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.

New Worship Series Begins Sunday, October 30

We will begin to tackle some scripture passages that you have likely not seen in a cross-stitch project or emblazoned on your favorite coffee mug! We ask the question that most people at one time ask: where is God when things go wrong? In a world caught up in a negative news cycle, the texts that speak to hopelessness, fear, and even the close of history can teach us much about remaining faithful in difficult times. Can we look to the apocalyptic (it means revealing or unveiling) texts of the early church to learn how to remain hopeful, even when the headlines seem out of control?

While we tend to focus on the scripture passages that comfort and soothe us, they are brimming with verses that give voice to the darkest parts of our human experience. Too often in the church, we make it seem as if the life of faith means sidestepping those moments, but the Bible is brutally honest about how difficult life with God can sometimes be. There are passages throughout the Scriptures that witness to unanswered prayer, soul-crushing doubt, and the pain of feeling forgotten.

The prophet Habakkuk writes during a time in which all that once was has been lost. The religious landscape is eroding, the people have forgotten who they are and Whose they are, and Habakkuk's prayers seem ineffective. He speaks for all those who are grieving a world that seems to be moving in the wrong direction--a world of escalating warfare, indifference to faith, and a God who is far too silent. This is more than bemoaning the loss of the "good old days." This is a man who wonders if his God will ever speak again. Does any of this sound familiar?

It is only when we are honest about the bad news that we hear the full power of the gospel, that "there is still a vision for the appointed time," and "it will not be late" (Habakkuk 2:3), even though it feels long overdue. In the meantime, the work of hope is learning to wait.

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 Bloomington, Cameron Christian Church, Coldbrook Christian Church, True Foundation, Flint, MI

Global Ministries: Guatemala

Pray with Guatemala, October 30, 2022

- Global Ministries

Lectionary Selection: Luke 9:1-10 Prayers for Guatemala Lord, you send us, like your first disciples, with authority and power to heal, confront evil and bring salvation. Make us clear and strong in your mission. Lord, we confess that we have ... 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.

Next Steps Book Study Continues

Wednesday, November 2, 6 PM

As Prairie Avenue approaches its 100th anniversary, a new chapter begins. To develop a deeper discussion on the mission and call in the 21st Century, we continue a study of two books: Thrive by Ruth Fletcher, and Everywhere You Look by Tim Soerens. Chapters to be read in each: Thrive- Building Capacity & Giving Thanks; Everywhere: The Parish is the Unit of Change. You do not need to have read the materials to participate in the discussion. This is a church-wide conversation, open to all.

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

October 27- November 2

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!

Third Quarter Giving Reports

Your contributions record for July-September 2022 will be arriving in your mailbox next week. We thank you for your generosity in supporting the ministries and outreach of our faith community.

DOVE Fundraiser at Panera Bread

Panera will be hosting a fundraiser night for DOVE Inc. On November 1st, from 4:00 - 8:00 PM, 20% of Panera sales will be donated to DOVE Inc. Use code “FUND4U” at the checkout, in the Panera app, or at the kiosk in the café to have 20% go to DOVE Inc. during that time frame.

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.

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.

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

Church Council Meeting -

Wednesday, November 2, 10:30 AM

For purposes of discussion, oversight, and decisions, a church council has been established to handle routine business and strategic planning. Meetings are open to all.

This week's meeting will update on projects, discuss demographic reports, and plan our participation in a workshop on Wednesday, November 9 at 6 pm with Brock McCracken from Disciples Church Extension Fund and Rev. Matt Rosine from the Christian Church Foundation, and Rev. Dr. Teresa Dulyea-Parker 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 in order to write a new chapter.

2022 Joint Regional Assembly Christian Church (DOC) in IL-WI and Michigan Region, October 14, 2022

2022 Regional Assembly Illinois-Wisconsin & Michigan Region

The opening worship service for the Regional Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Illinois-Wisconsin and Michigan Region is available online.

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