YOUTH MIYSTERY MISSION ADVENTURE!

Because the weather is not playing nice, we can't camp...stupid severe storms ick.
WE ARE DOING SOMETHING!

When: 1:00pm today, Friday, March 30
Where: Starting at CSUMC
What: Mystery Mission Adventure followed by a cookout (if it's not awful outside, but it probably will be, so we might cook-in) at Bruce Martin's house!

You need to find transportation to the church. We will take you home.

What to bring: bring whatever food items you might have purchased for the camping trip. A jacket.

We will have you home by 10pm (ish) maybe later if Bruce wins.:)

SEE YOU TODAY!!!...Spread the word! Call your friends!

Primetime Preview!

Tonight in Primetime the youth will continue their Spiritual Gift Study, the childrens and youth choirs will practice for Palm Sunday, and Bible Idol will continue. Tonight's battle willb e between Esther, Job, and Isaiah. Who will move one step closer to becoming the Bible's biggest star?

Join us tonight in Primetime! Activities begin at 5:30 with dinner at 6:15!

Lenten Service Homily

For those interested click here for the homily Becca gave during today's Lenten service.

This Week at Court Street

Tuesday 3/27
9:00 Quilters/History&Archives
1:00 Lenten Study Group, Room 209 (Becca Butler teaching)
6:00 Bell Choir
7:00 Chancel Choir

3/28
6:30am Fellowship of Christian Men AM Group
12:00 Lenten Noon Service, followed by Lunch
5:30 Prime Time
Lenten Study at CSUMC, hosted/taught by the Wandells
Kids Choir
Youth in Balcony West
6:15 Dinner
6:45 Gospel of John Class
Bible Idol
Youth Choir
7:00 Fellowship of Christian Men PM Group
7:30 Rejoice Rehearsal

Thursday 3/29
7:00 Lenten Study at the Home of Sue Cram
7:00 Task Force

Saturday 3/24
9:00 Children's Theatre Group
10:00 Lenten Study at the Home of Bruce Martin

Sunday 3/25
8:00 Chapel Service
8:45 Rejoice Worship
9:10 Better Living
9:30 Lamplighters
9:50 Sunday School
10:45 Traditional Worship
12:00 Lenten Study group, Church Library
No Confirmation Class this week due to Palm Sunday and Spring Break.

Holy Week at CSUMC

Sunday, April 1: Palm/Passion Sunday.
Regular Worship Service times (8, 8:45, 10:45). The 10:45 service will feature a palm-processional and a dramatic reading.

Wednesday, April 4:
Lenten Community Service, 12:00 in the Chapel.

Thursday, April 5: Maundy Thursday.
Celebrate the institution of the Lord's Supper at our service at 7pm in the Dining Room.

Friday, April 6: Good Friday.
Come and meditate upon the crucifixion of Jesus at this special service. 12:00 in the Chapel.

Sunday, April 8: EASTER SUNDAY!!!
Come celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ at our combined 10:00 am service in the Sanctuary.

The Sunday Summary

It was another great Sunday here at CSUMC. Here are some highlights:

• We continued in our "Spiritual Gift Spotlights" with the Gifts of the Feet and Hands.
• Becca's children's moment featured her Jesus Doll and talk about sandals, dirty feet, and Mary's gift of washing Jesus' feet.
• The Choir presented a special Choral Introit "O, The Lamb"
• The Choir also presented "Jesus Wept"
• The JuBellation ringers played our postlude. They did a beautiful piece called "Elegy"
• We celebrated the baptism of Anne Kim Breauhaus. Her parents brought her here from Korea to be baptised at Court Street!
• The scriptures for the day were Isaiah 43: 16-21, Psalm 126, and John 12: 1-8.

