April 2017Issue 69Volume 4

First United Presbyterian Church1303 Royal Heights Road • Belleville, IL 62223

618.233.0295 • www.firstunitedpres.org

We are a Christian church that glorifies God through meaningful worship, active discipleship,

faithful service and nurturing fellowship.

WORSHIPSCHEDULE

April 28:00 & 10:30 am

Meeting Jesus with FriendsJohn 11:1-44

April 9

Palm Sunday8:00 & 10:30 am

Meeting Jesus at the OfferingMark 12:41-44

April 13 Maundy Thursday

7:00 pm Joint Service at

Westminster PresbyterianThe Rev. Meg OverstreetThe Rev. Robert J. Dyer

April 14 Good Friday

7:00 pmJoint Service at

First United PresbyterianThe Rev. Robert J. Dyer

Matthew 27:45-54

April 16 Easter Sunday

8:00 & 10:30 amMeeting Jesus Outside the Tomb

John 20:1-18

April 23 8:00 & 10:30 am

What Do You Want?(Scripture to be determined by

congregation)

April 30 8:00 & 10:30 am

The Tests and Trials1 Corinthians 10:13 &

Genesis 37:16-28

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C O V E R A R T A N D I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y C R E AT I O N L A B , C O U R T E S Y O F P R E S B Y T E R I A N S T O D A Y

Meeting Jesus This Easter

As Christians, we have a variety of ways to express our relationship with God. Some will talk about ways God has provided opportunities.

Some will speak in very personal ways about an encounter they have had with Jesus. Some draw upon a specific spiritual experience with the Holy Spirit. And then some simply don’t perceive anything tangible, making their relationship with God a purely faith thing.

It really shouldn’t surprise us. We are limited creations trying to connect with an infinite God whose foolishness is beyond human

wisdom. God will be revealed to people in a multitude of ways. We have come to understand and accept that we don’t all perceive God the same way. However, in the Easter story, we have a specific historical event that changed so much on a physical, personal, spiritual, and faith level. In this one story, we hope to have a common meeting space for our stories. If we don’t think about it too much, we can get through Easter with nothing beyond some interesting traditions involving new Sunday outfits, candy, eggs, and a large bunny. If we do enter Easter with some intention, though, we just may have an opportunity to meet this risen Lord and Savior in a new way.

Intend this year to read along with the remaining Lent devotions the church is providing. Intend this year to look for the presence of God in each worship service. Intend this year to participate in the journey of Holy Week services. Intend to say the name of Jesus to your children or grandchildren more often than you speak about the Easter Bunny on Easter weekend. Pursue an experience with God this year and pray for it. Pray that God will reveal something that will build your faith this year.

You just might meet someone important again or for the first time.

In Christ, Pastor Rob

Stewardship and SermonsIn simplest terms, Stewardship is caring for the gifts and blessings received from God. Here are some thoughts from recent sermons by Pastor Rob. For the Good of All (2/5) The greatest of these gifts from God is the gift of forgiveness. That forgiveness not only frees us from the burdens of sin, it allows us the reciprocal privilege and benefit of forgiving others, and most importantly, restores our harmony with God. As stewards of the Lord, we are charged to create a community of love through kindness while being ever alert to the disruptive presence of Christ to ensure that our will is God’s will. May each of us use our blessings as God intended.As Yourself (2/19) “Thy will be done,” seems to be such a simple request. Pastor Rob reminded us that all the teaching of the prophets is based on two commandments: “Love God and love your neighbors as you love yourself.“ (Matthew 22:36-40)Meeting Jesus in the Temple (3/5) We need to let go of control and listen to Jesus knocking at our door. Meeting Jesus in the Graveyard (3/19) We are not called to be at rest, but rather to be willing to disrupt the comfort of our complacency by healing our own flaws first. Patient (2/12) We are called to create a community of love through kindness: love is patient. ~ God bless, The Stewardship Committee[Editor’s note: to read or listen to Pastor Rob’s past sermons, go to http://www.firstunitedpres.org/#/sermonsresources.]

New Blessing

Family News Information current as of March 26

Ministering to God’s People

In Our Prayers

April 2USHERING 8:00 amConi JacksonAllen Schmidt Kathy Schmidt USHERING 10:30 amKC ClaytonGigi & Roger CoxAdrian CroissantAlly DyerAustin Dyer (Jr. Usher)Will GagenSusy RybickiZack Tambala (Jr. Usher)LITURGISTJohn MannAMBASSADORRosemary EhrsteinPHONEMary TeagueBUS DRIVERKevin MederCOUNTERSDawn SittonMark WinlandHOSPITALITYQuiltersSOUND OPERATORAl KrausVIDEO OPERATORRich StehnachCHILDCARE ATTENDANTSJane BynumSeon Choo KimNatalie Maley-Bill

April 9USHERING 8:00 amJackie & Dan BainterLou Stark USHERING 10:30 amBrenda DollSharon & Jerry GaskillDelaney Giles (Jr. Usher)Gabby Mokriakow (Jr. Usher)Marian & Jim MorrisDee PalmerBetty ScherrerDean WallenACOLYTESCarson DyerColin WiltsieLITURGISTMelissa EppsAMBASSADORBabs HillPHONEJane WilkinBUS DRIVERMatt HallCOUNTERSDawn SittonMark WinlandHOSPITALITYMaryMarthasSOUND OPERATORDan HarresVIDEO OPERATORAlex TambalaCHILDCARE ATTENDANTSCathy JensenJessica MokriakowTerri O’Saben

