January 2017 Chat

January Lectionary Scripture Readings January 1st – New Year's Day Ecc 3:1-13, Ps 8, Rev 21:1-6a, Matt 25:31-46 January 8th – The Baptism of Christ (First Sunday after Epiphany) Isa 42:1-9, PS 29, Acts 10:34-43, Matt 3:13-17 January 15th – Second Sunday after Epiphany Isa 49:1-7, Ps 40:1-11, 1 Cor 1:1-9, John 1:29-42 January 22nd – Third Sunday after Epiphany Isa 9:1-4, Ps 27:1, 4-9, 1 Cor 1:10-18, Matt 4:12-23 January 29th – Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Micah 6:1-8, Ps 15, 1 Cor 1:18-31, Matt 5:1-12

CONCORDIA U.C.C 7600 State Route 163 Belleville, IL 62223 476-3377 www.concordia-ucc.org

OUR STAFF Minister: Pastor: Sunday School Superintendent: Organist: Secretary: Custodian:

Every Member of the Congregation David Krueger Becky Avara Linda Danford Natalie Huck Lisa Stallmann

CHURCH COUNCIL OFFICERS AND MEMBERS Council President: Treasurer: Council Members:

Dale Hoepfinger Sara Allen Joan Bevirt Rachel Gomric Bill Meckfessel Dustin Montgomery Marianne Schaefer

EMAIL ADDRESSES [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Average attendance for December was 86: December 4 - 81, December 11 - 98, December 24 - 106, December 25 - 60. Christmas Fund (5 for 5) Offering: $327.00

SCHEDULE Worship Every Sunday at 9 am Sunday school after worship The Quilting Circle - Every Tuesday at 9 am Choir - Every Wednesday at 7 pm Confirmation- Every Monday at 7 pm Food Pantry - First Sunday Council Meeting after church - Second Sunday Men's Group at 7:30 am on 3rd Sunday Book Club at 11:00 am on 3rd Sunday Women's Guild the fourth Sunday of the Month Joyce's Prayer Shawl Ministry the first Thursday of the Month

January 8 - Choir Christmas Cantata (rescheduled) January 15 - Women's trip to West Port Playhouse February 3-5 - Women's retreat February 19 - Annual Church Meeting 10:00 AM March 1 - Ash Wednesday March 18 - Women's Guild BBQ Treasurer’s reports are due in the church office by January 22nd for Audit Committee. Secretary reports are due in the church office by January 29th. Church Cancelations Due to Weather Should we experience inclement weather during the winter months that causes us to cancel Sunday morning worship we will send out an email and it will also be posted on KMOV-4, Fox2 and News 11 channels. Thanks and let’s pray for a mild winter. Millstadt Food Pantry Wish List

The following is a list of the items that the Millstadt Food Pantry is requesting from Concordia during the month of January: Soups, Boxed Meals, Baby Food, Condiments. February: Instant Side Dishes (rice, pasta, etc), Laundry supplies, Cake/Brownie mix, Shampoo/Conditioner Remember the words of our Savior Jesus the Christ: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40.

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK: The scriptures of the Christmas Season detect a young mother and a humble carpenter answering the call from God. The manage scenes embedded in our minds hold for us more hope and promise than we could ever imagine. The Christ Child, Immanuel – God with us, offers unto all who accept and believe the promise of new birth and the defeat of death and the fear it instills within us. But it is more than a story of hope it is also a call for obedience. And as confusing or perplexing as this news may have been to Mary and Joseph they both accepted their call from God. The story of Christmas isn’t just sentimentality or an interesting bit of history. It is, at its core, an invitation. God in Jesus has drawn near and continues to draw near this very moment. The question that we must answer is this: Are we ready and willing to receive him into our lives this Christmas season? This New Year may we be found greeting the Lord’s birth with hearts full of faith and hope, trusting that whatever the New Year holds for each of us Jesus will journey with us each and every step of the way. “A Blessed and Happy New Year to you All” Peace Pastor David Ice Storm Stranded Motorist at Concordia UCC By Pastor David Krueger Concordia becomes a refuge in the ice storm that hit the area on Friday, December 16th. When the surprise ice storm stranded motorist trying to get home Concordia UCC, 3 miles north of Millstadt, became a light house in the storm. More than 30 stranded motorists took refuge in the church as Pastor David and Treila along with Cindy Sedlak, a member of the church and a stranded motorist herself, severed up chili, hot dogs, peanut-butter and jelly and Pastor’s jar of treats to weary and hungry families. One of the stranded motorists had picked up 2 pizzas to take home but ended up sharing with the hunger masses. We had a medical emergency and with the ambulance unable to make it to the church some of the stranded motorist used a folding table as a stretcher and moved the lady inside where they could better attend to her needs. After waiting 2+ hours one of the neighbors took his gator and went up the hill to the ambulance and brought down the EMT’s. They worked at stabilizing the lady and then her and the Sunday school table was strapped to the gator and about 5 of the stranded motorist walked behind her to get her up the hill to the ambulance. As we gathered around the lady prayers were said and like someone said “I say a miracle here tonight.” God does work in mysterious ways. I wasn’t long before Chris Allen showed up on his gator and took some of those who lived close to the church home to their families. One lady traveling from Murphysboro even ended up spending the night at the parsonage. It was a very eventful night at Concordia one that we won’t soon forget. And again “God is Good All the Time.” Concordia became the Light the hope shining in the dark and scary world. We all have opportunities to shine the light of hope into our daily lives. May we allow the Light of Christ to shine through us and into our world bringing hope, peace, and love to all we meet? Won’t you let your light shine in 2017!

