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I took the top photo last week before our council meeting. It's the view looking out from our front doors. Our church t-shirt reads "Shine!" and that's exactly what I see happening in our congregation. The calendar is filling in with church life again. We're gathering indoors and outdoors - all ages - to worship, to serve, to study...to roast marshmallows! A confirmation class in underway. The choir is rehearsing. The coffee hour line is longer. Friends, the church is not the building - and still - it lifts my spirit to see our spaces full of life, brimming with folks eager to welcome, to learn, to serve, to shine the light of Christ from Plank and Switzer. Let's take that light out into our community this year - boldly and with joy. Don't have a St. Paul's t-shirt? ACTS is taking orders. (See the hall sign-ups.) You'll have many opportunities to wear it this fall - Praise God!
- Peace, Pastor Liz
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Next Diaper Donation & Packing
Sunday, Sept 4th
Sizes 4, 5, 6
Can you help bag diapers after church? Stop by the hall tables to help.
Did you know? Each set of 12 diapers that we give away has a QR code connecting parents to Toilet Training Tips in English and Spanish on our website.
Next Distribution Date:
Tuesday, Sept 20th
We need volunteers to distribute diapers and food at the Northern IL Food Bank mobile pantry pop-up on Tuesday, September 20th. Diapers are distributed in bags of 12. Food distribution may require occasional heavy lifting. Sign-up at church or contact Karen Snyder or Karen Smith. Thank you!
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Grandparents Day Celebration
Sundae, Sept 11th
The Sunday School kids extend an invitation to their grandparents to attend a special coffee hour after church at the Mission House. Do you have grandkids Grade 8 and under? Please invite them to church on Sept 11th and plan to attend. The children will make and serve Ice Cream Sundaes. Sunday School staff will lead a story-time and simple crafts. Have your photo taken and record a short video together (prompts provided). It will be a special time for everyone, and a time to honor Grandparents here and everywhere! Please let us know if you are attending: sign-up at church or RSVP by email to Janet Werner by Wednesday, September 7th.
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Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, Sept 18th
Bring your pets, service companions and work animals to church for an outdoor service celebrating creation. You can choose for your animal to receive a blessing from Pastor Liz and a certificate commemorating the celebration. We're collecting dry cat and dog food to be donated to Starfish Animal Rescue, Geneva, IL.
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Burlington-Hampshire CROP Hunger Walk
Saturday, Sept 24th
Let's raise funds and walk to end hunger locally and globally. 25% of walk proceeds go directly to the Burlington-Hampshire Food Pantry. Registration opens at 9:30 AM and step-off is at 10:30 AM from Seyller Park in Hampshire, Illinois. Fundraising tip: Choose your walk route (1,2,3,4 or 5 miles) and ask friends and family to donate $1 or $5 per mile! DJ, snacks, and raffles when you cross the finish line back at the park. Donate online or in-person. Please make checks payable to CWS/CROP. Thank you for your support. |
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Sacred Sounds:
Special Musical Guest
Sunday, Sept 25th
Wende, a leader in Sound Therapies, will join us on Sunday, September 25th to guide our worship with various instruments and sounds. Wende leads private and group meditations around the practice of sacred sound. "Sacred sounds in many traditions are the central means for invocation of the Great Spirit. The utterance of particular sounds is thought by many cultures to form a connection to all the elements of the universe. In some belief systems music and sound vibrations are pathways for healing the body, mind, and Spirit."
Wende is also the leader of the Fox Valley Drum Tribe, the community drum circle that meets at St. Paul's every 1st Saturday of the month.
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The Living Nativity
Next meeting: Sunday, Sept 25th at 10:30 AM
See sign-ups to get involved.
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New Member Chat
Sunday, Oct 2nd
Are you thinking about becoming a member of St. Paul's church? Have questions about St. Paul's or the United Church of Christ? Head up to the Mission House at 10:30 AM and we'll chat over some coffee or hot tea. - Pastor Liz
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Women's Bible Study
Begins Tuesday, Oct 4th
6:30 PM at the Mission House
Study theme will be announced soon!
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Tickets On Sale Now
Heritage Fest | Saturday, Oct 8th
Come enjoy fine German home-cooking* and live accordion entertainment. Volunteers needed! See the sign-ups at church.
Menu includes:
Bratwurst, German Meatballs
Spaetzle, German Potato Salad
Sauerkraut, Red Cabbage
Rye Bread, Root Beer
and Dessert!
*Hot dogs and chips available for kids with less adventurous taste buds.
Drive up and take out available.
Tickets: $12 Adults
$5 Kids 12 & under
FREE Kids 5 & under
Kids activity table - make your own pretzel necklace and face painting.