April 16USHERING 8:00 amDonna BockBillie & Steve ChaneyUSHERING 10:30 amHeaven Beckett (Jr. Usher) Babs HillElizabeth KearnsAl KrausCyndi & Ed LangenAmber Lankford (Jr. Usher)Shawn Lankford Bruce ReederLarry ScottACOLYTEFaith BeckettLITURGISTDick PalmerAMBASSADORBrenda & Roger DollPHONEPat DayeBUS DRIVERDennis HubbardCOUNTERSDawn SittonMark WinlandHOSPITALITYCoffee Cake SundaySOUND OPERATORMark VandiverVIDEO OPERATORRich StehnachCHILDCARE ATTENDANTSLaura HallLeah & Shawn LankfordElizabeth Schramm

April 23USHERING 8:00 amTerry & Dan O’SabenUSHERING 10:30 amAmy AbernathyNathan Dyer (Jr. Usher)Dan HarresGrace FarinasDee & John MannShirley & Bob SamplesACOLYTESJoy HunterLITURGISTSheila MisselhornAMBASSADORSharon & Jerry GaskillPHONEPam Halel Linda GurrBUS DRIVERRoger CoxCOUNTERSBill BeebeKevin MederHOSPITALITYDeaconsSOUND OPERATORDave EppsVIDEO OPERATORAlex TambalaCHILDCARE ATTENDANTSGigi CoxPam & Danny HalelLarissa Venhaus

April 30USHERING 8:00 amConi JacksonAllen Schmidt Kathy Schmidt USHERING 10:30 amKC ClaytonGigi & Roger CoxAdrian CroissantAlly DyerAustin Dyer (Jr. Usher)Will GagenSusy RybickiZack Tambala (Jr. Usher)LITURGISTYouth LiturgistAMBASSADORDaphne SumnerPHONEJanice HoenigBUS DRIVERDennis HubbardCOUNTERSBill BeebeKevin MederHOSPITALITYMen’s Bible StudySOUND OPERATORDave EppsVIDEO OPERATORRich StehnachCHILDCARE ATTENDANTSConnie DarnellNancy KreebDee Mann

For the family and friends of Carolyn Adkins who died on March 7 in St. Louis. For the family and friends of Phillip Zeigler who died on March 11, in Red Bud, Illinois. For Janet Spencer (former organist) on the death of her husband, Denny Spencer, who died on March 16 in Belleville. For Brenda and Roger Doll on the death of Brenda’s father, Joseph Powell Bennett, who died on March 18, in Sherman, Illinois. For Betty Scherrer on the death of her cousin, Robert (Bob) Hohn, who died on March 21 in Belleville. For Hal Clinton and family on the death of his wife, Jan Clinton, who died on March 26 in O’Fallon.

Our Deepest Sympathy

Bill BurkeJean CanaleIrene CoverdellMary DielRev. Chuck and Jimmie Lynn Linkston, Australia (see p. 7)Marguerite FrenchJohn GreenAnnette Grove

Sue HallHelen Handley-FabreBernice Handrich Mary HottoLucile Katty Bonnie KrauseAlbert Killmeier (Marti Gibson’s brother)Bill LawrenceHenri & Ted Lawrence

Jeanette McCurdyEvelyn MeyerLane MillerMary Ellen PollockNancy ReineckerWanda Lee Schmidt Steve Schmidt Isabelle Vogel All world leadersOur nation’s leaders

Alyk Hancock was born on February 17 in Maryville, Illinois. He is is the son of Gail and Kyle Hancock and the grandson of Karen Caldwell. Guinevere Marie Sheridan was born on March 10 in O’Fallon. “Winnie” is the daughter of Angie and Chris Sheridan, granddaughter of Jan & Dennis Nevois and Wendy & Dick Sheridan, and great granddaughter of Carolyn Friedewald. Emery Virginia Miear was born on March 15 in New York City. Emery is the daughter of Christine and Alex Miear and the granddaughter of Karen and Aubrey Miear. Hezekiah Caslib Hesdra was born on March 25 in the Philippines. He is the son of Michael and Josephine Hesdra, the grandson of Mary Hesdra, and the great grandson of the late Mildred and John Bonhard.

Our enemiesOur eldersOur deaconsOur trustees Our Church staffOur Stephen MinistersOur efforts to grow spiritually Our efforts to express our faith clearly

Our efforts to discover & use our spiritual giftsOur efforts to serve the communityOur efforts to care for one anotherOur efforts to reach new believersPresbyterian Community Preschool

People who are depressed and anxiousFor immigration issues affecting the family and friends of Martha Tambala

Presbyterian WomenKindercottage Easter ItemsPresbyterian Women will begin to collect items to fill Easter baskets for children at Kindercottage. This is one of the missions supported by First United. Small toys, books for babies through elementary age, and

candy can be left in the box near the Highway 161 entrance to the Chapel. These items will be collected through April 2.

April GatheringPresbyterian Women (PW) will meet for lunch on Friday, April 7, at 11:30 am in Eversull Hall. The program, “Birds of a Feather,” will be presented by Mardi Mauch. The collection and dedication of the Least Coin Offering will be held. Lydia Circle will host, and the lunch cost will be $4. Reservations should be made by Monday, April 3, by calling the Church Office, 233-0295, or by signing up through your PW Circle.

Presbyterian Women’s Circles in AprilA circle is a small group of women who meet monthly. In each circle, faith is nurtured and growth takes place through worship, Bible study, fellowship and outreach. There are three circles which meet at different times and days.

