january 2016 - bonhomme church
Transcription
january 2016 - bonhomme church
JANUARY 2016 OUR BICENTENNIAL YEAR IS HERE! JOIN US FOR SUNDAY FUNDAYS EVERY WEEK IN JANUARY For a New Year celebration worthy of our bicentennial year, each Sunday in January we will highlight a Bonhomme ministry and inspiring stories of the lives it has touched. Come to Kilby Commons for food, fun, and fellowship following the 11 a.m. services. January 3: ALPHA DOGS: Great food and even greater stories of how lives have changed through Alpha! January 10: Meet our Missionaries: The Puttcamps will be here from Costa Rica. Come hear stories of their ministry, help them build a library of Spanish Bibles, and share some yummy treats! January 17: Family Snowball Throw and Hot Cocoa: Hear stories of Safe Families for Children and The Haven of Grace. Bring a pack of diapers or a gift card to Walmart or Schnucks to help support our mission partners. January 24: St. Louis Mission Day: Bring canned food donations and/or new gloves, hat or scarf to stock the Isaiah 58 food pantry and the “mitten tree” for Oasis and Freedom School. Enjoy delicious cinnamon rolls from The Bridge Bakery while together we pack and sort donations. January 31: First Ever Monthly Community Potluck Lunch: Bring a favorite dish to share. No reservations, no rules! Just come and enjoy spending a few relaxed minutes with your Bonhomme family. Open–ended questions will be provided to help us get to know each other’s stories, and Don Everts will share a few of his stories from India! ******************************* DANGEROUS GIVERS CAMPAIGN UPDATE It’s Not Too Late to Turn in Your Pledges It is critical for you to make your pledge as soon as possible. You can mail it to the Church Office to the attention of Deanna Simpson. The Budget and Finance Ministry will use the total pledged amount to forecast income and set the operational budget for Bonhomme in 2016. As of December 22, we have received 369 pledges totaling $1,968,286. Thank you to everyone for making this stewardship season a success. If you need any other assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Deanna Simpson, [email protected] or 636-532-3486. Thank you, Jeff Erkert, Stewardship BONHOMME FINANCIALS NOVEMBER FINANCIAL UPDATE INCOME Month YTD Actual BudgetOver(under) $222,161$229,295 $(7,134) $1,953,033$1,886,784 $66,249 OPERATING EXPENSES Month YTD $163,941$161,742 $2,199 $1,828,228$1,914,106 $(85,878) BALANCE IN RESERVE FUND As of 1/1/2015 $410,530 Surplus (Deficit) $124,805 A–Wing Allocation $(100,000) Current balance $435,335 ACTUAL INCOME VERSUS ACTUAL EXPENSE YTD Income $1,953,033$1,886,784 $66,249 YTD Expense $1,828,228 $1,914,106 $(85,878) Surplus (deficit)$124,805 $(27,322) $152,127 BONHOMME FOUNDATION ADVANCING MISSION AND MINISTRIES The mission of the Foundation is to provide an opportunity for members and friends of Bonhomme Church to make contributions to a permanently endowed fund in harmony with Bonhomme’s mission of “Knowing, Growing and Going with Jesus.” The purpose of the Foundation is to advance Bonhomme’s mission and ministry efforts by providing meaningful financial support to endeavors which spread the gospel and care for the less fortunate, with priority given to those which are new or innovative and not currently supported by Bonhomme’s mission budget. The Foundation understands that charitable gift planning requires considerable thought, reflection, and prayer. Our prayer is that your donation to the Foundation will leave a legacy that will last an eternity through the Foundation Grant program. Grant Guidelines: The Foundation will be accepting Grant submittals through February 15. The Trustees of the Foundation will ensure that Grants meet the basic objectives and support Bonhomme’s mission. Grant applications will be reviewed and awarded, normally in March, as funds are available. If you wish to submit a Grant Application Form on behalf of an organization, please complete the Grant Request Form listed on the Bonhomme Foundation link on the website, bonpres.org/support-ministries. BONHOMME MUSIC MUSIC MINISTRY OPEN ENROLLMENT PIANO FUND Now is a GREAT TIME to join one of our music organizations. Why don’t you come and give it a try? The Music Ministry is raising money for two new pianos: One for the Sanctuary, and one for the Choir Room. The current pianos in those areas have served us well for many years; now they are showing their age, and the time has come to replace them. Chancel Choir meets Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Choir Room If you attended Traditional Worship on December 13 or the Christmas Concert that afternoon, you saw and heard a new Yamaha piano which was loaned to us for that occasion by