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 Starting in May, the Stewardship Ministry highlights one of the organizations / committees / ministries of United in Faith to say THANK YOU for what they do.

On March 29, 2009 there was a Stewardship Forum.  Your can see the text of the forum and some of the forms that were highlighted.

During January 2009 there were several temple talks given on stewardship.  The text of those temple talks follow:

Say THANK YOU to Everyone in the Congregation

On May 30, 2010 we celebrated, during the worship service, the affirmation of our Purpose and Guiding Principles. Just say THANK YOU to yourself and everyone in the congregation.

You have accomplished something noteworthy in the life of the church. You have dared to re-evaluate United in Faith’s vision and values established in 2001 and re-visited in 2006. From that re-evaluation, there is a new Purpose and a set of Guiding Principles to carry the church into the future. For that just say THANK YOU Lord for guiding us through this endeavor.

The Renewal Team and the Purpose and Guiding Principles Team also deserve our thanks. Say THANK YOU to Denise Boyer, Gary Constantino, Marty Dippel, Richard Guzik, Julie O’Donnell Lozich, Pam Marino and Pastor Greg. Their planning, preparation and execution of the entire process are a sign of their commitment to United in Faith.

Now that we have thanked everybody, our real work just begins. Now is the time to apply our Purpose and Guiding Principles to ALL that we do in the name of the Lord.

Stewardship Ministry

Say THANK YOU to All Worship Assistants

At every worship service there are lay people who contribute to the flow of the service. They are the ushers, readers and communion assistants. Yes, pastor could take care of communion himself (with difficulty), he could do all of the readings and each worshiper can drop their offering or tithe into a standing collection plate. But the worship service calls for participation of all in the service. Everyone contributes to the service in one-way or another: silently; vocally; by their presence; by sharing the peace; by singing; and some by their participation at various times during the service.

The ushers greet you at the sanctuary door, give you a bulletin for the service, collect the offerings and guide you to receiving Holy Communion. After the service, they record the attendance and collect the left-behind bulletins and inserts.

The readers participate in the readings throughout the service. These include the Old Testament and New Testament scripture readings, the Psalms and the prayers for all those in need. They contribute to the leading of the worship service.

The communion assistants offer communion to Pastor and assist in the distribution of the bread and wine to all who desire Holy Communion.

These jobs may seem inconsequential but they do indeed contribute to the smooth progression of the worship service. They remind us that worship consists of the total participation of ALL in attendance, with each of us participating individually and collectively as the body of Christ.

At the end of each service, give a special THANK YOU to the ushers, readers and communion assistants who helped at worship service that you attend. Thank them for sharing their time and talents. You should also say THANK YOU to Dana, our Office Manager who schedules the worship assistants. She is the one who makes sure that each service has the assistants that are needed. And if you yourself are an assistant at worship, say a silent THANK YOU to God for offering you the opportunity to serve.

Stewardship Ministry

Say THANK YOU To The Youth

At Sunday worship, there are many to whom we should say Thank You. To the youth who attend Sunday worship we should say a special THANK YOU. It is because of them that we have a children’s message. The children’s message, of course, is not only meant for them but also for the adults.

It is appropriately called the “children’s message” because it is for the children of God. These messages are given at a level that the youth can understand, but the messages are universal. These messages bring the scriptures and everyday living together. It is because of their presence at worship that we are able to enjoy the children’s message as well as Pastor’s sermon.

During the children’s message we are introduced to the importance of worship. Of having a special place to worship as Pastor asks the youth to roll out the prayer rug and have them remove their shoes. Of having them signal the call the worship by the chiming of the bell. Of the importance of the teacher as he asks them to retrieve his stool so that, as leader of worship, he can preside. Of having them signal the end of worship by the chiming of the bell. The youth may not realize the significance of these rituals during the children’s message, but we as adults, we can appreciate the fact that these rituals all have religious significance.

So as you leave a worship service where there was a “children’s message,” say THANK YOU to the youth for being there to make that extra message possible. And while you are at it, say THANK YOU to Pastor Greg, for being our spiritual leader.

