The Messenger

~ A Communication Ministry of Salem United Church of Christ ~

December, 2019

Volume 65, Issue 12

We are God’s children called to seek, share, teach, and continue to experience the Word of God.

God is still speaking! This motto of the United Church of Christ reminds us that we do not worship a God who is distant, disinterested, or dead. We serve the great Creator who is active in our world today, even as he has been in times past. Scripture demonstrates the truth that God speaks to us in many ways, if we will only listen. God speaks to us through the glories of nature. God speaks to us through divine providence – the circumstances of our lives. God speaks to us through his people as we gather to worship and serve. God speaks to us through the still, small whisper of the Holy Spirit. God speaks to us through His written Word, the Bible. But there is one way in which he speaks to us above all others. The writer to the Hebrews begins his letter by saying: “Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds.” Today God continues to speak to us in “many and various ways,” but we will not be able to hear God speak if we do not embrace his greatest Messenger, his great Message, the Word become flesh, Jesus Christ. During Advent we celebrate the fact that God himself became flesh in

the person of Jesus. He is God's greatest revelation, and in him we find life. Do you hear God speaking? Do you feel God's presence with you? Or do you feel alone? Do you feel that you're searching for deep and rich and real connection that seems to allude you? Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, I invite you to join us at Salem as we hear God's voice, experience God's presence, and receive the eternal life that only Jesus Christ can give. God is still speaking. --- Rev. Jeremy

December 1 First Sunday of Advent Light the Candle of Hope 10:00 Worship with Communion

December 8 Second Sunday of Advent Light the Candle of Peace 10:00 Worship

December 15 Third Sunday of Advent Light the Candle of Joy 10:00 Worship / Choirs Cantata

December 22 Fourth Sunday of Advent Light the Candle of Love 10:00 Worship / Children’s Christmas Program

December 24 Christmas Eve Light the Christ Candle 7:00 p.m. Family Nativity Service 11:00 p.m. Candlelight Worship with Communion

December 25 Christmas Day 9:00 a.m. Worship with Communion

December 29 10:00 Praise Worship

Welcome Reverend Jeremy Reverend Jeremy R. Wood begins his ministry as Senior Pastor at Salem United Church of Christ. His first Sunday will be December 1, 2019. Join us in welcoming him to our church! Worship is at 10:00 a.m. Following worship, there will be a potluck for time to visit with Rev. Jeremy. The Men’s Fellowship will provide the meat and drinks; please bring a side dish and/or dessert to share.

“Giving Thanks” The first idea that I might join you for a few months came in late-spring after I received a phone

call from Carol Reckman, Council President. Our mutual friend, Shana Johnson, Illinois South Conference Minister, connected us in her work of playing behind-the-scenes matchmaker for our

Illinois South churches. After a visit to Alhambra and a conversation with Council leaders, we decided to commit to serving alongside you for the second half of 2019. Your pastor search committee in the meantime narrowed their search and focused on Pastor Jeremy Wood, whom you called as your

next pastor. He will begin on December 1 and I heartily cheer both you and him in finding one another for the living out of the faith together! My last Sunday with you will be November 24th, a

day which will include a Totenfest remembrance for those in our church who have died in the last year. I cannot begin to tell you how meaningful our time has been with you. Wanda and I both have deeply appreciated your warm welcome and the generosity you’ve extended to us. Wanda has

joined me on more Sundays than not, largely due to her feeling of kinship with you. Our time together has been an experience of healing for both of us after our previous pastoral

experiences. I am retired, but not completely. The life of an interim has different demands and a decidedly different rhythm. Thanks for allowing me to work with you all. We give thanks to God for your ministry and the community you’ve created, Rev. Keith D. Herron

Unwrapping Christmas

Read John 1:1-18 The season of Christmas and all

the displays will be a continual

reminder of a season that should

well be in the heart of every

Christian every day of every

year. Along with the festivities

planned are the giving of gifts. I

have witnessed the humor in a

gift wrapped by ascending

layers of containers, until the

recipient descends through the

layers of packaging to finally

receive the gift. It is an old and

familiar game in gift giving, but

suppose the game had merit as

to the true treasure of

Christmas? Suppose we had to

go through seven layers to get

to the true gift. Each layer

would have its only special

goodness. Maybe the visits of

family and friends, followed by

Christmas cards sent and

received, holiday meals in all

there sumptuous splendor, then

the games we watch and play

together, lights and tinsel,

Christmas trees newly cut with

the smell of pine tree

throughout the house, the

fireplace, the gifts, the caroling,

the shopping…sorry I surely

exceed the seven. Now we get

down to the final package. It is

the coming of Jesus, and yes,

He came as an infant. There are

reasons for all of it in the plan

of God. When we open that

final and true blessed joy of

Christmas, there may be a

stillness in our heart. Not about

anything heretofore mentioned

in all the other layers. Here we

stand, heart brimming with joy,

tears of gladness upon our

cheeks, for God has sent Jesus

to our world. Jesus came to save

me! Jesus came to save you!

Through the love of God in the

Holy Spirit, God is coming to

me and you every day. Not only

is that gift of Christmas and the

salvation which flows through it

the most awesome needful,

unmerited gift we could ever

receive, the gift is dynamic and

the love of God is shed abroad

on His people each day! All the

above layers of fluff, how

wonderful! As to the pristine

meaning of Christmas - WOW -

God came for me in Jesus

Christ His Son. The coming of

God’s love is everlasting. That

is a present to rejoice in every

day!

