Voice of the Servant "In With The New" - First Presbyterian Church of Mendota
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Voice of the Servant
POINT OF INTEREST
• Event Photos Pg. 2
• Second Sunday Brunch Pg. 4
•
•
Thank you Pg. 4
Stained Glass Pg. 4
“In With The New”
• Mission Focus Pg. 9
“They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they
shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” ~ Isaiah 40:31
Fall is already just around the corner! Autumn isn’t usually the time we think about
new beginnings, but there seem to be lots of wonderful, new things happening in our
church and in our community. We’ve all been through a rough year and a half, so I
thought we could take this chance to appreciate some of the fresh beginnings around us.
Sunday School! We have new children, as well as our regulars, in Sunday school each
week. There’s new teachers as well who are brave enough to give leadership a try,
and we’re so grateful for them.
Activities. We did a Blessing of the Bikes for the first time that was very successful, as
well as a Parent Comfort Booth at the Sweet Corn Festival, which was extremely
well-received. Our recital and ice cream social welcomed about 100 guests, with
new and experienced pianists participating. (Pictures of all of these are elsewhere
in this newsletter.)
Mission Statement We have a new member, Suzan Wilburn. Welcome to our new friend!
Empowered by the Second Sunday breakfasts aren’t exactly new, but it’s been so long since we’ve done
Holy Spirit through them, having them back beginning in September will feel new again.
every aspect of our We’re starting a new Bible study about spiritual gifts (see calendar for times).
lives, We strive to
become more like As for you personally, what’s new? I don’t mean just new events in your life. Rather,
Christ. Our purpose is what’s new in your spiritual life? This would be a great time to start a new devotional
to praise and worship series, refresh your prayer life, or be more intentional about inviting others to church.
God, Support each The Psalmist prayed the below prayer, asking God to renew his spirit. Let’s all do the
other as a family, and same, for ourselves, for our church, and for our community. It will feel like a breath of
reach out to others to fresh air for our souls.
spread the good News
of our salvation through “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” ~ Psalm 51:10 KJV
Jesus Christ!
Pastor Susan
Blessing of the Bikes
Recital and Ice Cream Social
There were 100+ people who enjoyed Laura Sutton’s students recital and the ice cream social.
Family Comfort Station at Sweet Corn Festival
The Comfort Station at the Sweet
Corn Festival was well received.
Thank you all who volunteered time to
welcome people and for all the
donations that were used that day.
PAGE 2
PAGE 3
Heritage Manor Worship
The Christmas Craft
show date:
Saturday,
November 6, 2021.
On the fourth Thursday of each month at
10 AM, Pastor Susan and the FPC Deacons You can reserve a
worship with the residents of Heritage Manor. table before they run
We observe the sacrament of Communion out!
together, and enjoy a time of singing, sharing Contact Pastor Susan.
the word and the fellowship with one another.
Please join us anytime.
Stuffed Eggplant
1 large eggplant ½ cup chopped fresh parsley (don't use
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil that weird dry stuff)
½ teaspoon salt ½ cup chopped fresh basil leaves (see
¼ teaspoon black pepper above regarding dry stuff)
½ lb. ground beef 1 ¼ cups grated Romano cheese
1 cup diced onion ½ cup panko crispy bread crumbs
1 cup diced red bell pepper 1 egg
As much garlic as makes you and 2 chopped small tomatoes, chopped
your family happy
Steps
• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Cut the eggplant in half, scoop out the center. Leave enough meat inside the skin so that it holds its shape and
doesn’t get floppy when baked. Chop the scooped out eggplant up, put it in saucepan, cover with water and boil
until very soft, 10 to 12 minutes.
• Meanwhile, 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over in a medium pan over medium heat. Salt and pepper the beef. Add
the seasoned ground beef to the pan, and sauté until all the liquid is evaporated and the beef begins to brown
slightly. Chop up the beef into fine pieces.
• In another pan, sauté the onion, pepper and garlic together in the remaining oil.
• In a bowl, mix together the cooked eggplant, vegetables, beef, herbs, 1 cup of the cheese, 1/4 cup of the bread
crumbs and the egg. Fill the scooped-out eggplant halves with this mixture, dividing it between the two halves.
• Top these beautiful creations with chopped tomatoes, the remaining 1/4 cup cheese, remaining 1/4 cup bread
crumbs, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place on an oiled oven tray or baking dish, and bake for 50
minutes. Let cool briefly; and serve.
Submitted by Pastor Susan Presley
If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share, please send it to the office.
PAGE 4
2nd
Sunday School Teacher or Helper
Cleaning the Church Second Sunday Brunch is returning
Sunday, September 12 at 9 AM
Usher on Sunday
Liturgist/Scripture Reader on Sunday Please bring a breakfast goodie or dish to pass. Or, don’t
Treats and coffee for fellowship bring anything if you don’t have time. We will provide
drinks and table service.
Odd Jobs—helping with upcoming events If you have questions, please contact Joni Bratney.
