Prairie Avenue

Christian Church

217.428.3327

www.prairieavenuechristianchurch.org

To be learning, loving, and serving disciples of Christ from the depths of our being to the ends of the earth.

A Stephen Ministry & Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Congregation

Worship Each Week & Daily Prayer

Attending weekly gives you the opportunity to re-center your life,

give God honor and glory, and remember what is really important in life.

Over the last few weeks, we have been talking about how to cling to our faith in difficult times and remain hopeful even when the headlines conspire to steal our hope away. It is fitting that we close this series by turning to the darkest moment in human history, and the one from which we draw our greatest hope.

This Sunday is the culmination of the Christian calendar, the climax to which the entire story builds, the day on which we announce that Christ is Lord of heaven and earth. It is striking then, that the lectionary carries us to a dump on the outskirts of town, where the stench of death hangs heavy and flies buzz around the dying bodies of criminals. But this is exactly where we belong, on this day of all days, because this King we have come to crown is unlike any other, and his throne will be a cross--which helps to explain why most of the people around him cannot see him for who he is.

On this, the climactic close of the Christian year, we are exactly where we belong. In the presence of our Savior, who still marches into the middle of all our misguided expectations, who still offers his life for the sake of those who do not know wat they are doing. It is here, at the cross of our King, that we too must challenge all the voices that demand we prove who we are. For the only voice that matters has already spoken. The King of kings has given his life to call us beloved.

May we have the strength to remember it--wherever the road carries us.

Attend Worship: Pastor Jason has encouraged an "A grade" of 90% worship attendance (missing less the 5 Sundays in a year). You can keep up your attendance by joining worship online through our Facebook premiere or our worship online page on the website. Join us in person or online... it will count!

Advent Sermon Series Begins Sunday, November 27

The Angels of Christmas: Hearing God's Voice in Advent explores the angelic visits surrounding the birth of Jesus with Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds in a four-week Advent experience. In this study, we will explore the visits and dive deep into the history of the angel Gabriel and other angels in the Bible. The messages of the angels hold meaning for listeners both then and now.

The series is based on The Angels of Christmas: Hearing God's Voice in Advent by Susan Robb.

This Week's Prayer Calendar

Congregations: United Christian Church County Club Hills, First Christian Church Dixon, First Christian Church DuQuoin; Unity Christian Church, Swartz Creek, MI

Global Ministries: Dominican Republic

Pray with the Dominican Republic, November 20, 2022 - Global Ministries

Prayers for the Dominican Republic Dear God, We know that it is very important to honor the promises you set for us, just like Jeremiah did when he bought the land from his cousin when you asked him to. In the ... Read more

Grow in Faith

through listening, paying attention, and reading 5 verses a day

Take a class, as you make friends and grow to know what learning, loving, and serving God and neighbor means in everyday life.

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.

You may also access it on the church website: prairieavenuechristianchurch.org/daily-devotional. It is posted around 8:20 to 8:30 each morning.

Use Your Gifts by sharing five acts of love and kindness each week

Serve God and neighbor by using your gifts and talents both inside and outside the walls of the church. Each of us have spiritual gifts and natural abilities to use to serve others and glorify God.

Church Thanksgiving Dinner

Sunday, November 20, 1 PM

Please join us this Sunday, November 20, at 1 pm in the Fellowship hall for our annual Thanksgiving Dinner.

Advent/Christmas Decorating Saturday, November 26, 9 am

Let us prepare our hearts to prepare him room this Christmas season. Join us as we gather to decorate our sanctuary for the Advent/Christmas season.

Birthdays/Anniversaries

November 17-23

Birthdays

None

Wedding Anniversaries

None

Membership Anniversaries

(When you joined Prairie Avenue!)

None

If you know of a birthday or anniversary that has gone "Missing" from our list, please contact the church office at 217-428-3327. Thanks.

Give Regularly through five acts of generosity each month

Giving regularly not only supports the work of the church,

but also is your way of giving God priority in your life.

What we love is where we will spend first.

When we are able to give, it always deepens our faith

in loving and serving God.

Thank You for your generosity!

Thanksgiving Special Day Offering:

Sunday, November 13 - Sunday, November 20

The Thanksgiving Offering benefits the Colleges, Universities, Seminaries, and Divinity Houses affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Higher education has been an important focus for Disciples since the very beginning of the movement. Throughout our history, Disciples have founded institutions of higher learning to educate students and form leaders to make a difference in the world. What do these colleges and universities of The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have in common? These institutions, including Eureka College here in Illinois, enjoy:

A commitment to academic excellence and the liberal arts;
An environment of open inquiry;
An inclusive, welcoming community that respects all people and cultures;
A focus on character, service, and leadership; and
A passion for social justice.

The Thanksgiving offering supports everything from scholarships, to religious life offices, to faculty growth and development. By giving, you are helping our institutions invest in students as they prepare themselves to become leaders.

Please give generously. Your gift makes a difference in the lives of our students, and it makes a difference in the world. You may place this special offering in the brass bowl in the offering plate during worship or simply give online or mail to the church. Please note DMF Thanksgiving Offering on your contribution.

Does Your Bank/Financial Institution

Provide Bill Pay Services?

If so, you can make sure your tithe/gift/offering arrives whether you are able to attend or not! Often when someone is absent, their offering is also. Or you left it on the table while coming to church! You can set up Prairie Avenue Christian Church as a "bill" (we are not, of course) and schedule timely checks to be mailed at no cost to our address. Many members have taken advantage of our online giving portal, but it also charges fees each time! Avoid the service charges and fees by setting us up as a regular payment through your bank/financial institution. Without fail, your support will arrive. Set your "payment" plan today.

General Fund Supports Operations & Ministry

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...

Building Fund Supports Repair & Updates

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.

For instructions in registering your Kroger Rewards Card, Click Here.

The Organization code for Prairie Avenue Christian Church is: BY235.

Kroger Community Rewards Program News

$28.95 was raised by 14 households who have linked their Kroger customer reward cards to support Prairie Avenue Christian Church. The quarterly contribution is for shopping at Kroger from July to September 2022

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.

"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!"

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 will receive a $5.42 donation from program activity between April 1 and June 30, 2022.

Share Your Faith by inviting 5 people to church this year

The God you worship is always revealed through your words and actions. Awkward conversations (i.e. "Are you saved?") are not necessary when your words and actions reveal the God you seek to learn, love, and serve.

In Other News

Share This Email