Ready or Not here comes 2012

With a new year now less then a week away our minds turn to reflecting on the past year and to looking forward to the next one. Some of you will be glad to see 2011 go by the wayside for it may have been a tough year for you and those around you. For others of you, you might be sad to see it go for it may have been a joyous year for you. It does not matter whether you fall into one of these two camps or somewhere in between, here comes a new year. A time to "Wipe the Slate Clean", to begin anew, to ponder a variety of New years resolutions bouncing around in your head. Allow me if a may to suggest just one, O.K. maybe two! First and foremost, seek ways to grow in your relationship with Jesus this new year. Read the Bible more, set aside a time of prayer each day and stick with it! Seek how you might better serve Christ. Don't look back on where you have been, but commit to Jesus today that in 2012 you are going to draw closer to Him. And the second item and also a way to grow closer to Christ is to make Worship a priority in your life. Put aside the multiple excuses that we all make at one time or another of why we cannot be in Church on Sunday and then make worship a weekly part of your life. It does not matter where you go, just go and give yourself over to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to make your 2012 an exciting one as those around you will see a different person. Why, because you have committed to put Christ back into the center of your life! Of all the New Years resolutions that you consider in the coming days, make being in worship one of them and then watch for the many ways God will move in your Life!
You are in prayers as we all enter together 2012! Pastor Rick

Playing Santa

Starting tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday December 21st and finishing up sometime on Thursday evening, I will once again get to go into "Santa Mode" as I and my two elves (my son-in-law Mike and my Grandson Ty) will begin to distribute toys, turkey's and other goodies to children and their families throughout our communities, whom without your generosity might not have a Merry Christmas! I get the joy and fulfillment of walking through the doors of many homes, seeing children smile, parents aglow with thanksgiving and a warmth inside that this is right. But I also know in my heart that I am simply the bearer of these gifts and it has been YOU who have taken the time to shop for these kids, that you have set aside some of your hard earned Christmas money to buy a toy or two for a child who you don't even know this Christmas. As I look at the Christmas Tree in our sanctuary garnished with presents, wrapped and ribboned with more color then a rainbow, I am overwhelmed at your love shown to your community. I stand there in pride of you, the rest of our local churches, our High School, and numerous businesses and community organizations that have made these days of delivery possible! May our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ bless you all richly this Christmas for your Love and generosity!
Thank you, your Brother in Christ Pastor Rick

A Christmas Invitation

I love coming home each day and walking into our home for everytime I do I am reminded that it is Christmas! You see my wife does a fantastic job of decorating and it blesses me each time I look around our home. I want to offer up to you several opportunities this Christmas that I pray that you will avail yourselves of so that you will be blessed amidst this glorious season. First of all I hope to see you all at Church this Sunday as our Children will be blessing you and Christ with thier program. I am told that we as well are going to be a giant bell choir during worship. Don't miss it! Then come Sunday night you have the opportunity to gather with your church family and to Carol people throughout our community. It all begins at 6:00p.m. at Sam & Marla Baughman's home. Afterwards we will have some refreshment back at the Baughman's. Then as we get into Christmas week I hope and pray that you can take part in our Christmas Eve service at 7:00p.m. where we will celebrate Communion together and have a Candlelighting service. Then the next day, Christmas Day we will worshipo at 9:30a.m. with a special worship service. A service filled with music and the Christmas Story. Both the Christmas Eve service and the Christmas Day service will only be about 45 minutes long so that you have plenty of time with family and friends. So, bless Christ this Christmas by worshiping Him and be blessed by Him as you fellowship with fellow believers! Hope to see you all a lot in the coming week or so!


Your Brother in Christ, Pastor Rick

"What the Heck is MLDT?"

For the past two years now I have served on a District committee called the Ministerial Leadership and Development Team or MLDT for short. This past Saturday we met in Peru Illinois a site chosen for it kept each of us on this team from having to drive to far. At that meeting we reorganized for the new year and I was called to Chair the team for the coming year. Yes, I know what some of you are thinking right now, "Pastor Rick, do you really need to be in charge of something else?" Anyway, I am. On the up side we usualu onlt meet 4 or 5 times a year. This team is a vital one for our District and for us here at Dutchtown. For they are the ones who oversee the credentials of our Licensed and Ordained pastors. They are also the ones to interview folks who feel a Call from God. Right now that may not seem to vital to you personally, but there will come a time when God takes me home or I retire and then the work of this group will be important to you as it is vital to many other churches who are in need of qualified pastoral leadership. This group also helps to provide our District pastors continuing education opportunities, just as many of you are also required to take cour es to stay fresh in your professions. Anyway, I ask you to please keep myself and this team of dedicated Christians in prayer as they seek to serve you faithfully. Your Brother in Christ, Pastor Rick Koch

The Transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas

I want to tell you today about sometning I saw take place that does this old Pastor's heart good. An image of our Church, that when I look back on it, it causes a grin to garner my face!
It was Thanksgiving Sunday. I had a project lined up for the High School class to hopefully make it easier for you, to minister to the children in need in our area that need your help this Christmas Season. I laid before them an empty piece of paper, some gift tags and a bunch of markers and crayons. What they created that day exceeded my expectations! And they had fun doing it! They knew why they were doing it. For a few brief moments they knew how how blessed they were, and that they wanted to help. When they had finished and we came downstairs, I was overcome once again with a transformation I saw taking place. While the Church Board and many others were busy getting Thanksgiving diner ready for us all the Worship Center Ladies began to take down the Thanksgiving decorations and then put up the Christmas ones. But the thing that I found especially pleasing was that a whole host of others were taking part, including many children. It was a bee hive of activity. But not just any activity. It was a transformation of making our sanctuary into a Christmas scene, where many hands were welcome, the conversations were warm, the laughter was loud and the end product was a thing of great beauty. Between the activity going on in the kitchen and fellowship hall and that taking place in the santcuary, I got a picture of what it means once again to "Be the Church". Thank you all for that precious memory!
Your Brother in Christ, Pastor Rick

Hangin'-out

I don't know what your Thanksgiving Day traditions are. In the Koch household we have a few. One that quickly comes to mind is that the guys hunker down around one of the T.V.'s and watch all 8 of the Illinois High School state Championship games. Yes, it is a lot of football! But,it's a tradition. Whatever your traditions may be this Thanksgiving Day or weekend, make sure of this one thing, maybe two things! Take time out to be thankful to and for our Lord Jesus for the ways He has blessed your lives. We can never thank Christ enough And secondly, enjoy the company of those around you. DO NOT fret over who is not there, as many do. Instead enjoy the company of those friends and family that are "Hangin' Out" with you. For it is in those moments that you will be creating brand new traditions. It is in those moments that you will grow closer together. It is in those moments that laughter becomes contagious, tears may flow freely, conversations grow deeper and even the food tastes better because of the company that you are keeping! So here's to our Friend Jesus, Football, Friends & Family and of course to Feasting!
Blessings upon you all, Pastor Rick

