Sad News

I am very sad to notify all of you that Colin Rives, grandson of Bill and Judy Daubenspeck, passed away this morning. I'll have more information later.  Please pray for the Daubenspeck family.

Sincerely, Kent

Updates

Alexis is home and has spent her first night at Barb's house. There is going to be a signup on the calendar each day for someone to call Barb to see if there is a need, just to check on them. The signup calendar is www.carecalendar.org/logon/248671. Security code: alexis. The current request is for a wedge shaped pillow because Alexis is not supposed to lye flat yet. Prayers for Barb and Alexis. 

Colon Rives has been admitted to Cardinal Glennon Hospital. Colon and his family need our prayers.

Delores Fisher remains in recovery at Missouri Baptist Hospital. Healing prayers requested.

Tomorrow's service will be one combined service at 10:00am with a catered chicken dinner to immediately follow the service. We are requesting deserts everything else will be provided. 

As a reminder if there are any prayer requests or hospital visit requests please call the church office at 618-656-4648. 

Funny Story On Me

You have heard me say I don't follow sports. Well this past week when I was looking for volunteers to help with the chicken dinner, I only got one response at first.  It was Sally McLaughlin. I texted her back and said, man I think I made a huge mistake on this chicken dinner. I forgot that it is Super Bowl Sunday. Then I find out it is not Super Bowl Sunday! This is true!  And this is also true, as of this minute I have absolutely no idea who is in the Super Bowl. 

See you tomorrow! Let's eat "Chicken!" 

This Sunday!

This Sunday's Service will be at 10:00am!  Then you have to eat! 

Immediately following the service everyone is invited down stairs to the all church chicken dinner sponsored by PCF.  You and your family are invited to join us!  Lets break bread together and talk!

Sometimes meal times can be a wonderful place of fellowship and flow of ideas. I'm sure Jesus sat around the meal table at night with his disciples many times and taught them many things about the Kingdom of God. 

Needs for this Sunday: 

• 4 volunteers needed to help Mark set up the fellowship hall for the lunch.
• Donated deserts
• Deserts need to be cut and plated
• Coffee and drinks need to be made
• After lunch cleanup

If you would like to help please send me a text or email so I know we will have everything covered. 

I appreciate your help! 

Hospital Updates:

Alexis may be released from the hospital tomorrow. If she is, Barb Weiss will need help getting Alexis from the hospital to her home. If you are available and can assist, please call me and let me know. 

Mary Knapp is home from the hospital. She said she is glad to be back home!

Delores Fisher is doing a little better today. Pastor Jackie said they had her up for a bit to stand. She is still at Missouri Baptist. 

Mike Rodgers has had back surgery and is still in the healing process. We pray that this surgery will help alleviate some of his chronic pain. 

See you on Sunday! Love, pastor kent and pastor jackie

Pastor Kent's phone #

Fried Chicken This Sunday!

This Coming Sunday we will be having one combined service at 10:00am. with a fried chicken lunch following the service in the fellowship hall. 

Jackie and I will be looking over this past year and all of the wonderful ministries our two churches have supported. I think you will be amazed of all that we have accomplished. Immediately following the service we will gather in the fellowship hall to a catered "Fried Chicken Dinner from DK's market in Hamel!"   Hey, if there is fried chicken and pie, I'm in!  That's all I'm saying.  Come and join the after church conversation this Sunday. You never know what God might be planning for us this year!  

Jackie and I both continue to work closely together. It is our desire to lead this church wherever the Holy Spirit leads us!  This Sunday Jackie will be kicking off a new sermon series that we will both be participating in, my favorite topic, Love!  

Needed: Deserts for this Sunday's dinner!  

Health Updates:

Alexis Tharp: She is obviously very sore and swollen but doing well. She has been moved out of ICU and has an occupational therapist starting to get her up and walking.  

Delores Fisher: Delores had open heart surgery yesterday and remains at Missouri Baptist Hospital. Pastor jackie reports that she is doing better.

Mary Knapp:  I just found out this morning that Mary has been at Anderson hospital with dizzy spells I do not have any additional information at this time.

I hope you will plan on joining us this Sunday at 10:00am! You are welcome to come join us! 

Love, pastor kent

Important Update

Just to keep everyone posted on a couple of our church family members who really need prayer. I got a report this morning that Alexis is experiencing some pretty severe pain and is also experiencing some swelling on the side of the face that the surgery was on. She is doing well according to the doctor. Alexis is at SLU Hospital in the ICU.

I spoke with Jackie a few minutes ago and Delores Fisher has been transferred to Missouri Baptist and needs immediate open heart surgery. Jackie is on the way to the hospital now to be with the Fisher family. 

Please pray for these two ladies. 

On a happier note, Barb Weiss is back home from Hawaii! Well it may not be as happy for Barb since she was getting used to palm trees and beautiful warm sunsets. 