PRAYER LIST Please keep these folks in your daily thoughts and prayers: Terry Bailey Mozelle Bremer Kathy Burgard Stacey Cooper Wally Davis Charlie Dayton Mary Douglas Rich Egbert Mary Edwards Chuck Fields Gerry Freiderich Paul French Kenny Fulton Joshua Gamm Susie Gregg

Jason Gunn Pat Schmeder-Habers Rita Helfrich Lucille Hise Anita Holt Barb Jacob Ronnie & Geri Keim Joe Knepper Jane Koehler Bill & Doris Koeln Kelley Metcalf Marian Meyer Carolyn Myer Mel Mueller Colleen Nesbit

Mindy Newsum Cheryl Partee Angela Pearson Liberty Quirk Kelie Reis Lorene Rice Teri Robertson Patti Rottler Ron Schaefer Danny Scharf Kathy Scharf Kathryn Sick Edie Smith Judy Smith Kim Smith

Milton Smith David Stafford Marilou Steele Jannith Tribout Sherri Vogt Richard Waelti Debbie Waller Dan Whalen Delores Wilhelm Gina Wolfmeier Deborah Young John Young Family of Jeff Cornely Family of Bob Raffety

Our condolences to the Marie Gemmingen and family on the loss of her Great Niece, who passed away on December 4th. Our condolences to the family of Edward Haas who passed away on Dec. 1, 2016. His mother Ruth is in the Nursing Home at Highland, IL the address for those wishing to send a card is: Ruth Haas C/O Highland Healthcare 1450 26th St. Highland, IL 62249. Our Condolences to the family of Jeff Cornely, Becky Avara's brother-in-law in Ohio, who passed away on December 24th. His memorial service was held on December 29th. Our Condolences to the family of Bob Raffety, Rick Avara’s brother-in-law who passed away on December 27th. Funeral services will be Friday, December 30th at St. Paul’s UCC, Floraville, Illinois.

Please let Pastor David know if you need a name added to or removed from the prayer list, or email [email protected]. Thanks!

MONTHLY OUTREACH MINISTRY On the 3 Wednesday of each month Pastor David, Sherri Davis and Bill Fritz do a “Sing and Praise” worship service at Willow Creek Nursing Home at 2:00 pm. We do the same on the 3rd Thursday of each month at Garden Place in Millstadt. rd

PARTNER’S IN PRAYER GROUP The Partner's In Prayer group meets at 8:45 on Sunday mornings in Pastor David's office.