Thanksgiving

I enjoy, even look forward to most every holiday that graces the pages of my day-timer. But there is one that just seems to get overlooked each year and that is Thanksgiving. We approach the month of October and Halloween is on our minds. A day in which only comes in second to the amount of money we Americans spend. It is up in the tens of millions of dollars that we spend on candy and costumes. And then before the Halloween decorations are put away, our stores shelves are stocked with Christmas items. Toy commercials take over the air ways, along with other big ticket items that we are enticed to purchase. Now once again I love Christmas and all of the joy in it. But believe it or not November has a special day of it's own and that is Thanksgiving! A time set aside for we Americans to give thanks to God for His blessing and care for us in this life. But then it's no wonder we have a tendency to bypass Thanksgiving seeing as many Americans have bypassed God as well. We sort of figure that we earned the money, why do we need to be thankful to anyone else. It is sad when we forget to be thankful and forget about the goodness of our Lord Jesus. This year I understand that most our our retail stores have lost their respect for this sacred day. They cannot wait for that Friday following to open, now they will be open on Thanksgiving day itself. A sad picture of just how far we have fallen from God as a nation. I call upon you as Christ's Church to not look past this sacred time and to hold in awe and wonder your Lord Jesus and thank Him for all the blessings that have come your way. May you be blessed this Thanksgiving Season and may you bless your Lord as well. Have a Blessed Thanksgiving! Pastor Rick

Memories of Grandma

In recent weeks many of you out there have lost a relative. Be it an Aunt or Uncle, Mom or Dad, Sister or Brother, or those precious Grandparents that have graced our lives. Each time it happens it hurts. And for you who have had to endure the loss of a Spouse or child, I cannot comprehend the depth of loss that you feel! I ache for as does your Church and Community. I remember vividly when my last Grandparent passed away. It seemed as if an entire chapter of my life had been blotted out. As a Pastor I have blessed to have been asked to take part in Funerals of loved now gone. In some I held up well, in others I sobbed openly! Today I find myself sobbing and hurting for you as you miss dearly your loved ones. Or as you ache for those you love who are grieving. Today, I call upon us to "Be the Church" unto this group of folks by simply "Being" with them. Often times words are not needed, nor is another plate of ham sandwiches. These friends simply need us to be with them. Go today and into your tomorrows and "Be With" those who grieve. Christ's blessing upon you all. Pastor Rick

Something Bigger then ourselves

Why be apart of a Church? Why work together as a District of Churches? Or in this day and age, why be part of a Denomination? This past weekend Beckie and I attended and took part in various ways, in our District Conference held at Lake Williamson Illinois. A conference of 37 Churches in the state of Illinois and 1 in Wisconsin. Why be a part of such a group? Couldn't the energy that I and others give to this entity be better spent right here at home? Some may think so. Sometimes I even do! But when we come together as a Body of Christ, from different places geographically, theologically and in size and shape, there are things we can do as a combined Body of Christ that we cannot do alone! With our combined manpower, wisdom and knowledge we can go places and do mighty things in the name of our Lord Jesus that we cannot do on our own! And so I choose to be a part of something bigger then myself! We here at Dutchtown are apart of something bigger then our own little white church that sits atop on a hill in Northwest Illinois! For a few brief days this past weekend we came together and with God's help laid aside our differences and I believe we made an impact for Christ's Kingdom. May you and I continue to put our own selfish needs aside and see the possibilities that we can accomplish as a Church in northwest Illinois and beyond! For those of you reading this that are Dutchtowners I will be sharing with you on Sunday, a few of those ministries that we can only do together as God's great Church! Pastor Rick

Worship is Vital

Like most other Pastors the worship service on a Sunday morning often times does not meet the Spiritual needs I have for my mind is racing about to everything else that I am in charge of on those mornings that are in the bulletin. Yes, I do have snip-its of time when I encounter God's blessing and where I find myself able to fully give myself to Christ and praise Him. So throughout my week I try and find times where I can be in worship of of Lord and Savior. In the last two weeks those times have come easy as I have attended two different Funerals. Times of grief I know, but also times of worship where I had NO responsibilities. I just was allowed to be with God. The prelude was soothing, the special music a blessing and to hear and the Word read and proclaimed was comforting, but with a challenge given each time.
So what about you? On Sunday morning do you arrive at Church with too many irons in the fire to give yourself wholly unto our Lord? Or maybe you are one who finds a different reason each weekend not to go to worship. I'm too tired or have to much to do. Or maybe you are allowing a few frayed feelings to keep you from worship. This time has been aside by God for you to worship and praise Him and to be a blessing unto you. A time of Sabbath, to find healing amidst your brokenness, to bring calm amidst your chaos. So, don't just go to Church this Sunday, go to worship and be blessed! Love You all Pastor Rick

My Halloween Perspective

You ask anyone about how they think Christians should view Halloween and you will get a broad spectrum of views. Allow me to offer up one to you. It's not a time my wife decorates for. We don't attend Halloween parties. But, I enjoy this evening that only takes place once a year. Up where we live, the Stover Additon as it is called , we get a whole bunch of children and their families walking around the neighborhood. And this year was no exception. Actually it was the largest Halloween I can remember. I can say this because I keep track of our Trick or Treater's and what Dutchtown kids stopped by. Well over 180 kids this year and almost 30 little Dutchtowners! I enjoy sitting outside, weather permitting as it did this year. I enjoy visiting with each and every family, not just our Dutchtowners. I always offer a candy bar to the parents and many accept. For me it has become a great time of fellowship with my community and Church Family. I am blessed through it and I hope that others are blessed who stop by. And one other great blessing that came our way this year was that we had a couch to get rid of, as we are getting a new one. earlier that afternoon I had some high school boys help me get it outside and then placed a sign on it, "Free Couch! You haul it away!" Not only did it get taken, but I was able to visit with a new family in our community that does not go to Church and guess where they live, Betty Diehl's old house! At the end of the evening, Beckie had a sigh of joy and said, "My couch is in Betty's old house"! So say what you want about Halloween, but this old Pastor will continue to hang-out each year with his community, pass out a little candy and be blessed in the midst of it all.
Love you all! Next Holiday up, my favorite, Thanksgiving!

Taking a Good Walk

We live in a time where many health contious people take daily walks as a part of trying to lead a healthier lifestyle. We do it to burn off a few calories, to strenghten muscles and to keep our heart in good shape. But let me tell you about a "walk" I encourage you to consider so that not only will you be healthier physically, but also emotionally and spiritually. That walk is the distance between the pew you sit in on Sunday morning and the Altar at the front of the sanctuary. A walk I am going to invite to take this coming Sunday so that Christ Jesus can begin the emotional and spiritual healing your lives need as well. At the end of that short walk a service will takeplace that God has called His priests to perform centuries ago and still calls us to take part in today, The Anointing service. A time for you to take that short walk to the altar and let us anoint you with oil on your forehead. Three little drops of oil that symbolize the forgiveness of God, the healing of God and the everlasting presence of God in your life. Then hands will be laid upon your head and shoulders as we have a brief time of prayer for you. A time to be made whole physically, emotionaly and spiritualy. This coming Sunday I encourage you to take that short walk down the asile and to allow our Lord to minister to you through His anointing. He will be there waiting for you as will members of your faith family!

