Friends-
At a party or a dinner, are you more likely to be the first in line, or the last in line? Are you more interested in convincing people why your ideas are correct, or listening to others ideas in hopes of learning something? Do you think you are mostly self-sufficient, or do you readily admit your need of others help?
I’m asking these questions of you because I ask them of myself. They go along with the thoughts we have been sharing and discussing recently regarding judging, serving, and the need we have for each other, for community.
I cannot speak for you, but must admit I can be pretty self-centered, critical, and self-sufficient. And I don’t like it. I can miss other people needs because I am preoccupied with my own. Not good for a pastor, or anyone else.
Recently, when praying for our congregation, I “heard” God say a couple of things to me: “Lose your expectations” and “Be a pastor”. I took this to mean, “let people be who they are, and you be who you are, who I have created you to be.”
To that end, I want to offer what I said I would, a couple of Sundays ago. It’s a lesson I learned a long time ago from my friend, Fr. Dave Beauvais. When he was appointed pastor of a rural parish, he went and visited with each family in the parish, just to meet them, get to know them, and see how he could best meet their needs.
Now I am not going to force myself on anyone. But if a visit like the one I described would be helpful, please just let me know. I know it would be helpful to me- help me be a better pastor- whether I know you well or hardly know you.
We are approaching our holy days of Thanksgiving and Christmas- times when we often gather with family and friends. I challenge you as I challenge myself, to consider how we can put the needs of others ahead of our own, lose our critical spirit, and help build our congregation into the welcoming community of faith that God intends us to be.
Glad to be serving with you-
Gary
Calendar
Saturday October 31 - Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour tonight.
Sunday November 1 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
- Worship Service with Communion - 10:30 am.
Thursday November 4 - Alpha Study for Women - 6:30 - 8 PM - Church Basement
Sunday November 8 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
- Worship Service - 10:30 am.
- Take a Hike - after fellowship, join others for a walk somewhere
outside.
Thursday November 12 - Church Board Meeting - 7 PM - Fellowship Room.
Sunday November 15 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
- Worship Service - 10:30 am.
- Congregational Meeting following service. Budget Decisions for
2016.
Thursday November 19 - Community Dinner - 5:30 PM - Poplar Grove Church
Sunday November 22 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am.
- Thanksgiving Worship Service - 10:30 am
- Decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas, following fellowship time.
Sunday November 29 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am.
- Worship Service - First Sunday in Advent - 10:30 am.
Study/Growth Opportunities
Sunday Mornings - Adult Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement. Studying Dallas Willard book.
Wednesday Nights - Adult Study and Potluck - 5:45 PM at Barrick's home. Studying Gospel of Mark.
Thursday Nights- Alpha for Women - 6:30 - 8:00 PM at the church. Talk to Colleen Blaney if interested. Alpha is a great program that considers the basics of Christianity. Starts Nov. 4.
Service Opportunities
Decorate the church - Please stay on November 22 to help decorate the church for Christmas.
Refreshments - Sign up sheet in the fellowship room. Lots of openings.
Greeters - Consider arriving a little early to hand out the bulletins. Just bring your smiling face!
Community Dinners - Talk to Sandy Free if you want to help or are interested in eating there.
Caledonia Elementary School - The school could use help in testing students, picture day, reading to kids, making copies, and helping in the classroom. If you are interested get in touch with Principal Kelly Cotter or the school by emailing [email protected] or calling 815 - 547 - 1977.
Blue Barrel - Our barrel has been empty for awhile now. Please consider bringing some food for it.
Other News
Book Exchange - The book exchange for adults has been moved to the fellowship room. It is now just a shelf with all the other books. Look for the sign to designate which shelf. All children's books are now located in the bookcase in the church basement. Take some time to check it all out.
Well Update - Still looking for an idea to continue to raise money for the well that we committed to.
Looking Ahead
December 13 - Annual all church Christmas Party at Gary and Jennifer's. 5:30-8:30 PM - More details to come, but get it on your calendars now!
Refreshments in December - Something a little differant and fun is planned for the first and third Sundays in December. Hope you will be here on those Sundays. More details next newsletter.
