American Lutheran Church, Gibson City, Illinois“Committed to Love and to Serve”

May 2018 Newsletter

From Pastor Jim Davis

The following statement has been issued by the Lutheran World Federation, of which the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is an affiliate:

Expressing “grave concern over the dangerous escalation of the conflict in Syria,” the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) condemns any use of chemical weapons in international and non-international armed conflicts. LWF is furthermore calling for alleged breaches of international law banning the use of chemical weapons to be independently investigated, and addressed thoroughly and swiftly.

In a statement issued on April 14, LWF President Archbishop Dr. Panti Filibus Musa and General Secretary Rev. Dr. Martin Junge, on behalf of the global communion of churches, call for “an immediate halt of the spiral of military retaliatory action that is leading the world closer to global military conflict.”

The LWF calls for a response to the current challenges in Syria that would strengthen the international instruments of justice and peace, developed by the global community of states to address conflicts after the traumatic experiences of World War I and II.

The LWF calls upon the leaders of governments and the United Nations to:Make use of the available instruments, conventions and procedures to address any

dispute and conflict among and within States, as well as any breach of international obligations;

Not to dismiss or ignore these instruments, conventions and procedures, where they may have failed to deliver on their purpose. Instead, urgently reform and improve them so that they work for the sake of humankind;

Remain accountable to customary International Law while addressing conflict and alleged breaches of internationally binding conventions.

The LWF calls upon its member churches to:Pray for justice and peace in the world, and particularly at this time in Syria and the

Middle East.Publicly support and advocate for the de-escalation of this spiral of conflict; andPublicly hold their governments accountable to International Law as the only way to

safeguard lasting peace and justice in the world.

”Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27

People in our Prayers

Dick Anstrom, father of Rich Anstrom is a resident of Gibson Hospital Annex.Jerry Biggart, nephew of Bette Mohart continues to recover from a motorcycle

accident and several subsequent surgeries.Carrie Breum, grand-daughter of Frank & Margaret Stocker is teaching in Asia.Isaac Brucker is serving in the U.S. Army Airborne Unit at Fort Bragg, N.C.Lisa Buhs, daughter-in-law of Judy Buhs is battling MS.Carly Chase has completed two years of chemo treatment while attending

elementary school. Her twin brother is a former student of Kelly Tompkins.Emma Couillard, mother of Jeanette Bartells has health concerns. Heather Eisenhardt, grand-daughter of Bette Mohart is serving in the U.S. Navy

at Great Lakes Naval Station in Chicago.Jeff Finis, cousin of Kevin Buhs, is fighting cancer.Judy Friedlein, a long-time friend of Pastor Jim is battling cancer.Herb Green is on Hospice Care.Alex Happ, grandson of Carol Carlson is serving in the U.S. Marines. We keep

Alex in prayer as his continuous, non-stop migraine headaches have returned.Chuck Hay continues physical therapy to strengthen his legs and re-learn how to

walk. Nancy Hay is caregiver for Chuck and her father, Lou Wahls.Steve Heavilin, brother of Bev Baker is receiving treatment at Barnes Jewish

Hospital in St. Louis.Paul Hellyer, nephew of Kim Brucker – prayers for guidance and direction. Denise Horton, a family friend of Molly Schroader is fighting cancer.Terry Hutchcraft is battling kidney disease.Dale Jones is a resident of Heritage Healthcare with dementia. Gary Keim is undergoing testing.Ada Kennedy is a resident of Gibson Area Hospital Annex.Patricia Lindsey, an acquaintance of Gary Keim, is battling cancer and reactions

to the cancer prescriptions.Nancy List is a resident of the Gibson Area Hospital Annex.Jerry Mieczkowski, son-in-law of Bette Mohart, gives thanks that his head and

neck cancer is in remission.Pastor Dennis Norton of First Baptist Church is fighting a rare lung disease. He

is raising 4 young children with his wife, Linda.Jeff Randecker, brother of Kim Brucker, suffers from depression.Toby & Mayra Roberts are friends of Pastor Jim. Mayra is very ill and undergoing

a series of tests to determine the cause(s) of her illness.Jim Spangler has health concerns.Mary Timm has health concerns.Daelin Tolan is a 4th grade student in Ridgeview Elementary School with an

inoperable brain tumor.Cindy Tucker is preparing for back surgery.