The Face of the Homeless

Hey Church, I am sure that at one time or another you have been somewhere where you encountered someone who was Homeless. Maybe you were driving down a busy big city street or possibly you have volunteered at a homeless shelter. But most of us in small town USA don't have daily contact with those we call Homeless. I am no different, that is until today. Earlier this morning a broken family sat across from me in my office seeking help. A family originally from the Milledgeville area. A family whom I have known ever since I moved here. A family whose rented home was condemned and is now trying to put together funds to live in a motel for a month. After that month they have no plans. A house filled with several generations, with grandma having to care for several of her grand kids because the mom is in prison. These are only a few of the hard facts that they live with daily. They are the face of the Homeless. I sit here consumed by their dilemma. I put together a little help for them, but their need is immense. Not just the physical needs but the emotional and spiritual ones as well. They leave my office and moments later the phone rings with another one time proud Milledgeville resident now hiding out in a Domestic Violence Shelter, looking for help to her heartaches in life. The physical, emotional and spiritual pain she has endured brings back vivid and painful memories of my own childhood where my brothers and I often sought refuge from the violence in our own home. Once again I could offer only a meager amount of financial assistance. I now sit drained of energy and yet I feel as if I have no right to feel this way because of all of the brokenness I have just encountered in these persons lives. The face of homelessness is real and we know there names. Please pray for these families that they will find healing and a home.
I Love you all, Pastor Rick

Ministry Moments

One of my favorite writers and speakers is Pastor Bill Hybels. Bill is founder and Pastor at Willow Creek Church. A mega-church in the Chicago land area. I often times have wondered why all churches could not be blessed with the growth that has taken place there and in many other places. I have found myself at times thinking what it would be like to be in his shoes. But then I also know that Christ has a place for each and every Church that He founded. I was recently reading an article by Pastor Hybels where he is now trying to make Willow Creek into a more service oriented church. He is grateful for all of those who are seeking for more in their spiritual lives and that many of them find themselves drawn to Willow Creek. But he also laments that many of those seekers do not see themselves as "Servants", instead they are there for the experience, so to speak. Bill also spoke of the regrets that he has as he manages such a large church and that he has very little time one on one time with those who call Willow Creek their spiritual home. He says that he misses those "Ministry Moments" that only a small Church fellowship and their pastor can have. Huh, Bill Hybels desiring to have those special moments that I am able to have on an almost daily basis. It just goes to show once again that God has a calling that is different for each Church and each person who feels that call to be a Pastor. I pray God's blessing upon Bill and the folks at Willow Creek and other Pastors and Churches like his. But I also pray for God's blessing upon the small churches whose spires rise high throughout the countryside and whose Pastors have a different call. Our world needs them both.
God Bless you and may you have one of those Ministry moments this week as Christ calls you to Be the Church! Pastor Rick Koch

God Wonderful Creation

Earlier today when I first arrived at Church I was drawn by the Holy Spirit to linger outside for a while. There was a chill in the air and I only had on a short sleeve shirt, but that did not matter. I stood still beside the cemetery gazing east watching the sun rise. What a magnificent site! In those moments that I stood there I was overwhelmed with the awesomeness of Gods creation. And at the same I felt sorrow for those who who believe that all of this happened by accident! A big bang, some say. Others claim that the rest of what I call God's creation began with a single cell evolving through time. I feel sorrow for those who cannot comprehend the majesty of God when they see a sunrise or sunset. Friends, what an awesome God that we serve! What an Awesome God that gives us these pictures of beauty to inspire us each new day! I can't wait to see what the sunset looks like tonight. As always, I love you all as Christian Brothers and Sisters, Pastor Rick Koch

God's Super Glue

There is probably not a home among us that does not have stuck away in a junk drawer somewhere some old Super glue. We keep it around to help us put back together common household items that slip from our fingers and before we know it they crash to the floor and there break into many pieces. And like all the kings horses and all the kings men, we then frantically try and to glue back together again, to restore them as best we can.
You and I are not that much different! On a daily basis we often find ourselves broken in Spirit, by hurtful words or our souls become downcast for we give and give and give and you simply need once in a while someone to come along side of you and help fill you up or put you back together. We are really good at helping people re-build after a tragedy, a natural Disaster. But that's easy, putting together lumber and bricks. It's another thing to help mend a broken heart. Even the Bee Gee's offer no answers to us in there timeless hit from the 70's. They only offer up the question. Well here is an answer, Holy Communion. It is God's love for you and I given unto us in two simple items that you and we can touch, smell and taste. We are a people who desperately need something real, something solid to cling too and that is exactly what God gave us. A simple piece of unleavened bread to remind of how much Jesus did for us through His three short years of ministry and then through His death on the cross. A little cup of juice to taste, that ushers us once again back into the salvation only Jesus can give. To remind us that eternal life awaits at the end of life's journey. To restore us from the sin we have done.
Holy Communion, a Godly "super glue" to mend our broken hearts, to rekindle fires that have burnt out, to repair our broken egos and spirits. If you were not in Church on Sunday to celebrate Holy Communion with us and you could use a little putting back together, Jesus style, let me know and I will be glad to come to you and offer to you this precious gift from God!

Our Farm Community

Many people tell me that we are no longer a "Farm Community". That most our our folks work in non-agricultural fields. But as I look out of any of the many windows of this place we call Dutchtown , as far as I can see, I only see fields of corn and soybeans. Herds of cattle roaming the fields and the confinement building housing hogs. I see Silos too numerous to count, old barns that have stood the test of time and a few that have not! The sounds of tractors and combines fill the air, as does the familiar "Aromas" only a farm can produce. We are truly a Farm Community and always will be. Many that call Dutchtown home are still proud to be called a Farmer. And many others work in agriculturally based businesses. Then there are many more families who still have ties to the old family farm. This harvest season, let us be thankful to our Farmers for their hard work and the calling they have taken to feed the world. Remember to pray for their safety this time of the year as they run late into the night harvesting the crop when the weather allows them. We, here at Dutchtown are proud to have you families as a part of our Dutchtown family! May God continue to bless your hard work, to grant you safety when you grow weary, to give you a sense of fulfillment as you work God's good earth.
All of a sudden I feel like having a big steak with all the trimmings!
Thank You Farm Families! Pastor Rick

