FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS
April, 2008 Newsletter
• Meeting Times
Membership Ministry plans to meet monthly at 6:30 pm the 1st Wednesday of the month (until further notice). In May and June, the Marketplace planning group will meet weekly on Monday evenings at 6:30.
• April Fellowship Update!
You're invited to attend the Saturday, April 26 performance of Godspell at John A. Logan College. The show begins at 7 p.m. in O'Neil Auditorium, and tickets are $8 each. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex. Please make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church and put them in Sarah Merideth's folder in the church office by April 13. Tickets will be distributed on April 20, or mailed to you.
• THE CHURCH FAMILY REJOICES …
at the marriage of Bob Luebbers and Elena Balaita on March 15.
We also rejoice at the marriage of Megan Temple and Brett Batteau on March 8. Megan is the daughter of Joan and Jim Temple and the granddaughter of Nella Lougeay.
Please continue to keep these new families in your prayers as they begin their new lives together.
• Elena and Bob Luebbers
Elena and Bob wish to thank Pastor West, the congregation, friends and relatives for their love and support on their wedding on March 15.
Please update your church directory. They are currently living in Bob’s apartment on the outskirts of Carterville:
11623 W Cypress Dr Apt A, Carbondale, IL 62901
PH: 618-985-6175
Elena’s Cell: 618-924-3116
Elena's email: lenuserj@yahoo.com
Bob's email: lightson@midwest.net
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
• Barbara Stewart
Barb is to be awarded two extra weeks of vacation in 2008.
At Janice’s suggestion, the Personnel Ministry recommended and Session approved, a special two week paid vacation for our Administrative Assistant, Barbara Stewart, to be taken in August 2008. This two week vacation is to be in addition to her regular vacation time and is in recognition of all the additional work and responsibility required of her during the pastor’s sabbatical period April – July.
• DAYCARE
The children have been learning about weather, because we have certainly had our share of bad weather this year.
Teachers talked about St.Patricks Day, so on Monday, March 17, the Preschool age children went on a pot of gold hunt and were very excited when they found some coins in the big room.
Our Easter egg hunt and a party was on Thursday March 20. This gave the children a chance to hunt for the brightly colored eggs and treats.
Don’t forget we will be having our St Jude’s Trike-A-Thon on Friday, March 28. This is the day the children will bring their trikes and ride laps around the big room to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
• BIBLES
Bibles will be presented to several children during worship service March 30th. It has been the tradition of our church to present “grown up” Bibles to third graders and any others who had not received one. Each child and family selects a scripture, and someone special to help with the presentation.
• PRESCHOOL
The Preschool children had a lot of Easter activities. All the children made treat bags, dyed eggs and had an Easter egg hunt. The Frogs had a science experiment to determine how strong an egg is in water. The Tadpoles and Polliwogs had fun reading Easter stories.
The next units for the Tadpoles and Polliwogs will be spring bugs and butterflies. The Frogs will start “Alex the Mouse” who goes home with each child and he/she writes a story about the next 24 hours with the mouse and the activities they do together. Parent/Teacher Conferences are next month.
Right now everyone is working on the Scholarship Dinner and Games April 4, at 6 p.m. Mark your calendars for that special day.
• STRIKE UP THE BAND!
For kids of all ages. Play drums? Guitar? Piano? Trumpet? Clarinet? French horn? Something else? Let’s put them all together to make our own band. Bart Trescott will help to get the players organized. Let him know if you are interested, and what instrument you play. The group will have its first gathering on Monday, April 7th at 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. Plans now are for the “BAND” to meet once a week during the summer. (What about the strings, you ask? Ready for a second group?)
• HUNGER SALE
Let’s do it again! Last year’s Church Women United World Hunger Sale set a record, earning $13,129.69 for nine local and six worldwide agencies that feed hungry people. With so much need among our neighbors near and far, how can we not do it again?
The Sale is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 11-12, at the Newman Catholic Student Center, 715 S. Washington, Carbondale. The hours are 12 noon to 6 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
In addition to being a giant yard sale, the Sale features an auction of antiques, collectibles and much more, including some popular limestone planters. It will be held Saturday at 10 a.m.
