Vol. 21 No. 12 December 2015

First Presbyterian Church of Fairbury

S H I N I N G A L I G H T O N W H Y J E S U S C A M E

CHRISTMAS

L I G H T S

Communion

Doug Travis, Perry Rich, Ali Erakhane, Jeanie Ingram, Carrie Ferm, John Enderli, Deanna Stewart and Deanna Canonge.

Prayer Concerns

12/6 Phyllis Tipton Jeanette Franklin 12/13 Jennifer Stuckey 12/20 Phyllis Fyke Donna Roman 12/27 Jack & Shirley Mitchell

Deacons Calling Food Pantry Sunday

The Deacons have designated the second Sunday of every month as Food Pantry Sunday.

Please help us fill the Food Pantry box with cleaning and laundry supplies this month.

Thank you for your help!

Did you know that you can get the newsletter emailed right to your inbox every month? Simply send an email to fairburypresbyterian@route24.net and we will add you to the list! And our newsletter and the most up-to-date version of the church calendar is always available for viewing on our website www.firstpresfairbury.org!

Stay Informed!

12/6 Spencer & Alyssa Homan 12/13 Poinsettias 12/20 Poinsettias 12/27 Spencer & Alyssa Homan

Flowers Liturgists Greeters

12/6 Ann Lage 12/13 Volunteer Needed! 12/20 Rob Hobart 12/27 Sandie Moore

12/6 John & Bev Enderli 12/13 Willa Virkler 12/20 Pat Kafer, Patti Davis 12/27 The Homan Family

December 6th Traditional

Deacons Preparing: Todd & Becky Webster Elders Serving: Jay Walter, Rod Steven, Bill Fugate and Robin Buchenau

Christmas Eve 5 pm Intinction

Deacons Preparing: Lisa Kilgus and Pam Teske Elders Serving: Jay Walter, John Rich and Connie Rich

Christmas Eve 7 pm Intinction

Deacons Preparing: Jeanette Franklin and Phyllis Tipton Elders Serving: Bill Fugate, Kelly Kinate and Connie Rich.

Holy Communion will be served on December 6th and on December 24th at both services. Home Communion will be served Tuesday, December 8th.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF FAIRBURY REV. SPENCER S. HOMAN

101 EAST ELM STREET FAIRBURY, IL 61739

(815) 692-2963

November 29th, 2015 This letter serves as notice that I have accepted a new call as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Grand Forks, ND. Session has called a special congregational meeting following worship on December 13th, 2015 to consent and request to presbytery the dissolution of the pastoral relationship with the Rev. Spencer S. Homan effective December 27th. As I practice proper separation ethics, I must remind the congregation that after the dissolution of pastoral relationship, I will no longer provide pastoral services including baptisms, weddings, funerals, or hospital calls. It has been my joy and honor to serve First Presbyterian Church of Fairbury for over nine years. I could not have asked for a better church to call home, nor a better congregation to call family. We have accomplished so much together and seen so many successes in ministry that I consider it a matter of great pride to have called myself your pastor. We have been through good times and bad, smooth times and rough times, and I am thankful for the support and encouragement you have given me along the way. Throughout this past year I have been feeling a great sense of completion in my work at First Pres. We have accomplished every single goal I set out to do when I first began ministry here. Over the last several months I have heard my own ideas and my own theology being quoted back to me in the voices of our leaders and our members. This has led me to believe that I really have nothing left to teach you as a congregation. I believe it is time for you to hear a new voice. It is time for you to follow a new vision. It is time for you to learn new lessons and dream new dreams. Leaving this congregation is one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I leave feeling confident that you will continue to serve Christ in vibrant and amazing ways. You have every resource at your disposal to continue to grow, continue to reach out, and continue to serve our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that you continue to thrive under a new vision given to you by a new leader. May you be as flexible, as forgiving, as open, and as encouraging to all your future pastors as you have been for me. Thank you, so very much, for all you have done for me and my family. God bless, God keep, and God speed, Rev. Spencer S. Homan

Giving Tree Schedule 2015 The Giving Tree is a ministry of First Pres that

gives Christmas gifts to children in need in the Prairie Central School District. Each child receives a new shirt, a new pair of pants, and a toy of their choice. Starting on November 29th, the Christmas tree in the

narthex will be covered in paper ornaments. Each ornament represents a child in need that you can volunteer to shop for. The ornaments have sizes and gift requests printed on them. If you’d like to help with a monetary donation, but don’t want to do the shopping yourself, we have “designated shoppers” who will buy the gifts for you. If you have any questions about the Giving Tree, please contact Pastor or Alyssa Homan. Nov. 29 to Dec. 13: Ornaments available for pick-up in the narthex.

