread to symbolize the hasty flight from Egypt.

Maundy Thursday Worship FeastBaked Fish, symbolizing Jesus’ call for us to be fishers of men. Served with a side sauce of herbed horseradish.Roasted New Potatoes with capers and rosemary, symbolizing new life being brought forth from the darkness of the earth. Herbs and Seasonings, symbolizing life’s bitter struggles; but like herb flavorings, they need not be overpowering.Spring Greens, symbolizing the promise of new life.Lemon-Scented Chicken Soup with parsley-sage matzo balls.Dried Fruits and Nuts are sweet and show us God’s everlasting goodness.Eggs show us everlasting life.

Join us to celebrate the new life Jesus has given us by attending the Maundy Thursday Worship Feast on March 24 at 6:30 pm in Eversull Hall (104). Please RSVP by March 10 on the form found in the bulletin. For more information, call Marian Morris, 363-2744, after 4:30 pm.

March 26: Easter Bunny BreakfastThe 34th Annual Sand Dollars’ Easter Bunny Breakfast will be held on Saturday, March 26, from 9:00-11:30 am in the Gym. Activities include a continental breakfast, pictures with Mrs. Bunny, face painting, Harvey the Juggler, door prizes and an Easter egg hunt (rain or shine). Bring your family and have a fun morning together! Children should bring their own baskets. The cost is $3 per person, and children under 3 are free; no advance purchase necessary. All are welcome to attend, so please invite other friends and family. For more information, call Ellen and Bill Beebe, 398-5080, or Karen and Mike Cassano, 977-5386.

Scholarship ApplicationsThe Scholarship Committee of Christian Education announces that scholarship applications for 2016-2017 will be available in the church office beginning March 13. All completed applications are due no later than May 1. The

following scholarships will be awarded: the Presbyterian Scholarship and Ray Angerer Scholarships to associate, bachelor, or graduate level students; the Paul Cornell Scholarship to those pursuing a Christian vocation; and the Louise Erwin Scholarship to a graduate level student in a therapy related discipline with a plan to work with children (Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy).

March 18: Preschool Spaghetti Dinner The Presbyterian Community Preschool will hold its annual Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction Fundraiser on Friday, March 18, at 6:00 pm. Everyone is invited! Tickets will be on sale in Cornell Commons on the Sundays of March 6 and13 between 10:00-10:30 am. Dinner is $5 per person and includes spaghetti, salad and bread. There will also be delicious desserts to choose from (with a suggested donation). Take-out boxes are available if you cannot stay.

During the Spaghetti Dinner, there will be a Silent Auction to raise money for the Preschool. If you have any items to donate, or if you make or offer any services that can be added to the auction, it would be greatly appreciated. Containers for items are located downstairs by the two Preschool rooms. All contributions, large and small, are greatly appreciated with proceeds going towards enrichment for the classroom and the children. Hope to see you there for fellowship and support of our wonderful Preschool. Thank you!

FUPC UshersFirst United ushers attended a training session on January 24 in the Sanctuary. New ushers were introduced and the new Usher President, Babs Hill, was chosen. The Safety Team also gave a report.

Ushers are a caring and serving ministry of First United. Serving three-year terms, ushers are high school students and adults, with experienced ushers serving alongside new ushers and junior ushers. Junior ushers, grades 6-8, serve one-year terms, September through May.

Ushers are divided into teams and assigned a certain Sunday a month, with each team serving a 5th Sunday during the year. If unable to serve, ushers can switch or find a substitute. Ushers hand out bulletins and fellowship pads and also collect the offering. During the worship service, they count those present, as well as remain attentive in case their response is needed. At 10:45 am, the Safety Team now locks the doors near the Chapel and checks the hallways. After worship, ushers clean the Chapel and the Sanctuary, return hymnals and Bibles to the pew racks, recycle bulletins, and pick up trash and communion cups.

The Worship Committee would like to thank those people who finished their term serving as ushers: Conor Baltz, Maggie Baltz, Jack Langen, Maddie Langen, Barb Lyons, Marcia Mallone, and Justin Sweeney. Also, many thanks to Dan Bainter, Mitch Stark, and Dean Wallen who are serving second three-year terms.

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On Sunday, January 31, there was an air of excitement in Cornell Commons as members of First United enjoyed a wonderful party to celebrate the many accomplishments of the last several years. Banners and posters of the goals, benchmarks, and statements of faith were displayed. There were also festive decorations, live music, and a variety of party food for everyone – a time of nurturing fellowship to be sure!

Celebration Sunday

Even during their winter hiatus, Merry Mates enjoyed an early Valentine’s Day dinner together at Fischer’s Restaurant on Friday, February 12.

