Granite City Area Cluster Report - United Congregations of the

United Congregations of
Metro-East
Rekindling our Communities
Rekindling our Economy
Rekindling our Democracy
Fire of Faith Campaign– 2012
Vol. 9
2
FIRE OF FAITH
Public Action Meeting
October 14, 2012
Hosted by
New Life Community Church
East St. Louis, Illinois
UCM believes, by working in faith and fellowship, people can transcend their differences to
work for peace, justice and equity for all. UCM is an affiliate of the Gamaliel Foundation,
which teaches ordinary citizens to unleash the power within themselves to collectively impact
the social, political , environmental, and economic decisions affecting their lives.
For more information, please call 618-451-1458, send e-mail to [email protected] or
go to www.ucmetroeast.org
With Gratitude
We are thankful for the willingness of all who extend themselves to contribute to our cause, even in times of adversity. As we lift one another
up, we develop the positive and trusting relationships that call forth into
the world the peace, justice, and equity that each and every one of us
longs for in our deepest hearts.
The ads in this Report to the Community contribute significantly to our annual budget. We are grateful for the trust and investment of all who purchased
ads. UCM would especially like to recognize small “main street” businesses
which are the backbone of healthy, sustainable communities. Please give
those advertising here your business and pass the word around that they care
about the work we do.
We would also like to thank people who helped make this ad book a success
through sales and production.
Our UCM office secretary, Sharon Morgan, has demonstrated her patience
and attention to detail throughout many hours of paper shuffling and record
keeping. Carol Juen, Jessica Wernli, and Sharon Morgan assembled the ads
and placed them in the book. The front cover was designed by Carol Juen.
Recognition is due to the leaders who spent hours reaching out to
business owners in order to bring these funds to our organization.
Cheryl Sommer and Ken Aud were the leading sales people.
As you flip through the pages, you will notice that this year’s
book also contains various faith perspectives of our theme:
Fire of Faith, written by three of our leaders.
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Our 2012 Ad Book is dedicated in memory of
Helen Stumpe
Reverend Victor Ramsey
Joanne Watts
All were dedicated leaders with hearts on fire for
Justice.
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MEMBER CONGREGATIONS
Central Christian Disciples of Christ Church – Granite City
First United Presbyterian Church - Granite City
Church Women United – Granite City
St. John United Church of Christ – Granite City
St. Peter Evangelical UCC – Granite City
Greater St. James Church of God in Christ – Madison
O'Fallon United Church of Christ – O'Fallon
St. Clare Catholic Church – O'Fallon
St. Nicholas Catholic Church – O'Fallon
New Life in Christ Interdenominational Church – O'Fallon
O’Fallon Apostolic Assembly
Community of Christ Church - O’Fallon
First Presbyterian Church – Edwardsville
New Bethel United Methodist Church – Glen Carbon
St. Cecilia Catholic Church – Glen Carbon
Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church – Collinsville
College Avenue Presbyterian Church – Alton
First Unitarian Church – Alton
Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church – Alton
St. Ambrose Catholic Church – Godfrey
Harvest Christian Fellowship Church
Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church – Alton
Unity Fellowship Church – Godfrey
Ursuline Sisters – Alton
Good Shepherd of Faith UCC – East St. Louis
New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church – East St. Louis
New Life Community Church – East St. Louis
St. Augustine of Hippo –East St. Louis
John Devine Missionary Baptist Church –East St. Louis
Shining Light Missionary Baptist Church –East St. Louis
Southern Mission Missionary Baptist Church –East St. Louis
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church – Venice
Gethsemane Church of the Living God
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SUSTAINERS
2011-2012
Sustainers are people who make a regular, set financial contribution to UCM. They are the life blood of our organization because their contributions are reliable. More importantly, they believe in our mission and join directly in
our efforts by investing from their own wealth. Some are able to give more, some less. Every sustainer donation is
treasured regardless of the amount. No matter how great our vision, it will not come to fruition without funds to
support our work. A big thank you goes out to our sustainers-for their financial gifts, trust, and shared vision.