December 19: “Wrapping Party” at 6:00 p.m. We will get together to organize the Friendship Room for the sorting of gifts and wrap the items purchased by the designated shoppers. Pizza will be served!

December 20: Blessing of the gifts during worship, and “The Sort” after worship. Monday, December 21: Gift delivery at 8:00 a.m. “Santa’s Little Helpers” will be needed again this year to help deliver the gifts. Delivery only takes about an hour, and maps and directions are provided. Please sign-up in the narthex if you can help.

The Giving Tree

Special Congregational Meeting Sunday, December 13th

Session has called a Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, December 13th immediately following worship. The purpose of this meeting is to: (1) Hear and act upon the Nominating Committee’s

nominations for the 2016 officers of the church. (2) Discuss and act on the First Presbyterian

Church of Fairbury purchasing the property immediately east of the church at 109 E. Elm St. for up to $90,000.00 and making site improvements for up to $30,000.00 with funds from the Special Reserve Fund and donations from the Congregation.

(3) Consent and request to Presbytery the dissolution of the pastoral relationship with the Rev. Spencer S. Homan effective December 27, 2015.

Ordination and Installation of Officers Sunday, December 27th

During worship on Sunday, December 27th, we will be ordaining and installing our new officers. We encourage you to come and support them during their time of ordination and installation. We also encourage all officers who have been previously ordained to come and participate in the laying on of hands for the new officers.

Birthdays 2 Kamber Kilgus Joseph Homan

Harmony Zimmerman 8 Pam Teske Hayden Breen 11 Tess Ward 12 Dolan Barnes 13 Marlene Janssen Taelyn Bach 14 Goldia Sasse 15 Bob Nussbaum 16 Walt Moore 17 Eli Corey 18 Sean O’Donnell 19 Sarah Dawson Becky Webster 20 Gene Leffingwell Eileen Sohn 22 Kailey Masters 23 Justin Cox 24 Bill Fugate 25 Kathy Ladeairous 28 Dorothy Householder

Anniversaries 8 Phil & Diane Troehler 28 Bill & Kay Fugate

If your birthday or anniversary has been omitted, please contact the church office.

Baptism Days

2 Nathan Addis 4 Rebecca Nussbaum 9 Debbie Augsburger 9 Kara Stuckey 11 Deanna Hankes 18 Richard Goembel 18 Heather Rathbun 18 Rod Stevens 26 Corrine Moore

Mission Project: Clean-Up Buckets

Presbyterian Women has once again provided 10 clean-up buckets to Church World Service. These buckets are used to help people clean up their homes after a natural disaster. They are only used in the United States. Each bucket contains: 5 scouring pads 7 sponges, assorted sizes 1 scrub brush 18 Handi-Wipes 1 box of dry laundry detergent 1 bottle of liquid concentrated Lysol® 1 bottle of liquid disinfectant dish soap 1 package of 48-50 clothespins 100-foot clothesline 5 dust masks 2 pairs of latex gloves 1 pair of heavy-duty work gloves 28-bag roll of heavy-duty trash bags 1 bottle of insect repellent 1 microfiber cloth Each bucket costs approximately $60 to put together. PW uses the funds from the Pork Loin Dinner and from Mission Committee to fund this mission project.

Welcome New Officers!

After seven years as serving as Moderator of PW, Sandy Dawson is going to be taking a well-deserved break! Congratulations to Ann Lage, who will step into the Moderator role in January. Several new members will also be joining the PW Coordinating Team in 2016. They will be installed during the Women’s Praise Service.

KITCHEN DUTY FOR DECEMBER Alma Augsburger

PW Coordinating Team

The next meeting of the PWCT is scheduled for January 5th at the home of Alma Augsburger with Lisa Kilgus providing devotions.

