January 15, 2021
Dear Prairie Avenue Family,
Already we are halfway through the first month of the new year. In the midst of the horrible demonstrations and violent acts that occurred at our nation's capitol last week, there is also signs of hope as vaccines are being distributed to health care providers, health-vulnerable populations, and gradually to everyone to finally vanquish the unseen deadly enemy of COVID-19. Just today, some restrictions are being lifted for life and activity. While Decatur's region is not among those, it is looking ever more likely that we will soon see these restrictions relaxed as more herd immunity (and infection rates) decrease. Like the season of spring, we know a new day will come without pandemic as an ever-present reality.
As we have now passed the two-week point since our new year's festivities, I want to encourage you to return to in-person worship, if needed. We will continue to provide online livestream broadcasts (more about updates later), but I know that many feel they are missing out by not being physically present in our sanctuary. By next Sunday, we will resume our own bread and juice in the service rather than the packaged materials we have been using since June 2020. There are still some risk associated with singing in groups, and masks and social distancing will still be a part of our worship services until those restrictions are lifted. I am hopeful that by the season of Lent (which begins February 17), further COVID-19 precautions will be lifted and a full resumption will arrive in time for Easter 2021 (April 4).
Worship This Week: Created Anew-Christian Freedom
I continue to our Epiphany Worship Series Created Anew this weekend. Last week, we discovered that the first story of creation tells us less about how the world was created and revealed the nature of why God desired to create. Not as a playland for his whims or wants. God desired a relationship with co-creators, giving us the responsibility of creativity in partnership with the world around us. It was all declared good, not evil. This freedom to be creative is a gift from the Creator to us.
But we can abuse a gift as easily as we can use it. Our freedom is not without responsibility. Often our misuse of freedom comes with using it for ourselves and not for the benefit of others. When we think of freedom, we often associate it with freedom from something or someone. But God's freedom given to us is not for liberty, but for service. Our freedom is for something, rather than for ourselves.
What can we creatively do with God's gift of freedom? Will we use it for our advantage, or to lift up those still disadvantaged?
Do you celebrate freedom from, or share freedom for?
Join me at 5 pm Saturday online at our website or 9 am in-person or on Facebook to explore what it means to experience and share Christian Freedom.
Stewardship Corner
As we are finishing up our bookkeeping for 2020, I want to take this opportunity to share my gratitude for your generous support through this past difficult year. Many of you were able to increase your generosity to assist us while we were limited in our operations. Some of you faced hardships in employment or a decrease in income, yet continued to give. Whether it was online, in-person, or by postal service, your tithes and offerings arrived and provided for our faith community. You can expect your official giving statements to be put in the mail over the next two weeks.
Due to COVID-19, we did not hold our regular pledge drive this past fall. We will begin this in February. In preparation for this upcoming pledge campaign, I would like you to share why you choose to support Prairie Avenue Christian Church. It can be an e-mail, a letter, or just a few thoughts. Your encouraging words may motivate others to join, to consider, or to increase their financial commitment.
Nominations for Treasurer
Like many disruptions brought on by COVID-19, we were unable to host and hold our annual meeting. At this time, all officer terms have been extended into 2021. After several years of faithful service, Sondra LeHew has stepped down as our treasurer. We thank her for her work as we transitioned following the loss of another faithful servant, Louise Laskowski, in 2015.
The duties of the treasurer are currently being covered by remaining Board Officers and Trustees.. Since 2016, payroll and bills have been handled by Coffman Accounting. They provide us with regular reports and budget tracking. Responsibilities of the treasurer include handling the weekly deposits and the signing for bi-weekly payroll and bills, approximately 10-15 hours a month. If you would be interested in this position, please contact Les Ruffner 217-855-6361.
Building & Grounds
Our elevator passed its annual state inspection last month. We are still experiencing periodic malfunctions in losing floor calls (clearing buttons) and momentary stops in service or delays in door function. Many may remember a flurry of estimates, suggestions, and possibilities for addressing this issue. While it is 95% problem free at this time, the obsolesce of the motherboard (circa. 1986) can not be replaced without substantial building code updates.
The required work is called modernization. And the expected cost is over $90,000.
We have three ways to address this:
1) Fundraisers
2) Loans
3) Endowment draw
I will be meeting with Trustees and board officers to discuss our options and recommendations to address this unavoidable capital expense.
