COVID-19 «

Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2021-03-10

Posted on Mar 10, 2021 in COVID-19 |

Wednesday, March 10^th, 2021
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews

To Members and Friends of
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois

Friends,

Here’s the Lenten Devotional from Presbyterian Outlook.

Wednesday, MARCH 10, 2021
MARK 4:1-9
Jesus’ parable of the sower in Mark 4 prompts reflection on how we have responded differently – and at varied times in our lives – to the gospel. The seed from the sower falls in varied places: on the path, the rocky ground, among the thorns and into good soil. If time and interest allows, you might also read Jesus’ interpretation of the parable of the sower in Mark 4:13-20.
Practice: Read Mark 4:1-9 slowly and prayerfully, and imagine that
you are part of this scene, observing the sower of seeds. Imagine
the seeds falling in varied places or situations in your life. What
circumstances come to mind, and what thoughts or emotions emerge
as you consider your own life story in conversation with this parable?
Journal: Note in your journal what emerged as you prayed with
this Scripture.

* * *

News:

I’m so glad to see you coming back for in-person worship. When you’re ready, when you feel safe, please come. Remember to preregister by calling the church office from Monday 8:30 to noon on Friday. If you don’t preregister, can you still come? If you show up on Sunday morning without signing up, you’ll be seated only if space is available. Remember, also, we are still taking every precaution to keep you safe, and no matter how hard we try, we make no guarantees you won’t be exposed to Covid.

* * *

WEDNESDAY NIGHT CELEBRATION! Tonight at 7 pm The Adult Spiritual Formation Committee will present a discussion on the topic: A Biblical Basis for Radically Inclusive Christianity, to be led by Ken Chapman. Focal passages include: Matthew 21: 12-13 and John 2: 13-17, and also Acts 8: 26-40 and Acts 10: 1-44.
Email zoom@firstpres.church for the link.

* * *

CRISIS IN CUBA. Leaders of the Presbyterian Reformed Church of Cuba ask our help as they face what Cuban Pastor Allison Infante Zamra called “the most serious economic crisis in our modern history.” The economic emergency fueled by the pandemic, loss of tourism, new US policy pressures, and rising prices threatens the essential work of the Cuban Presbyterian church. Food, electricity, gasoline and medicines are scarce and costs surge beyond what most can afford.

US partners are hoping to fund a $75,000 ASAP. Our Cuba Committee is seeking donations. Please memo “Synod”. No gift is too small.

* * *

Let’s join together with our ESL family on Thursday at 10 a.m. for friendly conversation. Friends learning English as a second language will get a chance to practice conversation; those of us who grew up speaking English will get a chance to practice listening. We’ll grow together. It’ll be fun. One of our wonderful students from Iran will be giving a presentation about the Persian New Year, Nowruz, which begins on March 21^st.How cool is that? Join us! Here’s the link:
Email esl@firstpres.church for the link.
If you have any questions, please email the ESL Director, Jeanette Pyne, at jeanette@firstpres.church.

* * *

Humor (Hard times really need godly laughter):

From Nancy MacGregor!

Mama’s Bible

One evening, four brothers chatted together after dinner. They discussed the 95th birthday gifts they were able to give their elderly mother.

The first said, “You know I had a big house built for Mama.”

The second said, “And I had a large theater built in the house.”

The third said, “And I had my Mercedes dealer deliver an SL600 to
her.”

The fourth said, “You know how Mama loved reading the Bible and you know she can’t read anymore because she can’t see very well. I bought her a parrot who could recite the entire Bible. It took ten preachers over 8 years to teach him. I had to pledge to contribute $50,000 a year for five years to the church, but it was worth it. Mama only has to name the chapter and verse, and the parrot will recite it.”

The other brothers were impressed.

After the birthday celebration Mama sent out her “Thank You” notes. She wrote:

“Milton, the house you built is so huge that I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house. Thanks anyway.”

“Marvin, I am too old to travel. I stay home; I have my groceries delivered, so I never use the Mercedes. The thought was good. Thanks anyway.”

“Michael, you gave me an expensive theater that can hold 50 people, but all of my friends are dead, I’ve lost my hearing, and I’m nearly blind. I’ll never use it. Thank you for the gesture just the same.”

“Dearest Melvin, you were the only son to have the good sense to give a little thought to your gift. The chicken was delicious. Thank you so much.”
Love, Mama

* * *

Good Word

Matthew 25:35-46
³⁵for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ ³⁷Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? ³⁸And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? ³⁹And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ ⁴⁰And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family,^[a] you did it to me.’ ⁴¹Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; ⁴²for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, ⁴³I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ ⁴⁴Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ ⁴⁵Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ ⁴⁶And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Let us pray

Forgive our timid faith. Give our religion courageous feet, willing hands, and compassionate ears. Open our eyes, Holy God, to your grace we fail to notice in the face of our neighbor.

In Jesus’ name. AMEN.

* * *

Much, much love to you all.

Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church

Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2021-03-09

Posted on Mar 9, 2021 in COVID-19 |

This month’s Tuesday Night Virtual Dessert will be on the 16th and 30th of March. For March 16th, the theme will be “Wearing of the Green” in honor of St. Paddy’s Day on the 17th. Wear green from the waist up and let’s talk about your favorite food or dessert for celebrating that day. Do you have traditions? Corned Beef and Cabbage, Shepherd’s Pie, Guinness Beef Stew, Soda Bread, Baily’s Cheesecake or Green Beer? See you at 7pm on the 16th for conversation!!
Email zoom@firstpres.church for the link.