April 5: Lydia Circle, 7:00 pm, Conference Room (200)April 18: Lamplighters, 1:00 pm, Cornell Commons April 19: Hannah Circle, 11:30 am, Eversull Hall

For more information, contact PW Moderator, Mary Jo Mordhorst, 397-4914.

April 22: Salad Luncheon and Fashion ShowThe PW Salad Luncheon and Fashion Show will be Saturday, April

Menu for April

Canned Chicken

Brown or White Rice

Canned Mixed Vegetables (no or low salt)

Canned Fruit (lite or in fruit juice)

Powdered Milk

Additional Items:Kid-Friendly Month

Peanut Butter

Jelly (plastic container)

Macaroni & Cheese

GIVE-A-MEAL-A-MONTH

Monetary donations always welcome.Sponsored by Presbyterian Women

22, at 11:30 am in the Gym. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased from circle leaders or from the Church Office. Models will walk among the tables wearing fashions from Dress Barn, accompanied by piano music.

Additional Upcoming Dates for PW April 28: Coordinating Team meeting, 9:30 am May 5: Monthly Gathering with luncheon, program by Jackie Bainter, “All Around the Garden,” and installation of officers

Give-a-Meal-a-Month (GAMAM)Thank you for supporting this program! The menu above suggests non-perishable items to buy during April. All items collected are taken to the Catholic Urban Program Food Bank which ministers to families in the Metro East. Fill up a yellow GAMAM bag or fill your own bag and bring the items to the church. Monetary gifts are also welcome; make checks payable to First United Presbyterian with the memo to PW GAMAM.

Preschool Registration Continues Classes are filling up for the 2017-2018 school year! If you know of family or friends who might be interested in enrolling their children in the Presbyterian Community Preschool, please encourage them not to wait. They can call the Preschool, 233-4809, and schedule a Meet and Greet to learn more about the MWF class for 3 year olds and the TTh class for 4 year olds. A $35 registration fee per family is due at registration. Tuition will be $150 per month.

Blankets+ ReportThank you to everyone who contributed to the Blankets+ Fund. Our church is giving $1,276.50 to help Church World Service provide warmth, hope and care during cold and trying times. ~ PW Together-in-Service Committee

Scholarships AvailableThe Scholarship Committee of Christian Education announces that scholarship applications for the 2017-2018 academic year will be available beginning April 1 in the church office. All completed applications are due no later than May 1. The following scholarships will be awarded: the Presbyterian and Ray Angerer Scholarships to associate, bachelor, or graduate

level students; the Paul Cornell scholarship to those pursuing a Christian vocation; and the Louise M. Erwin Scholarship to a graduate level student in a therapy-related discipline with a plan to work with children (Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Speech Therapy).

Grief Support CornerI have really struggled with this subject. How can I encapsulate all that working at Heartlinks for 20 years has taught me about grief? Instead of what is grief, I’m going to tell you what it isn’t. It’s not just 5 stages. It does not follow a predictable timeline. It is not smooth and it is not short term. It doesn’t look the same for people, even people in the same family who lost the same person. Grief does not give you closure - that is a myth. You don’t get over grief, in fact, grieving people won’t want closure on a relationship with a person that they lost. They just want to find a way to move into a newly unknown unanticipated unplanned future with a little less pain. They want to find a way to maintain a connection with the person they have lost. Be patient. Be open. Be flexible. Be long term. Shut down your judgments. I don’t know what grief is but it isn’t easy. ~ Article written by Diana at Heartlinks Grief Center.

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Adult Discipleship

Adult Fellowship

Easter, April 16: No Sunday School classes

Pastor’s Class (Sundays, 9:15 am, Vista Room, 206)• April 2: “Race and Reconciliation” – Pastor Rob DyerThe discussion on race and reconciliation using the Confession of 1967 and the Confession of Belhar will end on April 2. • April 23 & 30: Coffee and Conversation with Pastor Rob Grab a cup of coffee, and come spend an hour asking questions and chatting about whatever the group wants to discuss with the pastor.

Adulting (Sundays, 9:15 am, Library)This class will join with Pastor Rob’s class, “Race and Reconciliation,” on April 2. Beginning April 23, the class will move back to the newly refurbished Library. Shawn Lankford will lead discussions of the book, The Year without a Purchase: One Family’s Quest to Stop Shopping and Start Connecting, by Scott Dannemiller. The author and his wife are former PCUSA missionaries who served in Guatemala. Ten years removed from their vow of simple living, they found themselves on a never-ending treadmill of consumption

where each purchase created a desire for more and never led to true satisfaction.

Thoughtful Christian Gathering (Sundays, 9:15 am, Conference Room, 200)• April 2 & 9: “Walking the Way of the Cross with Paul” – Sheila Misselhorn and Jim NicholasThe Apostle Paul has often been considered a controversial figure in early Christianity, especially in modern times. Paul’s own complex and sometimes contradictory writings are partly responsible for his mixed image. Yet at the heart of his difficult texts (and difficult life) was a simple but potent realization: God had sent Israel a crucified Messiah. During these two classes, participants will learn about Paul’s understanding of the cross, reflect on their own weakness and God’s power in them, and articulate what the cross means for Christian living. • April 23 & 30: “The Holy Spirit” – Roger Doll This 2-week study will assist participants in developing a better understanding of the third member of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, through exploration of Bible verses and confessions.