Lou Wahls, father of Nancy Hay is a resident of Prairieview Lutheran Home, Danforth.

Happy Birthday!

John Bielfeldt 1 Axl Bane 9 Max Johnson 21Jordan DeFries 1 Avery Bane 12 Rita Peters 22Jodi Johnson 1 Gary Stroh 14 Bonnie Buhs 24Jared Thompson 2 Skylar Doman 15 Judy Tjarks 25Will Mussman 2 Lucy Foster 15 Wesley Mussman 27Chandler Gregerson 5 Larry Bartels 16 Emily Bleich 28Betty Brokate 8 Danielle Borders 19 Brea May 28Cynthia Davis 9 Patricia Lemke 21 Becky Craig 29

Happy Anniversary!

Mike and Wendi Zalaker 21Mike and Barb Bleich 24Gary and Peggy Lutterbie 25Leo and Janna Rexwinkle 25

Congratulations and God’s Blessings to our 2018 Graduates!Eli Brucker, son of Tom and Kim Brucker, will graduate from GCMS. He will continue to work at McDonalds and study media production at Parkland College.

Jared Thompson, son of Tobie and Darcy Thompson, will graduate from GCMS. He will be attending Southern University at Edwardsville to study Electrical Engineering.

Connor Wahls, son of Becky Craig and Glenn Wahls, will graduate from GCMS. He will be attending Parkland College in the fall studying kinesiology. 

Connor Bowen, son of Rick and Julie Bowen, will graduate from GCMS. He will be attending Lakeland College in Mattoon. 

Caleb Wahls, son of Becky Craig and Glenn Wahls, will graduate from Parkland College in May with a degree in Motorsports Automotive Technology.

We rejoice with the Family of Sawyer Hie Buhs, who was baptized on April 8th! Sawyer is the son of Kyle & Lisa Buhs. Sponsors are Zach & Amber Frick.

Grandparents are Kevin & Lori Buhs and Cindy Hewitt. Great-grandparents are Judy Buhs, Larry and Carol Kinney and Shirley Dupuis. May God bless Sawyer as he grows in his knowledge and faith in God!Lilies on the altar Easter Sunday were given to the Glory of God by:

Gayle & Judy Glascock in loving memory of Ethan Glascock.

Kathy Branz in loving memory of her parents, Orvin & Cleona Branz.

Pastor & Cynthia Davis – In Memory & In Honor of the saints of Servants United Parish. Marilyn, Delene & Family, Dori & Family in loving

memory of Delbert Riblet.Ron & Willy Stevenson in loving memory of

Remmer & Esther Cramer. Ron & Willy Stevenson in loving memory of

Ed & Beth Stevenson

We enjoyed a wonderful Easter Breakfast before our Easter morning Worship Service. A number of people enjoyed a lot of good food and fellowship. Thank you to everyone who fixed food and for all of those who joined us!

Would you like to plant a garden this summer? Pastor Jim is taking a break from gardening this summer, so space is available in the garden south of the parsonage. Please see Pastor if you are interested.

Tune in to Moments of Grace on WGCY Radio Station – 106.3 FM at 7:30 every Sunday morning to hear Pastor give a reflection on the worship theme for the week.

If you or a loved one is hospitalized or undergoing surgery, please contact Pastor. Hospitals are not allowed to contact or provide information to churches or members of church staffs.

Be sure to fill out an Attendance Card every Sunday morning and place it in the offering plate! This will help us keep accurate attendance records for synod reporting

and contributions. It is also an opportunity to share notes or prayer requests with Pastor; and to update your contact information.

