first corinthians new message series
Lent is often observed as an intentional time of reflection and contemplation. While these practices have a valuable and meaningful purpose within the life of the Christ follower, I have a different challenge for all of us at First Pres this Lent. I want to encourage all of us in the First Pres family to activate! This Lent we will be holding a very specific, very special, discipleship opportunity on Sunday mornings, during the Sunday school hour... BUT before you stop reading!!! On any given Sunday, we have around 250 people in worship. Our average, for our Adult Sunday School classes, we have around 20-25 in attendance. Math isn’t my strong suit, but even I know there’s something missing here. So I am asking you (yes, you!) to make it a discipline this Lent to come to this new all-church study, on a topic that includes and impacts every single one of us….Spiritual gifts! The apostle Paul wrote about these unique, God-given aptitudes extensively, and how every person within the church has an invaluable, entirely unique, and necessary blessing, to offer both the church and the world. Over the season of Lent, we will explore what spiritual gifts are, where they are discussed within Scripture, and we will take our own Spiritual Gifts Inventory so we can know what our gifts are and how to use them in the name of Jesus, both within our walls and outside in our community. So, please, join us this Lent, it’s time to activate! -Pastor Matt Wilcox
FIRST CORINTHIANS NEW MESSAGE SERIES
Our next message series will focus on the book of First Corinthians. This letter from Paul to the church in Corinth offers a rich, complex, and compelling view into what it means to have a life focused on the person of Jesus Christ. Corinth was a city in conflict and that included the Christians present. There were disputes, questions, deep needs, and in many ways, the people and problems facing Corinth mimic aspects of our own experiences today. This Lent we will explore several passages from First Corinthians in hopes of receiving today, the same comfort, conviction, and inspiration that was offered to an ancient city, many centuries ago.
BIG GAME PARTY
Join us for a night of football, food, and fellowship! Everyone is invited to join the party at 5pm. The game will be on the big screens in the Great Hall, and we’ll have a dedicated “viewing room” in the Library for our avid football fans. The church will provide pizza, wings, and beverages. We ask that each family bring their favorite appetizer to share. If you plan to come, please RSVP to Pastor Matt at [email protected]. Fair Warning, the Eagles are in the Super Bowl! We will not be admitting anyone who plans to root for the Patriots. I’m kidding...kind of. -Matt Wilcox
PER CAPITA 2018
Every year we are encouraged to pay the “per capita” for each church member in our household. Per capita for 2018 is $32 per member. The money goes toward expenses of Great Rivers Presbytery, the Synod of Lincoln Trails, and General Assembly. Your generosity helps to strengthen our local church budget. Please write checks to First Presbyterian Church, and mark “Per Capita” in the memo line. Thank you!
CARE AND SHARE NEEDS FOR THE SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army is our february agency. They need: Protein, such as peanut butter and canned meats (tuna, salmon, spam, Italian, chili), Hot cereal mixes (individual packets are good). Personal care items: Deodorant, razors, shaving cream, body lotions, bar soap, shampoo, toothpaste, tooth brushes, and diapers. Thank you for your ongoing support of Care & Share.
SAFE HARBOR VOLUNTEERS
Small groups or a group of 4-5 individuals are needed to serve meals at Safe Harbor, February through June. Volunteers arrive around 6:50pm, serve dinner at 7pm, and are generally out by 7:30pm. Meals are the first Thursday of each month. If you can help, please sign up in the book on the table, outside the library.
PRISON MINISTRY
There will be a gathering of persons interested in helping to reintegrate ex-offenders back into our community, Thursday, March 15, 5:30-6:30pm at the Mennonite Church of Normal, located at 805 S. Cottage Avenue. Joy Care’s Jobs Partnership Program Coordinator, Michelle Cook, will give an update on the prison ministry, and seek our continued support. Jobs Partnership board members will be part of the discussion team. For further information, please contact Marilea White at 451-1790. Thank you!
ELEMENTARY YOUTH GROUP | FEBRUARY 4 | 5-7PM
This evening is the Big Game Party at church, so we will be meeting in the Lower Fellowship Hall. There will be activities, take aways, and games. Plan to come for as long as you can!
SUMMER IN WINTER FUN | FEBRUARY 7 | 6-8PM
Come to the Great Hall and warm up with this event! This is a fun-filled, high energy night for the whole family. Plan to bring a friend. Yes, there will be inflatables and popcorn!
THANK YOU FROM THE RAMIREZ FAMILY
Words cannot express how thankful my family is for your sponsorship, prayers, support, kindness, and dedication. Spending your own time to volunteer to give my family our forever home means so much to us. The new people that came into our lives and became friends, shared stories, gives me hope and encouragement for a brighter future. All of you are a true blessing to my life, and because of you, we have our forever home. Thank you!
A NOTE FROM THE DEACONS
The Board of Deacons wishes to share that special words of appreciation and gratitude have been received from both Kemmerer Village staff and youth residents. Again this year, we have joined together in showing Christian love and ‘extravagant generosity’ by helping 30 specific young people feel the joy of Christ, this past Christmas season. Thank you!