Pastor Keith's Sermon was entitled "How Can I say Thanks?" and here are some highlights:

• "The purpose of our lives is to serve God and when we forget that we get everything confused. We begin to believe that church is about us. It's not. It's a bout giving honor and praise to God"
• Thanksgiving is one way to give thanks for God's goodness.
• Each one of us is special and is gifted and when we find our gifts we can find ways to employ them in the service of the Lord.
• Mary was the only one of Jesus' disciples who really "got it". She understood what was going to happena nd understood Jesus' mission.
• She demonstrated a depth of commitment in giving thanks.
• She wanted to annoint or baptize him before his final days.
• Love brings us to the point of being extravagant.
• Imagine what it would be like if we furnished the church based on the mindset of Judas.
• Mary's love wasn't limited by money. She realized what Jesus had done for her in the raising of her brother, Lazarus, and she wanted to say "thank you".

Next Sunday is Palm/Passion Sunday. Please plan to join us for that service and all of our Holy Week Services.

Spiritual Gifts Spotlight II

In order to be sure we finish all of the spiritual gifts before Holy Week., there is a second spotlight this week. Again, if you need more information or would like to purchase the book, please contact the church office or e-mail becca.

We'll also be looking at the "Gifts of the Feet." The body of Christ needs feet, too. It is the feet that take the word of God out of our sanctuaries and classrooms and into the world beyond the Church walls. These are the gifts that are often neglected or left un-nurtured and yet without these gifts, the word of God goes nowhere! The gifts of the feet are: Prophecy, Apostleship, and Evangelism.

Characteristics of Prophecy:

• Will not compromise the truth even when labeled as stubborn or hard headed.


• Tells others about God’s vision for the world or for the Church.


• Enjoys showing others how the Bible might speak to their current situation.


• Is a gifted public speaker.


• Does not mind speaking the truth even at the risk of confronting those in places of Authority.


• Often feels that God speaks through them.


• Is able to offer insight and perspective on current situations and offer ideas.

Characteristics of Apostleship:

• Can often speak or understand multiple languages.


• Can easily adapt to different lifestyles.


• Feels called to do something outside the walls of the church.


• Feels called to take the Gospel to an un-churched area.


• Is not afraid of new or foreign places.


• Is comfortable serving as a "messenger".


• Gets excited about learning about a new culture or group of people.


• Is comfortable sharing their personal faith with other people.


• Extends the hand of friendship to many others.

Characteristics of Evangelism:

• Likes inviting people to Church.


• Loves to share the Gospel with others.


• Will often make a public "witness" of what God has done for them.


• Can often be found in small groups sharing about the Gospel or about the Church itself.


• Is comfortable asking other people about their faith and encouraging them to have a faith life.


• Offers a relationship with God as a "gift" for others.


• Is happy to teach, lead, or work in groups of "non-believers".

Spiritual Gifts Spotlight

We are continuing our work with the spiritual gifts. The spotlight today is on the gifts of the heart. The heart is the part of the body that provides blood and life to everything else. It is the same with the gifts of the heart. These are the gifts that pump the "lifeblood" of the congregation. Every other gift needs something from the gifts of the Heart in order to function at its best.The gifts of the heart are: Exhortation, Teaching, and Shepherding. To learn more about the spiritual gifts, or the study, you can contact the church office or e-mail becca.

Characteristics of Exhortation:

• Gets excited about the ways truth can make a difference.


• Is often sought out to give counsel or guidance.


• Sees potential in others and motivates them to action.


• Is very patient and forgiving with those who are learning new things.


• Enjoys helping others work out detailed steps for becoming better people or better Christians.


• Is able to challenge people without making them feel inadequate or condemned.


• Calls forth the best in others.


• Likes to help.

Characteristics of Teaching:

• Feels that God leads them to teach others.


• Often finds joy in harmonizing and arranging biblical teaching.


• Prefers to read or hear scripture rather than personal stories.


• Has the ability to explain things clearly.


• Has a deep desire to study and learn.


• Finds happiness in sharing learning with other people.


• Transforms data and information into life-changing knowledge.


• Is often troubled by teachings or readings that appear unsound.

Characteristics of Shepherding:

• Enjoys guiding others, sometimes going out of the way to be a good guide or teacher.


• Wants to know how to understand those they are serving.


• Is very patient.


• Enjoys taking the responsibility for a group.


• Sometimes feels led to go to those who are "straying" and help bring them back "into the fold."


• Feels responsible for protecting those who are weaker.


• Provides spiritual guidance to help others develop.


• Is committed to long term relationships with those they serve.

