2021 Voice of the Servant - First Presbyterian ...
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Voice of the Servant
2021
Points of Interest
“Random Acts of Lent”
Pg. 3 Micropantry,
Nightengail’s,
Rummage Sale
Pg. 4 Book Review During February, Christians worldwide will enter into the annual season of Lent.
Many of us didn’t grow up with any particular practice during these 40 days, but either
Pg. 6 Bible Trivia
giving up something or adding something into our lives has become more popular in
Pg. 8 Ash Wednesday Protestant churches in the last few decades.
To be clear, Presbyterians have no requirement to do (or not do) anything for Lent at
all. It’s certainly not taught in scripture, and Jesus never told us to mark these days on the
calendar. However, many churches encourage practices that help us be more in touch with
our faith, and use this time to grow spiritually.
Either giving something up or adding a practice in can be extremely beneficial to us at
any time of year, and Lent—when we remember the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness,
Online Giving fasting and in prayer—is a perfect time.
That said, will you observe Lent this year? Ash Wednesday marks the first day of
Lent, and it falls on February 17 this year – which is coincidentally also Random Acts of
Kindness Day in the United States. This works out nicely if you’re an “add in a new
discipline” person.
The Bible calls us to be generous and gracious. Jesus told us to love and serve others.
Perhaps, during these strange times of being more distant from one another, Lent would
be a good time to add in at least one random act of kindness per day. A few ideas could
include:
• Pray for someone just because they crossed your mind, and let them know you’re
praying for them.
• Send a “just because” card to let someone know they’re on your mind
• Let an essential worker know you appreciate their work.
• “Ding dong ditch” someone—leave a box of treats and someone’s doorstep, ring
the bell, and literally scram!
• Mail a gift card anonymously to someone you know is going through a rough patch.
There’s dozens, if not hundreds of other ideas – just ask me if you need more!
Whatever you decide to add in or leave out of your life, have a blessed Lenten
2021 season!
Per Capita Pastor Susan
is $38.50
Per Person
PAGE 2
Blood Drive
A letter of thanks from Mississippi Valley Blood Center:
I wanted to say thank you SO very much for all the support in hosting
your blood drive. What amazing response you had. You ended up
exceeding your goal and collecting 13 units of blood. This means that
because of all your efforts and dedicated blood donors more than 39
patients in the local hospitals benefited from your blood drive. This is truly
amazing.
I hope that you and the team at the church had a good experience in
hosting and that we can work together to host future blood drive.
All the best and thanks for ALL that you do for your community,
Rachel Saelens
Richie’s Chili
2 lbs. hamburger or chopped stew meat 1 tsp. cumin
1 onion, chopped 1 teaspoon of salt or more to taste
2 tomatoes, chopped 2 cans pinto beans
3 dried chili poblanos
1 lg. clove garlic or tsp. of garlic powder
2 tbs. of chili powder
• Fill a pot 2/3 with water and poblanos and bring to a boil for several minutes. Remove poblanos and finely chop, removing the stems.
• Add back to pot, along with all ingredients except canned beans. Bring to boil on medium/low heat and add more water if or when
necessary.
• Stir every 10-15 minutes, covering pot with a lid.
• Cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, add canned beans and simmer on low heat for about 15-30 minutes.
• Let stand covered for about another 30 minutes.
• Remove from heat and serve.
Submitted by: Jimmy Ray
If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share, please send it to the office.
Valentines for Seniors
Seniors are incredibly important in our community, and we need your help by writing cards to seniors living in assisted living and
long-term care facilities in the 38th Senate District. Our hope is to bring joy to our community’s seniors this Valentine’s Day. Please
drop off or mail your cards to one of Senator Rezin’s offices by February 10, 2021 and she will personally deliver those cards to seniors
living at assisted living and long-term care facilities in the 38th Senate District.
Event: Valentines for Seniors Program Card Drive
Dates: January 8-February 10, 2021
*If delivering cards in-person, drop cards in the marked mailbox in the Senator’s Peru office. Please remember to maintain
social distancing and wear a mask when entering the office.
MAIL IN LOCATION: Senator Sue Rezin’s Morris Office: 1802 N. Division St., Ste 314, Morris, IL 60450
DROP OFF & MAIL IN LOCATION: Senator Sue Rezin’s Peru Office: 350 5th St., Ste 264, Peru, IL 61354
Please encourage other members of your congregation to participate. There is no particular format to follow with these letters, so please
feel free to be creative! These letters can include festive or decorated handwritten cards, encouraging and uplifting notes,
drawings, etc.
