Coming and Going
The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you” — Genesis 12:1, NIV
After 18 weeks and over 9,000 miles of commuting, I’m happy to report that my family is moving to Chelsea at the beginning of July. The past four months have been a mixture of joy, determination, and a bit of grief.
As a family we celebrated my being called to St. Paul and my ordination to ministry in the UCC. The commuter life-style has brought us closer in some ways, it’s put a sense of urgency on our time together, forced us to make the most of every moment. Preparing to leave our home in Glen Ellyn has brought its own bittersweet blessing. Sorting through things accumulated over time and deciding which to keep and which to purge is a spiritual exercise of its own. We’ve been blessed by a series of farewell parties and backyard barbeques, a chance to say a formal goodbye amid laughter and tears. It’s very hard to say goodbye to people and places we love, to detach ourselves from the comfort of familiar faces and surroundings. Yet sometimes God calls us away from comfort and sends us on a journey toward something new, a future determined by faith. (Hebrews 11:1)
Read the accounts of God’s call to the prophets Moses (Exodus 3), Gideon (Judges 6) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1). How and where does God meet these people? What is God calling them to? What reasons do these people come up with to deny God’s call? What assurances does God offer them? What signs does God give them? Read these narratives and reflect on your own situation in life. How is God calling you? Where is God telling you to go?
My family moves to Chelsea out of their love and commitment to me as husband and father. They step into the unknown with a hesitant trust that everything will be okay. As a family, we respond to a calling from God that says, go.
Peace,
Jim
Welcome to our Confirmands
On June 12, 2011, we honored three of our young people, who stood to affirm their baptism and express a formal commit to their Christian pilgrimage through the rite of Confirmation. These students maintained a positive attitude and willingness to work in the midst of a confirmation year shaped by big changes in the life of the church.
During the service each candidate offered serious reflection on their life in the church and the meaning of faith. The students were called forward to receive a prayer of blessing and a certificate of confirmation. Pastor Coyl read a passage of scripture he felt appropriate for each candidate.
Anna Elise Argento — John 14:27 –Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
Noah David van Reesema — 1Tim: 4:12 — Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Benjamin Thomas Whitesall – Philip 4:8 — Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
When you see one of these newest members around church, shake their hand, welcome them and perhaps offer them an opportunity to share in the ministry of the church. They are our future and we thank God for them.
Music Director Search Committee:
A search committee for a new music director has been formed. Members of the committee are: Pastor Jim, Barb Alseth, Dennis Bauer, Jean Bust, Pete Flintoft, Steve Gentz, and Carol Zenz. We will be meeting over the Summer and hope to have a replacement available to start in the Fall (if not sooner). Jean Bust will be filling-in over the Summer.
Music Update
Organ: As everyone is aware we have been dealing with a noise from the organ blower for several months now. We had been advised to wait to repair the blower until the humidity and winter weather had settled. The Music Committee and Council have authorized the replacement of the blower by Alden Music Service and this should be completed in the very near future.
There are still some other issues with the organ, which we are looking into the cost of repair and/or replacement. This is the original organ that was installed in 1970, so it’s only inevitable that problems will begin cropping up.
Summer Music: Jean Bust will be filling in as organist and music director for the Summer and she is ALWAYS looking for anyone who would be interested in providing ‘special music’ during the Worship service. If you sing, play an instrument, or want to sing with a group, please let Jean know.
Serve at Jackson Shelter
St. Paul is scheduled to serve lunch at Jackson Shelter on Sunday, July 10. Volunteers will meet at St. Paul at 10 a.m. for commissioning at the opening of worship, arrive at Jackson Shelter around 10:30 and will be back in Chelsea by 1:00 p.m. Please consider signing up for this extremely rewarding mission. We need 3-5 participants. Call the church office or sign-up on the sheet in the narthex.
Vacation Bible School
August 3, 2011, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at St. Paul U.C.C.
Bring the kids for Lessons, Dinner, and Fun!