ELIJAH WINS!!!!!

It was really no contest in Bible Idol last night. How could the story of someone being carried to heaven in a chariot of fire be beaten? It also helped that Elijah's song was a fun version of "Swing Low Sweet Chariot". His song and his story led him to a HUGE victory over Eisha and Solomon. It was quite a night for Bible Idol! Congratulations Elijah!

PRIMETIME PREVIEW!

Primetime at Court Street tonight is shaping up to be quite a night! We have lots of things going on!

Our youth and childrens choirs are practicing, the Spiritual Gifts group is meeting, the Gospel of John class continues, and Bible Idol tonight features the battle between Elijah, Solomon, and Elisha!

The highlight of tonight will be the Palm WEaving class by International Gift Wrapping Champion, Gene Fideli. It should be a really neat class with great involvement from everyone who gets to try these creations! The class is full at this point, but if more are interested we might be able to schedule another session.

Come join us tonight at Court Street!

Lenten Service Homily

For those interested, click here for the homily Becca gave at today's Lenten service.

This Week at Court Street

Tuesday 3/20
9:00 Quilters/History&Archives
1:00 Lenten Study Group, Room 209 (Becca Butler teaching)
6:00 Bell Choir
7:00 Chancel Choir
7:00 Young Adults Meeting, Dining Room

Wednesday 3/21
6:30am Fellowship of Christian Men AM Group
12:00 Lenten Noon Service, followed by Lunch
5:30 Prime TimeLenten Study at CSUMC, hosted/taught by the Wandells
Kids Choir
Youth in Balcony West
6:15 Dinner
6:45 Gospel of John Class
Bible Idol
Youth Choir
7:00 Fellowship of Christian Men PM Group
Palm Weaving Class with Gene Fideli
7:30 Rejoice Rehearsal

Thursday 3/22
7:00 Lenten Study at the Home of Sue Cram
7:00 Task Force

Saturday 3/24
9:00 Children's Theatre Group
10:00 Lenten Study at the Home of Bruce Martin

Sunday 3/25
8:00 Chapel Service
8:45 Rejoice Worship
9:10 Better Living
9:30 Lamplighters
9:50 Sunday School
10:45 Traditional Worship
12:00 Lenten Study group, Church Library
5:30 Youth Nite

The Sunday Summary

As we all begin to "thaw out" a little from the winter's cold, it is my prayer that more people choose to spend these gorgeous spring Sunday mornings at Court Street. There was no competition for the beauty of the sun streaming in our stained glass windows this Sunday morning or for the fellowship inside the sanctuary.

Here are some of Sunday's highlights:

• Ben Moore from Reynoldswood Camp came to talk about UM camping programs and opportunities at all 3 services. Camping is a great opportunity for our young people and if you want more information, please contact becca here at the church!
• We had our Spiritual Gifts spotlight on the Gifts of the Hands
• The Choir shared He Never Said a Mumbalin Word
• Rob shared a haunting version of Were you there?
• We collected our "One Great Hour of Sharing" offering.

Pastor Keith's sermon was entitled "God's Outrageous Mercy" and he challenged us to see God's mercy in a variety of situations. Some highlights of his sermon follow:

