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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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A Good Life: A Good Mind
Proverbs 1:20-33
Sunday, September 12, 2021
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Our passage this coming weekend comes from the final chapter of Proverbs, and it is one of those that either women will love or hate--nothing in between. Browsing a Christian bookstore website or mail catalog reveals dozens of titles describing how one might be a good wife, based on the direction in this passage, and our Bibles give this passage headings like "The Wife of Noble Character." And boy, is this woman amazing. Not only is she "lacking nothing of value"; she cooks dinner every night, runs a thriving business, takes care of the poor, dresses beautifully, and does not worry about the future. In short, she is someone who is easy to dislike. She sets a standard that is flatly impossible to meet, and her example is readily invoked to encourage or, alternately, shame anyone who orders one of those books on the measure of a Christian woman.
But there might be a better way to look at this passage than as a comparison or self-improvement expose. What if this advice from the Wisdom literature of the Old Testament is not really a guilt-inducing list of to-dos for women, but more a description of the kind of person we should be choosing to fill our lives? This instruction, after all, is not directed at the woman herself, but at the person who is seeking a worthy partner.
Many of the characteristics of the woman described in the passage are not just characteristics a good Christian woman should strive for: they are actually great qualities to find in any partner or friend. Think of how your life is impacted for the good when the people closest to you actively care about your well-being; exercise responsibility and care for the things they own; show empathy and kindness to those less fortunate. Keeping such company will encourage you to be generous and trustworthy too. When you think about what it takes to live a good life, the community you choose to surround yourself with can determine whether that happens.
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Grow in Faith
through listening, paying attention, and reading 5 verses a day
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Morning Devotion
Each weekday (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.
The Secret Place
The Fall 2021 (September-November) issue of the daily devotional magazine The Secret Place is available to pick up in the Education wing hallway. In regular or large print editions.
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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 Lesotho, September 19, 2021 - Global Ministries
Lectionary Selection: Mark 9:30-37 Prayers for Lesotho Oh God, like the earliest disciples, we sometimes do not understand. Sometimes we are afraid. Sometimes what we do understand seems overwhelming. But we take comfort in the fact that for...
Read more
www.globalministries.org
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Adopt-A-Street
Saturday, September 18, 10 AM
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Since 2018, Prairie Avenue Christian Church has been responsible for the litter pick-up of East Prairie and East Main near our facilities. Litter gitters, supplies, and water provided.
Demonstrate a love of neighbor through the clean streets surrounding our beautiful buildings this Saturday morning.
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Give Regularly through five acts of generosity each month |
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Reconciliation Offering
September 26 & October 3
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Our special offering will be taken on September 26, 2021, and October 3, 2021. Your advocacy and financial support are much appreciated.
For more than 40 years, Disciples have had a visible ministry to address racism in society. Gifts to Reconciliation Ministry, through its Offering or throughout the year, supports programs and initiatives aimed at dismantling racism. Reconciliation Ministry is not supported by Disciples Mission Fund.
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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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HSHS Homecare Illinois Hospice Program
Seeks Hospice Volunteers
Do you know how you can give the gift of caring?
HSHS Homecare Illinois Hospice program provides comprehensive care for people who are terminally ill as well as their families and loved ones. Becoming a hospice volunteer creates a way for you to make a tremendous impact on your community by giving families your help when they may need it most. If you are looking for a fulfilling, rewarding experience, and a feeling of community spirit, then this is the place for you. Volunteer duties include a variety of services based on the needs and strengths of each volunteer. We offer virtual opportunities as well! For more information about HSHS Homecare Illinois Volunteer Services, please contact Cassie Delaney at (217) 814-5268, or by e-mail at Cassandra.Delaney@hshs.org
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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 Program News |
$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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If your congregation is preparing to receive refugees, tell us about what you’re doing. Send your stories to news@disciples.org, or share on social media and be sure to tag #ccdoc.
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Dear Disciples
September 3, 2021
"As Disciples of Jesus Christ, our faith compels us to welcome the stranger- especially those who are in danger and seeking sanctuary. We encourage Disciples congregations to begin doing the groundwork now, and prepare to welcome refugee families to your local community in the weeks and months ahead."
General Minister and President Terri Hord Owens offers words of challenge and care as the United States and Canada welcome refugees from Afghanistan.
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Bloomington IL – The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) announces the new Associate Regional Minister for Transformation, Rev. Dr. Alex Ruth.
Rev. Dr. Alex Ruth grew up in various Christian traditions, which helps him celebrate the diversity of our faith. Alex first felt the call to ministry while working as staff at a summer camp but was hesitant to relinquish himself to that calling until later in life. Alex and his wife first encountered the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) when they began seeking a church home as they anticipated starting a family. Becoming ever more involved in his faith and the local church reignited Alex’s call to ministry.
Alex earned a Master of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary in 2006 and a Doctor of Ministry in Congregational Leadership from Bethel Seminary in 2016. Alex also holds certifications in leadership coaching and uses the coaching model to help clergy and congregations to discern their calling and strive to follow God’s leading. Alex also serves as the Associate Director of Disciples Men and teaches with the Center for Ministry and Lay Training at Phillips Theological Seminary.
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CCIW Announces New Associate Regional Minister of Transformation |
Alex will begin serving on November 1, 2021. As the Associate Regional Minister for Transformation, he will be focused on leader development, spiritual maturation, healthy congregation systems and community engagement. He will create networks and communities of experiential learning where failure is a learning tool. Alex will also support specific ministries: Healthy Congregation Facilitators, Coaches and AIM. He will provide pastoral care and oversight for search and call to congregations in South Central, Illinois as well.
Alex is married to his high-school sweetheart, Jennie. Together they have two young adult children: Mason and Kaia. Alex and Jennie enjoy spending time together cooking, camping, hiking, and canoeing/kayaking. They have two dogs and three cats of their own and live with one of their grandpups. Alex has a wide range of hobbies, including woodworking, cycling, running, swimming, and hunting.
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