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October 2017Issue 69
Volume 10
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.
Here for You
WORSHIPSCHEDULE
October 1 8:00 & 10:30 am Christian Unity
John 17:14-24
October 8 8:00 & 10:30 am
Being Lonely
Matthew 28:16-20
October 15 8:00 & 10:30 am
Artist Sunday
Psalm 104
October 22 8:00 & 10:30 am
Caring Through Poor
Decisions
Matthew 18:15-20
October 29 8:00 & 10:30 am
My Costume
Proverbs 6:16-20 and Philippians 4:8-90
The Steeple is published 12 times per year by
First United Presbyterian Church,Belleville, Illinois
Subscription price $1.00 per year POSTMASTER:
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1303 Royal Heights Rd, Belleville, IL 62223
Better Together
There is a beautiful song by Jack Johnson called “Better Together” and the lyrics are...
There is no combination of words I could put on the back of a postcardNo song that I could sing, but I can try for your heartOur dreams, and they are made out of real thingsLike a shoe box of photographsWith sepia-toned lovingLove is the answer, at least for most of the questions in my heartLike why are we here? And where do we go?And how come it’s so hard?It’s not always easy andSometimes life can be deceivingI’ll tell you one thing, it’s always better when we’re together
I love how this song captures the intersection of memories, hope, pain, and the ultimate power of love. We can find all kinds of ways to divide
from one another, and we will undoubtedly speak words, some on purpose and some on accident. It is the imperfection of communication, the imperfection of intention, the imperfection of patience, and the imperfection of humility in our lives. However, when we consider what we have in our memories and our potential, then we have the power to make things always better. We are coming together in our missions, in our worship, in our teaching, and in our caring. We are gathering pledges to put the power of financial blessings behind our intentions. I don’t know what each of us can do on our own and in our lives separately, but I’ll tell you one thing... it’s always better when we’re together.
In Christ,Pastor Rob
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Thanks to the generous donations from the congregation, over 80 laundry baskets, blankets and pillows were delivered to Lindenwood international students. Thank you to all those who helped with the day of delivery.
Family News Information current as of September 25
Ministering to God’s People
In Our Prayers
October 1USHERING 8:00 amConi JacksonKathy Schmidt USHERING 10:30 amGigi & Roger CoxAdrian CroissantAlly DyerWill GagenGrace Kearns (Jr. Usher)Marissa Kearns (Jr. Usher)Susy RybickiLITURGISTChuck ThurigAMBASSADORRosemary EhrsteinPHONEMary TeagueBUS DRIVERKevin MederCOUNTERSJohn DorrisJohn HeslopCOFFEE HOURHospitalitySOUND OPERATORAl KrausVIDEO OPERATORAlex TambalaCHILDCARE ATTENDANTSGigi CoxPam & Danny HalelTerri O’SabenElizabeth Schramm
October 8USHERING 8:00 amJackie & Dan BainterLou Stark USHERING 10:30 amBrenda DollSharon & Jerry GaskillJohnny Mize (Jr. Usher)Robert Mize (Jr. Usher)Marian & Jim MorrisDee PalmerBetty ScherrerDean WallenACOLYTENeed Volunteer LITURGISTJohn MannAMBASSADORBabs HillPHONEJane WilkinBUS DRIVERMatt HallCOUNTERSJoe HarnistDennis HubbardCOFFEE HOURPastor Appreciation DaySOUND OPERATORDan HarresVIDEO OPERATORRich StehnachCHILDCARE ATTENDANTSJane BynumPam & Danny HalelDee MannElizabeth SchrammTerri Vandiver
October 15USHERING 8:00 amDonna BockBillie & Steve ChaneyUSHERING 10:30 amBabs HillJoy Hunter (Jr. Usher)Al KrausCyndi & Ed LangenAmber Lankford (Jr. Usher)Shawn Lankford Bruce ReederLarry ScottACOLYTERachel LankfordLITURGISTMelissa EppsAMBASSADORBrenda & Roger DollPHONEPam HalelBUS DRIVERKevin MederCOUNTERSJoe HarnistJohn HeslopCOFFEE HOURSand DollarsSOUND OPERATORMark VandiverVIDEO OPERATORAlex TambalaCHILDCARE ATTENDANTSMelissa EppsKeely & Mike GilesNancy KreebDee MannElizabeth Schramm
October 22USHERING 8:00 amTerri & Dan O’SabenUSHERING 10:30 amAmy AbernathyGrace FarinasDan HarresDee & John MannShirley & Bob SamplesZach Tambala (Jr. Usher)Colin Wiltsie (Jr. Usher)ACOLYTELily MokriakowTrent MokriakowLITURGISTJulia WeeksAMBASSADORSharon & Jerry GaskillPHONELinda Gurr Need VolunteerBUS DRIVERRoger CoxCOUNTERSJoe HarnistDennis HubbardCOFFEE HOURPresbyterian WomenSOUND OPERATORDave EppsVIDEO OPERATORRich StehnachCHILDCARE ATTENDANTSAmy AbernathyJan DorrisNancy KreebDiane Winland
October 29USHERING 8:00 amDonna BockBillie & Steve ChaneyUSHERING 10:30 amBabs HillAl KrausCyndi & Ed LangenShawn Lankford Bruce ReederLarry ScottLITURGISTKristen LinkAMBASSADORDaphne SumnerPHONEJanice HoenigBUS DRIVERDennis HubbardCOUNTERSBill BeebeKevin MederCOFFEE HOURNeed VolunteerSOUND OPERATORDan HarresVIDEO OPERATORAlex TambalaCHILDCARE ATTENDANTSCarrie BairSean Choo KimNancy KreebNatalie Maley-Bill
For the family and friends of Mary Diel, who died on September 13 in Belleville. For the family of Rev. Joy & Ron Myers on the death of her nephew, Daryl Hannon, who died on September 14 in North Aurora, Illinois. For