Officers Sandy Dawson, Moderator (815-692-3658) Michelle Clemons, Vice Moderator (815-692-0622) Lisa Kilgus, Secretary (815-692-3956) Ann Lage, Treasurer (309-723-4043)

Together in Service Committee (Mission Opportunities)

Alyssa Homan, Jennifer Stuckey, Anna McKeon

Search Committee Alma Augsburger, Sara Okai, Donna Roman, Wendi Zimmerman

Mark Your Calendars! The 2016 Pork Loin Dinner has been set for

Tuesday, March 15th. Please save this date on your calendars to help with Presbyterian

Women’s major fundraiser for the year. Your help makes it possible for PW to assist with so

many mission projects!

2015 Christmas Joy Offering

Advent and Christmas are times to celebrate the arrival of the “true light.” The Christmas Joy Offering is a way to share God’s love all season long. This offering gives us the unique opportunity to join in this celebration by supporting those in need of help and hope. This Presbyterian tradition has helped many since its inception 80 years ago. Approximately 50% of the donated funds honor the faithfulness of current and retired church workers when they incur a special need resulting from life’s challenging circumstances. The balance of the offering is used for financial support of Presbyterian related racial ethnic schools and colleges to help future church leaders achieve their professional goals. All of these schools are open to any student regardless of their race. These funds help pave the way for future leaders. During Advent there will be special envelopes in our pews for “The Christmas Joy Offering” from Sunday, Nov. 27 to Sunday, Dec. 20. Please consider making a donation to this special cause that has great needs and rewards.

Salvation Army Bell Ringing First Pres will be responsible for ringing the Salvation Army bell at Dave’s on: Friday, Dec. 11th Monday, Dec. 14th Thursday, Dec. 24th There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex if you can help with any of those dates.

It’s That Time of Year Again… It’s that time of year again! Over the next few weeks we will be looking ahead to 2016, which means we will be having a lot of sign-ups for the coming year available. Please prayerfully consider how you may be called to serve the following ministries:

Flowers

Have a special day you would like to honor with flowers in the church chancel? Sign-up for the

date you want, and as it approaches, the church office will contact you to find out what you

want printed in the bulletin. Flowers can be ordered to be delivered through Nature’s

Designs or Dave’s, or you can bring your own arrangement.

Liturgist

Being liturgist is a simple and important way to participate in worship. The bulletin is mailed

to you ahead of time for you to look over beforehand.

Fellowship Time Treats

We are always in need of more volunteers

willing to provide treats for fellowship time. There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex if you

would be able to provide 3 dozen cookies or bars (homemade or store bought are both fine).

Kitchen Duty 2016 Kitchen duty sign-ups are now available in the

narthex. Duties include: Washing towels and dishcloths, keeping refrigerators clean, keeping

counters clear and keeping the floor clean.

Wednesday Bible Study

This group meets every Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. in the Library.

Sunday Morning Adult Class

The Adult Sunday School is studying a video series called “H2O.” This class meets Sundays

at 9:00 a.m. in the Library.

John 3:16

This group of couples with children meets once a month for fellowship and study. Free childcare is provided. They are studying a video series called “H2O.”

The next meeting date for John 3:16 will be announced.

Koinonia“κοινωνία”

A faith, food, and fellowship class aimed at 40-50 something’s meets on the 1st Friday of the month.

Koinonia will meet on Friday, December 4th

At the home of Kelly & Cindy Kinate 312 W. Chestnut St.

Christian Education News

Spotlight on Sunday School

This Month’s Focus: Away in a Manger

Memory Verse: “This is a sign for you: you will find a newborn baby wrapped snuggly and lying in a manger.”- Luke 2:12

Dec. 6: Gabriel’s Message Dec. 13: Mary Visits Elizabeth Dec. 20: Jesus is Born Dec. 27: Joyous News

Sunday School Offering Mission Project

This December, the children will be using their Sunday School offering to purchase gifts through the World Vision Gift Catalog. World Vision provides farm animals to families in need to help them become self-sufficient. For example, $25 will provide a family with two chickens, which gives them extra protein in the diet, as well the opportunity to send their children to school with the money they make selling extra eggs. Anyone in the congregation is welcome to participate as well. Please contact Robin Buchenau for more details.

Christmas Program Practice

Practice for this year’s Christmas program will be at 8:45 a.m. every Sunday until the program on December 20th. All the children have a part, so please try to have the children there on time so we can have enough time to rehearse.