Donations of usable items of all sorts are needed. Donations of plants, baked goods, and auction items are particularly welcome. If you have something special to donate, large or small, that might be considered for the auction, call Chair Margie Parker at 549-7193 by April 1 so it can be advertised to attract high bidders!
If you like to help others and can spare some time April 9-12, please sign up with your church coordinator or call Margie at 549-7193.
Save the dates, clean out your closets, check whether you have a green or white thumb (gardening or baking) and sign up to help us have another great Sale.
• GATEWAYS TO GOD’S GALAXY
Gateways to God’s Galaxy will continue the focus on Easter in April, with workshop rotations featuring The Women at the Tomb. The rotations this month include art (working with clay), Bible Skills, drama (video to be made), and games, along with some music at the end of each lesson. At 10:30 Sunday mornings the children between the ages of 4 and fifth grade, meet in room 140. Before going off to their activity for the morning, they share information about the lesson, they collect an offering for Jitendra, and they spend time together. We welcome visitors and friends to join us any Sunday.
• FAITH DEVELOPMENT
March 30, April 6, 13 -- O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing!
From the Church’s earliest days music has played a central part in the worship and spiritual lives of Christians. Join us for an exploration of this musical tradition that looks at what we have lost, what we have kept, and what we might be hearing in the future. Leaders: Susan Davenport and Kathy Manfredi. Don’t miss it!
April 20 Play, Spirit and Character (Speaking of Faith Series)
Stuart Brown, a physician and director of the National Institute for Play, Say that pleasurable, purposeless activity prevents violence and promotes empathy, and adaptability to life’s complication. (Download can be found at: http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/play/ or is available at the church office. Pat Manfredi will be guiding the conversation.
April 27, May 4 Mental Health Issues
Peg Falcone, with SIRSS, will discuss our community’s need for mental health care and the services that So. Ill. Regional Serv. provides.
• RESTAURANT GROUP
The restaurant group will meet in April at 5:30 PM on Thursday, April 17th at the Lone Star Steakhouse. Lin & Katie Koonce will be in charge. Phone 457-5357, email: lindellkoonce@msn.com.
• April 19 Bulletin Announcement
If you signed up to purchase tickets for Godspell, please find Brenda Gilbert or Sarah Merideth to collect them.
• THE YOUTH ROOM
The Youth Room gets a lot of use, especially now that it has been refurbished. In addition to the Sunday morning class, the Youth Group meets there several times a month on Sunday afternoons and evenings. What’s this we hear about a Talent Show? Watch for details and a date. In the meantime, get ready for your role in the YOUTH TALENT SHOW. The youth in grades 6 – 12 meet every Sunday morning at 10:30 for Bible study and activities under the leadership of Diane Cash. They will have been greeters Easter morning. Did you see them there? Youth and adults going to Montreat in June have made their arrangements (mostly made). Jane Swanson is busy finalizing their plans and arranging fund raising. Thank you all in advance for your support.
• AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE
The Relay for Life will be held at SIU’s McAndrew Stadium on Saturday, April 26 beginning at 6 p.m. with the Survivor’s Celebration. Walkers begin at 7 p.m. and the Relay will end at 6 on Sunday morning. Reona Daly and Cindy Buys will have a sign-up sheet for persons wanting to walk and/or make a donation at church each Sunday morning from March 30 through April 20. We are still looking for someone to donate the $100 registration fee. The youth will be walking in the Relay for Life Saturday evening.
• UPCOMING FELLOWSHIP EVENT
Godspell – Saturday, April 26
Join us for an evening of entertainment at John A. Logan for the performance of Godspell on Saturday, April 26. J.A.L.C. has not yet published information on ticket prices or the time of the show, but sign-up sheets will be posted in the narthex when the information becomes available. The sign-up sheet will include the price for tickets and information on whom to contact.
• KIDS IN CHRIST
Kids In Christ went to the movies together, under the leadership of Beth Forsberg. Their next activities will be a hike and to join forces for Relay For Life. Everyone is welcome, of course. Did you see this group on Palm Sunday greeting everyone as they came to worship that morning?
