May-8-2013-Mothers-D..

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Pilgrim Call Newsletter
May 8, 2013
Our Mission Statement
“To honor and glorify God by making disciples of
Jesus Christ within a caring community of faith
that seeks to serve the needs of a hurting world.”
Upcoming Congregational Dates
May 8 — 6:30 Informational Meeting about the Elevator
Project
May 10-11 Launch Retreat for the Youth
May 12 — Happy Mother’s Day
10:45 Children Sing for Mother’s Day
May 14 — 6:30 & 7:00 Board Meetings
May 18 — 6:30 AM Man-2-Man Breakfast
May 19 — “Fill the Pantry” Sunday for Urban Outreach
10:00 Congregational Meeting to vote on the Elevator
5:30-7:30 Downtown Youth Group
May 26 — 3:50-5:30 Serve Dinner at the Rescue Mission
May 28 — Church Council Meeting
June 2 — Youth Sunday at Oakbrook Valley Park
June 9 — Graduation Sunday
June 17-21, 10:00-11:30 Vacation Bible School—5 Day
Club
June 22 — Lunch Fund Raiser and Garden Stroll
June 29 — 7:00 Ken Davis in Logansport
Sept. 7 & 8 — 150th Anniversary Celebration
The Virtuous Woman,
from Proverbs 31: 25-31
She is strong and graceful,
as well as cheerful about the future.
Her words are sensible,
and her advice is thoughtful.
She takes good care of her family
and is never lazy.
Her children praise her,
and with great pride her husband
says,
“There are many good women,
but you are the best!”
[b]
26
27
28
29
Charm can be deceiving,
and beauty fades away,
but a woman who honors the LORD
deserves to be praised.
Show her respect—
praise her in public
for what she has done.
31
Save the Date
Newsworthy Notes
Fund Raiser and Garden Stroll
On June 22nd, the Master Gardener’s will be having their
Garden Stroll right here in our area, including the house on
the corner of Mulberry across the street. There will also be
a Lunch Fundraiser for Susan Cottingham from 11-3 here at
the church. All profits would go to help with expenses incurred from Susan’s surgery, since a lot of it was not covered by insurance. If you have any questions or would like
to help, please contact Kim Herr at 437-0392. More details
to come at a later date.
Mark Your Calendar for Ken Davis
The McHale Performing Arts Center in Logansport will be
hosting a Ken Davis Comedy Concert on June 29th at
7:00 PM. Ken Davis is a famous comedian known for his
“lighten up and laugh” quips.
150th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate our church’s history:
Sept. 7th—Open House, Proclamation by the Mayor
Sept. 8th—Formal Luncheon— Reservations only
Membership
If you would like to join the church and
weren’t able to attend the New Members classes, please call the office at
452-8285 and let Nancy know of your
intent. Thank you!
Annual Reports
Copies of the Annual Report for 2012
are available for anyone to pick up on
the ledge in the lobby by the
mailboxes. One Report has been put
in each of the mailboxes for our
church leadership.
Good Reads Available
Several books by Jan Karon have been
donated by the late Pat Parrish for our
library. They are available on the book
shelves in the lobby on either side of
the stairwell doorway. You are welcome to “borrow” these books any time.
Thank you to the Parrish Family Estate.
Youth in Action
Grades 6-12
LAUNCH—for all students in grades 6-12. We have been invited to join Oakbrook Church and other area
churches for an overnighter on May 10-11. The purpose is to challenge and equip students to become all
that God has made them to be. The experience includes three main sessions with a live band and
teaching by Jared Herd. There will be food, fellowship, growth, Glo Bowling, etc. You won’t want to miss
it! The cost is $20.00 per person ($30.00 if you want to go Glo Bowling). If you are interested in going or
learning more please see Laura to pick up a packet with all the info you need—or check out the website at
www.launchstudents.com .
This Sunday night, May 12th is Mother’s Day, so we will not be meeting in order for you to spend
time with your families and celebrate this special day. Our next meeting on Sunday, May 19th will
be the Downtown Youth, “Miracle on Mulberry Street” here at First Congo from 5:30-7:30..
Prayer Concerns
May 6—Teresa, a friend of Cathy Trout’s, just found out that she has stomach cancer. Please pray for hope, healing, and comfort as she goes through treatments.
May 5—Hippensteel Family, prayers of peace and comfort for the family upon the passing of Ben’s aunt.
May 4—Gerry Bitner, Bryan Bitner’s father, Barb Linzey’s brother, please pray for healing from a ripped aorta, and for his
medicines to work.
May 1—The Schulte Family, friends of the Phillips’, please pray for Karina and Elias Schulte. They have made some progress
and are out of ICU, but have a long way to go in recovery.
April 29—Chuck Kern, friend of the Behler’s, please pray for healing after surgery and health concerns.
April 28—Tiffiny Bunn’s Family, please pray for Tiffiny’s uncle and family. Her cousin passed unexpectedly.