New Ministry Opportunity
We would like to have a different person(s) change the sign by the road each month. This quick ministry would involve putting up a new message weekly for one month. There is a booklet available with clever ideas, and you can check with the church office about any special events that might be posted. If you would be willing to do this and need assistance learning how it is done, Sheri Hillman is willing to answer questions. There will be a sign-up sheet in the narthex. We still need a few more volunteers to sign up.
Newsletter deadline… for September 2011 newsletter is Monday, August 15, 2011 and will be mailed on August 25, 2011.
Treasurer’s Report
St Paul UCC Budget Update –May 2011
Income
Income expected by May 66,280.35
Income received as of 5/31/2011 68,922.80
Difference $2,642.55
Expenses
Exp / Accruals expected 66,280.35
Exp / Accruals incurred as of 5/31/11 64,597.26
Difference $1,683.09
This does not reflect that we entered 2011, with a negative balance of $4,926.13 At the end of May, we still owe Designated Fund $1,892.08
We are striving to pay off the negative balance as quickly as possible.
Kathy Young, Treasurer
Mark Your Calendar
Our Fall Open House will be here before you know it. Save the date - Sept. 18, 2011 – and watch the Courier and website (www.stpaulchelsea.org), for more details.
Worship in July
July 3: Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
July 10: Genesis 25:19-34
June 17: Genesis 28:10-19a
July 24: Genesis 29:15-28
Worship in August
Aug. 7: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
Aug. 14: Genesis 45:1-15
Aug. 21: Rom 12:1-8
Aug. 28: Rom 12:9-21
WEAR YOUR NAME PROUDLY!
Please remember to wear your name tag on Sundays. This small act makes a big difference to our visitors and fellow members. If you have no name tag, or have lost it, please let the office know, and we will get you a new one in 24 hours.
In Sympathy
We express our Christian sympathy to the family of Henry Buss (Kay, Rusty and family and Phyllis, Roger and family) who passed away on June 1, 2011. Funeral services were held on June 4, 2011 at St. Paul United Church of Christ with Pastor James Cameron Coyl officiating.
We also express our Christian sympathy to the family of Don Keezer (Sue Keezer and family) who passed away
on June 11, 2011. Funeral services were held on June 15, 2011 at Staffan Mitchell funeral Home with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating.
Thank you!!
The family of Henry Buss would like to thank our church family for your words of comfort, prayers, cards and visits. A special thank you to Pastor Jim for the beautiful funeral service, and to all of you who donated food and worked the wonderful luncheon after the funeral.
Thanks,
Phyllis Wildey
We thank all our St. Paul friends for the cards, notes, phone calls and prayers the last couple of months. Norm’s cancer is spreading and he is growing weaker. We just ask that God gives us the strength to help us through this time.
Norm and Erma O’Connor.
Thank you to everyone at St. Paul U.C.C. I just want to take the time to thank everyone responsible for the Robbins/Klink Scholarship.
I greatly appreciate it, and it will definitely be useful for college.
Thanks again!
Stefanie Peyton
Please Pray For:
Strength, Healing and Comfort for:
Marilyn Haug, Norm O’Connor, Sandy Turner, Danielle, Chris Agruilera (injured comrade of Joel Gentz), Tony Simone (injured comrade of Joel Gentz), Virginia Webster, Jim Barth (Jeannette Schleede’s nephew)
Well-being for:
Baby Sierra, Norm Bauer, Gail Bauer, June Burghardt, John Cooperrider, Yvonne Jones, Margaret Kuhl, Pam Kuhl, Marian Pierson, Veryl Steinaway and Marcella Wojtas (Marilyn Haug’s friend).
Those in the Armed Services:
Cliff Salvetore, Clint Wall, Larry Wall (Billie Zenz’s grandsons), Nick Locker (Donald and Diane Locker’s nephew), Jack “Bub” Rowe III (Nancy Burgett’s grandson), Michael Schroen (Arlene Schroen’s grandson) and Evan Wahl.
Active duty overseas:
Jacob Wright (Jeannette Schleede’s grandson).