november 2015 pastor’s pen - clover...
TRANSCRIPT
November 2015
Pastor’s Pen by Pastor Rob Hamilton
Give Thanks! We are entering the season of Thanksgiving, although we may not know it by stepping foot into any store. Christmas decorations are creeping into the prominent display places and before the Halloween candy is put away! It seems to me that we’re pressured to push past the family meals, hallmarked with prayers of thanksgiving, so as to get to the busiest shopping day of the year all in the ‘spirit of giving’. Yet, we have so many gifts for which to praise and thank God; far too much to be short-changed or even contained to a single day or meal once a year. A word of encouragement for our greater thankfulness comes from the Apostle Paul, who in 1st
Thessalonians writes: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the
will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” How might we learn to give thanks in all circumstances, rejoicing always
through prayer? Could attaching a brief prayer to an already existing pattern of behavior, help us to live in Paul’s instruction? How about saying “thank you God” every time we drink from our water bottle or coffee cup? Or getting the mail could be the reminder of praise to God for all the people God has given us to love? Or every time we start the car we quickly pray ‘no matter what comes my way today, God, I will seek to praise you.” Perhaps we will thank God for all that God has given us, by choosing to slow down and hold the door open for a stranger, or consume less and give away our savings; or letting our actions serve as our prayer without ceasing; or making a special offering to your church? What might it be for you? As you consider what might be your new daily prayer form of gratitude, I share this very bold prayer for Thanksgiving Day.
“Amid football; family; and too much food; we pause quickly and without inconvenience to remember and
to thank. We remember ancient pilgrims who followed dreams of alabaster cities and financial opportunity. We remember hospitable first nation people who welcomed them, and then lost their land. We remember other family times filled with joy and filled with anxiety and old scars still powerful. We thank you for this U.S. venue of justice and freedom; and are aware of its flawed reality. We thank you for our wealth and our safety, and are aware of how close to poverty we are and how under threat we live. We gather our impulse
for gratitude today, grateful to you and to our ancestors, grateful to you for our families, our health, our gov-
ernment; our many possessions. We gladly affirm that ‘All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above,’
but we yield to none in a sense of self-sufficiency, our weariness in needing to share, our resentfulness of those who take and do not give. Your generosity evokes our gratitude, but your generosity overmatches our gratitude. We are ready to thank, but not overly so; we remember our achievements, our accomplishments, our entitlements, and our responsibilities that slice away at our yielding of ourselves to you. Move through our half measure of thanks and let us be, all through this day, more risky in acknowledging that we have no-thing except what you give. You have given so much-not least your only Son. Give us the gift of dazzlement and awe that we may rejoice in our pénultième lives and keep you ultimate all the day long, relishing the wonder of your self-giving love.” Amen.
From: At Thanksgiving. “Prayers for a Privileged People. Walter Brueggemann, Abingdon Press; 2008.
Oh, and by the way, one of my prayers of thanksgiving has been (and continues to be) the warm welcome
my family and I have received as we have come to be a part of this church and the Rochelle community. I’m
looking to share this my first season of thanksgiving in Rochelle, with you.
AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED
We are still in need of auction items for our upcoming fundraiser. We will take care of
putting together baskets with smaller items. We can use almost anything. Just think of
something you'd be interested in bidding on! Donations can be dropped off at the
church office now, but please, before November 15th. If you have questions, please
contact Lori Noggle at (815) 955-4196.
New RUMC Directory on the Horizon
It’s that time again. Rochelle UMC will be creating a new photo directory. Have your family photo updated! Mary Ellen Taylor, a member of our church and accomplished photographer will be taking the photos. There is no cost to have your photos taken, unless you choose to purchase prints from Mary Ellen. We currently have three dates available for photo appointments: Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, November 22—24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Please sign up in the office to make your appointment. 815-562-2164 or email Dana
HIS (Holy Intervention Servants) Benevolence
In October our HIS Team was able to bless several
families with the help of our generous congrega-
tion. We provided food to a homeless family with
three young children (the youngest was just two
months old) and also referred them to RACES,
where they were given shelter. We helped a hard
-working, single mother pay her rent after having
to miss a few weeks of work, following emergency
surgery. What a blessing it is for us all to witness these families being given a
hand up by our gracious congregation. The HIS Team was offered the chance to
take on the RADA knife fund raising (done for many years by The Guild.) The
funds raised from future knife sales will continue to provide a hand up (not a
hand out) to members of our community. Thank you to The Guild for offering
us another way to fund our very important mission.
