February 26, 2023
Hello again, beautiful people, and welcome back to What’s Happening page! Here is the news for this Communion Sunday:
Our songs were “Unclouded Day Medley”, ”Your Love Never Fails”, “Communion”, “Speak to the Mountains”, and “Oh, How I Love Jesus”. Pastor Billy continued the February series called “Love Does” with a message, “No Greater Love” with text from John 15:9-17. Carlos Lara shared a testimony of how God is answering prayers in his family.
(You can watch this and past messages by going to the home page and clicking WATCH.)
Are you posting your anonymous acts of love to the board at the back of the church? Remember to do this each week as Pastor will be reading some of them from the pulpit soon.
Next Sunday is food pantry collection. Double bag your non-perishables, please, and leave them at the table in the back of the sanctuary.
Parents, Sunday March 26th 11:30-3 pm, you can leave your little ones at the church for lunch and fun activities while you have some free hours to do as you please! RSVP at the Connection Table to attend or to be a helper. Background checks are required to serve with our children. The Meskins can give you more info!
Pastor Billy’s online Genesis Bible study is Tuesdays at 6:30 pm on his Face Book page. We are in Chapter 7. If you cannot access Face Book, go to Pastor Shred on You Tube videos and watch from there. Pastor Billy’s Worship Wednesday is noon on FB and You Tube.
Eileen DeSando is finishing our new church photo directory. Thank you to all who participated! Copies will be available soon so you can put names to faces.
Encouragement cards are now located on the Connection Table instead of under the seats. We have a new shipment of Daily Bread devotionals. Take one for yourself and one for a buddy.
Happy Birthday to Evelyn Radtke on March 1st!
Special prayers for JoAnn, Kay, Gino, and Oscar who all need restoration of good health.
Welcome back to Harvey Ferguson and Pat Baker who have returned to us from Memphis, TN! Pat will not be here long, so enjoy her company while you can!
That’s the news for today. Thank you for all your support with your time, treasure, and talents. Remember to go out and RADIATE LOVE this week!
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February 19, 2023
Hello again, and welcome back to What’s Happening page! Here is the news:
Our songs were “Let God Arise”, ”Forever”, “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship”, “The Rose/What a Friend”, and “How Great is Our God/How Great Thou Art”. Pastor Billy continued the February series called “Love Does” with a message, “What’s It Worth?” with text from Acts1:4-5. (You can watch this and past messages by going to the home page and clicking WATCH.)
Ministry Highlight today featured our own Debbie Giera. She shared a tremendous financial blessing regarding vehicle repairs and good news from the oncologist regarding her mom’s cancer!
Remember to write something you did out of love each week in February and. tack your note card to the board on the Graybars Table. We will do this each week in February to go along with the LOVE DOES series. It will be inspiring to read your responses! Several cards are already posted. While you are at the board how about signing the Graybars birthday cards also on that table?
Meet and Greet was after service today, and it was fun eating fancy donuts and getting to know our deacons better! If you are unsure who your deacon is, speak with Head of Deacons, Larry DeSando. Thank you, Larry, Diane Neakarse, Gene O’Brien, and Bob Hensle for all you do to serve this congregation! We sure do admire and appreciate you!
Parents, Sunday March 26th 11:30-3 pm, you can leave your little ones at the church for lunch and fun activities while you have some free hours to do as you please! RSVP at the Connection Table to attend or to be a helper. The Meskins can give you more info! How fun!
Pastor Billy’s online Genesis Bible study is Tuesdays at 6:30 pm on his Face Book page. We are in Chapter 7. If you cannot access Face Book, go to Pastor Shred on You Tube videos and watch from there. Because of Pastor’s vacation, there will be no study this week. There is also no in person study at the Hajek home this Thursday.
Pastor Billy’s Worship Wednesday is noon on FB and You Tube. This week’s devotion was “Unfulfilled Expectation”. Songs featured were “Unfailing Love”/Chris Tomlin and “Good Lord”/David Leonard. Because of Pastor’s vacation, there will be no Worship Wednesday this week.
Eileen DeSando is finishing our new church directory. If you wish to be included you must hop aboard NOW. JPEG or PDF picture is required. She will help you if you have difficulty sending the image. She needs your name and other info you are comfortable sharing such as mailing address, phone number, and email address.
Encouragement cards are now located on the Connection Table instead of under the seats. We have a new shipment of Daily Bread devotionals. Take one for yourself and one for a buddy.
Happy Birthday on the 24th to Lisa Jasinski and on the 25th to Connie Schuler! Congratulations to Oscar Hammerberg on the birth of his great-grandson, “Oscar”!
That’s the news for today. Thank you for your support! Remember to go out and DO LOVE this week! See you at 10 am next week for Communion Sunday!
