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We are a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.
-Disciples Identity Statement
Dear Prairie Avenue Family,
This week in worship, we encounter Jesus and the disciples on the "wrong side of the tracks," or landing on the other shore of the Sea of Galilee, the Gentile area called the Decapolis, a region of ten cities. Upon arrival, Jesus encounters a man possessed by demons. According to him, their name is "Legion." The disciples are probably afraid and this encounter only confirms their bias; Gentiles are outside of their comfort zone.
If the work of salvation (restoration and re-communion) includes those we tend to exclude, how are we making outcasts into insiders, and broken communities into whole ones?
We met with Brock McCracken from Disciples Church Extension Fund on Thursday. A good group was present, and he gathered additional information, offered advice, guidance, and services as we discern our next chapter in ministry. Group consensus was to explore right-sizing our needs and contact real estate services that can assist us in developing an arrangement for the property. Brock commended us in our conversation, that is already way ahead of many congregations facing a similar situation. Already planning and discussing our future, even if it is unpleasant, uncertain, or uncomfortable, is a gift.
THIS WEEK IN WORSHIP: This Sunday's scripture reading is a mini-resurrection, death-to-life story. Jesus encounters a man possessed by a multitude of demons, a literal army. Roman legions were 6,000 soldiers. In other words, he is occupied, much like the residents of the Decapolis. The man is unhoused, naked, isolated, shackled, living among the tombs and therefore considered perpetually unclean and out of his right mind. By the story's end, he is welcomed, clothed, unchained, in his right mind, and sitting at Jesus' feet.
Jesus' ministry embodies courage and risk-taking — not as ends in themselves, but as essential means for bringing healing and vitality to our world. This moment presents an ideal opportunity for both individuals and faith communities to examine ourselves: In what ways can we more courageously and skillfully oppose the destructive forces around us — within our own hearts, throughout our neighborhoods, and across society at large? Are we truly following Jesus, empowered by the Spirit, into the heart of struggle? Do we have the courage to step into unknown territory so that those who are marginalized can find belonging and fractured communities can experience restoration?
These questions demand serious consideration. Jesus' work has a clear purpose and trajectory focused on healing and freedom, and the church is called not merely to announce this work, but to actively participate in it. In Luke's Gospel, when Jesus says "Follow me," he's inviting us to follow him into the storm, into darkness, even into places of death and despair (Luke 8:27). He's calling us to join the challenging but essential work of rebuilding what has been destroyed, liberating those in bondage, and enabling people to live with full dignity — essentially, the work of salvation (from the Latin salvus, meaning "wholeness" or "well-being") that transforms our inner lives, our relationships, and our communities. The Gospel's promise is that this life-affirming mission is already in motion, and God invites us to participate in this profound work of renewal and restoration.
PENTECOST SPECIAL OFFERING UPDATE: Thank you for your generous support of $617.70 for new churches and leadership development. $308.85 will remain in the soon-to-be-renamed Living Waters Region.
The Pentecost Offering supports the Disciples' new church development. Planning, nurturing, and sustaining new congregations is part of the Disciples’ vision. This offering supports the specialized ministry of new church development through both regional and general programs. Gifts for this offering are divided equally between the region in which they are given and the New Church Ministry. Please give generously to the Pentecost Offering.
DOVE, INC. HOMEWARD BOUND THANK YOU: Dear Rev. Jason Butterick and church members,
On behalf of Dove, Inc. Homeward Bound I would like to thank you for the donation of diapers, pull ups, men & women's personal hygiene items. Your support of Dove, Inc. Homeward Bound supports many individuals and families seeking services. your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Lisa Garner-Smith
Administrative Specialist
DOVE, INC. OUTREACH PROJECT: Our new collection drive will be AA and AAA batteries.
DOVE CHRISTMAS CARE & SHARE TEEN/PRE-TEEN GIFT DRIVE: We contacted Dove to get a list of suggested gifts for teens and pre-teens in their Christmas gift program. Here are suggestions from a MacArthur High School teacher who asked teens: Throw pillows, Back support pillows, Blankets, Makeup, Skin care and pimple stickers, Tumblers, Strip or string lights, Journals and fun pens, Games (Jenga, cards), Belt bags, Soccer balls, Slime, Nail polish and press on nails, Bead and friendship bracelet (could also be tween). We will begin collecting items now for the December program.
The Joint-Regional Assembly of the Christian Church in Illinois and Wisconsin and Michigan Regions (soon to re-emerge as Living Waters Region) will be held Friday, October 3 & Saturday, October 4, at the Tinley Park Convention Center in Tinley Park, IL. For more information, click here.
WEEKLY PRAYER LIST: Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors; Old State Road Christian Church, Charleston, IL; First Christian Church Watseka, IL; JYF Camp at Walter Scott; Day Camp at Crystal Conference Center Health: Dane Hodges, Donald Humphries, Virginia Johnson, Paul Kater, Sondra Lehew, Scott Marland, Charlotte Sutman, Debbie Volle Community: Decatur Public Schools, Galloway, Nelson, and Clokey Park neighborhoods. Global Ministries: Guatemala
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