In the midst of unprecedented times, we would like to let local seniors know that they are cared for on this holiday and they we are
thinking of them. If you have any questions or to let us know if you are interested in participating, please respond to Shannon Hogan
at shogan.senatorrezin@gmail.com. Thank you for all you do for our community! We look forward to receiving letters from First
Presbyterian Church. Thank you for joining us in making sure our seniors know how much we care about them.
Sincerely,
Sue Rezin
Illinois State Senator
PAGE 3
Micro Pantry
Check out the Facebook page: facebook.com/MendotaMicroPantry
February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day.
Let’s start this year off spreading love!
Acts of kindness:
• Pay for the person behind you in a drive thru.
• Hold a door open for the person behind you.
• Shovel snow for a neighbor
• Let us work on spreading kindness at the micropantry by donating.
Peanut butter Hummus Salt & Pepper Lime juice
Jelly Spices Butter Tomato paste
Mayo Relish Shortening Toilet paper
Ketsup Oats Pudding Shampoo
Salad dressing Rice Syrup Body wash
Pasta sauce Vegetable/Olive oil Yogurt Canned meats
BBQ sauce Cinnamon Pancake syrup Pancake mix
Powdered sugar Canned apples Apple sauce Cereals
Nuts Onion powder Lemon juice
Supporting One Another
Nightengale's Thrift Shop and the Micropantry are working together!
Nightengale's will keep a donation box at their thrift store for donations of
non-perishable items. Neighbors helping neighbors!
Stay tuned! In February our Evangelism and Outreach committee will distribute
warm clothing to our community. We'll be collecting new mittens, gloves, hats,
scarves, and socks. (For coats and larger items, contact the Elks or Nightengale's
Closet.) Details will follow in next month's newsletter!
If you've been purging and cleaning, be sure to set aside
gently used items for our summer rummage sale. Last year
the church raised almost $2,000 with this event and we
look forward to it again this year.
We will not be able to accept TV’s and other appliances.
PAGE 4
Book Review
UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS WITH A BLACK MAN
By - Emmanuel Acho—Published in 2020
First off let me say that I found this book interesting. I grew up and worked in an area of the country with diverse
peoples and cultures. I find History and cultures exciting. I find that in order to understand people you have to listen
to their viewpoint. I have never had a problem doing this since we all have different backgrounds.
The title says it all. If your not prepared to be uncomfortable then this book is not for you. If you have an inquisitive
mind then take the chance and open it. You can always put it down.
Mr. Acho is a First Generation American from Nigeria who comes from a two parent upper middle class home, is
well educated and is doing well in life.
I hope others take the time to read this book.
Book review by Bill Coughlin
Available at the library
Something Inspiring
We would like to have a monthly book review, poem or inspirational writing in the newsletter, by a church
member. It does not need to be long and fancy or worthy of the NY Times; we’re just looking for your two
cents on. Just something that touched you or inspired you to share.
Did you like it?
Hate it?
Tell us about it, and why?
Bible Trivia
Miracles of Jesus
1. How was the woman with the issue of blood healed by Jesus?
2. Where did Jesus work his first miracle?
3. What widow had her dead son brought to life by Jesus?
4. What was the affliction of the man Jesus healed by sending him to the pool of Siloam?
5. Where was Jesus when he miraculously escaped from a crowd that was going to push him off a cliff?
6. What was the affliction of the man Jesus healed after his famous Sermon on the Mount?
7. When Jesus healed a man of dumbness, what did the Pharisees accuse him of?
1. Matthew 9:20-22; 2. John 2:1-11; 3. Luke7:11-15; 4. John 9:1-7; 5. Luke 4:29-30; 6. Matthew 8:1-4;
7. Matthew 9:34
PAGE 5
FPC 101
Have you been receiving our newsletter, or watching
our services online, but aren’t a member of our church?
Do you have questions you’d like to explore before you
make that commitment? Would you just like to know a
little more about what church membership means? Are
you a member but just haven’t been actively involved in
recent months or years? Do you wonder how church
committees work?