Neil and Nan Adams
Tom and Carol Juen
Ken and Linda Aud
Muriel Kratz
Max Aud and Barbara Brundage
Bob and Betty Kueker
JoAnn Barnett
Mike Lampe and Cheryl Sommer
David Clohessy and Laura Barrett
Bette Meyer
Mike and Jennifer Bedesky
Patricia Murrell
John and Noncy Dooling
Wayne Politsch
Richard and Johann Ellerbrake
Jeff Rains
Carlos Fernandez
Doris Robinson
Betty Gerth
Audrey Stewart
Karen Harrison-Gunter
Helen Stumpe
Kathryn Hendrix
Elizabeth Trimmer
Beth Hendrix
Ron and Mary Trimmer
Bill and Patricia Henggeler
Mark Von Nida
Jan Hines
Ruth Williams
Emily Ilch
Gail Wyatt
Mary E. Johnson
John and Betsy Slosar
If you would like to become a Sustainer of United Congregations of Metro East, please call the office at 618-4511458, contact us by email at ucmetroeast.com. or by regular mail at PO Box 166, Madison, IL 62060. Several
methods exist for making your payments and we will be happy to make arrangements for the method that best suits
your needs. Why not start now by making a commitment to contribute at least a small amount regularly? If you are
not able to become a Sustainer at this time, please consider making a one-time donation. Your financial assistance
is greatly needed and we promise to use your gift wisely.
Friends & Patrons
Friends and Patrons are additional contributors to our 2012 ad book
and our cause for justice.
Sam Aleman
Bel-Clair Electric, Inc
Lavista Ecological Learning Ctr
David Dombek
B. J. Hetherington
Becky Hetherington
The Vineyard Gifts of the Spirit & The Abby Espresso Café
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Granite City
Mitchell
Madison
Venice
UCM
Cluster
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Granite City Area Cluster Report
The Granite City Cluster of Churches has been working this past year to make Granite City a part of
Illinois Cool Cities. Cool Cities is a Sierra Club led initiative run by citizens with a goal of reducing
greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, etc.) at the municipal level. Additional benefits include: reduced air pollution, improved public health, and reduced energy costs.
We began our action by building relationships with our city government officials. Our members participated in several one-on-ones with Granite City Mayor Hagnauer. We also did one-on-ones with all
the city council members in our community. As we participated in our one-on-ones, we learned that
our members and the members of our city government shared a common goal: to improve our city by
making it a cleaner and better place for our families, especially our grandchildren, to live.
We also learned through our one-on-ones with the mayor that our city government had already began
providing many green initiatives in our city without the credit and recognition of being a part of Cool
Cities. At the mayor's request, we formed a Cool Cities Committee to develop an informational program about what it means to be a part of Cool Cities to present to the city council. The committee
consisted of members of our cluster of churches and our allies: Sierra Club, United Steel Workers,
the Blue Green Alliance, SWIC, the City Government, University of Illinois Metro-East Air Quality, and
Madison County Sustainability. The presentation occurred at the Granite City Council meeting on August 21, 2012. The presentation was very well received. At the following council meeting on September 4, 2012, the Granite City Council voted unanimously to have Granite City join the Cool Cities
Initiative in Illinois.
Our Cool Cities Committee will continue to work with the mayor to reduce greenhouse gases by using
smart, practical energy solutions that reduce energy waste and pollution, reduce our dependence on
oil, benefit public health and save money. Our committee is presently working to educate the public
in our community about aggregation which will be an issue on our November election ballot. We need
to inform the public about what aggregation means so that our community will understand its benefits
for our citizens and will vote yes. If aggregation passes, our committee will provide the mayor with
our assistance with the aggregation program. We will assist the mayor in setting up a greenhouse
gas inventory and a Cool Cities Action Plan specific for the unique needs of our city. Lastly, we will
provide ongoing support and assistance to the mayor and city council in meeting the goals of Cool
Cities.
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502 E. CHAIN OF ROCKS RD.
GRANITE CITY, IL 62040
(618) 797-7835
(800) 645-1341
32 oz. Fountain Drink for $.89
3901 Pontoon Rd
Granite City, IL 62040
618-787-1800
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Barney’s
Andy’s Auto Body
Brake & Wheel Alignment
Towing & Storage
Self storage units
Schwarzkopf & Sons
Complete Auto Repair since 1940
Lock out service
1330 Madison Ave.
Madison, IL 62060
2311 Madison Ave. Granite City, IL 62040 (618) 452-1312
618-452-1234
Fax: 618-451-1234
JERRY’S CAFETERIA & CATERING
BUENGER ACCOUNTING
Serving our famous old family recipes
with pride and friendly service!
