Chatham Presbyterian
News, Events and More!
August 1, 2013 Newsletter
Issue 17
Dear Debbie and Mark,
Beginning this Sunday, August 4th, I am beginnng a
new series on Sunday Mornings called "Audacious
Prayer!" I am so excited about this series and what
it has potential to do at CPC. "Audacious" means to
show a willingness to take bold risks. We will study
scripture and other examples of God's people who
did just that....took risks and saw that in situations
that looked impossible, God shows up when His
people call out for Him as their only source.
There is power in that kind of prayer. There is a
boldness in that kind of prayer. There is a swelling
of God's power when his people pray, trusting in
His mighty hand only. There are great outcomes
when the impotence of man meets the omnipotence
of God! I would like to see each of you at every
week of this 6-week series.
I also want to ask each person attending CPC to
think of someone right now who is not attending
church. Would you begin praying for that person
and start inviting them to church. We need to do
an enthusiastic job of inviting others to CPC.
Let's all start inviting people to church like we
believe in what God is doing here! Let's start filling all those seats up! God is doing some
awesome things at CPC, and we need to let others in on it! I love you all very much and love
being your "Pastor for Now!"
Pastor Ken
NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN UP FOR
LAKE WILLIAMSON "FAMILY DAY"
THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 4th!
Sunday, August 4th from 1:00 - 5:00
p.m. Swimming time from 1-4 in both
lake and pool. Cooking hot dogs, brats
and hamburgers starting at 3:00 p.m.
$10 per person. Contact Amy Bifano at
553-0832 to register.
The beachfront is packaged with the
outdoor pool featuring a full size
swimming pool and diving board. At the
beach, you can ride the zip-line and drop into the lake, get
launched off the famous blob, climb the iceberg, jump on the
water trampoline, relax on the sand, go canoeing or ride along on
a paddle boat. Don't forget about THE PLUNGE waterslide.
Lifeguards & attendants will be present.
SAVE THE DATE!
Back to School Bash for
family and friends will be
September 8th from 4:30 6:30. Games, bounce houses,
cotton candy, face painting
and more!
THE CLUBHOUSE:
FRIENDS, FAMILY, FUN!
What's Happening in The Clubhouse
in August? We'll be "In the
Doghouse" as we explore Bible
stories about Sibling Rivalry.
 August 4: Cain Kills His
Brother in Anger. Genesis
4:2-16. We show God's love
by controlling anger.
 August 11: Jacob Steals His Brother's Blessing.
Genesis 27:1-45. We show God's love by being honest.
 August 18: Joseph Is Sold into Slavery. Genesis 37:336. We show God's love by encouraging each other.
 August 25: Story of the Lost Son. Luke 15:11-32. We
show God's love by forgiving each other.
September Sneak Peek: The Big Dig - A Bible Overview.
Want to be blessed by helping with our kids? Contact our
volunteer Children's Ministries coordinator Laura Van Proyen
at 494-0503 or christianed@chathampresbyterian.org
The Launch will kick off the
Frontline Youth program for
this fall on September 8th
from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Trunk or Treat
Sunday, October 27, 2013
from 5:00- 7:30 p.m.
Mark your calendars now for
this FUN community outreach
event with decorated car
trunks, lots of candy and
Cupcake Wars!
NEW WOMEN'S SMALL
GROUP STARTING UP
Called "Women in the Word,"
this new small group will share
together in prayer and Bible
study on Thursday nights from
6:30 - 8:00 p.m. The first
study will begin after Labor
Day on September 5 - October
24th. "Malachi, a Love that
Never Lets Go" by hilarious
storyteller and theological
scholar Lisa Harper. There
will be an organizational
gathering on Thursday,
August 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the church Parlor. Bring your
questions to the gathering or contact Laura VanProyen, or call
494-0503.
Upcoming Events
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Sunday,
August 4th:
Family Day at
Lake
Williamson. No youth group.
Sunday, August 11th: Youth Group at 6:30 p.m. with
dinner provided.
Sunday, August 18th: Youth Group at 6:30 p.m.
No Youth Group August 25th or September 1st.