Merry Christmas, enjoy the

many layers, while being

forever enthralled with “Jesus

came for you, and is daily

coming for you!” --- Pastor

John

Imperfect Christians are Perfect Sometimes, I find myself overthinking. Well....let’s be honest. I overthink a lot! It’s hard for me to not think about every single little detail of every single situation. I know I shouldn’t and for the longest time, I couldn’t figure out why I did. And I finally realized, after years of making myself crazy, that I want perfection. Every detail of every decision, conversation, and

event runs through my head several times to make sure it all goes the way it should. However, this is not realistic. Or healthy! And I have come to realize that if life was supposed to be perfect, God would have made it that way. If we as humans were supposed to do everything right, then Jesus would not have had to die for our sins. Being Christian doesn’t mean we are perfect. In fact, it’s actually the opposite. We know we aren’t perfect and that is why we need God in our lives. We all know things that we have done wrong or the things that didn't go the way they were supposed to. That’s why we pray to God and ask for forgiveness. That’s why we go to church with hopes of finding guidance. So, if being Christian means we aren’t perfect, why do we put so much pressure on our youth to be perfect? Many times, we expect kids to know already what it took us to learn over several years, or our entire life. But, the thing is, the kids need to learn those lessons on their own, just like we did. What we can do to help is to remind them that they are perfect in our eyes and in God’s. Their imperfections are what make them human and Christians. We can help them not overthink or put too much pressure on themselves. Perfection is impossible. We should encourage kids to stop trying to be perfect. Instead, encourage them to feel comfortable asking God for forgiveness or asking for help when they need it. Imperfect children are the perfect children of God. ----- Becca

Exhale December Schedule Sunday, Dec. 1 - Adopt a Family Shopping (meet at the church

at 4. Should be back by 6:30) Sunday, Dec. 8 - Exhale 4-5:30 - Present wrapping (See blurb) Sunday, Dec 15 - Exhale Christmas Party 6-8pm Sunday, Dec 22 - Exhale Ushering in Church (let Becca know

if you will be helping) NO EXHALE Dec. 22 or 29

GIFT WRAPPING On Sunday, December 8, Exhale will be offering their wrapping services for donations to our mission trip fund. All kids are encouraged to be here so we can wrap as many presents as possible! Also - kids should sign up to bring the following items: a roll of wrapping paper, a bag of bows, a package of tape, or name tags. Please let Becca know what you would like to bring.

From the Music Director….

On the last Sunday of each month, all

children will have an opportunity to play

Krystal Bells in church. Please join us.

Help Fill the Choir Loft for Christmas

We are looking for a few more voices to fill our choir during the Christmas season. This is a chance to join us for the Christmas season. Practices are Wednesday nights at 7:30. If you are interested please see Dawn.

In taking a respite from meetings over November-

December, Stephen Ministers will be sending

ministers to all the residents of the two nursing

homes in Alhambra over the holidays. Additionally,

we will take care that visits are made to any of our

members that are in other nursing homes or have

trouble getting out. We are asking each member of

Salem to be challenged over the holidays to make a

visit to someone who would not expect you to visit

them. Merry Christmas and God bless you all from

Salem Stephen Ministers.

From the Food Basket Committee

The Food Basket Committee thanks all that participated in the giving of the baskets this year. Over 2500 items were collected; 12 Thanksgiving baskets were assembled and distributed; the recipients were very appreciative!

Pictures below and to the right of Salem members and community sorting food and making food baskets.

On Sunday, November 10, our Sunday School classes learned about helping others by doing community service. The older class had the option to either rake leaves, or make Thanksgiving cards for the residents at Hitz Home. The boys chose to rake leaves (they got 8 bags). The girls made Thanksgiving cards and helped the younger class make cards.

Sunday, December 22

We will be practicing for the Christmas program on Sunday, December 15 during Sunday School. We will also be having a practice on Wednesday, December 18. Come at 5:30 and have a hotdog. Practice will begin at 6:00. We should be finished by 7:30. If you have any questions, please see Emily Uhe, Patty Uhe or Dawn Reinhardt.

Christmas Gift Shop

The Board of Christian Education will be sponsoring a Christmas Gift Shop on Sunday, December 15, following worship. The Christmas Gift Shop is for all children through 5th grade. An item for each member of a child’s family will be given to that child at no cost. If anyone would like to donate new or gently used items for the Christmas Gift Shop, the Board of Christian Education will graciously accept. The Board of Christian Education would like to have any donated items by Sunday, December 8.

72nd Annual Sausage Supper

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2020

SERVING FROM 2:30 P.M. TO 8:00 P.M.

MENU:

FRESH HOMEMADE PORK SAUSAGE

Sauerkraut Potatoes Gravy Green Beans Applesauce Bread Dessert Coffee Milk

*******************************************************************************************************************

Sausage Supper Committee Chairs:

Purchasing: Vernon Uhe Processing: Lawrence Henschen

Lewis Knackstedt Kitchen: Dave Renken

Brian Duncan Rhet Mansholt

Dishwashing: Jill Verson Fryers & Setup: Leon Uhe

Dennis Conrad Jim Reagan Greg Reinhardt

Sausage Sales: Vernon & Linda Uhe Charlie Brown

Carry-Out: Bill & Carol Reckman Jim & Dagmar Annable

Tables: Joe Dauderman Dean Korsmeyer

Advertising & Ticket Sales: Laverne Korsmeyer

Ron Schmidt Seating: Justin Bonnell

Michael Dauderman Jerry Frank

Public Relations: Rev. Jeremy R. Wood Carrier (Thursday): Gene Templeman Sausage Carriers: Christopher Uhe

Bryce Knackstedt Aaron Uhe

Elevator: Delmar Korsmeyer Ron Mindrup Kenneth Suhre Parking: TBD Processing Dates: January 22, 2020 January 23, 2020 Supper Date: January 25, 2020

2019 SALEM CHURCH COUNCIL:

President Carol Reckman

Vice-President Judy Zimmerman

Secretary Sharon Capstick

Treasurer Ron Schmidt

Financial Secretary Emily Uhe

Jerry Frank Nancy Heidbrink

Derik Payne Jerri Riechmann

Steve Roper Shane Stille

Nancy Zweck

The Pastor/Parish/Personnel Relations Committee

The Pastor/Parish/Personnel Relations Committee (PPPRC) is always ready to hear ideas and suggestions. If you have a concern that you feel is not being addressed, please feel free to contact a member of the PPPRC. All concerns expressed will be held and addressed in confidence. Please refrain from contacting staff members at home.