Individual & Business Taxes
Cafeteria Hours
Tue.-Sat. 11am –7pm
2235 Pontoon Road
Granite City, IL 62040
618-797-0852
Sun 11am– 4pm
Let us make your Wedding or
other Important Celebration a TRULY
SPECIAL OCCASION
with our experienced Catering
Staff
618-797-0801
visit us on FaceBook
1920 Edison Ave.,
Granite City, IL. 62040
618-452-0078
www.jerry’scafeteria.com
CLOSED MONDAYS!
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Jesus Blesses Trying Times
By Rev. Aaron Ban
St. Peter United Church of Christ
2101 Cleveland Blvd., Granite City, IL
Worship Sunday 10:15
Then Jesus looked up at his disciples and said:
"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
"Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled.
"Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
"Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man.”
(Luke 6:20-22)
Look at these words of Jesus and think about what a scandal they are! Who in his right mind would claim that
the poor, the hungry, the people who weep, and the people who are hated, excluded and reviled are “blessed?”
Our culture, and even some of our churches, would have us believe that “blessings” are material possessions, financial security, feeling good, high credit scores and popularity. The Bible offers an alternative understanding of “blessing.”
The people of ancient Palestine, where Jesus lived, were not very different from modern-day Americans. Especially in an election year, everybody’s looking for a leader with integrity, grit, and some solid plans
of action to bring wealth closer and send foreign enemies further away. In a similar way, the people around Jesus thought maybe he could be the warrior-king who would save them from the Roman Empire that occupied
their homeland. He turned out to be a very different type of savior.
He was born under a cloud of scandal—no one was really sure who his biological father was. There
were rumors that he was born in a barn.
He grew up to be a carpenter, which is not the type of career that one would expect of a future savior or
king. It would have been respectable enough, however, had he not left that job to wander the countryside as an
itinerant teacher, preacher and healer, completely dependent upon the people he visited for basic food and shelter.
He was not respected by the churches of his day. Whenever he taught around religious establishments,
he was kicked out or otherwise disrupted. Rather than clergy, he much preferred the company of others who
had left their jobs, mostly ex-fishermen, as well as prostitutes, lepers, common criminals and the criminally insane. When he spent time with these people, they seemed to come away stronger and healthier.
He had a particular soft spot for children, who added little to the gross domestic product, and were
known to misbehave in public.
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For all of his defiance of the typical rules of his own society, Jesus was arrested, accused, jailed, beaten and killed. All the while, the Romans continued to dominate his homeland, and the religious leaders continued their hypocrisy. When he was publically executed on the brutal-but-typical cross, the whole cause
seemed lost.
But something happened on that bloody day. Although Jesus died, the cause of justice for the poor,
food for the hungry and laughter for those who cry did not die. It never will. This is the deeper meaning of
“resurrection.” No one can kill the love of God.
It is my hope that United Congregations of the Metro-East continues to grow, and that through the
compassion that God provides, we will become even more like Jesus, aware of the needs around us, offering
blessings and healing in our community.
Jesus was not a savior in the popular sense—rather than using violence, he used words. Jesus did not
give out blessings in the popular sense—he did not get rich and hand out money, but got poor and handed out
truth.
Jesus offered his blessing to the poor and hungry and to those who weep, to those who are excluded
and hated by the majority. Maybe you are one. The bottom line of the good news of Jesus Christ is this: “you
are not alone.”
As seen through the Bible, trying times and suffering become a blessing when they cause us to see the
suffering around us more clearly, stripping away our pride and binding us more closely to our community.
Even the cross has its place. Jesus died because we needed to know that even death could not kill the
love and truth that he stood for. This is the deeper meaning of “Christ died for us.”
As a Christian pastor, the truth Jesus spoke not only affects my vote, but my entire life. Too many
Christians like me seem to have forgotten these important words of blessing. In a nation where most citizens
claim some sort of affiliation with a Christian church, we still struggle to house all of our citizens, educate all
of our children and feed all of our widows.
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[email protected]
Sonshine Unlimited
KEEP UP ALL THE
GOOD WORK!
4025 Pontoon Road
Granite City, IL. 62040
“Precious Moments Items”, Music, Gifts,
Cards, Videos, Christian Books, Choral
Music, Curriculum, Material for Adult Bible
The Rains Family
Studies and Youth, Church Supplies
618-797-0420
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618-797-0446
Brad and Carol Bowker
Brad’s Flowers and Gifts
Hardware – Paints – Plumbing
Lumber
Heat & Air Conditioning Parts
3949 Pontoon Road
Pontoon Beach, IL 62040
What do you need? We’ve got it!
