Ongoing Response to COVID-19
Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2020-10-23
Friday 23 October 2020
Members and Friends of
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
Dear Friends,
The Westminster Shorter and Longer catechisms ask what’s our purpose in life. I find the answer so wonderful: to glorify and enjoy God forever. I need God. I try to serve God. I am often acutely aware of God’s presence with me. I argue with God. I thank God. I pray to God. I talk about God with others, and every now and then I actually pretend to be God. All of that comes naturally.
Enjoying God, however, takes some work. But not only does the catechism suggest I should enjoy and glorify God, it says that it should be at the very top of my list. Numero uno. The big kahuna.
My friend Gordon wrote us a Christmas card every year. On the Christmas before he was killed at Adams field in Little Rock, he wrote that Rachel and I should “enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.” He underlined each word twice. He really meant what he said. Enjoy each other. Enjoy the kids. Enjoy our work. Enjoy life. Enjoy God. The Apostle Paul puts it like this: “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice.”
Enjoying God in a world that is so tense and unstable and violent seems crazy. Maybe that’s all the more reason to do it. If we don’t, the pressure might crack us like an egg.
* * *
See you on Sunday. Eric is preaching.
The Session has called a meeting of the Congregation on Sunday October 25 at 10:15 a.m. via ZOOM for the purpose of hearing and acting upon a report from the Congregational Nominating Committee. If the way be clear, we will elect a slate of church members to the office of Elder and Deacon. Please plan on attending that important ZOOM meeting. The link is: FirstPres.church/meeting
* * *
Pay attention to God’s activity in the world around you. (It’s there.)
Be amazed.
Tell somebody.
PEACE,
Matt Matthews
864.386.9138
* * *
Sunday in the park is THIS Sunday. See you at Hessel at 11:00. And, yes, it might be chilly.
* * *
PHOTO Challenge!
From your Nurture Team — Only two guesses were received last week, but the first one, from Pam Grubb, was right! Last Friday’s photo was of Beth Hutchens!
Here’s this week’s photo.
Visit http://fb.com/groups/
Please join in the fun! We would like you to select a photo from your younger years (grade school, high school or early adulthood). Photos need not be professional. Candid shots are welcome. Please send your photos to photos@
* * *
Johnny Nash (ask me about his guitarist)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Jimi!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
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Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2020-10-22
Thursday, October 22nd, 2020
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
To Members and Friends of
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
Dear Friends,
Who Am I?
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
(Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran pastor executed by Hitler in the spring of 1945. He wrote this poem from prison.)
Who am I? They often tell me
I would step from my cell’s confinement
calmly, cheerfully, firmly,
like a squire from his country-house.
Who am I? They often tell me
I would talk to my warders
freely and friendly and clearly,
as though it were mine to command.
Who am I? They also tell me
I would bear the days of misfortune
equally, smiling, proudly,
like one accustomed to win.
Am I then really all that which other men tell of?
Or am I only what I know of myself,
restless and longing and sick, like a bird in a cage,
struggling for breath, as though hands were compressing my throat,
yearning for colors, for flowers, for the voices of birds,
thirsting for words of kindness, for neighborliness,
trembling with anger at despotisms and petty humiliation,
tossing in expectation of great events,
powerlessly trembling for friends at an infinite distance,
weary and empty at praying, at thinking, at making,
faint, and ready to say farewell to it all?
Who am I? This or the other?
Am I one person today, and tomorrow another?
Am I both at once? A hypocrite before others,
and before myself a contemptibly woebegone weakling?
Or is something within me still like a beaten army,
fleeing in disorder from victory already achieved?
Who am I? They mock me, these lonely questions of mine.
Whoever I am, Thou knowest, O God, I am thine.
News
DON’T FORGET: The Session has called a meeting of the Congregation on Sunday October 25 at 10:15 a.m. via ZOOM for the purpose of hearing and acting upon a report from the Congregational Nominating Committee. If the way be clear, we will elect a slate of church members to the office of Elder and Deacon. Please plan on attending that important ZOOM meeting. The link is: FirstPres.church/meeting
Join us again this Sunday, October 25, at 11 am for another Sunday in the Park at Hessel Park. Bring your lawn chairs and we will gather for an hour near the Pavilion at the north end of the park. We will follow social distancing, sanitation and guidelines. WEAR A MASK!
* * *
THIS IS IMPORTANT: What is your vision for our new kitchen? After Covid, should we have weekly Sunday brunches? Monthly dinners? Community meals? Sunday Night Jazz? What ministry awaits us? Ideas? Please be in touch with Gary Peterson (or me) with thoughts. Thanks.
Humor (Hard times need godly laughter):
Thank you, Lori Schaap…
If April showers bring May flowers, what do May flowers bring? PILGRIMS!!
Good Word:
Psalm 139
1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me . . .
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my thoughts.