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February 12, 2023
Hello again, and welcome back to What’s Happening page! Here is the news for this Super Bowl Sunday:
Our songs were “How Can I Keep From Singing”, ”Doxology”, “Cannons”, and “Amazing Love”. Pastor Billy continued the February series called “Love Does” with a message about David and Bathsheba with text from 2 Samuel 11:1. (You can watch this and past messages by going to the home page and clicking WATCH.)
Deacon Gene O’Brien is back from deployment and shared stories and photos from his latest exciting assignments in Florida helping clean up after Hurricane Ian with Samaritan’s Purse. Enjoy him this week before he hits the dusty trail again!
After service Gene and Pastor Bob taught people the most effective way to distribute tracts.
Remember to write something you did out of love each week in February and tack your note card to the board on the Graybars Table. We will do this each week in February to go along with the LOVE DOES series. It will be inspiring to read your responses! Several cards are already posted.
If you are 55+, you are invited to the Senior Valentine’s Day Luncheon at the church on Wednesday, February 15th at noon. Kathy Felchin can give you more information about this holiday event. Please let her know you are coming if you forgot to sign up.
Feb. 19th, NEXT WEEK, after service you are invited to “Meet and Greet”, a time to eat donuts and get to know your deacon. You should’ve received your mailed invite by now. If you did not, please let Larry DeSando know, and he can pair you with a deacon. This should be fun!
Parents, Sunday March 26th 11:30-3 pm, you can leave your little ones at the church for lunch and fun activities while you have some free hours to do as you please! RSVP at the Connection Table. The Meskins can give you more info! How fun!
Pastor Billy’s online Genesis Bible study is Tuesdays at 6:30 pm on his Face Book page. We are in Chapter 6. If you cannot access Face Book, go to Pastor Shred on You Tube videos and watch from there. If you create a You Tube account, you will be able to comment during the class.
Pastor Billy’s Worship Wednesday is noon on FB and You Tube. This week’s devotion was “Somebody’s Watching”. Songs featured were “Eyes of God”/Cade Thompson and “The God Who Sees”/ Doxa Worship.
Eileen DeSando is creating a new church directory. Pick up paperwork at the Connection Table to send her information and your photo. JPEG or PDF required. She will help you if you have difficulty sending the image. Thank you to all those who have already submitted yours. Let’s get this project finished. Git R Done!
Encouragement cards are now located on the Connection Table instead of under the seats.
Special healing prayers for JoAnn, John, Kay, Gino, Veronica and Oscar. We love and support you during these rough times. We clap and cheer for every improvement!
Happy Birthday Tom Williamson on the 15th! Beth Printy celebrates the Big 6-0 on Saturday! Happy 33rd Anniversary to Jan and Rich Golden!
That’s the news for today. Thank you for your support! Remember to go out and DO LOVE this week! Please reach out to people who may be feeling alone this Tuesday. We have many single, divorced, widowed and separated folk in this crowd, so it might be a painful day for some. See you at 10 am next Sunday! HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
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February 5, 2023
Hello again, and welcome back to What’s Happening page! Here is the news for this weekend:
Our songs were “Love the Lord”, ”Power in the Blood”, “Lord I Need You”, “Holy Spirit You Are Welcome Here”, and “Love Me Do”. Pastor Billy kicked off a February series called “Love Does” with a message about the Good Samaritan with text from Luke 10:25-29. (You can watch this and past messages by going to the home page and clicking WATCH.)
You received two colored note papers inside your bulletin. Write something you did out of love this week and bring them back on Sunday. They will be posted on a board on the Graybars Table. We will do this each week in February to go along with the LOVE DOES series.
Today’s Ministry Highlight focused on all the wonderful volunteers who work in Kids’ Ministry! THANK YOU for serving! There is always room for one more helper if you are interested.
Thank you for your generosity towards the community food pantry. You donated a large delivery of non-perishables this morning to give our neighbors a hand up.
Eileen DeSando is creating a new church directory. Pick up paperwork at the Connection Table to send her information and your photo. JPEG or PDF required. She will help you if you have difficulty sending the image. Inclusion is also open to those
Small group meets at the Hajek home in New Lenox this Thursday at 6:30 pm. Come to learn and to socialize over snacks.
Saturday ladies are invited to Penny Knott’s home for devotions and prayer at 8 am. At the same time men are invited to the church for donuts and devotional with Pastor Bob. He is raffling off ONE maple bacon donut that morning. These events are free, but it is helpful to let the hosts know you are coming.
If you are 55+, you are invited to the Senior Valentine’s Day Luncheon at the church on Wednesday, February 15th at noon. Sign up at the Connection Table. Kathy Felchin can give you more information about this holiday event.
Feb. 19th after service you are invited to “Meet and Greet”, a time to eat donuts and get to know your deacon. Watch your mailbox for a personal notification to show the name and photo of your deacon.