The Stained Glass Window
The window is 50% done. There is a presentation on Facebook live worship service
from August 29 (www.facebook.com/fpcmendota). There are 2,927 pieces that have
been cleaned, catalogued and are carefully being assembled.
A heartfelt thanks for all who have agreed to continue to clean
and for those who newly signed up to help with keeping our
church in tip top shape! Thank you.
Don & Lucille Barkowski Sandy Rebholz
Carol Erwin Joni Bratney
Kay Christen Ann Goy
Tess Heckert Chuck & Betty Baumann
Bill Coughlin Debbie Stevens
Nancy Huss
PAGE 5
Book Review
Under The Banner Of Heaven
A story of violent faith
By: Jon Krakauer
On July 24, 1984, a woman and her infant daughter were murdered by two brothers who
believed they were ordered to kill by God. The roots of their crime lie deep in the history of an
American religion practiced by millions . . .
After reading the above I thought I was going to read a relatively recent true whodunnit. I
enjoyed Mr. Krakauer's Book, Into Thin Air, about climbing Mt. Everest. How wrong I was!
This book is a history of the Mormon Church, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, here after referred to as
LDS or the Fundamentalist's off shoot FLDS. The murder is an incidental part of the book. Both the history and
murder are tragic, showing how people are searching for meaning in this life and the hereafter and exposing those
who take advantage of them.
I found this book difficult to read due to content , but I enjoy history good or bad and finished it. If you want to
know about LDS or FLDS then this is the book for you. Since I have known LDS members in the past I found it
disturbing.
Submitted by: Bill Coughlin
Something Inspiring
A Penny for Every Gallon
We would like to have a monthly book review,
Shell Gas on Rt. 251 and Rt. 34 poem or inspirational writing in the newsletter,
will donate a penny for every by a church member. It does not need to be
gallon purchased from pump long and fancy or worthy of the NY Times;
# 5 & 6 thru the end of we’re just looking for your two cents on. Just
September 2021 to the something that touched you or inspired you to
micropantry.
share.
Thank you to Kate Walter and Did you like it?
Johnson Oil! Hate it?
Tell us about it, and why?
Micro Pantry
Thank you for all your support for the micropantry!
This month we are in need of the following:
Cereal Apple sauce
Oatmeal individual servings Granola bars
Grits individual servings Graham crackers
Pop tarts Gold fish
Pancake mix Mixed fruits in the can
Syrup Tuna
English muffins Spaghetti sauces
Peanut butter & jelly Mac & Cheese
Cheese & crackers Spaghetti-O’s
PAGE 6
Session 2021 Session Highlights
Moderator Your Session met for its regular monthly meeting on July 15, 2021 with
a hybrid in person/Zoom meeting. The meeting was opened by Pastor
Rev. Susan Presley
Susan with a discussion of what scripture says about joy and happiness,
Clerk and with prayer.
Kim Van Rheenen
The following were discussed and approved:
Elders Class of 2021 • Suzan Wilburn presented for church membership. Session joyfully
Peggy Etheridge voted to welcome her as a member of FPC.
Gary Stevens • The agenda, minutes from last month, calendar and financial port
were accepted into the record.
Deacons 2021 • Pastor Susan and the Deacons worshipped with and served
Denise Woods communion to 15 at Heritage Health this month.
Debbie Stevens • Pastor Susan officiated two funerals (Phyllis Thompson and
Betty Baumann Charlie Dumas). She served as pulpit supply at Clarion Lutheran
one Sunday.
Elders Class of 2022 • For Maintenance and Property, Gary reported a line that was
Joni Bratney down across the alley has been dealt with. Mauch Carpentry has
Jessica Cox completed the work on the chimney. A toilet off of Fellowship Hall
has been repaired. Nicor completed an inspection, finding a minor
Kim Van Rheenen leak that was handled, as well as a pipe clogged with dead birds. The
State completed a boiler inspection, finding we need a remote
Deacons 2022 shut-off switch. A call has been made to Steam Whisperer to have
Paula Presley that done. Gary thanked Chuck Baumann, Don Barkowski,
Jamie Rodriguez Jessica Cox, and Chris Matheson for all the help they provide to
the church with maintenance.
Lucille Barkowski
• For Christian Education, Kim reported we have completed our
Elders Class of 2023 adult study of the Book of Acts. Sunday School is going well with
children attending and adults volunteering to teach.
Don Barkowski
Chuck Baumann • For Evangelism and Outreach, Jessica got dates for Trunk or
Andra Goy Treat (Oct. 31), our Thanksgiving food distribution (Nov. 12),
Christmas distribution (Dec. 17) and an outdoor game night (Sept.
11) on the calendar.
Deacons 2023
Kevin Goy • Fellowship and Parish Life: The Harvest dinner will be early in
November, and the Craft Show is November 6.
Carol Erwin
Sandy Rebholz The next Session meeting will be September 16, as we take off one
month during August.
A motion was made to adjourn and Pastor Susan closed the meeting in
prayer.