Piano Distributors. The difference in sound was noticeable, and a great pleasure to hear. Les Cloches (bells for middle school and high school) meets each Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Children’s MultiPurpose area Children’s Bells and Choirs meet each Wednesday beginning at 4:45 p.m. Come and join us! 2 You may contribute to the Piano Fund through the Church Office: Simply write Piano Fund on the memo line of your check, or designate it as you wish. Please keep in mind that donations to this fund should be in addition to your support of the church budget. BONHOMME PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MESSAGE FROM PASTOR TOM A PRIMER FOR THE NEW YEAR …Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14b–15 Recently I watched Bill and Melinda Gates’s 2014 commencement address at Stanford University on YouTube. They spoke eloquently on the importance of innovation and optimism in front of thousands of eager faces turned toward the future, and I thought to myself, “what better audience for an address like this.” I also thought to myself, “They aren’t addressing the fundamental problem, which, unless it is fixed, all the innovation and optimism in the world won’t help.” And that problem is us. Until we are radically changed at the core, until we are reborn, until we embrace the richness of Christ and his way of being and life, until we enter the kingdom of God and his service in humility, the rest will be deck chair shifting on the you know what. So I thought at the beginning of this new year, it might be worth reconsidering the basics for a moment—and they are found in Jesus’ first words in Mark’s gospel, printed above. First, we must recognize that “The time is fulfilled.” What time is that? The time when God chose to send his Son into the world to provide for the world’s reconciliation, redemption and restoration. Christians are called to be the ones who not only recognize that “the present form of this world is passing away” (1 Cor. 7:31) but to actually be living in God’s new world as his “new creations” (2 Cor. 5:17). Second, Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is at hand.” This is the thesis statement of Jesus’ ministry, and everything he says and everything he does is tied to it. Both his works and his words are demonstrations of the presence and power of God’s kingdom. Indeed, he comes not only to announce it, but to bring it in his own person. Third, “Repent. Repentance is not sorrow, it is not primarily behavior modification (although it will ultimately include that), repentance is “reconsideration.” It literally means to “think again.” Based upon the startling announcement of the presence of the kingdom we are to reconsider everything: Our values, our priorities our allegiances, our loves. All of these must be reconsidered and reordered in light of the arrival of the reign (kingdom) of God. Fourth, “Believe the Good News” The kingdom is good news, it gives us life, future, and hope. This is why repentance in the kingdom always brings joy—like a merchant who finds a pearl of great price, like a woman who finds her lost coin, like a man who finds a treasure in a field, like a shepherd who finds his lost sheep, like a man who finds his lost son. The kingdom decision is not hard to weigh, the math is simple and joyful! This inaugural expression of Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God, in Mark is the primer for Christians. This is the announcement we are called to herald. Unless we start here, in joyful submission to the Christ who is King, all the innovation and optimism in the world can neither save nor help us. Let’s remember, embrace and celebrate the arrival of God’s kingdom with the fullness of our lives in this new year. NEW COVENANT PARTNERS As we start a New Year, Evangelism Ministry is so happy to introduce Bonhomme’s new Covenant Partners (members), who were received by Session and joined our church family December 13! Each of them has said “YES” to a relationship in which the Covenant Partner and Congregation are both blessed as a Community of God that encourages, grows and “covenant together, intentionally, in Christ’s work.” This wonderful group of Covenant Partners brings gifts that will bless our church and community, as we bless them in return as family. Please welcome them warmly as you see them at worship and participating in the life of our church! Greg and Tricia Creel recently moved to St. Louis from Atlanta. They came to Bonhomme on the recommendation of Tom Pfizenmaier’s sister, and decided to stay! Greg is CFO at Equifax and Tricia is a Physical Therapist at SSM Health. Daughter Katie, 11, is in fifth grade and David, 7, is in first grade at Chesterfield