2019 PPPRC members are: Dagmar Annable / Justin Bonnell Ann Frank / Jessica Iberg

Sherri Korsmeyer / Jerri Riechmann

From The Men’s Fellowship

& Women’s Guild

Next Meeting of the Men’s Fellowship & Women’s Guild There will be a meeting on December 19, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.

(Christmas potluck)

December Golden Agers

Ethel Hosto on December 5 Alice Stille on December 13

Edith Kaufman on December 18

****************************************************

Reflections is Moving to Monday Mornings! Reflections is moving back to Monday mornings! Come join us at Maedge’s on Monday mornings at 10:00 a.m. to have a cup of coffee, discuss the sermon, read scripture together, and talk about whatever is on your mind.

****************************************************

****************************************************

E-Messenger

Did you know that you can receive

The Messenger by email? The Salem E-

Messenger is a delivery system where you

would receive The Messenger by email

instead of regular mail. To sign up for the

Salem E-Messenger, please email the

church office at salemuccalh@gmail.com

Salem Wire

The Salem Wire is an email message

delivery system where you would receive

notice of events and happenings in the

church. To sign up for the Salem Wire

distribution list, please email the church

office at salemuccalh@gmail.com

Online Giving

• To give online, visit http://salemuccalh.org/

• Select “Online Giving” / Click “Create Your Online Profile”

• Enter your email address / Confirm your email address / Enter required information

• Choose “add transaction” / Designate contribution amount, frequency, and start date

• Choose account type, routing number and account number / Choose “process”

• Note: You may change your contribution at any time.

Livestream

Salem Church uses Livestream to

broadcast our worship services.

• Go to https://livestream.com/ accounts/10389497

• Click on the black and white picture of

the church “Live and Upcoming

Events”, and you will either see the live

broadcast of the worship service or you

can look for archived services (by date

on the right).

• To view an archived service,

click on the date of the

archived service you want to

view (listed by date on right).

Did You Know? A Christmas tree at the German church was the best for

several years. A large number of presents were

distributed. What was the year and what was the

responsibility of Mr. Jacob Gehrig and Mr. Ochs? Answer: The year was 1889 and Mr. Jacob Gehrig and Mr.

Ochs looked after the little ones.

Pecan Sales

The Women’s Guild has pecans for sale after worship or you may contact the office. They are $11/pound and are halves or pieces.

Salem UCC received a thank you from Hitz Home for donation of $425.

Thank you to our church family for your love and support during

this most difficult time in the loss of our beloved Nick. Megan and Jack Sauer Jerry, Ann and Madison Frank

Big thanks to all who helped make 245 pints and 48 quarts of the

best Hitz Memorial Home Apple butter you will ever taste! We had many men and women help. The residents also loved with helping and watching the two day process! The Hitz Auxiliary strives to help the residents at Hitz Memorial Home with their many wants and needs by having fundraisers and this apple butter project throughout the year. So keep posted for upcoming events that will help. Thanks, Hitz Memorial Home Auxiliary Cindy Henschen, Chairman of Apple Butter Project

Hitz Memorial Home Auxiliary thanks all who helped raise funds

for the Premier Jewelry fundraiser. We received a check from Lynn Rutz in the amount of $285 that will go towards an AED kit for the residents. We appreciate your help in making their wishes come true. Thanks, Hitz Memorial Home Auxiliary Cindy Henschen, Fundraiser Chairman

Exhale would like to thank everybody who participated in this year’s

Food Basket Scavenger Hunt. We had over 15 houses for the kids to stop at! Total, we collected 421 items to donate to Salem’s Food Basket program. And the kids had a blast! Thank you for supporting Exhale and the Food Baskets.

Turkyfest 2019 was awesome! Thank you to everybody who

purchased tickets and joined us for a delicious meal and great fellowship!

Thank you to everyone at Salem for the Maedge’s gift card in

honor of my five years as your Music Director. The past five years have been wonderful, working with so many talented people. I look forward to many more years with you. Thank you, Dawn Reinhardt

Salem UCC Office Hours:

Tuesday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Friday 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

If you are sad or struggling inside, do not

suffer alone. Ask for help. We have a team of

Stephen Ministers who are ready to listen,

care, encourage, pray, and Stephen Ministry

by talking with one of our Stephen Leaders

listed below. Our Stephen Ministers are there

to care!

Pastor John Mindrup: (C) 618-409-3941

Betty Imboden: (C) 618-973-0572

*************************** The Warm Line is for persons with mental health challenges and their families to receive support by phone. Peer and Family Support Specialists are professionals who have experienced mental health recovery in their own lives as an individual or family member. They have been trained in recovery support, mentoring, and advocacy and are ready to listen and help you. The warm line is not a crisis hotline, but is a source of support as you recover or help a family member to recover.

Illinois Warm Line 866-359-7953

Messsenger Dates

Messenger Articles due December 16

Messenger Assembly

Thursday, December 19 - 10 a.m.

