ST. JOHN UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
204 Seventh Street ~ Lincoln, Illinois 62656
217-732-6957
E-mail address: [email protected]
Website: stjohnucclincolnillinois.com
Rev. Kenneth Kramer
Darlene Begolka
Volume XXXXVIII, No. 5
Pastor
Church Office Secretary
May 2017
Come and join us on Sunday mornings!
COMING SOON…
Pentecost, Sunday, June 4, 2017
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Confirmation at 9:00 a.m.
Coffee Hour at 9:45 a.m.
Morning Worship at 10:30 a.m.
• Morning Worship at 10:30 a.m.
• Please wear RED for the birthday of the
church and the coming of the Holy Spirit
• Rite of Confirmation for our 2017
Confirmation Class (Andrew Pagel,
Emily Paulus and Bailee Pineda)
• Holy Communion served
• Recognition of our 2017 Graduates
• Meal to follow the morning worship
MUSICFEST SUNDAY
SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2017
The members of the Music Makers, Chancel Choir,
Bell Choir and Chime Choir and their directors are
excited to share with you their musical talents on
Sunday, May 21st during the morning worship
service. Be sure to mark your calendars and plan
to attend the worship service that morning so you
can enjoy the musical sounds the St. John UCC
choirs have to offer with their special musical
selections in honor of Musicfest Sunday.
ARE YOU GRADUATNG?...
If you will be graduating
from eighth grade, high
school or college this May,
please let the church office
know ASAP.
Also, if you graduated at mid-semester we
need to know that as well.
1
May
committee in developing the plans needed
for approval, the many families who
donated memorial funds to pay for the
project and to the congregation for their
willingness to make this shift in ministry.
2017
And soon you will hear of new ideas to
improve technology in our sanctuary as
well as in the office. Also, you will learn of
workshops that will begin after Easter
about how we welcome people no matter
who they are or where they come from in
their journey of faith. And finally, Small
Groups will be formed based on the need
of people to get together for fellowship and
support.
THIS IS OUR MOMENT IN TIME!
This has been my first chance to write
since the visit of our Center for Progressive
Renewal Consultant Rev. Dr. Felix
Villanueva, who came to help us in
renewal of our congregation. Saturday,
March 25th was a very exciting day as
members came together to dream, to
confront our fears and commit ourselves
to add to our already vital ministry here at
St. John.
This is just the beginning of a new start
for St. John UCC and it is headed in a
positive direction. Let us remember it
takes all of our support to make the shifts
in ministry possible, and our prayers for
its growth with the Holy Spirit to direct
and empower us. I am excited! How about
you?
The decision to make new technology a
part of our life and worship, the desire to
become a safe church where anyone
regardless of race, creed, sexual
orientation or financial status is welcome
here and setting up small group ministries
to meet both the needs of members and
community are where we begin to bring
St. John UCC into the modern age of
today’s church.
See you Sunday!
In Christ’s love and service,
Ken
P.S. I would like to take this opportunity
to thank everyone who helped in any way
with Holy Week to make it very
memorable. ~ Pastor Ken
The first step in becoming a more
welcoming and accepting church
happened last Sunday, April 9th when we
joyously approved making the sanctuary
more accessible to those who are
differently abled in some way. The new
ramp and pew cutouts will send a
statement to all with walkers, wheelchairs
and other mobile devices that they are a
part of us and not relegated to the back of
the church where it is difficult to see and
hear. My thanks for the hard work of the
2
Evangelism Thought of the
Month…Go Forth and Knock by
lovely little church building, in a real
neighborhood, houses all around. We cleaned
madly, tore out green shag carpeting, fixed the
numerous broken windows and celebrated our
first service there on Pentecost. The summer
stretched out before us like a red carpet.
Susan Leo
“Two for a nickel, three for a dime!” When I
was a kid growing up in a small town in Ohio, I
sold zucchini and tomatoes door-to-door. I’d
fill my peck bucket from the bushels on my red
wagon, walk up to a stranger’s house, and ring
the bell. I had my sales pitch. I had a good
product. I sold a lot of vegetables.
The building had quite a history. Built by
Mormons in 1931, it had been used by a
number of denominations and congregations
over the years. Each day, the mail would bring
envelopes addressed to a different community,
long gone. We sure weren’t those folks. And
we sure weren’t the independent mega church
down the street whose parishioners parked
throughout the neighborhood blocking
driveways and making noise all week long. We
knew we weren’t any of them, but I realized
that no one in the neighborhood would know
the difference if we didn’t tell them.
