October 7th is World Wide Communion Sunday when we remember that countless other Christians around the world will come to Christ’s table on that very Sunday. Also on that day, we will collect the Peace and Global Witness Offering. Many years, it is probably the least supported by this congregation, of our 4 special PC(USA) offerings. Don’t we follow the Prince of Peace? Biblical peace means far more than the absence of conflict.

In Scripture, peace is multi-faceted. We are familiar with the Hebrew word for peace, shalom. It is from the root word shalam meaning “to be safe in mind, body, estate.” It is a word of deep meaning calling for contentment, completeness, wholeness, well-being and harmony for all people. Did you know there is a Season of Peace which leads up to Peace and Global Witness Offering?

The website for this Special Offering of our denomination describes it this way: a gift to the Peace & Global Witness Offering enables the church to promote the Peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice across the world. Individual congregations are encouraged to utilize up to 25% of this Offering (we keep the full 25%) to connect with the global witness of Christ's peace. Mid councils retain an additional 25% for ministries of peace and reconciliation. The remaining 50% is used by the Presbyterian Mission Agency to advocate for peace and justice in cultures of violence, including our own, through collaborative projects of education and Christian witness.

Throughout September, the Season of Peace, leading up to World Wide Communion Sunday has daily devotions provided by the Presbyterian Mission Agency of our denomination. I am sharing with you excerpts from several of those devotions, daily written by different Presbyterians across the nation, and from the week of September 16-23, in order that you may consider them as you prayerfully decide how much to give to this offering. They reveal how complex peace, shalom, can be.

All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Acts 2:44 “The thought of selling and distributing our possessions probably frightens us. We live in an individualistic society not that different from the (ancient) Roman Empire. The first church in Jerusalem did something revolutionary for then and now. They practiced koinonia, which besides ‘fellowship’ conveys ‘partnership’ in the Greek language. Scholars tell us that koinonia means that Christians are called to share their God-given resources with each other, especially the poor.” by Rev. Dr. Antonio Aja [pastor in New Mexico and moderator for the Hispanic/Latinx National Presbyterian Caucus and adjunct professor of McCormick Sem.]

Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites. Genesis 37:27 “Long ago, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. It’s a story still being lived out today as 21 million people in the world live and work in conditions of forced labor, many of them victims of human trafficking [a form of slavery.] Each of us is caught in an economic web that demands cheap goods, objectifies bodies, and relies on the (ever) widening gap between the rich and the poor. We have turned our backs on refugees, (LGBTQ persons and young- especially- women) and those people whose dreams do not match our own, (who then are) made vulnerable to trafficking. We, like Joseph’s brothers, sell the people we are supposed to love. If peace is founded on (risk and) vulnerability, relationship and experience, then it is also built on (our) witness. Peace is speaking out (against injustices.) by Rev. Patrick D. Heery [pastor in Auburn, NY, former editor of Presbyterians Today]

O Lord, you have searched me and known me. Psalm 139:1 The psalmist assures us that everywhere we go, the spirit of God is with us, to guide us and protect us in all aspects of our lives. From the ends of the earth, through the darkest nights, God seeks us and finds us. (The) Church of Jesus in Madagascar and partner to the PC(USA), shares this holistic understanding of God’s sovereign love. With more than 6,700 congregations, (they also have) extensive social service programs. It helps educate more than 189,899 students in approximately 581 primary, middle, or high schools, in addition to several universities and seminaries. (This Madagascar denomination) also supports orphanages, chaplaincies, medical clinics, nutrition, environment management, and water and sanitation. (It) has attempted to bring about peace and reconciliation among rival political parties in the face of growing civil unrest.” by Rev. Dr. David B. McCarthy [pastor in Nebraska and writer]

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 How do we begin to carry each other’s burdens? It is in our own faith journey that we encounter many different paths, some easy, some difficult; in doing so, we may found ourselves at crossroads or perhaps even retracing our steps puzzling over where we stepped off the path. Recently, my own faith journey led me to the steep mountainsides of Guatemala and the breathtaking terrain of Costa Rica. It was in the stories of indigenous communities that I heard their cry for their beloved land and their courage to protect it. Over and over again, I heard them say: ‘Thank you for coming; thank you for listening to my story.’ …It was an incredible blessing for me to meet the courageous people of Central America. It is in their voice I again say, “Thank you for listening to my story.”

