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Concordia News
May 2020
CONCORDIA U.C.C 7600 State Route 163
Belleville, IL 62223
618-476-3377
concordiaucc.weebly.com
OUR STAFF
Pastor: Email: [email protected] Joan Mier
Cell #: 219-805-6022
Secretary: Email: [email protected] Natalie Huck
Director of Christian Ed: Becky Avara
Custodian: Rayonda Montgomery
Organist: Jennifer Hampsten
CHURCH COUNCIL OFFICERS AND MEMBERS
President
Edgar Stallmann 618-538-7603 [email protected]
618-541-2368-cell
Vice-President
Kevin Juhas 618-719-1611 [email protected]
Secretary
Rayonda Montgomery 636-222-2334 [email protected]
Treasurer
Doris Steiger 618-476-1366 [email protected]
618-444-1133-cell
Financial Secretary
Cheryl Mueth 618-975-6768 [email protected]
Congregational Care
Marie Gemmingen 618-277-8045 [email protected]
Member-at-Large
John Klaus 618-791-2488 [email protected]
If you require Pastoral Care, please call the church, email Pastor
Joan: [email protected] or email Natalie:
[email protected]. If it is an emergency call Pastor
Joan at 219-805-6022.
SCHEDULE FOR MAY
Zoom Bible Study—May 6, 13, 20, 27 & June 3, 1 pm
May 3—Facebook Live Service with Holy Communion, 10 am
May 4- Zoom Book Club, 1 pm & Council meeting, 6:30 pm, location tba
May 10—Mother’s Day – Facebook Live Service, 10 am
May 17—Rural Life Sunday – Facebook Live Service, 10 am
May 21—Ascension Day—remember Christ’s ascension
May 24 – Facebook Live Service, 10 am
May 25—Memorial Day
May 31—“Strengthen the Church” collection – Facebook Live Service, 10 am
Unfortunately, it has been decided to put the Chicken Dinner on hold for now, hoping to
reschedule it sometime later this year.
May Lectionary Scripture Readings
May 3 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:42-47, Psalm 23, 1 Peter 2:19-25, John 10:1-10
May 10 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 7:55-60, Psalm 31:1-5,15-16, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14
May 17 – Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 17:22-31, Psalm 66:8-20, 1 Peter 3:13-22, John 14:15-21
May 24 – Seventh Sunday of Easter
Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-10;32-35, 1 Peter 4:12-14;5:6-11, John 17:1-11
May 31 – Pentecost Sunday
Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34,35b, 1 Cor 12:3b-13, John 20:19-23
Pastor’s Message
“CARING FOR MOTHER EARTH”
Today, April 22nd, as I write my thoughts for the Pastor’s page for the May “Concordia Chat,” I
am reflecting on what I was doing fifty years ago—I remember being in 6th grade and our teacher
talking about the upcoming recognition of Earth Day and our responsibility to care for The Earth.
On Earth Day, (fifty years ago) our whole class went to the down-town area of Walkerton, IN,
the town we lived in, and were given bags to collect rubbish that had collected on the sidewalks
and in the alleyways. Our whole class worked together to clean up our small, down-town area. I
remember the smiles on our faces and how good we felt helping to care for our town and
absolutely care for Mother Earth. This lesson, received when I was in sixth grade, has stayed
with me all of my life and resides in my heart today. One thing that I chose to do when my
daughter was a baby was to use cloth diapers rather than disposable ones for as long as possible.
Even back then, I thought about all those disposable diapers going into landfills and how long it
would take for them to ever disintegrate. I worry about the amount of unnecessary garbage that is
going into our landfills, polluting soil and even some waterways. My husband and I, throughout
the years, have been active composters and also planters of trees. John planted two rows of pine
seedlings at our home church, Peace UCC, approximately thirty years ago. I wish you could see
how tall, stately, and gorgeous those pines tree seedlings turned out to be. People who look upon
those beautiful trees just feel the presence of the holy. I found this quote from Thomas Fuller
that I dedicate to my husband, John, “He that plants trees loves others besides himself.” Thank
you, John, for loving your God and God’s people so much that you took hours and hours of your
time to care for those dainty pine seedlings. The beautiful trees they grew to be give us oxygen;
they give places for rabbits to hide and for birds to nest and care for their babies. What a
glorious gift was given in those Pine Trees.
