225 N. Memorial
Pittsfield, Illinois 62363
217-285-4129
Michael Ten Eyck, Pastor
michael@fccpittsfield.org
Church News

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Teacher Recognition Sunday

This Sunday, May 18 will be Teacher Recognition Sunday as we lift up our Sunday School and Wednesday Youth Leaders.  Each one will be recognized for volunteering their time and doing such a wonderful job teaching our youth the word of the Lord.  Without these excellent individuals our youth programs would not be possible.  Thank you!

CWF Salad Supper and Installation of Officers

The CWF (Christian Women's Fellowship) Salad Supper and installation of 2008-2009 officers will be Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30 pm.  Ladies bring your favorite salad to share and table service, the drinks will be provided.  Bring your Blessing Boxes as well if you have one.

Committee and Cabinet Meetings

Committee and Cabinet Meetings have been moved to Monday, May 19 at 7 pm and 8 pm respectively.  Committee chairs need to contact your committee members to confirm your meeting.This would be a great time to work on the Long Range Planning Committee questionnaire that is due in the church office June 4.

Blood Drive

There will be a Blood Drive Thursday, May 22 from 2 – 6 pm at Illini Hospital.

Clean Up at MVCSC

Mississippi Valley Christian Service Camp will have clean up day on Saturday, May 24 beginning at 9 am.  Any time you have to spare to help get the facility ready for the youth would be greatly appreciated.  When you arrive see Karen Donahoo for a task to accomplish.  Your help will be greatly appreciated!

So Much Appreciated

Dear First Christian Church – Thank you so much for the care package.  It was great to have for exams and you made my roommates happy too!  Clint McNulty.

Sophia Was Dedicated

At early service on May 11 Will and Marci (Speckhart) Freesen and family presented to the Lord in dedication their daughter Sophia Ann.  What a glorious event to have family and friends commit to teach their children the word of the Lord.

Long Range Planning Committee

The Long Range Planning Committee will meet Wednesday, May 21 at the church.

Summer Newsletter Schedule

The church will be changing to the summer newsletter schedule.  We will print a newsletter May 28, skip June 4, print June 11, etc.  Deadline is still noon on Tuesday.

Office Hours

The church office and Crossroads will be closed Memorial Day, May 26.

Church League Softball

Michael Smith is once again rounding up individuals to play on our team for the Church League games at the lake.  If you would like to play on our co-ed slow pitch team contact Michael.  The desire to have a good time is a requirement, softball talent is optional!

Volunteers At It Again

Take a long deep breath and let's serve the PHS Sr. Honors Banquet Tuesday, May 20.  We will be peeling potatoes Tuesday morning at 9 am.  Bring your favorite peeler and come to the kitchen for fun and laughter.  The sign up sheet is on the coffee table for all the other job opportunities or call Joyce if you would like to help.  Thank you!

Mississippi Valley Christian Service Camp

If you attended Mississippi Valley Christian Service Camp last year then you should soon receive a camp registration form in the mail.  If not the church has some in the office.  Once again CMF (Christian Men's Fellowship) will pay one half of the camp fees.  Bring your completed registration form to the church along with your payment payable to FCC for your one half of the fee.  The church will mail registration forms along with full payment to MVCSC.  Last year we had 27 youth attend camp.  High School will be the first camp June 15-20 with our very own Pastor Michael TenEyck as one of the Deans.  Don't delay, register today!

Drivers Needed

Thank you to the great volunteers who have stepped up to help transport cancer patients to their treatments. For more information and to get certification and recertified a meeting will be held May 21, 11:30 am at 219 W. Clare in Pittsfield.  Lunch will be provided.  For reservations call 285-6689 or 1-800-252-5302, ext 3 and ask for Sara or Shirley by May 14.

Two Rivers Needs Your Help

Local Outreach works very closely with Two Rivers Food Bank/Outreach program.  At this time, they are really in need of volunteers.  Volunteers are needed in the clothing side any time from 12 to 4 Monday through Wednesday and Friday.  Primary duties would be sorting/organizing clothing.  Volunteers are also needed for random pick-up and deliveries of food items donated to the food bank.  There are times when stores call and have large donations of items, but Two Rivers doesn't have the manpower to get them.  Any volunteers for the outreach center may just show up and be put to work (across from the Post Office.)  Volunteer delivery people please contact Michelle Gates with your information or Lynn Ottwell at Two Rivers at 285-5424.  Thank you.

Vesper Choir News

Vesper Choir's final Sunday to sing before summer break is June 1. They will practice in the Long Room on Sunday's beginning at 10:10 through June 1.

CMF Dinner Meeting

The final CMF (Christian Men's Fellowship) Dinner Meeting of the season will be Tuesday, May 27 at 6 pm.  ALL men of the church are invited to attend.  The sign up sheet will be in the breezeway if you plan to be there.

Elder's Meeting

Elder's will meet on Thursday, May 15 at 6 pm.

Church Board Meeting

The next Church Board Meeting will be Tuesday, May 13, 7 pm.  Board packets should be available outside the Long Room this Sunday, May 11.

We Are Invited to Milton

Milton Christian Church cordially invites everyone from Pittsfield First Christian Church for an evening of food, fun and fellowship at the Milton Ballpark on Sunday, June 8.  At 5 pm a pork chop meal with baked beans, salad and drinks will be served followed by a short devotion at 5:45.  Beginning at 6 pm Dessert Auction will be held to benefit the Cancer Walk.  Games for all ages such as softball and soccer will start at 6:30.  Mark your calendar now for this great night together!