At this point I want everyone to know that Alexis probably will not be going to Barb's house until Saturday. At that time, Barb will assess the situation and know more about what she will need as far as support. What we do not want!  We do not want people to randomly start showing up at Barbs house to offer help. As good as the intention is, that can be very disruptive. I know many of you are willing and ready to help out which is wonderful, however, let Barb find out exactly what she needs first. Then, I will make sure that the need is put on the sign up calendar. (see below)  This way Barb can plan and know when and who is doing what. It makes for a much less stressful environment for Barb, Alexis and Audrey.

Thank all of you for the great outpouring of love and support. I will also keep you updated on Delores Fisher as I get the news. 

REMINDER:  This Sunday we are having one service at 10:00am with a lunch following catered by DK's.  We are planning on having a traditional Sunday "Fried Chicken Dinner with mashed potato's, Green Beans, Rolls, etc.  We would like to have deserts donated!  Jackie and I would like to see a great turnout this Sunday. It is a Sunday of Fellowship for our two churches who have been worshipping together for over a year now. I promise you, you won't want to miss DK's fried chicken!  It is awesome. 

God is active and working in all of our lives. But it is up to us to recognize Him, acknowledge Him, and tune into Him so that we can understand and have peace about where He wants to guide us! 

*UPDATE: Ok, right before I was going to send out this blog, I got a phone call from Alexis' friend Caraline who is at the hospital with Alexis this morning. Caroline is leaving this afternoon to go back home to Denver, Co. She is wanting to know if there are any of our "Gals" from church who could pop in and check in on Alexis this week until she comes home to Barbs on Saturday?  I will have times put on the Calendar open for visits. That way all you have to do is sign up. That way we will know if visits are covered. Thank you.  The calendar address www.carecalendar.org/248671.  Security code: alexis

Stay tuned.  More to come!  Love, pastor kent

Alexis Update #2

Alexis is in recovery and appears to be doing very well. She was smiling and talking. She told me she had a headache!  Imagine that! She is waiting for a room in the ICU where she will be staying for the next two days. It's amazing to me that someone who just had brain surgery can be awake and talking so soon after surgery. 

We will continue to pray for healing and rapid recovery. 

I also want to note that I spoke with Pastor Jackie today and found out Delores Fisher had a slight heart attack and is at Anderson Hospital.  That is all I know at this point so let's also be lifting Delores and her husband Floyd up in prayer. 

Our Prayer List also includes:

Adam Behrhorst, this young man is 18 and a senior at Metro Luthern High School.  He has cancer and is having his foot amputated this Thursday. 

Colin Rives. We continue to lift up Colin to our healing God. Colin continues to battle cancer. Bill and Judy Daubenspeck are Colin's grandparents. 

Lee and Mary Knapp's grandson Connor and his family need continued prayer for healing and residential solutions for Connor.  

Stan Rutkowski, Gods healing touch and God's peace. Stan is Darlene Hank's brother. 

Mike Rodgers, Healing from back surgery and success to alleviate back pain. 

We praise God for the successful surgery on Alexis!

Love, pastor kent

Alexis Update

Good morning everyone. I was with Alexis this morning before she went into surgery. She was doing well. I met her doctor and he seemed to be a very kind spirited man who was very comforting and confident that her surgery should turn out fine. I was told that the surgery take approximately 6 hours so I won't have any updates until later today. I will post to this blog as I have additional information.

I know several of you have requested info on how to help Barb Weiss and Alexis after she comes home from the hospital. Below is a link to a sign up calendar with various things that we anticipate we will need. This calendar should help everyone know what is needed and who is signed up to help out and when.  That link is www.carecalendar.org/248671.  Security code: alexis

Yesterday we saw and felt the outpouring of God's spirit when we all surrounded Alexis in prayer. We truly have a wonderful little church! 

I will be posting more later this afternoon as I have more information. 

Sincerely, pastor kent

This Sunday!

Don't Lock The Door To New Realities in Your Life

 I am going to take a look at what the setback in the Garden of Eden can teach us about our life today. 

All of us are living our life by a set of rules that determine how we see the world.  Some of those rules move us toward God and others move us away from God. There are also other influences in our daily life that are either helping us move toward God or away from God such as the people in our inner circle. "Where is Your Crowd Taking You?" 

Praise Community Fellowship will be leading worship this Sunday. Service time is at 8:45am.  We are located at 800 North Main Street Edwardsville. 

Prayer Requests

Alexis Tharp prayers for healing of brain aneurysm. Her surgery will be on January 23rd at SLU hospital. She is expected to be in the hospital for 3 or 4 days. It is at this time that we will be looking for extra help for Audrey, her 4 year old daughter and support for Barb Weiss who has graciously opened her home to Alexis and Audrey during her time of recovery. We will have a website sign up sheet available soon to help coordinate meals and other help like getting Audrey to pre-school. More info to come!