Our Deepest Sympathy
Bill BurkeIrene CoverdellMarguerite FrenchSue HallHelen Handley-FabreBernice HandrichNorma Jackson Lucile Katty
Bonnie KrauseAlbert Killmeier (Marti Gibson’s brother)Dustin LambriesHenri & Ted LawrenceDorothy MartinJeanette McCurdyEvelyn Meyer
Lane MillerMary Ellen PollockNancy ReineckerSandy & Don RhodesKimberly RicheySteve Schmidt Wanda Lee Schmidt Isabelle Vogel
All world leadersOur nation’s leadersOur enemiesOur eldersOur deaconsOur trustees Our Church staffOur Stephen Ministers
Our efforts to grow spiritually Our efforts to express our faith clearlyOur efforts to discover & use our spiritual giftsOur efforts to serve the community
Our efforts to care for one anotherOur efforts to reach new believersPresbyterian Community Preschool People who are depressed and anxious
Bernice Handrich on the death of her daughter, Millicent Chrusciel, who died on September 22 in Elmhurst, Illinois.
Presbyterian WomenOctober 6: PW Day Out to St. LouisPW members will tour Second Presbyterian Church in St. Louis and enjoy a lunch out. Located in the Central West End, the exterior of Second Pres features architectural details typical of the
Romanesque Revival style. Known for its unique collection of stained glass windows in the Sanctuary, 13 windows are from the Tiffany Company, and reflect the artistry of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Several other windows are constructed in the Tiffany style by the Cincinnati Church Window Company and by the St Louis artisan Emil Frei. For any questions about the tour, contact Shirley Samples, 624-3340.
PW Thank Offering: “For the Healing of the Nations”The PW Thank Offering has been in existence since 1888. In February of 2017, the Creative Ministries Offering Committee of Presbyterian Women chose 15 projects totaling $382,500 to receive funds this year. Ten recipients are in the USA, and five are international. More than half the projects are health ministries. Thank Offering envelopes can be found in the pew racks during October.
Presbyterian Women’s Circles in October 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 Cloud of Witnesses: The Community of Christ in Hebrews by Melissa Bane Sevier.
Wednesday, October 4: Lydia Circle, 7:00 p.m.Tuesday, October 17: Lamplighters Circle: 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 18: Hannah Circle: 11:30 a.m.
Menu for October
Canned Chicken and Dumplings
Canned Green Vegetable (low or no salt)
Canned Pears (lite or in fruit juice)
Powdered Milk
Additional Items:Kid-Friendly Month
Peanut Butter
Jelly (no glass containers)
Macaroni & Cheese
GIVE-A-MEAL-A-MONTH
Monetary donations always welcome.Sponsored by Presbyterian Women
For more information, contact PW Moderator, Shirley Samples, 624-3340.
Additional Dates • October 22: Host Coffee Hour• October 27: PW Coordinating Team Meeting, 9:30 am• November 3: Luncheon and program “Baseball Stuff” featuring Dennis Schutzenhofer. Look in the October bulletins for more information.
Give-a-Meal-a-Month (GAMAM)Thank you for supporting this program! The menu above suggests non-perishable items to buy during October. 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.
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November 5: All Saints’ DayThe Faithful of every generation: An excerpt from the Companion to the Book of Common Worship (Geneva Press, 2003, 150-151).
All Saints’ Day is a time to rejoice in all who through the ages have faithfully served the Lord. The day reminds us that we are part of one continuing, living communion of saints. It is a time to claim our kinship with the “glorious company of apostles … the noble fellowship of prophets … the white-robed army of martyrs” (Te Deum). It is a time to express our gratitude for all who in ages of darkness kept the faith, for those who have taken the gospel to the ends of the earth, for prophetic voices who have called the church to be faithful in life and service, for all who have witnessed to God’s justice and peace in every nation.
We will recognize our faithful servants on November 5, All Saints’ Day. We have the names of many who have died this past year. However, if you want to confirm that your loved one is already on the list or if you have someone to add, please call the Office before October 27.
Library Lines: Featured Books• Do you remember the news or movie about the airline pilot, Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger? Highest Duty is the
intimate story of a man who reminds us that the seemingly ordinary virtues, leadership, responsibility, hard work and service to others can prepare us to perform extraordinary acts. It’s in the Library for your reading pleasure. • The Life of Jesus is a book for children of all ages. It is a wonderful recounting of the Nativity, Flight into Egypt, Teaching in the Temple, Arrest in the Garden, Resurrection and more. This is the perfect book to introduce children to Jesus’ life and teachings.
