Thursday, October 8^th, 2020
A weekday e-mailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
 
Dear Friends,
 
It was quiet this morning in the sanctuary during our time of prayer and meditation. The sun made all things golden and bright. I’m not a morning person. This morning was glorious.
 
* * *
News:

Sunday in the Park….This Sunday, October 11, 11 am at Hessel Park.  Wear a mask and bring your lawn chairs; we will gather for an hour near the Pavilion at the north end of the park.

Men’s Prayer Fridays 8:30 am
Join Zoom Meeting

Don’t forget these conversations on PUBLIC SAFETY:  The City of Champaign is pleased to invite you to participate in a community listening session to share your vision for public safety in our community. All residents, business owners and community stakeholders are encouraged to take part. The goal is to help create better communication and understanding between Champaign Police, City Administrators and community members by allowing you to directly voice your thoughts and expectations around policing. Each session will include Chief of Police Anthony Cobb and Police command staff, City Manager Dorothy David, and elected City officials. The listening sessions will be moderated by Dr. Travis Dixon, an American media studies scholar and Professor of Communication at the University of Illinois.

Determining the future of policing in our community should be a collaborative process involving community partnerships, and the first step in that process is to hear from you. Each listening session will be used to gather information from the public so it can be shared with the City Council as they make future public safety policy decisions to best address the needs, interests, and values of our community. Virtual Listening Session Dates:
· Friday, Oct. 9, 1-3 p.m.
· Tuesday, Oct. 13, 6-8 p.m.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the listening sessions will be held electronically using the Zoom meeting platform. More information on how to join and participate, including how to attend via Zoom can be found on the City’s website at  champaignil.gov/CommunityConversations. Please feel free to share this invitation with others. The City looks forward to hearing your input during one of these important listening sessions.
Humor (Hard times need godly laughter): 
 
Teacher/Student jokes from Carol Penka:
 
Teacher—Maria, go to the map and find North America.
Maria—Here it is.
Teacher—Correct. Now, class, who discovered America?
Class—Maria.
 
Good Word:
 
PHILIPPIANS 4:1-9                      
1Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
 
2I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
 
4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
 
LET US PRAY:
 
Holy God we give you thanks for the angel-song of your grace…
            for the sweetness of life,
            for blessings too numerous to count,
            too subtle for us even to notice,
                        for the last bright fall flowers,
                        for lime-green leaves dreaming of an autumn wardrobe of color,
                        for the holy way others hold us tenderly in their prayers . . .
            for these and all our myriad blessings,
            accept our praise and thanks.
 
Amen
 
Much, much love to you all.
 
 Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church