I have been told that we do not have a good recycling program in our area around Concordia
Church, therefore, there are things that other people and myself are throwing into our garbage
cans that makes our hearts ache. I feel there must be a better way. How can we make a
difference here at Concordia Church to care for Mother Earth that gives so much to us? If you
have thoughts on this issue, communicate those thoughts with me. I think that we need to be
catalysts of change for the care of the environment, don’t you? The National Headquarters of the
United Church of Christ invited Christ’s disciples in the UCC to a three-year commitment—
“Three Great Loves”-- “Love of children, Love of neighbor, and Love of creation.” This year,
the focus is on creation, remembering these words from Psalm 24:1, “The Earth is the Lord’s,
and the fullness thereof.” Caring for the environment is one of the ways we offer God our
tremendous love and gratitude for the gift of this magnificent planet that we live on. Caring for
the earth should bring joy to our lives. I end this message with a great quote from Leo Tolstoy:
“One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between man and nature shall not be
broken” SO TRUE!
Loving this beautiful Earth with you,
Pastor Joan
UPDATE FROM THE ILLINOIS SOUTH CONFERENCE
We recently received this letter from our Conference Minister, The Rev. Shana Johnson and the
Conference Board:
“The Executive Committee voted today to recommend extending the suspension of in-
person worship two more weeks, through May 11, 2020. In the absence of any talk about
slowly reopening Illinois, we expect state guidelines to be extended beyond the current
April 30 date. If the Governor extends shelter-in-place beyond May 11, we will too. This window of time
includes Mother’s Day, a Sunday that traditionally has meant many
generations gathering in filled pews with happy faces. The May 11 date was purposefully
chosen to include Mother’s Day, because it would be exactly the wrong time to try to gather
a large group of people. We are not out of the woods and shouldn’t risk creating a dramatic number of
new COVID-19 cases. And, it might be a disappointing, lightly attended service, given so many are deeply
worried about leaving their homes, which is not what anyone needs right now. Instead of distributing
flowers this year, consider making a donation to your church or any other organization in honor of the
women in your life.”
AT-HOME HOLY COMMUNION
Pastor Joan, at this time, has decided to no longer do “drive-thru” Holy Communion; therefore, on May 3rd
during the Supper at the Lord’s table, Pastor is inviting those of you who are watching service via
Facebook Live to have your own communion elements ready at home (whatever you choose to use is
fine), so that you may partake, in your own way, in receiving the “body and blood” of Christ.
REMEMBERING THOSE WHO DIED—MEMORIAL DAY
Whether we are apart from one another or together, our hearts should be joined in commemorating and
celebrating the lives of those who have fearlessly served our country in the United States military and
gave their lives in active duty for the sake of freedom. Memorial Day is to memorialize the veterans who
made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. So, on Monday, May 25th, you are invited to spend some
time in prayer thanking God for those who died in service for their country and for the loved ones who
were left behind. Also, on Memorial Day, we remember all of our loved ones who have gone before us,
those who have made their eternal journey home. May all be remembered with much love on this
Memorial Day. Let it be so. Amen.
“STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH” UCC “5 FOR 5” OFFERING—MAY 31ST
Our annual “Strengthen the Church” offering will be collected on May 31st—Pentecost Sunday. This is
the Sunday that we remember the Holy Spirit coming forth and alighting upon the followers of Jesus,
changing and transforming them—they spoke in different languages, yet all were able to understand each
other on that day, holy fire ignited their spirits to go forth and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ,
advancing his ministry and mission to all the world. In Acts 2, we hear after the Holy Spirit came: “Awe
came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who
believed were together and had all things in common. They would sell their possessions and goods and
distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the
temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and
having the good will of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were
being saved.” We are still called, beloved, to share all that we can to “strengthen the church” 2000 years
after the first Pentecost, because the Holy Spirit is still moving among us, transforming us and always
opening our hearts to new opportunities to advance the church of Jesus Christ. Let it be so and let us give
with generous hearts.—Pastor Joan
FOOD PANTRY
If you would like to donate to the Millstadt Food Pantry, please drop your items off by the
side entrance to the church, there will be a blue container to put your items in. I will
arrange to have all donations picked up after the first Sunday of May.
THANK YOU
Thank you to Brenda Waelti for the beautiful stole you made for Pastor Joan.
COUNCIL NEWS
Concordia UCC members:
Here we are May 2020, we still do not know when we will return to our regular Church services and
meetings. We have received a communication from Illinois South Conference that recommends we
extend our Church shut down until May 11, 2020. This will mean there will NO Mother’s Day services.
We wish to extend our thanks with all the COVID 19 Pandemic, you, the members, have been supporting
the Church very well. You are greatly appreciated! Pastor Joan and the council will keep in contact with
each other to make sure the Church family stays connected.
I want to thank the Avara family for the wonderful song they performed for us on Easter Sunday.
May everyone have a Happy Mother’s Day and celebrate with your family in a safe way.
Keep everyone in your prayers and with the help of God, Pastor Joan and the church staff we will get
through this pandemic as a stronger church community.
Edgar, President
CHOIR
I am checking out an email I received about virtual choir practice…hmm
Take care everyone!
NEW BIBLE STUDY STARTED
As of Wednesday, April 29th, a new Bible study began, “Joshua: Winning the Worry Battle” a DVD
study by Barb Roose. We will be continuing this study done via Zoom on May 6, 13, 20, 27 and June 3.
If you are interested in connecting to this Zoom Bible Study, please contact Rayonda and she will get the
necessary information to you, additional questions, please contact Pastor Joan at church (618)476-3377
or e-mail: [email protected]. All are welcome.
ZOOM BOOK CLUB
Book Club meets Monday May 4th at 1 pm via zoom call. Please contact Rayonda for more info. We
chose 3 books for April due to more home time.
• GIRL WASH YOUR FACE, By Rachel Hollis
• ABIDING HOPE, By Angela Benson
• THE DUTCH HOUSE, By Ann Patchett
Please join us if you can, should be a fun discussion. And if you have cheesecake during the call, no one
will know
YOUTH NEWS
Sunday School - Hope everyone is doing well. I am sure that all the kids are busy with online
learning. I am still receiving free resource material - just not as much as before Easter. So now that it
looks like this "normal" will be going on for a while longer, I will be forwarding some FUN stuff. Stay
safe and can't wait to see you all again!
DuBois Update: Camp is still on as of now, they will make a decision on May 5th whether or not they
will still have summer camp.
Congratulations to Maxwell Juhas our Belleville West 2020 Graduate. In the last few weeks, he
was nominated & selected for the Mighty Maroon Award, won the DAR Good Citizen Essay
Contest, and was accepted to Washington University majoring in Political Science beginning this
Fall.
If you do not see your birthday or anniversary listed, please notify the
church by emailing [email protected] or call the church
and leave a message.
MAY BIRTHDAY’S
2nd Rachel Feazel 13th Jami Wilhelm
Marie Gemmingen 18th Sydni Juhas
4th Jean Meckfessel 22nd Diem Montgomery
Pat Lanaghan 23rd Jose Miguel Fernandez
10th Karen Bangert
MAY ANNIVERSARIES
1st Bill & Judy Wirth 24th Dale & Linda Hoepfinger
21st Dustin & Rayonda Montgomery 31st Polly Young & Jose Miguel Fernandez
If you would like someone added or deleted from the Prayer List, please notify the church
by emailing [email protected] or call the church and leave a message.