• Pastor Keith shared the story of Roswell McIntyre: Abraham Lincoln offered an example for us. He was faced with a decision about a young soldier named Roswell McIntyre who had little training when he was drafted into the New York Cavalry and in a battle became frightened and ran. He was court martialed and sentenced to be shot for desertion. He had to be made an example of. His mother wrote the president and asked that her son be given another chance to prove himself. Lincoln thought and prayed about it and wrote these words: "I have observed that it never does a boy much good to shoot him"
  Lincoln wrote this letter in his own hand: This letter will certify that Roswell McIntyre is to be readmitted into the New York cavalry. When he serves out his required enlistment he will be freed of any charges of desertion." This seerves as an example of outrageous mercy!
• Another example of Outrageous Mercy involved President Coolidge: Once in the middle of the night, the new President awoke to see an intruder going through his clothes. He watched as the thief first removed a wallet, then unhooked a watch chain. Coolidge calmly spoke up from the darkness: "About that watch, I wish you wouldn't take that."
  The startled man, gaining his voice, asked, "Why?"
  Coolidge answered, "I don't mean the watch and chain, only the charm. I'm very fond of that charm. It means a great deal to me. Take it near the window and read what is engraved on the back of it."
  The burglar read: "Presented to Calvin Coolidge, Speaker of the House, by the Massachusetts General Court." And now he was more surprised!
  "Are you President Coolidge?" he asked. He evidently did not think he'd find the President sleeping in a hotel!
  "Yes, I am, and I don't want you to take that charm," he said. Then he asked, "Why, Son, are you doing this?"
  The young man explained that he and a friend traveled to Washington during their college break. They spent all of their money and had no money to pay the hotel bill or pay for train passage back to school. "If you don't mind," he said, "I'll just take the wallet."
  Coolidge did mind. He knew he had about $80 in his wallet. So he said, "How much will it take to pay your hotel bill and get you and your friend back to the campus? Sit down and let's talk this over."
  Coolidge added up the room rate and two rail tickets. It came to $32. That may not sound like much now, but it was a considerable sum then. "I'll give you the $32 as a loan," the President said, "and I expect you to pay me back."
  The youth thanked him. Coolidge then advised him to leave by the same window he used to enter the room, as secret service agents were sure to be patrolling the hallway. As the young man climbed out, Coolidge left him with this admonition: "Son, you're a nice boy. You are better than you are acting. You are starting down the wrong road. Just remember who you are."
  It wasn't until after the death of Mrs. Coolidge in 1957 that this story was allowed to come out. It was first published in the "Los Angeles Times." And most interesting of all is that the President's notes show that the young man was indeed better than he was acting. He repaid the $32 loan in full.
• Pastor Keith then told us the parable of the Prodigal Son and reminded us that the son was at risk and that is why the Father ran out to greet him so quickly. The father wanted to protect the son from the villagers who know what the son had done.
• We were also challenged to consider which member of the story we identify most with.
• Also, we were given some thoughts from well known Disciples Preacher Fred Craddock, who sums up what most of us would say regarding the prodigal: "Yes, let the prodigal return, but to bread and water, not fatted calf; in sackcloth, not a new robe; wearing ashes, not a new ring; in tears, not in merriment; kneeling, not dancing."
• Pastor Keith reminded us that "The parable reminds us of the character of God--willing to rescue us in joy and with grace" and that we are called to emmulate God!

Have you been a "prodigal" member of this or another church? Have you been a "prodigal" from God? Come home! We're here to welcome you with open arms...and with Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors. Come home to Court Street this week!

Spiritual Gifts Spotlight

We have continued our study of Spiritual Gifts and this week our focus is on the 3 gifts of the hands. If you would like to join a study group or purchase the book, please contact the church office at 815-962-6061, or contact becca via e-mail.

The gifts of the hands are the gifts that "get to work". They are often the unseen gifts that do the work of the Body of Christ. These are gifts of love-in-action and are often taken for granted in the church. Without the gifts of the hands, however, the body of Christ might not accomplish its goals. The gifts of the hands are: Helping/ Giving-Aid, Serving, and Compassion.

The Gift Helping/ Giving Aid. These are often viewed as two different gifts, but in this study they’ll be grouped together. This gift often works behind the scenes to ensure needs are met and practical problems are solved. The characteristics of this gift are:

• Likes to relieve others of tasks so that they can do to other things.


• Often serves as an usher, office volunteer, or other "behind the scenes" worker.


• Enjoys helping out with the little details.


• Would rather keep records for a class than teach it.


• Can organize people and resources in order to meet practical needs.


• Enabled by God to develop plans that will help others in their ministries.


• Likes to work in practical, useful ways.


• Likes to assist and help others.

The Gift of Serving. This is the gift of doing for others--especially the weak, poor, or otherwise needy. This gift is unselfish often to its own detriment and is motivated by love for those who are served. While all Christians should serve, not all are recipients of this gift.

• Has a strong desire to meet the needs of other people.


• Usually notices the needs of others first.


• Has a special ability to recognize ways to minister without speaking or teaching.