Stewardship Ministry

Have You Heard The Voice of the Turtle

If you have attended the Praise and Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings, then you have heard The Voice of the Turtle. They are the Praise Band that celebrates Our Lord with music and song at the second worship service.  They practice on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and also before the worship service on Sundays.   

The band consists of: Dave Quillin, band leader and bass guitar; Richard Dirkes-Jacks, electric guitar & piano; Kirk Marshall, drums; and Halley Dirkes-Jacks, Heidi Officer & Jane Shira, vocalists.  This small group makes this worship service certainly one of song and praise.  They are responsible for setting the contemporary tone at the service and for guiding the congregation through the songs during worship.  As they continue to grow, the band will explore more musical variations and styles. 

To each one of them, we say THANK YOU for sharing their musical abilities with us at worship on Sunday mornings.  They are indeed good stewards of their God given gifts. 

As you leave a service that has been lead by The Voice of the Turtle , take the time to say THANK YOU to each one of them.  For they have indeed made your worship experience a pleasant and inspirational one.

Stewardship Ministry

What Is The Ad-Hoc Choir???

According to Wikipedia, “Ad-hoc is a Latin phrase which means "for this purpose". It generally signifies a solution designed for a specific problem or task, non-generalizable, and which cannot be adapted to other purposes.”  So, our Ad-Hoc Choir is a choir that was created for a very specific purpose – to sing at our single worship service on January 31, 2010. 

In an effort to enrich our worship service, Lois Cornils asked all who were interested in singing at the combined service in January, to get together for a single practice between services early in the month.  Those who volunteered were members from the Celebration Choir, former choir members and members new to UiF choirs.  With such numbers and blend of voices, the choir was an absolute hit.  Just imagine what they might sound like if they practiced their song more than twice.      

Contrary to the definition of ad-hoc, the choir can be adapted for other purposes than just to sing on January 31, 2010.  It might be adapted to sing at each of our 5th Sunday of the month services this year – May 30, August 29 and October 31 – with a little encouragement from you.

The steps are simply.  First say “THANK YOU” to Lois Cornils for leading the Ad-Hoc Choir.  Tell her that you enjoyed the song and would appreciate hearing the choir at each of the 5th Sunday of the month services.  Next, say “THANK YOU” to each of the choir members who participated and ask them to continue as our new 5th Sunday of the Month Choir or as it has already been named, the Ad-Hoc Choir.  Those who participated in the choir were: Marty Devine; Richard Guzik; Ray Good; Lys Shradeja; Fran Johnston; Jane Schira; Elisabeth Wittman; Jackie Good; Gayle Guzik; Barbara Piggott; Mary Haas; Janeen Devine; Lois Gosstrom; Louise Swanson; and Peggy Devine.

You never know.  Saying Thank You has a way of reaping some very pleasant benefits.

Stewardship Ministry  

Which Ministry Has A Passion For Helping People Grow In Their Spiritual Lives?

Which Ministry Has A Passion For Helping People Grow In Their Spiritual Lives?  The Faith Development Ministry is the one, which nurtures that passion.  It is the ministry’s desire for all friends of United in Faith to grow in their relationship and knowledge of Jesus Christ.  There prime concern is the spiritual well being of adults.  They are a kind of on-going Adult Sunday School that provides spiritual growth opportunities in various ways by: maintaining a Christian Resource Center; offering a course called LifeKeys; sponsoring Pastor Greg’s Book Club; and hosting an Adult Forum/Bible Study on Sunday mornings.

The Christian Resource Center is located in the northeast corner of the east building, in the Resource Room.  Most of the resources available are books, which are arranged by categories such as prayer, worship, faith, Christianity and help for daily life.  You can sign-out a resource, take it home with you, and return it when you are finished with it.  

Their primary offering is a course called “LifeKeys - Discovering Who you are, Why you're here and What you do best.”  This program provides a format for personal and spiritual growth - the discovery of spiritual gifts and making the connection to the ministries of our congregation, which are based on our vision and values and to the world in your daily life.  Through this four-week course you are challenged to discover the image of God that lies within you.

The ministry sponsors Pastor Greg’s Book Club on Wednesdays, which reviews an appropriate book in the spring and fall.  Pastor Greg hosts the book review and Faith Development provides the promotion.  Each book review lasts from four to nine weeks, depending on the book chosen. 