April 2: Merry Mates’ Plant SaleSunday, April 2, is your last chance to order beautiful spring flowers for spring planting and Mother’s Day! Look for order forms and a sign-up table for the Annual Merry Mates’ Plant Sale. Plants will be picked up in the Gym on Saturday, May 6, from 9:00 am until noon.

There will be no Merry Mates’ meeting in April.

April 12: Faith in FictionThe Quartet Orchestrating the Second American Revolution, 1783-1789, by Joseph J. Ellis, tells the story of why the thirteen colonies, having just fought off the imposition of a distant centralized governing power, would decide to subordinate themselves anew. Ellis gives us a dramatic portrait of one of the most crucial and misconstrued periods in American history: the years between the end of the Revolution and the formation of the federal government. We will meet at 9:00 am, April 12, in the Youth Room (121). For information, contact Susy Rybicki, 792-9458.

April 15: Sand Dollar Easter Bunny BreakfastThe 35th Annual Sand Dollar Easter Bunny Breakfast will be held on Saturday, April 15, from 9:00 -11:30 am in the Gym. Activities include a continental breakfast, pictures with Mrs. Bunny, face painting, Harvey the Juggler, door prizes and an Easter egg hunt (rain or shine). Bring your family and have a fun morning together. Children should bring their own baskets. The cost is $3 per person, and children under 3 are free. No advance ticket purchase necessary. You don’t have to be a member of the church to bring the family. For more information, call Ellen and Bill Beebe, 398-5080, or Karen and Mike Cassano, 977-5386.

April 25: Potlucks with a PurposeThe next meeting will be Tuesday, April 25, at 6:30 pm, in the Vista Room (206). Everyone is asked to bring a dish for the potluck; then we each donate an amount we might have spent to dine out that evening. Come enjoy delicious food and fellowship and help to support worthy causes; new project ideas are always welcome. Jane Unger, from Dignity Period, will present the program. For more information, contact Sheila Misselhorn, 538-9503, or dsmissel@aol.com.

Veterans’ Life GroupQuilts of Honor This program will honor First United veterans. We will make approximately 45 quilts for our members and present them later this year. If you wish to participate in making these special quilts, please contact Diane Richardson, 717-756-9133. April 13: Fellowship Breakfast Our next monthly Fellowship Breakfast will be on April 13, at 7:30 am, at Denny’s in Belleville. This has proven to be a popular, informal gathering and all Church members are invited.May 27: First Annual Memorial Day BBQ We are proud to announce our First Annual Memorial Day BBQ on Saturday, May 27. Lunch will be available to all but will be provided FREE to those families who have lost a loved one while serving in the military. For everyone else, no advance tickets will be sold but donations can be made at the door. For the families we are honoring, we encourage you to bring a picture of your loved one to be displayed at our “Table of Honor.” More details to follow. Please Save the Date!Trip to a Veterans’ Home As a new community activity, we are also considering a field trip to a Veterans’ Home. Often these heroes have no local family. We know we can bring smiles to their faces and honor them for their service.

Our United HeritageRescued!

The story of the bell from the First Presbyterian Church in East St. Louis and how it was rescued

is quite rich. The bell, once almost demolished, now graces our new patio outside Eversull Hall.

The bell was cast by the William Kaye Foundry established in 1841 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Mr. Kaye was trained as a machinist in England before immigrating to Louisville in 1836. In 1892, he was elected to the Louisville City Council and later as Mayor of Louisville . Also in 1892, the East St. Louis church at Thirteenth Street and Gaty Avenue was built, complete with “a massive brick bell tower [that] rose dramatically at one end of the building.” The bell was said to have been used at a church on Bloody Island in East St. Louis; however, that cannot be confirmed.

In the 1990s, Bob Cook learned the church at Thirteenth and Gaty was to be razed. Gene

Duvall remembered that the bell was not included when the building was sold to the Mount Sinai Baptist Church. Bob then obtained a copy of the bill of sale from the Presbyterian Church History Center in Pennsylvania. When presented with that contract, Johnny Scott, an active member in the Mount Sinai church, gave a crew from First United access to the building to remove the bell.Luckily the belfry was open, so the crew had only to remove a railing from one side of the structure and move the bell from its mounting to the edge where a crane lowered it to a flatbed truck. The bell was then put in a temporary mounting and cleaned before being moved into Eversull Hall and subsequently to its new location.

Cornerstone

The cornerstone for the First Presbyterian Church, East St. Louis, was laid on June 23,

1892 during construction of the new church at Thirteenth and Gaty. From this location, it was first moved to the church at Sixty-ninth and State Streets, East St. Louis. Some time after 1982, the cornerstone was moved to First United.

Bell and Cornerstone DedicationOn Sunday, February 19, the bell and cornerstone from First Presbyterian Church, East St. Louis, were dedicated in their new location on the patio here at First United.

Then...

and now.

THANKS TO BOB COOK, MARY JO MORDHORST, AND ROSE DUVALL FOR INFORMATION FOR THIS ARTICLE. QUOTES AND DATES FOR THESE ARTICLES ARE FROM Our Strength Renewed BY CARL R. BALDWIN.

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From the Mission CommitteeMeet Our Mission Co-WorkersRev. Chuck and Jimmie Lynn Linkston are another of the mission worker teams supported by the FUPC congregation. They strive to develop a fruitful ministry to the marginal members of Australian society: the homeless, the hungry, addicts, ex-convicts, and the mentally ill. Until recently they served in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia’s island state. They are moving to Perth in Western Australia.

