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Prairie Avenue
Christian Church
To be learning, loving, and serving disciples of Christ from the depths of our being to the ends of the earth.
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Worship Each Week & Daily Prayer |
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REGULAR WORSHIP SERVICE SCHEDULE |
Traditional Service 8 AM SUNDAY. It's not worshiping without the organ, right? This service will have all the "bells" and stops pulled out for traditional hymns and organ offertories for early service.
Modern Service 9:30 AM SUNDAY. The blend of traditional hymns and contemporary choruses that developed over the COVID-19 season, with assistance from our Clavinova, will continue for this service.
Livestream Schedule Traditional Worship and Modern Worship services will be livestreamed.
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Did you miss a sermon or can't remember the good statement made by Pastor Jason recently?
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Soul Food: Eat to Live
August 8, 2021 Sermon
John 6:35, 41-51
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As I have grown and matured, my tastes and appetites have changed. Food that I used to loathe--Brussels sprouts, asparagus, sweet peas--has become some of my favorites. I still do not approach the daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, but it is much better than it was when I was a child.
This week's passages from Proverbs and the Psalms speak to the cultivation of healthy appetites for ways of life that will bring us to flourishing ends. The book of Proverbs gives us a wide-ranging collection of wise sayings and instructions for practical living. In particular, Proverbs 9 directs our attention to divine wisdom and her ways.
Wisdom is personified as a woman who manages and cultivates her household. This image of wisdom as a woman is notable and varied throughout Proverbs, as well as in the book of Job. In the preceding chapter, Proverbs 8, we find an extended treatment and exaltation of wisdom. She is of great value and highly sought after. She is positioned as a teacher and instructor whose lessons will lead her students to joy and life.
The Psalm dovetails beautifully with this appetite, asking directly, who desires life? Life is found in the fear of the Lord. It is sharpened and developed by being wise with our words, abandoning evil, and seeking after goodness and peace. The psalmist declares that the pursuit of righteous life will not leave us hungering for something else.
If everyone had an appetite for Wisdom's offerings, she probably would not have to call out from the highest places in town. Quite often, what we want and what we need are at odds with each other. But sometimes the only way to shift our tastes is actually to try something new. Wisdom is an acquired taste. It demands something more than us than just blissful comfort and uncaring activity. If we would be wise, we must adopt the spiritual diet that matures our minds, our mouths, and our motives. Soon enough, Wisdom will not have to call us; we will come running to her, hungry for more.
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Grow in Faith
through listening, paying attention, and reading 5 verses a day
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Morning Devotion
Each week day (Monday - Friday), Pastor Jason shares a brief 4-7 minute scripture reading, reflection, response, and prayer. The associated devotion is posted to Prairie Avenue's Facebook page.
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RETHINKING POVERTY STUDY
Seeking Shalom Small Group
Sundays at 10:45 AM
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Traditional charity is not working.
Join Pastor Jason as we explore the shortcomings and unintended consequences of traditional charity models and discover a better way to transform lives and communities.
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Out of concern for the health safety of all attending, please take note. During the event, vaccinated individuals may choose whether they want to wear a mask or not, masks will be required for all individuals while singing. Non-vaccinated individuals are requested to wear a mask at all times except when eating or drinking and to maintain appropriate social distance from others. On the day of the retreat, anyone who is not feeling well is asked to request a refund and plan to attend next year.
Costs
Friday-Sunday (Lodging at CWS) $82.00
Friday-Saturday (Lodging CWS) $60.00
Sat-Sunday (Lodging CWS) 68.00
Sat-Sunday (Commuter) $48.00
Saturday Only $40.00
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CCIW FALL WOMEN RETREAT
September 24-26, 2021
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After a COVID-19 cancellation in 2020, the 2021 Christian Church in Illinois/Wisconsin Fall Women Retreat returns!
The theme is Inside Out and the keynote speaker will be Vicky Woolridge (wife of former regional minister Scott) from Central Christian Church in Decatur, IL. As in the past, there is flexibility in the length of participation and in housing arrangements at Camp Walter Scott. Throughout the retreat, we will explore our theme with Vicky and scripture from the book of Ester, make crafts, pray for and with one another, and more. The evening will conclude with dinner and a movie and discussion that will allow us to further explore how we connect to our genuine selves in the midst of others' expectations and views of who we are or should be.
