Good News – June 2012

Good News From St. Peter U.C.C. “Reaching Out With New Hope” Volume XXXI . . .6

June, 2012 Cody Matthew Lowe — Grandson of Kathy Forth — Carlyle High School on May 19. Michael Martin — Grandson of Kathy Forth — Benbrook High School, Benbrook, Texas in June.

Melinda Graham has been coming for awhile and even singing with the choir and as special artist. Now we welcomed her as a member of the congregation on April 29.

It is time to celebrate with people with connections to St. Peter — Centralia that have come to special milestones in their lives.

Paige Brinkmann — Daughter of Larry & Diana Brinkmann — Western Illinois University in Macomb on May 12. Paige received Bachelors’ degrees in both English and Spanish Education. She will be teaching both English and Spanish at Carlyle High School starting this fall. She sends her thanks for all the support the church has given during her studies. Jennifer Smith — Daughter of Steve & Charlene Smith — McKendree University on May 12. After having gotten her RN training at Kaskaskia previously and now working in a local doctor’s office she went to McKendree part time. She actually got her Bachelors’ Degree in Nursing in December. However, the ceremony for graduation was held outdoors at McKendree on May 12.

Katy Wolenhaupt — Daughter of Brad & Lisa Wolenhaupt and granddaughter of Bernice Wolenhaupt — Centralia Jr. High on May 29. Lane Liggett — Son of Stacey Little — Centralia High School on May 20. Rachel Wilbur — Daughter of Ki & Matt Wilbur and granddaughter of Barbara Hill — Menchville High School, Newport News, VA. We were given an address of #39 Island View Dr., New Port News, VA 23602 for those that want to send their own congratulations. Ryan Freels — Son of Todd Freels and grandson of Connie Freels — Kaskaskia College on May 11. Ryan is planning on attending Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

To Jessica Feig who was one of the Freshman May Fete attendants. She is the daughter of Chris & Tracie Feig, the granddaughter of Clete & Laura Feig, and the great granddaughter of Jack & Cleo Feig.

INDEX Prayer, Stewardship Corners, Thank You Pastor’s Column DuBois, Region 6, Council, Workcamp Pastoral Search, Bear Ministry Joy Divine, Mother-Daughter Banquet

2 3 4 5 6

Remember your Church in your will. A Gift that will last for generations

PRAYER CORNER* Debbie Arning Rev. Rich Brzowsky Ray Castellari Robin Cimera Laura Feig Paul Kluthe Gracie Niermann Paula Sears Betty Telford Curtis White

Harvey Bell Ileen Castellari Gary Chwascinski Vivian Cohlmeyer Rev. Lisa Hart Charles Luer Carter Rankin Don Storck Pauline Tibbs Lora

*In accordance with HIPPA (It’s real name is Heath Insurance Portability Privacy Act.) requirements, the persons on the St. Peter prayer list have requested, or given permission, for their names to be included and published in the prayer list. Names will appear for 30 days unless the individuals or their immediate family request that they be maintained on the prayer list for another thirty days.

STEWARDSHIP CORNER Giving Totals for Apr. 22 - May 20, 2012 General Offering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 6,066.00 Special Offering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400.00 Tables & chairs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120.00 Old tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125.00 Interest from Regions.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.80 Blankets +. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289.00 Strengthen the Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50.00 Parsonage bath repair donations. . . . . 1,250.00 TOTAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 8,312.80

GENERAL OFFERING YEAR TO DATE (01/01/12 THROUGH 5/20/12) Amount received. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 28,423.97

Our Servicemen Matthew Bratthauar David Harper Chris Lyday Corey Schlau Nathan Storck Cole Vehrs Jared Vehrs Anna Walls

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE Apr. Apr. May May May

22 29 6 13 20

46 47 43 59 48

In Care Centers Roberta Kleine Marjorie Nehrt Henrietta Schmitz

PLEASE HELP US UPDATE If you know of someone who needs to be added or taken off, please contact the church secretary, Judy Reichenbacher, at the office 532-7124, and if no one is available, please leave a message.