Lastly, Faith Development hosts the Adult Forum/Bible Study on Sunday mornings.  Its theme is "NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY."  This weekly bible study/book review provides opportunities to make new friends, study the bible, discuss relevant topics and enjoy the fellowship of all.

The group that makes this all possible are: Jeaninne Kosner, Denise Boyer and Mary Haas.  To each of these ladies, we say THANK YOU for providing opportunities for spiritual growth.  If you have participated in one of their offerings, offer them a double THANK YOU, as you already have enjoyed the fruits of their passion.

Stewardship Ministry

Who Maintains Our Computer Network and All Attached Equipment?

Who maintains United in Faith’s computer network, servers, computers, printers and Church software?  Our very own Computer Administrators.

This small group works behind the scenes keeping the three main components of our computer system up-to-date, healthy and functional.  These three components are: the network wiring; the computers and printers; and the computer software.

The network wiring physically connects the servers (master computers) to the desktop computers and printers, and to the Internet.  There is connectivity to the network from each office and the reception area in the East Building.

The servers host the Shelby software (for membership and finances), take backups and maintain ids and passwords for the network.  When updates to the Shelby software are required, backups need to be checked or passwords are forgotten, the computer administrators are there to keep things going.

The office computers require constant operating system and software updates, anti-virus updates, hard drive defragmentation and other similar types of care and attention.  The computer administrators are always on-call and available to keep the computers in working order.

If you understood all of that, you are invited to join Marty Devine and Bob Doyle as our computer administrators.  When you see these two gentlemen, just say “THANK YOU for sharing your special skills to help keep our computer systems working.”  

If you too are using your God given gifts to help God in attaining his mission here on earth, we also say THANK YOU to You!  

Stewardship Ministry

Thanks for Your Commitment

Our annual UIF Commitment Sunday, November 8th,  resulted in 40 pledges received by  November 10th.  Thanks to all of you who provided these forms.  It is not too late to send in your form, and of course it is also never too late to volunteer your time and talents to UIF ministries, committees and community activities. Rich Guzik has been highlighting our various ministries in the Newsletter during this year.  We hope these articles will help you to understand this work and inspire you to join in one or more new activities this coming year.  These volunteer opportunities  are listed below and information is also available on the UIF web page: http://www.unitedinfaith.org/    If you are interested how to join in activities, contact Dana at the church office.

MINISTRIES

Children (Sunday School)
Communion Visitation
Confirmation (Youth)
Teens
Faith Development
Fellowship
Hospitality
Justice
Men in Mission
Outreach
Prayer
Service and Mission
Stewardship
Women’s (WELCA)
Altar Guild
Worship & Music

COMMITTEES
Vacation Bible School
Education & Scholarship Endowment Fund
Finance
Counters
Audit
Property
Emergency Alarm Responders
Landscape
Building Future Use
Mission Endowment Fund
Thrivent Congregational Coordinator
Mutual Ministry
Computer Administrators
Webmasters
Renewal Team
Council
Synod Assembly
Delegates
Nominating Committee

COMMUNITY
Boy Scouts & Cub
Scouts
Girl Scouts & Brownies
Senior’s Club
St Cyprian’s Food
Pantry
Golden Diners
U.F.O.s

WHO ADMINISTERS EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS?

Who ministers the Education and Scholarship Endowment?  The Education and Scholarship Endowment Committee, of course.

The endowment was seeded with monies from an educational fund from Nebo Evangelical Lutheran Church when the eight churches merged to form United in Faith.  Monies from the sale of each of the eight church buildings and properties was then added to form the Education and Scholarship Endowment.  Each year, a percentage of the endowment fund is used to grant educational scholarships.

It is the joyous task and duty of the committee to: “To determine eligibility for educational assistance from the education endowment for student congregational members attending Christian pre-school through high school, and for those attending Lutheran and non-Lutheran post secondary schools or those who have special educational needs or gifts at any level of their education.” 

Also, the committee maintains an annual membership with the Luther High School North Association, regardless of whether a member of United in Faith attends Luther High School North as a student.

