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Concordia Newsletter
February 2019
CONCORDIA U.C.C 7600 State Route 163
Belleville, IL 62223
618-476-3377
concordiaucc.weebly.com
OUR STAFF
Minister: Every Member of the Congregation
Director of Christian Ed: Becky Avara
Secretary: (email: [email protected]) Natalie Huck
Custodian: Rayonda Montgomery
CHURCH COUNCIL OFFICERS AND MEMBERS
President
Dale Hoepfinger 618.623.7839 [email protected]
Vice-President
Michael Avara 618.401.8819 [email protected]
Secretary
Rachel Gomric 618.980.5208 [email protected]
Treasurer
Doris Steiger 618.476.1366 [email protected]
618.444.1133-cell
Financial Secretary
Len Sedlak 618.558.7731 [email protected]
Congregational Care
Cheryl Mueth 618-975-6768 [email protected]
Member-at-Large
Kevin Juhas 314-585-3494 [email protected]
If you require Pastoral care please call the church and leave a
message, email Natalie or call one of the Council Members
February Lectionary Scripture Readings
February 3 – Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Jer 1:4-10, Ps 71:1-6, 1 Cor 13:1-13, Luke 4:21-30
February 10 – Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Isa 6:1-8(9-13), Ps 138, 1 Cor 15:1-11, Luke 5:1-11
February 17 – Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Jer 17:5-10, Ps 1, 1 Cor 15:12-20, Luke 6:17-26
February 24 – Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Gen 45:3-11,15, Ps 37:1-11,39-40, 1 Cor 15:35-38,42-50, Luke 6:27-38
SCHEDULE
Worship Every Sunday at 9 A.M.
Sunday school after worship
The Quilting Circle - Every Tuesday at 9 A.M.
Choir Practice – Every Wednesday at 7 P.M.
Food Pantry - First Sunday
Council Meeting - Second Sunday
Book Club -Third Sunday
Women's Guild - Fourth Sunday
February 1-2 Women’s Retreat
February 11&12 Millstadt Kindergarten Registration **
February 17 7:30-11am Boy Scout Troop #622 Pancake, Sausage, Eggs, Biscuits
& Gravy Breakfast (all you can eat) – St. James,
Millstadt **
February 17 Annual Congregational Meeting (After Worship)
February 23 7am-10am Annual Pancake and Sausage Breakfast
February 23 9am-2pm ISC Day of Discipleship – St. Paul UCC, Belleville
March 23 7:00pm Women’s Guild Trivia Night – Quail Club
** See Bulletin Board for more information
one of national UCC
Five for Five
offerings. Received by
most UCC congregations
on Pentecost Sunday,
50% of this offering is
retained by the local
Conference for multiple-
local ministry need and
50% is sent to the
national UCC for New
Church development,
Women's ministry and
Youth Young Adult
Ministry. Offering
information was in your
May 28 worship bulletin
and an offering envelope
will be in your June 4
worship bulletin. You
can contribute in worship
any Sunday in June, but
the official offering date
is June 4. Our 2016
Strengthen the Church
offering totaled
$203. Our 2017 offering
goal is $300.00. You
can contribute without
using the
designated offering
envelope; just make sure
your offering is marked
in the memo for
Strengthen the Church
offering.
Important Information
worship needs to be cancelled, Church
Council has authorized the Pastor and
the Church Council President to make
the decision. If worship services are
cancelled, we will communicate it in
the following ways: 1. On St. Louis local television stations Channel 4, 5, 2 & 11.
2. Church Secretary, Natalie, will provide updated
information on the church Facebook page & an email
notice will be sent out.
3. Call a Church Council Member directly.
4. Help by notifying a friend who may not be on email or
Facebook.
A NOTE FROM THE PASTOR
Dear Friends and Partners in the Gospel,
By the time this newsletter is published, my wife Nora and I will have arrived in our new home in
Cincinnati, Ohio, in an apartment strewn with half-opened boxes and misplaced furniture. Moving is
complicated, and though I’ve done it more frequently than a sensible person should, I still find it difficult.
I know in advance, though, that, by the time I’ve reached that stage in the process the hardest part
will be done – the leaving. I want you to know that the days we have spent together in ministry here have
been important to me, that I have met people here who have encouraged my faith and given me regular
reminders of the value of our life together in congregations. I am thankful for the mutual care and concern
that Concordia members share with one another, and especially for your readiness to step up when an
individual or a family needs the support of the whole Christian fellowship. I will miss these things about
you. But, of course, I will look for them again in a community much like yours, anticipated but as yet
unknown to me. Because of you and others I’ve met along the way, I’ll know what I’m looking for.
Thank you for all your kindnesses and considerations over the past 7 months. I know that the
Council has been busy planning and has arranged for the next several months of capable pastoral
coverage. I know too that your search committee continues to seek the person who will come to serve as
your new settled pastor.
Blessings on the journey.