Our thanks to Lowell Jeffries for his presentation about his trip to Back Bay Mission that he gave on April 29. As you know, our church was responsible to lead the devotional services at Fireside House during the month of April, we acknowledged the faithful

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servants who helped on the first three Sundays in the May newsletter. The following persons assisted me with the services/greeting residents on the last 2 Sundays in April, and I am most grateful: April 22nd — Rev. Lisa Hart (pianist), Judy Fehrmann (Free Methodist), and Candice Kindred (Zion UCC) April 29th — Jeanette Storck (pianist), Jane Edmonson, Judy Fehrmann (Free Methodist), and Helen Niekrenz Also, special thanks to Jim White and Candice Kindred for perusing their musical files in order to secure a specific older hymn as requested by a resident and then making a copy of such for me to duplicate as part of “singing favorites”. THANK YOU to all whom represented our church/guests during these April services at Fireside House. Norma Borgmann, Worship Leader St. Peter UCC Church is scheduled to lead the worship services on Sunday afternoons in August. Special THANKS to ALL of YOU who donated coins since May of 2011 for “The Least Coin Offering” (multi-striped take-out box on library table in narthex). The box is also usually passed around at E.R.M. meetings. The 2012 total from our church was $30.00 and dedicated along with the other Centralia churches’ designated offering at the May 5th meeting of the Church Women United and then forwarded to such headquarters for specific missions around the world. I want to recognize Marjorie Abrams, who is not able to get out as much as in the past, collected 527 pennies throughout the past year (I’m thankful for the bank having an automatic counter). Thus, that $5.27 amount was 19% of our total amount of collected least coins. Your willingness to share will truly be significant for others in need of food, shelter, clothing, education, and work. Therefore, we have already started saving for the 2013 dedication in the same box, same spot. Norma Borgmann, C.W.U. “Key Woman” Continuing with the Stewardship Team’s “Change for Change” emphasis on the 3rd Sunday, a collection of $35.68 was dropped into the containers on May 20th. We are appreciative of ALL you contributors willing to give extra beyond your

usual envelope amount that is deposited into the General Fund (to avoid a deficit at the end of the year). THANK YOU for your support. Dave Stedelin, Verna Steinkamp, and Norma Borgmann (Members of the Stewardship Team) Susan and I want to thank everyone for their support of our Biscuits, Gravy and Crosswords. We will be taking a break due to busy schedules, vacations, travel plans, etc. effective June 1, 2012. Jim White Thank you to the Congregational Care Team for sponsoring the gifts (plants) to the women in attendance on Mother’s Day. A thank you letter was received from Susan M. Sanders, the One Great Hour of Sharing Administrator, for the $230.00 we sent in April to support the Severe Storms Fund for Harrisburg.

“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy.” I am writing this in the midst of a series of beautiful days where the sun shines and a cool breeze wafts in the window. Gershwin’s song echoes in my head. “The fish are jumpin’ and the cotton is high. Summer time, sweet summertime.” There are days when it’s easy to drink in the song and the attitude. Even if you can’t see any fish or cotton, if you have some leisure time, sit in a lawn chair, doze a bit, feel the breeze, and listen to the birds sing. Take advantage, even if it’s just for a few minutes, of that summertime when the livin’ is easy. At times like that it’s easy to remember and join in the response to “God is good” by saying “All the time.” The Psalmist who wrote Psalm 136 had that same attitude, but said it a little differently. O give thanks to the Lord for God is good. God’s steadfast love endures forever. God does great wonders who by