5th & Madison Ave.
Madison, IL 62060
When you say it with flowers,
Say it with ours!!!
618-877-4300
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3365 Fehling Road
Granite City, IL 62040
618-451-2300
“In the end, you can
never accomplish a worthy
end with an unworthy
means.”
Stephen Covey
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Congratulations U.C.M. on
another successful year of
working for justice.
Mark Von Nida,
Madison County Clerk
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Flowers Wired
Worldwide
618-931-6593
The Flower Emporium
520 E. Chain of Rocks Road
Granite City, IL. 62040
Arrangements
Exotics
Fruit Baskets
Plants
Debbie Hollis
Certified Floral Designer
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In Granite City
Headaches
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Neck Pain
Back Pain
Sciatica
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“Since 1932”
United Steelworkers
Local 1899
AFL-CIO
Executive Board
President – Dan Simmons
Financial Sec. – Walt Winters
Recording Secretary - Don Ogle
Guide – Donnie Cathey
Trustee – Rhonda Krekovich
Trustee – Terry Biggs
Trustee – Randy Virgin
Vice-President – Phil Chism
Treasurer - Bob Wheatley
Guard – Dan Drennan
Guard – Kathy Loepker
Grievance Chair - Tom Ryan
Office Secretary - Lauren Bozzardi
Unit Chairs
Clerical & Technical – Rhonda Krekovich
US Steel Security – Brian Doty
GCSCU – Sandy Boyer
Stein Steel Mill Services – Dan Koetting
Tube City – Kevin Schmidt
——————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Business Office
2014 State Street, Room 304
Grievance Office
2334 East 25th Street
Granite City, Illinois 62040
Granite City, Illinois 62040
618-452-1899
FAX 618-877-0325
618-452-3400
FAX 618-452-3410
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S. O. A. R.
(Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees)
Chapter 34-2 in
District 7 – Sub-District 2 Illinois
USW
(United Steel Workers)
For Information Contact: 618-452-1130
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O’Fallon
Lebanon
Belleville
Fairview Heights
UCM
Cluster
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O’Fallon Area Cluster Report
The O’Fallon Area Cluster has modeled a united community this year through
their partnership with the YMCA. In the past, the O’Fallon Cluster has been
awarded for their work of empowering low income and disadvantaged residents.
They continue their hard work this year as they work with the YMCA to build
relationships with the local residents of a low-income neighborhood. The Cluster
also continues to work with the residents of Rock Springs Estates Mobile Home
Park. In addition, the Cluster leaders have gone door to door to register residents to vote. Through these efforts we are continuing to remain present in the
neediest communities in O’Fallon. The Cluster remains focused on advocating
for more quality and attractive affordable housing in O’Fallon. The Cluster is
also looking to work on city-wide recycling.
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AFLAC Insurance
Rena Marie Hopper—Agent since 2003
Number one agent in the state of Iowa—2011
First Iowa agent to be awarded the Million Club Award
Member of UCM and Saint Clare Parish, O’Fallon, Illinois
Phone: 618-477-1236
515-418-0829
Fax:
618-416-0720
[email protected]
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O’Fallon YMCA
YMCA of Southwest Illinois
284 N. Seven Hills Road
O’Fallon, IL 62269
Phone: 618-628-7701 Fax: 618-628-7706
YMCA Facility Hours:
Mon-Thurs: 5a.m.-10p.m.
Friday: 5a.m.-9p.m.
Sat.: 7a.m.-6p.m.
Sunday: 12noon-6pm
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All the great things are simple,
and many can be expressed in
a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.
-Winston Churchill
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www.wfh-ofallon.com
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope.” NAS
Jeremiah 29:11
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Alton
Bethalto
Godfrey
Wood River
UCM
Cluster
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Alton Area Cluster Report for 2012
Members of the Alton Area Cluster have been busy in the past year:
-- A number of us have worked on foreclosure issues through the Homeowners Support
Network;
-- Many members became voter registrars and worked in various settings – churches, senior citizen centers, food distribution centers, and at community events – getting people registered to vote;
-- The Cluster was a sponsor on the Coalition for Concerned Citizens’ grant application to
the Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery to provide financial support for the Coalition’s summer education program;
-- Some of our members met with the mayor of Alton to discuss several community-wide
concerns, including the increasing number of people coming to churches asking for financial assistance;
-- Members of the Cluster participated in the YWCA “Race Against Racism”;
-- A task force of five met with Alton’s Director of Public Housing to see if there might be a
way the Cluster could effect change in the public housing settings;
-- A prayer group met monthly through June;
-- A book study group is set to begin in October.