For more information, contact Rev. Dr. Beth Rupe, Coordinator CCIW Disciples Women at 309.224.0538 or email bethr@cciwdisciples.org
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Use Your Gifts by sharing five acts of love and kindness each week |
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Pray with Mexico, August 15, 2021 - Global Ministries
Lectionary Selection: 1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14 Prayers for Mexico: Mother and Father God, we pray for all those who flee their homeland in search of a life that is safer and more abundant. We pray that you guide and support ... Read more
Read more
www.globalministries.org
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Back To School: Protection Through Education in Serbia
In Serbia, only 3.9% of children from Roma settlements are included in preschool programs; primary school attendance is compulsory, but not free. Additional costs often prevent poor families from sending their children to school, putting children ...
Read more
www.weekofcompassion.org
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Give Regularly through five acts of generosity each month |
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Senior Companion Program Volunteer Opportunities |
The Senior Companion Program sponsored by Dove, Inc. provides senior volunteers who are 55 years of age or better, on a fixed income, and living in Macon County the opportunity to improve their quality of life by simply being a friend to isolated seniors. You must commit to weekly hours and you can earn an hourly nontaxable stipend, mileage reimbursement, paid holidays, and more.
Additional information is available here.
If you would like to volunteer, or need more information, please contact Kathy Walters, SCP Coordinator at 217.428.6616
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Northeast Community Fund Seeking Volunteers |
The NECF is currently looking for volunteers to work in either the clothing room or along the food line. It operates between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The greatest need is on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Anytime within those hours on those days would be fine. Responsibilities include:
• Unload trucks and/or stock the food pantry warehouses
• Sort donations
• Keep common areas clean
• Help clients choose from a variety of options
If interested, contact Josh Perkins at 217-350-3458.
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Immediate Service Opportunities Available |
We have many opportunities, both old and new, to share in service to God and the greater community.
We need worship leaders for 8 am & 9:30 am services. A schedule is being developed. Please contact Barb Hodges a 217-620-3268.
We need greeters! Greeters will arrive 20 minutes prior to either 8 am or 9:30 am service, standing outside of the elevator entrance. They will hold the door for everyone who is entering the building. Greet everyone with a smile and thank them for attending. Give directions to hand sanitizer and sanctuary. Remain at the door until 10 minutes after worship service has begun and secure the door. Greeters will leave worship just after communion is served to open the door following dismissal. Call the church office to get on the schedule for either (or both) services. 217.428.3327
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Board Officer Nominations |
Nominations for Board Officers in 2022 are being accepted. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we also need two Trustee vacancies filled. If you are interested, please call 217.428.3327. |
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General Fund
Donations given to the Prairie Avenue Christian Church General Fund support the year-round ministries of the church. Your generous support keeps our building, staff, and operations working for the mission of the church. The mission of Prairie...
Read more
www.continuetogive.com
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Fundraising Project - reFresh Capital Campaign
Announced at the State of the Church address on June 30, 2015, the reFresh capital campaign has two improvement/update priorities: updating HVAC equipment and internet/network accessibility.
Read more
www.continuetogive.com
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For instructions in registering your Kroger Rewards Card, Click Here.
The Organization code for Prairie Avenue Christian Church is: BY235.
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KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS DONATION |
$32.21 was raised by 14 households who have linked their Kroger customer reward cards to support Prairie Avenue Christian Church. The quarterly contribution is for shopping at Kroger during April - June, 2021
Joining to support the ministries of Prairie Avenue Christian Church is FREE. Any transactions moving forward using the Shopper’s Card number associated with your digital account will be applied to the program, at no added cost to you. Kroger donates annually to participating organizations based on your percentage of spending as it relates to the total spending associated with all participating Kroger Community Rewards organizations.
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Get Your Disciples Apparel and Gear Here!
Get your Disciples polos, hats, and hoodies in a variety of colors. Order by the 15th to be included in this month's production! 10% of the proceeds benefits the Disciples Mission Fund!
Read more
store.disciples.org
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"When you shop for items or gifts at smile.amazon.com/ch/37-6056944, AmazonSmile will donate a portion of your eligible purchases to Prairie Avenue Christian Church at no cost to you!"
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Prairie Avenue Christian Church is a listed charity with the Smile.Amazon program. Please use smile.amazon.com, and choose Prairie Avenue Christian Church for your generous support. We received a $5.33 donation from the AmazonSmile Foundation as a result of AmazonSmile program activity between January 1 and March 31, 2021.
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Share Your Faith through inviting 5 people to church this year |
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Imagine With Me:
What We Affirm
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"So I would say to anyone, the covenant will really cement the life of that congregation. So when pastors come and pastors go, the congregation knows we are Disciples of Christ, and it's a wonderful church to be part of." - Rev. Dr. William "Bill" Lee
Rev. Terri Hord Owens talks with Rev. Dr. William "Bill" Lee, the retired longtime pastor of Loudon Avenue Christian Church, about how covenant shapes our identity as Disciples.
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