FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2160 Delmar Avenue Granite City, Illinois 62040

Sometimes during times of transition it seems like we are wandering aimlessly through the wilderness, with no clear path and no destination in sight. For me and my family, the past few months have given us a small taste of what the Israelites in the desert must have felt, with no permanent home, uncertain of where we would end up. And from talking with church members, it seems like in the past few years both congregations have been experiencing something similar. Yet, how amazing is it that even when God seems very far away from us, his hand still guides us and cares for us! Though we did not know his plan at the time, our faith and God’s faithfulness have brought us to this exciting new beginning.

Sarah and I are excited to be a part of First United Presbyterian Church during this time of transition and renewal, as our family experiences change and anticipates new life, and as this congregation heads in a new direction with the hope of renewal. Praise be to God for his amazing providence, which sustains us in all areas of our lives!

Jeff Welch

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Isaiah 43:19

*The Session welcomed Jeff Welch, our new Church Pastor to the meeting.

*Joyce Toussaint, Debbie Householder, and Al Bagi were welcomed as members to the Session.

*February 5, 2012, will be Communion and the Annual Meeting of the Congregation.

*The Session changed their next meeting to February 21, 2012.

*As part of the Merger process - two Sub-Committees were established to proceed with the United Presbyterian Church (1) Real Estate – chairman – Ben Miller, member Loren Davis (2) Fixture and Furniture Committee – chairman - Charlie McIlvoy members Bud Cathey, Al Bagi, DaOnne Chenault, Elmer Ebrecht.

*Joyce Toussaint has joined the Christian Education Committee.

*Second Sunday Celebrate will be held on February 12, 2012 – THANK YOU REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE .

*Bill Klysheff has joined the Personnel Committee.

*The Safety Committee is planning on sponsoring a CPR class and an emergency preparedness class for the Church.

*The Session has approved the purchase of 3 wireless microphone units – Shirley DeCourcy has volunteered to purchase one unit – Thank You Shirley!

Leaders for Worship Services

Jesus Loves the Little Children Moment:

February 5 Regina Bright

February 12 TBA

February 19 Sandy Kozyak and puppets

February 26 Regina Bright

Deacon Teams:

February 5 February 12

Mary Waller Matt Kozyak

Sam Brown Jeff Frost

Alyssa Upshaw Tracy Frost

Jack Moenster Marti Chenault

February 19 February 26

Betty Miles-Smith Matt Kozyak

Mary Waller Tracy Frost

Jack Moenster Jeff Frost

Alyssa Upshaw Rick Branding

Candle Lighters:

February 12 Mitchell George & Claire McCloud

February 19 Drew Grote & Nick Grote

February 26 Audrey Johnson & Emily Johnson

Attendance

January 8 144

January 15 100

January 22 101

January 29 105

Thank you to Rev. Donald Kratz and Rev. Mark Strothmann for

serving as worship leaders in January.

Meeting: Friday, February 3, 2012 at 5 p.m.

The Safety Committee would like to again sponsor a refresher CPR class for members and friends.

We need at least 20 people to be able to reserve the instructor.

Please contact Nathan Branding. We need to have a final count by

Sunday, February 5, 2012.

The Navigators will meet on Friday, February 10, at 11:30 a.m.

at Jerry’s Restaurant. Hostess: Betty Schmedake

The Seafarers will be meeting on Saturday, February 18

at 6:00 p.m. at Ravanelli’s. Hosts: Sid Vaughn and Bev Scroggins

Morning Glories will have their meeting on Friday, February 17

at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Saturday, February 11 at 9 a.m. at Apple Tree Restaurant

Contact Matt Kozyak or Elmer Ebrecht if you are interested in attending.

Yes folks, it is that time again -

time to have some fun and enjoy some terrific Chili.

The Chili Cook-off will be on Sunday, February 19 immediately after church in the Fellowship Hall. We need chili to be judged and chili to be eaten.

We will have door prizes to be given away.

If you can bring chili, please contact Terry Livingston.

Please mark your calendar for Sunday, February 19.

Let’s have a GREAT turnout!

2012 FLOWERS

The cost is $11.00 per vase, and must be paid for at the time you sign up.

If you have any concerns, you may speak to the Worship Committee Chairperson, Terry Livingston.

Thank you to our Meals of Love workers.

On Tuesday, we served approximately 100 meals.

,

We received a lot of "thank yous" from our "guests" who enjoyed their meal and also from the workers and members of Grace Baptist.

Occasionally our prayer list in the Sunday bulletins needs

to be reviewed and updated.

Please contact the church office and let us know if your loved

ones are doing better.

We will keep names on for a month,

but please let us know if you need them to stay on longer.

If you have someone you would like to nominate for the

"Celebration of the Aging" Award

please contact Nathan Branding, Regina Bright or Ryan Moenster. 

Sixty years or more of experience in the art of living, service in the church and community, love of God, self, and neighbor are the criteria.  

The deadline for submitting nominees is Sunday, March 18, 2012.

Please join us on Sunday, February 12 for our "Second Sunday Celebration"

in the fellowship hall immediately after worship.

We will celebrate February birthdays, anniversaries, and all happy occasions.

PRESBY KID’S KORNER

Children’s Choir

Place: Adult Choir Room

Time: Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Ages: Kindergarten – 6^th grade

Director: Bev Scroggins

Will meet Sunday mornings during Sunday School time.

3 and 4 year olds.

Director: Linda Aud

Place: Fireside/Music Room

Time: Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Ages: 4^th grade through high school

Director: Diana Kinder

Please Note: There will be a training class for

children interested in bells/chimes on three Wednesday evenings in May.

See Diana for more information or call her at 931-1137. 

Community Lenten Service Schedule for 2012

(Sponsored by the Quad Cities Ministerial Alliance)

Services begin at 12:05 p.m. Lunch is at 12:30 p.m.

Host church will provide light lunch after service – except for Good Friday service.

A freewill offering will be taken.

Ash Wednesday, February 22 Nameoki United Methodist Church

Wednesday, February 29 TBA

Wednesday, March 7 Salvation Army

Wednesday, March 14 Freedom Worship Center

Wednesday, March 21 Harvest Community Church

Wednesday, March 28 St. Peter U.C.C.

Holy Week:

 Calendar 2012

7:00 p.m. Worship Service at St. John’s UCC, with St. Peter Evangelical UCC, and Central Christian