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Working for lasting social change to benefit all citizens
Members of College Avenue Presbyterian
Alton, IL
Jan Hines
Al and Jill Goewey
Mark Russell
Doug and Chrissy Bristow
Karen Wilson
Lindell and Sandy Bristow
June Mosele
Sandy Monroe and Daughters
Jane Sullivan
Don and Sharon Jenkins
Karen Gunter
Rev. Dale Jackson
Edie Chappell
Larry and Marilyn King
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TO
UNITED CONGREGATIONS OF THE METRO EAST
CHURCHES UNITED FOR CHANGE
Two are better than one,
because they have a good reward for their toil.
Ecclesiastes 4:9
UNIT FE
OWSHI CHURCH
1 01 W. Delmar Godfrey, IL 620 5 (61 ) 66Rev. Charles . Burton, Jr., JD, astor
Join us for Sunday Morning Worship at 10:30 am / Sunday School at 9:00am
The
Ursuline Sisters of Alton
support
The United Congregations
of Metro-east
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"Fire of Faith: Rekindling our Economy, Rekindling our Democracy, Rekindling our
Communities"
“I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already enkindled.” (Luke
12:49)
The fire is the fire of love, and, in fact, all sacred writings have at the center the message
of love. Jesus clearly calls us to express our love when he challenges us: “Whenever you
did this to the least of mine, you did it to me.” (Mt 25:40) As plant leaves filled with
light can give oxygen into the atmosphere, so we, if we are fully open to God’s love, are
able to give that love to our neighbor in acts of mercy and justice.
When the power of love has more influence than the power of money, our democracy
will be rekindled. Government “of the people, by the people, and for the people”, is diametrically opposed to government “of big money, by big money, and for big money.”
Free speech is for persons, and corporations are not persons.
Rekindling the fire will free up our possessions to be shared for the Common Good. This
will ensure that everyone has resources available to have the education, health, and employment necessary to succeed. Then the economy will be rekindled.
Rekindling the love of neighbor involves doing for others as you would have them do for
you, thinking of the happiness of others, and, in short, no longer making self the center of
the universe. We are better together than each one for self. This renewed life and unity
means rekindling our communities.
In a world dominated by power, possessions, and pleasures, we are called to witness the
true meaning of love.
-Sister Betty Carpentier, Ursuline Sister
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www.lammersflowers.com
[email protected]
2506 College Avenue
Alton, Illinois 62002
Best Wishes
To
UCM
Rick Faccin
Madison County Auditor
2521 Edwards St., Alton, IL 62002
(618) 465-3571
1313 West Delmar, Godfrey, IL 62035
(618) 466-3573
727 E. Bethalto Blvd., IL 62010
(618) 377-4000
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The Fire of Faith
In the 1
th
chapter of the book of I Kings there is a story of a man who had the courage to put his faith in
action, risked everything he had, challenged an unjust King and Queen, spoke truth to power and raised the conscience of a nation. The King was Ahab. His queen was Jezebel. The man was Elijah. The nation was the country of Israel.
As the story goes, the country had fallen on hard times. Ahab and Jezebel had done much evil in the eyes
of the Lord. They killed most of the Lord’s prophets and replaced them with the prophets of Baal. Drought and
famine plagued the land. Injustice sat on the thrown. Children were being sacrificed to idol gods, and the people
and the prophets were silent. Armed with nothing but his faith in action, Elijah took action. He held a one on one
with the King. He agitated the people. He organized a public action meeting at Mount Carmel. He challenged
the King and his prophets. And he asked the King, the prophets and the people to return to God.
God responded to Elijah’s faith in action with fire. The fire represented the very presence of God; God’s
word of deliverance through which he spoke at the burning bush; God’s guiding light as made manifest through
the pillar of fire through which He lead the people out of Egypt; and means by which God accepted His children’s sacrifice. When Elijah put his faith in action, God showed up with a delivering word, light for guidance
and God accepted his sacrifice as worthy. When Elijah put his faith in action the people broke their silence in the
face of injustice. They stopped the prophets of Baal who had been sacrificing children to idol Gods. Moreover,
the drought ended.
