Thursday, October 22^nd, 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