If you answered “yes” to any of those questions (or
Advent Bible Study added in a few of your own), we have good news! Pastor
Susan is planning a class called “FPC 101,” tentatively
scheduled during early March. We’ll cover what it means
Our weekly Bible Study will take a break from the to be Presbyterian, information about our church, and
book of Acts during the season of Advent. This year whatever questions you’d like to bring.
we’ll look at a four-week study called Incarnation:
Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas. The Stay tuned for the date and time, and message or call
Resolutions Pastor Susan with questions, thoughts, or ideas.
study is specifically geared to online classes, so it’ll
work perfectly for our Zoom meetings. Join us at
Jonathan
our Zoom Edwards
link thewas
firstanfour
18thWednesdays
century in
preacher,
December!philosopher, and theologian. Featured Library Section
One of his spiritual practices was to make
Session 1: Presidents
resolutions. Over 70 have andbeen
Kings
recorded,
Session 2: The Savior and Our
and most of them resonate well today. Need for Saving
Session
Here's 3: Emmanuel
one... if you wereintothe Midst
make a of a Pandemic
resolution today, what would yours be?of God, and
Session 4: Light of the World, Word
Lord
Harvard Business Review wrote about why people should read
fiction. "Recent research in neuroscience suggests that you might
look to the library for solutions; reading literary fiction helps
people develop empathy, theory of mind, and critical thinking.
When we read, we hone and strengthen several different cognitive
muscles, so to speak."
With that in mind, our featured library section this month is
fiction. We have two shelves chock full of everything from
religious fiction to western fiction, from romance novels to
mysteries. Stop by when you get a chance and borrow a few!
PAGE 6
Session 2021 Session Highlights
Your Session met for its regular monthly meeting on January 21, 2021
Moderator
via Zoom. The meeting was opened with reading from a Psalm 40,
Rev. Susan Presley thoughts about waiting on God’s time, and prayer.
Clerk
Kim Van Rheenen The following were discussed and approved:
• The agenda and minutes were approved. The calendar was
Elders Class of 2021 amended and approved.
• The financial report was reviewed, discussed, and accepted into
Peggy Etheridge the record.
Gary Stevens • Communications: A thank you note from Laura Sutton was read.
• Clerk’s report: The annual statistical report for Presbytery has been
Deacons 2021 completed.
• Pastor’s Report: Pastor Susan discussed home visits, calls,
Denise Woods
counseling referrals, and funerals during the last month. An update
Debbie Stevens was given on her doctoral studies and her personal prayer project
Betty Baumann for 2021.
• The blood drive on Jan. 17 was very successful.
Elders Class of 2022 • Financial Report/Budget and Stewardship: Session voted to
Joni Bratney participate in the Federal Paycheck Protection Program.
• Maintenance and Property: Estimates for repairs to the stained
Jessica Cox
glass were discussed, as a potential donor has inquired about
Kim Van Rheenen funding the project. The Memorial Committee is funding the
stripping/cleaning/re-waxing of all tile on the first floor. This
Deacons 2022 project will happen on Friday, Jan. 29. Church members will help
Paula Presley move furniture, etc. for the project.
• Worship and Music: Session agreed to continue to meet via
Jamie Rodriguez
Facebook Live and Zoom. If the coronavirus numbers continue to
Lucille Barkowski decline, returning to in-person worship could happen in February.
For Ash Wednesday, Pastor Susan will record a meditation to air on
Elders Class of 2023 our regular FB page.
Don Barkowski • Evangelism and Outreach: The Christmas dinner distribution
Chuck Baumann went well. Nightengale’s volunteered to keep a Micropantry
donation bucket in their store. The warm clothing giveaway for
Andra Goy February was discussed.
• Missions: We raised enough to get a well for Marion Medical
Deacons 2023 Mission. The Christmas Joy Offering raised $240. Blanket Sunday,
Kevin Goy Souper Bowl Sunday, and One Great Hour of Sharing are coming
Carol Erwin up.
Sandy Rebholz The next Session meeting will be February 25, 2021.
A motion was made to adjourn and Pastor Susan closed the meeting in
prayer.