by Kathy Mitchell [Native American, elder and treasurer of her congregation in Arizona]

Train children in the right way, and old, they will not stray. Proverbs 22:6 Disciples in the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar, a sister church of the PC(USA), are ministering every day to children who are abused, malnourished, disabled, or simply in search of a better future. On our study trip with the Peacemaking Program last fall, we visited schools (there) that board these young ones who have been rescued from the streets, or who have chosen to move out of their homes in order to get a good education in a safe and faith-filled environment. No matter their background or condition, these children are surrounded by love, taught about Jesus, and trained for a much more hopeful future. by Rev. Ms. Dean McDonald [marriage and family therapist in D.C., was worship leader at Washington National Cathedral]

PLEASE PLAN AHEAD

Administrative Assistant Jeanette Levellie will not be in the office October 8 to 11. So if you have anything you would like her to help prepare (like for the Oct. 9 Session meeting), please plan ahead!

DID YOU KNOW . . .

. . . that at least 75 different people participated in Paris Presbyterian Church worship services or other activities during the month of August? (and that does not include guests at our Ice Cream Social)

ALL-CHURCH OUTING

Please reserve October 21 on your calendars, for our next “All Church Outing.” The Membership and Evangelism Committee received a couple suggestions that perhaps some people in our congregation would like to go out to lunch together after worship, at least occasionally. So we will try that on October 21, leaving right after worship for a trip to Richard’s Farm Restaurant in Casey. Those who wish could take a little tour after of some of the “World’s Largest” items found in Casey: World’s Largest rocking chair, wind chime, golf tee, mailbox, pencil, and more. Please sign up on the sheet at the rear of the sanctuary, so we know how many we can expect. Rides can be provided.

DID YOU KNOW . . .

. . . that Rev. Laurie serves on the Personnel Committee of the Presbytery of Southeast Illinois? This involves some regular annual proceedings, like performance reviews and salary recommendations for the six (recently reduced to five) staff members of the Presbytery (all part-time); and also some special projects, like planning the retirement celebration of that sixth staff member earlier this year, and updating personnel policies and manuals (and this is in addition to her service on the Personnel Committee of the Synod of Lincoln Trails).

HANDS-ON LOCAL MISSION

Our month to staff the Compassionate Clothing Closet is October. Please help by signing up on the sheet at the back of the sanctuary for one or more of these Tuesdays: October 2, 9, 16, and 23 from 12:45 – 3 P.M.

WINTER IS COMING

The Compassionate Clothing Closet is collecting new or gently used blankets during the month of October, for distribution in November, as winter approaches. Many households do not have enough blankets to keep everyone warm, and some of them may not be able to afford to have the heat turned on. Blankets may be brought to the church office, or taken directly to the CCC, 211 N. Central St. on Mondays from 11 to 2 or Tuesdays from 1 to 3.

SPECIAL LOCAL OPPORTUNITY

You are invited to a nearby Stewardship event called “Reimagining Stewardship,” presented by the Presbyterian Foundation. “Participate in practical exercises that set the table for encouraging and growing generosity” in your congregation. Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 A.M. – 3 P.M, First Presbyterian Church, Mattoon. More information is on the

bulletin board.

CHURCH FAMILY OF THE WEEK

Our “Church Family of the Week” program gives us a chance to lift up a different family (group or individual) of our congregation each week, include them in our daily prayer for our families and friends, and to send cards or greetings or in some other way to let them know we are glad they are part of our church family. The “Church Family of the Week” is listed in our Sunday bulletins. If you missed one or more of those recent announcements, I’ll bet those families wouldn’t mind if you prayed for them this week. Those recently listed are:

Camille Foley

403 Grandview, Paris

Carolyn & Jeff Hodge

7221 N. 1800th St. Paris

HELP AFTER STORMS

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has set up an account for those who would like to contribute to meet the needs of people affected by Hurricane Florence: DR000169. Gifts can be made online http://pda.pcusa.org/ or by phone at 800-872-3283, or by check, which can be mailed to Paris Presbyterian Church, or to Presbyterian Church (USA), PO Box 643700, Pittsburgh PA 15264-3700. Please include the account number on your check.

