Free Movie Night: Just Mercy

Join Pastor Susan and the Greater Springfield Interfaith Association on Saturday, August 6 at 5:00, First Church of Brethren, for a screening and discussion of Just Mercy a powerful and thought-provoking true story which follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson and his history-making battle for justice.

Click here for more information

8/4/22 Update From Our COVID Response Team

Sangamon County’s risk level has climbed back to “High” risk for COVID-19. We continue to see more than 100 daily positives with occasional peaks in the 200’s. The County passed a grim milestone this week as we broke the 400 mark in cumulative deaths. It is a sad reminder that even with milder symptoms and fewer hospitalizations this virus is still deadly. You can track these numbers on the Sangamon County Department of Public Health’s dashboard (link: https://scdph.org/covid-19/#sangamon-county-data-dashboard )

The CDC recommendations for our county is as follows:

Wear a mask indoors in public spaces. Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you have symptoms. Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19. Wear a mask on public transportation. You may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others. If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider wearing a mask indoors in public and taking additional precautions.

The CDC emphasizes the importance of building ventilation as a way to help stop the spread of many respiratory diseases, not just Covid-19. It plans to encourage schools to do more to clean and refresh their indoor air. At present our building has poor air exchange. However, one of the first projects of the upcoming renovation will be upgrading the air handlers for the sanctuary. 

For the continued safety of those at-risk, we will continue to require masks for all individuals participating in services or activities inside the church building. Please remember to bring your mask with you to church. We will keep plenty of masks on hand in case you forget.

Renovation Update

Check out the renovation page on our website to see floor plans and external views of the renovation project.

Devotion to Sancti Spiritus, Cuba

by Steve Wright

Matthew 6:28-34

“And why do you worry about clothes? Look at the wildflowers in the field. See how they grow. They don’t work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon, the great and rich king, was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. If God makes what grows in the field so beautiful, what do you think he will do for you? It’s just grass—one day it’s alive, and the next day someone throws it into a fire. But God cares enough to make it beautiful. Surely he will do much more for you. Your faith is so small!

“Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need. So don’t worry about tomorrow. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Tomorrow will have its own worries.

When times are hard, we struggle. We find ways through the tough and scary things. Always keeping the faith that we will be provided for. Some may choose to despair and point blame. A true believer keeps the faith and prays for sustenance. We have been blessed with a world of beauty. Finding the delightfulness in life can bring joy. Please do not dwell in sorrow or anger. Disappointment is part of life. Reach for bliss and happiness through our Savior. 

1 Samuel 16:7

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Eliab is tall and handsome, but don’t judge by things like that. God doesn’t look at what people see. People judge by what is on the outside, but the Lord looks at the heart. Eliab is not the right man.”

As I have aged, I have changed my style of prayer. I used to pray for material things or relief from pain. Now, I pray for the Lord to lead me in the proper direction and to make better choices. I prefer to share the joy of life. Having more on this earth does not compare to giving more of myself to make this world better. I get frustrated or depressed, yet I am grateful for the beauty of this world to take in. I know that my soul is real. I know that life is more than just living each day. I know that Jesus gave himself that I may have this. I am thankful for this. 

Cuba Meeting August 17 at 7:30

Join us on Zoom for a Cuba meeting August 17 at 7:30 pm. We will be discussing future activities with Sancti Spiritus and travel in 2023.

Can You Help With Shelter Meals?

Our church continues to serve evening meals at two shelters for people experiencing homelessness. Team members donate or prepare menu items and help serve. If you would like to help please contact Barb Olson, JoAnne Durkee or Chaplain Tim Haworth.   

PCUSA 225th General Assembly

Where do we go from here?

Managing GA business takes time and a lot of effort

Rick Jones | Office of the General Assembly 

It’s been nearly a month since the final gathering of the 225th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), but the process of moving ahead with Assembly actions is just beginning. The Office of the General Assembly has begun the tedious task of poring through the decisions and developing a timeline for action.

READ MORE

Presbyteries in Kentucky, Virginia and Missouri need support

by Darla Carter | Presbyterian News Service

Help Keep the Micropantry Stocked

Stocking our micropantry is a way we love our neighbors. Click here to sign up for a particular day to stock it

Or

Drop off food and hygiene items ANYTIME you want. You may place them directly in the micropantry cabinet or the basket in the narthex.

Click here for suggested items.

If you have any questions contact Chaplain Tim at [email protected].



Thank you!

Join us For Wednesday Worship in the Garden!

Kids Activity Page

Click on this link for a fun activity page. Check back each week for a new activity page.

Share your work with us! We would love to see and display your creativity and talent. Send us your colored pictures (scan, email, regular mail) and we will share them on Sunday mornings and maybe also on our Facebook page.