Transportation MinistryDo you need a ride to the 10:30 Sunday morning worship service? Do you need a ride to and from a doctor’s appointment? Or do you have another transportation need? First United has a team of drivers waiting to transport you! New drivers are always welcome. For the Sunday bus ministry, call Dennis Hubbard, 920-6594. For other transportation needs, call Bob Samples, 624-3340.
Garden BouquetsThe beautiful bouquets in the Chapel and the Commons have been donated by Meghan DeGroot, a member of our Church. She raises the flowers to sell at farmers’ markets. Thank you, Meghan, for this gift of love.
Adult DiscipleshipPastor’s Class (Sundays, 9:15 am, Vista Room, 206)• October 1: Coffee Chat with the Pastor Rob DyerHave some coffee and chat about whatever comes up. This is a great time of informal connection with the Pastor and an opportunity to ask him questions about the church, faith, Bible, whatever!• October 8: Community Needs ReportThis class will present some of the great needs that we have discerned in our community. Come to hear the reality of where our community is hurting and how some are mobilizing to being healing and help.• October 15: Image of GodThis class will invite participants to hear how others have imagined God and to share/discover how they perceive God.• October 22: Helping Friends on Bad PathsDo you have a friend or loved one going down a bad path? Come hear about how your faith can be a tool for helping them.• October 29: Spiritual Life of GrandparentingGrandparents play all sorts of roles in the lives of their grandchildren. Whether your grandchildren are nearby or far away, we will share ways that you can be a powerful spiritual presence in their lives.
Thoughtful Christian Gathering (Sundays, 9:15 am, Room, 200)• October 1: Romans (Jim Nicholas, leader)In this study of Romans, Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome, participants will use selected texts from chapters 9–16 of Romans to explore what it means to live in the world as a community that is continually being transformed by God’s Holy Spirit.• October 8: Jonah (Linda Hangsleben, leader)“Far too often the significance of this Minor Prophet is completely overlooked as people concentrate on the issue of the “great fish.” Jonah is no fish story. It is a carefully crafted literary work whose importance for the formation of an adequate theology for the Christian community far exceeds its length. The book of Jonah is written along the lines of a short story, with balanced scenes to teach an ironic lesson of God’s justice, love, and freedom. This one-
session study uncovers the real story of Jonah, which presents a timeless challenge to faithful people who don’t accept or preach God’s unlimited grace. Participants will uncover the riches of the story by learning just why a Jewish prophet would not want to prophecy to the people God chose to save. They will then be challenged to see the relevance of the story in our communities today.” • October 15: Elijah (Danny Halel, leader)“Elijah was a famous prophet we find in the book of 1 Kings. Through the many stories of his attempts to be a loyal prophet of God, we learn something of the role of prophets, the nature of God, and the way God will act in our lives when we risk all and follow. This one-session study is a refresher for those who wish to remember just who Elijah was and the importance of his life for the community of faith.”• October 22 & 29: Martin Luther (Roger Doll, leader)October 31, 2017, marks the 500th anniversary of the year Martin Luther made his 95 Theses known to the world, thus changing the history of the church, country, and world forever. He nailed them to the doors of the All Saints’ Church in Wittenberg, Electorate of Saxony within the Holy Roman Empire (now the country of Germany). Who was Martin Luther? A simple monk in sixteenth-century Germany, he followed his conscience and faith, challenging the pope and turning the world upside down. What was his life like, and what did he believe? Those are the guiding questions in this two-session study. Participants will pray some of his prayers and examine his principle teachings.
Adulting (Sundays, 9:15 am, Library)This class will continue discussing Rachel Held Evans’ book, Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving, and Finding the Church. Kristen Link will lead the discussions. Something kept drawing the author back to Church despite her cynicism and misgivings. This book records her journey “to understand Church and to find her place in it.”
StewardshipBy now, you should have received your Thy will be done pledge cards in the mail. Please prayerfully fill out your card, check that your name and address are correct and return as soon as possible. If you did not receive a card, or need another one, they are in the pew backs, or you can check with the office.
From the Office: e-Weekly EmailsWould you like to receive informational emails from the church? For example, the emails may contain details about worship, opportunities for learning or service, fellowship, or funeral arrangements. Send an email to LuAnn Orlet, [email protected], and let her know that you would like to be included on the e-Weekly list.
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Rachel Lankford as liturgist on Sunday, August 20.
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Adult FellowshipOctober 11: Faith in FictionAll the Light We Can Not See by Anthony Doerr is a novel about a father and his daughter, Marie-Laure, fleeing Paris when the Nazis occupy the city. Werner, an orphan in Germany, becomes involved in hunting down the Resistance. Marie-Laure and Werner come together in Saint-Malo, as Doerr illuminates the ways — against all odds — people try to be nice to each other. We will meet at 9:00 am, October 11, in the Youth Room (121). Contact Susy Rybicki if you need information, 792-9458.
October 13: Merry MatesMerry Mates will gather in Eversull Hall at 6:00 pm on Friday, October 13, for a potluck dinner. Following the meal, Bruce Reeder will present a program on Japan. All are welcome! For more information, contact Bob McCammon, 616-6973, or Linda Hangsleben, 407-5844 or [email protected].