Merry Mates Dine

at Fischer’s

The Potlucks group has been very busy lately. Their regular potluck dinner on January 26 was well attended as always with SO much good food. Then on Valentine’s Day, they hosted the Sunday Faith Community Coffee Hour with even more tasty treats. These ladies certainly are good cooks!

Potlucks With a PurposeP

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Children & Youth LifeChildren’s Chapel

This is the season of Lent… the time we get ready to celebrate the mystery of Easter… the time we are all on our way to Jerusalem. But who will show us the way?…Jesus shows us the way.

This is how each of God’s stories begins on Lenten Sunday mornings in Children’s Chapel. Here in this special place of worship, children walk more slowly and talk more softly because someone might be talking to God. During the 10:30 worship service, children gather in the front of the Sanctuary with Pastor Rob for a time of sharing faith. Then, children ages 3 through 3rd grade are invited to continue their worship in Children’s Chapel, a special worship space adjacent to the Sanctuary. During March, children will hear the stories of Jesus and Zacchaeus, Jesus the King, Jesus’ Last Passover, and Jesus is Risen: Appearance to Mary Magdalene. Children gather in God’s name, hear God’s Word through stories, respond to God’s Word, and then receive their own blessing as they are picked up by their families.

FaithQuest in MarchFaithQuest is the Sunday morning Sunday School class for students in grades K-5. During March, the rotation is called “Lent: Are You Ready for Easter?” Students meet in the Sanctuary at 9:15 am for a brief opening and then move to different workshop locations.

March 27: Easter Sunday – No Sunday School Classes On Easter Sunday, Sunday School classes for children, youth, and adults will not meet.

Youth on WednesdaysChildren and youth groups meet on Wednesdays. PYC (grades 3-5) meets from 5:15 pm – 7:30 pm; KIX (grades 6-8) and TIM (grades 9-12) meet from 6:00 pm - 8:15 pm. Dinner is included. Bus transportation to the church is available. If you need a ride, please contact Kaitie Kautz, 233-0295 x112 or kkautz@firstunitedpres.org, by 2:00 pm on Wednesday.

PYC (Presbyterian Youth Club) News (grades 3-5) •  March 2, 9, 16 and 30: Regular meetings•  March 23: No PYC meeting during Holy Week •  April 2: Mark your calendars for the PYC Mystery Trip. Details to come home this month.

KIX (Kids in Christ) News (grades 6-8)•  Saturday,  March  12: KIX youth have the opportunity to volunteer from 9:00-11:00 am at the Belleville Interfaith Food Pantry. This is a great opportunity to volunteer as a whole family!•  Wednesday, March 23: No KIX youth group•  Sunday, March 27: No Sunday school. Happy Easter!

TIM (Teens in Ministry) News (grades 9-12) •  Saturday,  March  12: TIM youth have the opportunity to volunteer from 9:00-11:00 am at the Belleville Interfaith Food Pantry. This is a great opportunity to volunteer as a whole family!•  Friday, March  18-Saturday, March  19:  TIM Lock-In. Look for details in the bulletin and weekly emails.•  Wednesday, March 23: No TIM youth group•  Sunday, March 27: No Sunday school. Happy Easter!

Date Worship Pledges & Contributions Attendance as of January 31, 201601.03.16 312 Pledged (FUPC) $49,666.50 01.10.16 308 Unpledged 5,732.00 01.17.16 312 Loose Offerings 443.5401.24.16 235 Schnucks eScrip Cards 53.5901.31.16 208 Per Capita 2,004.00 Capital Campaign Funds 3,564.00 Blankets+ 1,396.00 Additional Information: Online Giving* 2,595.00

* The Online Giving amount is not a separate income, but is incorporated in the other income categories.

If you have questions, please contact the Budget Committee Elder, Joe Fedak, 233-1213.

January 2016

Attendance and Giving

Covered in PrayersThe prayer quilters made a beautiful quilt for Will Weeks. The TIM (grades 9-12) youth were able to tie the quilt and say prayers for Will before presenting it to him during youth group one night.

The Parable of Two Builders (Matthew 7:24-29)After experimenting with water “raining down” on houses built on rock and sand, FaithQuest students built block houses with strong foundations like the wise builder. The post-it notes are Jesus’ teachings which we need to hear and put into practice: love God, forgive others, don’t steal, be kind, pray, be a friend, don’t get angry, obey 10 Commandments, etc.