* * *

Let’s join together with our ESL family on Thursday at 10 a.m. for friendly conversation. Friends learning English as a second language will get a chance to practice conversation; those of us who grew up speaking English will get a chance to practice listening. We’ll grow together. It’ll be fun. One of our wonderful students from Iran will be giving a presentation about the Persian New Year, Nowruz, which begins on March 21^st.How cool is that? Join us! Here’s the link:
Email zoom@firstpres.church for the link.

If you have any questions, please email the ESL Director, Jeanette Pyne, at jeanette@firstpres.church.

* * *

Daily Lenten Devotion
Wednesday, MARCH 10, 2021
MARK 4:1-9
Jesus’ parable of the sower in Mark 4 prompts reflection on how we have responded
differently – and at varied times in our lives – to the gospel. The seed from the sower
falls in varied places: on the path, the rocky ground, among the thorns and into good
soil. If time and interest allows, you might also read Jesus’ interpretation of the
parable of the sower in Mark 4:13-20.
Practice: Read Mark 4:1-9 slowly and prayerfully, and imagine that
you are part of this scene, observing the sower of seeds. Imagine
the seeds falling in varied places or situations in your life. What
circumstances come to mind, and what thoughts or emotions emerge
as you consider your own life story in conversation with this parable?
Journal: Note in your journal what emerged as you prayed with
this Scripture.

The Heart of Mission
March 9, 2021

I have been participating in the Illinois United Way 21 week equity challenge. The map above is a racial dot map of Champaign-Urbana. I had never seen one before. I took a screen shot to share with you. The color dots represent a single person. The map shows how we are segregated by our racial identities because of where we live. You can see blocks of color in Champaign Urbana which means we are racially segregated. Our suburb towns, not shown here, Mohomet and St. Joseph, are blue blocks. Rantoul, not shown, has some green blocks among the blue blocks. Champaign-Urbana is more integrated than some cities (see chart below) but the fact that we can see distinct blocks of color on the map shows we still have work to do.

These kind of charts should inform our intentions in ministry. Often racial segregation means economic differences and places of need. How can we love our neighbor? We can work on understanding and ending these disparities not through handouts but by changing existing laws and offering greater equity in opportunities.

Peace,

Rev. Dr. Rachel Matthews, Mission Coordinator

Below is the continuation of our Lenten practice from the PC(USA) One Great Hour of Sharing material. The full map and activities can be found at pcusa.org/oghsmap. You might want to have a small coin bank (Fish bank, First Pres bank) to collect small coins as you do these activities. If you cannot give coins, think about acts of service you can do for others.

Wednesday, March 10, If you could start a business of your own, what would it be? Give a gift for every good business idea you hear from those you are with.

Thursday, March 11, Rainwater is rare in some places, so special collection systems are built to catch the winter so it can be used for growing plants. Give one gift for every day it rained (or snowed) in the past week.

Friday, March 12, Changing weather patterns mean old ways of farming don’t work in some areas anymore, so farmers need to be taught new techniques. Give one gift for every farm you’ve visited.

Saturday, March 13, Over 780 million people around the world can’t get safe water to drink every day, not to mention water for cleaning and cooking. Give a gift for every glass of water you’ve had today.

Sunday, March 14, Blankets are used internationally to comfort those impacted by disasters Give a gift for each blanket in your home or find some blankets you can donate.
Prayer of the week: Dear God, Help us to learn from what others have seen so that we might grow in understanding across lines of difference. Amen. Lectionary: Numbers 21:4-9, Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22; Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:14-21

Monday, March 15, Hunger-related causes kill tens of thousands every day around the world. Give a gift for meals you’ve had today.

Tuesday, March 16, Poverty can make people feel like their wheels are spinning and getting nowhere because of surprise expenses, problems, or illness. Give a gift for every wheel in and around your home that helps your family get places.

CU at Home – We are so grateful to CU at Home for all the work they have done this winter. Rick Williams, Ministry Development Assistant, sent out this in the weekly newsletter:

Looking out the window this week to see the warm sunshine and our friends back out at the benches by “Frank’s Garden” (photo below), it’s hard to believe that just two weeks ago our parking lot was full of slush and snow and we’d endured the longest stretch of extreme cold in recent memory!

February 2021 was a pretty brutal month for our friends. The average temperature was one of the lowest in local history. Our Emergency Shelters and Phoenix Daytime Center operated 24/7 for two straight weeks! Numbers at C-U at Austin’s Place were double those of February 2020, and those at the C-U Men’s Shelter numbers were 20% higher. Altogether, over 2000 nights of care were provided to 188 different people last month.

But there was also, as the popular YouTube site would say, “Some Good News!” Over 2700 separate donations came in from individuals, churches, organizations, and businesses in support of One Winter Night 2021! Nine new donors joined our “Hope Givers” initiative ($40/month or $480/year) to help sustain year-round emergency sheltering. With help from the Continuum for Service Providers to the Homeless, the Champaign Urbana Public Health Department held a “pop up” vaccination clinic on site for our friends!

Thank you for your generous support of the services we provide to the most vulnerable members of our community! With your help, we anticipate brighter days, renewed hope, and a positive future for C-U at Home!