The fire of faith is the supernatural spirit of change that is produced when ordinary courage puts faith in
action. The fire of faith is what happened when an ordinary shepherd named Moses had the courage to put his
faith in action, God responded with fire and the people started a movement that liberated millions of slaves. The
fire of faith is what happened, when an ordinary housewife named Harriet Tubman had the courage to put her
faith in action and Underground Railroad was born and hundreds of slaves were delivered to freedom. The fire of
faith is what happened, when an ordinary seamstress named Rosa Parks had the courage to put her faith in action,
millions rallied and the Civil Rights movement was born. The fire of faith is divinely driven change that grows
out of the sacrificial service of the people of faith. The fire of faith is that divine spiritual force that aids ordinary
mortal courage after we put faith in action. Build a fire of faith. Put your faith in action.
-Pastor Charles K. Burton
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Glen Carbon
Edwardsville
Collinsville
UCM
Cluster
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Glen Carbon/Edwardsville Cluster Report
Glen Carbon/Edwardsville Cluster is steady developing their congregations using
organizing methods and tools. Both New Bethel UMC in Glen Carbon and First
Presbyterian in Edwardsville are gearing up to perform listening campaigns with
their parishioners. We have had One to One training and Core Team training to
move these efforts forward. We are hoping to develop deeper and more meaningful
relationships with our congregants. Once the passions of the church members are
realized, they will head out into the communities! Our inreaches will become outreaches as we build the same kind of relationships within the community. We understand that church reaches beyond four walls.
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As people of God, we are the Catholic Christian family of St. Cecilia who strive to continue the
mission of Jesus - to serve others with care and compassion.
As a loving community, we are called


To grow spiritually in worshipping God through prayer and sacraments,
To study God's revelation in scripture and tradition,

To celebrate God's love by our words and our actions as we attempt to become more Christ like in our journey of faith.
We rely on God’s grace, Christ’s love, and the gift of the Holy Spirit to accomplish this mission. Amen
St. Cecilia Catholic Church
155 N. Main Street
Glen Carbon, IL 62034
618-288-3200
Thank you UCM for your commitment to social justice for all.
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John & Betsy
Slosar
Friends of
UCM
55
221 St. Louis Street
Edwardsville, Illinois
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“Darkness cannot drive out darkness;
only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love
can do that.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Thank you UCM for showing that light and
love can create a powerful force for change.
Carol and Tom Juen
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East St. Louis
UCM
Cluster
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East St. ouis Cluster Report
Our newest cluster in East St. Louis has been reaching their hands far into
the community. Since Superintendent Mr. Arthur Culver’s commitment to
meet with parents, the East St. Louis Cluster has been holding Parent Summits where the parents get a chance to have their concerns addressed. This
continual dialogue between the Superintendent and parents in East St.
Louis is a powerful shift from the past when parents were completely excluded from decisions regarding School Dist. #1 9. Now, parents are rediscovering their power and using it to voice their concerns and demand
change.
The East St. Louis Cluster is also addressing the issue of minority exclusion from construction jobs. The Cluster is creating a Community Table of
workers, union leaders, and local decision makers to ensure that minorities
have the opportunity to benefit from the infrastructure projects that come
to the community. When a project comes to our community, we want to
take part in it. We have ready and willing hands and feet in our community, we just need the opportunity to work
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Rekindling Your Fire of Faith
When we consider the theme, “Fire of Faith”, there are a plethora of primary reasons why we must “Rekindle”
our faith.
As people of faith, we know that the writer of Hebrews explains its importance.
Hebrew 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he
is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
We want to be pleasing to God in all that we do. As we pursue this endeavor we face many obstacles. Life presents us with untimely, undesirable, unwanted, and unknown challenges.
These challenges are real and they pick a fight with our faith. We all have daily tasks to perform and in so doing
we meet with challenging realities such as…
Disappointment
Fatigue
Stress
Crowded and Competing Schedules
Family Issues
Job issues
Financial Setbacks and reversals
Sickness (personal and relational)
Death
These are just a few of life’s realities that pick a fight with our faith. However, we must WIN the fight… and we
win when we fight with Faith!