• May 4 & 11 Bulletin Announcements
Join us for a grill-off competition at the church on Saturday, May 17 from 4-7 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the tastiest dishes. Bring your grill, a dish to share, table service, and lawn chairs. There will be games for non-grillers and plenty of time for fellowship. Please sign-up in the narthex. You can fire up your grill at 4 p.m., with the meal being served around 5:30 p.m.
• UPCOMING FELLOWSHIP EVENT
Grill-Off – Saturday, May 17, 4-7 p.m.
Show off your grilling abilities! Whether it’s ribs, steaks, brats, or burgers, bring your best recipe and join us for a grill competition. New Location: We’ll hold the grill-off at the church (rather than Evergreen Park), so bring your grill, a dish to share, table service, and lawn chairs.
Prizes will be awarded, and there will be games for non-cooks. You can fire up your grill at 4 p.m., and we’ll aim to have the meal around 5:30 p.m. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the narthex so we know how many to expect. Invite your friends, neighbors, and co-workers!
• MARKETPLACE
Marketplace plans are being made. The dates are July 7-11, 2008. The focus will be on Moses, leading the Israelites out of Egypt and through the desert. The first planning meeting was held. The next one will be Tuesday, April 8 at 6:30 in the Youth Room. This time the focus will be on shops and activities. All ideas are welcome. Check with Kitty Trescott regarding Marketplace questions and offers. We will need clean crushed egg shells. We will need small glass jars with smooth sides. Watch for more “needs” in the weeks ahead.
• PER CAPITA ASSESSMENT
The 2008 church budget includes the assumption that each member will pay his or her per capita assessement. This year the assessment is $35.14 per member. This is the amount sent for each member to cover administratiive costs for Synod and Presbytery for 2008. If you have not already done so, please consider making this part of your giving soon.
• MOVIES MAY BE BORROWED
Movies may be borrowed. Look in the Youth Room. There is a nice collection of VCR tapes and DVD’s. Some are “G” rated for children and families; others are more for adults. Be sure to sign your name and the name of the video(s) you have borrowed. Likewise, if you have some videos that you or your family have outgrown, add them to our collection for others to borrow. The Veggie Tales videos we have are a favorite of the children. It would be a great way to spend an evening with family and friends.
April, 2008 Newsletter
• Meeting Times
Membership Ministry plans to meet monthly at 6:30 pm the 1st Wednesday of the month (until further notice). In May and June, the Marketplace planning group will meet weekly on Monday evenings at 6:30.
• April Fellowship Update!
You're invited to attend the Saturday, April 26 performance of Godspell at John A. Logan College. The show begins at 7 p.m. in O'Neil Auditorium, and tickets are $8 each. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex. Please make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church and put them in Sarah Merideth's folder in the church office by April 13. Tickets will be distributed on April 20, or mailed to you.
• THE CHURCH FAMILY REJOICES …
at the marriage of Bob Luebbers and Elena Balaita on March 15.
We also rejoice at the marriage of Megan Temple and Brett Batteau on March 8. Megan is the daughter of Joan and Jim Temple and the granddaughter of Nella Lougeay.
Please continue to keep these new families in your prayers as they begin their new lives together.
• Elena and Bob Luebbers
Elena and Bob wish to thank Pastor West, the congregation, friends and relatives for their love and support on their wedding on March 15.
Please update your church directory. They are currently living in Bob’s apartment on the outskirts of Carterville:
11623 W Cypress Dr Apt A, Carbondale, IL 62901
PH: 618-985-6175
Elena’s Cell: 618-924-3116
Elena's email: lenuserj@yahoo.com
Bob's email: lightson@midwest.net
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
• Barbara Stewart
Barb is to be awarded two extra weeks of vacation in 2008.
At Janice’s suggestion, the Personnel Ministry recommended and Session approved, a special two week paid vacation for our Administrative Assistant, Barbara Stewart, to be taken in August 2008. This two week vacation is to be in addition to her regular vacation time and is in recognition of all the additional work and responsibility required of her during the pastor’s sabbatical period April – July.
• DAYCARE
The children have been learning about weather, because we have certainly had our share of bad weather this year.
Teachers talked about St.Patricks Day, so on Monday, March 17, the Preschool age children went on a pot of gold hunt and were very excited when they found some coins in the big room.