Chuck and Jimmie Lynn Linkston are church planters for Mission to the World, part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). On any given Sunday, less than 2 percent of Hobart’s population attends a church of any kind. The number of Australians who claim to be Christian continue to decline. The Linkstons are convinced that “living” the gospel is the only hope for the transformation of the Aussie people and culture. Evangelism/outreach, mercy ministries, and culturally-focused discipleship marked their first church plant, Churchfreo in Fremantle, Western Australia, and are key in their vision for subsequent works.

Chuck served on the staff of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Asheville, North Carolina, for ten years. He graduated from Montreat College with a B.A. in Bible/religion. Jimmie Lynn has a B.A. in sociology from the University of North Carolina and is an active partner with Chuck in ministry. The Linkstons have served in Australia since 2002. ~ Article courtesy of mtw.org

Adopt-A-HighwayWatch the Bulletin and e-Weekly for starting dates this spring. If your group would like to take a day to serve, contact Andy Morgan, 257-1935 or ajm6116@att.net.

Visit the Mission CommitteeThe committee meets in the Conference Room (200) at 6:30 pm on the fourth Wednesday each month. Our meetings are open to all, and we hope you will visit.

Racial Harmony Awards

Over 300 people attended the Racial Harmony Awards for students in Grades

K-12. These awardees showed by their actions that they knew how to treat their fellow students. First United was pleased to help the Racial Harmony board members with these presentations. There were 22 FUPC volunteers to help with this event. Thank you to God’s servants.

Ashes to Go!

On Ash Wednesday, Pastor Rob and Pastor Meg Overstreet from

Westminster visited Lindenwood and SWIC for the distribution of ashes to students.

P H O T O S B Y R E V . R O B D Y E R A N D R E V . M E G O V E R S T R E E T P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F R A C I A L H A R M O N Y

Children & Youth LifeChildren’s Chapel

This is the season of Lent… the time we get ready to celebrate the mystery of Easter… the time we are all on our way to Jerusalem. But who will show us the way?… Jesus shows us the way.

During Lent, this is how each of God’s stories begins in Children’s Chapel. In this special place of worship, children walk more slowly and talk more softly because someone might be talking to God. During the 10:30 worship service, children gather in the front of the Sanctuary with Pastor Rob for a time of sharing faith. Then, children ages 3 through 3rd grade are invited to continue their worship in Children’s Chapel, a worship space adjacent to the Sanctuary. During April, children will hear the stories of Jesus the King, Jesus’ Last Passover, Jesus is Risen: Appearance to Mary Magdalene, Jesus is Risen: Road to Emmaus, and Jesus Appears to Thomas.

FaithQuest in April FaithQuest is the Sunday morning Sunday School class for students in grades K-5. The April rotations will be The Easter Story and Resurrection and Doubt. Each week, students will meet in the Sanctuary at 9:15 am and then move to different locations.

Mark Calendars: Faithful Family CelebrationsOn the Wednesdays of July 12, 19, and 26, the Christian Education Committee will offer a program for family spiritual development called “Tell Me a Story – Making God’s Story Our Story.” Focused on families with children birth through grade 5, each evening will begin with dinner at 6:00 pm followed by devotions/music at 6:30. Then for children, there will be break-out times with crafts and recreation, and for adults, sessions on family celebrations and the church’s story (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, Ordinary Time, and All Saints’ Day). The evening will end with an activity that will end by 8:00 pm. More details next month!

April 12, Wednesday: No Youth for PYC, KIX, and TIMApril 16, Easter Sunday: No Sunday School Classes

PYC (Presbyterian Youth Club) News (grades 3-5) • April 1: PYC Mystery Day Save this date for a fun-filled day of fellowship and mystery around the greater St. Louis area. • Wednesdays, April 5, 19, and 26: Regular meetings of PYC, 5:15-7:30 pm; Homework Club will follow until 8:15 for those with older siblings in KIX and TIM.• Wednesday, April 12: No PYC meeting during Holy Week • Sunday, April 30: Youth Sunday. PYC will help lead worship.

Mound Ridge Summer CampInformation is now online about summer residential camps available at Mound Ridge Retreat Center for our Presbytery in Missouri. Check out http://moundridge.org/sample-page/summer/residential-camp/ for details. Scholarships are available from the Brett Williams Campership Fund. See Stephanie Foltz.

KIX (Kids in Christ) News (grades 6-8)• Friday April 21-Saturday April 22: Presbytery Wide Middle School Retreat. We will meet at 5:00 pm on Friday (bring a sack dinner for the bus) and return around 6:00 pm on Saturday. Cost is $30. Sign up by April 5.• Sunday, April 30: Youth Sunday. We will help lead both worship services.

Attendance and Giving

Date Worship Pledges & Contributions Attendance as of February 28, 201702.05.17 288 Pledged $53,305.20 02.12.17 268 Unpledged 7,767.75 02.19.17 285 Loose Offerings 508.7602.26.17 281 Per Capita 884.00 Schnucks eScrip Cards 60.51 Blankets+ 1,276.50 Trivia Night 4,595.00 Capital Campaign Funds 28,382.69 Additional Information: Online Giving* 4,797.00

* The Online Giving amount is not a separate income, but is incorporated in the other income categories.

If you have questions, please contact the Budget Committee Elder, Joe Fedak, 233-1213.