Requests for scholarships are due by December 31.  The applicants and/or their family meet with the pastor, who then makes his recommendations to the committee.  The committee meets in early March to: review applications, receive the pastor’s recommendations, determine eligibility, and make the determination of scholarship awards.  All applicants receive letters notifying them if they received an award.  Scholarship awards do not go directly to the student, rather to the school identifying the recipient, and how the award is to be applied.

What could be more fun, exciting and rewarding then to notify a student and their parent(s)/guardian, that they have been awarded an educational scholarship.    

Those who serve on the committee have a passion for children and for their education.  The time they devote to this endeavor is both rewarding and fulfilling.  Next time you see Louise Swanson, Bonnie Maginnis, Adrienne Childress, Terrie Miller or Laurel Kenneally, tell them THANK YOU for administering this endowment fund.   

If you are an applicant or former recipient of a scholarship, we say THANK YOU for using your God given talents in the pursuit of your education.  

We ask that you pray for the committee as they execute their responsibilities on behalf of the congregation, and for all past and future recipients of a scholarship, that they use their education to advance God’s mission here on earth.

Stewardship Ministry

WHO MINISTERS TO OUR HOMEBOUND?

Who ministers to our homebound?  Pastor certainly does but we also have a Communion Visitation Ministry that specializes in visiting those unable to attend worship services.

Lay ministers involved in Communion Visitation Ministry have a passion for those unable to attend worship and for helping them remain connected to the ministry of the congregation. The inability to attend worship may be a permanent or temporary condition. Regularly scheduled visitation occurs in homes, nursing homes, hospitals or wherever the person may be and includes communion, if desired.  Printed devotionals are also provided and ministry updates are shared.  In some cases telephone calls are also made. 

Weekly bulletins and monthly newsletters may also be mailed.  Those visited are also included on the Prayer Ministry list.  The ministry brings the church to members and friends who are unable to attend worship services, enabling all to remain connected to the ministry of United in Faith.

It is reassuring to know that if you or a loved one are unable to attend worship services, even if the situation is temporary, there are people whom you can count on to bring a little bit of United in Faith to those in need.  The members of the ministry team are Pam Marino, Barbara Piggott, Toni Richter, and the director, Dorothy Goos.  These are the people who administer to those who are unable to “enter our doors.”  For that we say THANK YOU. 

The next time that you see one of these wonderful people, just walk up to them and say – THANK YOU FOR CARING FOR THOSE IN NEED!

Stewardship Ministry

TO WHOM DO YOU TURN WHEN YOU HAVE SPECIAL PRAYER NEEDS?

To whom do you turn when you have special prayer needs or need some time alone to talk to God or just need others to pray for you?  You might turn to Pastor Sue, or to your family or to your friends.  They surely will pray for you.  But you can also go to our community of believers who have a special passion for prayer – the Prayer Ministry.

The Prayer Ministry consists of the director, Marion Senf and Dorothy Goos, Mary Ann Hudie, Lys Shradeja, Lois Olliger and Frances Johnston.  The folks involved in the Prayer Ministry have a passion for bringing human and ministry needs to God for insight, wisdom, blessing, and discernment. They believe that God's power and presence are necessary for living the Christian life. The ministry provides a way to be prayed for that is easy, accessible and when appropriate, private. A list of the prayer needs of our congregation and community are collected and shared with the Prayer Ministry.

They pray for all men and women in the armed forces, for the activated Illinois National Guard units, for Pastor Greg and our friends and family in the armed forces, for those who are house bound or in nursing facilities, for those who are ill or recovering from an illness, for those hospitalized, for those grieving, for those who are challenged, for those who are terminally ill, for those who have suffered from the effects of our economy, for those going through difficult times and for those who just need a special prayer. 

The portions of the prayer list appears in the Sunday bulletin, the monthly newsletter, and on the website.  This extends the Prayer Ministry to those who attend a worship service, to those who read the monthly bulletin and to those who browse the website.

Of course you can pray anywhere and at any time. But sometimes it is comforting to have a special place to speak to God and ask for His guidance, intercession or for a favor. Such a place has been created within our sanctuary.

A stand of candles has been added, also a pair of kneelers and a crucifix. This little corner of our sanctuary has been created to provide a place of solitude – a place to pray. You may ask – Why the candles? Why the kneelers? Well sometimes when we pray, we are humbled and kneelers are appropriate. The candles can represent a visual expression of our individual prayer, which at times can be most meaningful to us. So, our special place to pray provides for those needs.

