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Greetings and peace to the great folks here at Friedens, I was reading this month in the book of Colossians and was intrigued by the way this wonderful book of the Bible portrays the church. If read carefully, Colossians refers to the body of Christ in two ways. First, the physical body of Christ was nailed to the cross as part of God’s plan so that we would no longer be separated from God. Second, it refers to the church as the body of Christ here on earth. You can find this in Chapter 1: 18-24 and Chapter 3: 15. If you have been attentive you have heard me mention in several sermons that the church as the body of Christ is one of the most important aspects of who we are as a people of God here at Friedens. Yet in the everyday shuffle of church business this aspect can easily become over looked or even neglected. We seem to forget that as the body of Christ relationships are the single thread that binds us together. Healthy relationships with God, each other and the community around us create an environment in which the body of Christ can thrive, be active, grow and be fulfilled in the Word. I have been reading a wonderful book lately entitled “Congregational Renewal, Practical Steps for Congregations.” I am usually not one to be interested in the reading of “self help” books but this one is unique and I would recommend that all of us buy a copy and take some time with it. At one point the author states that, “A congregation that is truly being church brings people into a loving, life-giving relationship with God and others that is transformational.” (P.6, Congregational Renewal). It also states that, “When a congregation is truly being church, people: *find hope *experience belonging *extend and receive forgiveness, and * discover a sense of purpose and direction

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As you ponder those statements, think about them in light of your own experience here at Friedens. Do we find hope in the Word? Do you feel like you belong or do you feel like an outsider? Do we extend and receive forgiveness? And finally, what is the sense of purpose and direction for this congregation? I hope that this has given all of us something to think about for this month and rest assured we will be talking about this again. As we begin our relationship together it is my hope that all of us will be open to transformation and renewal as the Spirit leads and guides us into the future. For now, God’s peace be with you. Pastor Doug

We are planning a special installation service and dinner for Pastor Doug.

As this goes to print, we do not have an official date to share with you. Please keep an eye on your bulletins and your email for more information!

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FROM OUR

CHURCH RECORDS

Attendance for July Worship

7/7 89 7/14 98 7/21 75 7/28 Hospitalized: Virgil Whittington Marriage: Terri Warden and Michael Randal were married on July 5, 2013.

August 8

Lunch at noon (brown bag)

Movie 1:00 pm

“__________”

Everyone is invited to BOTH!

If you can’t make it in time for

lunch, please join us for the movie!

Items collected for Ministries Unlimited in July were: 3 pkgs. spaghetti 4 cans spaghettis sauce 14 boxes Jell-o 4 boxes macaroni and cheese 2 boxes graham crackers 1 jar peanut butter 1 box cereal 5 bags cereal 12 boxes cream bars 1 pkg. instant sweet potatoes 5 pkgs. side dishes 1 jar mayonnaise 3 boxes Hamburger Helper 4 cans pasta 1 box fruit flavored snacks Thank you for your donation! The items for August are: cookies, snacks, and school supplies.

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August 1 Lisa Healea 3 Stan Huston Faye McMillin 5 Jennifer Ruger Jeff Estes 6 Abigail Schroeter Terrie Warden 7 Lorna Schaubert Audrey Deeren 8 Darrell Dankenbring Gabriel Gregson Craig Spears Alex Toennies 9 Jean Dankenbring Leo Lindsay 11 Emily Patton 12 Mary Klotz 13 Laurie Meyer Devin Wilkins 14 Doug Brendel Katie Carver Olivia Bosaw Joyce Koenig Wendy Smith 16 Doug A. Brendel Gale Stipes 17 Allan Weder Melissa Greenwood

18 Jackie Estes Ed Maedge 19 Gwen Bosaw 22 Jim Bailey 23 Jared Willis 26 Jennifer Stephens Jessica Wilkins 27 Edwin Dankenbring 28 Nancy Nemnich 29 Adeline Burgess John E. Lally 30 Mark Friederich

Newsletter articles are

due on August 18th. You may: bring your articles to the office e-mail them to: friedenscircuitrider@hotmail.com fax the article: 667-6006

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Ushers

Aug. 4 Joe Brown Jim Galaske Doug Brendel Dennis Williams Aug. 11 Kenny and Linda Grotefendt Harold and Mary Ellen Schwehr Aug. 18 Tom Fischer Ryan Williams Virgil Whittington Ed Whittington Aug. 25 Dave and Sandy Morton Fred and Wanda Keil Sept. 1 John and Carol Deloney Bob and Janis Little