April 25—Elaine Moser, Amy Bitner’s mother, please pray for her many health concerns. She is currently in ICU at the University of Chicago Hospital.
April 25—Sunny Hunt, please pray for healing and recovery after having stints put in his legs.
April 25—Chris Kellum, has been moved to Acute Rehab at St. Joseph. Please pray for health concerns.
Continue with Prayers
May 7—Craig Shuck, please pray for strength and healing as he undergoes cancer treatment. He had another surgery and found
out that the cancer has spread throughout his body.
May 5—Sandra Bargerhuff, Autumn Reichel’s grandmother, please pray for healing. Praise God, she is doing well after finishing her radiation treatments.
April 28—Susan Cottingham, please pray for healing and recovery following her surgery. She is doing well.
April 28—Nancy Lazorchak, friend of Denette Schoenian, prayers for comfort and healing as she is battling breast cancer.
April 28—Karen Ebeling, friend of Lisa King, continue to pray for her as she undergoes cancer treatments.
April 18—Victims of the flooding and victims of the bombings, please pray for healing and comfort for those affected by
these tragedies in their lives. Pray that they may see God’s love at work in their lives and find the comfort that only He can give.
April 16—Family and friends of Gordy Waligorsky, Cathy Trout’s fiancé. Please pray for peace and comfort for the loved
ones left here, while Gordy rejoices with his risen Christ in heaven.
April 15—Mary Jane Imbus, friend of Carole Podwell’s, please pray for peace and comfort for family and friends. Mary Jane
passed away last week.
April 8—Hallie Davis, friend of the Hoshaw’s. Please pray for discernment so that her doctor can find a treatment that works
for her asthma. She is still up several nights a week coughing and with breathing difficulties.
April 4—Kristy Barsh Downing, please pray for healing and comfort while she is going through cancer treatments.
March 24—Don Hutchison, Sandy Winslow’s brother, please pray for pain relief from Stage 4 cancer.
March 22—Danielle Amsbury, please pray for pain relief and for the medication to relieve the Migraine’s
Privacy Notice
“Due to privacy laws and liability issues, First Congo will not be able to publish names in prayer requests unless the individual(s) being
prayed for has given permission for their name to be published. Individuals submitting the requests will need to secure permission from the
person(s) prayed for and be responsible for the request. First Congo takes no responsibility for names submitted with permission indicated
by the requestor. You may still submit requests without permission by requesting prayer for “a friend”, “sister”, “colleague”, etc.
Prayer Concerns Note
In an effort to keep the prayer concerns most current, after two weeks the “Prayer Concern” will be moved to “Continue with
Prayer” for two more weeks. After a one month time period we will remove the prayer concern or call to check and update it.
If you have an update or would like your concern to be kept on our list longer please call the office. Thank you!
God Belongs in My City
God Belongs In My City started in New York City in 2009
when atheist groups started putting up billboards around the
city. A group of youth pastors then got together and decided
to start a prayer walk around the city while wearing shirts
that simply said “God belongs in my city”. This showed a
public declaration of their faith as they took back the city in
the name of God and proved that He really is still in control.
Nick Bewley has a passion to be involved with this mission
and would love to see our church get involved. The walk
will be on the afternoon of May 18th, and will start at 4 different locations in town, and end at Foster Park, where there
will be Worship and lots of things going on. Please contact
Nick if you have any questions or would like to order a t-shirt
for $5.00. More details to follow.
Fitness Class
The fitness class will resume
on Monday and Thursday
mornings at 9:15 for three
weeks before taking a break
for the summer. It will be a
different format starting next week on May
6th. On Monday’s, we will do Zumba and
on Thursday’s, we will do Christian Yoga.
Please call Nancy Phillips if you have any
questions about the class.
Graduation Sunday, June 9th
Graduation is a time to celebrate achievements and to anticipate new beginnings. We,
your Church Family, want to celebrate with you.
Please call the Church Office at 452-8285 and
let us know if you or someone in your family is
graduating this year from high school, college,
technical school, etc. We will recognize each
during worship and at a reception in their honor
on Sunday, June 9th. Thank you.
Discipleship Meeting
There will be a Discipleship Meeting this Friday,
May 10th at 1:00. Please feel free to join us if you
would like to help with any Christian Ed events,
or call Stacey at 271-6677 if you have any questions.
Molly Hedrick is still taking orders for the coffee
fund raiser to help with her expenses to Costa
Rica. Please let Molly or Buffey know if you
would like to order some!
My personal view of last Sunday’s open forum
on the proposed elevator project.
By Jerry Caylor, Administrator
I had hoped for better attendance for the informational meeting that we had last Sunday. In light of many concerns that
were brought forth, this is to inform you of the process that
we went through previous to this meeting. In today’s society
there are too many decisions made by the few that govern
the many. This is the beauty of being a Congregationalist,
we all have a say in the major issues of the church. The elevator committee has been meeting since December 2012,
and several different options were presented at a congregational meeting in March. After much discussion at the
March meeting about the pros and cons of the location of the
elevator, a straw poll was taken with an overwhelming vote
approving of the elevator being located in the front of the
Sanctuary. So, that was the direction the Elevator Committee proceeded with in coming up with the expenses involved
in this project.