Late Hours

In the 1940's and into the 50's most people worked what was considered "Normal Hours" say 8:00-5:00p.m. But in today's work place anything goes when it comes to work schedules. People now work 10, 12, and 14 hour days. With many companies working around the clock. And that includes week-ends as well. It is getting hard for us to differentiate one day from another. And wow have your sleep patterns gotten all messed up! Not to mention the toil that all of these strange hours have upon family life. Many of you out there have such work schedules that you must deal with. As the Church we need to under gird these families with prayer and ministry. They often times cannot be in worship for they are at work on Sunday or sleeping for they have just gotten off of their shift. We need to let them know that they are missed, but more then that we need to take Church and Christ to them in those odd hours that they are awake. I hesitate to mention names for fear of leaving any of you out, but please know that you who work graveyard or weekends or any other number of strange shifts that we have not forgotten you! You are in my prayers and those of your Church. And know as well that if there is anything I can do to minister unto you and your family amidst your crazy work schedule, I am only a phone call away. But more importantly, Christ is simply a prayer away.
May Christ bless you when you can no longer distinguish night from day,
may He give your family peace in those times you cannot be present because of work,
may He and we your Church meet your spiritual needs as life is Topsy turvy.
Love you all, Pastor Rick

Runnin' on Empty

Yesterday in worship my wife Beckie made mention of how much money I spend each week at the pump simply keeping gas in my car. I usually have to fill it up twice if not three times each week. But without that gas I am going nowhere! No visits to hospitals, nursing homes, home visits or ball games or a myriad of other activities I would miss without gas in my tank. I also try to keep it filled up just in case of that emergency in the middle of the night. I have learned my lesson there! We are no different then our cars in this way. We too need to be "Filled Up" on a regular basis if we are too carry out the many duities we have in life. Responsibilites at work, around the house, to our families, and those to our Lord Jesus. But oh so many times we find ourselves running on fumes or even worse runnin' on empty. A great song by the way "Runnin' On Empty" by Jackson Browne in 1977. Showing my age once again. But a song about having nothing left to give, about running blind into the world. How often do you find yourself in this place? Weary, wornout, not knowing where the energy will come for your next task. Well I have a solution for you, PRAYER! It is the gas that our souls run on. It is in these moments when we enter into the presence of almighty God and we allow Him to fill us with His goodness and mercy. To fill us with His love and encoureagement. So how often are you going to the "Filling Station"
for your soul? Quit runnin' on empty and get your tank filled at the feet of Jesus!
Love ya' Pastor Rick

"Slow Down!"

Hey Church!
Last Friday night Beckie & I took Nicki and the kids to one of my son-in-law Mikes football games. Mike is the head coach of the Rushville Rockets. Our family must have a tendency towards weapons! Rockets and Missiles, all I need now is for one of my grandkids to some day play for the Torpedo's! Anyway back to Friday night. It had rained a bit earlier that night, the ground was muddy and the metal bleachers were slick. So what did Chase and Drew decide to do. Run down the ramp from the bleachers to the ground as fast as thier little legs could carry them. Of course each one of us cautioned them about what could happen. But as the words were coming out of our mouths Drew hit the deck! His pride hurt more then his bottom or back, but tears came forth and hugs from mom. Lesson learned, fat chance! More falls occured, time-outs given along with more hugs. I would like to blame their moms for the way these little ones hurry and scurry about, but then where did they get it? Yours truly! And like my grandkids who had more then one fall that night because of their haste, I too have had more then my share of "falls" because of mine. What about you? We are called upon today to "Multi-task" with each waking moment. Thinking that our dilegence is the way. I am hoping that in the future I can learn to "slow down" because it's getting harder and harder to pick myself up each time I fall. Even Christ slowed down and got away from it all when the pressures of His calling became overwhelming!
Let's learn this lesson from Jesus! Love You all, Pastor Rick

Back to Church Sunday

Hey Gang,
By now many of you know that Dutchtown is participating in National "Back to Church" Sunday which is Sunday,September 18th. This is a day in which you are encouraged yourself to be apart of worship. Sort of a "Pack the Place" event like those held for ball games in High School. But it is also a time for you to invite someone that you have not seen in church for awhile and to invite folks that you know that do not have a Church family. You will see here in Milledgeville that this message is going out on several of the Message Boards around town. You will also see this advertized in our local papers. But the our main advertizment is YOU! You passing along thge invite to someone personally. To help you with those you want to invite we have at Church large postcards for you to hand-out to those you want to invite. On that day at Church we will have a Coffee time @ 8:45 hosted by the Church Board. Our Choir will sing for the first time on that day. Our Children story will be a welcoming one for all newcomers. And we will have several greeters throughtout the Church and parking lot welcoming long time Dutchtowners and those who are first time visitiors. So I encoureage to get involved and to bring some one you know to the House of God on that day. Who knows who is out there simply awaiting someone to invite and welcome them to Church?
You all are in my Prayers as you carry-out the ministry of Christ! Pastor Rick

The Teachers Church

Hey Dutchtown & Friends,
A few years back I heard a comment about our church that I liked. In some circles we were known as "The Teacher's Church". Called this because of the many school teachers that were apart of our fellowship. Well as I look through our church directory, I still find that to be true. Now I'm not going to name names, but I count 14 people from Dutchtown involved in eduacation. These individuals teach our kids from Pre-school to High School, Special Education to Drivers Education and even some Councilers. And this number does not include those who are Coaches! As you can see Education is a "Calling" many of you have accepted and live out. I thank God for these individuals and thier families! They have the task of preparing our future world leaders.
In much the same, the Church, has a similiar task. And that is preparing our children, youth and adults with a spiritual education that will guide them in thier Chritian lives. Many of the "Ills" our world faces today is because we are a people who are not in and living out God's Word daily. But we can do something about that in our little corner of the world. On Sunday, September 11th, Sunday School begins at Dutchtown. There are groups of all ages in place to help you in your spiritual life. But one thing we need is Teachers to lead our children. I know of several people who will be working with the various adult groups and I am going to try and lead our High school class! So, I ask you to pray about how you could help our children by giving a portion of your time in the months to come so that we can raise up Godly children and youth here at Dutchtown. I thank those of you now that will be volunteering in the months to come for your ministry is vital to the well-being of those you will be teaching!
God Bless you All, Pastor Rick

Let's Talk about "Heaven"

One of the hottest topics that people like to talk about is "Heaven". Those inside and outside of Church circles have clamored to read about this place! So, I would to offer you some opportunities to do this here at Dutchtown. There is one Bible Study that will begin meeting on Tuesday mornings at 9:00a.m., beginning September 13th. It may meet hee at Church or possibly at June Deihl's. I would also be open to leading another one at a time conveinent for whatever group would like to get together and learn about this Holy place. I know that many of you have read a variety of books on Heaven, but the ONLY one we will be using as a reference is our Bibles! There are hundreds of references to Heaven in the Bible, more then enough territory for us to consider. So please consider the one Study already in place or lets put together as well another so that we can flesh out together this wonderful place we call Heaven! Bring with you your questions and thoughts, your own ideas and those of others. May God Bless us all as we consider His Realm. I am looking forward to the conversations ahead. Love you all, Pastor Rick

"Encourageing Prayer"