Courage Connection is still collecting personal hygene items. They are selling two of their houses but is still operating in Champaign-Urbana. if you’ve been noticing in the news lately, domestic violence arrests have been down not because it has gone away but because it has not been reported as readily while children are not in school and around their teachers and peers. Let us pray for the vulnerable.

Camp Carew work day invite – If anyone is interested in attending one of these work camps to get Camp Carew set up, please let Rachel know and she will get you the information. These dates are: Saturday, April 10 and then May 15, 2021.

If you are interested in attending a summer camp at Camp Carew, the brochure is out! Let Mindy know if you are interested.

Frontera de Cristo on their Coffee, Conversation and Compassion – Join the new Spring series conversation with our mission coworker Mark Adams and his co coordinator, Joca Gallengos. They write, Our Spring series of Coffee and Conversation (see schedule below) begins this Thursday at 4 pm AZ/Sonora time with conversations with Daniel Cifuentes and Carmina Sanchez. Daniel is a former coffee farmer who was displaced in the 1990s by the drop in coffee prices. He is the founding director of production of Café Justo who helped develop the vision of Café Justo so other farmers would not be driven from their land. Carmina began roasting coffee by hand for Café Justo as a teenager and now processes all the orders and manages the exportation and shipping of coffee. This Thursday, there will also be a time to remember in gratitude the founding members of the cooperative who have recently died. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88650873276
For updates, email “conversation” to office@fronteradecristo.org

Farsijana Adeney-Risakotta, our mission coworker in Indonesia, sent us this video profile of the House of Authentic Sense Cooperative which is developing partnerships and fair trade in Indonesia. You will be interested in this because they are keeping alive a microfinancing grant of $5000 we gave them back in 2015. https://youtu.be/mVrD1Wm3FSU

Let us keep all our mission partners in our prayers, those who are waiting to go back to their place of ministry and those who are able to work where they are. Listen for God’s call to you in their ministry.

Our PC(USA) Mission CoWorkers:

Mark Adams and Miriam Maidonado Escobar (Mexico)
Farsijanna Adeney-Risakotta (Indonesia)
Jeff and Christi Boyd (Central Africa)
Bob and Kristi Rice (South Sudan)

Our regional and global mission partners:

Kemmerer Village (and Camp Carew)
Lifeline Pilots
Marion Medical Mission
Mission Aviation Fellowship
Opportunity International
Friends of Presbyterian Education Board in Pakistan Presbyterian Cuba Partnership
Special Offerings of the PC(USA)
Theological Education Fund
Young Adult Volunteers

Here in Champaign – Urbana:

CU at Home
CANAAN S.A.F.E. HOUSE
CANTEEN RUN
COURAGE CONNECTION
DREAAM
eMPTY TOMB, INC
FAITH IN ACTION
JESUS IS THE WAY PRISON MINISTRY
THE REFUGEE CENTER
RESTORATION URBAN MINISTRY
SALT & LIGHT

Here at First Presbyterian Church

FPCC Amateur Preachers
FPCC Environmental Committee working with Faith in Place
FPCC Presbyterian Women
FPCC ESL
FPCC Children, Youth and Families
FPCC Mission Possible/Go and Serve
FPCC Mission Team, World Mission and Community Mission Deacons

302 W. Church Street
  Champaign, IL 61820
  217-356-7238
  info@firstpres.church

Attachments:

The_Heart_of_Mission_030921.pdf

Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2021-03-08

Posted on Mar 8, 2021 in COVID-19 |

Monday, March 8^th, 2021
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews

To Members and Friends of
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois

Friends,

Here’s the Lenten Devotional from Presbyterian Outlook. May it be a blessing to/for you and those you love.

Monday, MARCH 8, 2021
EZEKIEL 37:1-3
Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones can help us reflect on the shadows in our personal histories.
Practice: Read today’s passage and imagine surveying the dry bones
of your life story – that is, times of suffering, betrayal or lost relations –
times when you were keenly aware of your own brokenness and that of
the world. Gently sift through your shadow history from your childhood
to present, noting varied experiences of brokenness along the way.
Journal: Sketch in your journal as much of your personal history of
brokenness as possible.

* * *

Humor (Hard times really need godly laughter):

Dad, are we pyromaniacs? Yes, we arson.

I’ve always had an irrational fear of speed bumps but I’m slowly
getting over it.

What word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it? Short.

* * *

Good Word

Romans 8:28
We know that all things work together for good^[u] for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

LET US PRAY

Holy God, Thank you for this day.
May the way we live it
honor you.

AMEN.

* * *

Much, much love to you all.

Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church

Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2021-03-05

Posted on Mar 5, 2021 in COVID-19 |

Friday, March 5^th, 2021
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews

To Members and Friends of
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois

Friends,

Here’s the Lenten Devotional from Presbyterian Outlook. May it be a blessing to/for you and those you love.

Friday, MARCH 5, 2021
ROMANS 8:19-25
At this critical juncture in Paul’s letter to the Romans, the remarkable image of childbirth is used to convey God’s work of restoration and recreation in the world. The whole creation, and we ourselves, says Paul, are groaning with labor pains to realize the fullness of our created nature, to be set free from bondage and be fully known as children of God. These words are especially poignant amid the ecological crisis that we currently face, as we ponder not only the groaning in our own hearts, but in all of creation.
Practice: Pray Romans 8:19-25 several times, with special attention to
the images of creation it projects and our relationship to it.
Journal: Write in your journal of the movements of your spirit while
praying with this Scripture.