Our Easter egg hunt and a party was on Thursday March 20. This gave the children a chance to hunt for the brightly colored eggs and treats.
Don’t forget we will be having our St Jude’s Trike-A-Thon on Friday, March 28. This is the day the children will bring their trikes and ride laps around the big room to raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
• BIBLES
Bibles will be presented to several children during worship service March 30th. It has been the tradition of our church to present “grown up” Bibles to third graders and any others who had not received one. Each child and family selects a scripture, and someone special to help with the presentation.
• PRESCHOOL
The Preschool children had a lot of Easter activities. All the children made treat bags, dyed eggs and had an Easter egg hunt. The Frogs had a science experiment to determine how strong an egg is in water. The Tadpoles and Polliwogs had fun reading Easter stories.
The next units for the Tadpoles and Polliwogs will be spring bugs and butterflies. The Frogs will start “Alex the Mouse” who goes home with each child and he/she writes a story about the next 24 hours with the mouse and the activities they do together. Parent/Teacher Conferences are next month.
Right now everyone is working on the Scholarship Dinner and Games April 4, at 6 p.m. Mark your calendars for that special day.
• STRIKE UP THE BAND!
For kids of all ages. Play drums? Guitar? Piano? Trumpet? Clarinet? French horn? Something else? Let’s put them all together to make our own band. Bart Trescott will help to get the players organized. Let him know if you are interested, and what instrument you play. The group will have its first gathering on Monday, April 7th at 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. Plans now are for the “BAND” to meet once a week during the summer. (What about the strings, you ask? Ready for a second group?)
• HUNGER SALE
Let’s do it again! Last year’s Church Women United World Hunger Sale set a record, earning $13,129.69 for nine local and six worldwide agencies that feed hungry people. With so much need among our neighbors near and far, how can we not do it again?
The Sale is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 11-12, at the Newman Catholic Student Center, 715 S. Washington, Carbondale. The hours are 12 noon to 6 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
In addition to being a giant yard sale, the Sale features an auction of antiques, collectibles and much more, including some popular limestone planters. It will be held Saturday at 10 a.m.
Donations of usable items of all sorts are needed. Donations of plants, baked goods, and auction items are particularly welcome. If you have something special to donate, large or small, that might be considered for the auction, call Chair Margie Parker at 549-7193 by April 1 so it can be advertised to attract high bidders!
If you like to help others and can spare some time April 9-12, please sign up with your church coordinator or call Margie at 549-7193.
Save the dates, clean out your closets, check whether you have a green or white thumb (gardening or baking) and sign up to help us have another great Sale.
• GATEWAYS TO GOD’S GALAXY
Gateways to God’s Galaxy will continue the focus on Easter in April, with workshop rotations featuring The Women at the Tomb. The rotations this month include art (working with clay), Bible Skills, drama (video to be made), and games, along with some music at the end of each lesson. At 10:30 Sunday mornings the children between the ages of 4 and fifth grade, meet in room 140. Before going off to their activity for the morning, they share information about the lesson, they collect an offering for Jitendra, and they spend time together. We welcome visitors and friends to join us any Sunday.
• FAITH DEVELOPMENT
March 30, April 6, 13 -- O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing!
From the Church’s earliest days music has played a central part in the worship and spiritual lives of Christians. Join us for an exploration of this musical tradition that looks at what we have lost, what we have kept, and what we might be hearing in the future. Leaders: Susan Davenport and Kathy Manfredi. Don’t miss it!
April 20 Play, Spirit and Character (Speaking of Faith Series)
Stuart Brown, a physician and director of the National Institute for Play, Say that pleasurable, purposeless activity prevents violence and promotes empathy, and adaptability to life’s complication. (Download can be found at: http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/play/ or is available at the church office. Pat Manfredi will be guiding the conversation.
April 27, May 4 Mental Health Issues
Peg Falcone, with SIRSS, will discuss our community’s need for mental health care and the services that So. Ill. Regional Serv. provides.
• RESTAURANT GROUP
The restaurant group will meet in April at 5:30 PM on Thursday, April 17th at the Lone Star Steakhouse. Lin & Katie Koonce will be in charge. Phone 457-5357, email: lindellkoonce@msn.com.
