September 4, 2020
Dear Prairie Avenue Family,
A new month, a new month long sermon series, and we will have a new beginning in our facility history as we become the first solar-powered church in Decatur. We continue to be cautious in our group gatherings, and observing COVID-19 guidelines and practice in worship on Sunday morning. Several adjacent counties have been placed on state warning lists for a period of time due to rising cases or resource usage and capacity. We have been most fortunate in limiting the spread of this virus, and will continue to make informed decisions in handling our activities and events in a safe manner.
Worship This Weekend - Learning to Love Our Enemies
This weekend begin a new four week sermon series of learning to love our enemies. In these hyper-partisan, us vs. them world we live in, it may be difficult for us to think and practice loving behavior and action when we are around someone who has hurt or betrayed us. Exploring the practice of loving one's enemies will equip us to practice it in daily life.
This weekend we will explore the role and action of conflict resolution. Jesus offers a pathway towards reconciliation when conflict has occurred. Using communication and intentional steps towards regaining both injured party and the one who caused injury, we can often address, listen, and restore the relationship in risk of failure before it is too late.
Other News This Week
Solar Equipment Update Work began this past Monday on installing the necessary equipment to hold our solar equipment in place on both the Van Lear Education wing and sanctuary roof. Work is anticipated to be completed in two weeks.
Elevator Update Our meeting with Ameren Illinois confirmed our situation regarding the 3 phase service requirement for updating our elevator equipment: it would be cost prohibitive. We would have to purchase two service poles (at $5200 each) and then rewire the entire facility! Fortunately, our electrician crew from Roy Keith Electric was also present at the meeting and stated the possibility of an affordable alternative to satisfy current code requirements. I will keep you posted.
Daycare Exploratory Committee If you would like to be part of the exploratory effort, please e-mail me or call the church office 428-3327.
Regional Church Assembly The online only assembly for the Christian Church in Illinois and Wisconsin will be held on Saturday, October 17, 10 am to Noon. You can register to participate in the public activities and worship. I was nominated and consented to serve as secretary of the Regional Church Council, the administrative board of the regional church that I have served on for the past year as an at-large delegate. I will be formally elected to this position during the business meeting.
Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser We are awaiting confirmation for our second annual pumpkin patch fundraiser in October. Given that many of the usual venues will be restricted on attendance, we expect our event may be a popular alternative site. We are also looking at holding the youth group garage sale sometime in October, depending on COVID-19 guidelines.
See you in worship in the sanctuary on Sunday morning at 9 am or Saturday online at 5 pm this weekend!