RUMC Collector’s Cabinet
Thank you to Lily Hamilton for sharing part of her
My Little Pony collection with us in October. Stop by
the cabinet in the entryway this month to view Di-
anne Jenner’s Hall (Jewel Tea) dinnerware collection.
Hub Cluster Happenings
Chana: Family Clothes Closet is open 1st & 3rd Sat. mornings of each month.
Esmond: Fall Bazaar is Sat. Nov. 7th 9am-1pm.
Franklin Grove: Turkey Supper is Thurs. Nov. 19th serving 5-7 PM. Cost is $9
for adults, $5 for children. Dine in or drive thru available.
Reynolds: Harvest festival is Nov. 15th at 4PM featuring Alleluia Quartet
November 1 All Saints’ Day
Old Testament
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel
Isaiah 25:6—9
Psalm 24
Revelation 21:1—6a
John 11:32–44
November 8 24th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel
Ruth 3:1—5; 4:13—17
Psalm 127
Hebrews 9:24—28
Mark 12:38—44
November 15 25th Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel
I Samuel 1:4—20
I Samuel 2:1—10
Hebrews 10-11—14, 19—25
Mark 13:18
November 22 Last Sunday after Pentecost
Old Testament
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel
2 Samuel 23:1—7
Psalm 132:1—12
Revelation 1:4b—8
John 18:33—37
November 29 1st Sunday of Advent
Old Testament
Psalm
Epistle
Gospel
Jeremiah 33:14–16
Psalm 25:1—10
Luke 21:25—36
I Thessalonians 3:9—13
Flower Ministry November 1 Need Sponsor
November 8 Cliff and Carrie Smart
November 15 Chris & Ami Watson
November 22 Kathy Windland
November 29 Marv and Dianne Jenner
Radio Ministry November 1 Leota Hansen
November 8 Tuesday Tres Dias Reunion Group
November 15 Dean & Linda Cater
November 22 Need Sponsor
November 29 Marv and Dianne Jenner
Coffee Hour November 1 Service Seekers
November 8 Monday Morning Book Study
November 15 Missions
November 22 Garden Goodies
November 29 Youth
Gathering Coffee Hour & Greeters November 1 The Vanstones & Coxs
November 8 Todd Capes & Deb Fletcher
November 15 The Vogelers & Emily Anaya
November 22 The Shingledeckers & B. Reineck
November 29 The Naumans & Daughertys
Traditional Service Ushers November 1 Doug & Swan Zuehl
Bill & Sue Paulin
November 8 Larry & Becky Brown
Bruce & Kathy Vickrey
November 15 Larry & Pat Casey
Duane & Linda Stein
November 22 Youth
November 29 Kathy Windland
Janice Shaffer
Donna Windland
November Reminders
Liturguist November 1 Ronda Threlkeld
November 8 Bruce Vickrey
November 15 Sherrie Welles
November 22 Mark Glosser
November 29 Mary Hammond
NOTICE
There will NOT be Wednesday Night
Dinners on November 18th (due to
preparations for the Turkey Supper) or
on November 25th (the day before
Thanksgiving.) Dinners will resume
Wednesday, December 2nd.
UMW Service Seekers one mission is to provide birthday cakes for
Focus House. We serve the coffee hour selected Sundays
and would welcome you to join us in working this mission.
Please call the office 815-562-2164, if interested.
Guild will meet Monday, November 2 at 1:30 p.m. in the adult
Sunday school room.
Mary Martha will meet Tuesday, November 3 at 9:00 a.m. at
the home of Sue Felker.
Miriam Circle will be meeting on Monday, November 23 at the
church to decorate for Advent Season.