Totenfest: A Service of Remembrance On Sunday, November 24, we celebrated Totenfest at our 10:00 a.m. worship service. Totenfest is

the day on which we pause to remember those who have died in the past year.

Salem remembered these friends and family: Elinor Hall Stille

(04/19/1932 – 12/05/2018)

Wayne Stille (06/17/1926 – 12/30/2018)

Electa Leitch

(10/14/1914 – 01/31/2019)

Ginny Gehrig (04/05/1937 – 02/17/2019)

Heather Potthast

(08/17/1988 – 04/15/2019)

Velma Henkhaus (07/11/1935 – 02/23/2019)

Nina Volz

(08/16/1932 – 06/09/2019)

Anita Suhre

(02/18/1932 – 07/06/2019)

Virginia Schuerman (03/19/1935 – 07/07/2019)

Hilbert Klenke

(05/22/1926 – 07/22/2019)

Verna Klenke (07/10/1926 – 02/04/2019)

Nick Sauer

(08/27/1989 – 10/08/2019)

Vernon Otto (05/18/1928 – 11/17/2019)

**********************************************************************************************************

Acknowledgment of Honorariums of Remembrance

December, 2018 – November, 2019

Chuck Bloemker Salem Building Fund

Luella Boedicker 108th Anniversary of Birth Salem Memorial Fund

Dan Dauderman Salem Building Fund

Esther Faulke 104th Anniversary of Birth Salem Memorial Fund

Carl & May Hosto Salem Endowment Fund

Elmer & Roberta Korsmeyer Salem Endowment Fund

Henry & Frances Korsmeyer Salem Endowment Fund

Danny Lee Reinhardt Salem Memorial Fund

Dexter Riechmann Salem Building Fund

**********************************************************************************************************

Acknowledgment of Honorariums

December, 2018 – November, 2019

Lorene & Lewis Knackstedt’s 60th Wedding Anniversary Salem Memorial Fund

Larry McGee’s Retirement Salem Memorial Fund

Bob Mindrup’s 99th Birthday Salem Memorial Fund

Florence Neminch’s Birthday Salem Memorial Fund

Marine Area Veterans Salem Bell Choir

Acknowledgment of Gifts & Memorials

December, 2018 – November, 2019

Reverend Jerry Amiri Guitar Strap

Doug Bizer Replacement Chime

Vicki Conrad Courtyard & Sidewalk

Ginny Gehrig Salem Memorial Fund

Music Program

Instrument Music Book

Wayne Gentry Replacement Chime

Velma Henkhaus Salem Memorial Fund

Chancel Choir

Gloria Henschen Courtyard & Sidewalk

Hilbert Klenke Salem Memorial Fund

Electa Leitch Last Supper Costumes

Richard Scheller Courtyard & Sidewalk

Virginia Schuerman Salem Memorial Fund

Elinor Hall Stille Salem Memorial Fund

Choir Music

Salem Music Program

Wayne Stille Salem Memorial Fund

Anita Suhre Last Supper Costumes

Al & Betty Volz Courtyard & Sidewalk

Nina Volz Salem Memorial Fund

Carillon Music

Betty Whitworth Courtyard & Sidewalk

Undesignated Courtyard & Sidewalk

**********************************************************************************************************

2020 OFFERING ENVELOPES Be sure to check the passageway for your 2020 offering envelopes, which are coming soon!

Please contact the church office…. • If there are no envelopes with your name on

them, and you wish to receive the envelopes; • if you would like your envelopes mailed out to

you; • if you no longer wish to receive the envelopes.

A friendly reminder to everyone

(especially all committees) that Salem’s

Annual Meeting is coming up soon

(February 2, 2020). Please start

preparing your committee’s summary

and treasurer’s report (if your

committee has one) for the past year.

Be of Service to Others……

TOY DRIVE Community Hope Center supplies food, clothing, household supplies, spiritual care and other services to families in need all year round. One of the ways we at Salem can help meet the needs of our community is by housing a Toy Barrel to support Community Hope’s Toy Drive. Place new, unwrapped toys for all ages and genders in the barrel, which will be in the hallway by the Mission Board starting October 31 through December 10. Parents who use the services of Community Hope Center are able to select toys from the toy drive to give to their children for Christmas.

The Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and the

Emergency Fund is one of the four special mission offerings

of the National United Church of Christ. This special

offering provides direct financial assistance to retired and

active United Church of Christ authorized ministers and lay

employees and their surviving spouses, including pension and

health premium supplementation, emergency assistance,

and Christmas thank-you checks. We will receive the

Christmas Fund Offering on December 22.

In December, funds received in the

“Christmas” envelopes will be donated to Hoyleton Ministries. The Hoyleton

Ministries are dedicated to helping all people realize the quality of life that God

intends. Their staff provides compassionate care to thousands of children who have,

through no fault of their own, entered the child welfare system. Your donation helps

to provide the resources necessary for the Hoyleton Ministries to care for the most

vulnerable members of our communities.

