First Presbyterian Church

Rev. Tim Snart

P.O. Box126, 2431 First St.

Coal Valley, IL  61240

309-799-3511

In a couple of weeks, we will have our annual Valentine's Dinner.  Of course the theme of that dinner is love, and in the coming week we will give Valentine cards and eat Valentine candy, but there is another dinner happening on Monday, the 6th of February that is perhaps a celebration of love more in line with what the Lord had in mind for us.   That banquet will celebrate the volunteer efforts of those who have made the food pantry go in the last 12 months.   Now that is the kind of love where people truly did decide to take the time to love their neighbors rather than walking by on the other side of the road as in the parable of the Good Samaritan.  In the Gospel of Matthew, the 25^thChapter it says that we truly claim the inheritance that was prepared for us when we are aware of and take advantage of the opportunities that we have to love our neighbors.   It says that we truly encounter the Lord when we give food to those who are hungry.  We know Christ better when we give drink to those who thirst.  We are closer to God's kingdom when we pause in life and clothe those who are naked.  “In as much at you have done for the least of these brothers of Mine you have done it unto Me.”  And so we pause and give thanks to all of those who have helped to do the work of the food pantry.  

The Valentine Dinner is a fun way for us to join hands and hearts in fellowship and love for each other, but the true celebration of love this month will not be help on February 14, it will be held on February 6th.  This dinner, of course, is for those who have volunteered their services to help with the physical distribution of the food.   But I want to tell you the celebration of love goes way beyond that.   It is true that we want to give thanks to those who volunteered, but if we are celebrating the love involved in the food pantry ministry, we also have to praise God for those who have donated food and money of help feed the hungry in our community.   We also should praise God for all of those who have held the food pantry ministry up in their prayers.  And most of all, we must take this opportunity offer our praise to God for giving us this ministry and showing us this awesome example of what His love is really like. 

Pastor Tim

February 2012

Holy Communion

February 5:     Joyce Stephens, Kelli Sandusky, Todd Sandusky, Scott McWhinney& Andy DeBaillie

Ushers

February 5 :    Josh & Heather Harris

February 12:  Carol Stogsdill

February 19:  Art & Doris Coffey

February 26:  Todd & Kelli Sandusky

Greeters

February 5 :    Kevin & Jodie Mortensen

February 12:  Gloria Exner & Pat Stewart

February 19:  Matt & Leona DeVooght

February 26:  Ruth Gabbert, Frank & Trish Dudek

Fellowship

February 12:   Melody & Paul Schnell & Todd & Kelli Sandusky

February 26:  Judy Blankenship, Kate Crane, &

                        Dee Weedon

Circles

            Hope Circle will meet at Denny’s by Southpark. Tuesday, February 14^that 9:30 a.m. where Hilde Wray will lead the lesson.

            Afternoon Circle will not meet this month.

Presbyterian Lunch

            The February Presbyterian Lunch will meet for lunch on Tuesday, February 21^stat11:30 at the Pickertons on BlackHawk Road in Rock Island.  All are invited to this casual luncheon.  Please come an enjoy this time of fellowship.

            The March Presbyterian Lunch will meet for lunch on Tuesday, March 27^that11:30 at the Fountains in Bettendorf.  The Fountains is where Harry & Judy Fink live and we will be joining them for lunch.  Menu items will be listed at a later date.  Please come an enjoy this time of fellowship

Session and Deacons

On Sunday, January 29^ththe following members were ordained and installed as the new 2012 officers of our church.  Dale Baraks was ordained as the new member of our Session.  Ken Bridgford and Eric Viall will be installed as Session members.

Doris Coffey and Chris Fiedler were ordained as new Deacons.  Connie Moore was installed as a Deacon.

Thank you for your willingness to serve our Lord in caring for our church needs.

Valentine Dinner

You won’t want to miss this year’s Valentine Dinner on Sunday, February 14^that O’Melia’s Supper Club in Rock Island. O’Melia’s has undergone some renovations since last year and it sounds like we will have even more room for our party.

Join us for an entertaining evening of food, fellowship, and fun.  The buffet includes fried chicken and ham, mashed potatoes, vegetable medley, salad, and coffee or tea to drink.  Dessert will also be provided.  If you were there last year, you know how good everything was! Fun and games provided by Melody Schnell will follow the dinner.

There is a sign up sheet for you in the back of the church, or you can call the church office to sign up. The cost is $12.00 per person.  This cost includes tax and tip.  Checks can be made out to “First Presbyterian Church,” and handed into the church office.

We must know the final count by February 6^th, so please let us know by then. 

FLOWERS

            The new Flower Calendar is on the bulletin board in the back of the church.  If you would like flowers at the pulpit on any given Sunday, just sign your name on the calendar, note the person or occasion being honored, and the flowers will be ordered for you from our florist, Parkside Treasure House of Orion.  The cost is $34 and a check can be written to First Presbyterian Church.  If you have any questions, just call the church office.

Food Panty Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

There will be a Food Pantry Appreciation Dinner Monday, February 6^that 6:00 for all of those who have volunteered for the Food Pantry ministry. 

Lenten Lunch Break

This year’s Lenten Lunches will begin on Thursday, March 1^st  and will follow the schedule listed below.  Attending all or some of these worship services and lunches is a good way to take time to walk with Jesus during the Lenten season.  The services begin at noon and will last about half an hour, and then lunch will be served.  The services and lunches are as follows:

Thursday, March 1

            St. Maria Goretti

            Rev. Jason Fuller

Thursday, March 8      

Church of the Nazarene

            Rev. Tracy Irvin

Thursday, March 15    

Beulah Presbyterian Church

Rev. Tim Snart

Thursday, March 22    

New HopeBaptist 799-7897

            Rev. Charles Cunningham

Thursday, March 29    

First Presbyterian Church

            Fr. Jim DeBisshop

Circa 21

            On Wednesday, April 25^thyou are invited to share our front row seats for the Midwest premier of the “Spreading it Around” at Circa 21.  The show is a upbeat comedy about a well-to-do widow living in a retirement community in Florida.  Tired of handing out money to their neglectful and unappreciative children, the main character and her friends set up the “Spending it Now” foundation which gives to those really in need.

The cost depends on how many people choose to attend.  It is $43.50 each for 20 or more people and $45.50 for less than 20.  Diner’s Club cards can be used and as the day gets closer, we will find out the exact price for that.  (For Diner’s Club, Circa adds the tip o the second “free” ticket onto the price of one paid for ticket.)  Doors open at 5:45 p.m.

            Please consider joining us for a fun evening of food, fellowship, and entertainment.  We always have a good time at the dinner theater.  There will be a sign up sheet put in the back of the church by mid March and the money can be turned in to the church office.  We must have the final count by April 11^th.

Per Capita Due

            Just a reminder that your 2012 Per Capita is due.  This year the Per Capita amount is $28.00 per church member and is due in the church office by February 15^th.  This money goes to the Presbytery and helps fund their operating expenses.  Checks can be made out to the church.  Thank you so much.

     FEBRUARY