Thursday May 7^th  2020
A Weekday Emailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
 
Dear Friends,
 
It was great hearing Jean Rene Balekita sing last night on our Wednesday Night Concert. It felt normal and good. Next Wednesday we’re going to have a evening prayer service; join us then. 
 
* * *
 
I sit on the leadership team of the Illinois Conference of Churches. We drafted the statement below this week.  With the governor’s new guidelines about “re-opening” our state, your worship team will meet early next week to discuss what that means for us. We’ll be digesting a document from the PCUSA and picking the brain of Peter Yau, our Covid-19 advisor. I’m hearing that many of you over the age of sixty will be sheltering-in-place until we get closer to a vaccine. Share your thoughts with me.  
 
News:
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information: The Reverend Walter Carlson, [carlson.walter@gmail.com] 
 
ILLINOIS CHRISTIAN LEADERS ADVOCATE CARE FOR HUMAN LIFE
May 5, 2020 
 
The Leadership Team of the Illinois Conference of Churches (ICC) believes sheltering-in-place guidelines save lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.  We support careful, evidence-based steps to re-open the economy.
 
We believe that the health and safety of our wider community rises above individual autonomy in this unprecedented global emergency. 
 
Limiting public excursions for anything but essential purposes and exercise and the wearing of masks in public while practicing social distancing are practical ways of showing respect for the communities where we live and serve. 
 
But we don’t like it.                        
 
Those we love and serve are hurting.
 
We grieve the myriad losses our communities are experiencing, not the least of which is the loss of life.  Even in the midst of this crisis, more have died in this country from the coronavirus than in the Vietnam War. Business owners, closed now for weeks, wonder how long and if they can hold on. Teachers and parents are struggling with teaching from home.  Our front-line workers have held the line steadily with grace and courage. While some families are enjoying down time and togetherness, economic and social stresses are tearing others apart.  Our state must rely on science-based directives so that we will properly protect the people who live here. 
 
While the CARES Act, unemployment benefits, and other programs are helping some, many people fall through the cracks. Small businesses, the homeless, the seriously disabled are struggling.  There is evidence that the fault lines of race and economic disparity that have always divided our communities may widen.  The pandemic has caused many problems for Black and Brown people because of employment as essential workers.  Many are not eligible for the stimulus money or unemployment.   Health care is not an option for part time workers while pre-existing medical conditions plague Hispanics and African Americans. 
 
While we do not know what science will indicate about coming back together for worship, movies, concerts, and even haircuts, we are hopeful that human kindness, not to mention the grace of God, will flourish just as wildly as springtime is blooming across our state.
 
We are in prayer for our beloved state and her people, particularly mindful of those whose lives and livelihoods are most endangered. 
 
The Leadership Team of the 
Illinois Conference of Churches, representing
approximately seven million Illinois 
Christians in 13 denominations.
 
Good Word:
 
A psalm of lament:
 
Psalm 137/Lament over the Destruction of Jerusalem
1 By the rivers of Babylon—
    there we sat down and there we wept
    when we remembered Zion.
2 On the willows there
    we hung up our harps.
3 For there our captors
    asked us for songs,
and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying,
    “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”
 
Remember in Godspell Jesus and the disciples sang this song after the last supper. We return to the Psalms in life’s highs and lows. Let this break your heart. Again:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXnnpsr–_c
 
Let us pray:
 
How long, O LORD?
 
Amen.
 
Much, much love to you all.
 
PEACE,
 
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church

Wednesday May 6^th  2020
A Weekday Emailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
 
Dear Friends,
 
Concert TONIGHT at 7:00 featuring our very own Jean Rene Balekita. Get the link at FirstPres.Live. ‘See’ you there!
 
* * *
 
I have said before that this pandemic puts us all—everyone around the world—in the same boat. I was dead wrong. 
 
We are not in the same boat. We are in the same storm, yes, but not the same boat. Some families are enjoying family time together, zooming with grandparents, catching up on projects at home. The stress of unemployment is tearing some families apart. The economic safety nets aren’t catching everyone. The ‘boat’ I’m in with my family at my house is different from the boat friends in frail health are paddling. And our boats are different than those in a refugee camp or a village in South Sudan. 
 
I fear I’ve sometimes been smug equating my inconveniences with those of others. Some of you have lost loved ones. I apologize for my insensitivity. 
 
Yes, under these shelter in place orders I have truly enjoyed my family and writing letters to you (beloved flock). I have taken a close look at spring on long walks. We’ve cooked good meals, played music and ping pong, and have watched movies. My pantry and heart have been full. 
 