Graduation Sunday

Graduation Sunday will be Sunday, June 1.  We will recognize our 8th Grade, High School and College graduates.  Some pictures are still needed for High School and College graduates.

Green Pastures Camp

Green Pastures, near Meredosia, is an interdenominational non-profit retreat facility supported through the volunteer efforts and contributions of individuals, and community organizations.  They are committed to providing a positive environment for young people to develop their relationships with Christ and other Christians.  The 2008 Christian Performing Arts Camp for grades 5th - 12th will be each weekend in June.  One night's lodging, 5 meals and all activities are $35.  Fire in Our Hearts Camp runs July 7-11 for grades 5th - college.  This is 4 nights lodging, 13 meals and all activities for $95.  Chrysalis Flight #39 runs November 21-23 for grades 10th - 12th.  For camp applications and financial assistance info go to greenpasturesretreatcenter.org.

Camp Will Need Your Help

Volunteers are needed at Mississippi Valley Christian Service Camp June 15-20 during the High School session in which Michael will be a Dean.  Contact Michael for more information.

Vacation Bible School

Before summer activities fill your calendar be sure to note Vacation Bible School July 27-August 1.  "God's Big Backyard" is sure to be a hit!

IRS Rules

The Local Outreach Committee would like to thank everyone for their generous donations. We are able to help many people and do a lot of good programs for those in need. However, contributions designated towards individuals are not an income tax deduction for you, the donor, per IRS rules. The LO committee will determine how to allocate the donations each month. Contact the church if you know of someone in need and the committee will take that into consideration. One again, thank you for your support.

Soda Can Recycling

Don't forget to save your aluminum cans for the church recycling program. Our collection can is located on the west side of the fellowship hall.

Campbell Soup Labels

Instead of the soup label fronts, cut out and save the Bar Code on the item only. Woodhaven is still able to "purchase" items to benefit the men and women they serve with items such as games, craft supplies, technology and more. Please save Bar Code from Campbell soup and Campbell products. Thank you, CWF.

Fellowship Time

Please be sure to enjoy Fellowship Time in the overflow room after church each Sunday. In addition to coffee each week, cookies are always provided by our church family and the Shepherding Committee the first Sunday of the month. So please join us! Also the first Sunday of the month Blood Pressure Screening is available after each service for anyone wishing to do so in the church office.

Bible Study

The next Bible Study will be Tuesday, May 20, noon.

SHARE Food Program

SHARE sign up for the May order will be Friday, May 9, noon - 3 pm at Crossroads.  Delivery will be Friday, May 30.

CWF Services

CWF has nice durable dishcloths for sale through the church office. They cost $1.50 each. Also please cut off and save the fronts of all your greeting cards. There is a box outside Rebecca's office for your card fronts. Virginia Tice bundles and mails these card fronts to a boy's ranch in Nevada where they make and sell lovely new cards from our recycled cards.

Board Meeting Excerpts

This is a summary only of the April 8, 2008 Board Minutes which are in draft stage and will be reviewed at the next regular meeting May 13. Copies of the Board Reports are available from the church office.

Treasurer's Report:
We are 25% through the year and contributions are at 24.94%.

Trustees:
Gaylord Rhodes called our attention to the $8,741.21 in trustee restricted funds (memorials).

Department Reports:
CWF - Deloris Martin reported that the ladies' Love Raffle has been contributing to Quanada, Crossroads, Hospice, and Mounted Angels.  Because the contributions have amounted to over $1,000 to Hospice, a brick at Illini will have "Christian Women's Fellowship" written on it.

Michael commended the work done by the Shepherding, Worship and Evangelism Committees in connection with our Fifth Sunday service.

Property Committee:  Rosemary Clark reported that the tree across from Crossroads had been taken down by several volunteers.

Special Committees:
Crossroads Center - Helen Earls reminded us again that the Workcrews will not be working at the church anymore which is a "catastrophic" loss. 

Jenny Tate encouraged all to enjoy Italian Nite on April 30 which is the last Family Meal and should be lots of fun. 

Old Business:
Helen let the group know that one piano has been sold for $400. and one more is for sale.  The money was posted as a Property Improvement receipt.

New Business:
A Long Range Planning Committee has been formed with Julie Boren as the chairperson.  The members are:  Kathy Hull, Wally Lamb, Joyce Lemons, Faith Saxe, Jonathon Schoenherr, Kay Sealock, Bobby Smith and Hamer Tate.  There was some discussion as to the responsibilities of the committee.  Julie said there will be committee meetings but there will probably be times the committee will want to meet with other committees and sometimes members of the congregation may be invited to enter specific discussions also.  Wayne made the motion to approve the committee, N.D. Harrison seconded the motion which passed.

Michael reported to the group that he and Renita have plans to acquire a house if the church board has no objection.  The group voted by acclamation to approve and encourage the purchase realizing there are advantages for the TenEycks to do so.  He raised the question of the possibility of a new staff member being allowed to live in the parsonage which would cut the salary package needs considerably. 

Again, the board was reminded of custodial help that is needed now and in the future. 

Michelle Gates asked that the policy for the treasurer to sign checks for hourly payroll be reviewed.  She mentioned that paying for services before they are done makes her very uncomfortable.  Gary said the Executive Committee will look into it in the near future.

Walking Hours

May walking hours will run from 7 - 9 am Monday through Friday.  Special events may alter this schedule.  

Wishes & Wants

Wanted: Baby sitting position for the summer.  Does have own transportation.  Call Alyssa Casto 285-2981.

For Sale: Vent free natural gas fireplace with oak surround, polished brass trim and oak platform.  Guess who 217-491-3925.