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understanding made the heavens, who spreads out the earth on the waters, who made the great lights, the sun to rule over the day and the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever. Yes, I realize we can appreciate and praise the heavens and all creation even in the winter, but it’s just easier in the summertime when it’s nice outside and everything is in full leaf and bloom. “God is good” . . . “All the time.” Unfortunately, even in the summer, even on beautiful days, people continue to suffer, whether from hunger, war, sickness, or loneliness. The good news is that even in the summer, God does not take a vacation. God is still walking beside us, suffering with us, offering us strength, hope, forgiveness, love and peace. So the challenge I am offering all of us here is twofold: take some time off and appreciate just a little of that easy summertime livin’. But remember that wherever you go, no matter what time of year it is, God does not take a vacation. The bible says: The God of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.” So in the good times and in the bad times, we can join the chorus: “God is good” . . . “All the time.”

BACK TO DUBOIS Reporter: Norma Borgmann

St. Peter — Centralia was represented by three ladies (Jane Brink, Sandy Zinschlag, and Norma Borgmann) at the May 20th Spring Meeting of the DuBois Center Auxiliary-Boosters after a Sunday Dinner there. The meeting was held on the covered patio overlooking the lake—a beautiful setting, nice weather and great fellowship of being with other A-B members.

REGION 6 MEETING — MAY 21

churches represented, and host pastor Rev. Bill Causer gave the opening prayer. Announcements were made regarding needs and volunteers for DuBois Camp which will soon open. More campers are also needed. Cindy Dippold reported for the conference recruitment committee stating there were still some openings and most urgent was the need for a convener for Region 6. There are also 8 spots still open for the Carlyle sponsored trip to Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, MS June 10-16. A presentation was given by Cory Hartz, who had just graduated from Eden Seminary two days prior, of his trip to the Holy Land in January. He spent three weeks walking in the footsteps of Jesus and received credit hours for same. The meeting concluded with a prayer from the Illinois South Conference Book of Prayer. The next meeting will be the annual indoor potluck picnic at St. Peter UCC, Centralia, Sunday, August 19 beginning at 4:30 p.m. with a presentation on H.I.S. Ministries.

NOTES FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD 5-21-12 Reporter: Norma Borgmann

The next Council meeting will be held on Monday, July 9th (instead of 16th) due to VBS as several members and Rev. Hart plan to be involved in such. Council Highlights are posted (1st bulletin board) on the first Sunday after a meeting — thus, they will be seen next on May 27th. Wurstmart is now set for Sunday, October 21st (as I contracted the fryer last night). More details later. Our church will be 150 years old in 2013 — a steering committee is being formed now. If you are interested in serving on such, please see Council President Nicholaus Luer or Secretary Norma Borgmann. An announcement will be made officially on Sunday, May 27th.

Reporter: Verna Steinkamp, Region Convener

The quarterly Region 6 meeting was held at Friedens UCC in Farina Monday afternoon, May 21. The host church invited the group for luncheon which was beautifully done and enjoyed. St. Peter UCC was represented by Verna Steinkamp, Norma Borgmann, and Rev. Lisa Hart. Convener Verna Steinkamp welcomed the group from the five

GROUP WORKCAMP RETURNING July 22-28, 2012 Reporter: Rev. Lisa Hart

Centralia Group Workcamp is a powerful demonstration of “Love Thy Neighbor”. It is not one church or one individual, but a community wide

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effort to spread the love of Christ in our community. Sponsored by First Christian Church of Centralia, it brings 450 individuals from around the country who will spend a week in our community performing hands-on home repair projects for elderly, lowincome, and disabled families. The work is done at no expense to the homeowner, and each youth coming to the camp pays $450 for the privilege of working here! First Christian Church is asking 2 main things from us. First set aside June 12th through July 22nd for 40 days of prayer. Pray for the safety of the campers, the relationships that will begin, and that God’s Spirit will open up the hearts of all involved. Secondly, the average cost of each worksite is $500 and homeowners are not required to pay for any of it. So each church, particularly those who have congregants who will benefit from being selected as a worksite, is asked to take up a special offering. On Father’s Day, June 17th, St. Peter UCC will take up a special offering to offset those costs. It would be great if we raised $500, but any amount will be appreciated. If you won’t be in church that day, you can mail an offering to St. Peter earmarked for “Centralia Group Workcamp.” Everyone is invited to a kick-off program for the camp July 23rd at 8 am and to say goodbye July 27th at 7:30 pm at the Centralia High School Gym. If you would like to volunteer to help the camp in some other way, please contact Rev. Thomas Henegar at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) or call 618-315-8116.