Furthermore, how could they know that
Bridgeport might be the kind of church they’d
like to attend if they didn’t know who we
were? And who are they? Who lives in this
neighborhood anyway? Is it really a
neighborhood or do people just live here?
But in May of 2000 at a New Church
Development conference when Nancy Nelson
Elsenheimer, Evangelism Ministry Team
Minister for Local Church Development and
Renewal, suggested cold calling in our church
neighborhood, I was taken aback. What?
Knock on doors? Why?
At the time, it made no sense. My
congregation rented a room in a downtown
Portland office building on Sunday mornings.
There were no doors to knock on, no houses,
no neighbors to speak of at all. Knock on
doors—what a joke!
The hostess in me was beginning to stir, but
what could I do? I thought of Nancy’s
admonition to go forth and knock. And then I
remembered three of my childhood’s favorite
summertime words: Ice Cream Social. The
congregation thought it was a great idea. We
picked a date, got ice cream donated, and
organized scoopers and a cleanup crew. Two
weeks before the event, I revised our church
brochure to be both an introduction and an
invitation, in addition to being informational.
Well, as God often has it, just a month later,
the joke was on me.
My congregation was growing—and
outgrowing our worship space. We began
looking for a better, perhaps even permanent
location. In November of 1999, we spotted an
abandoned church building in a neighborhood
not served by a mainline denomination, but
much to our disappointment, the building
owner put off any discussion of rental
considerations. Then suddenly, days after I got
back from Cleveland, the owner offered us the
building. We were ecstatic. Here was this
Then one idyllic summer evening, with no small
amount of fear and trembling, I approached my
first door. I knocked and stood up straight,
3
trying to hide my nerves while looking friendly
and open. I thought, “Two for a nickel, three
for a dime?” It’s not zucchini, but free ice
cream and a great congregation ain’t a bad
deal. The door cracked open. “Hi!” I said.
“I’m Susan Leo. I’m the pastor of Bridgeport
Community United Church of Christ, we moved
into that little white church building last
month. I just wanted to introduce myself and
let you know who we are and invite you to an
ice cream social next Sunday at 3 o’clock”.
Much to my amazement, the door swung open.
I went on quickly. “Here’s some information
about us. Do you attend a church in the
neighborhood?” The screen door opened, a
hand took the flyer, and conversation began.
Her tone was friendly. We talked for a few
minutes about the neighborhood and the other
churches. I told her we were a distinct church
alternative and we were planning on being
good neighbors. I said that she would be
welcome on any Sunday morning she wanted
to drop in—and we had good coffee.
A week later, about a dozen folks from the
neighborhood dropped by for ice cream and a
tour of the church. While none have become
members yet, my evening stroll around the
neighborhood has had other tangible results.
People wave and smile as they drive by. One
man, a “dedicated pantheist,” (this is Oregon
don’t forget) stops to chat when he bikes by.
The neighborhood kids enjoy the basketball
hoop I put up in the parking lot. And we’ve not
had another broken window.
Why knock?
Build church identity
Strengthen community
Welcome potential members
How now?
Be not afraid!
Create an eye-catching handout
Know what you’re going to say—practice your
opening lines
If possible, invite folks to a non-worship event
at the church
Keep the conversation friendly and short
Map your route
Take notes for future reference, especially of
nearby neighbors
Consider doing it every year or two.
She smiled and said that I was the first minister
who’d ever knocked on her door. I mentioned
the ice cream social again and told her I hoped
she’d stop by. We shook hands and I walked
down the street almost in shock. That wasn’t
so hard. She even seemed happy to talk to me!
Wow!
Note: Susan Leo is the pastor of Bridgeport
Community UCC, a new church that got its start
in May of 1998. After a year of meeting just
once or twice a month, in June of 1999,
Bridgeport began receiving UCC leadership
support and went full time. Now more than
130 adults and children call Bridgeport home
and the church hopes to outgrow its building
very soon.
Over the next few nights, I knocked on almost
one hundred doors in a three-block radius
around the church. My biggest fear—that I’d
get a door slammed in my face—never
materialized, although two people did say “No
thanks” after I introduced myself. Some folks
really wanted to talk about religion, and a few
gave me an earful about other congregations,
but the great majority of people were civil and
warmly polite, if not downright friendly.
4
Stewardship Thought of the
Month…11 Steps to Stewardship
Happy Mother’s Day
A Mother gives her children stepping
stones to the stars,
Her love is unconditional her heart has
no bars.
Success ~ This was created by Coy D. James,
Director of Stewardship and Communication,
Cathedral of Hope UCC, Dallas Texas, for the United
Church of Christ.