JOYCE'S PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY This is a group who meet the first Thursday of the month at 10:00 a.m., to knit or crochet prayer shawls to donate to those in need of comfort. Please call Jodee Blue with any questions, 476-7043. Come & bring a friend. Everyone is welcome including beginners! SIGN-UP LIST FOR USHERS/GREETERS There is a sign-up list called USHER/GREETER, on the Sunday School Hall table. We are asking that those who volunteer to serve as ushers to please try and get here about 30 minutes early to serve as greeters also. We would like for our ushers/greeters to hand out bulletins and assist people in finding a seat as the sanctuary fills up. Also, when collecting the offering we would appreciate it if you could get a head count of our attendance. Please sign-up as you are able. COFFEE HOUR HOST/HOSTESS NEEDED We are in need of volunteers to serve as host/hostess during our Sunday morning Coffee Hour. The donuts and coffee are provided by the church but we need you to help serve. If you are interested please sign the list on the Sunday School Hall table. Please prayerfully consider how you can help. The coffee hour list for 2017 will be coming out soon. If you want on the list or off the list please let Pastor or Natalie know. CHOIR NOTES Regular Wednesday evening rehearsals begin on January 4. We will perform the cantata on Sunday, January 8. WOMEN’S GUILD HAPPENINGS We had a wonderful evening of food, fun, and fellowship at our annual Christmas party. Our secret pals were revealed and next year's were chosen, so if you are a secret pal, be looking for some surprises throughout the year! Our next meeting will be January 22, after church. All women are welcome to join! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! WOMENS BIBLE STUDY New study guides are available from Becky. We will be studying Twelve More Women of the Bible starting Monday, January 23 at 6:30 pm. BOOK CLUB Book club will meet January 15. We are reorganizing and welcome new members. Please join us at 10:45. QUILTING GROUP We are working hard on some beautiful quilts. If anyone is interested in quilting please join us on Tuesday mornings at the church. Raffle tickets for the Quilt raffle at the Women's BBQ will be going on sale soon. All are welcome including beginners!

MEN’S BREAKFAST GROUP The Men’s Breakfast Group meets on the 3rd Sunday of each month with breakfast at 7:30 am. All males 18 and over are welcome to attend. The breakfast was cancelled in December due to weather issues. COUNCIL REPORT The Church Council met following worship on December 11th all reports were accepted and approved as presented. Council voted to transfer $15,000.00 from checking account into Money Market Account. It was noted that Bill Wirth had made repairs on the elevator saving the church $500.00+ in parts. The video camera has been ordered so we could live stream the service into the Sunday School Hall. Budget committee for 2017 will be Bill Meckfessel, Dale Hoepfinger and Sara Allen. Audit committee for the 2016 records will be Al Wunderlich, Doris Steiger and Bob Vielweber. Council discussed the possibility of supplementing Pastor and Treila’s health insurance in some way as is reflected in the ISC Benefit/Compensation for Pastor’s report. Budget committee will look into this. Meeting adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.

YOUTH NEWS SUNDAY SCHOOL SCOOP Annual sleepover is Friday, December 30 starting at 5:30 pm. Please plan to pick up your children Saturday morning at 8:00 am. Pizza, hotdogs, snacks, drinks and light breakfast will be provided. Please send sleeping bags/blankets/pillows, and DVD's. We will be starting up regular Sunday school lessons on Sunday January 8. YOUTH GROUP YAK Meeting on Sunday, February 8 after Sunday school. We have received information for an overnight retreat at DuBois on Saturday, February 18 and Sunday, February 19. Most of the youth have off school on Friday and Monday. They are only taking 80 reservations so we need to decide quickly if we are interested in going and complete the paperwork.

CONFIRMATION CLASS The Confirmation class went on a Field Trip over their Christmas break to the St. Louis Basilica and out to lunch at Fitz's Root Beer with Pastor and Treila. Class resumes January 2nd. Congratulations to Maxwell Juhas on being named Student of the Month by the Belleville News Democrat. Max is the son of Kevin & Traci Juhas and is a freshman at Belleville West. He is a member of the Marching Maroons, jazz bank, Illinois Music Education Association jazz band, speech and acting team, debate team, math team, scholar bowl, Model U.N. & was in the freshman/sophomore play. He is also a member of Boy Scout Troop 622. This summer he finished his community project to become an Eagle Scout. Eagle is the highest rank a Boy Scout can achieve. Again Congratulations Max!

Thanks to Aly, Annie & Ashlyn who along with Pastor, Becky & Josh Wuebbles delivered the Gifts, Hats & Mittens to Kindercottage.

Birth Announcement: Lorelei Victoria was born December 28, 2016 at 1:06AM. Lorelei is the daughter of Joe Gomric and Alexis Rose. Proud Grandparents are Mike & Rachel Gomric and Great-Grandparents Jerry & Carol Gomric.