Not so for others in other boats. 
 
My prayer of lament this morning goes something like this: Bless us all, LORD, but bless everybody else first. I’m fine. I’m thankful. And I’d be glad, for once, to stand in the back of the line.
 
* * *  
 
Grace Ashenfelter shares this bit of history with us. It’s floating around Facebook. Younger members of our flock have nothing to compare this Covid-19 pandemic to. Our older friends, have lived through a lot. This doesn’t reduce our pain, but it places it in the bigger picture of the last 120 years.
 
Imagine you were born in 1900. On your 14th birthday, World War I starts, and ends on your 18th birthday. 19-22 million people perish in that war. 
 
Later in the year, a Spanish Flu epidemic hits the planet and runs until your 20th birthday. 50 million people die from it in those two years. 
 
On your 29th birthday, the Great Depression begins. Unemployment hits 25%, the World GDP drops 27%. That runs until you are 33. 
 
When you turn 39, World War II starts. On your 41st birthday, the United States is fully engaged in WWII. Between your 39th and 45th birthday. 75 million people perish in the war. 
 
Smallpox was epidemic until you were in your 40’s, as it killed 300 million people during your lifetime.  
 
At 50, the Korean War starts. 5 million perish. 
 
From your birth until you are 55 you dealt with the fear of Polio epidemics each summer. 
 
At 55 the Vietnam War begins and doesn’t end for 20 years. 4 million people perish in that conflict. During the Cold War, you lived each day with the fear of nuclear annihilation. 
 
On your 62nd birthday you have the Cuban Missile Crisis. When you turn 75, the Vietnam War finally ends. 
 
What wisdom do our older neighbors have to share with us about living through hard times?
 
News:
 
Wednesday Night Concert with Jean Rene Balekita. Join us at 7:00 p.m. Tune in to the link you will find at FirstPres.live. See you tonight for an hour of celebration in song.
 
Good Word:
 
A psalm of personal lament and hope: Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
 
¹   In you, O LORD, I seek refuge; 
          do not let me ever be put to shame; 
          in your righteousness deliver me. 
²   Incline your ear to me; 
          rescue me speedily. 
     Be a rock of refuge for me, 
          a strong fortress to save me.
³   You are indeed my rock and my fortress; 
          for your name’s sake lead me and guide me, 
⁴   take me out of the net that is hidden for me, 
          for you are my refuge. 
⁵   Into your hand I commit my spirit; 
          you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God
¹⁵  My times are in your hand; 
          deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. 
¹⁶  Let your face shine upon your servant; 
          save me in your steadfast love.  
 
Let us pray:
Bless the boats we are in as we weather this storm, Holy God. And even on this rough sea, might you find a way through our hands to bless others. AMEN. 
 
Much love to you all.
 
PEACE,
 
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church

Monday May 4^th 2020
A Weekday Emailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
 
Dear Friends,
 
The Silly Humor Edition (Laughter is a God-given gift. Share it.)
 
 What has four legs and goes OOM! OOM!
A cow walking backward!!! (Thank you Petersons!)
 
People keep asking, “Is COVID 19 really that serious?” Listen up. Casinos and churches are closed. When Heaven and Hell agree on the same thing, it’s pretty serious. (Thank you Waalers)
 
And Bill Ackermann offers several:

1.      Apparently RSVP’ing to a wedding invitation “Maybe next time” isn’t the correct response. 
2.      I’m on two diets. I wasn’t getting enough food on one. 
3.      Do you ever get up in the morning, look in the mirror and think “That can’t be accurate.” 

And these bloopers are from actual church newsletters: 

1.      Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands. 
2.      Don’t let worry kill you off – let the Church help.  
3.      For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
4.      Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM – prayer and medication to follow.  
5.      Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.   

From Bill Marble: The man on the news said at the end of the day what’s going to keep you sane is common sense; some of y’all are in trouble! 
 
News:
 
CU-BetterTogether . . . Is a new community group (United Way, Community Foundation, YMCA, and local churches) coming together to fight hunger and give hope to area public school families in need. Laurie Jacob, Kena Jo Chapman, Rachel, and I helped yesterday and had a blast. Together we packed three pallets of food—possibly 1,500 grocery bags—for our public school children and their families. It was a WOW morning. Want to help? Are you between 18- and 60-years-old? You can, here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F044EAEA822ABFA7-cubetter
 
From Jane Tock: Dear Matt, Thank YOU and your team for continuing to keep “the FLOCK” together during this time of…alteration. (Although, we all know that LIFE has ALWAYS been one giant adjustment!)