A Mother teaches her children to be
confident and bold,
Her special love to her children is more
valuable than silver or gold.
1. Dream Big!
Even in difficult economic times people
will give to a compelling vision or mission.
Set the impossible as a goal. God’s only
limits are the ones we impose by our lack
of faith. When it comes to achieving a
Holy purpose – “No” is never an
acceptable answer.
A Mother picks up her children and
wipes away life’s tears,
She chases away monsters in the night
and silences their fears.
2. Start a New Ministry Every Six Months
Everyone should have a ministry. Those
who are personally involved in achieving
the church’s mission/vision by participating
in a ministry that excites them are more likely
to support the church financially. Never
allow the lack of funding to stop a great
ministry idea – there is always a first step
that costs very little. Money follows ministry
– not the opposite.
A Mother celebrates her children’s
accomplishments in life,
She hurts and cries with them when
life brings times of strife.
A Mother shares her love freely with
her tender loving way,
She grows more beautiful to her
children with each passing day.
3. Teach the Joy of Giving Dangerously
Living generously is a core Christian value
that Jesus tried to teach constantly. We
should follow that example and incorporate
what It means to Live a Generous Life in all
our spiritual formation programs.
A Mother is one of God’s greatest gifts
to you and me,
Her love will remain locked in our
heart and soul for all eternity.
4. Lead by Example
Key leaders of the church must be
committed to its financial support.
Members of a governing body who tithe
make more visionary decisions about the
use of contributions. In addition, those
key leaders who make financial decisions
should have the opportunity to share the
vision/mission of the church and the
required funding needed to achieve the
vision/mission with the congregants.
5
5. Know Your Congregation
All fundraising is really less about money
and more about establishing trusting
relationships. A good database tool will
facilitate that relationship by keeping track
of certain congregant attributes which will
allow the communication of a specific
message to people who are most
interested.
10. Say Thank You!
Everyone deserves to be thanked for their
gifts. There is nothing more important
than to establish a written Response Plan
that identifies every means of receiving a
gift or commitment and defines who will
write a thank-you note. The note should
be personal, hand-written and sent within
24 hours of the gift if possible but
definitely should be received before the
next opportunity to give.
6. Have a Plan
Plan in advance for how Stewardship will
be included in the annual church calendar
and follow a good project management
planning cycle for each appeal.
11. Rinse & Repeat
After every appeal or campaign take time
to review the data or results of your
efforts. Look for things that could have
been done better or more cost effectively
and make adjustments to your plans in
order to make the next appeal even more
successful.
7. Use All the Tools
Create a clear concise stewardship
message regarding what funds are
needed and how they will be used. Then,
incorporate that message throughout the
year using every communication tool you
can afford. Remember, you must
successfully communicate any idea at
least seven times before the message is
heard.
And one to grow on:
12. Celebrate Your Success
The least effective way to present the
new church budget each year is to
distribute a spreadsheet of proposed
expenses and expect the congregation to
be excited about funding new ministry.
Instead, throw a party. Celebrate your
successes. Talk about the great things
accomplished in the past year, let volunteers
share their experiences, share comments
from those being ministered to; then inspire
the congregation with what ministry could be
done with the additional funding in the new
budget. People don’t give because you need
the money; they give because, together with
God’s help, they’re changing the world.
8. Give ‘til It Feels Good
Allow congregants to give in a way that is
most convenient for them. That means –
in addition to the offering each Sunday,
people should be able to choose to give
online or make regular recurring gifts
using credit/debit cards or bank drafts.
9. Give from All the Pockets
Congregants should have the option to
support specific ministries in addition to
the General Fund offering. In today’s
culture, most people “give” less and
“buy”more. That is, some prefer to
know that their gift is going to fund a
specific ministry rather than to a fund
that supports ministry in general.
6
EAT AT LINCOLN CULVER’S
Sunday, May 21, 2017
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Hosted by:
St. John United Church of Christ
Veterans Celebration Committee.
10% of the sales will go to
the Logan County Veterans Celebration.
Mark your calendars and come out to support a
good project.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
RESERVE JUNE 4, 2017
By: The Special Events Committee
Dinner will be served after the church service
on Sunday, June 4th (Pentecost Sunday). We
are honoring our Confirmands (and their
Mentors), Graduates, and celebrating
Pentecost. Due to the fact, that we are also
inviting the families of the above, we must
know how many are planning to attend no
later than May 21st as we will be ordering the
food for the event.
Congratulations to our own Elaine Aue on
being named Courier Citizen of the
Month. Thank you for allowing us the
opportunity to raise funds at your restaurant.