October 13: Sand DollarsThe Sand Dollars will meet on Friday, October 13, at the home of the Misselhorns. We will have dinner at 6:30 pm and a bonfire, along with our meeting. Anyone interested in joining the group can call Karen and Mike Cassano, 977-5386.
October 21: HelmsmenThe Helmsmen will hold their monthly meeting on Saturday, October 21, in Eversull Hall. Dinner begins at 6:00 pm, and our program will be “A Walk Through Italy” by Barbra Klein. Helmsmen are encouraged to invite a friend and dine with us. Also, a reminder that the Woodcarvers’ Show is coming up on November 4 and 5. If you have any questions, contact John or Dee Mann, 624-3040.
October 25: Prayer Shawl MinistryPrayer shawl knitters have now begun their 11th year, having gifted over 1600 prayer shawls. Lovely new friends have joined and enjoy the blessing of those who have been with us since the beginning. If, as winter approaches, you would like to participate in something new, we will teach you and provide the yarn! No quotas, no pressure, just a friendly, happy fellowship. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 25, at 9:00 am with coffee and nibbles. Come visit and see what we are all about. We would love to have you! Call 235-3197 for information or questions. ~ Blessings, Betty McRoberts
October 24: Potlucks with a PurposeAt our July meeting, we had a small but convivial group. However, we still ate delicious food, collected our “dining-out-dollars,” and enjoyed a wonderful evening of fellowship. For the charity, we decided to support the Blessing Belleville Banquet, spearheaded by Ally Dyer; our donation was $425. It was decided to combine that meeting’s collection with some of the generous donations from memorials for our dear, late member, Jan Dinstbier.
Our next meeting will be Tuesday, October 24, at 6:30 pm in the Vista Room (206); feel free to come early to help set up. Bring a dish to share, your “dining-out dollars,” and join us for delicious food and fellowship. Please think about a time when you were moved by someone else’s generosity; then come prepared to tell that story. If you have never attended before, this is your chance
to join this “no fuss” life group; we only meet quarterly, so come see what we’re about. Because of the recent hurricane disasters in Texas and Florida, our funds from this meeting will be donated to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Fund. For more information, contact Sheila Misselhorn, 538-9503 or [email protected].
Veterans’ Life GroupWe have just completed our first year as your Veterans’ Life Group and want to thank everyone for the loving support and encouragement. While we had a busy first year helping others, we feel we can and need to do more. Stay tuned. We are all here to serve.October Fellowship Breakfasts: Thursday, October 12, at 7:30 am, Denny’s/Belleville; Saturday, October 14, at 7:30 am, Denny’s/O’Fallon. These have proven to be very popular are open to ALL Church members and your guests. If you have a Veteran friend and want to introduce them to our Church, this is a great way to start, with a common “veteran bond.”Saturday, November 11: Pancake Breakfast Sponsored by Veterans’ Group in Eversull Hall from 8:00 am - 11:00 am. No tickets will be sold, but donations will be accepted at the door. Please mark your calendar and join us for a great breakfast and fellowship.Sunday, November 12: Quilts of Honor will be held after the 8:00 and 10:30 am services. Forty-five quilts will be on display in the Commons. These quilts will be awarded to our Church veterans as our way of honoring their military service. We hope to see all of our veterans to celebrate YOUR day.Veteran Outreach and Current Active Duty Family Programs: These continue to gain momentum. Please contact Ken, 314-791-5371 or Shawn, 222-1641, if you know anyone in our church family or immediate area who can use additional help or support.November 5: Next Veterans’ Life Group Meeting at 12:00 noon in the Conference Room. All Church members are welcome.
Attendance and Giving
Date Worship Pledges & Contributions Attendance as of August 31, 201708.06.17 251 Pledged $37,766.00 08.13.17 294 Unpledged 8,561.00 08.20.17 305 Loose Offerings 610.2308.26.17 281 Per Capita 45.00 Schnucks eScrip Cards 48.10 Capital Campaign Funds 15,811.50 Additional Information: Online Giving* 6,836.29
* 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.
August 2017
Grief Support Ministry: What is Grief?What is grief? We have struggled with this subject. So, instead of discussing what grief is, we’re going to discuss what it isn’t.
It is not just five stages. It does not follow a predictable timeline. It is not smooth and it is not short term. It does not look the same for people, even people in the same family who lost the same person. Grief does not give you closure - that is a myth. You do not get over grief, in fact, grieving people will not want closure on a relationship with a person that they lost. They just want to find a way to move into an unanticipated future with a little less pain. They want to find a way to maintain a connection with the person they have lost.
Be patient. Be open. Be flexible. Be long term. Shut down your judgments. We don’t know what grief is, but it isn’t easy. ~ Reprinted with permission form Heartlinks Grief Center
October 28: Raising Awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease The Christian Education Committee would like to recommend an event on Saturday, October 28, for individuals who have a dementia diagnosis and their family/caregivers. Sponsored by Hospice of Southern Illinois, The Edge Theater will show the movie, “Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me.” The film documents Glen’s “Goodbye Tour” as he and his family attempt to navigate the wildly unpredictable nature of his progressing Alzheimer’s disease using love, laughter and music as their medicine of choice. The showing, along with snacks and educational tools, is free to attendees but seating is limited. Reservations must be made through Kim Johnson of
Nurturing Ourselves and OthersHospice of Southern Illinois, 250-6863. Leave a detailed message. Registration will be between 8:15 and 8:45 am with the movie beginning at 9:00 am.
