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We are a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.
-Disciples Identity Statement
Dear Prairie Avenue Family,
The slide towards the end of summer and the beginning of fall has commenced! Already, the sunrises and sunsets are a little later/earlier, as "back-to-school" sales await (and don't get me started on Hobby Lobby's Christmas section in August...). It is easy to drift along at this time of year, doing as little as possible, trying hard not to contemplate the future, and likely delaying or postponing any decision as much as possible.
But some decisions will not wait. We have met with Matt Messier of Fortress Commercial via Zoom (TM) to discuss the options regarding our real estate for redevelopment or sale. Again, I commend all who have participated in our discussions with Church Extension and real estate experts on our next chapter. It has been exciting and affirming to have consensus and the consent to move forward, even if it will lead to difficult discussions and decisions.
Sometimes we want God to do it all for us, don't we? If God would see it our way, do it how we would like, and make our desires into reality.
Our scripture reading this Sunday reminds us that God does not see, think, or act as we see, think, or act. If God provided certainty, then we would not need faith. There is a mystery between us, but God always listens, always invites, and can always be found when we seek.
It is far too easy to ask God to simply turn the clock back, reverse the outcomes, and let us live once again in the days when the Sunday School wing buzzed with activity, the adult fellowship groups were gathering, and the sanctuary was over half full of people for two services.
But those days were long gone before we really started to notice their absence. Nostalgia and memory might be comforting, but they are poor choices in guiding our path now.
We know where we have been. God knows where we are going. Are we listening, joining, and acting as God would see, think, or act?
THIS WEEK IN WORSHIP: Our reading from Isaiah 55:1-9 opens with God providing a table of food and drink for those with nothing, and even if they had money, it would not be accepted. God provides what is needed, listens to us when we call, and grants mercy to those who return. God is knowable, but not completely understood by us. Like a banquet given without compensation needed or desired, so too does God have thoughts and ways that are not in our manner or expectation. Will we be disappointed, or overjoyed at what God thinks or does?
DOVE, INC. OUTREACH PROJECT: Our new collection drive will be AA and AAA batteries.
DOVE CHRISTMAS CARE & SHARE TEEN/PRE-TEEN GIFT DRIVE: We continue to collect these items: Throw pillows, Back support pillows, Blankets, Makeup, Skin care and pimple stickers, Tumblers, Strip or string lights, Journals and fun pens, Games (Jenga, cards), Belt bags, Soccer balls, Slime, Nail polish and press on nails, Bead and friendship bracelet (could also be tween).
The Joint-Regional Assembly of the Christian Church in Illinois and Wisconsin and Michigan Regions (soon to re-emerge as Living Waters Region) will be held Friday, October 3 & Saturday, October 4, at the Tinley Park Convention Center in Tinley Park, IL. For more information, click here.
KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS UPDATE: From 13 households, we have received $25.45 for the months of April-June, 2025. If you have not already done so, please sign up your Kroger Rewards Card with Prairie Avenue Christian Church as your chosen community organization.
WEEKLY PRAYER LIST: Congregations: First Christian Church- Springfield, IL, First Christian Church- Sterling, IL, First Christian Church- White Hall, IL, First Christian Church- Winchester, IL; Family Camp at Crystal Conference Center, MI Health: Dane Hodges, Donald Humphries, Virginia Johnson, Paul Kater, Sondra Lehew, Scott Marland, Charlotte Sutman, Debbie Volle Community: Decatur Public Schools, Galloway, Nelson, and Clokey Park neighborhoods. Global Ministries: Sri Lanka
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