Illini Congregational United Church of Christ
P.O. Box 295
Warrensburg, IL 62573
217.672.8385
June and July 2010
Contact
Information
Pastor
Jean-Eyrich Pennell
217.496.3258
[email protected]
To start the prayer chain
or to notify if someone is
in the hospital call:
Jan Claypool-Wood
217.672.8964
Editor of Newsletter:
Kelly Miller
217.425.1759
[email protected]
Come Join us
Everyone
Welcome!
WEBSITE
www.illinichurch.org
Accessibility Plan Approved
A revision of the front of the church to make it accessible for those who
are unable to do stairs was approved by more than two-thirds of those present at
the congregational meeting May 2. The entrance will remain the same, but one
side will be a ramp. By raising the grade of the parking lot, the other side will
have fewer stairs than the current entrance.
With his expertise as a contractor in concrete, Dary Burnett will guide
others in volunteer efforts in order to save cost. Thus, the estimate for the project
is approximately $18,000. There is already $8,000. in the capital fund, so we will
be asking for gifts to raise an additional $10,000-12,000. Construction will not
begin until we reach that goal. If we are able to have that much by September 1,
the project could be completed this fall, hopefully by late October.
The accessibility committee notes that this only gets people into the sanctuary, and not into the basement for restrooms or social occasions. Projects to
address those needs will be the next phase. Thanks to the committee for their
work: Steve Brodbeck, Matt Brown, Shelley Brown, Dary Burnett, Kim Groves,
Gary Sebens, and moderator, Dennis Hughes. (Pastor Jean ex officio).
SPEAKERS IN NURSERY
Thanks to Bill Brown for installing speakers in the nursery! Thanks also to Frank at Decatur Computers for
donating the speakers.
NURSERY VOLUNTEERS
Nursery coordinator Trina Morlock has posted a new sign-up list on the door at church. Those who list this
service as one of their gifts are asked to please note dates when you will be available. Thank you to all who
serve!
CHURCH WORK DAY
Saturday, July 10 has been designated by the trustees as a day for gathering all willing workers to do cleaning
and fix-up around the building. Beginning time will be 9 a.m., but volunteers will be welcome at any point!
NEW BOARD MEMBER
Thanks to Anita Sebens for filling a vacancy on the Board of Christian Education!
NEW BABIES!
We rejoice with these families and offer prayers of blessing:
Carter Scott Wikoff, April 14, son of Abigail Gilman and Joshua Wikoff. He has many Illini
relatives, including grandparents Brian and Jackie Gilman, and great-grandfather Dick
Gilman.
Braden William Brown, June 2, son of Matt and Melanie Brown, little brother of Brody.
He, too, has many Illini relatives, including grandparents Bill and Brenda Brown and
great- grandparents J.R. and Margaret Brown.
Harriet and Charles McGuire’s family welcomed their first great-granddaughter, Madelyn
Anna, who has two big brothers.
DEATHS
Our sympathy and prayers for peace are offered these families:
Robin and Dan Berg family in the loss of Robin’s Grandma, Etta Planthaber.
Breahna and Nick Brown family in the loss of Breahna’s Grandma, Cynthia Joan “Jo” West.
Steve and Nancy Brodbeck family in the loss of Steve’s father, Chester “Chet” Brodbeck
MARRIAGE
Best wishes and prayers of blessing for Jake and Katherine (Edwards) Brodbeck, married in Mexico
on June 3! They make their home in Argenta. A lovely note was received from them, thanking the
church for giving a shower and for sharing in their joy..
GRADUATES
We again congratulate our high school graduates, and share their plans:
Michelle Graven, (WLHS) daughter of Mikel and Nancy, plans a social work major and early childhood
education minor at University of Illinois/Springfield.
Cory Miller, (SVHS) son of Chuck and Kelly, will study business management at Millikin University.
Ellyn Virden, (WLHS) daughter of Tracy and Bonnie, will major in speech pathology at Illinois State
University.
Prayers and rejoicing for these grads, also:
Alaiana Morlock, daughter of Scott and Trina, from SV Middle School; on to SVHS.
Kelly Long, daughter of Mike and Jean Carlson, another Master’s degree in counseling. Kelly and husband Shane live near Kansas City, MO. She is a high school counselor.
Pastor’s Note
Following the congregational meeting on accessibility I heard a good deal of enthusiasm about
the project, and plenty of confidence that we will be able to raise the needed money by the
September 1 target date. This will be a great step forward for our congregation, and especially
for persons who have previously not been able to participate because of the physical barriers.
To those who drive by, whether or not they intend to enter, the project will be a visible sign that
this is a church on the move toward the future…thus, a witness to hope in a world that is often
short on good news.
As we celebrate this venture with our gifts, I offer a reminder that the building is only the
location that provides a gathering place for the church, which is people. It is a center from
which we are sent out to pass on the good news we learn here, of God’s love and the grace of
Christ. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that money for the building be second-mile giving,
not simply a re-directing of what we already put into the offering. We need to continue the
things for which we exist: our own program of nurture, and our outreach, including OCWM
and special offerings.