• April 19 Bulletin Announcement
If you signed up to purchase tickets for Godspell, please find Brenda Gilbert or Sarah Merideth to collect them.
• THE YOUTH ROOM
The Youth Room gets a lot of use, especially now that it has been refurbished. In addition to the Sunday morning class, the Youth Group meets there several times a month on Sunday afternoons and evenings. What’s this we hear about a Talent Show? Watch for details and a date. In the meantime, get ready for your role in the YOUTH TALENT SHOW. The youth in grades 6 – 12 meet every Sunday morning at 10:30 for Bible study and activities under the leadership of Diane Cash. They will have been greeters Easter morning. Did you see them there? Youth and adults going to Montreat in June have made their arrangements (mostly made). Jane Swanson is busy finalizing their plans and arranging fund raising. Thank you all in advance for your support.
• AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE
The Relay for Life will be held at SIU’s McAndrew Stadium on Saturday, April 26 beginning at 6 p.m. with the Survivor’s Celebration. Walkers begin at 7 p.m. and the Relay will end at 6 on Sunday morning. Reona Daly and Cindy Buys will have a sign-up sheet for persons wanting to walk and/or make a donation at church each Sunday morning from March 30 through April 20. We are still looking for someone to donate the $100 registration fee. The youth will be walking in the Relay for Life Saturday evening.
• UPCOMING FELLOWSHIP EVENT
Godspell – Saturday, April 26
Join us for an evening of entertainment at John A. Logan for the performance of Godspell on Saturday, April 26. J.A.L.C. has not yet published information on ticket prices or the time of the show, but sign-up sheets will be posted in the narthex when the information becomes available. The sign-up sheet will include the price for tickets and information on whom to contact.
• KIDS IN CHRIST
Kids In Christ went to the movies together, under the leadership of Beth Forsberg. Their next activities will be a hike and to join forces for Relay For Life. Everyone is welcome, of course. Did you see this group on Palm Sunday greeting everyone as they came to worship that morning?
• May 4 & 11 Bulletin Announcements
Join us for a grill-off competition at the church on Saturday, May 17 from 4-7 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the tastiest dishes. Bring your grill, a dish to share, table service, and lawn chairs. There will be games for non-grillers and plenty of time for fellowship. Please sign-up in the narthex. You can fire up your grill at 4 p.m., with the meal being served around 5:30 p.m.
• UPCOMING FELLOWSHIP EVENT
Grill-Off – Saturday, May 17, 4-7 p.m.
Show off your grilling abilities! Whether it’s ribs, steaks, brats, or burgers, bring your best recipe and join us for a grill competition. New Location: We’ll hold the grill-off at the church (rather than Evergreen Park), so bring your grill, a dish to share, table service, and lawn chairs.
Prizes will be awarded, and there will be games for non-cooks. You can fire up your grill at 4 p.m., and we’ll aim to have the meal around 5:30 p.m. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the narthex so we know how many to expect. Invite your friends, neighbors, and co-workers!
• MARKETPLACE
Marketplace plans are being made. The dates are July 7-11, 2008. The focus will be on Moses, leading the Israelites out of Egypt and through the desert. The first planning meeting was held. The next one will be Tuesday, April 8 at 6:30 in the Youth Room. This time the focus will be on shops and activities. All ideas are welcome. Check with Kitty Trescott regarding Marketplace questions and offers. We will need clean crushed egg shells. We will need small glass jars with smooth sides. Watch for more “needs” in the weeks ahead.
• PER CAPITA ASSESSMENT
The 2008 church budget includes the assumption that each member will pay his or her per capita assessement. This year the assessment is $35.14 per member. This is the amount sent for each member to cover administratiive costs for Synod and Presbytery for 2008. If you have not already done so, please consider making this part of your giving soon.
• MOVIES MAY BE BORROWED
Movies may be borrowed. Look in the Youth Room. There is a nice collection of VCR tapes and DVD’s. Some are “G” rated for children and families; others are more for adults. Be sure to sign your name and the name of the video(s) you have borrowed. Likewise, if you have some videos that you or your family have outgrown, add them to our collection for others to borrow. The Veggie Tales videos we have are a favorite of the children. It would be a great way to spend an evening with family and friends.