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Prairie Avenue
Christian Church
To be learning, loving, and serving disciples of Christ from the depths of our being to the ends of the earth.
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Worship Each Week & Daily Prayer |
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Did you miss a sermon or can't remember the good statement made by Pastor Jason recently?
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On your last workday--what did you do?
I suspect there is a routine. Rising from the bed, bathroom, check phone, bathing, breakfast, dressing. Routines are all around us. You go certain ways to work, without a map (although you have an alternate route in mind if you encounter Decatur's notoriously intersection blocking trains.) Over 40% of our decisions are done without conscious decision-making. Our brains are remarkable adaptive organs, conserving energy and resources for matters and events that would require intentional consideration, thought, planning, and time.
The inherited shortcut way of our minds forms our systems. We are creatures of habit but do not have to be trapped by them. It is less about doing different and more about changing whom we desire to be.
We encounter Daniel this weekend. He has an established pattern of prayer: three times a day. It was common to pray at sunrise and sunset, as well at a moment of sacrifice. The setting is during the reign of King Cyrus/Darius of the Persian empire, and it is evident that Daniel is an exceptional administrator. Finding no faults in his career, his rivals pursued his disqualification through finding fault in his practice rather than behavior: persuading Cyrus/Darius to issue a decree to pray only to him over thirty days.
Learning of the decree, Daniel continues the practice of prayer, not to King, but to God. It sent him to the lions. In whatever circumstances Daniel encountered, he continued his faith. It was a small task, just a "routine" that Daniel kept. Many people think they lack motivation. What they really lack is a system. What is your system? An obvious, easy change will make a great difference.
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The Dover Elevator (1993-2021) is out of service. An estimate for motherboard replacement is about $5,000. Bodine Electric has been here to assess and estimate the necessary electric service work completed to upgrade/modernize the elevator. The trustees already have provided funds for the modernization project. Those with limited mobility are encouraged to connect to worship online. |
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CHURCH ACTIVITIES: We are monitoring the county situation involving the surge of COVID-19 cases. At this time, we will continue to have in-person as well as online worship. Prairie Avenue Christian Church will abide by State of Illinois law, which currently has a mandatory indoor mask mandate. Masks are encouraged, especially in situations where social distancing is not possible.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: The Dove, Inc. Children's Clothing Room is CLOSED until further notice. Limited community activity is permitted, with COVID-19 guidelines required.
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This Week's Prayer Calendar
Congregations: Christian Church of Illiopolisc & Niantic Christian Church, Lynnville Christian Church, First Christian Church of Manton, MI
Global Ministries: Philippines
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Pray with the Philippines, January 16, 2022 - Global...
Lectionary Selection: John 2:1-11 Prayers for the Philippines: Root us O, Lord,Root us in your glory and missionLet us find all that we need in the liberating and hopeful spirit of Jesus Christ.Root us.Roots that extend in acts of justice ......
Read more
www.globalministries.org
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Grow in Faith
through listening, paying attention, and reading 5 verses a day
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Morning Devotion
Each weekday (Monday - Friday), Pastor Jason shares a brief 4-7 minute scripture reading, reflection, response, and prayer. The associated devotion is posted to Prairie Avenue's Facebook page.
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The Cost of Discipleship Book Study
Sunday, January 16
10:45 AM
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After a holiday break, the book discussion group will resume meeting this Sunday, January 9 for The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. We will discuss Chapters 21 - 26 (21 pages).
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Use Your Gifts by sharing five acts of love and kindness each week |
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Give Regularly through five acts of generosity each month |
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Stewardship/Finance Updates |
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2021 Contribution Records: Your contribution record for 2021 will be sent to you prior to January 31. Consistent support, in whatever given amount, gives us the ability to provide and present the message and hope of the gospel to others. Thank you!
2022 Offering Envelopes: You may pick up your 2022 offering envelopes in the Narthex. If you are not able to pick them up, do not worry! We will mail the remaining envelopes next week. These envelopes may seem unimportant or unnecessary, but it helps us process your gifts quickly and accurately. It also encourages the most important habit of stewardship: consistency. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the church office. Your generous support is greatly appreciated!
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Thank You for your generosity! |
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General Fund
Donations given to the Prairie Avenue Christian Church General Fund support the year-round ministries of the church. Your generous support keeps our building, staff, and operations working for the mission of the church. The mission of Prairie...
Read more
www.continuetogive.com
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Fundraising Project - reFresh Capital Campaign
Announced at the State of the Church address on June 30, 2015, the reFresh capital campaign has two improvement/update priorities: updating HVAC equipment and internet/network accessibility.
Read more
www.continuetogive.com
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For instructions in registering your Kroger Rewards Card, Click Here.
The Organization code for Prairie Avenue Christian Church is: BY235.
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Kroger Community Rewards Program News |
$32.73 was raised by 13 households who have linked their Kroger customer reward cards to support Prairie Avenue Christian Church. The quarterly contribution is for shopping at Kroger during July-September, 2021
Joining to support the ministries of Prairie Avenue Christian Church is FREE. Any transactions moving forward using the Shopper’s Card number associated with your digital account will be applied to the program, at no added cost to you. Kroger donates annually to participating organizations based on your percentage of spending as it relates to the total spending associated with all participating Kroger Community Rewards organizations.
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Get Your Disciples Apparel and Gear Here!
Get your Disciples polos, hats, and hoodies in a variety of colors. Order by the 15th to be included in this month's production! 10% of the proceeds benefits the Disciples Mission Fund!
Read more
store.disciples.org
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"When you shop for items or gifts at smile.amazon.com/ch/37-6056944, AmazonSmile will donate a portion of your eligible purchases to Prairie Avenue Christian Church at no cost to you!"
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Prairie Avenue Christian Church is a listed charity with the Smile.Amazon program. Please use smile.amazon.com, and choose Prairie Avenue Christian Church for your generous support. We received a $7.56 donation from the AmazonSmile Foundation as a result of AmazonSmile program activity between July 1 and September 30, 2021.
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Share Your Faith by inviting 5 people to church this year |
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In Memoriam
Terry Lee Ford
October 2, 1952 - December 27, 1921
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Funeral Services for Terry Ford, former associate pastor of Prairie Avenue Christian Church will be held on Sunday, January 16, 2022, at 2 pm at First Christian Church of Liberal, KS. Rev. Ford was associate minister June 13, 1982-February 28, 1986.
Memorials to be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center or BSA Hospice of the Southwest TX.
Darlene Ford's address:
3504 Van Tassel Apt. A
Amarillo, TX 79121
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