Elementary. Christine Grogan moved back home after living in Florida. She joins her parents, Terry and Leisa; grandparents, Bob and Betty; and aunt and uncle, Laura and Jay Logsdon in making Bonhomme her church home. Christine has a doctorate in pharmacy and works at St. Luke’s Hospital. Shannon Kern also has been attending Bonhomme for quite a while. She is employed as a sales manager at Pilkington and Shannon’s daughter Shelby is a fifth grader at Henry School. Shannon joins her parents, Sue and Rick Kern as members of Bonhomme. AmyRuth and Jason Bartlett first came to Bonhomme to take the Marriage Course, then returned last spring to worship with us. Shortly thereafter, AmyRuth came on staff as Bonhomme’s new Minister of Community! Jason is a social worker and both AmyRuth and Jason are graduates of Covenant Seminary. The Bartlett’s are made complete with daughter Karissa, a first grader and son Immanuel, 2. Grace and peace, Tom Pfizenmaier THE PIONEER PRESS 3 COMMUNITY LIFE This Sunday while singing in the choir I looked out to see many of your faces, and I felt so thankful that the Lord has given you to me as brothers and sisters. I’m thankful that we get to learn how to love one another, and especially thankful that in God’s family, loving God and loving one another is our highest calling! In my current endeavor to love our community well, I have been pouring over the surveys that you each took time to complete. Thank you, by the way, for enduring that Sunday morning awkwardness to share your information and hearts with me. Each card feels like a little treasure, and I appreciate you all entrusting me with your honest feedback. I have been so encouraged by the results that I want to share some of what I’ve learned. First and most exciting to me, 52 members of our community have indicated that they would like to be equipped to lead a small group! Another 134 couples and individuals expressed a desire to be in a small group, with interests ranging from Church history to parenting, and everything in between. Finally, 111 others shared that they are already participating in one or two of the small groups that have been vibrantly weaving the fabric of our community for years. I also had a good response rate from people who are not interested in being part of a small group, which is valuable information for me since my goal is to help us build a community where each person has opportunities to be known and loved without being pushed to fit a certain mold. To give a brief outline of what I see happening next, I have sent an email to those who are already leading and those who showed interest in becoming small group leaders inviting them to a series of “Equipping Conversations” during our Spiritual Formation hour each Sunday. Later this spring I anticipate a weekend opportunity open to the entire congregation for those who would like to grow in developing deeper spiritual friendships. This event will be followed by the launch of several new small groups. If you’re eager to get started there are a handful of options you might consider: 1. Approach me about being trained to lead as there will be lots of relational opportunities in our class of “Equipping Conversations.” 2. Join one of the vibrant small groups that already exist in our church (many of them are continuously open to new members). 3. Talk to Brandon Mann about BBT (Biblical Business Training) as they have excellent opportunities for you to lead or join a small group Bible study at any time of the year. 4. Invite another family, couple, or single person to get together and ask open-ended questions so you begin knowing each other on a deeper level. In order to create more opportunities for open-ended conversations, Community Life has decided in addition to Wednesday Night Dinners, to host a potluck in Kilby Commons on the last Sunday of each month. Bring a favorite dish to share. No reservations, no rules. Just come and enjoy spending a few relaxed minutes with your Bonhomme family (energized and tired kids welcome!) Throughout this year I will also be working to compile a complete list of Bonhomme’s new and existing groups so that new members can find their way into our community with ease. In the meantime, I am asking for your patience. I want to carefully equip small group leaders with the wisdom and emotional intelligence to help us “get real and grow” as well as the patience to let each member take their own pace. This type of community building requires us all to grow in honesty and grace with one another and cannot be built assembly-line style. I am excited to serve as your Minister for Community, and look forward to seeing what happens as we work in earnest to create a solid path of growth for our community