Giving Statements are in the plastic ABC order container on the Connection Table. Most everybody has claimed theirs, but we still have a handful awaiting pick up. You will want this for your taxes.
Pastor Billy’s online Genesis Bible study is Tuesdays at 6:30 pm on his Face Book page. We are in Chapter 5. If you cannot access Face Book, go to Pastor Shred on You Tube videos and watch from there. If you create a You Tube account, you will be able to comment during the class.
Pastor Billy’s Worship Wednesday is noon on FB and You Tube. This week’s devotion was “Tempted to Lie”. Songs featured were “Voice of Truth”/Casting Crowns and “Truth Be Told”/Matthew West & Carly Pearce.
Special healing prayers for JoAnn, John, Kay, Gino, and Oscar. We are behind you all the way! (Those wishing to provide a meal for JoAnn Preston’s family while she recuperates from surgery should speak with Fishes and Loaves coordinator, Dawn Gonda. Many thanks to those who have delivered her family supper this week.)
Round of applause for Autumn Hensle for landing a new job working in a gift shop!
Happy Birthday Miriam Sandoval on the 3rd, Alice Lawson on the 6th, and JoAnn Preston on the 9th!
It was so good to see Gene O'Brien back with us after weeks of deployment with Samaritan's Purse!
Condolences to the Bob Smith family. Bob lost his brother, Doug, this week.
That’s the news for today. Visitors in person and friends watching online, we are so happy to have you worship with us. Thank you for your support! See you at 10 am next Sunday!
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January 29, 2023
Hello again, friends and family, and welcome back to What’s Happening page! Here is the news for this Communion Sunday.
Special thanks to Pastor Billy for shoveling and salting and to John Chamblee for scraping the snow from the lot so we could enter and exit the building safely!
Our songs were “Good Morning Mercy”, ”Worthy of My Praise/Let It Rise”, “There was Jesus”, “Old Rugged Cross” and “The Blessing”. Special thanks to Jessica Holub for singing with the team this morning!
Head Elder, Larry DeSando, delivered the message “S.F.T.” from the series “HOPE-Let There Be in 2023” with text from Hebrews 11:6 and Isaiah 30:21. Everybody was given a free blank journal from the DeSandos to keep track of the blessings of 2023. (You can watch this and past messages by going to the home page and clicking WATCH.)
Monthly churchwide prayer meeting was held after service for those wishing to stay.
At the annual business meeting last week the members voted to support Sandoval Ministries and Samaritan’s Purse with our mission dollars. It was a fun surprise to see the Sandovals joining us for service today.
Next Sunday we will collect your non-perishable gifts to replenish the local food pantry. Please double bag items to prevent rips and messes.
Eileen DeSando is creating a new church directory. Pick up paperwork at the Connection Table to send her information and a picture of yourself or your family. JPEG or PDF required. She will help you if you have difficulty sending the image
If you are 55+, you are invited to the Senior Valentine’s Day Luncheon at the church on Wednesday, February 15th at noon. Sign up at the Connection Table. Kathy Felchin can give you more information.
Feb. 19th after service you are invited to “Meet and Greet”, a time of refreshments and getting to know your deacon. Watch your mailbox for a personal notification to show the name and photo of your deacon.
Giving Statements are in the plastic ABC order container on the Connection Table. You will want yours for your taxes, so please take these next Sunday.
Pastor Billy’s online Genesis Bible study is Tuesdays at 6:30 pm on his Face Book page. We are in Chapter 4. If you cannot access Face Book, go to Pastor Shred on You Tube videos and watch from there. If you create a You Tube account, you will be able to comment during the class.
Pastor Billy’s Worship Wednesday is noon on FB and You Tube. This week’s devotion was “How To Have a Happy Heart”. Songs featured were “Laugh Out Loud”/ Jason Gray, “Laughter Just Like a Medicine”/ BeBe Winans and Korean Soul, and comedy skit “If Bible Characters Took Uber”/John Crist.
Special healing prayers for JoAnn, John, Kay, Gino and Oscar. We love and support you! Those wishing to provide a meal for JoAnn Preston’s family while she recuperates from surgery should speak with Fishes and Loaves coordinator, Dawn Gonda.
Donna Windberg would’ve celebrated her birthday this week. Gary was so kind and generous to share her beautiful clothes and personal items with our congregation, and what a financial blessing that was for so many of us! She is forever missed and loved here. The Lees would’ve celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. Let’s love on Linda best we can. Durk is also loved and missed.
That’s the news for today. Visitors in person and friends watching online, we are so happy to have you worship with us. Thank you for your support! See you at 10 am next Sunday!
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January 22, 2023
Friends and family, welcome back to What’s Happening page! Pull up a seat and let's get the news for this snowy Sunday:
Our songs were “Just A Little Talk With Jesus”, ”Way Maker”, “Blessed Be Your Name”, and “Redeemed”. Pastor Billy delivered the message “IYOB” from the series “HOPE-Let There Be in 2023” with text from the book of Job, first and last chapters. (You can watch this and past messages by going to the home page and clicking WATCH.)
