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MAUNDY THURSDAY/GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP: Due to Pastor Jason's work schedule at the Decatur Public Library, there will be no Maundy Thursday/Good Friday services at Prairie Avenue. You are encouraged to join the Maundy Thursday service held at Central Christian Church on Thursday, March 28, at 7 pm. Illiopolis Christian and Niantic Christian congregations will also be joining the service.
Good Friday Service will be held at Niantic Christian Church on Friday, March 29, at 7 pm, with monologues performed by Rev. Michael Karunas and Rev. Vicki Woolridge of Central and Rev. Melissa Ebken of Illiopolis & Niantic.
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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.
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Livestream Returns!
With the finishing touches about to be in place, we were able to live stream the worship service after a year-long hiatus last Sunday. Thanks to Rutherford video for their assistance. You may see last week's service here.
We will livestream via Facebook (TM) on our Prairie Avenue Facebook page. The video will be posted to the Prairie Avenue website shortly after conclusion.
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This Week's Prayer Calendar
Congregations: Illinois St Christian Church, Lewiston, IL; Ipava Christian Church, IL; Mackinaw Christian Church, IL; United Church of Wayland, MI
Community: Decatur Public Schools Galloway, Nelson, and Clokey Park neighborhoods
Global Ministries: Cuba
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Grow in Faith
through listening, paying attention, and reading 5 verses a day
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Take a class, as you make friends and grow to know what learning, loving, and serving God and neighbor means in everyday life. | | |
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Sunday Night Study Concludes
March 24@ 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.
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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. | | |
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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.
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Birthdays/Anniversaries
March 24 - 30
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Birthdays
None
Wedding Anniversaries
None
Membership Anniversaries
(When you joined Prairie Avenue!)
27, 2016 - Debbie Vick
30, 1997 - Stephanie (Hodges) Peoples
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.
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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.
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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. | |
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DOVE, INC./HOMEWARD BOUND THANK-YOU: We received a letter of thanks from Dove, Inc. Homeward Bound:
Dear Jason & Prairie Ave Christian Church members,
On behalf of Dove, Inc. Homeward Bound, I would like to thank you for your donation of cleaning supplies received on March 13, 2024.
Your generosity and willingness to help those in need is truly very much appreciated. I truly appreciated all that you do.
Sincerely,
Lisa Garner-Smith
Administrative Specialist
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Our March Collection is over-the-counter pain medications for Dove, Inc. Aspirin, Tylenol, and Motrin (and their generic equivalents) will be collected for domestic violence and homeless services clients. | |
Easter Special Offering - Sunday, March 24 & 31 | |
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On Easter, we celebrate the power of the resurrection together with the whole body of Christ as one united church in multiple places with many gifts and languages.
Gifts to the Easter Special Offering support ministries that help Disciples share the limitless love of God that overcomes death. General ministries of the Christian Church share the good news from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth through:
- Health and social service ministries that meet the basic needs of neighbors.
- Mental health resources for pastors and congregations.
- New congregations worship in a variety of languages and worship styles.
- Leadership development programs that nurture new leaders in the church and the world.
- Support for hospital and military chaplains serving around the world.
- Stewardship education for congregations to grow in their practice of generosity.
- Relationships with global mission partners serving in communities impacted by conflict and climate change.
- Opportunities like the General Assembly, where the church can gather for worshipful work.
- And so much more...
The Easter Offering supports these general ministries of The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):
Center for Faith and Giving, Central Pastoral Office for Hispanic Ministries (Obra Hispana), Communication Ministries, Christian Unity and Interfaith Ministry, Disciples of Christ Historical Society, Disciples Home Missions, Disciples Women, Division of Overseas Ministries (Global Ministries), Higher Education and Leadership Ministries, National Benevolent Association, National Convocation, New Church Ministry, North American Pacific/Asian Disciples, Office of the General Minister and President, and Treasurer Services.
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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. | | | |
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HVAC Repair Update
King-Lar investigated our heating issues in both the sanctuary and education wing boilers. The sanctuary boiler was not operating at full pressure due to a closed water line. The education wing boiler recirculation motors had worn out their driveshaft bearings, failing to circulate water throughout the building. We have not yet received the bill for parts and labor.
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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.
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For instructions in registering your Kroger Rewards Card, Click Here.
The Organization code for Prairie Avenue Christian Church is: BY235.
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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.
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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. | |
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. | | | | | | |