November 18 or 19: Mental Health SeminarHow do you interact with people – at home, at work, at church – who suffer from a mental health issue? Do you just shy away and ignore them? Or do you respond in ways that are relevant, educated, encouraging, and Christ-like? Stephen Ministry and the Christian Education Committee will sponsor a Mental Health Seminar designed to help you better understand what those with mental health issues are experiencing and what you can do to help. We will offer the seminar at two different times, Saturday, November 18, at 10:00 am, and Sunday, November 19, at 4:00 pm (same seminar/two different times). The seminar will be led by Jessica Epperson, a Licensed Social Worker from the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation. She provided the training for one of the recent Stephen Ministry mental health modules. This seminar will not empower you to act as a lay counselor who might give advice or treatment. Instead, Ms. Epperson will share how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health issues, how to talk (and how not to talk) to those with mental health issues, and how you can be a valuable resource to them. It is important to remember that we cannot stay silent. Each seminar offering will last about two hours and be held in Eversull Hall. For more information, contact John Mann, 558-5669, or Stephanie Foltz, 233-0295.
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PYC (Presbyterian Youth Club) - grades 3-5
KIX (Kids in Christ) - grades 6-8
TIM (Teens in Ministry) - grades 9-12
WOW! The volunteer response for preparing a
Wednesday night meal has been amazing! We only
have three nights left to fill on the calendar! Way to go First
United! There are many options for what you, your family
or life group can do. Contact Jess Mokriakow, 910-3738 or
Wednesday Night Youth Meals
Children & Youth LifeSunday Mornings for Children at FUPC• Childcare for infants through age 3Childcare is provided for our infants and toddlers on Sunday mornings from 7:30 am through the 10:30 am worship service. The Crib Room (0-18 months) and the Toddler Room (18-36 months) are located in the hallway between the Chapel and the Sanctuary. • 9:15 am: Sunday School for Children ages 3-5 The Preschool Sunday School Class meets in the Toddler Room (207) and is for children who have turned 3 through pre-kindergarten. Caring teaching teams use curriculum based on biblical stories, incorporating a wide range of activities such as storytelling, music, crafts, and movement. It’s a great way for young ones to learn more about God and the Bible, along with creating personal connections with their peers.• 9:15 am: Sunday School for Children grades K-5FaithQuest is the Sunday School program for grades K-5. FaithQuest is based on the Workshop Rotation Model for Christian Education. Recognizing that children learn differently and through repetition, major Bible stories and concepts are taught using activities that actively engage all the senses. During October, the workshops will focus on Isaac and Jacob & Esau. FaithQuest students gather in the Sanctuary at 9:15 am and then leave for their workshops. At 10:15 am, students are picked up by their families in the workshop area. • 10:30 am: Children’s Chapel for ages 3 through 3rd gradeFirst United recognizes the importance of even our youngest members experiencing worship with the rest of our faith community. During the 10:30 worship service, all children ages 3 and up attend the first part of the worship service with their families. After Pastor Rob shares time with the children, at approximately 10:40, students ages 3 through 3rd grade leave with adult Worship Leaders and Greeters to attend their own carefully designed, age appropriate worship time in Children’s Chapel. During October worship times, the children will hear the stories of Birth of Isaac, Moses and the Burning Bush, Exodus, The Ten Best Ways to Live, and The Temple-A House for God.
Wednesday Evenings for Children at FUPCThe Christian Education Committee offers three programs for children on Wednesday evenings. A meal is offered for all three groups and all will hear a Bible story and have response time. The two older groups will also participate in a time of worship in the Chapel. For more information on each group, contact Stephanie Foltz, Director of Christian Education. • GLC (God’s Loving Care) for Infants Through 3 Years OldOctober 4, 11, 18 & 25: 5:30 – 8:00 pm in the Toddler Room (207)• GFF (God’s Faithful Friends) for Children ages 4 – 2nd gradeOctober 4, 11, 18 & 25: 5:30 – 7:30 pm, regular meetings in the Blue Room (108); Homework Club will follow until 8:00 pm in the Vista Room for those with older siblings in KIX and TIM or parents in choir• PYC (Presbyterian Youth Club) News (grades 3-5)October 4, 11, 18 & 25: 5:30 – 7:30 pm, regular meetings in the Vista Room (206); Homework Club will follow until 8:00 pm for those with older siblings in KIX and TIM or parents in choirOctober 27-28: PYC Lock-in; more details will be sent home.
Bus Transportation on WednesdaysBus transportation to the church is available for PYC, KIX and TIM
participants. If you need a ride, please contact Kaitie Kautz, 233-0295 x112 or [email protected].
KIX (Kids in Christ) News (grades 6-8)Meets every Sunday (9:15-10:15 am) and Wednesday (5:30-8:00 pm).Saturday, October 14: Church-Wide Mission Day to Mound Ridge You can meet at the church at 7:15am if you’d like to ride the bus, or drive separately and meet at Mound Ridge at 9:30 am. We will conclude our day at 4:00 pm. Contact Kaitie to sign up!Friday, October 27-Saturday, October 28: Presbytery Middle School Retreat We will travel to Mound Ridge for a retreat with other middle schoolers from the Giddings- Lovejoy presbytery for a night of fun, worship, and meeting new friends! We will leave the church at 5:00 pm on Friday, October 27 and return around 6:30 pm on Saturday, October 28. Bring a sack dinner for the bus. Cost is $20. Sign up by October 11.