We are encouraged by the Word of God… when Joshua found himself in a fight with his reality; the word of
God unto him was…
“Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be you dismayed: for
the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
For many the light of faith is not gone out but it is flickering. We must not allow the challenging realities blow it
out. We must remember that our light has powerful purpose. Jesus said… in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so
shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
This means that others ‘need’ our light to help them navigate through some dark areas in their life. Not only do
others need our light, we also need it for our own dark areas. As a candle loses nothing in the lighting of another, we must fight our challenging realities with Faith, making the necessary sacrifices so we too, can light the
lives of others.
So be encouraged and empowered knowing that we can and we must…
Rekindle our Communities
Rekindle our Economies
Rekindle our Democracy
So, the next time life’s realities pick a fight with your ‘Fire of Faith’… just remember… Philippians 4:13, “I can do
all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
Pastor Jerome A. Rogers, Sr.
Shining Light M. B. Church
1216 Colas Ave.
East St. Louis, IL 62207
63
Congratulations
and
Best Wishes to UCM
from
Mayor Alvin Parks Jr.
City of East St. Louis
Seeking “Life More Abundantly— The Turnaround”
64
St. Louis and
Other Areas
65
Peace is a never ending process... It cannot ignore
our differences or overlook our common interests.
It requires us to
work and live together.
-Oscar Arias Sanchez
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UCM Strategic Partners and Allies
American Federation of State, County, & Municipal Employees
Campaign for Better Health Care
Catholic Urban Programs
Chestnut Health Systems
Coordinated Youth and Human Services
Faith Coalition for the Common Good
Focus St. Louis
Gamaliel of Illinois
Greater Madison County Federation of Labor
Hoyleton Youth and Family Services: Puentes de Esperanza
Illinois Coalition for Community Services
Illinois Education Association
Jobs with Justice
Latino Round Table
League of Women Voters
Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House
Metropolitan Congregations United
Pilsen Neighbors Community Council
Quad Cities Interfaith
Saint Louis University Public Policies Department
South Suburban Action Council
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Kimmel Leadership Center
Steelworkers organization of Active Retirees
Stop 158: Citizens for Smart Growth
University of Missouri St. Louis Public Policy Research Center
United Steel Workers District 7, Sub District 2: Locals 1889, 1063, and 50
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67
Index
Friends/Contributors
Granite City, Mithchell, Madison, Venice
Cluster
Granite City Area Report
First United Presb. Church Members
Jeff Rains and Family
7
Auto
Funeral Homes
Abner Gas Mart
Andy's Auto Body Towing & Storing
19
11
Barney's Brake and Wheel Alignment
Cee-Jay Auto Body
O'Brien Tire & Service Center
Rebcam Auto Parts
Snelson Collison Repair
11
25
24
23
17
Irwin Chapel, Inc.
St. John Cemetery
Chen Dentistry
Chestnut Health Services
Medicap Pharmacy
Medicine Shoppe
Metro East Dental Care
Nuwati Massage
Laura B. Shipley, Chiropratic
Talley Chiropractic
The Fountains
Dr. Philip S. Valicoff, Dentistry
17
Businesses
Bodies Kneaded
Buenger Accounting
Carpet City
IKAN Market U
McFarland Heating and Cooling, Inc
Ryterski Remodeling, Inc
Nameoki Village Marine
Shirts Galore & More
Sonshine Unlimited
True Value Pace Hardware
Ty-Cour Enterprises Inc
LPL Financial
11
11
23
10
16
19
14
10
14
17
20
11
LJW Tax service
Grab N Go
11
10
22
20
Healthcare Providers
Banks
Guardian Savings Bank
22
14
23
15
26
16
10
26
23
14
23
16
Public Services
Mark Von Nida, County Clerk
20
Public Officials
Dave Hylla, Circuit Judge
14
Real Estate and Insurance
Lueders/Ross Agency
State Farm - Dan Palovick
24
26
State Farm - Ray Morgan, Dan Palovick, Robert Diak, Charlotte Charbonnier
16
Restaurants and Grocery
Churches
Church Women United
9
First United Presbyterian Church Granite City
St. John UCC
8
9
Florists
Brads'Flowers & Gifts
17
Flower Emporium
Goff & Dittman
Shirl K Floral Designs
22
18
26
70
Cionko's, Inc.
Jerry's Cafeteria & Catering
Park Grill
Penn Station, Molina Enterprises
Uncle Linny's Family Restaurant
Weather Vane
26
11
18
18
18
17
Unions
United Steel Works District 7
USW Local 50
USW Local 1899
20
23
24
Cecil Property Management
Thoman Insurance Agency, LLC
Angie Zahn - Strano & Assoc.