February 2017

TIM (Teens in Ministry) News (grades 9-12) • Wednesday April 5: TIM Mission Trip Meeting at 7:30 pm for all youth AND parents for the Puerto Rico Mission Trip. This meeting will be filled with important information and it is crucial that all youth and parents are present.• Thursday, April 6: UKirk St Louis is holding a Faith Going Forward event on Thursday, April 6 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Ladue Chapel. This event is to learn about college ministry opportunities, connect you with other students from the area who will be attending the same college, learn about opportunities here in St. Louis to stay connected, and hear from current college students. This event is free with dinner included. • Sunday, April 30: Youth Sunday/High School Senior Recognition. We will help lead both worship services and recognize our graduating seniors during the 10:30 service. A lunch will follow the service for the seniors, their families, mentors, and TIM volunteers.

Trivia Night Thank YouThank you to everyone who attended, donated and helped with the 2017 Youth Ministries Trivia Night! We had a great turnout and raised $4,595 to be used for youth summer trips! I would also like to thank the following for their contributions: Jackie & Dan Bainter, Mary Blodgett, Joslynn Brooks, Karen & Mike Cassano, Wanda & Dave Cawvey, Gigi & Roger Cox, Connie & Don Darnell, Peter Dodge, Loren Elliott, Brenda & Joe Fedak, Stephanie Foltz, Danny Halel, Laura Hall, Pat & Rick Hargrove, Norma Jackson, KIX & TIM Youth, KIX & TIM Parents, Kristen & Andy Link, Nancy Lonsdale, MaryMarthas, Norma Mason, Merry Mates, Jan & Dennis Nevois, Susy Rybicki, Diane Richardson, Sand Dollars, Shirley & Bob Samples, Kathy Surgeon, and Bob Wells. ~ Kaitie Kautz, Director of Youth Ministries

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St. Louis Art Museum Tours – Reservations Needed The Christian Education Committee invites you to join FUPC member and St. Louis Art Museum docent Dede Farquhar on two tours. 1) April 12, Wednesday: “Imaging the Way to the Cross”Offered during Holy Week, this tour will highlight paintings, prints, and drawings in the collection with the opportunity to visit the Museum’s private print room. This tour is free and is limited to 22 people. Reservations are required by Wednesday, April 5, by contacting Stephanie Foltz, sfoltz@firstunitedpres.org. Participants will meet at 9:15 am in the Commons and travel by bus to the Art Museum for a 10:30 tour. Lunch will follow, with individual checks. The bus to FUPC will leave the Museum at 2:30 pm.

2) April 26, Wednesday: “Degas, Impressionism & the Paris Millinery Trade” The exhibition examines a period of Degas’ study of Parisian life. It features 60 paintings and pastels by Degas and other impressionists as well as an array of period hats. Many of these objects have come from museums or private collections around the world (http://tinyurl.com/lk9x3ce). The cost to visit the exhibit is $15 (members free), with a limit of 22 people. Reservations due by April 19; contact Stephanie Foltz. Please meet at 9:45 am in the Commons to travel by bus. Prior to the 1:00 pm tour, participants can visit other exhibits in the museum, eat lunch on their own at the Café or bring a brown bag lunch to eat outside in the sculpture garden. The bus to FUPC will leave the Art Museum at 2:45 pm.

One Great Hour of SharingThis is one of our four special offerings taken during the year. Here is a brief history of the offering.

Started in 1949, One Great Hour of Sharing is a long-standing ecumenical effort aimed at raising funds to provide relief and reconstruction for communities in the aftermath of disaster. What started as an hour-long radio appeal has evolved over the years, varying from eight to twenty-nine participating denominations; this has become the best supported offering in PC(USA). Projects supported by One Great Hour of Sharing are underway in more than 100 countries.

One Great Hour of Sharing makes a difference in the world through three impactful programs:•  Presbyterian Disaster Assistance works within communities as they recover and find hope after the devastation of natural or human-caused disasters. PDA receives 32% of funds raised.•  Presbyterian Hunger Program takes action to alleviate hunger and its systemic causes, and helps create access to healthy food for entire communities. PHP receives 36% of funds raised.•  Self-Development  of  People  partners  with  people  and communities with tools for development and education to alleviate poverty, oppression and injustice. SDOP receives 32% of funds raised.

Each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing serves to help change the lives of people in these challenging situations. Sharing resources changing lives. Together we can make a world of difference.

High School Students Needing Service Hours Sand Dollars could use additional help with the Easter Bunny Breakfast on Saturday, April 15, from 8:00 - 11:30 am: face painting, hide eggs, as runners to and from the kitchen, clean up, and help in general. Please contact Karen Cassano, 977-5386.

Until April 13: Reduce for Reuse! Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is now collecting donations for the annual Book Bazaar. Books, sheet music, vintage magazines (prior to 1945), phonograph records, cookbooks, yearbooks, CDs, movie videos and DVDs are now being accepted. Donations may be placed in Book Bazaar barrels at different locations in Belleville

and O’Fallon or dropped off through April 13 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 8:00-11:00 am, at the Memorial Hospital Annex. (For more info, see http://goo.gl/Vl7TsZ) The Bazaar will be April 29 – May 2 at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Belleville.

April 16: Coffee Cake SundayOn Easter Sunday, we will serve coffee cakes donated by you, our church family. If you would like to participate in this hospitality ministry, please bring a coffee cake to the Cornell Commons kitchen on Easter morning. The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. John 12:23 ~ Faith Community Committee

Quilt Raffle The First United Quilters have gifted a beautiful quilt to be raffled on Mother’s Day in support of the Professional Church Vocations Fund. We are indeed blessed as a church family to have such a talented and generous group of women willing to support this wonderful ministry. The most recent member of our congregation to hear God’s call and benefit from this fund is Abbey Croissant. This fund has been able to offset some of her seminary education costs as well as provide help with books. Over $1000 has been awarded to Abbey so far this year due to your generosity and that of the quilters.