Saturday, MARCH 6, 2021
ISAIAH 61:1-4
Isaiah 61 provides an inspiring vision for profoundly disorienting, destabilizing times, such as the one we currently face as a nation. In our here and now, a pandemic surges and racial reckoning and political polarization demand attention and action — realities that have impacted the life and ministries of all congregations. Like those who returned to Judah after Babylonian captivity, we too face harsh circumstances and are
in need of the prophet’s proclamation of God’s renewal of a devastated country.
Practice: Pray Isaiah 61:1-4 several times, dwelling on the images in this
text that speak powerfully to you in this moment of your life.
Journal: Write in your journal of movement you discern toward God or
away from God, with special attention to the times in which we are living.

Week 3
HYMN OF THE WEEK: “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”
PRAYER FOCUS: Adoration — Consider the praiseworthy
qualities of God. How can I praise God’s majesty and glory in my
words and in my actions?
ACTION: Each day, reach out to someone (by letter, text, phone
or email) and say, “I care about you” or “Let’s have a coffee date
by phone and catch up.”

Sunday, MARCH 7, 2021
PSALM 23
For the next three days, we will pray with Scripture that can help us reflect on our graced histories — that is, on your personal history of light (special
experiences of God’s presence, love and justice), your personal history of shadows (doubts, questions, reflections of brokenness and sin), and your history of light out of shadows (compassion and insight out of pain and disorder, isolation).
Practice: Pray Psalm 23 with special attention to your light history — that is, to experiences of God’s presence in your life (experiences of love, care,
hope, justice). Gently sift through your light history from your childhood
to the present, moment noting varied experiences of God’s presence along
the way.
Journal: Sketch in your journal as much of this personal history of light
as possible.

* * *

I’ll be preaching the text below on Sunday. How would you tackle this text? Consider these questions, observations, and thoughts:

Would you have been a regular in the synagogue where Jesus taught? Or, would that have been a day to worship at the Church of the Coiling Springs?

What has astounded you lately? We live in a world where women are sawn in half by magicians and then, at the end of the routine, jump out from behind a curtain in a sequined dress. Cataracts are cut out and lenses are replaced in ten-minute out-patient surgeries. We can choose entertainment from 900 channels. Are we even capable of being astounded?

Who has authority in your life? When our kids were five we had one kind of authority. When they were fifteen we had another kind. What is authority? Is it something we have or something those around us confer upon us? Is a badge authority? Rank? Gender? The loudest voice? Kindness? How do you have and squander authority? Do you question authority?

Have you ever met somebody with an “unclean spirit”? Ever had one yourself?

Does faith involve convulsion? Conversion? Conversation? When have you last been open to God’s power? When have you last been shaken by God’s grace?

Here are some songs about being amazed:

Maybe I’m Amazed/Paul McCartney and Wings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxTdz3hw9Xo

Amazing Grace, the Kitchen Version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPBRvE2T_DM

Gimme Shelter:
The LORD is a very present help
In times of trouble…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJtq6OmD-_Y

* * *

Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)

21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

23 Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24 and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.”

25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.

27 They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

* * *

Help me preach on this Sunday.

Much, much love to you all.

Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church

A Prayer
A Benediction to Break the Cycle

Gimme Shelter

Mick Jagger
Keith Richards

Ooh, a storm is threatening
My very life today
If I don’t get some shelter
Ooh yeah I’m gonna fade away
War, children
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
War, children
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
Ooh, see the fire is sweepin’
Our streets today
Burns like a red coal carpet
Mad bull lost its way
War, children
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
War, children
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
Rape, murder, it’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
Rape, murder, yeah, it’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
Rape, murder, it’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
Mmm, a flood is threatening
My very life today
Gimme, gimme shelter
Or I’m gonna fade away
War, children
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
It’s just a shot away
I tell you love, sister
It’s just a kiss away
It’s just a kiss away
It’s just a kiss away
It’s just a kiss away
It’s just a kiss away Kiss away, kiss away

Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2021-03-04

Posted on Mar 4, 2021 in COVID-19 |

Thursday, March 4^th, 2021
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews

To Members and Friends of
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois

Friends,

Here’s the Lenten Devotional from Presbyterian Outlook. May it be a blessing to/for you and those you love.

Thursday, MARCH 4, 2021
JOHN 1:1-14
John’s prologue corresponds to Genesis 1: both transport us to the beginning of creation. The Word (or Logos) in John 1 evokes the cosmic reason giving order and structure to the universe in Greek thought It also evokes the “Word of God” that came to Israel’s prophets as well as the concept of Wisdom, the female personification of God in later Jewish thought (see Proverbs 8-9). All of these rich and varied associations together convey the light that came into the world that darkness cannot
overcome. The climax to the prologue in 1:14 affirms that “the Word became flesh” — not just human, but “flesh” (sarx in Greek), signifying God’s solidarity with all living flesh and the biological life of all creation.
Practice: Read John’s prologue slowing and prayerfully, pondering the
utterly profound imagery in this ancient hymnic text.
Journal: Note in your journal any movement toward God or away from
God that surfaced during your prayerful reflection.

* * *

Contact the church office (217.356.7238) to register for in-person worship each week for the following Sunday. In-person worship is at 10:15 am each Sunday. Please wear a mask.

