February 5, 2022
Dear Prairie Avenue Family,
I hope that all is well and ended safely through our first major winter storm of the season! As is expected, 22nd Street (a state highway route) is cleared, Prairie Avenue is improving, and the parking lot has been partially cleared nearest to the building (and it is not too deep in the uncleared area). And just checking our solar energy production this afternoon reveals that some of the panels on the sanctuary have cleared of snow and the southeastern section of the education wing (which generated throughout the weather event) is clear.
This Sunday we study revelation. No, not the last book of the Bible, but the role of revelation in walking our Christian life. There are two forms of revelation: natural/general and special revelation. Natural/general revelation is how God is revealed through observing nature or natural processes of the world, or through arts, life experiences, and people, and by conscience, intuition, and reason. Special revelation is through the Holy Spirit, Scripture, and the human God sent into the world to reveal his nature and purpose, Jesus.
It is remarkable how much Jesus quoted from Scripture to reveal God's purpose and plan. When confronted with temptation, it was Scripture (and not supernatural authorities or powers) that Jesus defended himself against the Devil/Satan (who also could quote scripture).
Worship This Sunday:
The Walk: Study-The Importance of Listening and Paying Attention
This Sunday we continue the worship series The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Faith. In our journey of faith, we need guides and guideposts along the way to direct us. Fortunately, we are not without several! Observing the world, we notice patterns of reward as well as of consequence, a marvelous working, living, and breathing planet of life. As co-creators, we can also enhance our enjoyment and marvel through the gifts of the arts, whether music, word, dance or more! As creatures, we are blessed with a conscience, intuition, and reason to negotiate, feel, and respond to life's blessings as well as sufferings.
And then there are special guides for us as Christ-followers. The Holy Spirit, which Jesus promised to send to us as he was leaving the world, is with us. Scripture, the testimony of at least 40 different human writers, reveals God's will and nature, as well as our persistent shortcomings in living according to God's will and nature.
87% of all Americans own a Bible, but few have read it much. The 66 books that make up our testimony consist of the Hebrew scriptures/Old Testament (which Jesus quotes extensively) and the literature following Jesus' death and resurrection commonly called the New Testament. It is helpful to read and be familiar with Jesus' Bible, in other words, the Old Testament literature. One should make a regular goal of reading one of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) in a year. If you like a more targeted schedule for gospel reading, starting the Gospel of Luke on December 1, one chapter a day, would get you through the book by Christmas Eve.
Jesus gathered a small group of followers with whom he shared his life and teachings. The New Testament reveals that this group continued to gather together to share life and share his teachings following his death and resurrection.
Our essential Christian practice this week is to engage in regular study, both in groups and individually. The individual challenge is to start reading the Bible by reading five verses a day. The group challenge is to join a class or study or small group (some announcements are coming soon about Lent) once a year.
REMEMBER THE CHALLENGE LAST WEEK? Attendance of 90% of worship services in a year. Online attendance, at any time, will count towards this tally (missing no more than 5 Sundays is 90% attendance). Be sure to let the church office know when you attend!
If you could share a friendly "hi" or "nice to be here" in the Facebook (TM) live feeds, we can accurately record your attendance. Several of you have already consistently done something to let us know you are there. You can also send a note to prairieavenue@sbcglobal.net.
PLEASE NOTE: THE ELEVATOR IS NOT IN OPERATION AT THIS TIME
The Walk Book Available
Copies of Adam Hamilton's book, The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life are available for purchase! You may pick up a hardback copy in the church office for $10, or a large print paperback for $12.
If you think this series is familiar, it is! We were doing this study during Lent 2020.
Online Generosity News
Our 2021 audit has revealed substantial costs associated with our online giving portal and operations. Monthly fees and charges are making it lose money rather than increase our revenues! We are currently completing an application to move our online services to our financial services provider, Busey Bank, at greatly reduced costs in both monthly and annual charges and fees.
We do not anticipate any disruptions of service during this transition. We are also seeking to acquire a payment portal kiosk for bank card contributions to be received directly in the Narthex. If changes are needed with existing online contributions, we will contact contributors.
DOES YOUR BANK/FINANCIAL INSTITUTION PROVIDE BILL PAY SERVICES? If so, you can make sure your tithe/gift/offering arrives whether you are able to attend or not! Often when someone is absent, their offering is also. Or you left it on the table while coming to church! You can set up Prairie Avenue Christian Church as a "bill" (we are not, of course) and schedule timely checks to be mailed at no cost to our address. Many members have taken advantage of our online giving portal, but it also charges fees each time! Avoid the service charges and fees by setting us up as a regular payment through your bank/financial institution. Without fail, your support will arrive. Set your "payment" plan today.
My 2022 Wish List
I have just a few requests to be filled immediately.
Worship Leaders for 8 am or 9:30 am service: It is more than time for my voice to retire.
Live stream crew: Patrick Butterick has been an excellent team member of this important ministry. But Patrick cannot run it all! We need someone to handle the slides, and someone to be our "greeter" on the Facebook feed. A regular crew of three would be perfect!
Musicians/Singers: There is considerable distance between the altar and the first row of pews, in fact, is it greater than the minimum distance needed to reduce COVID risks involving singing. Our congregation will thank you. And if the desire is strong for a more blended/contemporary service, we need a guitar, drum, and more.
And lastly...
As announced earlier, I am scheduling a listening tour, asking you to speak about why Prairie Avenue matters in your life, what are your desires moving forward, and what your concerns? I know there is much love and devotion given to this near 100-year-old organization. COVID-19 has quickened our pace (in both positive and negative senses) and both near-term and long-term plans and decisions need to be made as part of a larger strategic plan.
I see these listening appointments happening in several stages and through several means. We can meet in whatever way is comfortable to you: in-person, online, or by phone conversation. Your thoughts and feedback are deeply appreciated and will shape our next steps in developing a strategic plan for 2022-2024.
