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.

Daylight Saving Time Ends:

Sunday, November 6, 2022, 2 AM

I am guilty of flipping to the final pages of a novel (especially the suspenseful ones), in order to be assured that all will be made well. Otherwise, I'm not sure I want to invest my time in the story. The Thessalonians seem likewise to have jumped the gun just a bit. As some of the oldest texts in the New Testament, the correspondence with the Thessalonian church gives us a peek into what the earliest followers of Christ were struggling with following his resurrection. At issue is Christ's return, which seems imminent, and as one might imagine, this causes a bit of chaos in the community. Rather than panic or fear, however, it seems the Thessalonians have settled into a state of withdrawal from the world. Other voices have added confusion by suggesting that the Day of the Lord has already arrived, some even going so far as to forge letters from Paul to that effect. The expectation of Jesus coming back imminently changes the way they look at daily life. What is the point of going about your daily work if history is coming to a close?

But the work of being a Christ-follower is learning to hold heaven and earth in tension, at least until they collide in history's final act. That means being actively engaged in this world, and taking it seriously, while also believing that we are minor characters in a grand drama and that the narrative is going somewhere. How do we live faithfully in the middle of the story, those of us who look with hope to what lies on the page?

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!

This Week's Prayer Calendar

Congregations: First Christian Church Hillsboro, First Christian Church Hoopeston, Central Christian Church Jacksonville; United Christian Church, Detroit, MI

Global Ministries: Mexico

Pray with Mexico, November 6, 2022 -

Global Ministries

Lectionary Selection: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 Prayers for Mexico As we look at the psalmist's prayer (Ps. 133), we see how good and pleasant it is to be united in prayer because there, God sends his blessing and fullness of ... 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.

No Shame Tour: Wednesday, November 9,

7 p.m. EST/6 p.m. CST

Brock McCracken from Disciples Church Extension Fund and Rev. Matt Rosin from the Christian Church Foundation, and Rev. Dr. Teresa Dulyea-Park are hosting a gathering for Michigan and Illinois and Wisconsin congregational leaders who are wondering "is it time to sell our building", or develop an "end of life" plan, or end a chapter of life to write a new chapter.

This will be a hybrid event, In person or on Zoom (We will be tuning in on Zoom)

Please register here: https://forms.gle/xYgi6VSCtp1z32G8A

Calling All Disciples —

"For Such a Time as This"

First Christian Church - Springfield

Sunday, November 6, 2 pm

We’re inviting you and all Disciples in the area to join us on Sunday, November 6 at 2:00 pm at First Christian Church in Springfield.

We’ll talk about the unique history and identity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Alex Ruth will give our keynote/lecture and we’ll offer a question-and-answer time.

We believe there are distinct and wonderful things about our denomination. We grew up on the American frontier. We value openness and diversity. We believe we all bring Godly gifts to share. We’re a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world, ready to meet the challenges of today. Curious to learn more?

Join us for this delightful, informative experience with fellow Disciples from the surrounding area. The program will last 80-90 minutes.

And a few words from Alex Ruth—From the story of Esther, we see that her unique position allows her to speak up on behalf of her people. I believe we Disciples are in a similar position today. Our history, our DNA if you will, gives us the opportunity to be a voice for reconciliation and healing in a world which can be characterized by division and discord.

Pastor Jason would like to have a nice group of Prairie Avenue joining him for this interesting and informative presentation. Please let him know if you will be able to join him.

We hope to see you on November 6th!

First Christian Church, 700 S Sixth St, Springfield. We’ll meet in the Fellowship Hall.

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.

Birthdays/Anniversaries

November 3 - 9

Birthdays

None

Wedding Anniversaries

None

Membership Anniversaries

(When you joined Prairie Avenue!)

November 9, 1986 - Hank Laskowski

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. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is still committed to higher education. Your gift to the Thanksgiving Offering helps support the education of thousands of students at our fifteen colleges and universities as well as our seven seminaries and divinity houses.

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

Election Day - Tuesday, November 8

Polls are Open 6 AM - 7 PM

Polling Place Locator

Prairie Avenue Christian Church does not endorse political parties, legislation, or candidates but encourages all eligible voters to participate in elections

Learn more about Chalice Media and the product they offer.

Imagine with Me: Chalice Media

On this episode of Imagine with Me, General Minister and President, Rev. Terri Hord Owens hosts a conversation with Brad Lyons, President and Publisher of Christian Board of Publication. In their conversation, Brad shared about the re-brand to Chalice Media and how they are imagining publishing for a new church in a new world.

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