concordia news october...
TRANSCRIPT
Concordia News
October 2019
CONCORDIA U.C.C 7600 State Route 163
Belleville, IL 62223
618-476-3377
concordiaucc.weebly.com
OUR STAFF
Director of Christian Ed: Becky Avara
Secretary: (email: [email protected]) Natalie Huck
Custodian: Rayonda Montgomery
Organist: Jennifer Hampsten
CHURCH COUNCIL OFFICERS AND MEMBERS
President
Michael Avara 618-401-8819 [email protected]
Vice-President
Kevin Juhas 618-719-1611 [email protected]
Secretary
Cheryl Mueth 618-975-6768 [email protected]
Treasurer
Doris Steiger 618-476-1366 [email protected]
618-444-1133-cell
Financial Secretary
Len Sedlak 618-558-7731 [email protected]
Congregational Care
Marie Gemmingen 618-277-8045 [email protected]
Member-at-Large
John Klaus 618-791-2488 [email protected]
If you require Pastoral Care please call the church and leave a
message, email Natalie @ [email protected] or call a
Council Member and we will contact a Pastor to assist you.
October Lectionary Scripture Readings
October 6 – Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Lam 1:1-6, Lam 3:19-26, 2 Tim 1:1-14, Luke 17:5-10
October 13 – Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Jer 29:1,4-7, Ps 66:1-12, 2 Tim 2:8-15, Luke 17:11-19
October 20 – Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Jer 31:27-34, Ps 119:97-104, 2 Tim 3:14-4:5, Luke 18:1-8
October 27 – Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Joel 2:23-32, Ps 65, 2 Tim 4:6-8,16-18, Luke 18:9-14
SCHEDULE
Worship Every Sunday at 9 A.M.
Sunday school after Small Talk
Bible Study – Sunday Evenings at 5:00 P.M.
Quilting Circle – Monday Evenings at 6:00 P.M
and Tuesday Mornings at 9 A.M.
Choir Practice – Wednesday Evenings at 7:00 P.M.
Food Pantry - First Sunday
Council Meeting - Second Sunday
Book Club -Third Sunday
Women's Guild - Fourth Sunday
October 4 – Spaghetti Dinner for Alzheimer’s **
October 5 - Wurstmarkt at Frieden UCC, Marissa **
October 6 – Dubois Fall Festival **
October 12 – American Legion BBQ **
October 18 - Friday Night Lights 5th Quarter
October 20 – Wurstmarkt
October 25 – Ladies Movie Night
October 27 – St. Paul UCC, Lebanon Wurstmarkt **
November 1 – Hayride at the Avara’s
** See Bulletin Board for Flyer
one of national UCC
Five for Five
offerings. Received by
most UCC congregations
on Pentecost Sunday,
50% of this offering is
retained by the local
Conference for multiple-
local ministry need and
50% is sent to the
national UCC for New
Church development,
Women's ministry and
Youth Young Adult
Ministry. Offering
information was in your
May 28 worship bulletin
and an offering envelope
will be in your June 4
worship bulletin. You
can contribute in worship
any Sunday in June, but
the official offering date
is June 4. Our 2016
Strengthen the Church
offering totaled
$203. Our 2017 offering
goal is $300.00. You
can contribute without
using the
designated offering
envelope; just make sure
August Average Attendance
54
August Income/Expense Report
Income Expenses
$6,588.13 $4,708.21
Welcome Rev. Joan Mier as our new Full-time Pastor
November 10 will be her first service
Rev. Joan Mier was born in Michigan City, Indiana and has lived most of her life in Northern Indiana. She
graduated from LaPorte High School. She was married to her first husband, David Miller, for seven years,
widowed in her late twenties. From this marriage, she has one wonderful daughter, Angela, and also two beautiful
granddaughters, Brianna, 14, and Isabell, 10. After going through deep grieving and believing she was never
getting married again (This is what she told God, anyway!) God chuckled and let her know, once again, she was
not in control! That was the day God sat a fun-loving guy by the name of John Mier next to her. They hit it off and
after a somewhat long-distance relationship for over two years, they became husband and wife, stating their vows
near the rose-garden of her most beloved Aunt and Uncle, Mary and John. As of August 2019, they have been
happily married for thirty-one years.