PRAYER CONCERNS
All who are on the Prayer List gives thanks for the support-prayers of Concordia UCC
Marie Gemmingen, Pat Lanaghan, Brenda Waelti, Dale Hoepfinger, Terry Bailey, Mel & Betty Mueller, Helen
Mueller, Sharon Stallmann, Don Sliment, Bill Mueller, Gloria Ellermeyer, Jane Weir, Douglas Anders, Bob
Miller, Randee Rittmeyer, Cory Teamen, Pam Donavan, Lee Strickland, Jeffrey Baker
Deployed: Andrew Settles
In Deepest Sympathy: The Concordia Church family wishes to express our deepest sympathy to Dan and Jodee
Blue and family in the unexpected loss of Dan’s brother, David Blue. We have been praying for David
throughout his battle with Cancer. Our prayers, now, change to prayers for David’s eternal peace dwelling in
the Light of God forever and ever. May it be so. Amen.
Note on Rev. Anders: He was able to continue his experimental Cancer treatments at a hospital in Memphis.
This is much better for him as he can drive there and does not have to stay away from home as long. Continue
to keep him in your prayers.
Additional Prayer List
Kathy Burgard Ronnie & Geri Keim Marion Scharf
Wally Davis Joe Knepper Kathryn Sick
Charlie Dayton Jane Koehler Don Sliment
Mary Douglas Bill & Doris Koeln Marilou Steele
Gerry Freiderich Bill Launius Debbie Waller
Joshua Gamm Mindy Newsum Bob & Wanda Wheat
Susie Gregg Angela Pearson Kevin Wicks
Pat Schmeder-Habers Lorene Rice Art Wynn
LeeAnn Heaton Teri Robertson Debbie Waller
Rev. Karl Doernenburg
Rev. Karl Doernenburg was born December 17, 1851 in Düsseldorf,
Germany. He immigrated to the United States in 1874 at the invitation of
his brother who was already a pastor in Missouri. After attending Elmhurst
College (1879), he attended and graduated from the seminary in
Marthasville, Missouri. He was ordained in Kansas City and served in the
following churches [1]:
● 1881-1887 Evangelical Lutheran Church - Lincoln, NE
● 1887-1891 St. Paul Church - Okawville, IL
● 1891-1893 Concordia Church - Belleville IL
● 1893-1895 Bethel Church - Concordia, MO
● 1895-1900 St. Peter Church - New Haven, MO
● 1900-1906 Emmanuel Church - Weldon Springs, MO
● 1906-1911 St. John Church - Springfield, MO
● 1912-1915 St. John Church - Metropolis, IL
● 1915-1936 St. John Church - Ridge Prairie, IL [2]
After 57 years of service, Rev. Doernenburg retired first in Belleville and then later moved to
Washington D.C. to live with his daughter and granddaughter. [1]
Rev. Doernenburg was married to his wife Johanna (nee Oberhellmann). He died June 2, 1943 and was
buried in Mount Hope Cemetery in Belleville, IL. [1]
Sources of Information
1. Messenger, 8:20 (June 29, 1943), 14
2. Eden Seminary Archives
Maudy Thursday
Good Friday
Easter
FROM YOUR EDITOR:
Please send any articles for the next newsletter by Wednesday May 21st , to
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.
• A Death in the Family.
• 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.
The Meckfessel’s are staying safe!
While we are having FB Live services, we are
not getting altar flowers. If you are signed up
for them during this period, there are still
some openings for other dates you may want
to switch to.
Current Shortages at the Millstadt Food Pantry:
• Boxed dinners
• Canned meats
• Mac n Cheese
• Shampoo, Deodorant, Kleenex, Dryer Sheets
• Laundry Detergent/dryer sheets