Yearly business meeting was after church and was open to all members. Pastor Billy, Pastor Bob, and Larry DeSando all shared their vision for the upcoming year as well as 2023 budget.
Today we kicked off FOUNDATIONS class. Pastor Bob and Heather are teaching. Please let them know if you are coming so they will print enough teaching materials. They meet in the kitchen from 9-9:45 each Sunday.
If you would like to learn to journal and develop a quiet time, Penny Knott is offering a class for ladies at her Manhattan home Sundays at 8 a.m.
Eileen DeSando is creating a new church directory for us! Pick up paperwork at the Connection Table or inside a bulletin to send her information and a picture of yourself or your family.
Feb. 19th after service you are invited to “Meet and Greet”, a time of refreshments and getting to know your deacon. Watch your mailbox for a personal notification that shows the name and photo of your deacon.
Every third Saturday of the month Pastor Bob will be street ministering with Sandoval Ministries, and you are invited to go, too! The group usually meets at Pastor Julian’s home in Burbank, and then goes into the city to pray for homeless and pass out Blessing Bags.
Giving Statements are in the plastic ABC order container on the Connection Table. You will want yours for your taxes, so please take these ASAP.
Pastor Billy’s online Bible study is Tuesdays at 6:30 pm on his Face Book page. The new Genesis study has begun with a good sized internet crowd. If you cannot access Face Book, go to Pastor Shred on You Tube videos and watch from there. If you create a You Tube account, you will be able to comment during the class.
Pastor Billy’s Worship Wednesday is noon on FB and You Tube. This week’s devotion was “Diet”. Songs featured were “I Let the Devil In”/ Olivia Lane and “Washed Clean (Live)”/ Zach Williams.
In-person small group meets at Brenda Hajek’s home in New Lenox Thursday 6:30 pm. Everybody is welcome for snacks and study.
Special healing prayers are going up for JoAnn, John, Kay, Gino and Oscar. We love and support you and pray life gets easier.
Happy Birthday to Joe Meskin on the 25th, Erin Van Kuiken on the 26th, and Justice Petersen reading this across the miles on the 27th!
That’s the news for today. Visitors in person and friends watching online, we are happy you shared your time with us. We hope to see everybody back next Sunday. Thank you for your support!
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January 15, 2023
Friends and family, welcome back to What’s Happening! Here is the news for this week:
Our songs were “Who You Say I Am”, ”Chain Breaker”, “Hello, My Name Is”, “Holy Holy Holy”, a new one from Chris McClarney, “Speak to the Mountain”, and “Trust and Obey’ . Pastor Billy delivered the message “Ruth” from the series “HOPE-Let There Be in 2023” with text from the book of Ruth. (You can watch this and past messages by going to the home page and clicking WATCH.)
Special thanks to the Decoration Removal crew of volunteers who spent many hours Saturday taking down the holiday décor from the sanctuary. What a job! It was truly beautiful while it lasted!
Folks, remember we have stacks of free Daily Bread devotional books on the Connection Table. Please take these and share with others to be sure all are used.
Seniors 55+ White Elephant Luncheon is January 18th , 12-3pm at the church. This is always a fun event, and is a fabulous way to rehome the slightly irregular gifts you received for Christmas. Kathy Felchin is in charge. Sign up at the Connection Table.
Pastor Bob will be street ministering to the homeless this Saturday with Sandoval Ministries. If you would like to participate, he can give you time and location.
Next Sunday we will begin FOUNDATIONS class. Go to the kitchen from 9-9:45 am to learn basic Christian principles and core Christian doctrines. Pastor Bob and Heather are teaching. Please let them know if you are coming so they will print enough teaching materials.
Yearly business meeting is after church on January 22nd. No childcare provided, and this is for members only. Plan to stay an extra hour or so next week.
Eileen DeSando is creating a new church directory. Pick up paperwork at the Connection Table to send her information and a picture of yourself or your family.
Pastor Billy’s online Bible study is Tuesdays at 6:30 pm on his Face Book page. The new Genesis study has begun with a good sized internet crowd. If you cannot access Face Book, go to Pastor Shred on You Tube videos and watch from there. If you create a You Tube account, you will be able to comment during the class.
Pastor Billy’s Worship Wednesday is noon on FB and You Tube. This week’s devotion was “What Are You Planting?”. Songs featured were “Where the Roses Never Fade”/Chuck Crain and “Shine on Us”/ William Matthews.
Multiple inmates saved their money and bought the church Christmas cards. Please take a few minutes and read their greetings to you at the Graybars table in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for signing the birthday cards back there.