• Likes to work in the background.


• Sees unmet needs.


• Willing to do the tasks that others often don’t want to do.


• Ministers to others and helps to meet their needs.


• Doesn’t mind helping even if they are taken advantage of or not appreciated.


• Finds great joy in serving others.

The Gift of Compassion. This is a unique gift that endows the giver with the ability to touch others inwardly with mercy and love. This gift not only wants to help others, but focuses on ways to best help others. This gift also makes people fundamentally aware of the presence of God and Christ in other people and challenges others to give of themselves to those in need.

• Is moved to radical action by the needs of others.


• Likes to visit with those who are in jail, sick, in the hospital or otherwise "shut in".


• Is able to console or comfort those who are discouraged or depressed.


• Can sense when others are hurting or in need.


• Has an ability to "touch" others in a way that brings comfort or consolation.


• Likes to work with those who are neglected by the rest of the world.


• Is very sensitive to words and actions that might hurt other people.


• Genuinely loves and cares.

Are these your gifts? Do you know someone who has these gifts? Continue your work in this study to find out your gifts and how best to use them!

David Wins!

Last night's Bible Idol featured a battle between David, Absalom and Nathan. The judges immediately disqualified Absalom due to his sneaky ways, but the competition was VERY close between David and Nathan. Our head judge even had to re-tally the votes to be sure that the ruling was fair. By a narrow margin of only 2 votes David won the night and will be moving on to the final rounds of competition. We were lucky to have an extra judge last night and we hope she'll be joining us again next time! Tune in next week as we continue our search for the next... BIBLE IDOL!!!

Primetime Preview!

Primetime at CSUMC is geared up to be another great night! The Lenten Study group is meeting again this week, as is the Gospel of John Group. PLUS...youth and kids all have choir and activities. Bible Idol tonight features David, Absolom, and Nathan!

Come join us at CSUMC for another great Wednesday night of Primetime Programming!

This Week at Court Street!

Tuesday 3/13
9:00 Quilters/History&Archives
1:00 Lenten Study Group, Room 209 (Becca Butler teaching)
6:00 Bell Choir
7:00 Chancel Choir

Wednesday 3/14
6:30am Fellowship of Christian Men AM Group
12:00 Lenten Noon Service, followed by Lunch
5:30 Prime TimeLenten Study at CSUMC, hosted/taught by the Wandells
Kids Choir
Youth in Balcony West
6:15 Dinner
6:45 Gospel of John Class
Bible Idol
Youth Choir
7:00 Fellowship of Christian Men PM Group
7:30 Rejoice Rehearsal

Thursday 3/15
7:00 Lenten Study at the Home of Sue Cram
7:00 Task Force

Saturday 3/17
9:00 Children's Theatre Group
10:00 Lenten Study at the Home of Bruce Martin

Sunday 3/18
8:00 Chapel Service
8:45 Rejoice Worship
9:10 Better Living
9:30 Lamplighters
9:50 Sunday Schoo
l10:45 Traditional Worship
12:00 Lenten Study group, Church Library
5:30 Confirmation
6:30 Hymn Sing

The Sunday Summary

Sunday was a great day here at Court Street!

• Pastor Keith presented a children's message to our young people where he used the example of Thomas Edison's first lightbulb which was dropped by his young helper. He gave his helper a second chance! Pastor Keith shared the importance of forgiveness and second chances.
• We celebrated the baptism of Lydia Rose Ludington at our 10:45 service.
• The Choir presented "Be Not Afraid".
• And Becca preached her first sermon at Court Street. You can click here to read the manuscript of her message based on Luke 13: 1-9 (The Parable of the Fig Tree).
• The Youth had a very powerful session called "Bridge Building" where we learned more about each other and grew closer.
• Some young adults had "open gym" upstairs with the help of Bruce Martin.

Won't you please join us next Sunday??

Spiritual Gifts Spotlight: The Gifts of the Head

We have continued our study of Spiritual Gifts and this past week our focus was on the 3 gifts of the head. If you would like to join a study group or purchase the book, please contact the church office at 815-962-6061, or contact beccca via e-mail.