Worship Assistants – May*

Head Usher – Brad Tompkins / Assistant Usher – Rodney SchrackAltar Guild – Evelyn Andris and Liese Holsten

May 6 th May 13 th – Mother’s Day Coffee/Refreshments –

Servants United Acolyte – Pastor JimJoint Worship at Greeters – Tobie & Darcy ThompsonTrinity Lutheran, Chenoa Asst. Minister – Jim Spangler

Reader – Cynthia Davis Comm. Assts. – Cynthia Davis and

Willy StevensonOffering Counters – Ron & Evelyn Andris Offering Counters – Darrell & Sharon

NunamakerSound Tech – Ron Andris

May 20 th May 27 th Coffee/Refreshments – Coffee/Refreshments – Acolyte – Kim Brucker Acolyte – Reagan TompkinsGreeters – Mike & Rona Eyer and Greeters – Jerry & Mary Tompkins

Ron & Carol Bielfeldt Asst. Minister – Kevin BuhsAsst. Minister – Willy Stevenson Reader – Regan TompkinsReader – Jewel Lewis Comm. Asst. – Ryan & Misty TompkinsComm. Assts. – Joyce Hutchcraft and Offering Counter – Willy Stevenson

Kim Brucker Sound Tech – Ron AndrisOffering Counters – Kevin & Lori BuhsSound Tech – Tom Brucker

*If you are unable to attend church on the date listed, please trade with someone or find a replacement, and contact the Church Office so the

change can be noted in the bulletin. Thank you for sharing your time and talents to enhance our worship experience!

Servants United Update . . . . . .

A Call Committee is working on calling a third pastor to Servants United Parish, with primary responsibilities to Community Lutheran in Cornell and St. Peter’s Lutheran in Dwight. A candidate is currently in the process of being interviewed.

Our next Pulpit Exchange is on May 20th – Pastor Ed will lead worship at St. John’s in Sibley and then here with us at American. Pastor Jim will be at Community (Cornell) and St Peter’s (Dwight); and Pastor Ruth will be at St. John’s (Anchor) and Trinity (Chenoa).

You are invited!! MAY 6 TH AT 10:30 A.M.

SERVANTS UNITED PARISH WORSHIP SERVICE and PICNIC IN THE PARK!!!

A meal will be provided byTrinity Lutheran Church members. They will be serving pulled pork sandwiches, drinks, sides, and desserts!

If you plan to attend please let Darcy Thompson (217-781-1144 –leave message if no answer) by Monday, April 30th so Trinity will have enough food to feed us all.

Hope you can all make it!

Chenoa City Park Pavillion! Zubeck Field is located on Division Street,2 blocks East of Trinity Lutheran Church. We will meet at the pavilion close to the water tower and close to the Public Library. You may park close to the park or at our church

and walk across the Methodist Church parking lot to the park. Bring a lawn chair if possible. If inclement weather, worship will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church.

Following the outdoor service, we invite you to join us in food and fellowship at the church Parish hall.

COME AND ENJOY!

Mother’s Day May 13th

31st Annual Synod Assembly ~ June 7-8-9, 2018 The I-Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign, IL

Let Pastor Jim or Gerry know if you are interested in attending as a representative of Servants United Parish.

May 3, 2018 is

Cleaning House? If you find treasures that you no longer want, then set them aside for our Annual Garage and Bake Sale on August 23, 24, & 25. It is preferred that you mark your own items, but if you need help or have any questions, please contact Sharon Nunamaker (217-649-9974).  This has been a good fundraiser for us in the past!

All semi-retired and retired folks are invited to meet for Coffee and Conversation on the third Tuesday morning of the month from 9:00 – 10:00 in Parish Hall. Our guest speaker on Tuesday, May 15th is Wes Johnson, a licensed fur trapper from Pontiac,

IL. Join us for an hour of informal and informative discussion! Coffee & Conversation will then take a break for the summer and resume meeting again the third Tuesday in September.

American Evangelical Lutheran Church – Gibson City, IllinoisChurch Council Minutes –March 14, 2018