Special healing prayers for JoAnn, John, Kay, Gino, Oscar, and Alice. We love and support you!
Linda Lee has left a stack of extra programs and funeral photo cards for those who were unable to attend Durk’s memorial service. Please take one from the Connection Table as a reminder to pray for Linda and her family as they maneuver the grieving process and she learns to live alone after 69 years of marriage.
Happy Birthday to Luis Lopez today! Additionally, we wish a happy birthday to Cynthia Petersen reading this all the way in Stockton, IL! We miss you and Blaine and the family! Come visit when you can! Desiray Chambers celebrates her birthday on Tuesday all the way down in TN!
That’s the news for today. Visitors in person and watching online, we are happy you joined us. We hope to see everybody back next Sunday. We appreciate all you do to support this ministry and help it grow.
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January 08, 2023
Friends and family, welcome back to the What’s Happening page! Here is the news for this week:
Our songs were “Sweet By and By”, “It Is You”, ”We Believe”, “Living Hope” and “Seek Ye First” . Pastor Billy delivered the message “Mosheh” from the series “HOPE-Let There Be in 2023” with text from Exodus 2:1-4. This was the story of Moses found in the floating basket. (You can watch this and past messages by going to the home page and clicking WATCH.)
Judy Christensen was blessed with an incredible leg healing this week and joyfully shared her story with us! She has struggled so long with wound care treatments, and we celebrate her good news!
We have stacks of free Daily Bread devotional books on the Connection Table. Please take these and share with others to be sure all are used. Linda Lee has left extra programs and keepsake funeral pocket cards for those who were unable to attend Durk's funeral. Please take one, and pray for this grieving family.
Ladies’ Prayer and Devotional is Saturday, January 14, 8 am at Penny Knott’s home. Please sign up. Free to all the females and their guests!
Men’s Breakfast is Saturday, January 14, 8 am at the church. This is free, but you MUST let Pastor Bob know you are coming as he must order enough food for each guest. There is nothing sadder than not enough bacon.
After these two events dismiss, we ask those who can to stay and help us remove the Christmas décor and take down the great tree. Sign up at the Connection Table if you will help. Judy Fash can answer further questions. We start at 10 am.
Seniors 55+ White Elephant Luncheon is January 18th , 12-3 pm at the church. This is always a fun event, and is a fabulous way to pass on some odd and misfit gifts that you found under your Christmas tree. Kathy Felchin is in charge. Sign up at the Connection Table.
Two Sundays from now we will begin FOUNDATIONS class. Go to the kitchen 9-9:45 am to learn basic Christian principles and core Christian doctrines. Pastor Bob and Heather are teaching.
Yearly business meeting is after church on January 22nd. No childcare provided, and this is for members only.
If you saved your tag from your Operation Christmas Child shoebox, be sure and check your box ID number online to see where your package ended up in the world. This will be interesting to see where on the globe your box landed!
Pastor Billy’s online Bible study is Tuesdays at 6:30 pm on his Face Book page. The new Genesis study was attempted, but technical difficulties on Face Book ended the class early. The lesson will be repeated this Tuesday since so many could not access it. We apologize. Stuff happens.
Pastor Billy’s Worship Wednesday is noon on FB and You Tube. This week’s devotion was “Resolutions”. Songs featured were Zach Williams/”Less Like Me” and / Sanctus Real/”Confidence”
In person Bible study is at the Hajek home in New Lenox at 6:30 pm. Come enjoy snacks, fellowship, and learn from the scriptures. Topics vary each week. Pastor Billy teaches
Multiple inmates saved their money and bought the church Christmas cards. Please take a few minutes and read their greetings to you at the Graybars Project table in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for signing the birthday cards back there.
Special healing prayers for JoAnn, Kay, Gino, Linda, and Alice. We love and support you!
Thank you for attending, for giving, for serving, for caring for each other. That’s the news for this week. We hope to see you all back here for service next Sunday at 10 a.m. Have a blessed week!
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January 01, 2023
Goodbye, 2022, and hello, 2023! Being together in God’s house was a wonderful way to ring in the New Year! Thanks for sharing part of your holiday with us.
Our songs were “Leaning On the Everlasting Arms”, “Your Love Never Fails”, ”All My Hope Is In Jesus”, “God of Wonders” and “Famous One” . Pastor Bob Smith delivered the New Year message “HOPE-Let There Be in 2023” with text from Hebrews 11:1-6. (You can watch this and past messages by going to the home page and clicking WATCH.)
Many thanks for your donations to the community food pantry collection today! Double bagging is very helpful to the guys loading and unloading your items.
If you saved your tag from your Operation Christmas Child shoebox, be sure and check your box ID number online to see where your package ended up in the world. This will be interesting to see how far our gifts traveled!