If wish to pray, light a candle, or kneel before Our Lord, you can do so at anytime when the church facilities are open. We pray for you and with you.

The next time you see a member of the Prayer Ministry, just say THANK YOU for their concern for all in need of prayer.  And don’t forget to pray for the Prayer Ministry and with the Prayer Ministry.

Stewardship Ministry

WHO SILENTLY SUPPORTS OUR LOCAL AND GLOBAL MISSIONS?

Who are the service-oriented people who continue to support our local and global missions?  They are the Service and Mission Ministry.  It is one of the most active of our fourteen ministries and it silently provides support for those in need.  This most vital ministry exists to serve all who walk through our doors, who live in our neighborhood, who live within our metropolitan boundaries and beyond.  Like all of our ministries, the people who serve on the Service and Mission Ministry have a passion for the ministry that they serve.  Those on Service and Mission have a passion to serve and a deep compassion for plight of others in need.

Some of the mission endeavors that the ministry supports are St Cyprian’s Food Pantry, the Night Ministry, the Family Crisis Fund, the Golden Diners, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois and the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Support for St. Cyprians Food Pantry includes: helping the food pantry when it is open on Mondays and Thursdays; collection of food and clothing; collection of turkeys, hams and special food for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas; and collection of Christmas gifts for the children at Christmas.  They package the food for distribution and coordinate the collection and dispersion of the Christmas gifts

The Night Ministry is a group that supports the homeless.  The ministry periodically prepares sack lunches (approximately 200) and cookies and distributes them to those who live on the streets of Chicago.

School supplies were sent to Lutheran Social Services of Illinois for children who needed them.

Monetary gifts have been sent to Lutheran Social Services of Illinois and the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The Family Crisis Fund was created to provide monetary support for members and people of the community who may need funds to see them through a particular crisis in their life.  The Service and Mission Ministry oversees the distribution of this fund.

The Service and Mission Ministry meets on Sundays after the 10:30 service when needed.  The committee consists of Carol Egner, Dorothy Goos, Harriet Kurz, Bonnie Maginnis and Anita Perske.  You will see: Carol Egner passing out Christmas wish lists from the children of St. Cyprians Food Pantry at Christmas time; Harriet Kurz and Rita M. helping out at the Golden Diners on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays; Annette Cameron, Marion Senf, Carol Egner, Mickie Bligh, Dawn Kuswik, Lois Olliger, Elisabeth Wittman and Samantha Cecala packaging food at the food pantry for distribution on Mondays and Thursdays; and Dian and Harold Hoyem, Les Cameron, Joe and Adrienne Childress, Kim Childress, Dana Callgreen, Gary Callgreen, Murial Clausen, Fred Clausen, and the Girl Scout Leaders and their children helping at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

The time that they contribute to helping those in need is immeasurable.  They do all of this because of their compassion for others.  They are indeed our “brother’s keepers.”

We ask that you seek out each one of those mentioned, shake their hand and just said “THANK YOU for all that you do for others.”

To those individuals I have named and to those that I might have inadvertently missed -  those whom you have served appreciate your service and the Lord says, “JOB WELL DONE.”

If you are service minded, smile at the opportunity to open your heart to those in need or are of a compassionate disposition, then the Service and Mission Ministry invites you to participate in serving others.

Stewardship Ministry

What Community Group Offers Seniors an Opportunity for Fellowship?

What community group offers seniors in the community an opportunity for fellowship, service and companionship?  That would be the United in Faith Senior Club. 

The UiF Senior Club is for seniors, 55 or older who are looking for fun, friendship and a good time.  It meets at 11:00 a.m. on the third Wednesday of every month, except December. 

Seniors who attend the monthly meetings enjoy either some entertainment or speakers on senior topics such as health insurance and safety.  Fellowship time may include, a 10-cent social, a turkey raffle, bingo, crazy bunco, “help your neighbor” as well as other games.  Special activities feature a spring luncheon and a Christmas dinner.    