in the year to come. Blessings and Love, AmyRuth Bartlett Community Life is collecting items for Samaritans Purse Christmas Shoeboxes and BPW Easter Baskets all year long! Please bring as many of these items as you can throughout the year and place in one of the collection bins in Kilby Commons or Steffen Lobby. Come November we will have a box packing party with the hope that we can at least double the amount of shoeboxes sent to children around the world by our very own Bonhomme community. Follow this monthly suggestion, or bring it all every month. Just remember each item has to fit in a shoebox or Easter basket. Thank you for contributing! New Girl Clothes, Flip-Flops (Ages 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14) January: Shoebox size Plastic Bin with Lid, Dental Hygiene Items July: February:Small Gifts for Elderly Bonhomme Shut-In Easter Baskets August: School Supplies, Crayons, Colored Pencils, Pencil Sharpener March: Small Gifts for Boys’ and Girls’ Easter Baskets September: Instruments, Quality Crafts, Toys April: Easter Basket, Stuffed Animal, Coloring Books May: Soap, Brush, Comb, Hair Ties (No Liquids) / Help Assemble Baskets October: June: New Boy Clothes, Flip-Flops (Ages 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14) 4 Wrapped Hard Candy, Small Ball or Large Ball deflatedwith Pump November: Time to Help Pack the Boxes, $7 for Shipping December: Shoebox size Plastic Bin with Lid, Pray for Recipients BONHOMME PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BONHOMME MISSIONS HONDURAS MISSION TRIP—MARCH 2016 Save the date to come hear about the next trip to El Centro Integral Orphanage in Honduras! The informational meeting will be January 10 following the 11 a.m. services. We will meet in Room 3205. The trip is planned for the week of March 18, 2016. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to grow in faith and show the love of Christ to our Honduras family. DANCING FOR GOD’S CHILDREN The sixth annual Dancing for God’s Children was held at Bonhomme Presbyterian Church on November 14. Not only did the girls learn awesome dance routines, they also had the privilege to raise funds for El Centro Integral Orphanage in Honduras. Over $1,500 was raised to support this wonderful mission partner as these young women learned how to love and serve others. PERSPECTIVES CLASS IN CHESTERFIELD STARTS JANUARY 9 15 Weeks ... with 15 different speakers... from around the world... sharing what God has done, what he is doing, what He is going to do... and how YOU can be involved! Perspectives on the World Christian Movement is a dynamic course looking at biblical, historic, cultural, and strategic “perspectives.” By participating with kingdom-minded believers from numerous churches and other organizations from across the St. Louis area, you will be encouraged to continue in the advancement of God’s kingdom locally and globally. Come join the movement and expect to be transformed. Friendship Village Chesterfield Theater, 15201 Olive Blvd., Chesterfield, MO 63017 Saturdays, January 9–April 30, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. (no class March 19 or 26) Contact: [email protected] Register at: https://class.perspectives.org/Visitor/Public.aspx?ClassId=432685 About the class: http://www.perspectives.org/About There’s still time to register and to interact with many of today’s most dynamic and thoughtful cross-cultural thinkers! Not sure about the class? Come on January 9 and 16 to check it out … the first two weeks are FREE! THE PIONEER PRESS 5 BONHOMME MISSIONS RECEPTION FOR DAN AND SARAH PUTTCAMP—REACHING AND TEACHING IN COSTA RICA January 10, 12 p.m. in Community Room. Light snacks provided. Many pastors in the developing world are undertrained. They have the heart to serve the Lord and shepherd their flocks, but they lack the training necessary to teach and lead. Most of these pastors live in rural areas, they are the only leaders in their churches, and they work other jobs to scratch out a living and support their families. As a result, leaving their situation to earn an expensive seminary degree is simply impossible. That is why SOLAE Bible Center seeks to take Accessible Biblical Education to them. SOLAE offers these Costa Rican church leaders low–cost biblical and leadership training in their own home and at their own pace. Now, those who hunger to discover new depths of the Word of God can do so while continuing to serve their flock more effectively. Would you prayerfully consider investing in the development of Costa Rican church leaders? You can find information on how to give below. Your investment today will yield a strong Costa Rican church that is prepared to reach the people of Costa Rica and the whole