Check out our new website
(stjohnucclincolnillinois.com)
and like us on our Facebook Page.
A sign-up sheet will be present in the lobby.
Please spread the word and sign up! We do
not want to run short of tables/seats or food!!!
This would be a fantastic time to invite a friend
to join us for church service and celebrate our
youth, our church birthday and experience
Christian Fellowship.
The Flower Chart for 2017 is
up in the Fellowship Hall.
You are encouraged to sign
up to have flowers for a
special occasion or in
memory of loved ones.
7
May Thought of the
Month…“Failure is not an option” by
“SERVE”
Barry Adair from the Grove Baptist Church
(among other Hollywood lies)
A ministry to learn and serve God and others
Thursday evenings ~ 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Meal ~ Bible Lesson ~ Service Project
Call the church office 732-6957 to sign up.
Everyone is invited!
Watch your bulletin for more information. We will
take the summer off and then return in the fall.
I’ve been thinking about failure this month. Not
that I had much say in it, by the way. Many of the
things I have read or listened to recently have all
been about failure. And at church, Skip was
preaching on the subject too.
I reckon “failure” gets something of a bad press.
From childhood, you grow up and failure is
something you dread. You don’t want to fail your
parents, you don’t want to fail your teachers and
you don’t want to fail your friends. Failure is never
rewarded (OK, not that it should be, but bear with
me on this…) and to fail is always to lose. For the
Hollywood movie industry and most other people,
failure is not an option!
NIGHTS
Eat at Culver’s the 3rd Sunday of each month and
support the projects each group in charge that
month is sponsoring. Any committees or
organizations that would like to host a month at
Culver’s should call the Church Office (732-6957) to
set up their month.
Now that I’m older and a little wiser, I can see real
benefits in failure. If you have failed then you are
definitely human, “to err is human” etc. By
bringing up children to adulthood I can see that
failure plays a huge part in the sometimes painful
process of becoming a well-rounded person. All
those people you look up to will have failed, some
of them in spectacular ways. And if you think they
haven’t failed, then they just won’t have shared
that piece of information with you! The sort of
people I look up to are those who, after personal
failures, have learned from them and go on to help,
inspire and encourage others.
June 18, 2017: “Loads of Fun” Project
July 16, 2017:
August 20, 2017:
ATTENDANCE
April 2nd:
55
April 9th:
89
th
April 16 : 106
April 23rd: 66
Many of the ‘main players’ in the Bible failed
spectacularly too. I wanted to look briefly at a
couple of these. And the reason why? Simply to
show you that the phrase “failure is not an option”
is just a made up line from a Hollywood movie.
Thank you to everyone who has turned in
their Estimate of Giving Card for 2017. If
you have not turned yours in yet there is
still time to do so.
Thank you.
So if you have failed someone, or are worried
about failing, or perhaps feel that you are a failure,
then please read on…
8
Our first candidate is King David. To say that he
was an important person is somewhat of an
understatement. He was “a man after God’s own
heart” and was probably Israel’s greatest King. It
was David who, as a lad, had killed Goliath. He was
a mighty conqueror and the people loved him. But
in a moment of supreme failure, he ended up
sleeping with the beautiful wife of one of the
Commanders in his army. Then, so as to have her
for himself, he ordered the husband to the front of
the battle where, as expected, he was
subsequently killed.
acknowledge Him for who He is and what He has
done for us. Ask God to forgive you from all past
and even future failures and He will forgive you
through Jesus Christ, His Son.
Pride can keep us all from a relationship with the
God who created us and the world around us, but
times of failure can often lead us to our knees. And
time on our knees can lead us to the closeness to
God, forgiveness from all our failings and future
home on high! And as for “failure is not an
option”, that’s simply a made-up Hollywood line
given to the Gene Kranz character in “Apollo 13”.
Our next candidate (from dozens to choose from, I
might add) is Peter, one of the disciples of Jesus.
Always the gutsy one, it was Peter who swung the
sword at the High Priest’s servant and the guards
when they came to arrest Jesus. It was Peter who
stepped out of the boat to meet Jesus who was
walking on the water towards the disciples. Peter
was always the first to vocalize his undying loyalty
to Jesus. And yet, after the arrest of Jesus, the
same Peter denied even knowing who Jesus was.
Not once, not twice, but three times!
Failure is an option and one which can lead us to
become the men and women who God would have
us to be.