TIM (Teens in Ministry) News (grades 9-12) Meets every Sunday (9:15-10:15 am) and Wednesday (5:30-8:00 pm).Saturday, October 14: Church Wide Mission Day to Mound Ridge Meet at the church at 7:15 am to ride the bus, or drive separately and meet at Mound Ridge at 9:30 am. We will conclude our day at 4:00 pm. Contact Kaitie to sign up!
Youth Summer 2018 TripsKIX will be returning to Great Escape, July 9-14, for another wonderful week of fun and worship. TIM will venture to Cairo, Illinois, for a mission trip to learn about racial and community issues facing this small Southern Illinois town. Potential work projects include painting, yard work, children’s programs or a children’s sports camp. The dates are July 22-27. Both trips cost $225 with a deposit before November 1 and $275 after. Scholarships are available! Talk to Kaitie for more information.
Youth MinistriesThe youth program (grades 6-12) is back in full swing! We started with a Surprise event for Youth Kickoff that whisked the youth off to a mystery location for food, games and fellowship. They had an amazing time and enjoyed a special speaker (Pastor Rob). With this new school year, we have updated and improved our Wednesday night experience for the youth. We are giving the youth more time to participate and share in real, authentic engagement with their faith. Pastor Rob is even more visible to our youth and has time to engage our youth in discussion. Our youth leaders are doing a tremendous job of leading more in-depth conversations and giving the youth the environment in which they can feel comfortable in their faith, answer questions and share thoughts.
Our calendar is filling up with all kinds of fun upcoming activities: Middle School Retreat for KIX, the church-wide mission trip to Mound Ridge in October, high school adventure day for TIM and many more.
As always, we truly appreciate the terrific support of the congregation. We could not have such an amazing youth program without your help and support.
October 28: Project Compassion DayFirst United will help Project Compassion pack and deliver items for the homeless on both sides of the river on Saturday, October 28. Those helping from our church are Danny Bainter, Tom Cahoon, Jerry Gaskill, Kim and Dennis Hubbard, Mike Moore, Bruce Reeder and Bob Samples; anyone is welcome to join them. Although this is the last delivery date for 2017, the collection of items is ongoing. Thank you for your continued support of this important effort. For more information, contact Bob Samples, 624-3340.
Sunday Morning HospitalityThank you to the many groups and individuals who have served as coffee hour hosts throughout 2017! First United is blessed with your gift of hospitality and the fellowship it provides. Please prayerfully consider these few remaining dates in the year (October 29, November 26, December 24 and 30) and add your name to the calendar located in Cornell Commons. Also, as your groups meet in the next month or two, begin planning dates in 2018 when your group could help to provide hospitality and fellowship on a Sunday morning. ~ In Grace and Fellowship, the Hospitality Committee
October 4 and 8: Meet a Mission Co-WorkerOn Wednesday, October 4, Katherine Hines will update the progress of Hines Ugandan Ministries at 9:00 am in the Chapel. Katherine returns to the United States once a year and makes a special effort to visit with us during that time. This is a good opportunity to learn what is going on at HUM and to ask questions. Katherine founded HUM in 1999. Her ministry brings a message of hope with the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the spiritual, physical and practical needs of widows and orphans of Kamonkoli, a village in eastern Uganda. The desire is to see these children grow up knowing they have eternal life in Christ and to give them the love that He desires for them. The children are the future of the country; reaching them now will make a difference for each child and for Uganda. Katherine will also present a God at Work segment at both services on Sunday, October 8.
October 8 through 14: Adult Mission TripThe Adult Mission Team will go to Mound Ridge Retreat Center in Cook Station, Missouri. Our main project will be to help finish the inside of their new Welcome Center by running electrical wire, installing outlets, insulating, and staining and putting up wall paneling. Other projects are to power wash various areas, install an attic vent, blow leaves and needles out of roof valleys and gutters, and weed and plant flowers at the camp entrance. All skill levels are welcome! Mound Ridge is about a two-hour drive from our church, close enough to come for just a day if you can’t stay for the week. Lodging and meals are provided at no cost to you. On Saturday, October 14, we will join the Church-Wide Mission Trip at MR to help with their projects. If you are interested, please please mark these dates on your calendar and talk to Dwight Lied, 234-4060; Andy Morgan, 257-1935; or Chuck Thurig, 277-8493.
Ways to Serve and Give
Mission Committee
Peace & Global Witness Offering: Blessed Are the PeacemakersThis special offering is received during the Season of Peace, which ends on World Communion Sunday, October 1.
How Is My Gift Used? A gift to the Peace & Global Witness Offering enables the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice across the world. Individual congregations are encouraged to utilize up to 25% of this offering to connect with the global witness of Christ’s peace; First United will donate their 25% to Racial Harmony. Mid-councils retain an additional 25% for ministries of peace and reconciliation. The remaining 50% is used by the Presbyterian Mission Agency to advocate for peace and justice in cultures of violence, including our own, through collaborative projects of education and Christian witness.