Colin Rives. We continue to lift up Colin to our healing God. Colin continues to battle cancer. Bill and Judy Daubenspeck are Colin's grandparents. 

Lee and Mary Knapp's grandson Connor and his family need continued prayer for healing and residential solutions for Connor.  

Stan Rutkowski, Gods healing touch and God's peace. Stan is Darlene Hank's brother. 

Mike Rodgers, Healing from back surgery and success to alleviate back pain. 

If you have a need of prayer or other needs, please contact Anita in the church office so we can get you on our prayer list or to offer other help. The office number is 618-656-4648.

KID’S NIGHT OUT This Friday! January 20th

Children ages 3 through those in 5^th grade are invited to attend Kid’s Night Out on Friday, January 20^th beginning at 5:30 pm.  The children will share a meal together, play games and do various other activities, and watch a movie together while munching on popcorn.  The evening concludes at 8:30 pm.  Please RSVP by replying to this message, or phone the church office, 656-4648.  More helpers are needed, as this program continues to grow.  Please consider whether you can help serve and clean up after the meal, help supervise during games, or give aid in any other way.  If you have questions, call Kiffon Lewis at 210-9628 or Jill Winte at 314-422-6734.

Jackie Havis Shear  United Methodist Pastor   618-656-4648

Kent Schuette    Neutral Denomination Pastor  618-334-3575

Stay Home!

Based on all the latest weather reports, I have decided to call off the service tomorrow. I am doing this just to be safe in case there is ice on sidewalks. I will miss all of you but I will be back next Sunday!

Root in, stay warm, be good!

No service tomorrow! Please get the word out!

Love, pastor Kent

I Think We Are On Go for Tommorrow!

The Storm of the century seems to have fizzled. So, unless something radically changes, church is on go for tomorrow! Obviously, if you wake up and there is ice everywhere, stay home! But it doesn't look like that is going to be the case.  I will send out another blog if the weather should begin to deteriorate.

Look forward to seeing everyone at 8:45am.

Love, pastor kent

Stay Informed, Mark Your Calendars!

This Sunday I will be giving the sermon weather permitting. Here is the updated preaching schedule through February. All services begin at 8:45am except for the service on the 29th which will be at 10:00am! 

SUNDAYS

• January 8           Kent 
• January 15th      Kent 
• January 22         Kent
• January 29        Jackie  One service and Brunch to follow worship in Fellowship Hall. *
• February 5         Kent
• February 12th    Jackie
• February 19       Kent
• February 26th    Jackie

* The service on January the 29th is a 5th Sunday service which will be held at 10:00am. We will be recognizing the volunteers who help make the services possible as well as the board members who serve behind the scenes. Following the service that day, Praise Community Fellowship will be sponsoring a catered lunch for everyone in the fellowship hall following this service. It is a time the two churches to come together for some fun, food and fellowship. 

Important Happenings!

The weekend Lunch program is still delivering lunches every weekend at two locations in the Glen Carbon Area.  This ministry is lead by Faye Heuchert. Faye is always looking for volunteers to help with this wonderful ministry, feeding kids! If you can help Faye out give her a call at 618-444-5650.

Our two churches will begin planning an after school program soon. There will be several of us meeting to plan the activities. This after school program will be held a couple time each month to start. If you are interested in being part of this program contact pastor Jackie or Kent.

KID’S NIGHT OUT

Children ages 3 through those in 5^th grade are invited to attend Kid’s Night Out on Friday, January 20^th beginning at 5:30 pm.  The children will share a meal together, play games and do various other activities, and watch a movie together while munching on popcorn.  The evening concludes at 8:30 pm.  Please RSVP by replying to this message, or phone the church office, 656-4648.  More helpers are needed, as this program continues to grow.  Please consider whether you can help serve and clean up after the meal, help supervise during games, or give aid in any other way.  If you have questions, call Kiffon Lewis at 210-9628 or Jill Winte at 314-422-6734.

LET’S PLAY TRIVIA!!

How big of a movie buff are you?  Come find out as our youth host “A Night at the Movies” Trivia Night on Saturday, January 21^st.  All questions will be movie-themed from different decades and types of movies.  Doors open at 5:30 pm, with play beginning at 6:00 pm.  Cost is $10 per person, with 8 people per table.  Popcorn will be provided free, and there will be soda and bottled water available to purchase.  Please sign up on the sheets in the Hospitality Room, or call the church office, 656-4648 to reserve a spot.