Both candidates are different. The eras in which
they lived are different, the severities of their
failures were different and the eventual outcomes
were different too. However, one thing was
identical. Both men were heartbroken after what
they had done, they repented of their sin and they
were both used mightily again by God. Someone
has said that this world is just a training ground for
the next one to come. Although failure isn’t
pleasant, and its sting and consequences can
remain for a long time, many of life’s best lessons
are learned through failure.
“A life spent making mistakes is not only more
honourable, but more useful than a life spent doing
nothing.” ~ George Bernard Shaw
“Failure should be our teacher, not our
undertaker!” ~ Anon
Just as a father has compassion on his children, So
the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that
we are but dust. ~ King David (Psalm 103:13-14)
If I can go back and finish the phrase I quoted
earlier… “to err is human, to forgive divine”.
Failure can also humble us. We all have to realize
that we are insignificant in this world of 7 billion
souls. And yet, the Bible tells us that we matter to
the God who made us. And just like a loving
Father, God knows all about our failures and yet
His love remains secure. All He wants is for us to
But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in
that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
Are you SURE that you have your place booked in
Heaven? Read this if you’re not!
9
MAY BIRTHDAYS
MAY ANNIVERSARIES
2
4
5
6
7
9
10
13
14
17
18
19
20
23
24
25
26
30
31
Nathan Aue
Susan Gleason
Elaine Aue
Angela Coombs
Mary Jean Cummings
Emersyn Schneider
Jack Leich
David Hansen
Amellia Nowack
Bryan Hay
Marianne Hay
Pat McCann
Leslie Wilmert
Noah Morgan
Jaime Row
Mollie Burkhart
Skylar Morgan
Yolonda Martin
Wendy Boyd
Jerry Gehlbach
Alex Gurga
Marge Hansen
Linda Leslie
Angie Martin
Betty Moriearty
Raymond Turner
Russell Wright
Rachel Hirst
Brenda Short
Kaye Wilmert
1
7
12
17
18
21
24
28
31
Phillip and Becky Gehlbach
Charlie and Miki Spellman
Dave and Grace Hepler
Terry and Linda Leslie
James and Gail McShane
Russell and Beth Wright
Bob and Barb Wilmert
Ed and Maureen White
Greg and Carla Jurgenson
Jeff and Brenda Short
William and Twila Muhlach
Does the church office have your
email address?...Please make sure the church
office has your email address. This also includes
college students. Please and thank you. To save a
large amount of cost STARTING APRIL 1ST WE ARE
NO LONGER BE MAILING THE NEWSLETTER OR
SPECIAL MAILINGS BY BULK MAIL. YOU WILL STILL
GET THE NEWSLETTER, BUT BY EMAIL. Some
copies will be printed and put in the back of the
sanctuary for those who do not have computers.
So please make sure we have your email as well as
other members of your family.
10
JUST FOR FUN!…
We recently received two notes from Rev. Dr.
Charlotte Nold and the congregation of St. John
UCC in Chicago (our Sister Church).
Oxymoron Examples – Enjoy our list of oxymoron
examples and have fun learning a thing or two
along the way. An oxymoron is a figure of speech
that uses contradictory terms in conjunction, which
means words that don’t appear to go well
together.
Dear members of St. John UCC,
Thank you for your wonderful donation for our
mission work here at St. John Church. You are truly
a blessing to us. Your continued support is a life
line to us as we slowly work to build our new
garage and then will being the renovation of our
basement into a worship and mission place.
A good example of an oxymoron comes from the
debut album by English rock band Oasis, which is
named ‘Definitely Maybe’. Learn more about
oxymorons by reading on and checking out some of
our funny examples.
We had a wonderful Easter Sunday worship service
and our pantry work is thriving feeding those who
would otherwise just be hungry.
Act naturally
Almost exactly
Alone together
Clearly misunderstood
Diet chocolate-cake
Extinct Life
Freezer burn
Good grief
Living dead
Minor catastrophe
Near miss
Passive aggressive
Pretty ugly
Sweet sorrow
Small crowd
Terribly pleased
Working vacation
Just know your encouragement and financial
support means a lot to us.
********************
Dear members and friends of St. John UCC,
We wish you a blessed and love filled Easter
season.
On my birthday my organist, Karen who is blind
and has been with us for 27 of my 28 years here at
St. John Church sent me a beautiful bouquet of
flowers with the following note: “We love you
pastor.” Thank you for showing us what love
really is. From your little congregation at St. John
Church.
Now we would like to send to all you that message
that we love you for showing us what love really is.
Your continued encouraging words, prayers, and
your financial assistance make this love precious
for us here as we continue to work on rebuilding
our church space for mission and worship in the
lower level of the parsonage.
Articles for the June newsletter should be in the
Church Office by May 19 th.