BIBLE STUDY

The weekly Monday evening Bible Study resumes October 1, in the Koinonia Kafe, from 5:15 to 6:30. One reason for this time frame: It allows for the option of going out to dinner together after. Please consider giving the group a try (I promise: we are not all “Bible experts”!).

About Fellowship Time:

(1)Our Fellowship Time after worship each Sunday is a great opportunity to converse with and better get to know your church family; and to meet/welcome any visitors who might have come that day. Please join us!

(2)Thank you to all who have taken recent turns hosting our time together—especially Jane Bittner and Joyce Wylie, who have taken many turns. Could you consider taking a week? The sign-up sheet is on the kitchen counter.

THE CHRISTIAN CALENDAR

The liturgical (worship) calendar of the Christian Church describes the Sundays of October as part of “ordinary time.” It does not have any specially designated worship days or seasons until “Christ the King Sunday” on November 25.

Our worship service on October 28 will, however, include an observance of “All Saints Day.” We will take a few moments in that service to remember and give thanks for the Christians (saints) we have known who shaped our lives, and who have now left this earth to spend eternal life with God.

NEWS FROM SESSION

Business at the September meeting of the church Session included:

· Devotions presented by an Elder who had discovered a daily “Presbyterian devotions,” which can be found at D365.org

· Approval of use of our two scholarship funds, for two of our college students who applied

· A report on the August Presbytery meeting, including its worship service in which Rev. Rodger presented the sermon, and Revs. Laurie and Rodger presided at communion

· Plans to get the Nominating Committee underway, once the final person for the committee is appointed

· As always, in addition to the opening devotions, a sharing of joys and concerns and a prayer time at the end of the meeting; and during the meeting, our monthly prayer time for a committee’s work was for the Personnel Committee and our staff.

SANCTUARY CHOIR NEWS

The time has arrived – the word is out- the choir is returning! Our first rehearsal is Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 7 P.M, and you will hear us in worship on Oct. 7 – World Communion Sunday

We have enjoyed wonderful special music these past three months. Many excellent musicians have shared their talents with us, including the following:

Vocalists: Kristin Chittick, Lied Metcalf, Barbara Bergdolt, Mellie McCollough, Jeanette Levellie, Megan Carroll, Betty Brinkerhoff, and Marty Jipp.

Instrumentalists: Susan Hiddle, Marty Jipp, Chandler Dorjahn, Karol Farris, Michae Jewell-Proffitt, and Susan Farris

Music is an important part of our worship services, and we hope it blesses you, the listener, as much as it does those of us who perform.

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS:

2 Marisa Hoff

4 John O’Bannon

5 Jim Farris

6 Terry Bergdolt

7 Laurie Williams

John Mercer

9 Kailee Gough

13 Tim Keys

17 Sally Acklin

23 Denise Grimes

Celina Lindsey

24 Jerry Benson

Carolyn Brown Hodge

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES:

10Marty & Deb Jipp((

26Chris & Sheryl Clark ((

31Fred & Lanee Pfeiffer ((

GIFTS FROM “ABOVE”

Background:

At the August 2017 Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Southeastern Illinois, Synod Executive Sara Dingman, presented the Presbytery with a check for $10,000 from the Synod, to be used in any way that best suited the Presbytery. General Council gave grants in the amount of $125 per congregation and the checks were given out at the November 2017 Stated Meeting.