This year’s quilt is called “The Bible Block Quilt” as each square represents a different Bible passage or hymn. Look for this unique quilt to be displayed in Cornell Commons from April 23 through May 14 (Mother’s Day). Seek out a First United quilter to learn more of this quilt’s delightful story. There will be 250 chances offered at $5 per chance, striving to reach (or exceed) the goal to raise $1250 for this vital fund. Donations are welcome! Take a chance to own this beautiful quilt while supporting those from our congregation called to enter a professional church vocation.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 18:15 am PYC Mystery Day11:30 am Empower-Me Luncheon

SUNDAY, APRIL 28:00 am Worship9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship12:00 pm College & Young Adult

MONDAY, APRIL 36:00 pm Metro East Chorale7:00 pm Church Volleyball

TUESDAY, APRIL 49:30 am Quilters9:30 am Staff Meeting3:00 pm Prime Chimes5:30 pm Evangelism Committee6:00 pm Woodcarvers

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 58:30 am Men’s Bible Study9:30 am Deacons’ Prayer Group1:00 pm Personnel Committee5:15 pm PYC6:00 pm KIX & TIM Youth Supper6:30 pm Wednesday Night Live7:00 pm Lydia Circle

THURSDAY, APRIL 610:00 am Prayer Quilters10:30 am Parish Nurse Available 6:00 pm United Bells7:00 pm Chancel Choir7:00 pm Equipping Team

FRIDAY, APRIL 711:30 am PW Gathering6:00 pm Illinois Heat Volleyball6:30 pm Sand Dollars

SATURDAY, APRIL 8

SUNDAY, APRIL 98:00 am Worship9:15 am Confirmation Class9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship

MONDAY, APRIL 106:00 pm Metro East Chorale6:00 pm Woodcarvers 7:00 pm Church Volleyball7:00 pm Trustees

TUESDAY, APRIL 119:30 am Quilters9:30 am Staff Meeting3:00 pm Prime Chimes6:30 pm Session

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 128:30 am Men’s Bible Study9:00 am Faith in Fiction9:15 am Tour at Art Museum10:00 am Library Committee5:15 pm NO PYC6:00 pm NO KIX & TIM Youth Supper6:30 pm Membership Committee7:00 pm Deacons

THURSDAY, APRIL 13Maundy Thursday7:30 am Veterans’ Group Breakfast (Off Site)10:00 am Prayer Quilters10:30 am Parish Nurse 12:00 pm Faith Community6:00 pm Illinois Heat Volleyball7:00 pm Equipping Team7:00 pm Maundy Thursday Service at Westminster

FRIDAY, APRIL 14Good Friday7:00 pm Good Friday Service

SATURDAY, APRIL 159:00 am Bunny Breakfast6:00 pm Helmsmen

SUNDAY, APRIL 16Easter Sunday8:00 am Worship9:15 am NO Sunday School10:30 am Worship

MONDAY, APRIL 17Steeple Deadline6:00 pm Metro East Chorale6:00 pm Woodcarvers 7:00 pm Church Volleyball

TUESDAY, APRIL 189:30 am Quilters9:30 am Staff Meeting1:00 pm Lamplighters3:00 pm Prime Chimes6:00 pm Stewardship Committee6:30 pm Christian Education Committee

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 198:30 am Men’s Bible Study9:00 am Loaves & Fishes9:30 am Deacons’ Prayer Group11:30 am Hannah Circle 5:15 pm PYC5:30 pm Worship Committee6:00 pm KIX & TIM Youth Supper6:30 pm Vision Committee 6:30 pm Wednesday Night Live

THURSDAY, APRIL 2010:00 am Prayer Quilters10:30 am Parish Nurse 7:00 pm Chancel Choir

FRIDAY, APRIL 21Preschool Papa John’s Pizza Fundraiser5:00 pm Presbytery Middle School Retreat Leaves for Mound Ridge, Missouri

SATURDAY, APRIL 2211:30 am PW Salad Luncheon6:00 pm Presbytery Middle School Retreat Returns from Mound Ridge, Missouri

SUNDAY, APRIL 238:00 am Worship9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship

MONDAY, APRIL 246:00 pm Metro East Chorale6:00 pm Woodcarvers7:00 pm Church Volleyball

TUESDAY, APRIL 259:30 am Quilters9:30 am Staff Meeting3:00 pm Prime Chimes6:00 pm Stephen Ministry6:30 pm Potlucks With a Purpose6:30 pm Session Level II

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 268:30 am Men’s Bible Study9:30 am Prayer Shawl Ministry9:45 am Tour at Art Museum5:15 pm PYC6:00 pm KIX & TIM Youth Supper6:30 pm Wednesday Night Live6:30 pm Mission Committee

THURSDAY, APRIL 279:00 am Presbytery Meeting at Lovejoy United Presbyterian (Wood River)10:00 am Prayer Quilters10:30 am Parish Nurse Available7:00 pm Chancel Choir

FRIDAY, APRIL 289:30 am PWCT Meeting

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

SUNDAY, APRIL 30Youth Sunday & High School Senior Recognition8:00 am Worship9:00 am College & Young Adult Committee9:15 am Sunday School10:30 am Worship

Calendar of Events April 2017

S AV E T H E D AT E

May 3Youth Volunteer

Appreciation Dinner

May 6Merry MatesPlant Pickup

May 10KIX/TIM End of

Year Parties

May 21Confirmation

Sunday

May 27Veterans’ BBQ

Legacy Remember to include First United in your estate plan.