* * *

CYF will be hosting a Spirituality Center in the church chapel for the season of Lent beginning this Sunday. Open House hours will be Sundays 11am-2:30pm. Come for some quiet reflection time by walking the labyrinth, contemplating scripture, and creating at your own pace. One household will be admitted at a time. Check in and temperature recordings will be necessary as well as face masks while in the building and chapel. Sanitizing wipes will be at each station for further protection between visitors. We hope you will find it a blessing for this season of inward contemplation and examination.
Sunday School continues. Follow this link for a virtual version of the Lenten Spirituality Center Lenten Spirituality Center

* * *

Humor (Hard times really need godly laughter):

A funny/sweet poem with a short follow-up commentary from our very own Tim Young.

“Bats” by Randall Jarrell
(published 1964)

A bat is born
Naked and blind and pale.
His mother makes a pocket of her tail
and catches him. He clings to her long fur
By his thumbs and toes and teeth.
And then the mother dances through the night
Doubling and looping, soaring, somersaulting–
Her baby hangs on underneath.
All night, in happiness, she hunts and flies.
Her high sharp cries
Like shining needlepoints of sound
Go out into the night, and echoing back,
Tell her what they have touched.
She hears how far it is, how big it is,
Which way it’s going:
She lives by hearing.
The mother eats the moths and gnats she catches
In full flight; in full flight
The mother drinks the water of the pond
She skims across. Her baby hangs on tight.
Her baby drinks the milk she makes him
In moonlight or starlight, in mid-air.
Their single shadow, printed on the moon
Or fluttering across the stars,
Whirls on all night; at daybreak
The tired mother flaps home to her rafter.
The others all are there.
They hang themselves up by their toes,
They wrap themselves in their brown wings.
Bunched upside-down, they sleep in air.
Their sharp ears, their sharp teeth, their quick sharp faces
Are dull and slow and mild.
All the bright day, as the mother sleeps,
She folds her wings about her sleeping child.

* * *

(From Tim Young:) Great poem by someone who appreciated bats back at a time when bats weren’t much appreciated.

I remember summers growing up on a heavily tree-lined street and watching bats come out at dusk. I recall friends and I throwing baseballs high up in the air between the trees and watching bats fly within inches of those balls. Not sure why they would go after those balls but their acrobatics (pardon the pun) amazed us.

They seemed very numerous then and we didn’t understand how beneficial they really were. we believed they were a source of rabies, and if you had long or curly hair, they could easily get caught in it. Maybe a ploy by our dads to give us crew cuts back then.

* * *

Good Word

Mark 1:21-28 (NRSV)
21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

23 Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24 and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.”

25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him.

27 They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

LET US PRAY

Like a good, good father,
Your love is from everlasting to everlasting.

Like a good, good mother,
Your love for us never fades.

You redeem us because
You made us to be free
from

s
i
n
.

You love us because
we
are
Yours.

(How cool is that?!)

Thank you, God.
Help us to live as people
set free
to love others
like You love us.

AMEN

* * *

Much, much love to you all.

Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church

Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2021-03-03

Posted on Mar 3, 2021 in COVID-19 |

Wednesday, March 3^rd, 2021
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews

To Members and Friends of
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois

Friends,

Here’s the Lenten Devotional from Presbyterian Outlook. May it be a blessing to/for you and those you love.

Wednesday, MARCH 3, 2021
GENESIS 1:1-5, 26-31
Genesis 1 invites us to a cosmic perspective on creation and our place within it. As we have already noted with respect to Psalm 8, the word “dominion” does not mean domination, but rather refers to our role as caretakers of God’s creation, who tend to it as God does. Most important, God beholds the creation and declares it “very good.”
Practice: If possible, prayerfully read this Scripture outdoors (or at
least in proximity to a window) so that you too can behold creation.
Read it three times, contemplating the images that speak to you the
most, aware of God’s sustaining presence in all creation and in your life.
Journal: Note in your journal any movements away from God and
toward God that you discern.

* * *

Join us TONIGHT at 7 pm for our mid-week Gathering….
Email zoom@firstpres.church for the link.

* * *

Contact the church office (217.356.7238) to register for in-person worship each week for the following Sunday. In-person worship is at 10:15 am each Sunday. Please wear a mask.

* * *

Humor (Hard times really need godly laughter):

Who knew that Marilyn Shimkus was a comedienne? Thanks, y’all, for sending me bags of corny jokes. It feels good to laugh.

People are making end of the world jokes like there’s no tomorrow.

Whatever you do, always give 100% unless you’re donating blood.

What do you call a sleepwalking nun? Roamin’ Catholic.

What did Snow White say when she came out of the photo booth? Someday my prints will come.

A girl said she recognized me from her vegetarian club but I’d never
met herbivore.

* * *

Good Word

Mark 1:21-22 (NRSV)
21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

(What is Jesus saying to you TODAY with authority?)

LET US PRAY

Holy God, Your kin-dom has broken into our beautiful and
troubled world through the life, death, and resurrection of
Your Son. Help us to hear Your word and believe it,
that we might be instruments of Your healing grace
in the world. Forgive us when we act as if Your
power isn’t sufficient enough to sustain us in Your
ministry of healing. Forgive us and grant us
power to be Jesus’ disciples. AMEN.

* * *

Much, much love to you all.

Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church

Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2021-03-02

Posted on Mar 2, 2021 in COVID-19 |

Lenten Daily Devotion from ‘The Presbyterian Outlook’
Tuesday, MARCH 2, 2021
PSALM 139:1-12
Psalm 139 is a comforting or disquieting text, depending on one’s situation. It can
bring peace to one who is in turmoil (“the darkness is not dark to you”); it can also
unsettle us as we recall unguarded or unkind remarks (“Even before a word is on my
tongue, you know it completely”). God permeates every facet of our lives. The psalm
assures us that we are never cut off from the presence of God; but neither can we get
away from God.
Practice: Read the psalm slowly and prayerfully several times,
mulling over its images and letting them sink into your innermost
being. Stay with the images that resonate with you most and ponder
their significance for you. Reflect on God’s comforting and disquieting
presence that is always with you.
Journal: Note in your journal any movements toward God and away
from God you discern.

* * *

Contact the church office (217.356.7238) to register for in-person worship each week for the following Sunday. In-person worship is at 10:15 am each Sunday. Please wear a mask.

* * *

CYF will be hosting a Spirituality Center in the church chapel for the season of Lent beginning this Sunday. Open House hours will be Sundays 11am-2:30pm. Come for some quiet reflection time by walking the labyrinth, contemplating scripture, and creating at your own pace. One household will be admitted at a time. Check in and temperature recordings will be necessary as well as face masks while in the building and chapel. Sanitizing wipes will be at each station for further protection between visitors. We hope you will find it a blessing for this season of inward contemplation and examination.
Sunday school continues. Follow this link for a virtual version of the Lenten Spirituality Center Lenten Spirituality Center

The Heart of Mission
March 2, 2021

You don’t have to be spiritual or religious to help people. Look at this Good Samaritan story sent by a friend that shows love going full circle:

HTTPS://www.youtube.com/embed/ovj5dzMxzmc?autoplay=1

Also, you might be interested to know that this is Opportunity International’s 50^th anniversary. There are virtual explorations and other opportunities to participate in this year. Take a visit to their news/events page for calendar information. https://opportunity.org/news/events/ This April there will be a virtual insight trip to Columbia.

Enjoy this video for information about these trips https://opportunity.org/get-involved/insight-trips/

Peace,

Rev. Dr. Rachel Matthews, Mission Coordinator

Below is the continuation of our Lenten practice from the PC(USA) One Great Hour of Sharing material. The full map and activities can be found at pcusa.org/oghsmap. You might want to have a small coin bank (Fish bank, First Pres bank) to collect small coins as you do these activities. If you cannot give coins, think about acts of service you can do for others.

Wednesday, March 3, Without the right nutrition in the first two years of life, a child’s physical and mental development is compromised. Give a gift for each toddler you know.

Thursday, March 4, When roads are closed and electricity is off, going to see a doctor can be hard. Give a gift for each person in your family who has been able to see a doctor in the past year.

Friday, March 5, It is estimated that 1 in 5 kids in the U.S. will experience hunger this year. Give at least one gift if you have not experienced hunger this year.

Saturday, March 6, Tomorrow is SDOP (Self Development of People) Sunday! Visit pcusa.org/sdop and identify a community partnership that SDOP has cultivated. Give a generous gift in honor of that partnership. (Small historical fact: Ten Thousand Villages was once a recipient of SDOP funds! I believe DREAAM was once a recipient as well.)

Sunday, March 7, Where does your water come from? Many people carry buckets of water long distances to their homes every day. Give a gift for every faucet in your home.
Prayer of the week: Encourage us Creator, when things get difficult. May we draw creativity and hope from your Spirit, and from our partners along the way. Amen. Lectionary: Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22

Monday, March 8, Find Detroit on the OGHS map. What needs is SDOP working to address there? Say a prayer of thanksgiving for those who are helping in Detroit. (See the full map at pcusa.org/oghsmap)

Tuesday, March 9, Social barriers are like locked doors that hold people back and keep them from thriving. Gif a gift for every door that can lock in your home.

The Refugee Center – Lisa Wilson, Executive Director, shared some of their recent work. Please pray for the staff who are trying to get the last payments out from their rental and utility assistance grant from the IL Department of Human Services. They are grateful but tired.

Please pray for a Guatemalan single mother of a young child who recently lost their trailer and everything to a fire. They are using emergency funds but The Refugee Center is accepting funds earmarked for her and will make sure the funds get to her. She has to pay for demolition before she can even think about a new home.

Please pray for two Afghan families which have been devastated with COVID-19 and whose employment was stopped during their sickness. They still have to pay their rent.

Camp Carew work day invite – We received a notice from Camp Carew. They will have their Presbytery wide work days this Spring. If anyone is interested in attending one of these work camps, please let Rachel know and she will get you the information. These dates are: Saturday, March 6, then April 10 and then May 15, 2021.

If you are interested in attending a summer camp at Camp Carew, the brochure is out! Let Mindy know if you are interested.