We are in need of another greeter. If you can arrive ½ hour early, hand out bulletins and smile, you meet the qualifications. See Penny Knott if you are willing to serve in this area
The church has been so festively decorated, but nothing lasts forever, so a decorations removal day is scheduled for Sat., January 14th 10 am. Sign up at the Connection Table if you will help. Judy Fash can answer further questions.
Yearly business meeting is after church on January 22nd. No childcare provided, and this is for members only.
Seniors 55+ White Elephant Luncheon is January 18th , 12-3pm at the church. This is always a fun event, and is a fabulous way to pass on some odd and misfit gifts that you found under your Christmas tree. Kathy Felchin is in charge. Sign up at the Connection Table.
Men’s Donuts and Devotional is Saturday, January 14, 8 am at the church. Please sign up. Pastor Bob can give you more info. Free for all men!
Ladies’ Prayer and Devotional is Saturday, January 14, 8 am at Penny Knott’s home. Please sign up. Free to all the females and their guests!
Pastor Billy’s online Bible study is Tuesdays at 6:30 pm on his Face Book page. 1 and 2 Corinthians is now finished, and he will start Genesis. Worship Wednesday is noon on FB and You Tube. This week’s devotion was “Regifting”. Songs featured were Avalon/”We Are the Reason” and Danny Gokey/”Give Me Jesus”.
Happy Birthday to Jason Hippenhammer and his beard on January 6th!
It’s a GIRL! Congrats to Pastor Bob and Heather Smith on the birth of their granddaughter, August Taylor Smith! Proud parents are Bobby and Jesse Smith, and they say “Auggie” is perfect!
Condolences to Judy Christensen on the death of her husband on Dec. 21. Linda Lee was back for the first time since Durk’s passing. Let’s be mindful to care for our widows here at Revolution.
Praying God gives you a year of favor and His unending love! May 2023 bring good health and joy to you and your entire family! We will see everybody again right here next week!
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December 25, 2022
MERRY CHRISTMAS, friends and family! What a happy day! If you are reading this you survived Thursday and Friday’s blizzard and the weekend ice and sub-zero windchills. Midwesterners are made of tough stuff!
Our songs were “Go Tell It On the Mountain”, “The First Noel”, ”Away in a Manger (Forever Amen)”, “Holy Night” and “Come On Ring Those Bells” with the crowd jingling bells to celebrate this wonderful day. Special thanks to our guest singer, Jessica Holub!
Pastor Billy’s Christmas message came from Luke 2. (You can watch this and past messages by going to the home page and clicking WATCH.)
At the end of service our resident balloon artist, Autumn Hensle, gave out large balloon candy cane twists to kids AND to kids in grown up clothes. He spent hours making these for us last night. We love his generous heart! Thank you!
Christmas Eve candlelight service was peaceful and beautiful. Sometimes simple is the best. Songs were “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear”, “Christmas Offering”, “Silent Night” and “O Holy Night”. Deborah Corbin lit the Christ Candle and read the Advent scripture.
Pastor Billy’s online study of 2 Corinthians is Tuesdays at 6:30 pm on his Face Book page. Worship Wednesday is noon on FB and You Tube. This week’s devotion was “Christmas Chaos”. Songs featured were Amy Grant/”I Need a Silent Night” and Matt Redman/”Heart of Worship”.
Happy Birthday to Jesus AND Brenda Hajek (AKA Harvey Ferguson’s “best Christmas gift he ever got”) who was born on the 25th! Dave Brouse was born on the 30th!
Please, let us all be mindful to check on each during this rough patch of brutal weather. Some of our handicapped, sick, or elderly might need a hand running errands or clearing their walks and driveways to avoid falls and illness. Thank you to those who consistently make like easier for others.
Special thanks to the awesome John Chamblee and his crew for clearing the parking lot of snow so we could safely have holiday services. Pastor Billy also worked in the frigid winds Saturday to shovel and salt the sidewalks for us. We appreciate so much these extra efforts.
That’s our news for Christmas Day 2022. Your time is precious, so thank you for spending some of it with us to worship! Visitors in person and online, thank you for joining us! Get some rest and enjoy your food and family!
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December 18, 2022
Thank you, friends, for stopping here to see what’s happening at Revolution Church this week! What a fun morning it has been!
Today’s Ministry Highlight featured those who come early to greet, maintain the coffee table, and pass out bulletins. THANK YOU!
Our songs were “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, “Feliz Navidad”, “Carol of the Bells”, ”Jesus Take the Wheel”, “O, Come All Ye Faithful” and “Glory In the Highest”. Special thanks to our guest musician, Mikey Nordsell, on drums!
Pastor Billy continued the December series with the message “Mary and Elizabeth” with text from Luke 1:39-45 and Isaiah 9:6. (You can watch this and past messages by going to the home page and clicking WATCH.)
Sandoval Ministries put on a special puppet show for our kids. It was good seeing all of them again, and the children enjoyed it!