Worship Ministry Schedule

Date Acolyte(s) Greeter(s) Liturgist Nursery Ushers

December 1 (10 am)

Brooke Hunsche Tyler Hunsche

LaVerne Bloemker

Katie Frank

Gale Bolen Reese Bolen

Donna Yates / Ken Suhre Denise Grandame

Dean & Sherri Korsmeyer

December 8 (10 am)

Koy Ketcham Brandt Mansholt

Jim Annable Adam Eyman

Haley Basler Sydney Basler Taylor Ernst

Confirmation Class

December 15 (10 am)

Grace Ouart Alison Brase

Anita K. Cain Laura

Muench

Emily Uhe Patty Uhe

Shirley Gall / Richelle Braundmeier Shannon Hogg / Becca Braundmeier

Cindy Henschen / Jordan Braundmeier

December 22 (10 am)

Adam Eyman Cooper Eyman

LaVerne Bloemker

Cooper Eyman

Patrick Stille Emily Stille

Exhale Youth Group

December 24 (7 pm)

Need Volunteers

Need Volunteer

Patty Uhe

--- Bill & Carol Reckman

Dave & Ronna Renken / Tess Renken

December 24 (11 pm)

Brandt Mansholt Volunteer

Need Volunteer Irving Gray

---

Laverne Korsmeyer / Laura Muench Justin & Melanie Bonnell / Paige Basler

December 25 (9 am)

Need Volunteers

Need Volunteer Emily Uhe

---

Lewis & Lorene Knackstedt Steve Stille / Sue Liefer / Ken Gehrig

Patrick Stille

December 29 (10 am)

Katie Frank Lia Braundmeier

Jim Annable Dagmar Annable

Gale Bolen Reese Bolen

Donna Yates / Ken Suhre Denise Grandame

Dean & Sherri Korsmeyer Worship Schedule

Date

Scripture Readings Worship Leader

December 1 – 10 a.m. Worship with Communion

Esther 4:1-17 / Isaiah 2:1-5 / Matthew 24:36-44 / Romans 13:11-14 / Galatians 4:4-7

Rev. Jeremy R. Wood

December 8 – 10 a.m. Worship

Isa 11:1-10 / Ps 72:1-7, 18-19 / Rom 15:4-13 Matt 3:1-12

Rev. Jeremy R. Wood

December 15 – 10 a.m. Worship

Isa 35:1-10 / Ps 146:5-10 or Luke 1:47-55 James 5:7-10 / Matt 11:2-11

Rev. Jeremy R. Wood

December 22 – 10 a.m. Worship

Isa 7:10-16 / Ps 80:1-7, 17-19 / Rom 1:1-7 Matt 1:18-25

Rev. Jeremy R. Wood

December 24 – 7 p.m. Family Nativity Service Isa 9:2-7 / Ps 96 / Titus 2:11-14 / Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) Rev. Jeremy R. Wood

December 24 – 11 p.m. Candlelight Worship w/Communion Isa 9:2-7 / Ps 96 / Titus 2:11-14 / Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) Rev. Jeremy R. Wood

December 25 – 9 a.m. Christmas Day Worship Isa 52:7-10 / Ps 98 / Heb 1:1-4, (5-12) / John 1:1-14 Rev. Jeremy R. Wood

December 29 – 10 a.m. Praise Worship Isa 63:7-9 / Ps 148 / Heb 2:10-18 / Matt 2:13-23 Pastor John Mindrup

Communion Schedule for Hitz Home

December 1 – 10:00 a.m.

Cherie Kuhn

If you would like someone to be on the prayer list, please contact Pastor Jeremy or the church office. Names listed on the prayer list will not carryover from month to month.

Congratulations to

the Newlyweds

Adam Dale Allen and Kimberly Melissa Anders were married

by Rev. Keith Herron on November 2, 2019. Adam is the

son of Rick & Patty Allen.

Our Sympathies to the Family of:

Vernon Otto

Who died on November 17, 2019

SALEM CHURCH COUNCIL - November 14,2019

MEMBERS PRESENT: Carol Reckman, Emily Uhe, Steve Roper, Ron Schmidt, Nancy Zweck, Shane Stille, Sharon Capstick, Judy Zimmerman, Nancy Heidbrink and Rev. Keith Herron. EX-OFFICIO STAFF: Kerri Reilson CALL TO ORDER: by President Carol Reckman at 7:00pm DEVOTION: Rev. Keith Herron led us with an opening devotion. PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES: Motion by Judy Zimmerman, 2nd by Ron Schmidt to accept the previous meetings minutes as printed. Motion Carried. TREASURER’S REPORT: Motion by Nancy Heidbrink, 2nd by Emily Uhe to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Motion Carried. OUTSTANDING BILLS: Motion by Nancy Zweck, 2nd by Steve Roper to pay the outstanding bills, Motion Carried. INTERIM PASTOR’S REPORT: Rev. Herron reported that confirmation is going well. He reported that Pastor Jeremy will take over the confirmands on December 4. OLD BUSINESS: Motion by Judy Zimmerman, 2nd by Ron Schmidt to recommend the proposed changes to the Constitution be presented at the 2020 annual meeting for adoption. Motion Carried. NEW BUSINESS: Motion by Nancy Heidbrink, 2nd by Shane Stille to approve Pastor Jeremy to continue to record his sermons and place them on Ambassador. Motion Carried. Table discussions in reference to the Church’s anniversary for 2020 until Pastor Jeremy is at the meeting. Motion by Emily Uhe, 2nd by Nancy Heidbrink to pay the fees for the 2-day clergy retreat for Pastor Jeremy from the general fund. Motion Carried. Motion by Judy Zimmermn, 2nd by Nancy Zweck to pay the fee for the History & Polity on line course for Pastor Jeremy from the general fund. Motion Carried. Motion by Judy Zimmerman, 2nd by Nancy Zweck to purchase a gift certificate from Maedges for Dawn Reinhardt’s 5 year anniversary. Motion Carried. Motion by Nancy Heidbrink, 2nd by Ron Schmidt to adjourn to executive session to discuss the salaries line item for the 2020 budget. Motion by Ron Schmidt, 2nd by Judy Zimmerman to adjourn from executive session. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Nancy Heidbrink, 2nd by Shane Stille to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 pm. Motion carried and ended with the Lords’ Prayer. NEXT MEETING: December 12, 2019 at 7pm. Blessings, Sharon Capstick