In their fifth year of marriage, Pastor Joan received her call from God to enter into ministry. It was at that time that
she had to have a deep discussion with John that she must attend college to receive an undergraduate degree and
then continue on to Seminary to receive her ministerial degree. Even though this was not in the plans for their
future, John understood that God was truly calling Joan into ministry and made the decision to fully support this
part of her journey. Joan entered Indiana University Northwest, graduating in 1997, receiving her undergraduate
degree, with a major concentration in Psychology and a second concentration in Sociology. She entered Chicago
Theological Seminary in 1997 and graduated with her M. Div. in 2002. She was ordained as a minister into the
United Church of Christ in 2003.
Rev. Joan and her husband, John, love to travel, often taking their granddaughters with them. They have traveled
with their granddaughters from the East Coast to the West Coast and the whole family loves going to any of the
Disney Theme Parks (John worked at Disney World while in college). This past Spring, Rev. Joan, John, daughter,
Angela, granddaughters, Brianna and Isabell, vacationed together at Disney World. Rev. Joan and John are also
quite fortunate to have the blessing of traveling to Italy, especially the Island of Sardinia, where they learned much
about John's uncle, Raymond, who was killed there in an air battle during W.W. !1. John and Rev. Joan serve on
the board for the W.W. II 325th Fighter Group-The Checkertails-Rev. Joan serves as their Chaplain.
Rev. Joan, also, has served on Indiana-Kentucky Conference Boards and local community boards, presently she is
active in the Congregations of Merrillville, developing a First Responders' Prayer Breakfast, raising funds for the
needs of local Police and Fire Fighters. She also serves on the Samaritan Counseling Center, a non-profit, faith-
based mental health organization. She has served as a Crisis-Suicide Hotline phone volunteer.
After serving at her present pastoral position for approximately thirteen years, she feels the strong pull from God
for her to move to a ministry position in Southern Illinois. She is most willing to follow where God is leading her
and looking forward to the mission and ministry opportunities God
is placing before her.
USHERS/GREETERS NEEDED
There is a sign-up list on the welcome table outside the sanctuary. We are asking
that those who volunteer to serve as ushers to please try and get here about 45
minutes early to place the alter flowers in the vases and to serve as greeters
handing out bulletins and assisting people in finding a seat as the sanctuary fills
up. Also, when collecting the offering we would appreciate it if you could get a
head count of our attendance. Please sign-up as you are able.
COFFEE HOUR HOST/HOSTESS NEEDED
We need volunteers to serve as host/hostess during our Sunday morning Coffee Hour. The donuts
and coffee are provided by the church, but we need you to help serve. If you are interested, please
sign the list on the welcome table outside the sanctuary.
COUNCIL NEWS
We are proud to announce that our congregation has agreed to call Pastor Joan Mier to our church. She will be our
full-time pastor effective November 10, 2019. We encourage you to get to know her and welcome her to our
church. Thank you to those who attended the meet and greet that we held September 21, 2019. Thank you to
those who attended the congregational meeting the following day. Thank you to the search committee for their
very hard work over the past two and a half years (Becky, Al, Dale, Sara, and Cheryl). A huge thank you to
Cheryl Mueth for filling our pulpit with supply pastors in the time since Pastor Allen's departure and prior to
Pastor Joan's first Sunday!
As the Wall of Money campaign comes to an end in September, we want to thank everyone for their stewardship
in helping make it a success. At the time of this article, we have exceeded the success of our trivia night last year
and have almost met the success of our auctions in past years. Stay tuned for the final total!
September saw the implementation of Fifth Quarter, a post-football game opportunity for students at Belleville
West High School. At the first event, teens played games and had the opportunity to share their faith in a short
devotional. We hope to continue this tradition after future home football games with increased student attendance
this month. Thank you to Jennifer Hampsten for spearheading this effort. Thank you to all of the members of the
congregation who supported the event as a chaperone or food donor!
QUILTING GROUP
We are working hard on some beautiful quilts. Raffle tickets are on sale for the
Quilt Raffle at the Wurstmarkt. If anyone is interested in quilting, please join us
on Monday evenings from 6-8pm and Tuesday mornings from 9-11:30am at the
church. All are welcome!