Income and Expenses at Submitted by: Pastor Susan
First Presbyterian
July 2021
Bible Study
MTD YTD
Budget $11,281 $78,969 Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts
Income $7,630 $69,048 10:00 AM
Expenses $9,032 $74,738 and
Reserves $2,000 $5,500 7:00 PM
In person and Zoom.
PAGE 7
September
2021
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4
Pastor &
10a Bible Study Scott Alan
Donna’s Day Off
7p Bible Study Vander Hamm
In-person and Jr. Wedding
Zoom
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
10a Worship- Pastor Day Off Outdoor
Office Closed 5p Boy Scouts 10a Bible Study
Communion
Labor Day 7p Bible Study Game Night
Facebook live
11a Coffee Hour In-person and Time TBA
Zoom
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
9a Second Sunday Pastor &
Brunch 5p Boy Scouts 10a Bible Study 7p Session
Donna’s Day Off
10a Worship- 7p Bible Study
Facebook live In-person and
11a Coffee Hour Zoom
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
10a Worship- Newsletter
Facebook live 5p Boy Scouts 10a Bible Study 10a Heritage Manor
7p Bible Study Worship Deadline!
11a Coffee Hour
In-person and
3p Elder Abuse/
Zoom Pastor Day Off
Scam Seminar
26 27 28 29 30
10a Worship-
Facebook live 5p Boy Scouts 10a Bible Study
11a Coffee Hour 7p Bible Study
In-person and
Zoom
PAGE 8
2021
Per Capita
is $38.50
Per Person September Birthdays
September Anniversaries
05 Rosemary Hamel
05 Chuck Huss 07 Ken & Kim Van Rheenen
10 Roy Salecker 10 Bob & Peggy Etheridge
10 Steven Dullard
12 Jamie Rodriguez
13 Susan Kilanowski New Member
16 Denise Woods
20 Virginia Bratney
Liturgists needed 28 Brian Bratney
on Sunday
morning?
September Pianists
September 5 Communion
Peggy Etheridge
September 12
Brady Hughes
September 19
Brady Hughes
Please welcome Suzan Wilburn.
September 26
She joined First Presbyterian on
Laura Sutton
July 18, 2021
Thank you
A thank you to Pastor Susan for
officiating the wedding ceremony of
Andy and Beth Goy.
Kevin & Andra Goy
Continued Prayers
Barb Christopher Jason
Carol & Don Gooden Margo Lewis
Cera, Carlos and Baby Max Mike Boyle
Dorothy Becker Tim Rebholz
Eric Newberry Tim Sondgeroth
PAGE 9
Missions
Mission Focus for September and October
CWS Emergency Cleanup Buckets
You can provide assistance to families and communities affected by flooding,
tornados and other disasters.
SEE THE INFORMATION TABLE FOR ITEMS TO PURCHASE.
DONATIONS WILL ALSO BE ACCEPTED TO PURCHASE THE NECESSARY ITEMS TO FILL
THE BUCKETS
• One five-gallon bucket with resealable lid (If bucket has been used, clean well but do not use if it has held
chemicals of any kind.)
• Four scouring pads
• Seven sponges, including one large
• One scrub brush
• Eighteen reusable, lightweight dry cleaning towels (e.g. Handi—wipes)
• One 50 oz. or two 25 oz. bottle (s) of liquid laundry detergent
• One 16-28 oz. bottle of liquid disinfectant dish soap
• One 12-16 oz. bottle of household cleaner that can be mixed with water (no spray bottles)
• One package of 48-50 clothespins
• Clothesline, two 50 ft. or one 100 ft.
• Five dust masks
• Two pairs heavy-duty, waterproof dishwashing gloves (latex-free, non-surgical)
• One pair work gloves, cotton with leather palm or all leather
• 24-28 heavy duty or contractor type 30-45 gallon trash bags on a roll and removed from carton
• One 6-9 oz. bottle of non-aerosol insect repellent
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THIS MISSION PROJECT TO HELP THOSE WHO
HAVE BEEN EFFECTED BY A DISASTER.
September Lectionary Readings
September 05—Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23 Psalm 125; Isiah 35:4-7; Psalm 146; James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17;
Mark 7:24-37
September 12—Proverbs 1:20-33; Psalm 19; Isiah 50:4-9; Psalm 116:1-9: James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-37
September 19—Proverbs 31:10-31; Psalm 1; Jeremiah 11:18-20; Psalm 54; James 3:13-4:3, 7-8; Mark 9:30-37
September 26—Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22; Psalm 124; Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29; Psalm 19:7-14;
James 5:13-20; Mark 9:38-50
First Presbyterian Church
1003 5th Street
Mendota, IL 61342-1911
Website: www.fpcmendota.com
(815) 538-5603
Label
Sunday Morning Worship 10 AM: In-Person and www.facebook.com/fpcmendota
Sunday Fellowship 11 AM, in-person/Zoom Join Zoom Meetings & Gatherings:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86402369150
Wednesday gathering/Bible Study 7PM, Or dial in for voice only: 1-312-626-6799
in-person and Zoom Meeting code 8640 236 9150
September 2021You can also read
