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Prairie Avenue
Christian Church
To be learning, loving, and serving disciples of Christ from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth.
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ROI: Talent Investment
Saturday, November 14, 5 pm - Online
Sunday, November 15, 9 am - Sanctuary
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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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This parable is really an extension upon last week’s lesson of the ten grooms-maids, as Jesus extends from a call to readiness with the phrase “For it is as if…” The second parable, or should I say, this 1.5 parable, builds from being wise and ready to act whenever the groom is announced to be coming to imagine a daring and fruitful way of living. Wise and ready. Daring and fruitful. These qualities will be necessary to enter the wedding banquet, to enter into the Master’s joy.
But what does this daring and fruitful life look like? It is not a reckless or thrill seeking one, but rather one which draws from wisdom and readiness, willing with even vigor, hope, and imagination to invest wholeheartedly the resources, not just of money, but also time, effort, talent, and humor to increase and multiply goodness of the world. The first two slaves were able to see a world where not just five generous talents or two generous talents could happen and be worked into life, but that the entire investment could become twice as much!
Only fear, which is often just uncertainty or worry about a possibility of loss rather than probable losing, can stand in the way, telling us it is best to bury a gift instead of sharing it with even the safest methods of worldly gain like a bank, can truly have costly consequences. For the third slave/servant, it was his perception of his master that drove him to fear and to bury the one talent. Notice what he said, that “I knew” how harsh and cruel you were, and how you gain from where you did not sow and gathered where you did not scatter. Rather than recognizing the Master’s generosity, he only saw someone to fear and someone to accuse.
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CURRENT MITIGATION MEASURES: Mitigation Tier 1 guidelines are now in effect for Macon County. It restricts occupancy and groups to 25% of State Fire Marshall Occupancy or 25 persons, whichever is lower. Our 25% sanctuary capacity is 32 persons, so our number is 25 persons maximum. Since resuming in-person services, we have not been above 25 persons. In-person worship services will be suspended if a positive case of COVID-19 of an attendee is announced, or further mitigations reduce our capacity to gather to 10 persons or less.
LIVESTREAMING OUR SANCTUARY: Work is beginning toward enabling the sanctuary to serve as our live studio, with quality video and audio equipment to be set up for online broadcasting. An estimate of $2,000 from Rutherford Video to install a two camera and audio recording and broadcast studio has been received. To assure no network issues or data loss, a separate data line is being installed in the sanctuary to be used by the livestreaming equipment. We have yet to receive an estimate for installing a LCD video screen above the baptistry.
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Morning Devotion
Each day, except Sunday, Pastor Jason shares a brief 4-7 minute scripture reading, reflection, response and prayer. This devotion is posted to Prairie Avenue's Facebook page.
Wednesday Youth Activities
Our youth group are meeting with COVID-19 guidelines in place. They are meeting every other Wednesday, 5 pm to 7 pm. At this time, no food is being served, but snacks brought from home are welcome!
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Pray with Ecuador Sunday, November 8, 2020
Lectionary Selection: Matthew 25:1-13 God, we come to you humbly and with thanks. We are so thankful for all that you have provided and all that you will provide for us in the future. Thank you for providing necessary resources, but also for...
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www.globalministries.org
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THANKSGIVING OFFERING FOR DISCIPLES-RELATED HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS TO BE RECEIVED NOVEMBER 15 & 22 |
The Thanksgiving Offering, received this year on November 15 and 22, directly supports programs and students on the campuses of Disciples-related institutions of higher education, including fifteen colleges and universities as well as seven theological institutions. While supporting these schools has always been an important focus for the Disciples of Christ, this year it is even more important. In the midst of national and global challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, our higher education institutions are facing unprecedented challenges and they need our support now, more than ever.
One example of this is the support and mentoring that Disciples students receive while attending a Disciples related college or university. Marci Mazza-Fredley, a student at Bethany College, shares what attending a Disciples related school means to her:
As a young disciple attending a Disciples of Christ affiliated institution, I have realized just how blessed I am. While being at
Bethany, I have drawn so close to my faith and seen the importance of calling on God when I am in times of need. Attending a Disciples of Christ related school has given me the ability to attend Bethany Memorial Christian Church and meet other young Disciples. It is difficult being a young adult attending college for the first time.
However, attending an institution where I can openly connect to my faith has reminded me just how important it is to lean on those around me when things get stressful. Being on this beautiful campus
has given me a calm environment to call upon God when I need to, while being surrounded by a family who will help me along the way.
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During the first week at Bethany, freshman attend a three-day camp-like experience called Camp Bell. This is where students are able to meet one another and engage in multiple ice-breaker activities. One of the activities this year was yoga; something that was easily done while social distancing. While doing yoga, the amazing bells from Old Main on campus began to ring. While we sat in the halls of Old Main, focusing in our breathing, our instructor told us that when we hear
the bells every day, we should do something that centers us. Now, every time I hear those bells, I pray. I look around me and think of all of the blessings God has given me in that moment; and
in every prayer, I thank God for this glorious opportunity to be here.
Despite the current challenges they face, the fifteen colleges and universities and seven theological institutions in covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) continue to encourage students like Marci in their intellectual pursuits and nurture them as leaders to transform church, society and world. The gifts received are an investment in our students and the work of our schools, and we thank you for your participation and continued support.
On November 15 and 22, please give generously to the Thanksgiving Offering. Your gift makes a difference in the lives of our students and it makes a difference in the world.
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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...
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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 |
$35.04 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 July -September 2020.
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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DOVE CHRISTMAS BASKET DRIVE: We will especially need volunteers Dec. 15 - 17 during toy distribution. Please call Kassie at 217.428.6616 at Dove if you're interested in volunteering! Must be willing to wear a mask to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
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