2019 MESSENGER BOX SCORE

October YTD

GENERAL FUND

Offering - $13,681 $164,752

Expenses - $20,543 $168,197

Difference - $(6,862) $(3,445)

Other Income i.e. facilities rental, etc. $10 $6,259

Net change-Operations $(6,852) $2,814

BENEVOLENCE

OCWM - $180 $2,441

Other Benevolence - $224 $6,821

Total - $404 $9,262

Historical Committee - October 22, 2019 The meeting was called to order by Chair, Jayne Korsmeyer Roper; who thanked Pastor Keith for meeting with our committee. Our committee invited Pastor Keith to meet with us in order that we might get his input, in general, with respect to the work of our church’s Historical Committee. Pastor Keith commended our committee on our current Historical Cabinet Display of Baptismal Certificates. Pastor Keith explained to us that though we may think of an Historical Committee as one which deals with the past, it also has the potential for growth impulse. As an example, he used Salem’s 160th Anniversary, coming up next year, in 2020, as an opportunity through which to serve in this capacity. Pastor Keith said that even though 160 years may not be as monumental as 150 or 200 years, it is still an important milestone which our church could acknowledge and celebrate. A discussion was held regarding the possibility of combining this with a Confirmation Reunion. For 2020, the Confirmation Reunion was going to be for the years ending in 8, 9, and 0; however, if combined with our church’s anniversary, a churchwide Confirmation reunion was suggested, in order to include everyone. Pastor Keith told us that during his interim at our church, he has found our congregation to be a “healthy” congregation; and, so, at this turning point in the life of our church with a new pastor, an event such as this could be very good. The meeting was adjourned after brainstorming possible details of the proposed 160th Anniversary/Confirmation Reunion. A fall celebration is being considered, as this would give the church more time for planning; but, also, our church’s first service was held in the fall.

Property Committee Minutes – November 4, 2019 North driveway widening bill from Maedge’s received. Complete cost $4950, paid by Churchmen’s Fellowship. Parsonage garage and white shed mold removal started; machine problems. Window pane still needs attention in church. Water and air filters in church furnace completed. All other filters done. New hand-held vacuum for church purchased. Work on repairing accidental hole in church wall – Larry will complete. Budget discussed. Will return to office with minor changes. Ceiling tile in Parish Hall discussed – will check to see if this is moving forward or may need to make different arrangements. Some bushes around premises have been trimmed. Discussed items to be printed in the annual report. Front church doors and sill to be adjusted when Vision Committee completes renovations in front of church.

Board of Christian Education Minutes – November 7, 2019 Patty Uhe called the November 2019 meeting of the Board of Christian Education to order with 9 members present. Those in attendance were: Paige Basler, Rebecca Braundmeier, Sharyn Gieseking, Pastor Keith Herron, Mary Reinhardt, Emily Uhe, Lorene Uhe, Patty Uhe, and Jill Verson. Pastor Keith Herron led us in a prayer. Patty Uhe reported that in October, Preschool averaged 5 out of 8 students, Kindergarten through 5th grade averaged 7 out of 20 students, 6th grade through 8th grade averaged 10 out of 19 students, the Youth averaged 3 out of 19 students, and the Adults averaged 8 out of 10 students. The Salem Seekers Curriculum Committee’s next planned meeting is January 21. Joye Brase has stepped down as the teacher of the Youth Sunday School class. Haley Basler, Darrin Reinhardt, and Laura Renken will teach the Youth Sunday School class in her absence. Rebecca Braundmeier stated that Youth Sunday is on November 10. TurkeyFest will be on November 24, and Exhale is starting to sell tickets. The Exhale Christmas Party will be on December 15. Pastor Keith Herron reported that he and Pastor John Mindrup are sharing the duties with Confirmation and that there are 14 students in the Confirmation class. Pastor Keith Herron stated that he and Pastor John Mindrup are looking for another helper with the Confirmation class, preferably a female, since Joye Brase had to step away. Pastor Keith Herron reported that Pastor Jeremy Wood came to the recent Thirtysomething gathering on November 2. The Trunk or Treat Committee reported that 18 businesses and organizations participated in the Alhambra Community Trunk-or-Treat on October 26, from 10:00-1:00. The Alhambra Community Trunk-or-Treat is planned for Saturday, October 24, 2020, from 10:00 to 1:00, with a rain date of Sunday, October 25, 2020, from 1:00 to 3:00. The Holiday Food Baskets and Giving Tree Committee reported that Scouting for Food is November 16. The Holiday Food Baskets Committee stated that so far, the committee will be preparing 13 baskets. The Giving Tree Committee stated that so far, the committee has received two names from Hoyleton, two names from Uni-Pres Kindercottage, and a family from the Highland Area Christian Service Ministry. The Christmas Eve Program Committee reported that the Christmas Eve Program will be on Sunday, December 22, at 10:00 in the sanctuary. The Christmas Gift Shop will be on Sunday, December 15, during Sunday School for students attending Sunday School and following worship. The Board of Christian Education closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Salem UCC Treasurer's Report - Month ending October 31, 2019

Current Activity

YTD Activity

Beginning General Fund Balance 74,366.03 62,426.57 Offering-Loose

4,283.01 67,298.01

Offering-Envelopes

7,409.00 79,177.98 Offering-On line receipts 1,989.49 18,276.44 Facility Use Donations

- 3,560.00

Miscellaneous Receipts - 2,603.33 Interest Income-General Fund 9.81 95.65 Benevolence Received 404.14 9,262.72