Members Present: Mike Eyer, Barbara Bielfeldt, Darcy Thompson, Gary Lutterbie, Jim Spangler, Pastor Jim DavisExcused: Ryan Tompkins, Lori Buhs and Curt MillerCall to order: Vice-President Mike Eyer called the meeting to order at 7:28 PMPrayer and Devotions: The meeting followed the Bread & Soup supper and the Lenten worship service.Reports: Secretary: The 01/31/2018 Council minutes were available for council members’ approval. Treasurer: Darcy reported a 03/14/2018 checkbook balance of $1,942.71. The 02/28/2018 detail Financial Report is posted on the bulletin board on the west wall of the Parish Hall. Parish Education: Nothing new to report at this time.Trustee: Gary Lutterbie will check on water coming under the kitchen door when it is windy.Team Reports:Christian Fellowship: Easter Breakfast will be served at 9:00 AM on 4/1/2018 and worship will be at 10:30 AM.Scout Sunday went well on 2/11/2018. Ten scouts participated in the worship service.There was a good turnout for Ash Wednesday Breakfast at ALC and evening services at Sibley St. Johns on 2/14/2018.Community Resource: We will assist with the Food Pantry distribution on Saturday, 3/24/2018 and 4/14/2018. Help is needed for both Friday and Saturday.30 people from several community congregations attended the Human Trafficking Workshop on Saturday, 3/10/2018 at American Lutheran Church with guest speaker retired ELCA Pastor Al Erickson from St. Paul, Minnesota.40 people from several NE Conference Congregations attended the Annual Spring Assembly in Forrest on Sunday, 3/11/2018. Guest speaker was Pastor Al Erickson.Prayer Team: Continues to meet twice a month.Stewardship: On hold until we have someone come forward to chair and form a committee.Pastor’s Report: The Pastor will provide a monthly written report of his activities for Servants United. This is posted on the bulletin board with other Servants United information.Rotation Sunday is 3/18/2018 with Pastor Ed Hudelson

Coffee and Conversation will be Tuesday, 3/20/2018 with Merle McCallister from The Jake Boys. Steve Kelly from One Earth Energy LLC will be the speaker for the 4/17/2018 meeting. Coffee and Conversation will take a break from June thru August and resume in September.Maundy Thursday services with communion will be at the Methodist Church on 3/29/2018 at 6:30 PM.Good Friday (3/30/2018) services will be held at Community Lutheran in Cornell at 7:00 PM with Pastor Jim and 4 pastors from the Cornell community. Pastor Ed Hudelson will lead the service at Anchor St. Johns and invite members from Sibley St. Johns and American Lutheran at 7:00 PM. Easter Sunday services will be at 7:00 AM at Sibley St. Johns followed by breakfast. American Lutheran will have breakfast served at 9:00 AM and worship service at 10:30 AM.Kyle and Lisa Buhs request their son Sawyer be baptized on Sunday, 4/8/2018.Kathy Branz, John and Stephanie Rosenbeck would like to join American Lutheran Church.Pastor Jim will be attending the Nebraska Men in Mission Retreat on Thursday, 4/19/2018 thru Thursday, 4/26/2018. He will be serving as a leader and will also receive training to plan the Illinois event in October.Pastor is not going to put out a garden this year and would like to offer the garden space to members.Approval of Reports: Darcy Thompson moved to approve all reports as read. Jim Spangler seconded. Motion passed. Servants United Parish: Mike Eyer will be the Servants United Call Committee Member.Joint Servants United outdoor worship service will be at Chenoa Trinity Lutheran Church followed by a picnic on 5/6/2018.Joint Servants United Reformation Service with a Harvest Theme and Octoberfest menu will be held at American Lutheran Church on Sunday, 10/28/2018.Old Business: Jim Spangler got the 6’ and 8’ tables and fiberglass ladder on Tom Brucker’s Wish List. Darcy will tell Tom to pick up the 2 chafing dishes and long tongs and forks. These are being purchased with Lavina Miller’s memorial.Jim Spangler is checking into the Ameren Energy Efficiency Program.The council will review the donation for the Gibson City Food Pantry in second half of this year.New Business: The council would like to schedule a dinner with spouses and outgoing President Lisa Gregerson and her husband. Barbara Bielfeldt will determine a date. It was decided to meet at Railside.Jim Spangler will meet with Pastor on Thursday, 3/22/2018 to discuss next year’s Foundation of Faith classes.Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 6:30 PM. Adjourn: Jim Spangler moved to adjourn. Gary Lutterbie seconded. Motion passed at 8:49 PM.The meeting was closed by reciting the Lord’s Prayer.Respectfully Submitted,

Barbara Bielfeldt, Secretary

THESE MINUTES WERE APPROVED BY CHURCH COUNCIL ON APRIL 18, 2018.