Sunday, September 8th: Back to School Bash 4:30 6:30 p.m. followed by The Launch from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
"SING TO THE KING" RAISES THE ROOF FOR JESUS
AND MORE THAN $1,200 FOR SUSAN BAIRD FAMILY
Thanks to everyone who came out and supported our second
annual "Sing to the King" benefit concert. Thanks also to the
band, sound guys and speakers Daniel Helm, Jenny Elliott and
Rev. Bob Swickard who each reminded us about the importance
of hope and unity in our Lord, Jesus Christ.
THANK YOU's FOR
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Wow! What a great week!
Thank you to everyone who
helped by donating supplies,
or time, or prayers! We could
not have pulled off such a
wonderful program without
you! The kids absolutely loved
it, and it was amazing to see
them learn about Jesus and
enjoy it so much! We were
able to reach out not only to
our own Chatham Presbyterian
families, but also many new
families in Chatham! A special
"Thank you!" should be given
to our two directors who
worked tirelessly to make
sure it all went
smoothly...Judy Woerner
and Sara Metzger!
H20 IS BACK!
Beginning Thursday,
September 12th:
Chatham Presbyterian
Church and Crossroads
Counseling Center will
again offer "H20" Hope. Healing.
Overcoming." This 10week series offers
four different groups:
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GriefShare:
for those
grieving the
loss of a loved one.
Single & Parenting for single parents.
Divorce Recovery for those going through or recovering
from a divorce.
"Financial Peace University," a financial fitness
program led by Pastor Ken Macken.
For information, or to register, please contact Margie
Wheelhouse at 483-1224.
Joys!
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Cured! Tina
Knollenberg of
Hepatitis C.
Successful surgery for
Todd Marvel's father,
Russ.
Successful surgery for
Darla Olmsted's
father, Don Wilkey.
Sing to the King
benefit concert - an amazing night of worship and
$1,200 raised for Susan Baird and her family.
Vacation Bible School - so many new faces that kept
coming back each night.
Visitors, new, and returning families to Chatham
Presbyterian Church.
Special Offering for New Pastor Fund: Praise God for
more than $43,000 raised in the month of July - yes,
July!
Upcoming Outreach Events to plan joyfully for: Back to
School
Bash
and
The
Launch!
Concerns
Polly Pierce Hulcher:for family friends, the VanPelts,
who have a 4-year-old daughter, Olivia, fighting rare
cancer.
Margaret Carroll, Marsha Marvel's mother, under
hospice care in Peoria.
Russ Marvel, Todd Marvel's father, recovery from
surgery.
Sally Trawick, Todd Marvel's mother, battling cancer in
Alpharetta, Georgia.
Michael & Lisa Edmison, wisdom needed as they bring
foster child into their family.
Susan Baird, 4th grader, back in St. Louis, battling rare
brain cancer that has spread to spine.
Military Members
Aled Fain, Eric Anderson, Margaret Siemer, Brad Miller, Seth
Baker, Gary Kirchner, Clay Kuetemeyer, Josh Yakle.
Shut-Ins
Mary Aidich, Villa East, Sherman
Twila Juraska
Maxine McCoy, Lewis Memorial
Boosters: For those in need of extra prayer
Clifford, Dave, Corrina & Isaac Dahl; Pastor Bob Hanson, Irma
Gobleman, Dwight Elliott, Mary Jane Elliott, Mae Marie Koster,
Sharon Reynolds, Lois Siemer, Paul Spindler, Bill and Carolyn
Templeton, Cynthia Wilson, Susan McCann, Chuck Hendricks.
Please email us your praises and prayer requests.
From Donna Thurston
Dearest Friends, My Church Family,
It was nearly 16 years ago that my family and I
first walked in the door of Chatham
Presbyterian Church. Little did we know the
connections and love we would share. Since
finding out that our family would be relocating
to the Washington, D.C. area, my mind has been
full of memories. I clearly see the very first Sunday morning,
standing and visiting in the fellowship hall talking to members of
this congregation. We were very touched by the outpouring of
support, and the welcoming spirit. It
soon became clear that we had found
out new church home.
During the years I was entrusted with
leading the Christian Education
program, we started The Master's
Adventure, a new Sunday School model.
What fun we had teaching and learning
about God's word! I was always
grateful for your willingness to say,
"Yes!" when I asked you to help teach for 3 or 4 weeks. It was
an enormous blessing for all of those children to get to know
you, and for you to share your unique gifts with them.
I remember starting "Children's Church" so rambunctious kids
didn't have to sit still during the whole service and tired
parents could listen to the message unhindered. Again, you
always said, "Yes." I was amazed!
