January 5, 2024 Newsletter

Prairie Avenue

Christian Church

217.428.3327

www.prairieavenuechristianchurch.org

To be learning, loving, and serving disciples of Christ from the depths of our being to the ends of the earth.

A Stephen Ministry & Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Congregation

Worship Each Week & Daily Prayer

Attending weekly gives you the opportunity to re-center your life,

give God honor and glory, and remember what is really important in life.

This week we take a little break from the "usual" worship service routine (don't worry, hymns and communion will still happen!) to share where we are and where we are going as we approach our 100th anniversary. Some business to attend to, but generally a conversation about our mission and vision in this new year. Updates will be shared.

Pastor Jason will lead with scripture, reflection, and a time for congregational conversation.

And yes, communion will be served.

This Week's Prayer Calendar

Happy New Year!

Congregations: Parkway Gardens Christian Church, Chicago; First Christian Church Girard; First Christian Church Cadillac, MI; School of Ministry

Community: Decatur Public Schools Galloway, Nelson, and Clokey Park neighborhoods

Global Ministries: Mozambique

Pray with Mozambique, January 7, 2024 - Global Ministries

Lectionary Selection: Mark 1: 4-11 John the Baptist's preaching in the desert marks a moment of hope for the desperate people. The call to repentance is a call to trust God, which brings with him the hope of peace and well-being. ... Read more

Grow in Faith

through listening, paying attention, and reading 5 verses a day

Take a class, as you make friends and grow to know what learning, loving, and serving God and neighbor means in everyday life.

Use Your Gifts by sharing five acts of love and kindness each week

Serve God and neighbor by using your gifts and talents both inside and outside the walls of the church. Each of us have spiritual gifts and natural abilities to use to serve others and glorify God.

Worship Assistance Needed

The worship service slides are prepared. Coffee is hot, and donuts are served. Pastor Jason greets you at the door.

What's wrong with this picture? These tasks are handled and cared by Pastor Jason's family members in a majority of the situations. Every Sunday.

Help with Door Greeting? Your duties would be to arrive at the church no later than 8:50 am. Greet those at the entrance. Remain at the door until 9:40 am (about the time for "All God's children section of worship) for late arrivals.

Help with Worship Slides? Arrive in the balcony about 5 minutes before worship (9:25). Advance slides appropriately. Additional duties will be checking livestream when up and running.

Birthdays/Anniversaries

January 7 - 13

Birthdays

None

Wedding Anniversaries

None

Membership Anniversaries

(When you joined Prairie Avenue!)

None

If you know of a birthday or anniversary that has gone "Missing" from our list, please contact the church office at 217-428-3327. Thanks.

Give Regularly through five acts of generosity each month

Giving regularly not only supports the work of the church,

but also is your way of giving God priority in your life.

What we love is where we will spend first.

When we are able to give, it always deepens our faith

in loving and serving God.

Thank You for your generosity!

Did You Know?: You can automate your giving through your bank/credit union/financial institution! Nearly all online bill pay services can provide your contribution by mail or ACH (Automated Clearing House) without fees.

January Outreach Project

This church has previously collected items for the Dove Christmas baskets for teenage boys and girls.

This coming year, I want to start collecting items for Dove, Inc.'s domestic violence and Homeward Bound programs. Each month, we will collect 1 to 2 items to donate to these programs. The need is always there, not just around the holidays. This is our way of extending love, grace, and treasure to those in need.

For the month of January, we will collect feminine hygiene products. For example, pads, tampons, and vaginal cremes.) I have decided to start with these because these items are a luxury to the needy.

Donations of money are always accepted also. Please be generous.

Sincerely,

Amanda Butterick

General Fund Supports Operations & Ministry

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...

Building Fund Supports Repair & Updates

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.

Sanctuary Air Conditioning Repair Update

This past summer, the HVAC A/C equipment for the sanctuary wing was failing to keep it cool. King-Lar Company repaired a faulty capacitor and refilled freon. Our thermostats were also replaced. Our bill for service was $865. Contributions to the building fund to offset this expense are appreciated.

Give to the Building Fund

Decatur Crisis Nursery Project Update

Members of the Decatur Crisis Nursery Project group have recently visited the Crisis Nursery in Urbana. Heather Seitz has also met with the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) crisis nursery licensure representative for Central and Southern Illinois. The State Fire Marshall office needs to complete a building review for renovation and code requirements. The DCFS representative is willing to visit the Prairie Avenue site to review changes needed to be granted licensing.

The next crisis nursery group meeting is Thursday, January 18 at 11 am.

For instructions in registering your Kroger Rewards Card, Click Here.

The Organization code for Prairie Avenue Christian Church is: BY235.

Kroger Community Rewards Program News

$30.06 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 from July to September 2023.

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.

Share Your Faith by inviting 5 people to church this year

The God you worship is always revealed through your words and actions. Awkward conversations (i.e. "Are you saved?") are not necessary when your words and actions reveal the God you seek to learn, love, and serve.

In Other News

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