For many, additional gifts are not possible at this particular time. Thank you for continuing to
do what you are already doing. No gift is too small! For others, please consider what might be
possible if you simply eat out one time less a month or save your loose change at the end of
each week. Some may find that this will be a good time to challenge yourselves to give 1% or
2% more off the top of your paycheck with no greater sacrifice than having to wait a little
longer to get a pair of shoes to match an outfit or to get new carpet. Perhaps there are a few
who have a special opportunity to share benefits gained from sale of stocks or other
investments. The last time we did a campaign of this type, some farmers designated a
particular portion of their crop as a pledge. Whatever each is uniquely able to do, by pooling
resources we surely will meet both of our goals, improving accessibility and continuing quality
ministry.
While it takes all of us to accomplish a major project, it is once again important to remember
that it also takes all of us to BE the church. As the song goes, “I am the church, you are the
church, we are the church TOGETHER.” Thus, even in relaxed schedules of summer, meeting
together is a significant gift that we give to each other. In our Sunday gatherings we help each
other re-center life around God, renewing our hope and our purpose. At those times we also
have opportunities to rejoice in each other’s joys and to offer support in one another’s sorrows
and struggles. Hope to see you this week! (Those who are reading this from afar, we love
hearing from you; send us an update!)
Blessings,
Pastor Jean
WIDER CHURCH
Northeast Community Fund Workday: Thanks to all who were able to share in sorting of foods on the day
of the Mail Carriers’ Food Drive. Gratitude, also, to everyone who continues to bring non-perishable foods
and hygiene items to fill our soup n soap bins! Volunteers who take those items into Decatur are appreciated!
OCWM (Our Church’s Wider Ministry): A letter was received from the Illinois Conference, signed by interim Conference Minister, Rev. Philip Hart, thanking Illini Church for our 2009 gifts of $1,389, and
acknowledging that we exceeded our goal. (Which was $1,000). Rev. Hart ended, “Again, we thank you for
your covenanted partnership and pray God will continue to bless and lead us all. (A reminder : we receive the
OCWM offering on the fourth Sunday of each month. Your gifts are welcome at any other time
of course! Please be sure to indicate that they are for OCWM; all unmarked gifts remain in the general fund).
MISSIONWORKS– A global mission event, October 7-9 in Cleveland, OH. For information:
http://globalministries.org/calendar/missionworks.html
EMMAUS WORK TRIP
We are still open to adding persons who would like to share in the wonderful experience of working at Emmaus Homes in Marthasville, MO for a few days, July 21-24. (Leave Illini Wednesday morning, and return by
noon Saturday). In addition to activities with the developmentally disabled residents, our schedule will include work on the grounds. Assignments will depend on what is needed at the time. In the past we have
weeded, moved rock, painted, assisted residents, and more. Housing will be on the campus.
AUGUST CHURCH ACTIVITY
Please mark your calendars for an August 15 activity being planned by our Christian Education team. Details
will be announced soon!
FINANCE REPORT
General Fund:
May receipts:
$4,509.19
May expenses:
$4,944.06
Balance end of May: $6,225.50
Capital Fund:
May receipts:
$ 685.00
Balance end of May: $8,751.44
June Birthdays
July Birthdays
13
14
18
22
23
24
25
26
3
5
5
7
7
7
9
11
14
18
20
23
25
25
25
26
27
30
31
David Gilman
Ashley Lebo Gessler
Coleton Meier
Ruth Albin
Ashton Wakeman
Harold Elliott
Jon Hughes
Amy Virden
June Anniversaries
1
2
7
8
9
9
14
25
26
Dustin & Amy Hammerschmidt
Mike and Jean Carlson
Derek and Sarah Burnett
Jason and Korrin Meier
Gary and Anita Sebens
Morris and Mary Kay Ennis
Kevin and Alicia Vest
Sam and Pam Morrow
Greg and Donna Lindemulder
Angie Rager
Bill Brown
Darcie Streckfuss
Jennifer Hickey
Tom Eubanks
Melanie Brown
Shelby Sebens
John Wood
Emily Wakeman
Macey Vest
Amos Koprek
Kelly Miller
Mary Gilman
Korrin Ryterski Meier
Alison Stogsdill
Justin Lebo
Charles McGuire
Savannah Allen
Bryce Berg
July Anniversaries
1
1
6
12
23
23
24
Ted and Dawne Maddox
Mike and Jean Eyrich Pennell
Ron and Mary Gilman
Tom and Pat Dixon
J.R. and Margaret Brown
Chuck and Kelly Miller
David and Erin Reicher
INVITATION
The family of Harold Elliott invites
everyone to join in celebrating his 80th
birthday (along with his twin brother)
Saturday, June 26, 3-5 p.m. at the Mt.
Auburn Community Center.
SCRIPTURES
Bold type indicates focus lesson for Sunday morning classes and worship
June 13
June 20
June27
July 4
I Kings 21:1-10, 15-21a; Psalm 5:1-8; Luke 7:36-8:3; Galatians 2:15-21
I Kings 19:1-4,8-15a; Psalm 42 & 43; Luke 8:26-39; Galatians 3:23-29
2 Kings 2:1-2,6-14; Psalm 77:1-2,11-20; Luke 9:51-62; Galatians 5:1,13-25
2 Kings 5:1-14; Psalm 30; Luke 10:1-11,16-20; Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16
July 11
July 18
Amos 7:7-17; Psalm 82; Luke 10:25-37; Colossians 1:1-14
Amos 8:1-12; Psalm 52; Luke 10:38-42; Colossians 1:15-28
Check the website for updates and photos: www.illinichurch.org
Illini Congregational
United Church of Christ
P.O. Box 295
Warrensburg, IL 62573