The group’s service activity includes the support of St. Cyprian’s Food Pantry throughout the year.  Besides physically helping at the food pantry, they have purchased over 400 cans of soup, cranberries and pumpkin, and 25 hams last year.

The group includes 20 members and its director is Annette Cameron.  We thank this organization for providing our seniors with an opportunitiy to enjoy the companionship of others and to serve others in need.  It is indeed a group that combines both fellowship and stewardship.

Join us in thanking the group for offering these opportunities for our seniors and a special THANK YOU goes to their director, Annette Cameron for her leadership.  When you see Annette, just give her a hug and say THANK YOU.

Stewardship Ministry

Who Keeps Our Buildings Clean, In Good Repair And Safe?

Who sees to it that our buildings are clean, in good repair and safe? That would be the Property Committee. The Property Committee reports to the Congregational Council, which has the ultimate responsibility for our property. Because the Congregational Council has a tremendous amount of responsibility, it has several committees that are charged with overseeing specific responsibilities. The Property Committee is one of those important committees.

Constitutionally, the Property committee has two main responsibilities: “to oversee the proper management, including maintenance and protection of all property of the congregation; and direct that the same is properly utilized and kept in good repair; and to submit to the Congregation Council for approval, estimated costs of maintenance, repairs, and purchases that exceed the annual budget item.”

That sounds pretty simple. So who does the following: maintains the alarm system and oversees the distribution of alarm pass codes; responds to the alarm being triggered; keeps the air conditioning and heating in good repair; programs the air conditioning and heating units to go on and off; gets the leaks in the roof fixed and keeps the roofs in good repair; gets the floors stripped, waxed and polished; replaces burned-out light bulbs and replaces them with energy efficient light bulbs; makes sure all EXIT signs are functioning properly; orders building supplies like toilet paper, soap and paper towels; repairs the chairs in the sanctuary; oversees the distribution of building keys; repairs and replaces broken doors and windows; keeps all storage areas in good order; maintains the parking lot; plans for the replacement of the heating and air conditioning units; replaces all filters in the buildings; upgrades the bathrooms in the West Building; puts glass windows on the Sunday School rooms in the West Building (as required by building code); maintains the hot water heaters; plans for making our buildings as environmentally friendly as feasible and possible; addresses plumbing problems; maintains all stoves and refrigerators; and the list goes on. It is the Property Committee that does all of this and more. They recently found a buyer and sold the bus that we were not using.

The Property Committee meets monthly on the first Monday of every month at 10:00 AM. You may also see Gary Callgreen, Harold Hoyem and Les Cameron at work weekly addressing needed repairs and electrical concerns. The committee consists of; Bob Doyle, chairman; Elaine Potzus, secretary; and the Property Ministry Team of Julie O’Donnell, Harold Hoyem, Les Cameron, Gary Callgreen, Gary Constantino and Joe Childress. The hours that they devote to keeping our property clean, in good repair and safe is immeasurable. They are indeed stewards of our buildings and everything in them.

It would be nice if you just walked up to each them individually, shook their hand and just said “THANK YOU for all that you do.”

Stewardship Ministry

Who Does What At UiF?

Who Does What at UiF? What exactly do our various committees, ministries and community groups do? How do they enhance our core values? What do they provide for our community of faith? Why do they exist? How often do they meet? Who are the people that make these groups function and keep them viable?

During the coming year one of our committees, ministries or community groups will be highlighted (and all of these questions will be answered) in this newsletter. It’s amazing what goes on “behind the scenes” that many of us are not really aware of. Some of these groups may not be of interest to you but they all make United in Faith what it is today. So…

What group is for every woman? It could be called the Women’s Ministry but its real name is Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church – W.E.L.C.A. All women are invited to their monthly meetings. They meet on the second Saturday of every month, except for July and August, in the Fellowship Hall from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM. You are invited to bring a sandwich and a friend and enjoy the fellowship and a program. Coffee and deserts are always provided.

