Daily Bread - January 25, 2022

Tuesday, January 25th, 2022

Dear Friends in Christ

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!

~1 Corinthians 10:12 NIV

Throughout the pandemic, it has been a relentless struggle to keep our footing amidst all the challenges that are constantly arising. Every time it feels like we are starting to return to normalcy, some new variant or restriction causes all of our plans to change. Often, I find myself frustrated that my preparation for events is all for naught when the event is canceled, a feeling I’m sure we have all experienced. But it is in precisely these moments that I try to remind myself that God also has plans, and though I may not be able to see His plans clearly, I know they are in my best interest.

Got All My Ducks in a Row

By Althea Debrule

Got all my ducks in a row!

Every detail carefully planned.

Goodbye sorrow and woe!

Pessimism and doubt are resolutely banned.

Got all my ducks in a row!

Everything is in its proper position.

My calling is sure, and I’m ready to go!

My life’s purpose is sure to come to fruition!

Got all my ducks in a row!

My cause is just and my motives pure.

God can count me friend instead of the foe;

He has made my election sure.

Got all my ducks in a row!

I’m marching ever forward in the strength of my might.

Sharing with others everything I know;

I am striving hard to make things decent and upright.

And just when I’ve worked myself into a self-righteous rut.

The LORD knocks down every duck;

And gently pulls me from moral and religious muck;

To be still, let His Spirit lead, and not trust to my might and luck.

Peace,

Scott McElhenie

Update from the Personnel Support Committee

on Pastor Jeff’s Medical Leave

With joy, we share that Pastor Jeff reports his treatment and recovery are progressing very well. At this time we are on track for his full return on February 1st and look forward to his worship leadership resuming on Sunday, February 6. Please direct any questions you have regarding his return to Pastor Nancy Dolan at ([email protected]). If you wish to express your support for Jeff, please feel free to send him a card or letter to the Lehn’s home address.

Congregational Meeting Postponed to February 6, 2022

Based on the guidance of the COVID Task Force to postpone in-person programming and activities until February 6. Session has voted to postpone the Congregational Meeting to February 6th. We hope that by moving the date, more people will be able to attend safely, to enjoy this day which will be one of celebration for our church’s future. Pastor Jeff will also be back in time to moderate this important meeting.

The February 6 meeting will take place following the 10 am worship service. The purpose of the meeting is two-fold: 1) to vote on a change in the church’s by-laws allowing Zoom attendees to be included in the quorum and vote count in all congregational meetings; 2) approve the formation of an Associate Pastor

Nominating Committee (APNC).

With our gratitude to those willing to serve, the Nominating Committee will present the following slate of nominees for election to the APNC:

Bill Bishop, Irris Boaz, Bob Hariman, Anthony Haro, Amy Lyon, Sharon Panzica, Mary Watt, Jane Western, and Marny Zimmer

Please make plans to attend this important meeting as we eagerly anticipate with hope the plans God has for our church in the new year! Meeting details for Zoom participation will be provided closer to the date.

New Update from the COVID-19 Task Force

In light of the high infection numbers our area is still experiencing, and our continued commitment to doing our part in limiting the spread of COVID-19, we have determined it necessary to postpone the resumption of our in-person programming and activities to Sunday, February 6. While the case positivity rates in our area are still above the peaks of the last two years they are beginning to show signs of decline. We will continue to monitor the situation while staying very hopeful that February 6 will be a safe date to resume

in-person activities.

We continue worship both in-person, with plenty of room to social distance, and online via Livestream. Activities which are scheduled to resume February 6th include: Choir, Sunday Fellowship Hour, Children and Youth (Mid-Week Meetup, Children’s Chapel, Tower, and 5/6 and 7/8 grade new programming).

Committees may continue to decide collectively to meet in person or on Zoom but everyone in the church building must be masked.

Please be encouraged to reach out to the Task Force if you have questions or concerns. Members include: Brian Hughes, Jane Rankin, Steve Reinhart, Tammy Walker, and Rev. Nancy Dolan.

Interfaith Action of Evanston's

Walk for Warmth

The Walk for Warmth on Monday, January 17 was a big success with almost

600 walkers registered to participate, representing 44 different teams from congregations and other organizations in Evanston and surrounding communities. FPCW had more than 15 walkers take part in the event. The walk raised funds for Interfaith Action's programs that serve homeless and hungry people in our community, including overnight shelters, warming centers, and soup kitchens. Held in honor of the legacy and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Walk exceeded the agency's fundraising goal of $30,000 for the event.

Donations can still be made by visiting the Interfaith Action website at

www.interfaithactionofevanston.org/get-involved/donate

Interested in a weekly and stimulating discussion group? FPCW’s Bible Study Group is seeking to increase its participants in 2022 and invites you to check us out. We have great leaders who are knowledgeable in Biblical interpretation and the context for our Biblical readings. Group leadership is shared by Pastor Jeff, Pastor Laura, and Rev. Rod Quainton. Our Bible Study group is coordinated by Bonn ie Wehrenberg. Share your email with her if you would like to receive meeting notifications and a Zoom link.

We are starting the new year with the Bible’s beginning, Genesis. You are invited to join us and we use the latest in technology so participants can enjoy a positive Zoom experience. When we return to in-person meetings we serve coffee.

If busy this Thursday, feel free to tune in on any given Thursday. We hope to meet you at a future meeting.

Flower Chart

The 2022 flower chart is posted on the door to the usher’s closet. If you would like to donate flowers in appreciation or in remembrance of a loved one, please choose a Sunday that works best for you and add your name to the flower chart. Thank you.