Allen M Fluent, Transitional Pastor
MISCELLANEOUS ANNOUNCEMENTS
2019 ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA
Sunday-February 17
The official meeting agenda will be included on the first pages of the 2017 Annual Report. Church Council
leadership with the Pastor will finalize the agenda soon. Included (but not limited) in the Annual Meeting agenda
will be:
• Approval of 2018 Annual Meeting Minutes
• Approval of 2018 Financial Reports
• Approval of Audit Committee Report
• Approval of 2018 Reports (Council-Pastor-Boards & Organizations)
• Presentation of the Nominating Committee and Election of New Church Council and Cemetery Board
Members
• Presentation of Church Organization Chart & Sharing Need for Members to Serve on
• Committees & Organizations Needing Additional Members
• Old Business
• New Business
• Church Dinner Auction or Other Alternative Church Fundraising Event
• Presentation & Approval of the 2019 Annual Budget
• Report of the Pastoral Search Committee
Members of Church Council
Dale Hoepfinger-President, Michael Avara-Vice President, Rachel Gomric-Secretary, Doris Steiger-
Treasurer, Cheryl Mueth, Len Sedlak and Kevin Juhas
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Church Council has set Sunday-February 17 (following the worship service) as the date for the
Annual Congregational Meeting. The congregation will:
1. Receive 2018 Annual Reports
2. Receive 2018 Financial Reports
3. Receive the Proposed 2019 Annual Budget
4. Receive the 2019 Nominating Committee Report
5. Proposed Constitution & By-Law Revisions
6. Other Business to come before the congregation
All members of the church are encouraged to attend and vote on church business.
CHURCH COUNCIL NOMINEES SOUGHT
Two members of Church Council will be ending their terms at the February meeting. We are
seeking two new members of Church Council to serve a two-year term. Church Council
usually meets the second Sunday of each month (after church). Members who terms are
ending and cannot remain on the Council are: Dale Hoepfinger and Rachel Gomric. There
may be a couple more openings but decisions by those individuals have not been made yet.
The current Church Council is serving as the Nominating Committee; if you are interested in
submitting your name for consideration as a nominee speak to a member of the Church
Council. They will present a slate of proposed nominees for the Annual Congregational
Meeting. Current Church Council members are: Dale Hoepfinger, Michael Avara, Rachel
Gomric, Doris Steiger, Len Sedlak, Kevin Juhas & Cheryl Mueth.
USHERS/GREETERS NEEDED
There is a sign-up list on the welcome table outside the sanctuary. We are asking
that those who volunteer to serve as ushers to please try and get here about 45
minutes early to place the alter flowers in the vases and to serve as greeters
handing out bulletins and assisting people in finding a seat as the sanctuary fills
up. Also, when collecting the offering we would appreciate it if you could get a
head count of our attendance. Please sign-up as you are able.
COFFEE HOUR HOST/HOSTESS NEEDED
We need volunteers to serve as host/hostess during our Sunday morning Coffee Hour. The donuts
and coffee are provided by the church, but we need you to help serve. If you are interested, please
sign the list on the welcome table outside the sanctuary.
QUILTING GROUP
We are working hard on some beautiful quilts. If anyone is interested in quilting,
please join us on Tuesday mornings at the church. All are welcome to join!
CHOIR
We are working on music - practice will resume soon!!
CHIMES CHOIR
Thank you to Linda Danford for all the work she did to get the Concordia Ding Dongs organized.
Hopefully we will be able to resume practicing sometime in the near future.
Thank You
To all those who helped remove the
decorations from the church after
Christmas.
Thank You
Thank you to those who have shown caring and
support for my upcoming retinal and cataracts
surgeries. It means a lot! God Bless.
Linda Danford
SEARCH COMMITTEE
The Search Committee has been busy reviewing the most recently received batch of profiles as well as conducting
several interviews. We appreciate your continued prayers for this "adventure".
COUNCIL REPORT
Concordia U.C.C. Church Council Meeting Minutes
• Budget Committee presented the proposed 2019 Budget, to be prepared for the Congregation at the Annual
Meeting. Council approved. Motion carried.
• Pastor Allen Fluent’s last Sunday in the Pulpit will be January 27, 2019.
Dale Hoepfinger has been in contact with ISC Minister, Shana Johnson, to inquire filling the Pulpit during
the transition period before a Pastor is called.
• Council will have several vacancies as terms will expire
• Motion made/carried to accept Pastor’s mileage reimbursement for $412.02
• Jennifer Hampsten and Aly Riley will serve as piano accompaniment following Linda Danford’s
resignation, until a permanent organist can be hired.
WOMEN’S GUILD HAPPENINGS
The Women’s Guild hosted a Painting Party with Joan on January 20th. We had 29 wonderful painters attend.
Everyone had a good time and there is talk about having another one in the Fall.
The Women’s Retreat is February 1 & 2.
We will be hosting Trivia Night on March 23. We are going to be raffling off a Wheel Barrel of Booze, so we are
asking for donations of bottles of alcohol, wine, and different beers to add to it. Donations may be dropped off by
Natalie’s desk. Tickets will be available to sell soon.