The highlight of the year is the Ladies Spring Brunch in May at which the men serve champagne and coffee and then serve the brunch (the women prepare and bring all of the food). A program then follows. In December the women sponsor a Cookie Walk. If you enjoy homemade cookies made by fabulous bakers or do not feel like baking your own, then the Cookie Walk is the place to be where you can purchase homemade Christmas cookies by the pound. Some of the programs offered at the monthly meetings include: the ELCA Deaconess Program; a program on “signing” and adoption; a slide show of a trip to the Holy Land; Evangel Home Health Services; a Christmas party, meet the intern and; meet the interim pastor. The women participate in the annual Lutheran/Catholic Dialogue and donate funds to worthy causes like the Maryville Crisis Nursery and the UiF Youth’s Summer trip.

Anita Perske is the president and Lys Shradeja, Marge Weber, Laurel Kenneally and Doris Jacobson comprise the board.

The women of the church also support the Altar Guild, which is primarily responsible for preparing the altar for all worship services, including weddings and funerals, and for preparing Holy Communion when it is offered. Other concerns of the Altar Guild include: the care of the Baptismal Font, which includes preparing it for the sacrament of Baptism; changing the paraments in accordance with the liturgical calendar or as required for a special worship service; dry cleaning the paraments and pastor’s liturgical garments, and regular washing of the sacramental linens; and the purchase of candles, wine, grape juice, wafers and cups. Marge Weber is in charge of the Altar Guild.

This gives you a bird’s eye view of just some of the ministry that the women do behind the scenes. If you get a chance, say Thank You to the women who make all of these wonderful things happen.

Stewardship Ministry

Planning For The Journey Announcement - March 22, 2009

As we all are stewards of our bodies and God given gifts and talents, on Sunday, March 29, 2009 at 9:45 AM between services, the Stewardship Ministry will present a forum, “Planning for the Journey.”  The forum will introduce a Funeral Service Planning Form, a Living Will, Organ Donation, and other ways you might plan for the future.  If you are unable to attend, the presentation and most of the available hand-outs will be posted on our website, www.unitedinfaith.org.

Update on the Financial Status of UiF

I am here today to give you an update on the financial status of United in Faith. It’s something we should have been doing more often, but is especially important now that the entire world is dealing with unprecedented financial stress.

Typically the cash income received here is less than cash expenditures.  However, we also have investments, and the investment gains and income in recent years have reduced deficits substantially, but not eliminated them.  Obviously we have always known this is a path than can’t be followed forever.  At some point, we do run out of investments, out of money.  But I think the philosophy has been that in time, growth would come; and with a larger membership, deficits would be eliminated.   So last year we all agreed to a budget that included a cash deficit, partially offset by investment income,

But this past year, anyone who had investments discovered that there was no escape from significant market losses.  2008 was a disaster for everyone.  Even many supposedly safe investments suffered market loss.  At UIF our general investments are down significantly.  Our even more conservatively invested Scholarship endowment is also down.   There is about a 30% drop in the value of our investments through November.  All this happened in spite of having outstanding financial advisers from Thrivent.  They never expected this to happen.   And the well-respected advisors Jackie and I use for our IRA keep telling us:  “Wow-never seen anything like this.”

With all this going on, UIF has been careful with spending.  We don’t yet have final numbers for 2008.  We will be talking about them at our annual meeting.  But as of November we spent $65,000 less than budgeted.  Even with this pullback, we continue to spend more than we take in.  Through November we have also had to sell $90,000 of our investments to cover the cash deficit.  Fortunately you have been faithful, and your gifts have keep coming during this period when all are feeling financial pain.  But the cash deficit and investment losses this past year have made finding a solution to our deficit spending more urgent.  We don’t have as much time to fix the problem as we used to.

But I don’t come with easy answers.  Can we cut expenditures any more without hurting our mission?  It obviously would be better to grow our income, but how do we do that. Yes, we are hoping for a return of investment income, and recovery of losses. But that has never been the whole answer.   Obvious answer has always been to grow the membership.  More people bringing gifts to God.  Bequests have helped us out significantly in the past.  Can each of us give more on Sunday?  I can’t answer that because each of us has different circumstances, only God knows.  Are there other sources of income?   Maybe.  So this is a complex problem, something we need to pray about and work on in the near future.  And for the next few Sundays we plan to continue this conversation.  The good news is that God is right there with us in all of our struggles.