From Our Mailbox Thank you so much for your generous gift of $100.00 on November 30, 2016. Together we are changing lives! Your commitment and caring support are an inspiration to everyone at Special Olympics in Illinois and everywhere, especially to our athletes and their families. Gratefully, Dave Breen, President & CEO of Special Olympics of Illinois ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hi All: My first 18 years are full of memories, going to Concordia Church and Sunday school. I still have my Sunday school pin and am very proud of it. Will pass it on to one of my children. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as well. Thank you and God Bless - Florine Law (Mel Mueller's sister) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I would like to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, and calls when my niece went to heaven. The entire family thanks you for your support during this difficult time. The Henton and Gemmingen families. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to everyone for all the kind words, cards and gifts. Special thanks to Pastor, Treila, Becky and the choir for letting us share our love of music with you. Also, thanks to the Kosydors for their gift of an upgraded piano. May God bless each one of you in the New Year as much as we have been blessed! Perry and Linda Danford ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THANK YOU: To Bill Wirth for working on the elevator and fabricating a part which saved the church over $500.00. THANK YOU: To Sheryll Kosydor for purchasing a “New to Us” piano. Thanks to Bob Vielweber, Mike Quirk and Pastor for picking up the piano at Schumacher’s Auction House. Thanks to Randy Huck for loaning us his trailer and to Chris A., Tony G. Mike Groom, Josh W. and Mark and Noah L. for getting the piano upstairs and hauling off the old desk. THANK YOU: To all who purchased a poinsettia in memory or honor of loved ones to beautify our sanctuary during the Christmas Season. THANK YOU: To all who took part in the Christmas Season Services: Christmas Cantata, Children’s Pageant, or Advent Candle Readings you are all greatly appreciated and essential to the life of Concordia UCC. THANK YOU: To Linda, Alyssa, Perry and Rick for the beautiful music during the Christmas Season. To Our Church Family: Thank you for all the beautiful Christmas Cards, delicious cookies and acts of kindness given to Treila and I not only at Christmas but though out the year. Thank you to the church council and congregation for the beautiful watch in honor of my 10th year anniversary. You are all a blessing to both Treila and I. Peace and God’s Blessings Pastor David and Treila

January Celebrations

4th 5th 9th

Gloria Ellermeyer Edgar Stallmann Linda Hoepfinger Donna Valentine

16th

12th 26th 29th

Lisa Stallmann Sherry Davis Nancy Baldus

Mel & Betty Mueller

** If you do not see your anniversary or birthday listed, please notify the church by either using the signup sheet located on the table in the Sunday School Hall or send an email to [email protected] so we can update our records.

Altar Flower Sign-up Thank you to everyone who has signed up for altar flowers in 2016. The flower calendar for 2017 is posted outside the Pastors office. Flower cost is $25.00 per week, checks made payable to the church.

FROM YOUR EDITOR:

Please send any articles for the next newsletter by Thursday, January 19th to [email protected]. If you would like the Concordia Chat emailed to you please let us know. Also, if you are not interested in receiving the newsletter let the church know so we can save paper & postage. If you have a computer you can go on line to Concordia's web page all our organizations and activities are listed. http://www.concordia-ucc.org Please call the church office or email [email protected]…  If you move, change your telephone number or email address. Our records need to be current  If you or a member of your family is admitted to the hospital. The pastor needs to know so hospital visits can be scheduled.  When you have a new addition to your family.  When a member of your family leaves home for college.  When your committee or group plans a meeting or an activity so the church calendar can be updated.  When you feel the church can assist you.

January 2017 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

1 9AM Worship10AM Sunday School Collect for Food Pantry

2 7PM Confirmation Class

3 9AM Quilting Circle

4 7PM Choir Practice

5 10AM Joyce’s Prayer Shaw Ministry

6

7

8 9AM WorshipChoir Cantata 10AM Sunday School Council Meeting 15 7:30AM Men’s Club 9AM Worship – 10AM Sunday School 11AM Book Club Women's Trip to see Menopause 22 9AM Worship 10AM Sunday School Women's Guild

9 7PM Confirmation Class

10 9AM Quilting Circle

11 7PM Choir Practice

12

13

14

16 7PM Confirmation Class

17 9AM Quilting Circle

18 2PM Worship @ Willow Creek

19 2PM Worship @Garden Place

20

21

23 7PM Confirmation Class

24 9AM Quilting Circle

27

28

29 9AM Worship10AM Sunday School

30 7PM Confirmation Class

31 9AM Quilting Circle

7PM Choir Practice

25 7PM Choir Practice

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Articles for the February Newsletter Due

26

Family Night Christmas Party

Pastor Dave's 10 year Anniversary

Children’s Christmas Program

Confirmation Class Trip Kinder Cottage Gift Delivery 1st Congregation Members to arrive for Christmas Service.