These grants were to be used to stimulate projects which help further the mission of your church. General Council wanted you to find some creative way to proclaim to the world the joy of knowing Christ, although the choice of how it is used is entirely up to your church. We wanted to know how your church ended up using the grant so that we could share your good works with other churches in the Presbytery. The following are some of the ways the grants have been used:

· Materials to make blankets (350!) for children in our area

· To purchase badly-needed products for the local Women’s Day Shelter

· To provide Christmas gifts for a couple local families who otherwise would have received none

· To initiate a new Adult Mission Trip Fund

· To support a Senior Citizens Center

· To purchase travel vouchers from a cab company, so people beginning their first job in a while can get to and from work those first two weeks before the first paycheck

· And from Rev. Laurie: “I suggested to our Mission Task Force to use the Presbytery’s seed money for a new project/program and then they helped develop it. It is called the “Dream Grant.” For this year (we may decide to continue the grant) we have identified four missions/charities in our community to which we will send applications. The idea is for the applicant and mission/charity to consider a project or program they could only “dream” of because of lack of funds to help carry it out or at least develop and implement it. The Mission Task Force added to the seed money for a total of $1,000.”

We will collect the Presbyterian Church USA’s “Peace and Global Witness Offering” (formerly called “Peacemaking”) on Sunday, October 7. Each congregation designates 25% of the offering, to go to a particular effort to promote “health, wellness, and harmony” (the biblical definition of “peace”). The Mission Task Force has chosen to give that portion to the new organization in Paris called Hopes and Dreams.  This non-profit organization has purchased a building to create a home for homeless or uncared for children. 25% of $200 isn’t all that much. Please pray and consider giving generously to this offering as it also supports many worthwhile projects in and through our denomination.

Deacon’s Annual Donations for Paris Compassionate

Food Ministry, 2018

As usual the Deacons are collecting for our local Food Pantry in October as they have for many years. You have been so wonderfully generous in giving to the Paris food pantry over the years and we hope you will consider doing so again

this year.

All of the month of OCTOBER we will be collecting your monetary donations. Please use an envelope from the pews and mark them “Deacons’ Food Drive” on the outside if you’re not mailing it. If writing a check, please make it out to Paris Presbyterian Church and in the memo line “Food Drive”.

I recently read an article titled “Mental Illness” by Vince Rodriquez who is the LCSW (social work) Director of Clinical Services. It was in a recent Kemmerer Village newsletter. In the general population around the world, so many more people suffer from some sort of mental illness than we are aware of and our society still seems to shun the discussion of it or the people suffering from some form of it.

Vince explains: “Everyone has experienced some form of trauma, the death of love one, being in a car accident, (illness,) etc. However, some individuals experience more than others. In fact, some people experience events that we wouldn’t wish upon anyone. That is the reality for many of the youth at Kemmerer Village. Often times, the kids...have been a victim of verbal, physical or sexual abuse, as well as parental, emotional and/or environmental neglect. It’s these types of events that nestle themselves deep into the developing brain that can cause mental illness.

Mental illness is loosely defined as various disorders that affect your mood, behaviors and thinking patterns. The responses the brain gives are a direct result of the events it has experiences. For example, if a young boy goes to a zoo and gets scared by a wolf, could he associate that with a dog and be afraid of dogs? Maybe. Of course, some kids will just avoid the zoo while others may just become a ‘cat (person)’. But what if the ‘wolf’ was a caregiver and the traumatic event was more than ‘scary’? This is where the brain’s thinking patterns kick in (and) tell us how to respond. It could be responding in an aggressive, disorganized or emotional manner. These response patterns are symptoms of mental illness.

Often times, professionals group these symptoms, or patterns of behavior responses, together as a diagnosis in order to aid in professional communication. Too often, though, the diagnosis becomes a ‘label’, despite not being it’s intention. For example, Major Depressive Disorder is not just about someone being ‘sad’, but rather having a low mood, anxiety, poor outlook on the future, and in adolescents, it could also be increased agitation. These symptoms last for weeks at a time (and in some cases, for a lifetime.)

You know the feeling you get when you look over the edge of a cliff? Someone with (mental illness) gets that feeling when they are 200 ft away from the cliff. But their ‘cliff’ is everyday settings.

It is not our job to label someone, but, rather, to address their symptoms and give (them) strength, guidance and (effective) treatment. It’s our job to be that support.”

I was recently reading some of my archived daily devotions and a Rick Warren devotion of a couple of years ago struck me as it relates to our 2018 campaign – WHERE IS YOUR HEART? In the devotion - Rick said – “Giving Reveals Your Heart. Every time you give, you reveal what matters to you. Tell me how you spend your money and your time, and I’ll tell you what matters most to you. Philippians 1:10 says, ‘I want you to understand what really matters”’(NLT).