CHOIR
Back to practicing on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm. Come join us - we are
working on some great music!
SEARCH COMMITTEE
Our part of this Great Adventure is coming to an end, however, there is an even GREATER ADVENTURE
coming for all of us!!! Thank you to all members of the congregation for your prayers and faith in us these past 2
1/2 years. Thanks to all who participated in this search but special thanks to Dale Hoepfinger, Sara Allen Al
Wunderlich and Cheryl Mueth.
WURSTMARKT
Wurstmarkt October 20, 11-3. We are asking every family to bring 2 pies or cakes to serve with the dinner and
also a baked good item to sell at the bake sale. Craft items are still being collected. We have a nice variety of
crocheted things, wash cloths, towels, and baby clothes, bird houses, and blankets but we would love to have
more! If you cannot donate an item or don't bake, there will be a pig canister on the welcome table if you would
like to make a cash donation. Let's make this a very profitable event for our church. Sign-up sheet for working at
the dinner is also posted on the welcome table.
BIBLE STUDY
Sunday evenings at 5:00 pm. For ages 14 years to 100 years. Come join
the fun! Theme is Route 66 Bible Study. We will be planning field trips
to Route 66 points of interest.
WOMEN’S GUILD HAPPENINGS
We will be having a cleaning day to get the Parsonage ready for the new minister. Date still to be determined so
watch the bulletin & weekly updates.
Sign up to help at the Wurstmarkt and don’t forget to bring cakes of pies for dessert & also something for the bake
sale.
Movie Night on Friday October 25th - Breakthrough - movie about teenager who fell through the ice in St. Louis.
Women’s Retreat - Ladies, check your calendars! The Women’s Retreat will be here before we know it - Jan. 31
& Feb. 1 at Toddhall Retreat Center in Columbia. More information coming soon!!!
BOOK CLUB
The Book Club meets the 3rd Sunday of the month. All are welcome to join!
SUNDAY SCHOOL SCOOP
We are continuing our journey through the Emoji curriculum.
Hayride at the Avara's on Friday, November 1 at 6:00 pm. We will provide chili, hot dogs, hay wagon and
bonfire. Bring a snack to share and beverage of your choice.
“FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHT 5TH QUARTER”
Friday October 18th will be the last game for Friday Night Lights. Anyone from Concordia can help and not
everyone needs to actually be at the event.
If you do not see your birthday or anniversary listed, please notify the church
by emailing [email protected] or call the church and leave a
message.
October Birthday’s
3rd Cheryl Mueth 19th Don Sliment
Joan Bevirt 23rd Emily Feazel
Bob Lanaghan 26th Ashlyn Wuebbels
5th Kylee Wuebbels 30th Marion Scharf
September Anniversaries
3rd John & Darla Klaus 10th Randy & Natalie Huck
7th Jim & Sheryll Kosydor
If you would like someone added or deleted from the Prayer List, please notify the church by
emailing [email protected] or call the church and leave a message.
PRAYER CONCERNS
All who are on the Prayer List gives thanks for the support-prayers of Concordia UCC
Dale Hoepfinger: At home doing rehab.
Brenda Waelti: Continues to recuperate from a car accident. Her surgery has been postponed for another 6
weeks.
Terry Bailey, Sharon Stallmann, Don Sliment, Mel & Betty Mueller, Mike Gomric, Debbie Gain, Gloria
Ellermeyer, Bill Mueller, Douglas Anders, Bob Miller, David Blue, Corey Teamen, Roger Schanz , Tina
Kennedy, Randee Rittmeyer, Lee Strickland, Mike Toth, Scott Voyles, Beth Humes, Cheryl Partee
Sympathies to Dave & Donna Valentine on the death of his Sister, Dee Ana Reichmuth. Dee Ana passed away
on September 11, 2019. Her funeral was held on September 17, 2019 in Michigan City, Indiana.