We, for pray in oh so many ways! We pray for stuff, for healing, for better jobs, for our children, for our schools. We pray for widom and knowledge, for the leading of the Holy Spirit, for our churches in general. We pray for our widows and widowers, for those storm ravaged places. We pray for nations at war against foes from afar and those who battle thier fellow countrymen. I could go on and on about the need for and the power of Prayer. It is a MUST in our lives. Yet, today I want to tell you of another kind of prayer that lifts up, encourages, brings out the best in you and I. It is "Edifying Prayer". I had all but forgotten about it until this past week while on vacation. It is prayer where you literally pray a person up! You thank God for them in everyway imaginable that you can think of. Why was I reminded of it on vacation? Well Beckie and were invited by a guy I met while fishing, to a time of worship by his small Church that was having a weekend retreat. They did not even know us but during worship they invited us to sit in the prayer seats and then they laid hands on us and prayed for us openly and lovingly. Person after person lifted us up. When finished I pondered on what took place and I asked myself why I don't pray more this way over all of you as I come in contact with on a daily basis. Why do we not take the opportunity to lift oneanother up in our times of worship. To simply bath one another in thanksgiving for who they are. Now I now that you take time to pray for one anothers needs. But to only pray for someone with words of thanks for them is encouraging. I need you to do me a favor and hold me accountable to this. That one, I always pray for you when we are togethger, wherever that may be and that two, in that prayer that I not only pray for your needs and heartaches, but that I lift you up as well with words of encouragement. And, of course I encourage you to do the same with oneanother. Our world needs all the encouragement it can get. Love you all and you are in my prayers! Pastor Rick

Oh, The Possibilities!

Hey Church & Friends,
In the past two weeks I have made 10 visits to families that attended VBS or who have recently visited with us and all I can say is that inspite of what many think, the possibilities to share Christ, to bring more people into His Church, to minister to those who are our neighbors are unmeasueable! If you think that everyone you know is a "Practicing" Christian or is active in a Church then you and I are not looking very hard! The communities that we live in may be small, but in Christ's own words. the harevest is plentyful! Thanks to those of you who donated cookies over the past two weeks as I made these visits. the families were truly thankful! The Holy Spirit has aslo laid upon my heart to do this more often. To make contact with those who need to know Him and to those who need a Church Family like ours. So cookie makers keep your ovens warm for I will soon be asking again. I ask you now to pray for those I visited andfor those God's wants YOU and I to visit. Love you all Pastor Rick

A Place of our own

Many years ago I dreamed of a time and a place where Beckie and I could go on vacation together. And that once in a while, when it fit into thier schedule our kids and grandkids might join us. We are now blessed to say that we have found such a place. This coming Sunday after Church, we will pack-up my little SUV until we cannot put in it one more item and we will head off to a place called, White Tail Crossing. A place not far from Lake Shelbyville. A drive just long enough to say that, "We got away", but not so long as for the drive to wear on you. This is now the fourth year in a row that we have come to call this place, our place! A place for us to relax, swim, fish, read, antique, nap, a place to feel at home. A place we find Sabbath. I hope and pray that sometime this Summer you found a little time for a Sabbath rest beyond the place you call home. Or that you have on your calendar a time and a place that will grant this blessed rest and relaxation. My wife and I and our Church have a full Fall ahead of us. This time will be important to the two of us as we want to give our best to God and you when we come back. I look forward to writing more to you when we return. God's Blessings upon you Pastor Rick

For Guys Only!

Alright ladies, since I know that you opened this please make sure that the man in your life gets this as well. On Wednesday morning as I ran I re-aquinted myself with the music of Jonny Lang. I reccommend strongly that all you guys listen to his song "On My Feet Again". It will help as you seek to be the best dad, husband and man of God that you want to be. You can easily find this song @ JonnyLang/Free Music. It is song 25. As a matter of fact several of his songs speak to being a man of God! Happy listening! I will be on my knees in prayer for you all.
Love ya' Guys Pastor Rick

Financial Criss

Since I got home from Church Camp last week and heard about the melt down, once again in our Finalcial Markets. Both in our Nation & around the globe. And as we consider our own Dutchtown Financial outlook for this year and looking ahead to 2012 and beyond, I have been asking God how I might respond to you about it from a Christian perspective. And then guess what happened? I read today's, Tuesday August 9th's Upper Room devotional. GOD is GREAT!!! Please read it, and then re-read this Blog! No it is not the answer to all of our world's financial woes, but this is where we are to begin. One family at a time taking "Leap's of Faith" in Christ. Understanding that you cannot out give God. Understanding that our TRUE security is not found in money but in God's eternal love! Amen! Love You all, Pastor Rick

Motives

Have you ever done something because if you did not someone would make you feel guilty? Of course you have, we all have. But what a rotten feeling that is, feeling guilty! Especially when you are not! I once heard a person say, "Don't take a bullet not meant for you". In other words don't feel guilty about something that you are NOT responsible for. But why do we make people we care about feel guilty. Is it because someone has done it to us? And so we think it's our duty to do the same? The Bible is quite clear how we are to live out our faith in this world. That all we do or is to be done with the right motive. For the buliding up of the Church and it's people. Our motives are to be pure and Godlike. But when we operate out of guilt we not only do not do the best job that we can, but we do it with a stinky attitude as well. And believe me that will come through in the way you carry out the task. Every day a lot of bullets get shot your way in an attempt to make you feel rotten if you do not carry out that task that someone else thinks you should do. Many of us then carry out that task not wanting to feel guilty by not doing it. I feel as if I am rambling now, forgive me, I don't want to feel guilty! Please know this, Satan is the giver of guilt, Chirst the one that took all of that guilt upon Himself so that you and I could lead victorious and not guilt ridden lives! Love You All and so does Jesus Pastor Rick

Test

Test

Following up

In sports you here a lot about, "Following Through". Whether it be a golf or a tennis swing, rolling a bowling ball or shooting a basketball. Following through is a must if you want to do your best! The same holds true for us in the Church. We often times talk a lot about what we should do or what some should do, but then talk is cheap and putting the effort in takes work, patience and desire. Take last weeks Vacation Bible School for instance. We had a large number of children in attendence whose families do not know Christ or do not have a church family that they are active in. Oh, a few will claim membership somewhere because once upon a time they were baptized there as a kid, but they are rarely in attendence. Now it is time for me and I need your help to "Follow Through" with those families with the hope of bringing them to Christ and unto a Church family who will love them and cherish them. Hopefully we might that Church they consider. So when I get back from Church Camp, Phase II of Vacation Bible School begins for us. We can bask in the glow of a successful VBS by those who attended and what they learned that week and then leave it at that or we can do the work that Christ has called us too, to bring the Gospel to all. Please keep this new phase in your prayers and if you are interested in making a batch or two of cookies or brownies for me to take to VBS attenders, please let know.
Love You all, Pastor Rick