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Ways to Serve and GiveMarch 12: Rummage SaleThe combined PW/Helmsmen Rummage Sale is fast approaching! It will be held in the Gym from 8:00 am-12:00 pm, with lower pricing and a $2.00 bag sale at 11:30. Check your closets, basements, garages and other storage spaces for suitable items. Top sellers are books, puzzles, toys, dishes, small appliances, linen closet items, as well as shower and wedding presents. Even one bag of items helps to recycle, reuse and repurpose. Beginning Sunday, February 28, you may place items behind the dividers in the Gym. Please no TVs, computers or broken items. Call Jean Morgan, 257-1935; Jane Bynum, 234-9702; or Dee and John Mann, 624-3040, for questions and to arrange for pickup of bags and easily moved furniture. The collection period is shorter this year, so now is the time to bring items! If you would like to volunteer, call Jean, Jane, or Dee.

March 16-17: March Mission MadnessChoose your favorite life group or mission by filling out a bracket.Cost is $10 per bracket with unlimited entries permitted. The pot will be distributed to the causes chosen by the top three bracket game winners. Look for sign-ups in Cornell Commons. Paper brackets must be submitted at the front desk by Wednesday, March 16, at 8:00 pm; online brackets must be submitted by Thursday, March 17. For more information, contact Brian Dulski, 975-6734.

Through March 20: Kindercottage Easter ItemsPresbyterian Women will collect items to fill Easter baskets for children at Kindercottage through March 20. This is one of the missions supported by First United. Plastic eggs, candy, and books (for babies through elementary age) can be left in the box near the Highway 161 entrance to the Chapel.

March 27: Easter Coffee Cake Sunday On Easter Sunday, we will enjoy baked goods donated by you, our church family! If you would like to participate in this hospitality ministry, please bring any variety of baked goods to the Cornell Commons kitchen on Easter morning. ~ Faith Community Committee

Merry Mates’ Plant SaleOn the four Sundays of March and on Sunday, April 3, look for order forms and a sign-up table for the Annual Merry Mates’ Plant Sale. Order beautiful spring flowers in time for spring planting and Mother’s Day! Plants will be picked up in the Gym on Saturday, April 30, from 9:00 am until noon.

Faith Community CommitteeThank you to everyone who has signed up to host Coffee Hour in 2016. There are still plenty of Sundays left on the calendar. When your Church group next meets, please choose one or more times when you could take a turn. The signup board is in Cornell Commons. Your participation in this hospitality ministry at First United is both important and appreciated. How wonderful to experience the joy in Cornell Commons on any given Sunday morning as we meet and greet, share and plan, gather and ready

ourselves for worship. Special thanks to our new Coffee Crew! These nine ladies will come in to prepare coffee and lemonade for Sunday morning; the Trustees then start the coffee pots when they come to open the Church. So… add your group to the list of hosts, and take part in this ministry that helps to … nurture fellowship. ~ Faith Community Committee

Mission Committee Update•  Adult Mission Trip: The Mission Committee is planning a trip to Kemmerer Village in Assumption, Illinois, from October 9-15; this is about a two-hour drive. Planned projects are: replace roofs on three buildings; indoor painting in several buildings; replace tile and/or carpet; landscape (primarily bush/tree trimming, planting, replacing landscape timbers and landscape rock); and remodel the guest house. Projects may change as the time gets closer, and updates will be sent. Hard work may be necessary, but the rewards are great. Make note of the dates and consider joining our mission team. For information, contact Dwight Lied, dlied1@aol.com; Andy Morgan, ajm6116@att.net; or Chuck Thurig, chucket1@juno.com.

•  Missionaries:  Did you know that FUPC supports 13 Missionaries through the Mission Committee? Nine are sponsored by our denomination PC(USA). To learn more, read the 2015-16 Missions Directory & Prayer Guide (MD&PG) booklet located in Cornell Commons and outside the Chapel. According to the Presbyterian Mission Agency of PC(USA), mission co-workers all have different costs. The average cost for the sending (direct costs i.e. salary and health insurance) and support (indirect costs i.e. training, education funds for children, emergency evacuation insurance and letter publishing) is $83,000 for a single mission co-worker, and $138,000 for a couple or family. Funding comes from individual and congregational donations; shortfalls are made up from General Assembly. Last year seven of the nine PC(USA) missionaries we support were not fully funded: Judy Chan in China, the Whites in Germany, Adams & Maldonado in Mexico, the Koballs in Peru, the Bakers in Northern Ireland, Esslinger & Lee in South Korea, and the Fujiis in Thailand. Your Mission Committee will donate $1,000 to each of these missionaries this year. To make additional donations, please go to the website found on their page of the 2015-16 MD&PG booklet.