Additional Prayer List
Patricia Allen LeeAnn Heaton Angela Pearson Debbie Waller
Kathy Burgard Ronnie & Geri Keim Kelie Reis Bob & Wanda Wheat
Wally Davis Joe Knepper Lorene Rice Kevin Wicks
Charlie Dayton Jane Koehler Teri Robertson Delores Wilhelm
Mary Douglas Bill & Doris Koeln Patti Rottler Art Wynn
Gerry Freiderich Bill Launius Ron Schaefer Deborah Young
Kenny Fulton Bertha Faye Lucas Marion Scharf
Joshua Gamm Brody Mense Kathryn Sick
Susie Gregg Marian Meyer Eddie Smith
Jason Gunn Mindy Newsum Kim Smith
Pat Schmeder-Habers Marilou Steele
FROM OUR MAILBOX
Hello Concordia,
Thank you so much for thinking of us and sharing your gifts. The conference office has just sent me this gift from
you and you’re helping make life a little easier. God bless you all!
Brenda Crisp, Kindercottage
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Dear Friends,
On behalf of the students and faculty of Eden Theological Seminary, it is my pleasure to acknowledge your gift a
forwarded by the Illinois South Conference. Please do know how much your support of Eden means to us!
Rhonda Lally, Development Coordinator
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Dear Concordia UCC, Belleville
Your thought gift helps families and individuals who find themselves in circumstances they can’t address without
your help. It is our hope that you will take satisfaction in this kind gesture and the way it helps to ensure brighter
futures for many.
Alice Drobisch, Hoyleton Youth & family Services
Millstadt American Legion
Post 502
BBQ
Saturday, October 12th 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Millstadt Community Center 102 S. Jefferson Street
1 block South of the 4 way
BBQ Pork Steak Plates Brat Plates
(Plates come with choice of 2 sides) Coleslaw, Baked Beans and Potato Salad
Please come and show your support for our local Veterans.
Proceeds go to helping local veterans, and various programs
Veterans
American Legion Post 502 in Millstadt will be celebrating their 100th Anniversary on Sunday, November 10,
2019 at 1:00 P.M. at the VFW Hall in Millstadt. To recognize your service we are inviting you, your spouse
or significant other, family and friends to attend. To keep cost under control we are asking all Veterans who
attend to submit a check for $15 to cover the cost of the meal. This will be returned to you on the day of
attendance. Charge for all guest will also be $15 per person.
All Veterans that reside in the Millstadt Grade School District or in Millstadt Township are invited to attend.
Reservations must be made by November 2, 2019.
Questions or Concerns call:
Charles Mueth: 618-975-6766
Keven Noerper: 618-920-2179 (after 6pm)
John Klaus: 618-234-1541 or 618-791-2488
Return with payment
Name: ________________________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________________
City: _________________________ State: _______ Zip: ____________
Phone: ____________________________
Branch of Service: ________________________ Years Served: ________
Mail Reservations and Check to: # attending __________
AL Post 502 Please list guests’ names below
PO Box 25
Millstadt, IL 62260
Guest: ________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
FROM YOUR EDITOR:
Please send any articles for the next newsletter by Wednesday October 23 to [email protected]
Please call the church office or email [email protected] …
• If you move, change your telephone number or email address. Our records need to be current
• If you or a member of your family is admitted to the hospital. The pastor needs to know so hospital visits can
be scheduled.
• A Death in the Family.
• When you have a new addition to your family.
• When a member of your family leaves home for college.
• When your committee or group plans a meeting or an activity, so the church calendar can be updated.
• When you feel the church can assist you.
The 2019 calendar are hanging on the
bulletin board in the fellowship hall. Flower
cost is $25.00 per week, checks made payable
to the church.
Altar flowers that have not been signed up for
will be placed in plastic bags and put on the
table by the rear stairway in the Fellowship
Hall for anyone who wants them.
CHILDRENS ACTIVITY BASKET
Recognizing that families sit at different
areas of the church, an activity basket
containing items for children will be placed
at the Welcome Table in the Sunday School
Hall and another basket will be placed at the
front of the church. Please feel free to pick
out whatever your child might enjoy using
during Worship Service.
Current Shortages at the Millstadt Food Pantry:
• Rice a Roni, Pasta Roni, Hamburger Helper
• Chunky Soups (Progresso, Campbells, Healthy Choice),
Canned Chili
• Canned meats (i.e. spam, Vienna sausages, tuna, chicken)
• Canned Ravioli, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Beefaroni, etc.
• Shampoo, Deodorant, Kleenex, Dryer Sheets