All proceeds support the Burlington-Hampshire CROP Hunger Walk.
Like and share the event on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/3puumm3xO
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Faith Heritage Sunday
Sunday, Oct 9
On Sunday, October 9th the Worship Ministry will lead us in a celebration of our faith heritage - the many churches and people who paved our paths and led each of us to this moment together. In preparation for this service, you are invited to send in a favorite picture of yourself in the midst of church life. A photo from a wedding, a baptism, worship, a special event, youth group, confirmation, a mission trip, a service project...any photo capturing your experience of being church. Please include who is in the photo, its location and occasion. On October 9th the photos will be shared during worship. Email photo and info to stpauls4me@yahoo.com by Sunday, October 2nd. |
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Save the Date!
Bonfire Night
Saturday, Oct 29th
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Sunday School "One-In-A-Melon" Family Event
Families gathered at the church Saturday, August 27th for a morning of watermelon crafts and snacks inspired by Psalm 34:8 "O taste and see that the Lord is good." Kids and their parents sponge painted watermelon art and enjoyed watermelon slices.
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Welcome to FAITH:
Family Activities In The Home
Each month the Christian Education ministry will provide a family activity - a Family Activity In The Home! We hope you will embrace the activities as your child grows to know, love, and follow Jesus. We are excited to partner with you as you nurture the faith of your children.
September FAITH: As fall approaches take a walk in nature with your family. Take time to feel the presence of God and see the wonders of creation. On your walk, listen and look for God’s work in the world around you. You can touch things too, if it's allowed and safe to do so. Consider taking a picture on your phone, collect items (remember some things should be left in nature) or even draw your own pictures of evidence of God’s work. Take time to share your experience and end your day saying a prayer together.
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Financially Speaking
The total receipts for the month of June and July was $22,090.70 which included $715.00 for OCWM, $285.00 for Building and Maintenance, $2195.00 in Memorials, $185.00 for Strengthen the Church, $115.00 from Coffee Hour, $50.00 for the Scholarship Fund, and $153.02 in loose offerings.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Karen Westerman
Financial Secretary
61% of pledges have been paid thru the end of July in the amount of $89,907.00. Thank you for your generous commitment to the operations and ministries of our congregation.
Judy Reimer
Stewardship Ministry
Monthly financials and Council meeting minutes are available from the church office.
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Friday, Sept 2
Saturday, Sept 3
Sunday, Sept 4
Tuesday, Sept 6
Wednesday, Sept 7
Sunday, Sept 11
Tuesday, Sept 13
Wednesday, Sept 14
Thursday, Sept 15
Sunday, Sept 18
Tuesday, Sept 20
Wednesday, Sept 21
Saturday, Sept 24
Sunday, Sept 25
Wednesday, Sept 28
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September Events
7-9 PM Confirmation
7-9 PM Fox Valey Drum Circle
9:30 AM Worship and Communion
10:30 AM Diaper Packing
10 AM Knitting Ministry
6:30 PADS Meal for Homeless Shelter
9:30 AM and 7 PM Prayer on Zoom
6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal
9:30 AM Worship
10:30 AM Grandparents Celebration
10 AM Knitting Ministry
6 PM Meal for PADS Homeless Shelter
9:30 AM and 7 PM Prayer on Zoom
3 PM Worship Ministry Meeting
6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal
5:30 PM Christian Education Ministry Meeting
7 PM Council Meeting
9:30 AM Worship & Blessing of the Animals
10:30 AM Confirmation
10 AM Knitting Ministry
3:30-5:30 PM Food & Diaper Distribution
6:30 PADS Meal for Homeless Shelter
9:30 AM and 7 PM Prayer on Zoom
6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal
10 AM CROP Hunger Walk
9:30 AM Worship with Special Guest Musician
10:30 AM Living Nativity Meeting
9:30 AM and 7 PM Prayer on Zoom
6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal
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September Anniversaries
Mark & Becky Kelly 09/04
Bill & JoAnn Pate 09/06
Mike & Karen Westerman 09/18
Dave & Katie Kaye 09/21
Larry & Kim French 9/22
Bob & Judy Reimer 09/27
September Birthdays
Barb Kasper 09/01
Tenley Volkening 09/02
Jennifer Volkening 09/03
Mary Wilms 09/03
Kimberly Toth 09/04
Bill Wilson 09/05
Michelle Spencer 09/07
Rita Rucker 09/11
Wyatt Spencer 09/15
Russell Gable 09/16
Florence Hansford 09/22
Judy Olson 09/23
Otto Einwich 09/25
Susan Wolfe 09/27
Tristan Volkening 09/28
Declan Wilson 09/28
We ask forgiveness for any omissions.
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