If you cannot be present on your day, please call Yvonne, 667-8409

Altar Flowers

Mary Chasteen

Liturgists

Aug. 4 Joe Smith Aug. 11 Harold Schwehr Aug. 18 Ron Harbison Aug. 25 Julie Loehring Sept. 1 Jenny Ruger

Greeters

Aug. 4 Joe Smith family Aug. 11 Harold and Mary Ellen Schwehr Aug. 18 Ron and Sandy

Harbison Aug. 25 Wayne and Julie

Loehring Sept. 1 Pat Ruger family Thank you to those who serve as worship assistants!

Women’s Guild

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The Women's Guild met on July 17, 2013 at 7:00 pm, with 18 ladies present. Virginia Bailey opened the meeting by reading a story about burnt biscuits and overlooking people's flaws. Devotions were provided by Stephanie Williams, who led the group through a series of hand prayers which ended with silent prayer while listening to a song. Committees reported that two quilts are underway, and Hospice picked up 45 lap pads and 68 bears. The rummage sale, supporting a raffle, and the kitchen fire inspection was also discussed. For the Troy Homecoming, Mary Emmons has been getting volunteers for cakes and workers for the cakewalk stand. A signup sheet for the quilt raffle ticket sales booth was completed. Planning for the annual Quilt Show will begin next month. After the meeting, Gladys Huston and Joann Longhi provided refreshments and dessert of delicious homemade pies. The next meeting will be on Wednesday August 21, 2013 at 7:00pm. Devotions will be provided by Mary Emmons, and hostesses will be Yvonne Kamm and Mary Emmons. If anyone needs a ride, please call Betty Schiller at 616-6427. Hope to see you there!

To my friends at Friedens,

Thank you all for the well wishes, calls, visits, and a massive amount of cards. I would especially thank Pastor Doug for his visits and support. It seems that one never appreciates friends until something major happens. Please know that every kindness shown to my family and me was and is deeply appreciated. Recovery is slow, but is progressing.

Thank you all, Ron Klaustermeier

Thank you so much for making our outing at the Botanical Gardens enjoyable. Thank you for the use of your bus, being able to all be together for the ride is much appreciated.

Thank you, St. Jacob UCC

Evening Ladies Fellowship

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A Summer Creed

I believe in the flowers and their glorious indifference to the changes of the morrow.

I believe in the birds and their implicit trust in the loving providence that feeds them. I believe in the prayer-chanting brooks, as they murmur a sweet hope of finding the far-distant sea to which they patiently run.

I believe in the whispering winds, for they teach me to listen to the still, small voice within my feverish soul. I believe in the vagrant clouds, as they remind me that life, like a summer day, must have some darkness to reveal its hidden meaning. I believe in the soft-speaking rains, accented with warm tears, telling me that nothing will grow save it be fertilized with tears. I believe in the golden hush of the sunsets, reflecting a momentary glory

of that great world beyond my little horizon. I believe in the holiness of twilight, as it gives me sense of the presence of God, and I know I am not alone. And whatever else I believe is enshrined in those abiding feelings that lie too deep for words.

-W.W. Argow

August 18th

September 8

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Serving with a happy heart! That is what many of our members did one recent Sunday after worship. They gathered onto the church bus and drove the hour to DuBois Center to volunteer for the afternoon. The fellowship to and from DuBois and dinner afterwards was great! Spending time with church family members is time well spent. On the journey home each and every person had a happy heart. The wonderful feeling of doing work for others and expecting nothing in return is a feeling of pride and pleasure. If you have a chance to do a good deed for the church, a neighbor, friend or family take advantage of it! The reward you will receive from the inner peace is awesome! I challenge each of you to make it a point to do a good deed each week in the month of August. Do one good deed each week and at the end of the month I would love to hear from you. The good deed can be as simple as a smile to someone who needs one. Go ahead, take the challenge, and go out of your way to make someone’s day, let me know how it goes.