Prayer Concerns
Shirley Haas
Bill Kunkel
Nancy Babb
David (friend of Jo Miller’s)
Jim (friend of Joyce James)
Tim DeBoom (Betsie Swartz’s brother)
School shootings
Bennett Reeder
Student of Jacki Nauman
Dan Leigh (Lillian Atchley’s brother)
Doug Baker (Frank & Lillian Atchley’s
grandson)
Family of Bob Mayfield
Dee Vance
Dean (Loyce Herrmann’s brother-in-law)
Grounds 4 Life– closed
Wengelewski Family
Teachers
Refugees
Amanda Weller
Dana & Donna Windland
Sue Paulin’s sister-in-law
Yvonne Colville
Viola Guyette
Loraine Heinrich (John Wanner’s sister-in
-law)
Katie (Jo Miller’s neighbor)
Joanne (Christy Roberts’ friend)
People dealing with flooding
Laura (friend of Swan Zuehl)
Friends and family of Sandy (Sue
Paulin’s friend)
Neva Becker
Hub Cluster Advent Choir Practice Schedule
The Hub Cluster Advent Choir will begin practices
on Wednesday, October 28. Practices will be from
7:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. The choir will practice
October 28, November 4, 18, and December 2.
The Advent service will be Sunday, Dec. 6 @ 2:00 p.m. at
Esmond UMC.
All are welcome to join the choir.
If you have any questions, please see Linda Kenney,
Annual Church Conference
On Monday, November16th we will be having our annual All-
Church Conference. Please plan to attend. The church business
meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Come hear about the state of our church, vote on the leadership
for 2016 and special expenditures, and hear from our District
Superintendent Young Mee Park.
Birthday Celebration
Please join Martha Gillis and her family in celebration of her
90th birthday. An open house will be held in Martha’s honor in
Hicks Hall on Sunday, November 8, 2015 from 2:00—4:00 p.m.
Youth Group News
Sun Mon Tues Weds Thurs Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Play
Practice
Youth
Group
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Raking
Leaves
Youth
Group
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Play
Practice
Youth
Group
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Ushering
Play
Practice
Youth
Group
29 30 31
Coffee Hour
Play
November Youth Group Schedule
When: Nov. 13-15, 2015
Where: Wesley Woods in
Wisconsin
Who: All youth in grades 6-12
who are involved in youth
group
Cost: The cost of the retreat is
$40 per person if paid before
Nov. 8th or $50 per person if
paid after the 8th. (or $70 for a
family with more than one
youth attending /$80 after the
8th deadline). Drop off payment
to the church office.
Scholarships are available.
Activities: Fellowship, faith
discussions, games, food, and
much more.
PACK
Raking Leaves Sunday, Nov. 8h
Last year we waited too
long to rake and snow was on the
ground. This year we hope to rake a week
earlier to miss the snow so we can
actually rake leaves. On November 8th we
will be doing our Planned Act of Christian
Kindness by raking leaves for families in
the area. Bring your rake and join us in
helping our neighbors right after the
Gathering service at 12:00pm on Sunday,
November 8th.
Lunch will be provided before we
begin. Remember to bring your own rake
and change of clothes to church on that
day.
Youth Retreat
CROP Walk recap
On September 27th we had 75 people from the Rochelle area join
us in supporting the local CROP walk. Over all we raised over
$3,348.61 to help those who are hungry in Rochelle and around
the world. From our church we had 15 walkers and raised
$1,389.61. Thank you to everyone who helped support this great
cause.
What does this Turkey Supper mean to me? It’s all about “F” words.
The month of November on the calendar at my house begins to fill up with seemingly endless tasks, commitments, birth-days (in denial), meetings, and of course, celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. In addition to these various notations and commitments comes an additional event, the “Not just a...Turkey Supper” dinner being held at our church. For many the discussions will include, “Do I buy a ticket or two to dine in or get a carryout? Do I even bother to go since it is so close to the holidays? Why is there a need to have another fundraiser? The weather is always iffy that time of year so I just can’t commit to purchasing a ticket?”
Granted many of these questions are valid and give legitimate cause to pause and reflect on whether this “Not just a...Turkey Supper” is worth it. I agree, so I thought I would share with you what it means to me and the importance of supporting a fundraiser for our church, our congregation, and our commitment to do what is right.
First, it is about the dedicated effort and time spent with my church “FAMILY” in planning, working and praying that we all can put together an event that is worthy of our attention and money.
Second, it is about the “FUN” in watching something grow from a small idea into a 3rd annual event for our church.
Third, it is about the “FOOD” and the wondrous hands who prepare it. The countless hours of planning and preparation by Chef Janet and her sous chefs who present a delicious and bountiful “FEAST” for all of us to enjoy.
Fourth, it is about the “FELLOWSHIP” with others the night filled with entertainment, live auction bidding, and of course the “FOOD”.