Reporter: Jim W hite, Committee Chairman

The search committee has completed all preliminary requirements. The search committee currently has no profiles from ministerial candidates interested in serving at St. Peter UCC, Centralia, IL.

BEAR MINISTRY Reporter: Verna Steinkamp, Article & Photo

While attending Sunday services you may have observed bears in our worship. This was a suggestion of our pastor who purchased the pattern and challenged the Congregational Care Team to make a dozen bears. Jeanette Storck and Verna Steinkamp accepted the challenge and cut, sewed and stuffed the 12 bears which are made of varying colorful materials. They were placed on a table in the front of the sanctuary and dedicated to the ministry of our church. They then occupied the front row pew of the church for one Sunday and now are scattered throughout the church in pews to soak up the praise, prayers and Word. Hanging from a ribbon around their neck is a laminated tag which reads as follows: This little bear has spent time in the midst of our congregation. It has heard the Scriptures read, sermons preached, prayers prayed, and songs of praise sung. It knows both the joys and heartaches of our people, and has been surrounded by the love so freely shared by our community of faith. It comes to offer you comfort and peace, with all the blessings of worship and love. On the back is the name and address of our church. These are not toys for the children’s entertainment during worship so please honor the bears’ presence and say a special prayer for them to take the love of God and the caring of our congregation to those in need. Those who will receive the bears will be determined by the Congregational Care Team and delivered to those with grave illness or in need of special care.

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JOY DIVINE Reporter: Verna Steinkamp

On Sunday afternoon, April 29 a conference celebration entitled “Joy Divine” was held at Zion UCC in New Baden. Representing St. Peter UCC were Rev. Lisa Hart and husband Walt and Verna Steinkamp. It was a manner suggested at our annual meeting to get more people in our Illinois South Conference to become acquainted. There were three of these celebrations held with the others being in Marion and Alhambra. The song leader was Rosemary Captain with Rev. Dr. Nancy Livingston on the piano. To illustrate one form of joy was a songfest with those gathered choosing the hymns to be sung. Intermittently presentations were given by Shirley Asmussen, Director of Outdoor Ministries, Scott Kuether, Visioning Committee, Shirley Bergmann, Member of Wider Mission Task Force and a testimony on the Region 7 Food Pantry in Irvington given by Julie Riechman and Donna Rabenort. The event concluded with the host church providing a catered meal of three kinds of soup, salad, bread, and cookies.

Not only did he take us on an all season tour of their place but provided irises that were given as door prizes! Other prizes were potted plants.

WE HAD A GARDEN PARTY Reporter: Jane Brink, Article & Photos

May 9 was the Mother-Daughter Banquet filled with flowers; thus the “Garden” part of our “Party”. Norma Borgmann welcomed the crowd.

The winners of the prizes were selected by drawing from the tickets that those attending were asked to sign and deposit in a basket.

Which was then well fed from a buffet table of mostly salads. The program that followed was presented by Ernie Henson and featured a slide show of what he and his wife grow on their farm in the Kell area. June, 2012 “Good News” Page 6

ST. PETER UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 318 WEST THIRD STREET CENTRALIA IL 62801 (618) 532-7124 . . . where God is still speaking, RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Sunday Schedule: Church School 9:30 am; Worship 10:45 am Email: [email protected] Rev. Lisa Hart, Interim Pastor Jane Brink, Newsletter Editor