•  UKirk – St. Louis:  Rev. Miriam Foltz has requested our financial support of her UKirk - St. Louis Presbyterian Campus Ministry. Miriam grew up in FUPC and was ordained here. Her UKirk ministry began in January 2015 on the campuses of Washington University and St. Louis University. Our congregation contributed over $2,000 towards Miriam’s ministry last year, and the Mission Committee would like to match or exceed that amount this year. To reach this goal, the committee will contribute $1,000 and challenges the congregation to match or exceed that amount during the month of March. To contribute, make your check payable to First United Presbyterian Church and write UKirk on the memo line.

To visit or serve on the Mission Committee, contact Dwight Lied or Andy Morgan. The committee meets in the Conference Room (200) at 6:30 pm on the fourth Wednesday, January to October, and on the third Wednesday in November and December.

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Calendar of Events March 2016TUESDAY, MARCH 19:30 am Quilters9:30 am Staff Meeting6:00 pm St. John Bosco Center Gym Time6:00 pm Woodcarvers

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 28:30 am Men’s Bible Study9:30 am Deacons’ Prayer Group5:15 pm PYC6:00 pm KIX & TIM, Youth Supper6:30 pm Wednesday Night Live7:00 pm Lydia Circle

THURSDAY, MARCH 310:00 am Prayer Quilters10:30 am Parish Nurse 1:00 pm Prime Chime6:00 pm Illinois Heat Volleyball6:00 pm United Bells7:00 pm Chancel Choir7:00 pm Equipping Team

FRIDAY, MARCH 411:30 am PW Gathering6:00 pm Illinois Heat Volleyball6:30 pm Sand Dollars

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

SUNDAY, MARCH 6Celebrate the Gifts of Women Sunday8:00 am Worship9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship12:00 pm Home Centered Communion

MONDAY, MARCH 79:00 am Preschool Registration Begins for 2016-20176:00 pm Friends Dine Out 6:00 pm Woodcarvers6:30 pm Metro East Chorale7:00 pm Church Volleyball7:00 pm Preschool Board

TUESDAY, MARCH 89:30 am Quilters9:30 am Staff Meeting5:30 pm Personnel Committee6:00 pm St. John Bosco Center Gym Time 6:30 pm Session

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 98:30 am Men’s Bible Study9:00 am Faith in Fiction10:00 am Library Committee10:00 am Moms’ Group 4:30 pm Evangelism Committee5:15 pm PYC6:00 pm KIX & TIM Youth Supper6:30 pm Wednesday Night Live7:00 pm Deacons

THURSDAY, MARCH 1010:00 am Prayer Quilters10:30 am Parish Nurse 1:00 pm Prime Chime6:00 pm United Bells7:00 pm Chancel Choir

FRIDAY, MARCH 116:00 pm Merry Mates 7:00 pm MaryMarthas

SATURDAY, MARCH 128:00 am Rummage Sale9:00 am Youth Volunter at Food Pantry

SUNDAY, MARCH 13Daylight Savings Time Begins8:00 am Worship9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship11:45 am Faith Community

MONDAY, MARCH 14STEEPLE DEADLINE6:00 pm Woodcarvers6:30 pm Metro East Chorale7:00 pm Church Volleyball7:00 pm Trustees

TUESDAY, MARCH 159:30 am Quilters9:30 am Staff Meeting1:00 pm Lamplighters 6:00 pm St. John Bosco Center Gym Time 6:30 pm Christian Education Committee

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 168:30 am Men’s Bible Study9:00 am Loaves & Fishes9:30 am Deacons’ Prayer Group11:30 am Hannah Circle 5:15 pm PYC5:30 pm Worship Committee6:00 pm KIX & TIM Youth Supper6:30 pm Vision Committee 6:30 pm Wednesday Night Live

THURSDAY, MARCH 1710:00 am Prayer Quilters10:30 am Parish Nurse 1:00 pm Prime Chime6:00 pm United Bells7:00 pm Chancel Choir

FRIDAY, MARCH 186:00 pm Preschool Spaghetti Dinner7:00 pm TIM Lock-In

SATURDAY, MARCH 195:30 pm Helmsmen

SUNDAY, MARCH 20Palm Sunday8:00 am Worship9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship 12:00 pm Youth Ministries Committee

MONDAY, MARCH 216:00 pm Woodcarvers6:30 pm Metro East Chorale6:30 pm Women of the Word7:00 pm Church Volleyball

TUESDAY, MARCH 229:30 am Quilters9:30 am Staff Meeting6:00 pm St. John Bosco Center Gym Time 7:00 pm Stephen Ministry

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23No Youth Activities8:30 am Men’s Bible Study9:30 am Prayer Shawl Ministry10:00 am Moms’ Group 11:00 am Rotary Chili Day6:30 pm Mission Committee