Frontera de Cristo on their Coffee, Conversation and Compassion

Frontera de Cristo sent some videos in their recent newsletter regarding last month’s Coffee, Conversation and Compassion zoom Thursdays. If you missed those and would like to know what is going on at the border, Take a look at some of these videos. Information addressing the
Migrant Resource Center partnering with border officials, providing care packages to the community, in-person children enrichment center, as well as the new industrial kitchen that is being built to be able to provide food with their coffee shop as well as provide catering to the community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR1jNTo7YZdftCTK6W39Ypt6L5BB-Wx9CQK-vjzMBJFh81AHviPdTFXaTTQ&v=TUr12yKIiNM&feature=youtu.be

If you are interested in the environment, view this 5 minute video to see how our border policies can affect the creation and natural wildlife. Jenea created this video documenting our Pilgrimage of Prayer, Lament, Repentance and Commitment done in solidarity with the Not Another Foot Movement. It wonderfully captures a bit of the spirit of the border community and you can see both the beauty and the destruction of our borderlands.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y_LNakpk9A&feature=emb_logo&fbclid=IwAR3bjUKWRav2G5Fi_sUT0DP7-gLJQxTPjnpHWgNqQMAbDGZ6fTLN6FRnqz4

302 W. Church Street
  Champaign, IL 61820
  217-356-7238
  info@firstpres.church

Attachments:

The_Heart_of_Mission_030221.pdf

Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2021-03-01

Posted on Mar 1, 2021 in COVID-19 |

Monday, March 1^st, 2021
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews

To Members and Friends of
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois

Friends,

Here’s the Lenten Devotional from Presbyterian Outlook. May it be a blessing to/for you and those you love.

Monday, MARCH 1, 2021
LUKE 15:11-24
The parable of the prodigal son – or, better, the parable of two lost sons – is likely the most familiar and beloved parable in the Gospels, and it is a moving framework for prayer. Using your imagination, enter into this story, noting where you are in this scene. Focus on each of the three main figures, noting what each evokes for you. (Feel free to mix up the genders in the story: you may wish to imagine two lost daughters or sisters, or a compassionate mother.)
Practice: Read the story slowly and prayerfully three times, each time
focusing on a different character in the story. Take a few moments after
each reading to reflect on what surfaced in your awareness.
Journal: Note in your journal what occurred in your three prayers —
be as specific as you can. Write also of any movements toward God or
away from God you discerned.

* * *

Humor (Hard times really need godly laughter):

This week I have more than usual humor that has been piling up. Thanks for sending to me!

Will Rogers can supply an endless set of jokes: The only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn’t get worse every time Congress meets.

What do you get if you play a Country and Western record backwards? You get you dog back. You get your pickup truck back. You get your gal back.

(Thanks Bill Gamble)

The other day I saw a guy dragging a clam on a leash behind him. I thought it must be hard to walk with a pulled mussel. (Thanks, Judi Geistlinger).

Marilyn Shimkus sends this one: A courtroom artist was arrested today for an unknown reason…details are sketchy.

And finally these from Bill Marble:

Someone complimented my parking today! They left a sweet note on my windshield that said “parking fine.”

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. At least it does if you throw it hard enough.

Ever since we started quarantining, I’ve only been telling inside jokes.

If you’re feeling depressed, try drinking a gallon of water before you go to sleep. It’ll give you a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

* * *

Good Word

Proverbs 12:20
Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil, but those who counsel peace have joy.

Let us pray

Jesu, Jesu
Fill us with your Joy
Show us how to serve
Our neighbors we have
From you.

AMEN

* * *

Much, much love to you all.

Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church

Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2021-02-26

Posted on Feb 26, 2021 in COVID-19 |

Friday, February 26^th, 2021
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews

Dear Friends,

We’ve gotten a taste of spring these last few days, yes? Temps in the low fifties. Sunshine. I hardly know what to make of it.

The Psalms end with these words: Let everything that breathes, praise the Lord.

Join us for worship on Sunday.

PEACE and much love,

Matt Matthews
864.386.9138
matt@firstpres.church

* * *

CYF will be hosting a Spirituality Center in the church chapel for the season of Lent beginning this Sunday. Open House hours will be Sundays 11am-2:30pm. Come for some quiet reflection time by walking the labyrinth, contemplating scripture, and creating at your own pace. One household will be admitted at a time. Check in and temperature recordings will be necessary as well as face masks while in the building and chapel. Sanitizing wipes will be at each station for further protection between visitors. We hope you will find it a blessing for this season of inward contemplation and examination. Sunday School continues. Follow this link for a virtual version of the Lenten Spirituality Center Lenten Spirituality Center

* * *

A spring concert:

Here Comes The Sun
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQetemT1sWc

April She Will Come
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITXBjDTXS90

What A Wonderful World….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqhCQZaH4Vs

Mr. Blue Sky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nubi_xJJ1Jg

Higher Ground
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hGSqqhhokE

* * *
Lenten Daily Devotions from ‘The Presbyterian Outlook’
Friday, FEBRUARY 26, 2021
MATTHEW 6:7-13
Today’s text is Matthew’s version of the Lord’s Prayer — familiar to every Christian around the world. You probably know it by heart, but you are encouraged to read it slowly and prayerfully, pausing over each line, in order to see and hear it anew.
Practice: Pray this passage slowly several times in the manner we have been practicing. Note phrases and images that shimmer for you, asking how God might be speaking to you through them.
Journal: Note in your journal movements away from God or toward God
that surfaced in your awareness as you prayed this Scripture.

Saturday, FEBRUARY 27, 2021
PSALM 42:1-8
This psalm is rich with imagery for prayer, especially in times of difficulty, distress or even in the midst of aridity — dry spells in our spiritual lives. The
psalm may be especially poignant in the midst of the isolation, social distancing and loneliness we experience in a pandemic stricken world. God, too, may seem distant from us.
Practice: Pray the psalm slowly at least three times, then set your Bible aside and meditate on the images that come to mind, trusting that the images or words that you are most in need of will be present to you.
Journal: Record in your journal what happened in this prayer time. Note especially any images that stood out for you, and what you think they may
convey with respect to movement toward God or away from God in your present experience.