This is the fourth Sunday of Advent. Carolyn Summins and Jessica Holub lit the Candle of Love and read the Advent scriptures.
Annual Ugly Sweater Contest was today, and you guys sure showed up in some doozies! Winners took home gift cards to Chik-fil-A. Congrats to Favorite Couple: George and Darla Carrol and their little dog who was even wrapped in lights! Favorite Male was Luiz Lopez in his Gingerbread Man suit! Favorite Female was Reagan Hippenhammer in her cat jumpsuit!
Thank you to all who helped make our Christmas Lunch a success after service. It takes a lot of work to transform the sanctuary into a fellowship hall, then reverse it to restore order a couple hours later. The food was yummy and plentiful, and the Hippenhammer kids were our entertainmen singing, and playing piano and violin! Great job, all!
Special thanks to Kevin Giera for playing Santa after the luncheon. Many folks sat on his knee and got the sweetest photos taken with him!
Please note that folks who signed up to help process Samaritan’s Purse Christmas boxes for shipping can take that day off. Enough help has been provided so that we are no longer needed. Rest!
If you desire to learn more about the fundamentals of Christianity, please sign up at the Connection Table for “Foundations” taught by Pastor Bob and Heather Smith. Start date is to be determined.
If you are interested in learning to journal and develop your quiet time, Penny Knott is offering to teach you in her home at 8 a.m. before church on Sunday mornings if there is enough interest. You will be working through “Life Journal” by Wayne Cordeiro. Sign up at the Connection Table.
Pastor Billy’s online study of 2 Corinthians is Tuesdays at 6:30 pm on his Face Book page. Worship Wednesday is noon on FB and You Tube. This week’s devotion was postponed because of car trouble at air time. Sorry about that. Worship Wednesday will be up and running again this week!
Happy Birthday to Reagan Hippenhammer on the 19th, bass player, Phil Graniczny on the 21st and camera guy, Bruce Smit on the 23rd!
Great news! Jamie Meskin has passed her exam and is now officially a child psychologist! We are so proud of you, Jamie!
Funeral service for Durk Lee was Thursday. Burial is private in New York on Tuesday. He will certainly be missed at this church. Three of his large floral displays were shared today, and we were encouraged to pull the flowers and make our own bouquets to carry home. Let’s come alongside Linda and do all we can to help her navigate this devastating loss. A shared meal, rides to church, and running of errands would likely be most appreciated to help her avoid dangerous winter driving.
That’s our news for the day. Thanks for sharing your time with us! Have a blessed week, and we will see you Saturday for Christmas Eve service at 5 pm. Please be prompt as the lights will be low during the service. Yes, we most certainly ARE having church on Christmas morning! Let’s have a house full and celebrate!
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December 11, 2022
Thank you, friends, for stopping here to see what’s happening at Revolution Church this week!
Today’s songs were “House of the Lord”, “Joy to the World”, “God With Us”, ”Christmas Hallelujah”, and “O, Come All ye Faithful”. Pastor Billy continued the December series, “God With Us” with text from Micah 5 and Luke 2:10-11. (You can watch this and past messages by going to the home page and clicking WATCH.)
This is the third Sunday of Advent. Bob and Autumn Hensle lit the Candle of Joy and read the Advent scriptures.
Our annual Christmas evening for the ladies was Friday night, and it was incredibly beautiful! There was a guest speaker (Gail Morris), games, prizes, music, and a fine supper in the beautifully decorated sanctuary! Brenda Hajek led an outstanding team that worked hard to pull it off without a hitch! Thank you, men, for serving, cleaning, and restoring the sanctuary furniture in time for today’s worship. Today’s Ministry Highlight featured all who helped with this event.
Annual Ugly Sweater contest is NEXT SUNDAY, so let’s get busy and show off your creativity from head to toe with the sparkle and the colors of the holiday! There will be prizes, so we hope for a lot of participation.
After church NEXT SUNDAY you are invited to stay for our holiday lunch where the kids will be singing for us! Church provides fried chicken, and everybody else is to bring the desserts and side dishes. We MUST know how many to prepare for, so RSVP ASAP if you haven’t signed up.
Be inviting your family and friends to join us for Christmas Eve Candlelight service here at 5-6 pm on the 24th. We will also have service Christmas morning at 10 a.m.
If you desire to become a fully devoted follower of Christ and would like to learn more about the Christian faith, please sign up at the Connection Table for “Foundations” taught by Pastor Bob and Heather Smith. Start date is to be determined.
Also at the Connection Table there is a sign-up sheet for those interested in learning to journal and develop your quiet time. This will take place at Penny Knott’s home before church on Sunday mornings.