The garage is almost finished but working with the
city for permits takes lots of time.
11
OUTREACH and PUBLICITY NEWS…
THANK YOU to Mary Fuller,
Donna Kessigner, Sandy Sanders,
Sandy Wilmert and Tonita
Reifsteck for sharing their time at
BINGO at St. Clara’s Manor on
April 12th. Surprise ‘BIG BUNNY’
prize was won by Norma Smith. THANKS also to
those who have been slipping prizes into the Bingo
tub.
Sandy Meinershagen and Tonita Reifsteck, Co-Chair
Pastor Kramer
• Led us in prayer
• Briefly discussed the upcoming showing of the
Reinhold Niebuhr film
• Mentioned the Church Picnic on July 1st
• Reviewed the Holy Week services
Tonita Reifsteck sent ten visitor cards.
REMINDER…
Details of the POTATO BAR were discussed, with
the decision to repeat it some time.
Team participation on the
“ST. JOHN UCC REMEMBERS”
Relay for Life team must be in by
May 1st in order for a t-shirt to be
ordered.
With the profits of the luncheon we should be able
to purchase 75 sippy cups and 35 packages (4 forks
and 4 spoons) of utensils.
SURVIVORS – please register online or see Tonita Reifsteck as shirt and pins can
only be ordered for those who have registered –
old ‘favors’ are not being allowed. Sorry. Any
questions – call Toni (217- 855-1645).
We will sponsor a Rec ball team and treat them to
Culver’s.
Plans for a Patriotic sing to shut-ins will be
discussed in May.
A $50 donation has been received for the
Transportation to Treatment Portion of the drug
program.
A special THANKS to Jack Leich
who dug and chopped to thin out
the Hosta plants at the entryway.
Old roots made a simple job a
real challenge! Watch for
surprise plants the SERVE
children planted.
Sign up to Host the 9:45 a.m. Coffee Hour that is
offered every Sunday morning
before worship. If you can’t host
but would like to furnish a treat for
a Sunday, see Sandy Meinershagen.
The donations received from the coffee hour will
continue to be split 50/50 between the Kitchen
Fund here and our sister church in Chicago, St. John
UCC.
•
FYI- History:
12
MISSION COMMITTEE
cents and stayed there for years. That amounted
to about $80 for a load of glass on our trailer. In
February we took in a load and just received the
check during Holy week. The check was for $11.60.
The company has decided to only pay ½ cent per
pound now. What a shock!
By: Verdeen Ingram, Co-Chair
SPECIAL OFFERING SUNDAYS. . .The Mission
Committee has designated the:
• First Sunday of each month a special offering
will be taken following church for the Diaper
project for Head Start at Community Action.
Glass recycling has never been a huge money
maker, but it has allowed us to give extra support
where it is needed. For quite a few years, the
money has been given to our sister church - St.
John in Chicago. But we cannot support anyone
when we are making $11 a load.
• Third Sunday of each month a special offering
will be taken following church for Brooklyn.
She is the child we sponsor through Children,
Inc.
Recycling glass at St. John has involved a lot of
work. Transporting it from the church to the farm,
sorting it and taking it to the bottle factory all takes
time. We have always been glad to do it, but that
was when we were making a little money. Now
that our gas costs more than the glass is worth, it
makes no sense to continue.
THE DOOR HAS CLOSED ON GLASS
RECYLING AT ST. JOHN UCC…
Over 45 years ago, two Sunday School teachers
decided to give their 5th and 6th grade class a
hands-on mission lesson. Their goal was to raise $5
for mission work by recycling glass and aluminum
cans. They reached their goal, but by that time
everyone was having such a good time that they
just kept on going. They would pile into the VW
van and go out into the community to collect glass.
They even went out of town on occasion. The
class had their own savings account and they gave
money to various causes which included supporting
an American Indian boy through Children Inc. for
several years.
We will no longer be recycling glass at St.
John. I hope you will drop your glass in the bin just
inside the gate at the bottle factory or find
somewhere else to recycle it. Thanks for all of the
many tons of glass you have brought in. You have
done well! As this door closes, we will look for
another one to open up.
MAY FOOD PANTRY ITEM IS…
These two teachers, Ruth Bidner and Evelyn
Begolka, didn’t know it, but they were starting St.
John on a recycling path that has branched off in
many directions. Now we recycle almost
everything - from bottle caps to tennis shoes. They
also gave their class some wonderful experiences
that are still talked about today. (Just ask the
Reifsteck clan. They had to correct me on Easter
Sunday about who was involved in all of that glass
recycling! Sorry, guys!)