 55+ FELLOWSHIP

Bring in the new year with your 55+ friends!  Come join us for a warm evening of fellowship and hot soups or chili.  On Sunday, January 22^nd at 6:00 pm, come join us in the Journey’s Inn Room.  Bring a small pot of soup or chili to share with everyone, or bring a side dish or dessert.  We always have good foods and an enjoyable time.  Tableware and drinks are provided.  All are welcome – young and older.  If you have any questions, call Sharon at 633-2659.  You are encouraged to also bring some supplies for the Glen-Ed Food Pantry: canned goods, paper goods or personal items.  Hope to see you on January 22nd.

Prayers Requested

Alexis Tharp prayers for healing of brain aneurysm. Alexis is scheduled for her first procedure on Jan. 12th at SLU hospital. This procedure is to map out the aneurysm prior to surgery. The actual surgery will be on January 23rd. She is expected to be in the hospital for 3 or 4 days. After her release Alexis will be going to one of our members homes for recovery. It is at this time that we will be looking for extra help for Audrey, her 4 year old daughter and support for Barb Weiss who has graciously opened her home to Alexis and Audrey during her time of recovery. 

Colin Rives. We continue to lift up Colin to our healing God. Colin continues to battle cancer. 

Lee and Mary Knapp's grandson Connor and his family need continued prayer for healing and residential solutions for Connor.  

Stan Rutkowski, Gods healing touch and God's peace. Stan is Darlene Hank's brother. 

Prayers for God's direction and mission for our two churches. If you have a need of prayer or other needs, please contact Anita in the church office so we can get you on our prayer list or to offer other help. The office number is 618-656-4648.

Weather Conditions  There is the possibility of icy conditions for this weekend. I will keep you posted via this Blog regarding this Sunday's service.

Love, pastor kent 

"Come to Me, and I Will Give You Rest!"

This Sunday, January 8th, I am going to look at the hard question, "Where is God When Bad Things Happen?" I know this looks as if it is not a very uplifting topic to start the new year, but I think you will find out that this is a very important topic that will have a lot of meaning to quite a few people in our congregation. 

This life is very fragile. Too often we take our times of blessing and good health and good fortune for granted. I believe this service will be a blessing for all. If you have family or friends that may be going through some tuff times, something that may have them questioning the reality of God, this would be a good service for them to come to. Service time is 8:45am and lasts an hour. We are located at 800 North Main Street Edwardsville in the Immanuel Methodist Church.

This will be a service of Hope, God's Word, and uplifting music. Sometimes there is great peace and comfort in meeting with others who are walking down a tough path. "Come to Me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest!"  Love, Jesus.

This Sunday we will also share in Holy Communion. "Come for all things are now ready!"

Prayers Requested:

Alexis Tharp, Healing and God's peace. 

Bill and Judy Daubenspeck's grandson Colin, prayers for healing and God's peace. Colin is 13 and has cancer. 

Mary and Lee Knapp's grandson Connor, healing for severe head trauma and complications. Peace for his mother and family.

Stan Rutkowski, God's peace, love and healing.

Mike Rodgers, healing for back and God's peace.

All those who are suffering and need God's healing and peace.

Announcements:  

2016 contribution tax letters will be available Sunday for pick up from Jenny Baugher. The rest will be mailed. 

We are needing to update the address and phone numbers of our members. Jenny Baugher will be set up before and after the service this Sunday. Please stop by and make sure she has you correct information. 

Happy New Year with God's blessing! Today is a good day to spend time with God! 

See you Sunday! Love pastor Kent

Day One! 2017

The best "two word" question for the first day of this New Year, "What If?"

This New Year I am asking huge "What If" questions for our little church. I will be sharing them soon. 

Here is what I observe and what is being placed on my heart as a Christian. There is immense suffering in this world. It is found all over in all kinds of ways. Much of the worlds suffering is caused by political, religious, and racial intolerance and hate. As a Christian, I have to ask myself, "What is my obligation and responsibility to the suffering I see in so many places?" Do I just go about my life and ignore it, or do I do something, try something, get involved in some way to at least make a difference in one persons life? If I fail, at least I fail while trying.

Another observation.  There are enough Christian Churches in Edwardsville alone to make a big dent in some of the un-neccessary suffering around us. If we took the amount of money we are spending on the operating budgets of just our local churches, I bet it would be well over a million dollars a year. Think about all the salaries, the insurance, the utilities, the maintenance, etc. just to keep the church buildings open and comfortable. 

I have to ask myself is this simple question, "What is more important to Jesus, maintaining a beautiful church building that keeps it's members happy and comfortable, OR feeding, clothing, housing, caring for and loving the poor, the outcast, and the suffering? "

Kick that question around in your heart this coming week and then get back with me what the Holy Spirit whispers in your ear! 

1 John 3:17-1817 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

See you next Sunday January 8th! Love, pastor kent

Two churches worshipping as one. Immanuel Methodist and Praise Community Fellowship. 800 North main St. Edwardsville. Sunday mornings at 8:45am.