Vacation Bible School

Too often I hear church leaders and churches simply refer to Vacation Bible School as a week of free babysitting for the community. What a shame. I will admit that there is a lot of work that goes into Vacation Bible School, but to simply see it as a baby sitting service belittles several valuable ministries that the Church is called into. First, Christ was very up front that children meant a lot to Him. They are like sponges ready to soak up all that is sent their way. This week we have the opportunity to embrace these kids ourselves and emerse them into God's word. Second, this a a great opportunity for us to put our best foot forward as a church, for there WILL be several children and there parents here who do not know Christ or have a Church family to love them. A Baby sitting service, how dare we even think about these next five days that way! I know that many of you have given much of your time already to help make this week a success and I thank you. And that a lot of hard work and more time to put in is ahead of us. Once again you have my appreciation. But we also have in store for us the ways in which God will bless us this week if we approach it as an OPPORTUITY to minister. I hope to see many of you at our VBS this week. Love you all, Pastor Rick

A Back Pew Beauty

My heart is heavy today as one of our Back Pew Beauties, Margeret Kendall has passed away. Yes I know that she now has her place in heaven, but I ache right now at her loss. I ache for my daughter Nicki whom Margeret befriended many years ago and was one of her adoptive grandma's. I ache for you who had the joy of visiting around her kitchen table. I ache for her family who has know much pain in there lives. I also ache for myself. She was a fellow dutchtowner but nore importantly a woman of grace and faith. Today I will cherish every fond memory I have of her and I hope that you will as well. You all are in my prayers as you grieve.
Pastor Rick

"Paving the Way"

This past weekend I spent a lot of time putting in a new patio by laying Paving bricks in a seven by eight foot area. It is mostly to be a place for me to have my Grill since my wifes flowers have taken over most of the deck! Now, I admit I am NOT a handyman, but putting down a few pavers seemed like a no-brainer. Well needless to say the plan was re-vised multiple times. Some due to my inexperience and at other times because Menards could not do the math! Well this morning, it is mostly done but is not all that level, I will fix that I hope, and it just doesn't quite look like the ones I see on HGTV!
Jesus had a word or two about Pavers! He said that He came to Pave a straight and narrow path for us to follow. We are not to deviate too far left or right, but to stay on the path that he has laid. His path IS level and it IS straight! So why do we think we know better then Christ and go out on our own to pave our own pathway? Don't we get it! One path, one way, no other! So let's stay on it as Christians and as Christ's Church!
For now I am telling myself that I laid the pavers purposely the way I did so that the water would shed off and not pool. Sounds good to me!
Trying to walk the Straight and narrow Pastor Rick

It's Never Fished!

Even though I was in Missouri for less then 24 hours Jeremy and I caught close too 50 fish in one hour on Sunday night and 3 hours on Monday morning. why so many? Chuck says that these ponds/lakes are rarely fished. Whatever we seemed to through in the water they were hungry to get. You may not agree with me but I believe the world around us is "HUNGRY" to fed what we have in Christ but we simply are not casting out enough. We don't fish thinking that they will see us as Holier then Thou or we don't fish for we don't want to make anyone uncomfortable and so like the fish in these Missouri ponds and lakes they go away living on whatever dead matter is washed inti the water. People are hungry for truth, love, compassion that is genuine. But in the absence of these things they will feed on whatever false teachings may come thier way. So how is your fishing going?

Son-in-laws

Hey, I just saw on Facebook that today is "Son" day. A day for dads with sons, to lift them up and to be proud. Well I have two adult daughters, but I also have two son-in-laws. Now I could tell lots of stories on these guys, but today I simply give thanks to God for Mike & Jeremy. I am blessed to have a good relationship with them both and I am proud of them as husbands and Dads. Thanks guys for keeping my daughters in line! Ha! Ha! Love ya' Rick
Now what about the rest of you out there with son-in-laws? Give a little shout out of praise!

A Blessed Weekend

Hi All, I don't know about you but I had a fantastic and blessed Independence Day weekend! I want to tell you about it and then put forth a challenge to you. Why was my weekend so blessed and fantastic? I got to fishing for a few hours and I caught a six pound bass, wow! I got to go to two birthday parties for my two youngest grandsons. Drew turned two and Chase three. I ran in one of the toughest 5k's I have ever been in, the Reagan Run, but I did it! I was blessed to be a part of our worship service as I along with others participated in Holy Communion. Beckie and I started a new project in our backyard. I got to work side by side with my wife! Later that night I saw a wonderful Fireworks display in Prophetstown. Beckie and I had a 25 mile bike ride on the Fourth and then I got in a two hour nap. Have not done that since I was two! And lastly our neighbors allowed to have an evening swim in thier pool. Anyway I tell you all of this because I am thankful to God for the blessing of this past weekend! And God wants to here from us our thanksgiving and praise, and He deserves to hear it! So, I want you to not simply nod your head if you had a blessing this weekend, God and I want to hear from you. As a matter of fact tell it all who read this whether here or on Our Church Face book page or in an e-mail. Tell everyone how God has blessed you. and if you do it on facebook, I do not want to simply see that you "Like" what I have had to say. That's a cop-out! Let us all be Blessed by your past weekends happenings. Let us all give God the Glory. If you don't, God will call out the Stones to give Him Praise and you know what, it feels good to give thanks and offer praise. I look forward to hearing from you all. Pastor Rick Koch

"Here Comes the Sun"

"Here comes the Sun, doot'n do-do, here comes the sun, and I say it's alright" O.K. a bad rendition of the the Beatles song. Get over it! Yet they have point. When the sun is not readily shining high in the noon day sky, people get down! Farmers get antsy, constructions workers fall behind. Gloom and doom seem to hang over everything. But when the sun shines brightly, like today, wow, stuff gets done and people are happy. The same is true when we do not let the true Son to shine in and through our lives. We fail to let Jesus fill us with hope and joy, by forgetting to pray or leaving our Bibles on the coffee table to collect dust. We wallow in self pity because we are not active in worship where the Son shines through and gives us what we need to get through our grueling weeks. So today make it a point to let the Son shine into your heart and then to share HIs light and warmth with others in need. "Here comes the Son, doot'n do-do, here comes the Son, and I'm alraight!" Love ya' all Pastor Rick

"Getting to Know You"

Hey Church and other interested Readers,
A long time ago there was a song that went something like this, "getting to know you, getting to know all about you". Now I know that this dates me but I have a reason for reaching way back into my musical archives. Two weeks ago while at Beckie's family reunion there were several families who had not attended for awhile and it was good to see them. One person in particular caught my attention for they had a son in his mid-twenty's, Ryan, who was deaf. I'm a people watcher and I noticed that not only did folks not go out of there way to get to know Ryan, but they seemed to almost avoid him. After all how do you talk to a deaf person if you cannot Sign? Oh, I was one of those folks! Anyway it was now Sunday morning, our last day. I was up early, as usual, and so was Ryan. I got some coffee started and he was elated being a big coffee drinker himself. He went outside and sat alone and I knew God was telling me to get my fanny over there and get to know him. So I pulled my bag chair up to wear he was sitting, got out one of my business cards (I can hear the Disaster Relief guys chuckling as I say this) and handed it to him as a way of introducing myself. We shook hands and then began to Get to know one another. I had a yellow pad and pen with me, so I started writing down stuff and then he would write back. This went on until his mom joined our conversation and then she "signed" eveything that was said during our conversation. It was a great morning of coffee drinking and getting to know my new 2nd cousin on my wifes side. As we were about to leave I went to say good-bye to Ryan and told him that I hoped to see him in two years and also maybe on the Canoe trip. He smiled, nodded yes and then hugged me with tears in his eyes, and then mine began to flow.
How well do you your neighbors, those who sit in the pew behind you. Hospitality is a Christian trait that we often fail to practice today for we are afraid to step outside of our comfort zone. When are you going to step outside of yours? Love you all, Pastor Rick