Fifth and final, it is about the “FUND” and what it means for the “FINANCIAL” support for the preservation of the build-ing, missions, and outreach to the community by the Rochelle United Methodist Church. The “FOCUS” is about provid-ing sources to meet the needs of the planned and unplanned needs of maintaining a church of this size. The “FRUITS” of our labor will provide a “FOUNDATION” and “FUTURE” in our community. We “FREELY” and willingly extend our arms out in a loving embrace and invite you into be a part of our “FAMILY”.
The “FINAL” reason is all about our vision and what it means to be part of the “RUMC FAMILY”. We are a community of faith that seeks to connect people with Jesus Christ and each other, to grow in the habits of Jesus, and to serve others in Spirit of Jesus.
God Bless,
TJ
1 Jake Cater— 2619 Joseph Lane Rockford, IL 61103
2 Beth Egland — 1008 Lincoln Avenue
Jan Libberton — 625 N 11th Street
3 Martha Gillis — 1531 W 53rd Street #326
Davenport, IA 52806
Tyler Osborne — 2265 Reynolds Road, Ashton, IL
4 Shawn Wetzel — c\o 12092 Carriage Drive
Sarah Britt — 1106 Westridge Drive Rockford, IL
61102
5 Melanie Eber — 1099 W 133rd Way Q Denver, CO
80234
Kyle Smart — 546 S 2nd Street
Katelyn Young — 1061 Turkington Terrace
Noah Wyatt—915 Lakeview Drive
Liam Wengelewski—1204 Lincoln Avenue
Ben Wengelewski—1204 Lincoln Avenue
6 Margaret Reif — 1119 Scott Avenue
7 Tootie Vogeler — 206 JoAnne Lane
Heidi Smith — 1115 Westview Drive
8 April Glosser — 9505 E Marquand Drive
9 Larry Brown — 317 Hillcrest Avenue
Todd Capes—513 North 9th Street
10 Richard Kuehl — 202 Drake Avenue
Kathy Vickrey — 1078 Westview Drive
Kole Smart — 546 S 2nd Street
12 Seth Leggio — 619 Lake Shore Rd, Franklin, IN
46131
13 Nicole Wyatt — 915 Lakeview Drive
15 Patricia Maronde — 501 S 9th Street
Stacey Hultgren — 1201 Sunnymeade Drive
16 Sheryl Holden — 927 N 10th Street
17 Garrett Glosser– 9505 E Marquand Drive
19 Joshua Welles — 134 Wild Horse Loop
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
T.J. Yordy — 5334 S Mill Pond Road
20 Patrick Jones — 303 Lake Lida Lane
21 Elizabeth Hayes—PO Box 70, Steward, IL 60553
22 Richard McCaslin — 414 S Wesley Mt. Morris
61054
23 Mark Ackland — 10310 E Hickory Ridge Drive
Scott Meinen — 513 Autumnwolf Davis Jct., IL
61020
Nicole Stockton — 5233 Wendell Drive
24 Brenda Jones — PO Box 243 Creston, IL 60113
25 Derek Horner — 4969 S. Richard Road
Sue Hager — 303 S 2nd Street
Nolen Schweitzer — 2772 Stephanie Drive
Lindenwood, IL 61049
26 Rich Ewald — 5518 Beebe Drive
Phil Yordy — 5334 S Mill Pond Road
27 Damen Harrington — 1202 Brookside Drive
28 Karry Pullin — 101 Ramona Avenue
29 Chloe Freier — 2213 Colony Manor Dr., Riverbank,
CA 95367
Calla Stroh — 2994 Herman Road, Steward, IL
60553
30 Sue Barkman — 1132 Clifton Terrace
2 David & Denise Fry — 321 N Seventh Street
7 Ed & Lynn VanVickle — 5513 Beebe Drive
8 John & Merilee Loggins — 721 Lincoln Hwy
9 Don & Linda Furland — 609 N 10th Street
15 Ike & Rosie Clue — 601 N 14th Street
21 Dennis & Janet Stewart — 930 N 11th Street
22 Roy & Ronda Threlkeld — 1116 Pickwick Drive
Richard & Sharon Kuehl — 202 Drake Avenue
25 Steve & Deana Bingham — 400 1/2 Cherry Ave #3
We want to recognize your Anniversary and Birthday.
Please let the Church Office know your special day if
it is not listed. (815) 562-2164
November
Anniversaries &
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Birthdays
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
9 a—Traditional Service
10a—Fellowship
10a—Adult Sunday School
10:15 a—Children's S.S.