Samuel Redd Ladaricus Coleman Joyce Baley Shirley Redd NK Martin Austin Nice Sally Rodriguez John Wolter Connor Herbert Teresa Herbert Thomas Rule
2/1 2/2 2/4 2/4 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/7 2/7 2/7
Daniel Sutton Christina Bartel Jeffrey Bartel Jane Brue John Burrill Vicki Enno Dana Anderson James Thompson Anne Lunt Kenneth Leber Suzie Thetard
2/7 2/8 2/10 2/10 2/10 2/11 2/13 2/13 2/14 2/15 2/16
Ann Lamkey Nancy Rutledge Mary Jo Hillyer Jill Timbers Claire Herbert Jon Thetard Eldon Brewer Carol Baker Joan Frazier Sue Attwood David Kennedy
2/17 2/18 2/19 2/20 2/21 2/21 2/22 2/24 2/24 2/27 2/27
If you would like to be added or removed from this list, please contact the church office at (309) 452-4459 or email [email protected]. Thank you!
FIRST CORINTHIANS NEW MESSAGE SERIES
Our next message series will focus on the book of First Corinthians. This letter from Paul to the church in Corinth offers a rich, complex, and compelling view into what it means to have a life focused on the person of Jesus Christ. Corinth was a city in conflict and that included the Christians present. There were disputes, questions, deep needs, and in many ways, the people and problems facing Corinth mimic aspects of our own experiences today. This Lent we will explore several passages from First Corinthians in hopes of receiving today, the same comfort, conviction, and inspiration that was offered to an ancient city, many centuries ago.
BIG GAME PARTY
Join us for a night of football, food, and fellowship! Everyone is invited to join the party at 5pm. The game will be on the big screens in the Great Hall, and we’ll have a dedicated “viewing room” in the Library for our avid football fans. The church will provide pizza, wings, and beverages. We ask that each family bring their favorite appetizer to share. If you plan to come, please RSVP to Pastor Matt at [email protected]. Fair Warning, the Eagles are in the Super Bowl! We will not be admitting anyone who plans to root for the Patriots. I’m kidding...kind of. -Matt Wilcox
PER CAPITA 2018
Every year we are encouraged to pay the “per capita” for each church member in our household. Per capita for 2018 is $32 per member. The money goes toward expenses of Great Rivers Presbytery, the Synod of Lincoln Trails, and General Assembly. Your generosity helps to strengthen our local church budget. Please write checks to First Presbyterian Church, and mark “Per Capita” in the memo line. Thank you!
CARE AND SHARE NEEDS FOR THE SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army is our february agency. They need: Protein, such as peanut butter and canned meats (tuna, salmon, spam, Italian, chili), Hot cereal mixes (individual packets are good). Personal care items: Deodorant, razors, shaving cream, body lotions, bar soap, shampoo, toothpaste, tooth brushes, and diapers. Thank you for your ongoing support of Care & Share.
SAFE HARBOR VOLUNTEERS
Small groups or a group of 4-5 individuals are needed to serve meals at Safe Harbor, February through June. Volunteers arrive around 6:50pm, serve dinner at 7pm, and are generally out by 7:30pm. Meals are the first Thursday of each month. If you can help, please sign up in the book on the table, outside the library.
PRISON MINISTRY
There will be a gathering of persons interested in helping to reintegrate ex-offenders back into our community, Thursday, March 15, 5:30-6:30pm at the Mennonite Church of Normal, located at 805 S. Cottage Avenue. Joy Care’s Jobs Partnership Program Coordinator, Michelle Cook, will give an update on the prison ministry, and seek our continued support. Jobs Partnership board members will be part of the discussion team. For further information, please contact Marilea White at 451-1790. Thank you!
ELEMENTARY YOUTH GROUP | FEBRUARY 4 | 5-7PM
This evening is the Big Game Party at church, so we will be meeting in the Lower Fellowship Hall. There will be activities, take aways, and games. Plan to come for as long as you can!
SUMMER IN WINTER FUN | FEBRUARY 7 | 6-8PM
Come to the Great Hall and warm up with this event! This is a fun-filled, high energy night for the whole family. Plan to bring a friend. Yes, there will be inflatables and popcorn!
THANK YOU FROM THE RAMIREZ FAMILY
Words cannot express how thankful my family is for your sponsorship, prayers, support, kindness, and dedication. Spending your own time to volunteer to give my family our forever home means so much to us. The new people that came into our lives and became friends, shared stories, gives me hope and encouragement for a brighter future. All of you are a true blessing to my life, and because of you, we have our forever home. Thank you!
A NOTE FROM THE DEACONS
The Board of Deacons wishes to share that special words of appreciation and gratitude have been received from both Kemmerer Village staff and youth residents. Again this year, we have joined together in showing Christian love and ‘extravagant generosity’ by helping 30 specific young people feel the joy of Christ, this past Christmas season. Thank you!
Samuel Redd Ladaricus Coleman Joyce Baley Shirley Redd NK Martin Austin Nice Sally Rodriguez John Wolter Connor Herbert Teresa Herbert Thomas Rule
2/1 2/2 2/4 2/4 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/5 2/7 2/7 2/7
Daniel Sutton Christina Bartel Jeffrey Bartel Jane Brue John Burrill Vicki Enno Dana Anderson James Thompson Anne Lunt Kenneth Leber Suzie Thetard
2/7 2/8 2/10 2/10 2/10 2/11 2/13 2/13 2/14 2/15 2/16
Ann Lamkey Nancy Rutledge Mary Jo Hillyer Jill Timbers Claire Herbert Jon Thetard Eldon Brewer Carol Baker Joan Frazier Sue Attwood David Kennedy
2/17 2/18 2/19 2/20 2/21 2/21 2/22 2/24 2/24 2/27 2/27
If you would like to be added or removed from this list, please contact the church office at (309) 452-4459 or email [email protected]. Thank you!