Blessings from this week and from Sunday

Blog from Marla: Blessings from the week....
Dutchtown was in charge of the Grace Meal last Tuesday, June 21st. The Grace Meal is an opportunity for Senior Citizens from the community to get together for fellowship and a meal. It is held at 11:30 AM on the 3rd Tuesday of most months (none in August and Jan. & Feb. are "iffy") at the Lutheran Church. The Churches take turns in preparing and serving the meal. Last Tuesday there were 32 meals served at the Church and 3 meals delivered to a few who couldn't come to the Church to eat. Inge, Lynne, Sara and I prepared the meal and had a good time hosting and serving it. Gene Korf has been a regular attendee and Jr. and Darlene Adolph came this time too and seemed to enjoy the fellowship and the food. The next Grace Meal is July 19th with the Lutheran's in charge. Please let me know if you can attend so we have a count for the Lutheran's to know how much food to prepare.

This was also our week to deliver meals each day. This ministry is called "Golden Meals". The Bird House prepares the food and volunteers from the Churches pick them up and deliver them to those who have called in. Currently, we deliver to five homes each week. These are two very important ministries and feel free to share this with others in our community that you have contact with so we can reach additional "seniors" who may not have heard of them.

Blessings from Sunday...
Erin Hartman blessed us once again with her beautiful choices of music. Her music before the service started really helps to quiet my heart and prepare me for worship. Her choices this Sunday were many "seasoned hymns" that couldn't help make you smile and bring you into that special place. Beckie picked some very special hymns for the service as well. How can you not feel God's presence when you sing "His name is Wonderful" and "Just a Closer Walk with Thee"!!

We are so blessed to have so many talented musicians at Dutchtown. They spend a lot of time during their week preparing their music for us and I like to listen to them to let them know how much I appreciate their dedication and talent, but mostly it just clears my mind and I can focus on why I'm sitting in this place called Dutchtown.

Wonder what God has in mind for me this week!!!

Marla

Yes, You can be Healed!

Many people when they hear the word "Healing" in relationship to the Church, their thoughts turn to Preachers on TV placing thier hands on folks and then seeing those in wheelchairs walk, the blind see and those with cancer made clean. Yes it can happen that way, but all too many times it does not. So is there a healthy way to view Healing in the life of the Church? I encourage you to read James 5:13-19. In this passage we find what I believe to be the Christian way to view healing. It begins and ends with lots and lots of prayer. James tells us that if anyone is sick that they should call upon the elders of the church to pray over them. Now elders does not mean older people. It means those that are mature in thier Christian faith. Those who are looked up to in the Church. And then it says that we are to Confess our sins to God. Not to any man or woman but to God. To cleanse ourselves of anything that would inhibit God from blessing us. Then next we are to have those elders Anoint you with oil. Why oil? Well, for one God tells us to do it this way. It has been the practice of priests for hundreds of years to use oil to anoint a new King, to use oil when a new priest who is installed. And so now God tells us to put oil on the forehead of the one seeking anointing. A Ritual where we are calling upon God our Father to bless the one who has come to be anointed. Then we are to lay hands upon that person and pray for thier healing. Now we put ourselves into God's hands. He can heal us of whatever it is that ails us. But you might simply be healed with a calm or Peace of Mind as you go through a painful situation. That is healing as well, the peace of God. You might be told "No" like Paul was and that God will use you mightily through your painful situation. You might come to experience a healing by simply knowing that your Church stands with. You could be healed of a bad attitude or habit. You could be healed of a broken heart from a relationship gone bad. Anyway, this coming Sunday as a part of worship we will be having an Anointing Service, an altar call for those of you who are in need of Christ's healing touch. I invite to this special to give to Christ your aches and pains, your worries and sorrows, your brokenness. And then leave it up to Christ how He decides to heal you. May Christ's blessing be upon you all and may you know His power this coming Sunday. See you all in Church, Pastor Rick

Take Christ With You

Hey Church and other interested Readers!
As Summer is now upon us, many of you, including myself, will be taking a little vacation time. Time well deserved and well needed for all. But as you take out your "Packing List" of things that you need to bring along, allow me to add one more item. Do not forget to take along Christ. To take along with you your devotional reading material and of course your Bible. To remember to pray daily and often, especially at those meals you have on the road. Let those around you know of your faith. Now notice I did not say remember that you are a Church Member, remember the Church. The reason I did not say that is that if you practice your faith in Christ while on vacation, if you continue to put Christ first, the whole Church thing will take care of itself. That will simply come natural to you. So, at the top of that packing list I simply encourage you to write down "Jesus" and then see just how much better that "Down Time" goes for you and your family. God Bless you all in your travels this Summer. And may you make many fond memories!
I love you all, Pastor Rick

That Personal Touch

Hey Church and Others Looking at our site!
I am beginning to embrace these new ways that we have today to communicate with one anothew. I like e-mail, web-sites and Facebook. I am learning more each new day about Blogs and texting. I really don't like texting and then there is that Twiiter thing! Anyhow each of these can be helpful tools for the Church and myself. But, I fear that many are starting to let these ways of communicating to replace the best way God has given to us to communicate and that is with a personal touch. We can never let these replace face to face conversations, we can never let them replace the ministry of Christ. People need personal contact, they need a personal touch. And that is just what Christ did. and that we are to do. I love to visit with people whether it be in thier home, in a hospital or a nursing home. This past weekend I enjoyed the conversations I had with folks as we walked around the track at the Relay for Life. Whether those talks were with fellow Dutchtowners or friends from the community of new people I just met. Nothing can replace place those talks! Let use these new communication tools to enhance our ministry here at church, but may we never allow them to be a substitute for visiting with one another. If you ever need to just talk face to face and e-mail or a phone call won't do, lets get together and talk or have a cup of coffee together. I look forward to seeing you all soon. Pastor Rick

Monday Morning Musings -- From June 6

Hey Church!

    Lots of stuff to talk about on this fantastic Monday Morning!. So let's get to it. For some odd reason today, I feel like SWEEPING. I just cannot figure out why?  And to top it all off SWEEPING makes me happy, go figure.

    Enough about housework and onto God's work. What a great Sunday. I began this Sunday with a sermon series of sorts. Throughout the Summer I will be talking about the different appearances that Christ made after His resurrection. Did you know that were 13 different times that Jesus appeared? Also I have begun a new way to tell the Children Story which I borrowed from Mike and Mandy's Pastor. It's called, "Stump the Chump". Each Sunday a different child  will take home a backpack that I have given them and on the following Sunday they bring it back with an item in it. I look in the bag as the children sit for Children story and then come up with a Biblical Children story on the spot. Should be fun.  