General Synod was a great experience and I am looking forward to attending again in 2015. I learned many things but most importantly I heard this: God in His wisdom has placed you where you are...and you were made for whatever you're facing! And because of that, don't let stress steal away the joy in knowing that you're the right person for the job! Relax and enjoy seeing God do great things through you since he's equipped you fully for what you need! As I started to plan the coming Sunday School year the above statement kept coming back to me. God has been with me from the beginning placing the right people, curriculum and things to do His work here at Friedens. I am so excited for the upcoming year! We have a new pastor who is willing to TEACH! Eagerly returning teachers as well as some new teachers! We have plenty of room for many more. Yes, that means you; God has a place especially for you too. There are teaching positions, women’s and men’s group leaders, youth leaders, puppet ministry, music, and special programs. Let your interest be known! It doesn’t matter if you’ve never done something before, someone will be willing to teach you and walk along the way with you. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are. You’re never too old to learn and young eagerness is a

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true blessing. Please speak out! You’re wanted and needed to do ministry at Friedens.

Blessings, Stephanie

Four youth who volunteered at VBS were rewarded with a special night of fun activities at the Gateway Fun Park in Collinsville on July 15th! We have some expert Go-Cart drivers in our congregation! They got wet on the bumper boats, drove some mean bumper cars and had a crazy game of miniature golf! After all that fun they had worked up an appetite. Pizza and conversation wrapped up the night. These kids worked very hard during VBS (and at anything we ask for help with). They all certainly deserved this night and it was enjoyed by all. They are looking forward to the upcoming year. They spoke of interest in having movie nights and other things. If you would be interested in serving with these kids please let Stephanie know.

AUGUST SCHEDULE

4~ No Sunday School

11~Donna Bingham

18~Debbie Byrd

25 ~ No Sunday School

City Wide Rummage Sale

September 7th

Friedens will be part of this, so start gathering up all your treasures! Proceeds will benefit the Friedens cemetery.

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It Happened – 35 Years Ago

Congregational meeting - The Cemetery Board reported that the City of Troy will extend a city water line into the cemetery property at no cost to the church. The Cemetery Board is asking that the board have seven members instead of the current five members and the Council recommends that we seek a pert-time maintenance employee. All these were approved. As a point of interest, President Emmons stated that the church has first opportunity to purchase the Ida Crites property. (This is now the parking lot east of Friendship House.) Women’s Guild – It was voted that after each Rummage Sale the Guild review the amount in the treasury and make a donation to the Remodeling and Expansion Fund based on the financial standing of the Guild at that time, beginning with the October 1978 sale. If you are chairman of a serving committee, be sure to get rid of all food that is not used. Also, be sure towels are washed and returned to the kitchen. (Some problems are never solved.) Couple’s Club – The efforts of putting a float in the Homecoming Parade were rewarded.

The UCC float won 1st prize (plus $100)! Wanted: We are now accepting applications for the position of a part-time maintenance man for the church buildings. This will be for minor repairs, painting and various other odd jobs. Salary will be $600 a year.

QUILTERS!

Get your projects started or

get them finished for the

annual quilt show scheduled

for November 9, 2013.

All types of fabric

creations from quilts, table

runners, embroidery

and, knitting or crochet

pieces.

More information will be in

next month’s Circuit Rider.

Any questions? Call Vicki at

667-3161 or

Gloria at 667-2769

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We will be selling bonds to help finance the repairs to the bell tower, which will total about $33,000.

Bonds will have an effective date of August 15, 2013 and pay interest at the rate of 1.25% annually for the three year bond and 1.65% for the five year bond. Interest will be paid every six months. The first interest check will be issued on February 15, 2014. If you are interested or have questions contact David Hoppes. Work sheets are available in the church office or on the table in the hall.

8 members enjoyed their brown bag lunches and good company at noon on July 9th. At 1 pm we had 13 folks gathered to watch the movie. We all enjoyed “Parental Guidance.” The next lunch and movie is set for August 8, at noon and 1 pm. Join us!

Upcoming……. August 8 – Lunch and a movie August 18 – Blessing of the backpacks September 7 – City wide rummage sale September 8 – tentative date Installation Sunday September 8 – Rally Day September 29 – Worship in the park October 5 – Golf Scramble

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~A Church Garden~ First, plant five rows of peas: Presence Promptness Preparation Purity Perseverance. Next to these, plant three rows of squash: Squash gossip. Squash criticism. Squash indifference. No garden is complete without turnips: Turn up for meetings. Turn up with a smile. Turn up with new ideas. Turn up with determination to make everything count for something good and worthwhile.