Today was the final collection of coats for Morning Star Mission in Joliet. THANK YOU! What a pile of generosity set in front of the stage with all the bagged items! Pastor Bob will be street ministering and passing out Blessing Bags, socks, gloves and blankets with Sandoval Ministries on Saturday, Dec. 17. If you would like to go, too, speak to Pastor Bob ASAP.
Many thanks to the volunteers who participated in the mailout of Christmas cards to the inmates in Graybars Project. We are already getting positive feedback from recipients! Everybody likes to be remembered.
Pastor Billy’s online study of 2 Corinthians is Tuesdays at 6:30 pm on his Face Book page. Worship Wednesday is noon on FB and You Tube. This week’s devotion was “Wish List”. Featured songs were “Grown Up Christmas List”/Joseph B. Clark and “Gifts From God”/Chris Tomlin and Chris Lane.
Happy Birthday on the 17th to Pat Baker who is reading this from her home in Memphis! (If you would like a birthday or anniversary mentioned, notify the piano player to be included here.)
Special prayers are needed for the Lees. Durk came home from the hospital with hospice this week, and passed away Sunday morning. Plans are incomplete at the time of this post, but Pastor Billy will notify us as soon as they are finalized. Let us rally around Linda and her childrenat this difficult time. Their 69th anniversary was to be in January.
That’s our news for the day. Thanks for reading! Have a blessed week, and we will see you next Sunday in your holiday tackiest garb!
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December 4, 2022
Welcome, December! Thank you, friends, for stopping here to see what’s happening at Revolution Church this week!
We had several visitors in person and watching online, so that made us happy!
Today’s songs were “Angels We Have Heard On High”, “Blessed Assurance”, “Even So Come”, and ”Jesus Messiah”. Pastor Billy began a new December series, “God With Us” with text from Isaiah 7:7-1. (You can watch this and past messages by going to the home page and clicking WATCH.
This is the second Sunday of Advent. The Carlos Lara family lit the Candle of PEACE and read the Advent scriptures.
So many of you have commented about the beauty of the Christmas cross on stage. Grant and Faith Cromwell and Greg and Judy Fash are the folks to thank for what you see. Fantastic job!
What a collection of food we will have to share with the community pantry! This is the most generous church! Thanks for today’s donations. Remember, we always collect the first Sunday of the month.
Ladies, our annual Christmas event is Friday, December 9th at 6 pm here at the church, and you do NOT want to miss this! There will be a guest speaker, games, prizes, music, and a fine supper in the beautifully decorated sanctuary. $10 tickets are going fast. Hurry and purchase so you can choose where you would like to sit. Heather Smith is the lone ticket seller. Brenda Hajek can answer any questions about this evening.
Gentlemen, we are seeking a few good men to serve at the women’s Christmas event. Will you dress up and show up so our ladies can have a couple hours of relaxation? Pastor Bob can give you more information.
Annual Ugly Sweater contest is Sunday, December 18th, so let’s get busy and show off our creativity with the jingle and the sparkle!
After church on the 18th you are invited to stay for our holiday lunch where the kids will be singing for us! Church provides fried chicken, and everybody else is to bring the desserts and side dishes. We MUST know how many to prepare for, so SIGN UP ASAP at the Connection Table for a seat and to contribute food.
If you desire to become a fully devoted follower of Christ and would like to learn more about the Christian faith, please sign up at the Connection Table for “Foundations” taught by Pastor Bob and Heather Smith. Start date is to be determined.
Also at the Connection Table there is a sign-up sheet for those interested in learning to journal and develop your quiet time. This will take place at Penny Knott’s home before church on Sunday mornings.
New or gently used coats are still being collected for Morning Star Mission in Joliet. If you plan to donate, know that NEXT SUNDAY is the final day of this church project. Pastor Bob will be street ministering and passing out Blessing Bags, socks, gloves and blankets with Sandoval Ministries on Saturday, Dec. 17. If you would like to go, too, speak to Pastor Bob ASAP.
Let us encourage you to sign the Graybars Project birthday cards for our inmates at the back table. A word of encouragement is always welcomed, especially around the holidays which is the loneliest time to be away from family and friends. Several of these inmates are relatives of church members.
Pastor Billy’s online study of 2 Corinthians is Tuesdays at 6:30 pm on his Face Book page. Worship Wednesday is noon on FB and You Tube. This week’s devotion was “Leftovers”. Featured songs were “God’s Not Done With You”/ Tauren Wells and “The Father’s House”/Cory Asbury.
Happy Birthday TODAY to newlywed and newest member, Peggy Walley-Rock! Freda Wolfendon celebrates on the 9th and Harvey Ferguson has a birthday on the 10th! Anybody else? (If you would like a birthday or anniversary mentioned, notify the piano player to be included here.)
Special prayers are needed for the Lees. Durk spent much of this week in the hospital again and is currently waiting for another placement in a rehab.
That’s the news for the day. Thanks for stopping by! Have a blessed week, and we will see you next Sunday!
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