Total General Fund Income 14,095.45 180,274.13

Salaries

11,289.59 94,045.99 Employee Benefits

974.66 9,149.70 Maintenance/Property Services 1,942.13 15,663.95 Insurance

3,379.50 15,230.00

Utilities

1,949.27 17,459.61 Supplies-General

518.03 7,525.66

Professional Expense

519.68 2,268.70 Miscellaneous

651.48

Search Committee

- 405.98 Worship

- 2,010.34

Christian Education

(88.29) 2,154.15 Evangelism

- 602.46

Stewardship

46.35 633.16 Pastoral Care

11.90 395.95 Benevolence Paid

1,789.71 8,374.62

Total General Fund Expenses 22,332.53 176,571.75

Ending General Fund Balance $66,128.95 $66,128.95

Beginning Memorial Fund Balance 24,250.17 23,124.32 Memorials received

- 13,569.67

Honorariums received

- 340.00 Miscellaneous Receipts 40.00

140.00

Memorial Fund Expense: Miscellaneous-plaques; postage - (398.00)

Worship (music)

(1,335.82) Memorial projects-courtyard

(11,150.00)

Ending Memorial Fund Balance $24,290.17 $24,290.17

Building Fund Balance

40,856.13 42,145.25 Building Fund Offering

425.00 5,385.13

Memorials received

100.00 Building Fund Expense: Parsonage improvements-painting (354.80) (3,356.05) Parish Hall-men's restroom flooring (1,448.00) Grounds-rock/expand driveway (1,900.00)

Ending Building Fund Balance $40,926.33 $40,926.33

Sabbatical Fund Balance - no activity 13,086.30 13,086.30 Contribution from Men's Fellowship

Ending Sabbatical Fund Balance $13,086.30 $13,086.30

Endowment Fund Beginning Balance 62,324.64 62,274.64 Interest Income

Memorials-Endowment Fund

50.00

Endowment Fund Disbursements:

Interest Distribution-General Fund

Interest Distribution-Benevolence

Ending Endowment Fund Balance $62,324.64 $62,324.64

Beginning Investment Fund Balance 92,520.38 88,741.81 Change in Market Value (203.84) 7,574.73

Scholarships Paid

(4,000.00)

Ending Investment Fund Balance $92,316.54 $92,316.54

Beginning Mission Matching Fund Balance 118,735.89 106,105.38 Change in Market Value 1,006.93 12,999.35

Donations/Fundraising for Ecuador trip

Donations-mission projects

910.28

Mission Fund Disbursements:

Donation to Mission (LUNCH Bunch)

Mission Projects

(272.19) Mission Match distribution (2017)

Ending Mission Matching Fund Balance $119,742.82 $119,742.82

Beginning Reserve Fund Balance 22,337.54 22,214.52 Interest Income-Reserve Fund 13.94 136.96

Ending Reserve Fund Balance $22,351.48 $22,351.48

Other Restricted Fund Balance – no activity 1,709.11 1,709.11

Dec

embe

r 20

19 B

irth

days

& A

nniv

ersa

ries

S

UN

DA

Y

MO

ND

AY

T

UE

SD

AY

W

ED

NE

SD

AY

T

HU

RS

DA

Y

FR

IDA

Y

SA

TU

RD

AY

1

Ch

ad

Ern

st

S

ara

Bo

len

B

ob

by

Dau

derm

an

M

ax S

ch

neid

er

P

as

tor

Jo

hn

& M

eri

lee

M

ind

rup

An

niv

ers

ary

(1

98

4)

Ch

ad

& T

ara

Sch

us

ter

An

niv

ers

ary

(2

01

2)

2

Sh

irle

y C

ollm

an

n

3

Be

tty

Zw

ec

k

4

Ma

ci T

ho

rnto

n

5

Eth

el H

os

to

An

na

Ren

ken

A

lex S

ch

neid

er

T

ori

Ly

nn

A

da

m G

illiso

n

Harp

er

Hen

sc

he

n

Ste

ve &

Bre

nd

a S

an

der

An

niv

ers

ary

(1

98

6)

6

Ka

tie Q

uad

e

7

Mik

e H

en

sch

en

8

Cart

er

Stu

mp

f

9

10

Pa

sto

r Iv

an

Sch

oen

11

An

ge

l T

ille

rso

n

Ric

ha

rd &

Be

v G

ibso

n

An

niv

ers

ary

(2

01

1)

12

13

Alice

Sti

lle

Eri

n S

an

der

T

yle

r H

un

sch

e

14

Lau

ra M

uen

ch

L

an

do

n S

ch

lech

te

Ho

wie

& M

ari

lyn

Eym

an

A

nn

ive

rsa

ry (

19

74)

15

Sh

aro

n K

au

fman

M

ike S

tum

pf

D

ori

s D

risc

oll

Bre

nd

a H

en

sc

hen

16

Ga

ry H

en

sc

he

n

Jim

Re

ag

an

Jr.

17

Da

co

da R

iech

man

n

18

Ed

ith

Ka

ufm

an

B

ren

t S

uh

re

Mo

nic

a C

ruth

is

Le

xi G

ibb

on

s

Lia

m T

ho

rnto

n

Irv

ing

& L

ore

na

Gra

y

An

niv

ers

ary

(1

97

9)

19

Ro

n S

ch

mid

t

Av

ery

Fie

ld

20

Ge

na

Sto

ut

B

arb

ara

Me

gu

ire

R

aid

en

Ev

an

s

21

Caro

l L

ac

ey

22

Ken

dall &

Kath

y B

rin

k

An

niv

ers

ary

(1

97

5)

23

Bru

ce

He

ns

ch

en

24

Melis

sa S

nid

er

T

alia

Rex

25

Ro

n H

un

sch

e

Tim

Geh

rig

C

ass

idy E

ym

an

26

Cin

dy H

en

sch

en

27

Mari

lyn

Ko

rsm

eye

r

Pa

ige B

asle

r

Ja

me

s S

um

ne

r

28

Lo

rie K

au

fma

n

29

Caro

l G

ibb

on

s

Ru

th H

am

an

n

Ben

Ne

wm

an

Jr.