April T-Shirt SaleOrder your FUPC t-shirts on the Sundays of April 2, 9 and 16 in Cornell Commons. The shirt will feature our current logo design in a breathable blended fabric. Men’s, women’s, and youth sizes are available in several colors. Look for the T-Shirt table near the front desk or contact Brian Dulski, 975-6734, or dulskib@yahoo.com.

May 7: Calling All 50-Year MembersJoin us at the 10:30 service on May 7, as we celebrate those members who became a part of First Presbyterian in Belleville or First Presbyterian in East St. Louis in 1967. Help us make sure no one is missed. Please call the Church Office, 233-0295, or email lorlet@firstunitedpres.org, to check the list for your name.

May 750-Year Members

On Sunday, March 12, last year’s recipient, Dawn Sitton, presented

the 2017 Presbyterian Women Honorary Life Membership to Pat Hargrove. These are Dawn’s remarks:

Good morning. My name is Dawn Sitton and I was honored last year

to receive the Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Membership. This award was established over 100 years ago to honor faithful service to the women’s organization and to the church. I would like to invite all the women in attendance that have received this honor in the past to please stand. Thank you.

This year’s honoree is very special to me. She has been a member of this congregation for 20

years. She has served as a Deacon and an Usher and was on the Vision 2007 committee. She has cleaned or painted just about every surface of this building and participates in keeping the church gardens planted and cleaned.

She has rocked and cared for many of the babies and children of this church, having served in

the crib and toddler rooms on Sundays, for choir practice and other special events.

Each one should use whatever gift he (she) has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace …. 1 Peter 4:10

I am humbled to be given the 2017 Presbyterian Women Honorary Life Membership for FUPC. It never

occurred to me to be considered for such a tribute when there are so many women doing the work of Christ among us. Staying behind the scenes has always been my preference and it is a joy to help keep the wheels turning in various needs around the church. It is an honor to worship and serve alongside you. To God be the glory. ~ Pat Hargrove

Rev. Joy Meyers came from Edwardsville to give a most appropriate message.

A very special thank you to everyone who played any part in organizing or serving in a position to make the Celebration the Gifts of Women’s Sunday run smoothly. The church staff was especially helpful. The wonderful event was highlighted by the gift of a Life Membership in Presbyterian Women to Pat Hargrove by last year’s recipient, Dawn Sitton. ~ Mary Jo Mordhorst, Moderator

She was one of the original main supporters of Children’s Chapel,

working just about every Sunday the first year and served until recently as a greeter. She also was the Mentor Mom for the Moms’ group.

Currently she serves as the co-chair of the Funeral Meals, is on

the kitchen crew, works with Loaves and Fishes, is a member of the

knitting group and is a member of Merry Mates. She is always willing to lend a helping hand.

It is my special honor to recognize Patricia Hargrove

with this year’s PW Honorary Life Membership.”

The pin presented to Pat has caring hands which represent women who seek to build an

inclusive community. The leaf represents growth of our personal life as we nurture our faith. The dove indicates our work for peace in our own lives and throughout the world. At the center is a cross. The overall design is that of a butterfly, the symbol of newness in Christ and the emergence of a new creation.

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PW Honorary Life Membership Award

Message from Pat Hargrove With Appreciation for Gifts of Women Sunday

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THE STEEPLE1303 Royal Heights RoadBelleville, IL 62223

Publication Postage

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PAID

F I R S T U N I T E DP R E S B Y T E R I A N

Senior Pastor / Head of Staffrdyer@firstunitedpres.orgThe Rev. Robert J. Dyer

Director of Christian Educationsfoltz@firstunitedpres.org

Stephanie Foltz

Director of Youth MinistriesDirector of Equipping Ministries

kkautz@firstunitedpres.orgKaitie Kautz

Director of Musicajensen@firstunitedpres.org

Andy Jensen

Organist/AccompanistDennis Bergin

Office Staff (8:00 am - 2:00 pm)lorlet@firstunitedpres.org

LuAnn Orlet

Financial Secretary (12:30 - 4:30 pm)polson@firstunitedpres.org

Pat Olson

Art Directorjhalton@firstunitedpres.org

Jody Halton

Director of Audio/Video Ministriesvideoministry@firstunitedpres.org

Loren Elliott

Maintenance SupervisorJim Hoffman

CustodianHerschel Bey

Sunday ChildcareSue Hall, Supervisor

Joslynn Brooks, Provider

Parish Nurseajlied1@aol.comJoyce Lied, RN

The SteepleArticles and Suggestions

TheSteeple@firstunitedpres.org

OUR STAFFHOLY WEEK SERVICES

April 9 – Palm Sunday 8:00 & 10:30 am Services First United Presbyterian

April 13 – 7:00 pm Maundy Thursday Service

Westminster Presbyterian Church The Rev. Meg Overstreet The Rev. Robert J. Dyer

April 14 – 7:00 pm Good Friday Service

First United Presbyterian Church The Rev. Robert J. Dyer

The Rev. Meg Overstreet (Childcare will be available)

April 16 – Easter Sunday8:00 & 10:30 am Services

First United Presbyterian Church