world with the gospel. Daniel Puttcamp, son of Bonhomme members, Stan and Chris Puttcamp, directs the SOLAE Bible Center. Dan and his wife, Sarah, along with their children, Timothy and Tabitha, live in Atenas, Costa Rica serving with Global Outreach. Their work focuses on the formation of leaders in the Costa Rican church. While Dan is primarily involved with the direction and expansion of the SOLAE Bible Center and training the leaders of their local church, Sarah focuses on developing a women’s ministry and on training the women leaders of their church to reach other women for Christ. This is a particular challenge as women are an often disregarded demographic of the Costa Rican church. To give by EFT, Credit Card or online Please follow the instructions at: ps67.blogspot.com/p/give.html To invest in strong leadership for the Costa Rican church: To give by check Make your check payable to, “Global Outreach” Put “Account #4133” on the memo line; Mail to Global Outreach at: Global Outreach P.O. Box 1 Tupelo, MS 38802 To contact Dan and Sarah 785-371-0071 [email protected] www.ps67.blogspot.com Mail: Apdo, 409-4013 Alajuela, Atenas Atenas 20501 Costa Rica ALPHA AT THE HAVEN OF GRACE The residents of The Haven of Grace experienced their first Alpha course! Pam Douthit and Deb Hawley coordinated the course on Thursday nights and completed it the week before Thanksgiving. We went “old school” using the Nicky Gumbel talks on DVD and the young ladies really enjoyed “the old British guy.” Although we didn’t start the evening with a joke or a story, we were able to share a meal with the ladies before class and love on some adorable newborn boys. Each week, class was attended by five ladies, three of whom were pregnant and 6 the others were new moms. For those of you not familiar with The Haven, it is a residence shelter that houses up to 10 homeless pregnant women between the ages of 18-24. The ladies all come from a Christian background and are believers but like many of us they had lots of questions and were seeking something more. A recurring theme was “it is so hard to have faith in the world in which we live; how do we stay strong in our society?” While we didn’t have all the answers, we were able to point them in the right direction—each lady received a daily devotional book, a Study Bible and the Action Bible (thanks to Pam, Elizabeth Harris, and Jenn Whyman). Logistically it wasn’t possible to have a weekend retreat but we were able to discuss the Holy Spirit. It was a very powerful eleven–week journey that none of us wanted to end. The ladies asked for a Bible Study so let’s all pray that we can make that happen! If you have any questions about The Haven of Grace, please contact Deb Hawley, [email protected] or check out their new website at havenofgracestl.org. BONHOMME PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BONHOMME MISSIONS 2015 SPOTLIGHT MINISTRY CELEBRATIONS This past year the Bonhomme congregation has warmly supported our three St. Louis Spotlight Ministry Partners. Here are just the highlights from The Bridge, Habitat for Humanity and Oasis International Ministries. Spring: The Bridge ♦♦ Volunteers continue to serve dinners twice a month to the homeless at the Bridge. ♦♦ After hearing from the director of The Bridge and moving testimony from Bridge Bread bakers, blue envelope donations totaled $8,560. ♦♦ Bridge Bread has added a fifth baker, Bre, thanks to increasing demand. It is exciting that another person has escaped homelessness due to Bridge Bread. ♦♦ Bridge Bread is now sold every week in Kilby Commons. Special orders are available on request at www.bridgebread.org. Summer: Habitat for Humanity ♦♦ Bonhomme members had the opportunity to meet a Habitat family as well as a staff family at Sunday services and a BBQ/whiffle ball tournament that followed. ♦♦ Twelve Bonhomme volunteers work on site building homes in 2015 compared to just two volunteers last year. ♦♦ Children’s Ministry held a construction day right in our Youth Room, building a dog house and benches using the HFH organization plan for a site build. The children learned firsthand about the importance of volunteering to help build homes for deserving families. ♦♦ Blue envelope collections totaled over $1,100. Fall: Oasis International Ministries ♦♦ Thirteen people from Bonhomme toured Oasis and had the opportunity to meet the women refugees who come for English classes and hear remarkable stories from Mark and Joanie Akers. ♦♦ Twenty–five adults and children helped with an Oasis on-site community barbecue. ♦♦ Bonhomme members contributed to the biggest furniture drive in Oasis history, plus brought in over 20 lamps during our lamp drive. ♦♦ Two hundred people attended the