Attempts at this project have been made over the past 20 or
more years, but have failed because of a lack of interest and
financing. In order for this project to proceed and succeed,
we need your support, both financially, and in having faith
that God is leading the committee to make decisions in the
best interest of the congregation. We will be starting a Capital Funds Drive immediately upon receiving a favorable
vote at the May 19th Congregational Meeting.. More details
will be given at a later date.
Sunday, May 19th, at 10:00 AM, a Congregational
meeting will be held to vote on whether we will be
moving forward with this project.
Attendance for Sunday, May 5th
Praise Service — Adults— 72 Children – 5
Classic Service—Adults—82, Children—14
Total— 173
Military Notes
We are finished featuring the bios of
our military personnel, but would like
to highlight a couple of joys that were
shared on Sunday.
~~Suzanne shared that David Carey is now home
from Afghanistan and at his home near Washington
D.C.
~~Kitty Bell shared that her grandson, Aaron, is
Dear Ones at First Congo,
Your love and prayers-consistent, comforting and continuing through these many months toward my rocky recovery-have brought me hours of enjoyment along the way.
Thanks so much for every expression: prayer, flower, card,
note, sweet treat and visit.
Yours in the Lord, Margaret Tice
BIRTHDAYS
1st
Brody Worl
4th
Bridgely Seekri
5th
Carlos Rodriguez
Molly King
6th
Gage Holder
8th
Ian Coon
13th
Steve Cassidy
12th
Jesse Ben Broomfield IV
14th
Paxtyn Bailey
16th
Inder Seekri
17th
Nicole Hemmeger
18th
Brittani Wisler
19th
Andrew and Matthew Orr
21st
Tonia Orr
22nd
Nancy Phillips
23rd
Chandler Coon
24th
Suzanne Carey
25th
Tom Hightower
Betsy Hoshaw
26th
Oliver McQuiston
30th
Todd Snyder
Church Leaders for Sunday, May 12th
Greeters: Ernie and Susan Cottingham
Jerry and Karen Caylor
Junior Church: Joanna Bailey & Gayle Ryberg
Wise Saying’s from Mother’s
We have all grown up on the wisdoms and advice of our
moms. Some of these advices, rather lessons remain
with us forever and keep guiding us. Here are a few selected advices and quotes given to people by their
mothers.
“The source of my mother's love and strength is evident in
the advice she gives me every time I leave. A kiss on the
cheek, a hug and a reminder to keep God first. I, in turn,
share the same advice with my 6-year-old daughter.”
Eric Benet, singer. Mother: Joyce Jordan
“Strivers achieve what dreamers believe. If you put your mind
to it, you can do it. Be careful what you wish for because you
might get it. And, listen to me, I've been through it already.”
Usher, singer. Mother: Jonnetta Patton
“To put God first in everything that I do and to don't worry
about boys until I finish my education. She told me not to worry because she is always by my side.”
Charlkesha, 11, Bahamas
“Before you do anything life-changing, call me!”
Halle Berry, actress. Mother: Judy Berry
ANNIVERSARIES
3rd
Carlos & Gina Rodriguez
7th
Rex & Sue Smeltzer
8th
Paul & Mary Hillis
16th
Bill & Marty Menges
19th
Bruce & LeeAnn Hughes
30th
Richard & Elaine Calloway
31st
Jon & Stacey Tice
Non Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
First Congregational Christian UCC
505 W. Mulberry St.
Kokomo, In 46901
Permit No. 83
Kokomo, Indiana
Come Worship With Us
On Sunday Mornings!
9:00 Praise Service
10:00 Sunday School
10:00 Small Groups
10:45 Classic Service
Contact Information:
Phone: (765)452-8285
Nearly New: 459-8121
E-Mail: first.congo@aol.com
Web Site: kokomofirstcongo.org
Facebook:FirstCongo-Kokomo, IN.
My Mother Kept A Garden—Author Unknown
My Mother kept a garden, a garden of the heart,
She planted all the good things that gave my life it's start.
She turned me to the sunshine and encouraged me to dream,
Fostering and nurturing the seeds of self-esteem...
And when the winds and rain came, she protected me enough
But not too much because she knew I'd need to stand up strong and tough.
Her constant good example always taught me right from wrong
Markers for my pathway that will last a lifetime long.
I am my Mother's garden. I am her legacyAnd I hope today she feels the love reflected back from me.
Children Singing on Mother’s Day
The children ages 4 years through 5th grade will be singing two songs this Sunday on Mother’s Day during the Classic Service. They should have received the words and hand motions at previous practices.
They will perform during the Classic Service near the beginning of the Service.