THURSDAY, MARCH 24Maundy Thursday10:00 am Prayer Quilters10:30 am Parish Nurse 1:00 pm Prime Chime5:30 pm Chancel Choir6:30 pm Maundy Thursday Worship Feast

FRIDAY, MARCH 25Good Friday9:30 am PWCT Meeting7:00 pm Good Friday Worship Service (Westminster)

SATURDAY, MARCH 269:00 am Sand Dollars’ Bunny Breakfast

SUNDAY, MARCH 27Easter SundayNo Sunday School8:00 am Worship10:30 am Worship

MONDAY, MARCH 28Church Closed - Easter Holiday6:00 pm Stewardship Committee6:30 pm Metro East Chorale7:00 pm Church Volleyball

TUESDAY, MARCH 299:30 am Quilters9:30 am Staff Meeting6:00 pm St. John Bosco Center Gym Time

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 308:30 am Men’s Bible Study5:15 pm PYC6:00 pm KIX & TIM Youth Supper6:30 pm Wednesday Night Live

THURSDAY, MARCH 31No United Bells10:00 am Prayer Quilters10:30 am Parish Nurse 1:00 pm Prime Chime6:00 pm Illinois Heat Volleyball7:00 pm Chancel Choir

S AV E T H E D AT E

April 2PYC Mystery Day

April 2PW Luncheon &

Fashion Show

April 8-9KIX STL Getaway

April 15Bach Concert

April 24Youth Sunday

April 3Last Day to Order

Merry Mates’ Plants

Per Capita The Per Capita apportionment for 2016 is $32 per member. Per Capita is a fundamental way in which nearly 11,000 congregations of the Presbyterian Church (USA) are connected with their Presbytery and participate in the work and governance of the wider church. Your Per Capita contribution is encouraged and appreciated. ~ Stewardship Committee

Inclement WeatherIn case of snow and/or ice storms, please call the “Weather Update Extension” at 233-0295, ext. 100, for cancellation of services and/or scheduled activities. Note: There may be a long silence before recording begins.

Legacy Please remember First United in your will.

Helping Others and Having Fun

Souper Bowl of Caring

Blankets for Project Linus

The KIX (grades 6-8) youth visited the Belleville Interfaith Food Pantry

to deliver the Souper Bowl of Caring donations. Over 150 items and $600 was donated. The total weight of the donations was 200 pounds! They also toured the food pantry and learned about the services offered there. Thank you again to all who donated this year!

Kara Miller from Project Linus spoke to the youth on a Wednesday evening

in February. PYC, KIX, and TIM made nine fleece blankets which they gave her for children in hospitals, shelters, social service agencies, or anywhere that a child might be in need of a big hug.

P H O T O S B Y K A I T I E K A U T Z

P H O T O S B Y S T E P H A N I E F O LT Z

Sports Ministry Bowling

Many FUPC families and friends enjoyed a Sunday afternoon of bowling at Bel-

Air Bowl. Bowlers of all ages had a great time! See you next year!

P H O T O S B Y B R I A N D U L S K I

THE STEEPLE1303 Royal Heights RoadBelleville, IL 62223

Publication Postage

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PAID

F I R S T U N I T E DP R E S B Y T E R I A N

Senior Pastor / Head of Staffrdyer@firstunitedpres.orgThe Rev. Robert J. Dyer

Director of Christian Educationsfoltz@firstunitedpres.org

Stephanie Foltz

Director of Youth MinistriesDirector of Equipping Ministries

kkautz@firstunitedpres.orgKaitie Kautz

Director of Musicajensen@firstunitedpres.org

Andy Jensen

Organist/Accompanistdbergin@firstunitedpres.org

Dennis Bergin

Afternoon Office Staffkdouglas@firstunitedpres.org

Kristina Douglas

Morning Office Stafflorlet@firstunitedpres.org

LuAnn Orlet

The Steeple

Art Directorjhalton@firstunitedpres.org

Jody Halton

Articles and SuggestionsTheSteeple@firstunitedpres.org

Director of Audio/Video Ministriesvideoministry@firstunitedpres.org

Loren Elliott

Maintenance SupervisorJim Hoffman

CustodianHerschel Bey

Sunday Childcare SupervisorSue Hall

Parish Nurseajlied1@aol.comJoyce Lied, RN

OUR STAFFHOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

March 20Palm Sunday

8:00 & 10:30 am Services

March 24Maundy Thursday Worship Feast

6:30 pmFirst United Presbyterian

Eversull Hall

March 25Good Friday Service

7:00 pmWestminster Presbyterian

March 27Easter Sunday

8:00 & 10:30 am Services