Our Mission Statement

We, The First Presbyterian Church of Fairbury, Illinois through

~ worshiping the God of love, ~ inviting everyone to experience grace through Christ, ~ reflecting Christ in our daily lives,

are working with God (the Holy Spirit) to make life improvements happen.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

(Proverbs 29:18, KJV)

Annual Report Deadline Monday, December 11th

The Annual Report deadline has been moved up to Friday, December 11th so that the majority of the Annual Report can be completed by the end of the year. Please submit your annual report in Word format by e-mailing the church office at fairburypresbyterian@route24.net. Thank you!

2015 Contributions All contributions for the year 2015 must be given to the church by December 31, 2015 or mailed in an envelope postmarked December 31, 2015. Monies received after the start of 2016 cannot be attributed to the 2015 year.

Offering Envelopes for 2016 Everyone who gave contributions during the 2015 fiscal year will receive an offering envelope and offering number. The envelopes are available in the Narthex in December. If you are not interested in receiving offering envelopes, simply request that the Financial Secretary recycle them for you.

Please take a moment to check the

Friends & Members list in the back of the 2014 Annual Report (orange

cover) to see if your address and phone number is listed correctly.

Please check the addresses of any adult children that are listed as well.

If you know of an incorrect address,

please email the church office at: fairburypresbyterian@route24.net

or put a note in the Secretary’s mailbox with the correct info.

If you do not have a copy of the

Annual Report, please check with the church office. We can get you

another copy or just verify your address is correct in our records.

Thank you for taking a moment to

help us get the most up-to-date contact information before the next

Annual Report is published!

If you ordered a poinsettia this Christmas, you may pick it up after worship on Christ-mas Eve. Any plants left afterwards will be

donated to Fairview Haven.

Session Summary Session took the following action at the December 1st meeting which will affect the life and work of the church: Motion approved for Sara Okai to use the

Friendship Room on Sunday, December 6. Motion approved to approve the Narthex

Cabinet Project in an amount up to $13,000.00 to be paid for from Memorial and Undesignated Funds.

Motion approved to approve the final 2015 General Budget.

Motion approved to authorize the Pastor, Church Secretary and Church Treasurer as signers on the Bank Debit Card.

Motion approved to empower the Clerk of Session, Ron Schlipf, and the Finance Committee Chair, Rod Stevens, to sign any documents related to the purchase of the property at 109 E. Elm St. Fairbury, IL.

Motion approved to empower the M&A Committee to hire a Church Secretary on behalf of the Session.

Motion approved to change the Installation/Ordination of officers to December 27.

Motion approved to give 2015 earnings from the Payne Pension fund to the Supplemental Pension portion of the Christmas Joy Offering.

Motion approved to give the December 24 Christmas Eve offerings to “World Vision” combined with Christian Education funds.

Motion approved to authorize the baptisms of Waylon and Gwendolyn Goembel on December 6.

Motion approved that Communion will be served by Intinction during the year 2016.

Motion approved to move report deadline to December 11 for 2015 Annual Report.

Motion approved that Session act as the Interim Nominating Committee with J.D. Bucheanu as Chair.

Called Session Meeting Session took the following action at the Called Session meeting on November 29th which will affect the life and work of the church: Motion approved to amend the call of a Special

Congregation Meeting on December 13, 2015 with the addition of Part (3) to consent and request to Presbytery the dissolution of the pastoral relationship with the Rev. Spencer S. Homan effective December 27, 2015.

Congregational Life & Worship Committee Meetings

Wednesday, December 16th

The Congregational Life Committee and the Worship and Sacraments Committee will meet on Wednesday, December 16th at 7:00 p.m. at the home of John & Connie Rich. Please bring an appetizer or something sweet to share.

TREASURER'S REPORT

10 Months Thru October 31, 2015

Actual Budget

Income

Pledges 108,536 120,930

Non-Pledged 14,292 10,000

Per Capita 2,531 2,500

Interest on Checking 17 20

Use of Church 170 130

Special Reserve Fund Interest 1,533 1,670

Bequest/Memorial Funds 18,436 14,450

Total Income 145,516 149,700

Expenses 145,084 148,369

Excess (Shortage) 431 1,331

First Presbyterian Church 101 East Elm Street Fairbury, IL 61739 815-692-2963 www.firstpresfairbury.org Return Service Requested