It’s so comforting to hear the voice of Joe, the music of Richard, and the calm readings and prayers from Eric. I love seeing sweet Rachel by your side…she adds the touch of gentleness and care. And, she reminds us of family. Mindy is such a blessing. (I’m still getting used to the puppet, though. Ha! Always had an aversion to mimes, magicians and, especially, CLOWNS ?!  EEK!  Swore that I’d never marry one. Then, well…Steve.)

Please say thank you to all those who have shared their time and talents not only in joining you in providing with a weekly Sunday Morning Service but, in continuing to connect us and to serve us through ongoing committees. We are aware that our maintenance staff is keeping our building clean and safe and standing TALL.
And, the prayer team!!!  And, and, and…..♥?

Gratefully yours, 
The Tocks
…..Hug the boys. 
 
Good Word:
 
 Psalm 126
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
    we were like those who dream.
² Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
    and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then it was said among the nations,
    “The Lord has done great things for them.”
³ The Lord has done great things for us,
    and we rejoiced.  
 
Let us pray:
 
O God, 
you are the well-spring of life. 
Pour into our hearts the living water of your grace, 
that we may be refreshed to live this day in joy, 
confident of your presence 
and empowered by your peace, 
in Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
AMEN
  
Much love to you all. 
 
PEACE,
 
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church

Friday 1 May 2020
 
Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
 
Dear Friends,
 
Miriam and Woody Chenault keep in close contact with J.A. Fukama-Kabika (our church member who is in Danville Correctional Center). Miriam sends this update:
 
They are all in lockdown [at the prison] and can go outside for only 30 minutes a day but can’t play basketball or soccer (which he loves to do). They can only walk or run around the yard. He is still taking his U of I classes, which will be finished Friday. 

Just to show you the kind of guy he is – his big concern is that Woody and I don’t get the coronavirus. He calls us mama Miriam and Papa Woody!  It is such a joy to think of him as our son.

When I think of his life right now during this pandemic, I cannot complain at all about any of this. I am so unbelievably blessed and lucky to have the freedom to go outside and enjoy God’s creation any time I want and to eat anything and anytime I want (food is definitely one of the joys in life right now!!). 

e e cummings was the son of a Harvard professor who left the academy to become the ordained minister of South Congregational Church in Boston.  In this poem, cumming’s own theology comes through – influenced by both traditional Christianity and the transcendentalism of Ralph Waldo Emerson – in a playful, modernist take on an Elizabethan sonnet (fourteen lines, closing couplet, and a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG).
 
* * *
 
On Sunday, we celebrate communion, which is a kind of poetry in action, poetry of body and of soul, with all saints in all time and dimension. It is Holy Mystery and great joy. Bring bread and juice to celebrate. See you Sunday. Bless you all. 
 
* * *
 
Same time (9:00 a.m.). Same place. Turn on your “device” and find us at:   FirstPres.Live
 
Pay attention to God’s activity in the world around you.
               Be amazed.
                               Tell somebody.
 
PEACE,
 
Matt Matthews
864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church
 
 
* * *
 
New fun photo challenge! Each Friday the Nurture Committee is challenging us to read an assigned scripture about Jesus and come up with a representation of the story using whatever you already have around the house and share it in photo form.
 
CHALLENGE #3
MINISTRY  Matthew 4:18-20
Jesus began to teach all the people
They’d come to hear him, on building or steeple
He’d talk in the mountains or down by the sea
And to those who would listen, He’d say, “Come, follow me”
 
If Jesus were here today, where do you think he would teach?
 
Take a photo of a place you think Jesus would like to teach today. If you can’t go there, make something out of Legos, blocks, toys or get a picture from a book or online and show it.
 
Post your photo to:
 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstpreschampaign/
 live@firstpres.church
 For Instagram @fpcchampaign
 
Example from Gary and Linda Peterson…
 
  
 
* * *
 
This is fun to hear AND to watch. Hallelujah*:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ag6CYY0cbFc&feature=youtu.be 
 
* Hallelujah/Alleluia is a Hebrew word. What do you think it means? Multiple choice:
1—Deck the Halls.
2—God is Groovy.
3—Praise the Lord.
4—Dental flossing is vital for oral health.
 
* * *
 
This just in from Frontera de Cristo:
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1103337725578&ca=a4b89791-0c69-4192-b29f-40dcc4cf13dd