24 See if there is any wicked way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
LET US PRAY:
(Thanks, Jeff Kellam, for this chestnut.)
A Mother’s Prayer
by Melissa Manchester
I know you’re listening
As I lay me down to sleep
It’s not for me, I ask
But my children’s souls to keep
It seems the world is going crazy
And though I need to do my share
Could you please, take them under wing
Watch over them especially
Keeping them safe from everything
This is a mother’s prayer
I know you’re listening
In the silence of this night
The news is blistering
But I hold on to your light
And though there’s darkness all around us
By my faith, I know you’re there
Give me the strength to lead the way
Send me the words I need to say
Use me to guide them day by day
This is a mother’s prayer
I know, I can’t do this by myself
I thank you for your help
I know you’re listening
So I know, I’m not alone
I feel you here with me
As we all face the unknown
Could you return us to your garden
Where no one’s hurt and no one’s scared
Free us from pride and bitterness
Keep us so close we won’t forget
Teach us to love as you love
This is a mother’s prayer
Teach us to love as you love
This is a mother’s prayer
Much, much love to you all.
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church
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Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2020-10-21
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
To Members and Friends of
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
Dear Friends,
I find myself longing for a return to “normal,” to the “good old days” of last January, say, or the routine patterns of last year. I certainly long to worship with you in the sanctuary safely, with song, and unmasked laughter, and the noises of children scribbling noisily on paper. I look forward to handshakes and hugs. (I also look forward to meals in restaurants, unrestricted travel, live music, visiting in the hospital, and much more.)
The problem with the good old days is that they weren’t good for everybody. And the hope of the future is that we can craft a future that is more equitable for all. Sonya Renee Taylor has the following provocative thought for us today, the upshot being, let’s work towards and have hope in God’s new heaven and new earth. And let’s not wait for after Corona; let’s start working towards it now.
“We will not go back to normal. Normal never was. Our pre-Corona existence was not normal other than we normalized greed, inequity, exhaustion, depletion, extraction, disconnection, confusion, rage, hoarding, hate and lack. We should not long to return, my friends. We are being given the opportunity to stitch a new garment. One that fits all of humanity and nature.” Sonya Renee Taylor
* * *
The Session has called a meeting of the Congregation on Sunday October 25 at 10:15 a.m. via ZOOM for the purpose of hearing and acting upon a report from the Congregational Nominating Committee. If the way be clear, we will elect a slate of church members to the office of Elder and Deacon. Please plan on attending that important ZOOM meeting. The link is: FirstPres.church/meeting
News
Join us tonight for our mid-week Gathering at 7 pm…
Join Zoom Meeting
Beth Hutchens shares this letter from a Black mother to her daughter from Town and Country magazine. Here’s a quote: “At long last, we as citizens seem prepared to face our history squarely, in all its horror and glory. The peaceful protests are themselves an act of patriotism, a proclamation of faith in a better future. You don’t demand more from your country if you don’t love it and believe deeply in the possibility of its redemption. Though this season of tribulation has stripped you and your peers of your innocence, it also brings you true reason to hope.”
Here’s the link:
https://www.townandcountrymag.
* * *
Humor (Hard times need godly laughter):
Due to the quarantine, I’ll only be telling inside jokes.
* * *
From Skip Pickering: Logic from an uncluttered Mind
One day a little girl was sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head. She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, ‘Why are some of your hairs white, Mum?’
Her mother replied, ‘Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white.’
The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, ‘Mummy, how come ALL of grandma’s hairs are white?’
Good Word:
Psalm 139
1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me . . .
Wonderful are your works;
that I know very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes beheld my unformed substance.
In your book were written
all the days that were formed for me,
when none of them as yet existed.
17 How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 I try to count them—they are more than the sand;
I come to the end—I am still with you.
LET US PRAY:
A Father’s Prayer
They are sleeping,
curled up in their beds.
They are dreaming,
music in their heads.
Lake Superior is frozen.
An icy cold front has wrapped its grip around the house.
The corn is gone, the fields are barren.
It’s been five days since the weather let them out.
Now, they are sleeping,
nestled in the night.
Look like angels,
faces filled with light.
They wouldn’t know about the primaries.
Don’t pay attention to the news.
Eden’s body count is rising.
They have such innocence to lose.
When they wake up,
when morning gilds the skies,
help them make up
a world less full of lies.
And as they sleep, Lord,
make me a worthy dad.
Help me show them
your love can right what’s bad.
Now, they are sleeping . . .
(January 26-27, 2004, After the Iowa Primaries
by Matt Matthews for Joseph, Benjamin,
and John Mark, when they were very little)
Much, much love to you all.