R

an

dy K

oc

h

Ry

an

& V

ale

rie D

risc

oll

An

niv

ers

ary

(2

01

2)

Tim

& K

ath

y S

tille

A

nn

ive

rsa

ry (

20

12)

30

Pa

tti O

liv

e

Co

urt

ney

Wri

gh

t

Fait

h L

ac

ke

y

Ba

yla

Fit

tere

r

31

Eri

c R

oss

K

od

y O

ua

rt

Bry

ce K

na

cks

ted

t

Decem

ber 2

019

SU

ND

AY

M

ON

DA

Y

TU

ES

DA

Y

WE

DN

ES

DA

Y

TH

UR

SD

AY

F

RID

AY

S

AT

UR

DA

Y

1

9 a

m S

un

da

y S

ch

oo

l 1

0:0

0 a

m W

ors

hip

wit

h

Co

mm

un

ion

Po

tlu

ck

fo

llo

win

g

Wo

rsh

ip

4:0

0 E

xh

ale

2

10

:00

am

Re

fle

cti

on

s

7:0

0 p

m P

rop

ert

y

Co

mm

itte

e M

ee

tin

g

3

6:3

0 p

m E

va

ng

eli

sm

/ W

ors

hip

Co

mm

itte

e

Me

eti

ng

7

pm

Vis

ion

C

om

mit

tee M

ee

tin

g

4

6

:00

pm

Ch

imes

6:3

0 p

m C

on

firm

ati

on

6

:30

pm

Rin

ge

rs

7:3

0 p

m C

ha

nce

l C

ho

ir

5

7:0

0 p

m B

oa

rd o

f C

hri

sti

an

Ed

uc

ati

on

M

ee

tin

g

6

1:0

0 H

itz H

om

e

Ta

sti

ng

Be

e

7

8

9

am

Su

nd

ay

Sc

ho

ol

10

:00

am

Wo

rsh

ip

Pra

ise

Tea

m P

rac

tic

e

foll

ow

ing

Wo

rsh

ip

4:0

0 E

xh

ale

9

10

:00

am

Re

fle

cti

on

s

10

1

1

6:0

0 p

m C

him

es

6:3

0 p

m C

on

firm

ati

on

6

:30

pm

Rin

ge

rs

7:3

0 p

m C

ha

nce

l C

ho

ir

12

7:0

0 p

m C

hu

rch

C

ou

nc

il M

ee

tin

g

13

14

15

9 a

m S

un

da

y S

ch

oo

l 1

0:0

0 a

m W

ors

hip

/

Ch

oir

Ca

nta

ta

6:0

0 p

m E

xh

ale

C

hri

stm

as

Pa

rty

16

9:0

0 a

m M

es

sen

ge

r

Art

icle

s D

ue

1

0:0

0 a

m R

efl

ec

tio

ns

17

1

8

6:3

0 p

m C

on

firm

ati

on

6

:30

pm

Rin

ge

rs

7:3

0 p

m C

ha

nce

l C

ho

ir

19

10

:00

am

Me

sse

ng

er

Ass

em

bly

6

:30

pm

Gu

ild

&

Bro

the

rho

od

Po

tlu

ck

20

21

22

9 a

m S

un

da

y S

ch

oo

l 1

0:0

0 a

m W

ors

hip

/

Ch

ild

ren

’s C

hri

stm

as

P

rog

ram

23

10

:00

am

Re

fle

cti

on

s

6

:00

pm

Mis

sio

n

Co

mm

itte

e M

ee

tin

g

24

7:0

0 p

m

Ch

ris

tma

s

Ev

e F

am

ily

Na

tiv

ity

S

erv

ice

11

:00

pm

Ca

nd

leli

gh

t C

hri

stm

as

Ev

e

Wo

rsh

ip/C

om

mu

nio

n

25

9:0

0 a

.m.

Ch

ris

tma

s D

ay

W

ors

hip

w/C

om

mu

nio

n

26

27

9:0

0 a

.m.

Co

mm

un

ity H

op

e

Ce

nte

r

28

9

9 a

m S

un

da

y S

ch

oo

l 1

0:0

0 a

m P

rais

e

Wo

rsh

ip

11

:15

His

tori

cal

Co

mm

itte

e M

ee

tin

g

30

10

:00

am

Re

fle

cti

on

s

31

Salem United Church of Christ 1117 West North Street Alhambra, Illinois 62001 Phone: 618-488-3215 Fax: 618-488-3212

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Rev. Jeremy R. Wood, Senior Pastor Pastor John Mindrup, Assistant Pastor Kerri Reilson, Office Coordinator Becca Braundmeier, Youth Director Dawn Reinhardt, Music Director

The Messenger ~ A Communication Ministry of Salem United Church of Christ ~

Church’s Email: salemuccalh@gmail.com Web Address: www.salemuccalh.org

Would You Like

Home Communion or a Visit

From Reverend Jeremy?

If you would like or know of someone who would like home communion or a visit from Reverend Jeremy

in your home for conversation and prayer, please contact him to schedule a time.

Church – 618-488-3215 / Cell – 618-580-8129

Email – revjeremywood@gmail.com

NON-PROFIT ORG.

BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID

ALHAMBRA, IL

PERMIT NO. 2