At a party or a dinner, are you more likely to be the first in line, or the last in line? Are you more interested in convincing people why your ideas are correct, or listening to others ideas in hopes of learning something? Do you think you are mostly self-sufficient, or do you readily admit your need of others help?
I’m asking these questions of you because I ask them of myself. They go along with the thoughts we have been sharing and discussing recently regarding judging, serving, and the need we have for each other, for community.
I cannot speak for you, but must admit I can be pretty self-centered, critical, and self-sufficient. And I don’t like it. I can miss other people needs because I am preoccupied with my own. Not good for a pastor, or anyone else.
Recently, when praying for our congregation, I “heard” God say a couple of things to me: “Lose your expectations” and “Be a pastor”. I took this to mean, “let people be who they are, and you be who you are, who I have created you to be.”
To that end, I want to offer what I said I would, a couple of Sundays ago. It’s a lesson I learned a long time ago from my friend, Fr. Dave Beauvais. When he was appointed pastor of a rural parish, he went and visited with each family in the parish, just to meet them, get to know them, and see how he could best meet their needs.
Now I am not going to force myself on anyone. But if a visit like the one I described would be helpful, please just let me know. I know it would be helpful to me- help me be a better pastor- whether I know you well or hardly know you.
We are approaching our holy days of Thanksgiving and Christmas- times when we often gather with family and friends. I challenge you as I challenge myself, to consider how we can put the needs of others ahead of our own, lose our critical spirit, and help build our congregation into the welcoming community of faith that God intends us to be.
Glad to be serving with you-
Gary
Calendar
Saturday October 31 - Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour tonight.
Sunday November 1 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
- Worship Service with Communion - 10:30 am.
Thursday November 4 - Alpha Study for Women - 6:30 - 8 PM - Church Basement
Sunday November 8 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
- Worship Service - 10:30 am.
- Take a Hike - after fellowship, join others for a walk somewhere
outside.
Thursday November 12 - Church Board Meeting - 7 PM - Fellowship Room.
Sunday November 15 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
- Worship Service - 10:30 am.
- Congregational Meeting following service. Budget Decisions for
2016.
Thursday November 19 - Community Dinner - 5:30 PM - Poplar Grove Church
Sunday November 22 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am.
- Thanksgiving Worship Service - 10:30 am
- Decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas, following fellowship time.
Sunday November 29 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am.
- Worship Service - First Sunday in Advent - 10:30 am.
Study/Growth Opportunities
Sunday Mornings - Adult Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement. Studying Dallas Willard book.
Wednesday Nights - Adult Study and Potluck - 5:45 PM at Barrick's home. Studying Gospel of Mark.
Thursday Nights- Alpha for Women - 6:30 - 8:00 PM at the church. Talk to Colleen Blaney if interested. Alpha is a great program that considers the basics of Christianity. Starts Nov. 4.
Service Opportunities
Decorate the church - Please stay on November 22 to help decorate the church for Christmas.
Refreshments - Sign up sheet in the fellowship room. Lots of openings.
Greeters - Consider arriving a little early to hand out the bulletins. Just bring your smiling face!
Community Dinners - Talk to Sandy Free if you want to help or are interested in eating there.
Caledonia Elementary School - The school could use help in testing students, picture day, reading to kids, making copies, and helping in the classroom. If you are interested get in touch with Principal Kelly Cotter or the school by emailing [email protected] or calling 815 - 547 - 1977.
Blue Barrel - Our barrel has been empty for awhile now. Please consider bringing some food for it.
Other News
Book Exchange - The book exchange for adults has been moved to the fellowship room. It is now just a shelf with all the other books. Look for the sign to designate which shelf. All children's books are now located in the bookcase in the church basement. Take some time to check it all out.
Well Update - Still looking for an idea to continue to raise money for the well that we committed to.
Looking Ahead
December 13 - Annual all church Christmas Party at Gary and Jennifer's. 5:30-8:30 PM - More details to come, but get it on your calendars now!
Refreshments in December - Something a little differant and fun is planned for the first and third Sundays in December. Hope you will be here on those Sundays. More details next newsletter.
RSS Feed