You may use the envelope which is included in your box of envelopes or the special envelope which is in the pew rack. Please give as you are able.
November 4: Fourth Annual International Mission FestivalThe Mission Festival highlights First United Presbyterian’s overseas mission programs. “Tastes from Around the World” includes a free meal with many great food dishes from the twelve countries we support. Serving starts at 5:30 pm. During dinner, there will be international music and a slide show that will feature the sights and sounds from these foreign countries. There will also be a variety of international crafts for sale.
Mark your calendar, plan to attend, and bring a guest! We still need your help for this event to be a success. Watch for bulletin inserts to sign up. To learn more, contact Mission Committee members, Chuck Thurig, 277-8493; Andy Morgan, 257-1935; Dwight Lied, 234-4060; or Hospitality Committee members, Martha Dexheimer, 624-3391; or Martha Tambala, 314-397-6967.
The forms above are published to meet postal requirements.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1Peace and Global Witness Offering8:00 am Worship9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship12:00 pm College & Young Adult
MONDAY, OCTOBER 211:30 am Golf Tournament - Tamarack Golf Course, O’Fallon6:00 pm Metro East Chorale
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 39:30 am Quilters9:30 am Staff Meeting5:30 pm Evangelism Committee6:00 pm Woodcarvers7:00 pm Adult Ed Team
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 48:30 am Men’s Bible Study9:00 am Hines Ugandan Ministries Presentation1:00 pm Personnel Committee5:30 pm Children’s Programs5:30 pm Vision Team5:30 pm Youth Homework & Games6:00 pm Children & Youth Supper6:00 pm First United Bells7:00 pm Chancel Choir7:00 pm Lydia Circle
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 510:00 am Prayer Quilters10:30 am Parish Nurse Available12:00 pm Hospitality Committee 6:00 pm Preschool Open House6:00 pm Illinois Heat Volleyball7:00 pm Equipping Team
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 69:00 am PW Day Out - Tour 2nd Presbyterian Church in St. Louis & Lunch
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8Dedication Sunday8:00 am Worship9:15 am Sunday School 10:30 am Worship12:00 pm Adult Mission Trip Departs
MONDAY, OCTOBER 96:00 pm Metro East Chorale6:00 pm Woodcarvers
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 109:30 am Quilters9:30 am Staff Meeting6:30 pm Session
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 118:30 am Men’s Bible Study9:00 am Faith in Fiction10:00 am Library Committee5:30 pm Children’s Programs5:30 pm Youth Homework & Games6:00 pm Children & Youth Supper6:00 pm First United Bells7:00 pm Chancel Choir7:00 pm Deacons
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 127:30 am Veterans’ Group Breakfast (Belleville Denny’s) 10:00 am Prayer Quilters10:30 am Parish Nurse Available 6:00 pm Illinois Heat Volleyball
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 136:00 pm Merry Mates6:30 pm Sand Dollars7:00 pm MaryMarthas
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 147:30 am Veterans’ Group Breakfast (O’Fallon Denny’s)9:30 am Intergenerational Mission Trip begins at Mound Ridge (7:15 am Bus Departs)11:00 am PW Fund Raiser - DAR Luncheon
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15Artist Sunday8:00 am Worship9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship12:00 pm Youth Ministries Committee
MONDAY, OCTOBER 16Steeple Deadline6:00 pm Metro East Chorale6:00 pm Woodcarvers7:00 pm Trustees TUESDAY, OCTOBER 179:30 am Quilters9:30 am Staff Meeting1:00 pm Lamplighters6:00 pm Stewardship Committee6:30 pm Christian Education Committee
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 188:30 am Men’s Bible Study11:30 am Hannah Circle 5:00 pm Worship Committee 5:30 pm Children’s Programs5:30 pm Youth Homework & Games6:00 pm Children & Youth Supper6:00 pm United Bells7:00 pm Chancel Choir
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1910:00 am Prayer Quilters10:30 am Parish Nurse 6:00 pm Illinois Heat Volleyball
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20Preschool Papa John Pizza Fundraiser
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 216:00 pm Helmsmen
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 228:00 am Worship9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship
MONDAY, OCTOBER 236:00 pm Metro East Chorale6:00 pm Woodcarvers
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 249:30 am Quilters9:30 am Staff Meeting5:00 pm Stephen Ministry6:30 pm Potlucks With a Purpose
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 258:30 am Men’s Bible Study9:00 am Prayer Shawl Ministry5:30 pm Children’s Programs 5:30 pm Youth Homework & Games6:00 pm Children & Youth Supper6:00 pm Mission Committee7:00 pm Chancel Choir
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2610:00 am Prayer Quilters10:30 am Parish Nurse Available6:00 pm Illinois Heat Volleyball
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 279:30 am PW-CT Meeting5:00 pm KIX Retreat at Mound Ridge (Middle School Retreat)6:00 pm PYC Lock-in
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 289:00 am Compassion Day (deliver items to homeless)9:00 am PYC Lock-in Ends6:00 pm KIX Retreat at Mound Ridge Returns (Missouri Middle School Retreat)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 298:00 am Worship9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship
MONDAY, OCTOBER 306:00 pm Metro East Chorale6:00 pm Woodcarvers
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 319:30 am Quilters9:30 am Staff Meeting
Calendar of Events October 2017
S AV E T H E D AT E
November 4International
Mission Festival
November 4-5Woodcarvers’ Show
November 5All Saints’ Sunday
November 15Presentation by
Mission Co-Worker from Asia
November 18-19Mental Health
Awareness Discussion
Legacy Please remember First United in your estate plans.
