January 29, 2021
Dear Prairie Avenue Family,
With the sun shining (and the sunsets happening after 5 pm!), we inch closer to the return of spring, the end of winter, and with increasing access to COVID-19 vaccines, the probability of returning to some of our most missed activities, including in-person church gatherings & groups! I have some exciting news in the gatherings & groups to share with you, along with continued work toward sustaining our online presence through improved equipment.
Worship This Week: Created Anew-Being the Epiphany
Do you know a "know-it-all?" Often they are people who are highly intelligent, but often falter on being compassionate to others? They prefer to be right than to do the right things.
Knowledge puffs up, while love builds up, Paul reminds the Corinthians (and us) this weekend. Often knowledge is used in ways that benefit the one who has it, rather than the one who is needing it. It is not bad to be inquisitive, or to seek information and expertise. It is bad when you use it against others, to create stumbling blocks instead of safe passage, especially for those you encounter that you might call "weak."
Let your knowledge help lift others, rather than injure them. Often sharing a piece of the heart is better than giving a piece of your mind.
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
You should have received your 2020 contribution records this past week. Again, your generous support helps us witness our Christian mission and action in the world. Next week, we will be sending giving guides for 2021, along with pledge cards. These giving guides will assist you in spiritually seeking what God is calling you to do in response to support the mission of Prairie Avenue Christian Church. Each of us are called to give, and it is not for me to suggest or to judge the prudence or practicality of your giving. I will only ask you consider a worthwhile response in gratitude for all of God's good gifts to you.
WEEK OF COMPASSION SPECIAL OFFERING FEBRUARY 21 & 28: Joshua Mumbi used to spend much of his time collecting water.
When it rained, he would collect water running in the streets. Often he would spend much of the day walking to a local water source and carrying back buckets. Sometimes he would even travel to the water source with his family the night before, spending the night there so that they could bring back water in the morning. His mother,
Josephine, did not like to make the journey alone — it was not safe. There was not much time to go to school. And when he did go to school, Joshua Mumbi was very tired during the day. It was hard to focus; it was hard to learn.
But thanks to your gifts through Week of Compassion, Joshua Mumbi and his family — and all of the other families in his village — have a safe, clean water source close to home. With a new solar-powered borehole well, they have water for cooking, water for drinking, water for bathing and keeping things clean and sanitary. Because you let love flow, water brought new life to a whole community. Now children like Joshua Mumbi and his siblings can go to school every day, and a whole world of opportunity is open to them. Now the whole community is empowered to provide for their needs, plan for their future, and pursue new opportunities for growth. So that more communities can experience this new life, please give generously, and let love flow.
DISCIPLES MISSION FUND: It has been many years since we have shared our tithes and offerings in support of the Disciples Mission Fund. The Disciples Mission Fund is similar to our general fund, but instead of assisting our ministries and facilities, it distributes support to the ministries and facilities of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) throughout the United States and Canada, as well as globally. As part of our covenant with both the regional and general church, we are encouraged to share generously. For 2021, I ask that 1% of total general offering receipts be sent as congregational support of the Disciples Mission Fund. Let us resume our sustaining support of our regional church ministries through the Illinois-Wisconsin region, the Higher Education institutions such as Eureka College in Illinois as well as Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, and the office of General Minister and President Teresa "Terri" Hord Owens.
Nominations for Treasurer
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
FLOOR MAINTENANCE We recently asked R.D. McMillen Janitorial Services to provide us with an estimate to strip and rewax the hallways and rooms on the first floor of the Education Wing. These floors were last completed in 2014, and need to be serviced. The estimate is around $900 for over 2,700 square feet of wax removal and four coat wax treatment. We have accepted this estimate to service our floors in anticipation of the Lent/Easter season.
LIVESTREAMING EQUIPMENT: The equipment has been ordered and should be arriving in a few weeks.
CLASSES & GROUPS
DISCIPLES BAPTISM STUDY GROUP A study group for baptism candidates to explore the teachings and identity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will begin on Sunday evenings at 7 pm beginning February 21. All those interested in joining Prairie Avenue Christian Church by transfer or baptism are encouraged to attend, with six weeks of planned lessons.
ONLINE COURSES & BOOK GROUPS A series of course and study groups are being reviewed to offer online opportunities for Christian growth and understanding of spiritual practices and habits. One study group will be on prayer.
STEPHEN MINISTRY A training class to develop Stephen Ministry candidates will begin on Sunday mornings during Lent, following worship services. We are looking at both in-person and online options to facilitate this training. Additional information will be provided soon.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES While Decatur Public Schools have postponed their in-person classroom activity until mid March, we will resume Wednesday evening gatherings after February 14.
MUSIC ENSEMBLES & GROUPS We are anticipating the return of instrumental and vocal ensembles in time for Easter services. Look to the E-newsletter (or this note) for further updates.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Block By Block The Decatur Block by Block group is needing some space to store equipment for their upcoming projects this year. We have agreed to offer some space on the Second Floor of the Van Lear Education Wing. We look forward to providing additional support and volunteers later this year. They are working on some streetscape improvements for the Nelson & Clokey Park neighborhoods. Stay tuned for further updates.
EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER/CRISIS NURSERY Imagine what we would do if our mission was to do the following: that no child within our reach would be without faith, family, or food. Prior to COVID-19, we contacted the Economic Development Corporation for Decatur & Macon County to assist us in thinking differently about our facilities and our community. Upon looking at the many underutilized classrooms of the Van Lear Education wing, they suggested early child care as a needed community resource. I have also asked Ellen Moma about their ongoing before & after school camp programming at First Christian Church of Blue Mound. I am interested in seeing our space utilized for real community needs on a regular basis. If you would like to assist in this effort, please speak (or e-mail) to me! Thanks.
I am optimistic about 2021 and our continued response to God's calling for us as we approach our 100th anniversary in 2024!
Blessings to you all,