Granite, Mitchell Madison, Venice ctd.
Unions
S.O.A.R.
25
38
32
34
Schools
O'Fallon, Lebanon, Belleville, Fairview Heights
Cluster
O'Fallon Area Cluster Report
Auto
Steve's Auto Body, inc.
Growing Scholars
Hoyleton, Youth & Family Services
28
Social Organizations
37
Earth Concerns Committee (St. Clare CC)
King's House Retreat & Renewal Center
O'Fallon YMCA
Churches
New Life in Christ Church
O'Fallon United Church of Christ
Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows
36
36
36
33
35
Alton, Godfrey, Bethalto Cluster
30
29
30
Cluster Report
Alton Area Cluster
40
42
Auto
Freer Auto Body & Accessories, Inc.
Roberts Ford Motors, The Value Store
Banks
Bank of O'Fallon
33
Churches
Businesses
Accredited Roofing
Braeutigam Orchards
C&K Heating and Cooling
College Avenue Presbyterian
College Avenue Presbyterian Members
(UCM)
First Presbyterian Church of Alton
First Unitarian Church of Alton
The Ursuline Sisters of Alton
Unity Fellowship Church
35
32
32
Funeral Homes
Schildknecht Funeral Home
Wolfersberger Funeral Home
47
46
38
38
41
42
43
43
43
43
Banks
Liberty Bank
Healthcare Providers
Memorial Hospital
37
Businesses
Cleary's Shoes & Boots
Lammer's Floral & Gifts
Lawns Landscape Design, Mike Voorhees
Maneke Jewelers, Inc.
Season's Garden Center
WBGZ Radio
Public Officials
Citizens for John West
32
Jay Hoffman, Candidate for Representative
34
48
Real Estate and Insurance
Aflac - Rena Hopper
32
Funeral Homes
Bridgeman Insurance Agency
37
Elias, Kallal, Schaaf Funeral Home
47
47
46
48
48
45
47
Healthcare Providers
Healing Touch Wellness Center
R. Duane Douglas
71
47
45
Alton, Godfrey, Bethalto Cluster Ctd.
Public Officials
Insurance
Norton & Rain, Inc., Insurance Broker
John Standefer Agency, Inc.
State Farm Insurance, J. Quakenbush
State Farm Insurance, Tom Lane
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45
46
46
Lawyers
Leonard F. Berg
45
Public Officials
Dan Beiser, State Representative
Rick Faccin, Madison County Auditor
45
47
Unions
Greater Madison County Federation of
Labor AFL-CIO
48
Collinsville, Edwardsville,
Glen Carbon, Troy Cluster
Cluster Report
51
Melissa Chapman, Appellate Court Judge
54
54
55
55
57
59
Real Estate and Insurance
Allstate: Dave Strong
58
Restaurants and Grocery
Green Earth Grocery
Red Apple
58
59
Unions
AFSCME Retiree Subchapter 59
UFCW, Local 881
56
59
58
58
East St. Louis Cluster
East St. Louis Cluster Report
Banks
The Bank of Edwardsville
The Edge Bank
53
Tom Gibbons, Madison County State's
Attorney
Barbara Crowder, Circuit Judge
Alan Dunstan, County Board Chairman
Ann Callis, Chief Judge
Judge Kyle Napp
Auto
Jack's Auto Repair
Jerry's Tire Sales
Stephen P. Nonn, Coroner
61
Public Officials
Mayor Alvin Parks
53
56
64
Real Estate and Insurance
Allstate- Brett Boyd
Churches
New Bethel
St. Cecilia
SIUE Campus Ministry
52
52
52
Center for Spirituality and Sustainability
53
Schools
Uni-Pres Kindercottage
Puentes de Esperanza
Catholic Urban Programs
Christian Social Services
55
58
62
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St. Louis and other areas
Denny’s
Lawyers
Lucco, Brown, Threlkeld, Dawson
Greg Roosevelt
Ronald R. Slemer
Patrick G. Johnston
62
Social Organizations
Friends/Contributors
John and Betsy Slosar
Tom and Carol Juen
64
Plowsharing Crafts
Schnucks eScript
Deaconess Foundation
Nerinx Hall
56
56
56
59
72
21
66
21
67
66
74