What matters in your life? Not acquisition. Life is not about the accumulation of things. He who dies with the most toys still dies.

Life is not about things. It’s about learning how to love. If at the end of your life you’ve got a giant pile of things but you’re estranged from your wife and kids, you’ve missed the purpose!”

“When you are generous with your time, money, effort, and energy, you’re saying that what matters most is God and people. What matters most is love.

Paul talks about this in Philippians 3:7: “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.”

If someone were to ask you what matters most to you, what would you say? If someone looked at where or to whom you give your money, what would they think is most important to you? When you give, ask yourself, “What is my motivation?”

Ask yourself today – Where is my heart?

Your Mission Task Force is always hard at work discerning God’s will for the way our congregation can support those in need of assistance for whatever reason (and there are varied reasons.) To update you for 2018, so far we’ve given your mission dollars to:

· United Way of Edgar County- $750

· Mission Co-Workers Jonathan and Emily Seitz $600 ( with $1500 from congregation for a total of $2100 to their ministry in Taiwan)

· Church World Service- we became a Sustaining Partner for $50 a month starting in July through next June

· Food Pantry- $400

· Kids Summer Meal Program- $100

· Faith in Action- $250

· Kemmerer Village- $500

· 2018 Dream Grants awarded to:

-Bee Well of Edgar Co.- $400

-Hopes and Dreams, Paris- $600

this one includes $125 seed money from our Presbytery of Southeastern IL

We will offer the Samaritan Purse Christmas Gift boxes for our Christmas project

again this year starting Oct. 7.

More information to come.

Many Disasters to Support this year, if you feel called, through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance:

*Hurricane Florence- DR000194

*DR000015-CA Mudslides (include words)

*Mudslides/Flooding to DR000153-Sierra Leone

Dear friends,

As Christians and members of this church, Joanna & I make a commitment of time and money based upon various criteria. 

First, we have a beautiful building that was given to us by those who came before us.  This building requires maintenance and preservation so we can pass this building on to the next generation of members.  This requires financial and hands on support.

Secondly, the work of the church cannot occur without our paid staff.  These are the people who lead us and teach us.  They do the official work of the church for our benefit and for our spiritual growth.  This requires financial and hands on support.

Thirdly, the world is a hurting society. Identification of appropriate mission programs, locally and worldwide, is an important tenet in our faith. We are so fortunate for our ability to reach out and help others.  This is how we live and grow our faith. This requires financial and hands on support.

It takes the combination of all three of these areas for our church to function and for us to serve the lord.  Yes, this takes financial and hands on support.

This is why we give.

Tom and Joanna     

Do you see a need? Then give, as much as you can, to help eliminate that need.

Over the past several years, I feel this congregation has grown ever more responsive to specific needs presented to us, whether those needs are related to a natural disaster, a community or school project, or a mission worker.

As church treasurer, I find it somewhat difficult to define my personal giving philosophy apart from my duties as treasurer. I often have a close-up view of needs, whether for missions or for ordering budget items. Whenever possible, I try to step in and fill those needs, and I feel blessed that I am able to do so. It will be interesting to see how my giving philosophy changes in the future, when I am no longer a church treasurer.

When we learn of a need, we need to do as much as possible to help. This rule of giving may fall short of the ideals of storing up our treasures in heaven, and giving out of sheer gratitude for the blessings God has given us. But it is surely a step in the right direction, as we work toward trusting God with our treasures and our lives.

Susan Farris

The Presbyterian Church

241 W Court St, Paris IL 61944

217-465-5118; FAX 463-1471

Web: www.parispresbyterian.org

Co-Pastors: Revs Laurie Williams and Rodger Allen

Music Director: Susan Farris

Administrative Assistant: Jeanette Levellie Custodians: Cheryl Clark and Vickie Johnson

In Christ, Laurie

Write a check to Paris Presbyterian Church with the number (and words where needed) in memo line;

Donate online at pda..pcusa.org;

Or call: (800) 872-3283