At our January meeting we had election of Officers, new officers are: Natalie Huck- President, Darla Klaus-Vice
President, Rachel Gomric-Secretary and Jodee Blue-Treasurer. We also talked about going to a Women’s
Conference in either August or October, more information to follow.
BOOK CLUB
The Book Club will meet in January on January 20th.
SUNDAY SCHOOL SCOOP
Pancake Breakfast on February 23. Donation sign-up sheet on the table as well as piggy bank for monetary
donations to offset cost of sausage.
AND DON'T FORGET WE NEED WORKERS AS WELL!!!!!
YOUTH NEWS
WHO WANTS TO GO????!!!!! Region 9 Youth Event will be held on Sunday, February 10 at 1:00, at O'Fallon
UCC, 206 West Adams, O'Fallon. The youth will be making 50 Valentine boxes for Kindercottage. They will also
be preparing colored, plastic bags for use in making mats for the homeless. Needed are donations of valentine gift
wrap, wrapped Valentine candy, printed Valentine cards (packages for little ones, think school), and plastic bags
(not gray bags but other colors). The plastic bags are used to make “plarn” or plastic yarn.
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.
February Birthday’s
9th Helen Mueller 16th Pastor Douglas
Jodee Blue 19th Pastor David
Carol Gomric 21st Riley Niebruegge
10th Sharon Stallmann 23rd Terri Keim
February Anniversaries
18th Pastor David & Treila
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.
Additional Prayer List
Patricia Allen Pat Schmeder-Habers Mindy Newsum Marilou Steele
Kathy Burgard LeeAnn Heaton Cheryl Partee Jannith Tribout
Stacey Cooper Rita Helfrich Angela Pearson Debbie Waller
Wally Davis Ronnie & Geri Keim Kelie Reis Bob & Wanda Wheat
Charlie Dayton Joe Knepper Lorene Rice Kevin Wicks
Mary Douglas Jane Koehler Teri Robertson Delores Wilhelm
Mary Edwards Bill & Doris Koeln Patti Rottler Art Wynn
Gerry Freiderich Bill Launius Ron Schaefer Deborah Young
Kenny Fulton Bertha Faye Lucas Marion Scharf
Joshua Gamm Brody Mense Kathryn Sick
Susie Gregg Kelley Metcalf Edie Smith
Jason Gunn Marian Meyer Kim Smith
Jeff Morrison Todd Spencer
PRAYER CONCERNS
All who are on the Prayer List gives thanks for the support-prayers of Concordia UCC
Terry Bailey: Recuperating at home.
Continued Prayers for:
Albert Wunderlich, Jr., Bill Mueller, Dale Hoepfinger, Brenda Waelti, Mel & Betty
Mueller, David Mueller, Charlie Kramer, Douglas Anders, Joyce Sullivan, June Wild,
Cynthia Gerdes, Elijah Lobb, Karen Miller, Tina Kennedy
Youth Sleepover
Women’s Guild Painting Party
FROM YOUR EDITOR:
Please send any articles for the next newsletter by Tuesday, January 22nd to [email protected]
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.
• 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.
The 2019 calendar are hanging on the
bulletin board in the fellowship hall. Flower
cost is $25.00 per week, checks made payable
to the church.
Altar flowers that have not been signed up for
will be placed in plastic bags and put on the
table by the rear stairway in the Fellowship
Hall for anyone who wants them.
CHILDRENS ACTIVITY BASKET
Recognizing that families sit at different
areas of the church, an activity basket
containing items for children will be placed
at the Welcome Table in the Sunday School
Hall and another basket will be placed at the
front of the church. Please feel free to pick
out whatever your child might enjoy using
during Worship Service.
Current Shortages at the Millstadt Food Pantry:
• Rice a Roni, Pasta Roni, Hamburger Helper
• Chunky Soups (Progresso, Campbells, Healthy
Choice), Canned Chili
• Canned meats (i.e. spam, Vienna sausages, tuna,
chicken)
• Canned Ravioli, Spaghetti and Meatballs,
Beefaroni, etc.
• Shampoo, Deodorant, Kleenex, Dryer Sheets
Concordia Women’s Guild
Saturday, March 23, 2019 7:00 P.M.
Quail Club 8303 Concordia Church Rd Doors Open at 6:30 P.M.
Cost $15 per person ** $120 Per Table
Cash Bar - Bring Snacks ** Includes Mulligans & Survivor Round
Cut here & return bottom portion
Please return to: Email Address:
Concordia U.C.C.
7600 State Route 163 Group Name:
Belleville, IL 62223
618-476-3377
Name of Guests (Up to 8 Guests per table)
__________________________________________ __________________________________________
__________________________________________ __________________________________________
__________________________________________ __________________________________________
__________________________________________ __________________________________________
You do not have to have a complete table to make reservations. Payment due that night. (Cash or check only please)
Wheel Barrel of
Booze Raffle &
50/50
Reservations not
required but
appreciated by
3/15/2019