Ray Good

Today’s temple talk is on “Estate Charitable Giving Options to UiF”

I am here to suggest ways you can leave part of your estate to your church.  In many cases this will not necessitate your making out a new will or trust agreement.  If you have not already prepared a “will” this of course is the easiest way to go.   You can just designate the church as beneficiary of a set percentage of your estate.

There are other ways to simply do this without preparing a new document.  For example, if you have an IRA, annuity (40l plan), or life insurance policy, you can designate the church as beneficiary of all or partial amounts.  Your estate could receive a charitable deduction for the value of the bequest.

Another way is to purchase a life insurance policy and name the church as beneficiary.  In this case, your premiums are tax-deductible as a charitable contribution and upon your death, the insurance proceeds go to the charity.

You can also transfer ownership of an investment (for example, land, a mutual fund, or stock) to the church.  You may be able to reduce or eliminate capital gains and estate taxation through this type of gift, as well.

In this example, I wish to show how easy it is to give to UiF and it won’t really affect your family.

If your home alone is worth $300,000 and you have 3 children, each child would receive $100,000 from the sale of the home.  If you have named UiF as beneficiary of 10% of your home, each child would receive $90,000.  Would that $10,000 deduction make a difference in your child’s life?  Probably not, but a $30,000 gift to Uif would make a difference to UiF.  It would allow us to expand programming and grow in our mission.

Bob and I came to UiF from MLC that chose to not join the consolidation.  They have struggled the past 10 years having to resort to a part-time pastor and selling their parking lot.  They certainly aren’t doing a lot of mission work, they are just trying to maintain their building.  This is why we left.  They are now looking at closing.  We have personally made estate giving to UiF a priority in our wills and trusts.  We would like to see our legacy become something fruitful and visionary.  I would hate to leave monies that are used to pay utility bills for a dwindling congregation.  We ask that you join us in your estate giving to UiF. 

The Thrivent web site has a lot of information on this as well as brochures from the stewardship committee which are available in Narthex.  If you have questions, please see a member of finance or stewardship committee.  Or you may contact Shirley Canchola our Thrivent contact person.

Diane Doyle

If you love me, feed my lambs, feed my sheep.

When Jesus said that to Peter, he was asking him to take care of the church. Stewardship to me is the same. As members of the church and of this congregation, we are asked to feed the lambs and feed the sheep. United in Faith is a flock of sheep, a herd of lambs. From our littlest lamb to our most mature sheep they need to be tended, we must take care of our flock.

There are many parts of our flock that as stewards and shepherds we need to tend. At United in Faith we tend our young with the talents of our Sunday school staff of volunteers. Our youth group is tended by our pastor and a host of parent leaders as they find their own way to increase their faith in confirmation. Our Celebration Choir and music ministry tends our flock with their leadership by providing our faithful with a variety of inspirational sounds that uplifts our worship. Our Food pantry tends our greater community by providing resources that may not be available anywhere else. Our scout leaders tend their flocks of brownies, girl and boy scouts while providing them the learning opportunities as well as leadership development. Our Golden Diners tend our flock by providing a meal and friendship to many that appreciate that they are not forgotten. Our Alanon and Survivors of incest groups appreciate the time and space that United in Faith provides so that they can minister those in need.

My family has greatly benefited from all of the ministries that United in Fath offers over the years. From our time with our previous congreagation, Nebo, our children, Bethany, Jacob and Ruth participated in Sunday School, Confirmation and youth group ministry. They helped during vacation bible school with so many others that volunteer their talents and time. My wife Lyn and daughter Bethany brought their talents to their flocks of Sunday school children. We have participated in countless services and assisting ministers and readers. I have participated in several different ministry committees sharing talents while listening and leading. Our Faith has sustained us in our times of need and our faith has helped us help others in their times of need.

Stewardship is tending our flock. We have in our faith, provided for our flock and been tended by our shepherds. Many of our ministries require more than just talents and shepherds. As members of our flock we all need to help our flock proceed in its ministries. Presently our nations economy has affected everyone. Although we have a new president, things that have changed over the past few years will not be undone over night. Our flock needs more than just your talents to continue its ministries. Please consider increasing your weekly offering or by some other means tend our lambs. The Lord has provided for all of us in many different ways. Please help tend our flock moreover feed our sheep.

Matthew Gawlik
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