Income and Expenses at
First Presbyterian Submitted by:
December 2020 Pastor Susan
MTD YTD
Budget $11,070 $132,840
Income $ 12,929 $117,486
Expenses $11,600 $130,161 Next Session will meeting
Reserves $— $16,000 moved to February 25
PAGE 7
2021
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6
7p Zoom Bible Pastor & Donna’s
Study Day off
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
10a Worship-Communion 7p Zoom Bible
Facebook live
Study
11a Zoom Fellowship
“Souperbowl of Caring” Pastor on Vacation
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
10a Worship- Facebook Donna’s Day Off
Office Closed
Guest Preacher— 7 pm Worship
Wendy Keller Presidents
Facebook live day
11a Zoom Fellowship
“One Great Hour
of Sharing”
Thru April 4
Pastor on Vacation
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
10a Worship- 7p Zoom Bible 7p Session Pastor’s Day Off
Facebook live Study
11a Zoom Fellowship
28
10a Worship-
Facebook live
11a Zoom Fellowship
Ash Wednesday Worship/Meditation
Log on to facebook.com/fpcmendota
7pm
PAGE 8
Mission Statement
Empowered by the
Holy Spirit through
every aspect of our
lives, We strive to
become more like February Birthdays
Christ. Our purpose is
to praise and worship 02 Joni Bratney
God, Support each 09 Michael Coughlin
other as a family, and 09 Ashley Inman
reach out to others to 14 Gary Holland This year, our Ash Wednesday service will be
spread the good News 17 Trenton Standford online, in the same place you enjoy Sunday
of our salvation through 20 Keith Minder services: www.facebook.com/fpcmendota .
Jesus Christ! Pastor Susan will bring a brief but
21 Erwin Stanford
22 Travis Van Rheenen meaningful devotional.
26 Laura Fischer This is a service that is usually ecumenical
and includes the imposition of ashes. With
the precautionary measures that are in place
right now, Session opted for this different
Continued Prayers way of entering into the Lenten season.
As always, send Please join us at 7 pm on February 17 at the
your prayer Barb Christopher above link as we start our journey toward
requests to us! Carol & Don Gooden Easter.
Susan.presley@ Cera, Carlos and Baby Max
gmail.com Dee Czerniuk
David Erwin Would You Like to Be Liturgist
Jackie Kellen or
Jason a Reader On Sunday Morning?
Margo Lewis If you would like to be the liturgist or just
Mike Boyle read scripture on Sunday, please contact the
Robert “Doc” Krenz church or Pastor Susan.
Tim Rebholz There are approximately 3 people
Tim Sondgeroth present in the building , masks are worn,
social distancing is followed.
PAGE 9
Missions
February Mission Focus
Souper Bowl of Caring February 7 thru February 17.
From February 17th - Apr 4th, the focus will be One Great Hour of
Sharing (OGHS) offering to fight disaster, hunger, and oppression.
Thank you for all your support!
Marion Medical Mission $450 (1 well)
Christmas Joy Offering $240
Bible Study
Bible study will continue in the book of Acts thru Lent.
February 10 will meet as usual.
February 17 is Ash Wednesday please go to : Log on to facebook.com/fpcmendota 7pm
February Lectionary Readings
February 07—Isaiah 40:21-31 and Psalm 147:1-11, 20c; 1Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39
February 14—2Kings 2:12 and Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9
February 17—Ash Wednesday—Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isaiah 58:1-12 and Psalm 51: 1-17;
2 Corinthians 5:20b-610; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
February 21—Genesis 9:8-17 and Psalm 25:1-10; 1Peter 3:18-22; Mark 19:9-15
February 28—Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 and Psalm 22:23-31; Romans 4:13-25; Mark8:31-38
We Have a Lending Closet
Did you know that we have a closet in the basement with
supplies like: wheel chairs, walkers, canes, crutches, walkers
with trays and many other items that you can borrow or if you
know of someone who would like to borrow.
It is as easy as filling out a piece of paper and off you go.
Call the office or ask Pastor Susan.
First Presbyterian Church
1003 5th Street
Mendota, IL 61342-1911
Website: www.fpcmendota.com
(815) 538-5603
Label
Sunday Morning Worship 10 AM: www.facebook.com/fpcmendota
Sunday Fellowship live zoom 11 AM Join Zoom Meetings & Gatherings:
Wednesday gathering/Bible Study 7PM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86402369150
All Meetings: Session, Special Session, Or dial in for voice only: 1-312-626-6799
etc. Meeting code 8640 236 9150
Lent begins
February17, 2021
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