February 29, 2024 Newsletter

Prairie Avenue

Christian Church

217.428.3327

www.prairieavenuechristianchurch.org

To be learning, loving, and serving disciples of Christ from the depths of our being to the ends of the earth.

A Stephen Ministry & Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Congregation

Worship Each Week & Daily Prayer

Attending weekly gives you the opportunity to re-center your life,

give God honor and glory, and remember what is really important in life.

This week we explore the eternal fate of non-Christians. Often it is Christian Exclusivism, the view that only those who believe as God's Son and Savior--that is, only Christians--will receive eternal life, is a source of doubt. The view of eternal punishment for all non-Christians is also associated with this view.

Unsurprisingly, Scriptures are all over the map on these issues, with a notable consistency: God is always concerned about our actions rather than our opinions. In the Old Testament, worshiping other gods is prohibited for the Israelites, not other nations. In the New Testament, whether the parable of the sheep and the goats or John 5:28-29 also describes one's actions that reward or punish. Not one's religious views or practices. Join us this Sunday as we discover a more inclusive way to live with our non-Christian friends and neighbors.

Our annual collection drive for the Week of Compassion special offering will conclude this Sunday

Visit the Week of Compassion Website

Give to Week of Compassion

This Week's Prayer Calendar

Congregations: Pine Creek Christian Church, Polo, IL; First Christian Church Pontiac, IL; First Christian Church Princeton, IL

Community: Decatur Public Schools Galloway, Nelson, and Clokey Park neighborhoods

Global Ministries: Egypt

Grow in Faith

through listening, paying attention, and reading 5 verses a day

Take a class, as you make friends and grow to know what learning, loving, and serving God and neighbor means in everyday life.

Sunday Night Study Continues

March 3@ 5:30 PM

Join us each Sunday night during the season of Lent as we enjoy soup and sandwiches, fellowship, and discussion about the current sermon series based on Adam Hamilton's book, Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith. Soup will be served at 5:30 pm with a video and short discussion at 6:00 pm. You do not need to have the book to participate.

Use Your Gifts by sharing five acts of love and kindness each week

Serve God and neighbor by using your gifts and talents both inside and outside the walls of the church. Each of us have spiritual gifts and natural abilities to use to serve others and glorify God.

Worship Assistance Needed

The worship service slides are prepared. Coffee is hot, and donuts are served. Pastor Jason greets you at the door.

What's wrong with this picture? These tasks are handled and cared by Pastor Jason's family members in a majority of the situations. Every Sunday.

Help with Door Greeting? Your duties would be to arrive at the church no later than 8:50 am. Greet those at the entrance. Remain at the door until 9:40 am (about the time for "All God's children section of worship) for late arrivals.

Help with Worship Slides? Arrive in the balcony about 5 minutes before worship (9:25). Advance slides appropriately. Additional duties will be checking livestream when up and running.

Birthdays/Anniversaries

March 3 - 9

Birthdays

None

Wedding Anniversaries

None

Membership Anniversaries

(When you joined Prairie Avenue!)

None

If you know of a birthday or anniversary that has gone "Missing" from our list, please contact the church office at 217-428-3327. Thanks.

Give Regularly through five acts of generosity each month

Giving regularly not only supports the work of the church,

but also is your way of giving God priority in your life.

What we love is where we will spend first.

When we are able to give, it always deepens our faith

in loving and serving God.

Thank You for your generosity!

DID YOU KNOW?: You can automate your giving through your bank/credit union/financial institution! Nearly all online bill pay services can provide your contribution by mail or ACH (Automated Clearing House) without fees.

February Outreach Project

Our February Collection is household cleaning products for Dove, Inc. Homeward Bound clients. Homeward Bound serves homeless and at-risk homeless individuals to find and sustain housing. These products will assist individuals “move-in” to their new lives with home-welcoming supplies and equipment!

General Fund Supports Operations & Ministry

Donations given to the Prairie Avenue Christian Church General Fund support the year-round ministries of the church. Your generous support keeps our building, staff, and operations working for the mission of the church. The mission of Prairie...

Building Fund Supports Repair & Updates

Announced at the State of the Church address on June 30, 2015, the reFresh capital campaign has two improvement/update priorities: updating HVAC equipment and internet/network accessibility.

Another Service Call...

Two faucets decided to do opposite troubles this past month. One decided to leak; the other to clog. The result? $293.23 for a plumber's assistance and skill. Your generous response is appreciated.

Give to the Building Fund

Decatur Crisis Nursery Project Update

The Decatur Crisis Nursery Workgroup is forming an official board and will file articles of incorporation shortly to become a 501c3 organization.

For instructions in registering your Kroger Rewards Card, Click Here.

The Organization code for Prairie Avenue Christian Church is: BY235.

Kroger Community Rewards Program News

$24.45 was raised by 14 households who have linked their Kroger customer reward cards to support Prairie Avenue Christian Church. The quarterly contribution is for shopping at Kroger from October to December 2023.

Joining to support the ministries of Prairie Avenue Christian Church is FREE. Any transactions moving forward using the Shopper’s Card number associated with your digital account will be applied to the program, at no added cost to you. Kroger donates annually to participating organizations based on your percentage of spending as it relates to the total spending associated with all participating Kroger Community Rewards organizations.

Share Your Faith by inviting 5 people to church this year

The God you worship is always revealed through your words and actions. Awkward conversations (i.e. "Are you saved?") are not necessary when your words and actions reveal the God you seek to learn, love, and serve.

In Other News

The Spring Gathering: Ties that Bind April 13, 2024

Online registration for The Spring Gathering: Ties that Bind April 13, 2024 starts on January 3rd 2024. Online registration ends March 22nd 2024.

Experience Eclipse Totality at Camp Walter Scott

This year, a total solar eclipse will occur on April 8 and Camp Walter Scott is within the narrow band of totality. You are invited to spend the day at CWS - or take a break and stay a couple of nights. To read more and register, click the button below.

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