When we talk about comfort food,
Mac and Cheese always comes to
mind. The chefs on TV are even
talking about it now and adding it
to the menus in their restaurants.
Of course they add all kinds of
extra ingredients, but it is a good
meal any way you make it.
One good thing about mac and cheese is that when
it comes in a box, it makes a great addition to the
food pantry. It is shelf safe, simple to make and
All of this recycled glass was bringing 2 cents a
pound 45 years ago. The price then went up to 3
13
can be prepared quickly. So this is our item of the
month for May.
Mark your calendars for
Sunday, May 7th. The video
An American Conscience: The
Reinhold Niebuhr Story will be
shown in Fellowship Hall at
7:00 p.m. There will also be a
time for discussion following
the video. Those who have stories or
remembrances of the Niebuhr family (when they
were here in Lincoln) are encouraged and invited
to come at 6:30 p.m. when Jessica Lema (from The
Courier) will be here to set-up some time to talk
with you. She is on working a Niebuhr piece as
well.
Please put mac and cheese on your grocery list and
bring your donation to the Mission Corner any time
during the month. Bring other items too - all
pantry items are welcome. At the end of the
month, all of the food will be delivered to the
Community Action food pantry.
Thank you for your support of Community Action
and their clients!
Thank you for your grocery items for Community
Action Food Pantry. For the month of March, five
(5) bags of groceries, which included 40 cans of
vegetables, was delivered for distribution.
PRAYER LIST
Also 157 Easter plush assorted stuffed animals
were delivered to ALMH for children being treated
in ER. Thank you for your continued support in all
our mission projects.
Anastasia
Rene Backstein
Shawn Emerson
Gerald Gehrke
Connie (Custis) Hahn
Spencer Harris
Marge Jurgenson
Julie Dopp Koziel
Gina Lockenvitz
Ruth Post
Alice Row
Virgil Sprunger
Gilbert and Edith Sykes
Larry Wilham
Marlene Wilmert, Co-Chair
LOADS OF FUN
The Outreach and Mission
Committees met to discuss
how to move forward with
the Loads of Fun laundromat
project. We have set up some important dates for
you to remember.
Dennis Ash
Michael Bunner
Cindy Evans
Gerald Goodman family
Judy Hamrick
Dawn Honecker
Everett Kitchen
Mary Ann Lessen
Harley Pagel
Sheila Quigley
Marita Schneider
Brittney Southward
Dave Walters
Zack
SAVE THE DATE…Friday, May 19, 2017
3rd Friday Downtown Event in Lincoln
St. John UCC will have a booth.
Come out and support a fun evening.
Watch your bulletin for more information.
May 18:
May 19:
Laundry Night!
St. John will participate in 3rd Friday
Downtown with any money raised
going to the laundry project.
June 18: We will again sponsor a Culver’s Night.
August 17: Laundry Night!
14
CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING NOTES
Present:
Guests:
He presented a sign to the council that was written
in different languages and asked if the council was
comfortable with placing the sign in the church
yard. It will be placed in an appropriate location in
the yard.
Greg Jurgenson, Bill Gosda, Jr.,
Jan Hahn, Donna Kessinger,
Bob Meinershagen, Carolyn Pech,
Sandy Sanders, Don Begolka,
Karen Pecoraro, Suzanne Tockey,
Selma Wilham, Erin Semple and
Rev. Ken Kramer
Jack Leich, Gary Atteberry
Pastor Ken also shared “An American Conscience:
The Reinhold Niebuhr Story”. He will preview the
hour-long documentary and hopes to share it with
the congregation.
Other
Charity Guild has donated $1,000 to the St. John
UCC Restoration Fund.
President Greg Jurgenson called the meeting to
order at 7:00p.m. on Monday, March 20, 2017.
Rev. Kramer gave the invocation.
NEW BUSINESS
PRESENTATION FROM BUILDING AND GROUNDS:
HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBILITY FOR SANCTUARY
Discussion of CPR Workshop with Felix Villanueva
Greg presented a sign-up sheet for the Saturday,
March 25th workshop with Felix Villanueva.
Gary Atteberry and Jack Leich presented an update
from Building and Grounds Committee regarding
the handicapped accessibility in the sanctuary,
using the plan submitted by Leland Semple.
Other
● Technology: As the needs of the church are
changing, it is necessary to find someone
that is readily available when technology
crashes. We will be looking for someone to
help rectify some of the computer
problems.
An estimate was provided by Construction
Concepts in the amount of $13,340.00. It was
discussed that memorial funds and/or endowment
funds could be used to help fund this project.