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church
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Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2020-10-20
 The Heart of Mission The local Faith Community is, of course, a very important partner in our mission. Over 40 churches throughout Champaign County are donors at various levels, and several of them are committed “Hope Givers!” Members of local churches also support us in prayer, serve as a source of faithful volunteers, and bless our friends with donations of personal items, special meals, and much-needed fellowship. Finally, we also have partnered with Austin’s Place, the United Way of Champaign County, the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, the City of Champaign, and Cunningham and City of Champaign townships and many others to help sustain year-round emergency sheltering, opportunities for work, and other important services for our friends during this time of great need. My very first weekly update focused on the “fruitful” partnership between our C-U at Work program, Prosperity Gardens, and the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen! |
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Weekday Email to Members and Friends – 2020-10-19
Monday, October 19th, 2020
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
Important Covid-19 News
To Members and Friends of
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
Dear Friends,
The Session has called a meeting of the Congregation on Sunday October 25 at 10:15 a.m. via ZOOM for the purpose of hearing and acting upon a report from the Congregational Nominating Committee. If the way be clear, we will elect a slate of church members to the office of Elder and Deacon. Please plan on attending that important ZOOM meeting. The link is firstpres.church/meeting. Information is there about testing your connection ahead of time, etc.
* * *
An important message about returning to worship from Peter Yau, our Covid-19 science advisor:
Things you need to know when you want to join
the FPCC face-to-face worship service
Dr. Peter Yau
The Session for the FPCC have approved a face-to-face worship service starting November 1, 2020. The service is limited to a maximum capacity of 50 people (including clergy, staff and worship leaders). You must call the church office to register your attendance from Monday – Thursday prior to the Sunday you will be attending. You are requested to wear a clean face mask and follow standard sanitary guidelines. An usher will check your registration, take your temperature to ensure you do not have a fever. You will be seated only in a designated area. Family members that live together can sit together, otherwise you must be seated at least 6 ft. away from the next attender. The service will be brief, without congregational singing, recitation of liturgy.
The church will be cleaned and sanitized before your arrival. The minister and musician will be behind Plexiglass shields. The elevator and bathroom are available for single occupancy (or family). Hand sanitizer and disposable masks are available. We want to keep you safe and healthy.
One peculiarity of the COVID-19 (SARS CoV-2) virus is about half of the transmission comes from asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic persons, i.e. these are people infected with SARS CoV-2 virus but not showing any symptom or are spreading the virus before symptoms later. There is no easy way to predict or identify this population. If you choose to attend the face-to-face worship service, you should know there is a possibility of contracting COVID-19 despite all the best safety measures mentioned so far. You are attending the service at your own risk.
In addition, elderly and people with underlying medical illness(es) need to be especially careful about contracting the SARS CoV-2 virus. These are people with cardiovascular diseases, asthma, COPD, immunocompromised, obesity, diabetes and renal diseases. Furthermore, to avoid complications of the flu with the COVID-19, it is prudent that you get a flu vaccination now.
Our Session and church staff want you to be safe and healthy. We are doing our best to keep things safe. However, there are many unknown factors with this novel virus, and there is possibility for an outbreak to happen despite of our best measures. Please understand this and prayer for the safety of all before you come to attend the face-to-face worship services.
News
Bob Kirby asks for prayer for the family of Bill Schuh. Dr. Schuh was a medical student of Bob’s from the medical scholars program at UI and then an internal medicine resident at Carle. He had interests in computer science and used his exceptional talents in administration at Carle Foundation over his career. One evening last week while riding his bicycle he was struck and killed by a semi-truck.
* * *
Learn more about our CUBA partnership! Here’s a link to the Cuba Partnership annual gathering. (Rachel shared parts of this with us last Wednesday.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Humor (Hard times need godly laughter):
I’ll tell you a coronavirus joke now, but you’ll have to wait two weeks to see if you got it.
* * *
From Skip Pickering: Logic from an uncluttered Mind
A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six-year-olds. After explaining the commandment to ‘honor’ thy Father and thy Mother, she asked, “Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?”
From the back, one little boy answered, “Thou shall not kill.”
Good Word:
Psalm 139
1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me . . .
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light around me become night,”
12 even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is as bright as the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
13 For it was you who formed my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
LET US PRAY:
James Ingram and Michael McDonald wrote this pop song in 1983. The spelling of the song title is Yah Mo B There. Yah is a shortened version of Yahweh, which means God in Hebrew. So, the title literally means “God will be there” and is interpreted as “God be with you.”
The song is a prayer, and because the chorus was catchy but obscure, people who loved the song had no idea they were witnesses prayer. (Thanks Jeff Kellam for sharing.)
Heavenly Father watching us all
We take from each other and give nothing at all
Well, it’s a dog-gone shame
But never too late for change
So if your luck runs low
Just reach out and call His name, His name.
Yah mo be there
You can count on it brother
‘Cause we’re all just finding our way
Traveling through time
People got to keep pushing on
No matter how many dreams slip away
Yah will be there
Much, much love to you all.
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church
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