May 20181 Tuesday2 Wednesday Pastors Prayer Meeting – 8:30 am3 Thursday National Day of Prayer4 Friday5 Saturday6 Sunday Moments of Grace – WGCY Radio – 7:30-7:45 am

Servants United Joint Worship – Trinity Lutheran, Chenoa – 10:30 am Servants United Council Meeting – Chenoa – 2:00 pm

7 Monday DAR – noon luncheon – Parish Hall 8 Tuesday Little Achievers – Muffins with Mom – 8:00 am and 11:45 am

Bible Study at Holly Brook – 2:30 pm9 Wednesday Little Achievers – Muffins with Mom – 8:00 am and 11:45 am

Community Pastor’s Meeting – 8:30 amQuilting – Parish Hall – 9:00 amWorship with Holy Communion – Heritage Health Care – 2:00 pm

10 Thursday Little Achievers – Spring Program – 3 year olds – 9:30 am and 1:30 pmNortheast Conference Pastor’s Meeting – 9:00 am – Normal, ILPrayer Team – Comfort Room – 1:00 pmWELCA Bible Study – St. John’s Lutheran, Sibley – Parish Hall – 2 pm

11 Friday12 Saturday13 Sunday Mother’s Day

Moments of Grace – WGCY Radio – 7:30-7:45 amWorship – 10:30 amPonderosa 4-H Club – Parish Hall – 3:00 pm

14 Monday15 Tuesday Coffee & Conversation – 9:00-10:00 am – Wes Johnson, Licensed Fur Trapper

Poured Out Church Planning Meeting – Methodist Church – 6:30 pmLittle Achievers – Graduation Program – 7:00 pm

16 Wednesday Pastors Prayer Meeting – 8:30 amChurch Council Meeting – Parish Hall – 6:30 pm

17 Thursday Little Achievers – Year end Picnic – 3 year olds18 Friday Little Achievers – Year end Picnic – 4 year olds19 Saturday20 Sunday Moments of Grace – WGCY Radio – 7:30-7:45 am

Worship – 10:30 am – Pulpit Exchange – Pastor Ed Hudelson21 Monday Cub Scouts – Parish Hall – 7:00 pm22 Tuesday Pastor at Ford County M-Team Meeting – Noon23 Wednesday Pastors Prayer Meeting – 8:30 am24 Thursday Prayer Team – Comfort Room – 1:00 pm25 Friday26 Saturday GCMS High School Graduation

Graduation Party for Eli Brucker – Parish Hall – 3:00-5:00 pm

27 Sunday Moments of Grace – WGCY Radio – 7:30-7:45 amWorship – 10:30 am

28 Monday Memorial Day29 Tuesday30 Wednesday Pastors Prayer Meeting – 8:30 am31 ThursdayAnd I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me and I'll proudly stand next to him to defend her still today, 'cuz there ain't no doubt I love this land, god bless the USA. -Lee Greenwood

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. -John F. Kennedy

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Are there any issues, topics, or Bible readings that you would like to have addressed during our Sunday morning sermons? If so, please write them here, tear off on the dotted line, and either put it in the offering plate or give it to Pastor after our worship service.

American Lutheran Church905 East First StreetGibson City, IL 60936217-784-4841americanluthgc@sbcglobal.netwww.americanlutherangc.com

Office Hours:Gerry – Tue, Wed & Thurs – 9 am – noon

Pastor Jim – Thursday – 9 am – noon / Other times by appointment(Pastor’s day off is Monday)

Church: 217-784-4841 / Parsonage: 217-784-5444 / Cell 309-826-4968

May 2018 NewsletterPastor – Jim Davis

Parish Secretary – Gerry GallagherPresident – Ryan TompkinsVice President – Mike EyerSecretary – Barb Bielfeldt

Treasurer – Darcy Thompson

Financial Secretary – Lori BuhsDeacon – Curt Miller

Parish Education – Jim SpanglerTrustee & Council Representative – Gary Lutterbie

Trustees – Mike Peters and Rodney Schrack