It was moved and seconded to announce the
updates to the project Sunday, March 26, 2017,
and take a vote at the congregational meeting on
Sunday, April 9, 2017. Motion passed.
ADJOURNMENT AND BENEDICTION
It was moved and seconded to adjourn. Motion
passed to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was
adjourned at 8:45p.m. Bill Gosda gave the
benediction.
CONSENT AGENDA APPROVAL
Erin Semple
Church Council Secretary
It was moved and seconded to accept the consent
agenda as amended. Motion passed.
PASTOR’S REPORT
Pastor Ken thanked everyone for helping out
through the various services. He also encouraged
everyone to attend the workshop with Felix
VIllanueva on Saturday, March 25, 2017 from
9:00am-3:00pm.
15
REPORT ON THE ANNUAL SPRING
MEETING OF THE WESTERN
ASSOCIATION, APRIL 22, 2017
St. John in Lincoln received three stewardship
awards: (1) a certificate thanking us for our giving;
(2) recognition as a 5 for 5 Congregation for
donating to Our Church's Wider Mission, Neighbors
in Need, Strengthen the Church, One Great Hour of
Sharing, and the Christmas Fund; and (3) an award
for increasing our giving to OCWM by 10 percent or
more during the past year.
by Lynn Spellman
A bumper crew of 11 St. John members were on
hand at the Western Association Spring Meeting to
hear the inspiring vocals of Bryan Sirchio and to see
our own Rev. Ken Kramer installed as moderator.
Four other St. John members were commissioned
for leadership roles in the Association during the
coming year.
Those attending from St. John included Pastor Ken
and Norma Kramer, Jan Hahn, Donna Kessinger,
Edna Mara, Bob and Sandy Meinershagen, Silas
Tockey, Jean Webb, and delegates Cameron Kurtz
and Lynn Spellman.
Sirchio, an ordained UCC minister as well as a song
writer, led the group in several original songs
including some with motions. Perhaps his best
known children's song declares that “John the
Baptist ate bugs for lunch – Yuck! Yuck! Yuck!”
Other songs touched our hearts, such as the one
about Bob who for 40 years welcomed Sunday
School children with a smile.
Ours was the largest delegation except for the host
church, First Congregational UCC in Springfield,
where the Rev. Dan Dexter is interim minister.
During the past year one minister was ordained by
the Association, the Rev. Emily Davis at First
Congregational UCC in Moline. Churches
celebrating anniversaries greater than our own 157
years (this September) were Community UCC,
Morton, 185 years; Congregational UCC, Lacon, 180
years; First Congregational UCC, Canton, 175 years;
and Bethlehem UCC, Sutter, 160 years.
For 27 years Sirchio has been leading “journeys of
mutual exchange” to Haiti, the poorest country in
the world. He emphasized that the poor want to
work, not receive handouts, and that they have
much to teach us. “If you eat each day,” a man he
met on his first visit told him, “you're rich.”
Rev. Kramer passed his red had to the new vice
moderator, Sue Welch of Salem UCC in Quincy,
before receiving the moderator's gavel.
Also installed at the meeting in Springfield were
Bob Meinershagen, Association Council; Sandy
Meinershagen, Church and Ministry Committee;
Silas Tockey, Illinois Conference Council and
Mission Support as well as General Synod delegate;
and Edna Mara, Association Nominating
Committee. Pastor Ken announced that the Fall
Association Meeting on October 21 will feature
leaders of the Center for Progressive Renewal.
16
Staff of St. John United Church of Christ
Members and Friends of St. John UCC
Rev. Ken Kramer
Darlene Begolka
Jerry Berglin
Jimmy Hashman
Kirby Rodgers
Laura Lee
David Helm
Darlene Begolka
Ministers
Pastor
Church Secretary
Custodian
Maintenance Person
Financial Manager
Organist
Chancel Choir Director and Bell Choir Director
Music Makers Director and Chime Choir Director
Church Council for 2017
Greg Jurgenson, President
Jan Hahn, Vice President
Erin Semple, Secretary
Carolyn Pech, Current Fund Treasurer
Bob Meinershagen, Special Funds Treasurer
Bill Gosda, Jr., Financial Secretary
Don Begolka
Donna Kessinger
Karen Pecoraro
Sandy Sanders
Suzanne Tockey
Selma Wilham
Contact us:
Email
[email protected]
Website
stjohnucclincolnillinois.com
St. John United Church of Christ
204 Seventh Street
Lincoln, Illinois 62656
217-732-6957
217-871-5817, Pastor’s Cell Phone
17