LIFE Groups
Regular Meeting Times
Firm Foundations
Adult Sunday School Class
Study God's word verse by
verse in this friendly group
that meets Sunday mornings
at 8:30 a.m.
Julie Kaiser
483-5909
Zumba Exercise Group
Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:15
Olsen Hall, CPC
Chatham Presbyterian Church is often
referred to as a "Permission Giving
Church," and certainly I was given
permission over and over again to serve
God in new ways, some more inventive
than others! Thank you for your
willingness to offer Crossroads
Counseling ministry and to entrust me
with its leadership. I have been
blessed time and time again by the
support of the staff, members and
Session of this congregation.
Some of our adventures together
included:
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Grow Monday
Studying Grace by Max
Lucado
7:00-8:30 p.m.
1029 Oakbrook
Sara Metzger, 430-7374
Stay Strong
With God:
Tuesday nights
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
The Book of Romans
Marriage enrichment classes.
by Thomas Nelson
From Waffles and Spaghetti,
Phil Woerner's home
to Love and Respect, Jim and I
238 Heatherstone
always had fun teaching and being taught about ways to
enhance relationships.
Thornton Woerner,
The "Mom to Mom" program. For those who helped
725-5646
start this and served as mentors, I hope you know the
tremendous impact you have had on those mom's lives.
N.U.T.S. Small Group
Thank you for reaching out to them time and time again
over the years.
Tuesdays 7:00 p.m.
WWJD Day Camp. Pure exhausting fun and excitement.
Bob & Sandy Steimel's home
The support of various adults and teen team leaders
124 Manor Hill
never seemed to end. With God's help, we pulled off
Barbara Olson, 529-5171
some pretty big deals with a busload of kids! I know as
we sought to teach young children about serving God by
serving others, we also were blessed by those we were
helping and by young minds memorizing scripture, and
working hard to plant flowers or sing their hearts out at
the Presbyterian Home. Weren't they adorable and fun?
Session Contact
Purity W/O Apology (renamed Pure Class). Thanks to
Information
committed women who sought to teach young girls about
their bodies and God's plan for sexuality. It has always
been a beautiful event pulled off by pure love and
concern by a group of very classy Christian women.
H2O (Healing, Hope & Overcoming). Again you stepped
up to help in so many ways. From serving refreshments,
The Session welcomes your
to leading groups, helping with advertising, putting signs
questions, comments or
in the yard, offering child care and transportation-what
concerns.
a wonderful service you have started to reach out to
our community in need! I hope you know the impact you
Pam Bruzan:
have had.
Crossroads Counseling Center. For any of you who came
to me for counseling, or referred someone to me, it
never ceased to amaze me the authenticity and
vulnerability you were willing to entrust me with. I do
not take that for granted. Thank you for allowing me to
be a part of your journey.
Monday Morning Small Group. You were there through
the thick and thin of things. We learned a lot over the
years about our Lord, but also about each other, raising
kids together, struggling with life's ups and downs. We
laughed until we cried and we cried until we laughed. We
took turns sharing our hurts, our joys, and somehow also
found time for Beth Moore (most of the time!).
pjb601@att.net
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Dave Dahl:
dav-dahl@comcast.net
Dorothy Doetsch:
djd723@yahoo.com
Patrick Hansen:
phansen58@comcast.net
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Julie Kaiser:
jsjkaiser@msn.com
Debbie Lounsberry:
debbielounsberry@gmail.com
Todd Marvel:
tjmarvel@comcast.net
Cheryl Niemeyer:
mabel47@msn.com
Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of this church. Barbara Olson:
esfj57@yahoo.com
It has been a privilege to serve with you in so many different
venues. The Thurston family will never forget our time with you. Bob Speicher:
We will always look back fondly on the people of CPC.
bob.speicher@yahoo.com
We wish you all the best as you continue to seek God's best for Bernie Stoddard:
this church. Your ministry potential here is limitless! Keep on
berstodd@comcast.net
saying "Yes!" It is one of the things that makes this place great.
We will miss you.
Newsletter Editor:
Donna & Jim Thurston, Rebekah & Tyler too!
Julie Kaiser
Pictures from Lisa Rigoni
Chatham Presbyterian Church
1835 East Walnut, Chatham, IL 62629
Phone: 217-483-4204
info@chathampresbyterian.org