Three of the spiritual gifts are somewhat located in the head. These are the gifts that guide the function of the body of Christ. They are the gifts that provide the voice of reason, share wisdom, or even create new ideas out of seemingly nowhere. Without these gifts, the church might lack direction, or worse yet might head in the wrong direction.

These gifts of the head are: Knowledge, Discernment, and Wisdom.

The Gift of Discernment. This the gift that helps define and clarify what is "truth". This is a special gift that helps determine if something is truly from "God" or from another, less reliable, source. This gift is best used to recognize the true motives behind actions and communications.

The characteristics of this gift are:

• Has a natural "phoniness" meter: can detect authenticity in words or actions.


• Often has insight that a particular message or activity is inspired by God.


• Can sense when speakers or actions are prompted by the Holy Spirit"


• Deeply sensitive and "tuned in."


• Is able to see the motivations behind actions or words.


• Is very insightful: can always "see more" than the average person.


• Might be considered a "human lie detector"


• Feels called by God to share when things seem "wrong"

The Gift of Wisdom. Wisdom does not always come with age. Some of our youngest members are very wise. This gift is able to see all sides of an issue and provide clarity and illumination. This gift is important because it often speaks out when others are no longer speaking or listening. The characteristics of this gift are:

• Is often asked for advice when direction is needed


• Can bring clarity to others when they are unsure of a course of action.


• Has insight into God’s will in any given situation.


• Understands a deeper meaning and can apply it in situations.


• Understands God’s truth and can insightfully apply it to every day life.


• Can see multiple sides of an issue and feel the way God might be nudging a group to go.


• Gives sound advice.


• Understands the "root" of the situation.

The Gift of Knowledge. This gift is not just someone who is "smart" but rather someone who has a special ability to gather, analyze and disseminate information in such a way as to uplift the whole body of Christ. This is not "book smarts" but rather "God Smarts." The characteristics of this gift are:

• Is often aware of situations or events without receiving communication.


• Can sometimes sense within others things which they might be trying to hide.


• Able to see options that others might not see.


• Often "just knows" something.


• Can tell others things about themselves that have not been previously revealed.


• Able to focus on a problem even before others realize it’s there.


• Able to gather and retain vast amounts of information.


• Feels inspired by God in knowing.

Hannah Wins!

In Last Week's edition of Bible Idol, Hannah pulled out a narrow victory over Ruth. Poor Eli didn't stand a chance against these strong women of faith! Our judges nearly put themselves in a tie situation with the two ladies, but narrowly, Hannah was able to win the day. Her devotion to God and willingness go give her son into GOd's service was the clincher! Tune in to this week's edition in PRIMETIME at CSUMC!

Lenten Worship...

Our Wednesday Lenten Worship continues today at noon. Please join us for worship and for a delicious lunch afterwards.

If you are unable to make it to the Lenten worship and would like to read Becca's homily. Please click here.

This Week at Court Street

Tuesday 3/6
9:00 Quilters/History&Archives
1:00 Lenten Study Group, Room 209 (Becca Butler teaching)
6:00 Bell Choir
6:00 Chancel Choir

Wednesday 3/7
6:30am Fellowship of Christian Men AM Group
12:00 Lenten Noon Service, followed by Lunch
5:30 Prime TimeLenten Study at CSUMC, hosted/taught by the Wandells
Kids Choir
Youth in Balcony West
6:15 Dinner
6:45 Gospel of John Class
Bible Idol
Youth Choir
7:00 Fellowship of Christian Men PM Group
7:30 Rejoice Rehearsal

Thursday 3/8
7:00 Lenten Study at the Home of Sue Cram
7:00 Task Force

Saturday 3/10
9:00 Children's Theatre Group
10:00 Lenten Study at the Home of Bruce Martin

SPRING FORWARD!!!!