    Also this past Sunday was the day we found out who was going to Kiss the Goat, as we wrapped up our "Coins for Cabinets" fundraiser. I would like to thank our contenders, Paul Skoog, Beth Anne Baughman, Dave Dublo and Cooper Pauley. Folks it was not even close! Coop won hands down and boy did he give that goat a big smooch! Way to go do Coop! All together these four raised $184.63.

    We were also blessed with special music by Lauren & Megan Woolcock, teenage sisters from Mt. Carroll. Next Sunday Darin Baughman will be singing. We ended the morning eating a Brunch hosted by the Church Board. Great turn-out for the food and fellowship.

    Hey, in the next few weeks check out our new and improved web-site and we now have a Face book page, Dutchtown Church of the Brethren. Please post your Church pics or news on it.  

    Last, but not least some Relay for Life items. There are still a few of you out there who have out paid for your shirts. Please get that money to me soon. Thanks. This Saturday the Walk begins at 5:30p.m. Our Team Walk is at 6:30. This is where we will line as teams in our Shirts and go around the track. You are encouraged to take part in as much of the Walk as you want. I have schedules for the night if you would like one. I also have Luminaries sheets o you want to have one in me,mory of a loved one. They are $10.00 per person. You need to bring with you a lawn chair , flashlight, food & drink, comfy walking shoes, clothes to change into for special walks and little money for on-site fundraisers. If you have any questions, give me a call. Please keep the Walk in your prayers.  Well I know that I have rambled on long enough. I had better get to some other stuff.

Love you all and as always, See ya' in Church Pastor Rick

Hey Church, Now if I do this right this posting should go to our web-site, our Facebook page and to you facebook page for tose of you who have become a friend. I think that is how it works? If not Kali will correct me! Anyway, a couple of things going on this week. I want to challenge all you guys out there. While watching a Cub/Cardinal game last week they were talking about have a 'Shave-out" day. A day where men would not shave to save water. I cannot remember how many gallons it said we wasted every day when we shave bit it was massive. Anyhow, mu wife has agreed to let me NOT shave three days a week and I challenge you to nto the same. I promise I will always be clean shaven for funerals or wedding and on most Sunday's.
On amonther note I still need help with the Callto worship on Sunday. I need someone who once served in the military, someone who graduater High School in the last 4 years and some one who would call themselves a disgruntled worker. Each of you would read no more ten two lines in our Call to Worship. Let me know.
Lastly, I hope to see many of you on Saturday at the Rlay for life. It looks like it will be great weather, even a little cool late that night. It looks as if we have a few shirts left over. If you want one let me know. They are $12.00. Time now to see if I followed Kali's instructions!
Love You all Pastor Rick

Marla's Test Blog

This is a new blog from me while Kali is attempting to teach me how to do it. Wish her luck!

Tuesday Morning Blog!

Hey church I am learning to blog for the first time. I sure hope this works for this message is to go to the web-site, our new facebook page and to our e-mail. Pastor rick

Tuesday, May 31

Hey Church!

    Welcome to your short week following our Memorial Day holiday. It was a good day on Sunday as we as the Church experienced new life as Kayleigh  & Collin Leddy were Baptized unto the Lord. Praise God! We all need a good shot into our Spiritual arm every now and then. We were also blessed by present and past Choir members with a church favorite, "This Little Light of Mine". I was emotionally moved, but also urged on to sing out in joy as I remembered the past voices of guys like Dutchman, Hefty and Chet, just to name a few, who used to sing around me! 

    On to this coming Sunday. We will have the results of our "Kiss the Goat" contest and the lucky winner will be kissing a goat that Terry Schriener will be able to Church. On that morning as well we will be having a Bruch following worship hosted by the Church Board. So plan to stick around and enjoy the fellowship! We will also be having Special Music from Megan & Lauren Woolcock, friends of the Baughman. Speaking of Special Music, last week I sent  out a Special music sheet with several family names on asking them to provide Special music throughout the Summer. Please let me know if you were assigned if that will work for you. Also if your name was not on the list and you would like to provide a special, please let me know. Even if it is not musical but maybe a story or poem. And of course Adults are welcome as well.It would be great to have multiple specials each Sunday! 

    Next week as a part of my Musings I will give you all of the info that you need if you would like to take part in the Relay for Life in Mt. Carol on Saturday, June 11th. 

    Also on a joyous note there are some new folks working on our web-site and a Facebook page. Please pray for me as I am challenged by all of this new techno stuff! Yet I am grateful to those who are continually trying to move us and me into the 21st century! 

    Well I had better get onto a few other things that I need to do seeing as this is a short week. I hope to see you all on Sunday! Love you all, Pastor Rick

 

P.S. For those of you with Children Story age Kids, look for a new Children story format for the Summer. It ought to be fun and teach us all a few Biblical lessons!     

Monday, May 23rd

Hey Church,

    It's another Monday morning, with a full week ahead of us all. It will be filled with Weddings to celebrate and Graduations to attend, not to mention the myriad of parties on the horizon. Softball tournaments are still in full swing and the local Baseball/Softball seasons are about to get underway. Many of you will have Families invading your homes. So baton down the hatches and oh, don't forget to PRAY along the way amidst your hectic week. And also Thank God for these opportunities that you have. Be thankful for these milestones in life that have come your way. In our family my Beckie becomes the same age as I am and we will celebrate this coming Thursday and into the weekend. Your Pastor gave her, her present on Saturday, a very romantic gift this year, A Bike Rack for her car! Anyway on to other important stuff! 

    This past Sunday in Church we welcomed back home the Dublo and Dawson families. We also celebrated our Graduates and their accomplishments. This coming Sunday we will celebrate with the Leddy family as both Collin & Kayleigh will be Baptized. Yes, Pete and Carol will be home. Oh, we have several people out of town this weekend and I need a little help in worship. I need both a male and female Deacon or Deacon's helper to assist Collin & Kayleigh with Baptism, any takers? Also this coming Sunday the Choir will sing for the last time before taking a Summer break and of course they are going to sing, "This Little Light of Mine"! If you are a Choir member, please be there to contribute your voice! Also we will have a Coffee Time at 8:45 with the Young @ Heart group in charge. To you youth, a new to us, but slightly used item  will welcome you to church on Sunday, Foosball Table that has been donated by Verlyn & Velma Ludwig. It will be somewhere in the basement. Make sure you tell them "Thank You". 

    Oh, the most recent order of "Hefty" shirts are in. You can pick them up in the room across from my office. Also please do not forget to pay me by this weekend for them if you can. I would like to get this taken care of. There is a large announcement in page of announcements attached about the upcoming Relay for Life. In the coming weeks I will be saying more to those of you who would like to walk with our Church team. If you have any questions, please give me a call. Well I guess that's about all for now. Have a Blessed week! See You in Church! Pastor Rick