November 11Pancake Breakfast
Sponsored by Veterans’ Group
November 17-18TIM Retreat to Mound Ridge
Gustus Estate Gift
Many months ago our church was blessed with an incredible
act of generosity. Martha Gustus, a delightful member of the congregation and regular attendee of our 8:00 am service, set aside a portion of her estate to bless several organizations, including First United Presbyterian Church. Upon Martha’s death, her estate made several very generous contributions including a $300,000 gift to our Church. For quite a while, the elders of the Session have been discussing and praying over this gift. We had active discussions and exercises to help us listen to the whispers of the Spirit coming from each voice at the Session table. We took some time off to be in silence on the subject, allowing the elders to pray and think on their own. And most recently, we reengaged our active group discernment on what to do with this incredible blessing and opportunity. A special evening of prayer and discussion was held, and then at the following Session meeting in September, the Session clearly discerned two areas where they felt the pull of the Holy Spirit. And so, 2/3 of the Gustus Estate Gift was allocated for these purposes. The exciting news is that both areas of our mission represent the Session moving forward in hope and anticipation. Neither is motivated out of fear. Rather the Session sees our church on the edge of incredible possibilities simply in need of some financial blessing to make the leap of faith into what God might do next through us.
First, the Session strongly feels that we have reached a time where we need to reestablish
the position of an Associate Pastor at First United. The church is growing in nearly every ministry area and we simply cannot sustain that growth with just one pastor. Over 120 new members have been added since Pastor Rob arrived. Furthermore, our community missions’ participation, our creative worship development, our evangelism initiatives, our member engagement, our hospitality efforts, our global missions’ support, our youth ministry outreach, our children’s programs, our serving of congregation needs among us, and so many more ministry areas have all increased in their scope. We are ready to empower our church with an Associate Pastor, as we had for countless years previously. Thanks to the generosity of Martha Gustus, we can seed this position so that it can gradually be incorporated into our annual budget as we wind
down the Capital Campaign. The position will be up to 100% covered by the Gustus Estate Gift in its first year and then up to 50% covered in the second year. We are unleashing the potential of this new person into our calling from God and enabling our existing staff (particularly Pastor Rob) to maximize their potential for our Kingdom work. This month, we will begin working with the Presbytery and our church family to refine and define the exact role this Associate Pastor will play on our ministry team.
Secondly, the Session has discerned that we need to prepare for the incredible commitment
that our 2019 church-wide goal will demand. Our 2019 church-wide goal involves discerning one major need within our community and then addressing that need by our congregation along with a community-wide coalition. This may be a food or shelter program. This may be a health or mentoring program. We are currently meeting with city and county officials as well as service providers on the front lines of need in our Belleville community. We want the actual needs that they encounter to guide our large community impact blessing. We are dreaming of a significant and truly transformative community blessing through this goal. We know that this kind of large goal will require a great deal of volunteer and financial support if we are to successfully lead the community into a sustainable blessing. So, the Session has allocated $100,000 of the Gustus Estate Gift to be reserved for supporting this community impact goal. We may not use all of it. We may need more. This is setting aside resources to make sure we have sufficient funds to move with strength and courage into wherever God’s Spirit draws our hearts.
We hope you can see where these allocations represent a series of excited and inspired
movements towards our church’s desire to exhibit the Kingdom of God through our ministries. These are dreams of hope. These are visions of what God still might do with us beyond the joy we have found so far. Thanks be to Martha Gustus and to the Spirit of God that breathed through her this final breath of blessing. Thanks be to our God from whom all blessings flow.
In Christ, Pastor Rob
THE STEEPLE1303 Royal Heights RoadBelleville, IL 62223
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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 [email protected] Rev. Robert J. Dyer
Director of Christian [email protected]
Stephanie Foltz
Director of Youth MinistriesDirector of Equipping Ministries
[email protected] Kautz
Director of [email protected]
Andy Jensen
Organist/AccompanistDennis Bergin
Office Staff (8:00 am - 2:00 pm)[email protected]
LuAnn Orlet
Financial Secretary (12:30 pm - 4:30 pm)[email protected]
Cara Barrett
Jody Halton
Director of Audio/Video [email protected]
Loren Elliott
Maintenance SupervisorJim Hoffman
CustodianHerschel Bey
ChildcareSue Hall, Sunday Supervisor
Shante Elliott Mary Blodgett
Parish [email protected] Lied, RN
The SteepleArticles and Suggestions
OUR STAFF
O C T O B E R 8 - 1 4A d u l t M i s s i o n T r i p
t o M o u n d R i d g e
O C T O B E R 1 4C h u r c h - W i d eM i s s i o n T r i p
t o M o u n d R i d g e
( S e e p a g e s 8 a n d 9 )