Sunday 3/11
8:00 Chapel Service
8:45 Rejoice Worship
9:10 Better Living
9:30 Lamplighters
9:50 Sunday School
10:45 Traditional Worship
12:00 Lenten Study group, Church Library
5:30 Youth Nite

Sunday Summary

Sunday at Court Street was warm and welcoming. If you were here, we were honored by your presence. If you weren't, you were definately missed! Here are the highlights:

• The youth choir sang "I need you" at the 8:00 and 8:45 Services. They did a really good job and at the 8:45 service even had the congregation clapping along!
• Becca used a pair of homemade chicken wings to demonstrate how God is like a mommy chicken in reference to Luke 13:31-35.
• We celebrated Holy Eucharist together. It was such a good experience to commune with one-another.
• THe Youth met for confirmation, had "breakfast" for dinner, and spent time with Geri and Bob in the History and Archives room learning more about our Church's history. It was a really neat experience.

Pastor Keith's sermon was entitled "Fearless Hearts". Here are a few highlights from the sermon:

• He used the following scriptures: Genesis 15: 1-12, Psalm 27, and Luke 13:31-35. He used these to show the different kinds of fear and trust that we all wrestle with on a daily basis.
• Pastor Keith sopke about his mother and how Pslam 27 has personal meaning. He remembers this psalm from his childhood.
• Jesus lived as a mother hen who stands between her chicks and those who would do them harm. He continues to do the same for us if we just let him.
• We are called into covenental relationship and into "joyful obedience" and if we do these things, we have no reason to fear!

Spiritual Gifts Spotilight: The Backbone Gifts.

This week we are all getting started on our Lenten study and our investigation into our spiritual gifts. If you haven't joined a study or would just like to purchase a study book, please contact the church office at 815-962-6061.

There are 3 spiritual gifts that serve as the backbone for the Body of Christ. While the body is capable of functioning with out them, these gifts provide for an overall better working Body of Christ. These gifts are especially important for the functioning of a healthy church congregation. The Backbone gifts are Administration, Faith, and Giving.

The Gift of Administration. This the gift that provides for the organization and leadership of the church. It may be provided by a committee chair, the pastor, or any other member of the congregation. The key goal of the Administrator is to provide unity for the congregation through the cooperative use of all other gifts. The characteristics of this gift are:

• Can work well in a pressured environment.




• Is able to recognize gifts in others and inspire them to use those gifts.




• Is willing to make decisions, even at the risk of being unpopular.




• Shows compassion.




• Can lead groups.




• Can see the "bigger picture" and help others to see it as well.




• Is able to delegate.




• Is often looked to for guidance or leadership.




• Is devoted to the success of the project at hand.




• Leads by setting an example.

The Gift of Faith. This gift is more than "Belief in God". This faith is one that believes deeply in God and Christ, but also believes in the mission and future of the church. The key goal of the those gifted with Faith is to help inspire others to the same deep faith. The characteristics of this gift are:

• Is able to see God’s work in any situation.




• Easily trusts in God where others might not.




• Believes in God in a special or unusual way.




• Has a very active prayer life.




• Can see God even in tragedy.




• Can set other people’s faith into motion.




• Strengthens other people’s faith through example or prayer.




• Is often looked to for public or private prayer or intervention.




• Holds fast to personal convictions.

The Gift of Giving. Without gifts of time, talent, and financial resources the modern church does not function. This bearer of gift understands the importance of giving and is able to uncover new ways to encourage others to give. The characteristics of this gift are:

• They give time, money, and resources with a joyful heart.




• May like to give anonymously.




• Views giving to meet material needs as a ministry or calling.




• They believe that God has given them the ability to make and share money.




• Gives generously to a variety of causes, not all directly church related.




• Often works in order to have more to give.




• Gives honestly.




• Can discover and channel new sources of money, time and energy in a special way.

Be sure to attend one of the group studies and worship on Sunday mornings during Lent to learn more about your gifts and how to best use them to serve God, your church, your family, and your community.

DEBORAH WINS!!!

Last night's Bible Idol featured a tight competition between Samson, Gideon, and Deborah. In the end, Deborah took home the victory. The judges were impressed with her fearlessness, her leadership, and her ability to give thanks and praise for a victory won. Deborah joins Abraham, Moses, Rebekah, and Rahab in the list of finalists. She's a tough competitor and has a great story to tell. She still needs help finding a theme song though!

Please join us next week when the competitors are Ruth, Eli, and Hannah! Who will be the ultimate winner and be named BIBLE IDOL????