Week 2…
HYMN OF THE WEEK: “Amazing Grace”
PRAYER FOCUS: Confession — In what ways have I done those things that I ought not to have done, and left undone those things I ought to have done?
ACTION: Each day, pray “God, send someone into my life whom I can encourage.” Pay attention to how God responds, and how you are called to encourage that person.

“REJOICE WITH ME, FOR I HAVE FOUND MY SHEEP THAT WAS LOST.”

Sunday, FEBRUARY 28, 2021
LUKE 15:1-8
The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin are powerful stories in and of themselves, but the context in which they appear is also important. Jesus tells these parables in response to grumbling about his hospitality to sinners! How might these parables prompt reflection on our own perception
and reception of sinners? How might they bring to our awareness that within each of us that is lost?
Practice: Read one or both of the parables slowly, and using your imagination, place yourself in the story. Where are you in these scenes?
How do you feel about what is happening? Are there questions you
would like to ask of the shepherd or the woman?
Journal: Record in your journal what happened during this prayer time.
Describe movements toward God or away from God that came into view.

Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2021-02-25

Posted on Feb 25, 2021 in COVID-19 |

Thursday, February 25^th, 2021
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews

To Members and Friends of
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois

Friends,

Face to face worship was really different last Sunday. We could see each other, for one thing. We are trickling back into the sanctuary as people feel more comfortable. The “church” isn’t the building; it’s the collection of people gathered together; so, however you do it, do it. In person. On line. We are the family of God. And if you want to join the slow return to the sanctuary, remember to register for in-person worship by calling the church office. For now, we’re keeping numbers limited to 50 souls. When you feel safe, come on back.

* * *

Last night’s Wednesday conversation about getting stuck in a “single story” was mind-blowing. My whole world got a little bigger. Join us next week: Wednesday 7 p.m. Zoom.

* * *

If you’d like to join the book study exploring Coates Between the World and Me, please do so. The link is here:

Today/Thursday, February 25) at 11 am CST.
Email zoom@firstpres.church for the link.

* * *

CYF will be hosting a Spirituality Center in the church chapel for the season of Lent beginning this Sunday. Open House hours will be Sundays 11 am-2:30 pm. Come for some quiet reflection time by walking the labyrinth, contemplating scripture, and creating at your own pace. One household will be admitted at a time. Check in and temperature recordings will be necessary as well as face masks while in the building and chapel. Sanitizing wipes will be at each station for further protection between visitors. We hope you will find it a blessing for this season of inward contemplation and examination. Sunday School continues. Follow this link for a virtual version of the Lenten Spirituality Center Lenten Spirituality Center

* * *

News

Circles meet TODAY, February 25

Circle of Joy 9 am…
Email zoom@firstpres.church for the link.

Circle of Faith 1 pm…
Email zoom@firstpres.church for the link.

Circle of Peace 7 pm…
Email zoom@firstpres.church for the link.

* * *

Humor (Hard times really need godly laughter):

I’m getting lots of jokes from you. They’re lining up. I’ll have a joke edition soon. Here’s a great one, and I *think* it’s from Claudia.

How to Get Into Heaven

A man dies and meets St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. Peter says to the man, “Here’s how it works. You need to have one hundred points to get into heaven. You tell me about all the good things you’ve done. They are all worth a certain number of points. If your total is one hundred or more, you can come in.”

“Well,” says the man. “I was happily married to the same woman for 52 years. I never looked at another woman. I was attentive and loved her dearly.”

“That’s great,” says St. Peter. “That’ll be two points.”

“Hmmm,” says the man. “This is going to be harder than I thought. Well, I attended church regularly, volunteered my time and tithed faithfully.”

“Wonderful,” says St. Peter, “That’s worth another point.”

“One point!” says the man. “Okay, okay. I was involved with a prison ministry for twenty-five years. I went into the prison, at least monthly, and shared Jesus with them.”

“Wow!” says St. Peter. “That’s another two points!”

“Only two points!” says the man. “At this rate, it’ll be only by the grace of God that’ll I’ll ever get into this place.”

“Bingo!” says St. Peter. “That’s one hundred points! Come on in.”

* * *

Good Word

Acts 2:1-12
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. ²And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. ³Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. ⁴All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
⁵Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. ⁶And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. ⁷Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? ⁸And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? ⁹Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, ¹⁰Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, ¹¹Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” ¹²All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”

Let us pray

God you have the WHOLE world in your hands. Thanks for including me. Help me to do a better job of including everybody else.

AMEN.

* * *

Much, much love to you all.

Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church

Lenten Daily Devotion from “The Presbyterian Outlook”
Thursday, FEBRUARY 25, 2021
ROMANS 8:26-35
In this passage from Romans, Paul assures us that even when we do not know how to pray, the Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. Have you ever prayed with audible emotions — groans, deep humming or sighs? We do not necessarily need words when we come before God in prayer.
Practice: Read Romans 8:26-35 slowly and open yourself to become aware of God’s Spirit as it prays for you in the depths of sighs and groans — stay with this awareness for several minutes.
Journal: Note in your journal what surfaced in your awareness during this
prayer time.