11a—Gathering Service
12p—Youth Play Practice
2
1:30p—Guild
6:00p—Red Tent
6:00p—Kishwaukee
3
9am—Mary Martha,
Sue Felker’s home
6:00p—Kishwaukee
4
4:00p —Book Study
5:15p—Youth Choir
5:30p—Dinner
6:00p—Youth Group
6:00p—Kishwaukee
6:15p—Bell Choir
7:00p—Cluster Choir
5
6:00p—Kishwaukee
7p—AA/Al/Anon
6 7
8
9 a—Traditional Service
10a—Fellowship
10a—Adult Sunday School
10:15 a—Children's S.S.
11a—Gathering Service
12p—Youth Raking Leaves
9
6:00p—Red Tent
6:00p—Kishwaukee
10
6:00p—Kishwaukee
11
5:15p—Youth Choir
5:30p—Dinner
6:00p—Youth Group
6:00p—Kishwaukee
6:15p—Bell Choir
7:00p—Cluster Choir
12
6:00p—Kishwaukee
7p—AA/Al/Anon
13 14
11a—Golden K
Chili Dinner
15
9 a—Traditional Service
10a—Fellowship
10a—Adult Sunday School
10:15 a—Children's S.S.
11a—Gathering Service
12p—Youth Play Practice
16
6:00p—Red Tent
6:00p—Kishwaukee
17
6:00p—Kishwaukee
18
4:00p —Book Study
5:15p—Youth Choir
6:00p—Youth Group
6:00p—Kishwaukee
6:15p—Bell Choir
7:00p—Cluster Choir
19
6:00p—Kishwaukee
7p—AA/Al/Anon
20 21
6:00p—Turkey
Supper & Silent
Auction
22
9 a—Traditional Service
10a—Fellowship
10a—Adult Sunday School
10:15 a—Children's S.S.
11a—Gathering Service
12p—Youth Play Practice
23
6:00p—Red Tent
6:00p—Kishwaukee
24
6:00p—Kishwaukee
25
5:15p—Youth Choir
6:00p—Youth Group
6:00p—Kishwaukee
6:15p—Bell Choir
7:00p—Cluster Choir
26
27 28
29
9 a—Traditional Service
10a—Fellowship
10a—Adult Sunday School
10:15 a—Children's S.S.
11a—Gathering Service
12p—Youth Play Practice
30
6:00p—Red Tent
6:00p—Kishwaukee
November 2015
Leah Vanstone and Brandon McCullough, attendee of
The Gathering, are working on a plan to revive a Pup-
pet Ministry for RUMC. They are looking for others
(middle-schoolers, in particular) that are interested in
helping in that area. If you have a heart for theater,
puppets, or a ministry for our children, please see
Leah or Brandon or call the church office. Thank you!
Rochelle United Methodist Church Rochelle United Methodist Church Rochelle United Methodist Church
709 Fourth Avenue709 Fourth Avenue709 Fourth Avenue Place name label herePlace name label herePlace name label here
Rochelle, IL 61068Rochelle, IL 61068Rochelle, IL 61068
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTEDADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTEDADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
NonNonNon---Profit OrganizationProfit OrganizationProfit Organization
U.S. Postage PaidU.S. Postage PaidU.S. Postage Paid
Rochelle, IllinoisRochelle, IllinoisRochelle, Illinois
PERMIT No. 76PERMIT No. 76PERMIT No. 76
Please call to notify us of
someone being hospitalized
or any other emergency.
We’d rather have 10 phone
calls than none! We want to
be there for you. Call and let
us know when you need a
pastoral visit.
Rochelle United Methodist Church
709 Fourth Avenue Rochelle, Illinois 61068
Office: (815) 562-2164
Rev. Rob Hamilton
Pastor’s e-mail: [email protected]
Visiting Pastor: Rev. Dave Rogula
Church website: www.rochelleumc.com
Church e-mail: [email protected]
Office hours: Monday thru Thursday 8 a.m.— 3:30 p.m.
Please call for appointment.
Dana Cox, Administrative Assistant
Matt Hayes, Youth Director/Local Missions/Finance
Bruce Vickrey, Treasurer Don Horner, Lay Leader
Mark Ackland, Technical Director
Linda Kenney, Director of Music Judy Connolly, Organist