November fundraising event, “A Night for Oasis International Ministries.” ♦♦ The Beth Moore Bible Study ladies donated enough baby clothes for 11 showers and arranged them in beautiful blessing baskets. Our Spotlight Ministries were certainly blessed. Thanks to all! Throughout 2016, our Spotlight will be on Global Missions. Look forward to learning more about our Bonhomme–supported partners around the world. BONHOMME CHILDREN BONHOMME PRESCHOOL AND KIDS DAY OUT REGISTRATION January 26-27, 2016 Bonhomme Preschool and Kids Day Out offers a wonderful experience for children ages six months through Junior Kindergarten. We have many options and times available each day of the week, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., and we would love to talk with you about the opportunity to care for your child or grandchild. Our school offers a loving, nurturing Christian environment where young children grow spiritually, cognitively, physically, emotionally, and socially. We believe that children learn best through play and hands–on experiences. Kids Day Out (KDO) classrooms are staffed by experienced caregivers and are equipped with developmentally appropriate materials. Preschool classrooms are carefully structured so children have a healthy balance between child-centered and teacher directed activities. Our preschool schedule also includes Music/Bible, Physical Education, Spanish, and Art Appreciation. Brochures and registration cards are available in the lobby outside of Steffen Hall and in Kilby Commons. Please spread the word about our amazing program! For more information or to schedule a tour of the facility, please contact Sharon Rinklin, 636-778-9315, [email protected]. Or visit us at bonpres.org/ preschoolkdo and on Facebook. Registration for the 2016–2017 school year will begin at 9:15 a.m. each day in Steffen Hall. January 4—Bonhomme Church members January 26—Current and former Preschool and Kids Day Out families January 27—Registration opens to the community THE PIONEER PRESS 7 BONHOMME CHILDREN CELEBRATE: A FAMILY CHRISTMAS EVENT Fifth grade nativity play Decorating a family member like a Christmas tree Advent remember and celebrate scripture activity Singing “The Twelve Days of Christmas” Remembering and writing down how God has been faithful 8 BONHOMME PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BONHOMME EVENTS ALPHALIVE! AND THE MARK STUDY Looking for a great way to begin your New Year? What better way than with a delicious meal, interesting conversation, and a dynamic talk by Don Everts! You can have all this and more by joining us at AlphaLive! or the Mark Study. AlphaLive! is an opportunity to explore questions of life, God, and Christianity with a group of great folks around a delicious meal! Over 10 sessions you’ll hear Don Everts take on the basic questions of Christianity followed by small group time to engage, question and wrestle with the topic. It’s fun, relaxed, free and childcare is provided! The Mark Study is a friendly way for people who have never studied the Bible and is a great next step after Alpha or as a short‑term small group. This study led by Wendy Everts will give you training in the manuscript method of Bible study, small and large group discussion, and, of course, a delicious meal! Dinner and childcare are provided and there is a suggested $25 donation. Both AlphaLive! and the Mark Study begin Thursday, January 7, 6–8:30 p.m. To register for either, contact Elizabeth Harris, [email protected] or 636-532-3486. We hope you’ll join us and invite a friend to begin their New Year with you at AlphaLive! or the Mark Study! BON FIRES BRIDGE 2016 If you like to play bridge, we plan to have our duplicate bridge group play once a month, January through October. Bridge will take place the fourth Friday of each month in Kilby Commons at 7 p.m. (except in March, we will meet on the third Friday.) An awards dinner will end the season the first Friday of November. If you and your partner have not already signed up and would like to play, please contact John Muller, 314-275-2268 by January 16, 2016. IT’S A NEW YEAR: MAKE A RESOLUTION TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! It’s a New YEAR . . . a time to reflect and make resolutions about how to make 2016 the best year yet. Have you or someone you know been struggling with something but you just don’t know where to turn for help? Please prayerfully consider making a New Year’s resolution to FINALLY do something about it. There is no reason to spend another day trying to handle your problem alone. No matter the issue, if you are feeling depressed, stressed, empty, angry, lonely or sad, you can get help from a Stephen Minister. Stephen Ministers are trained laypeople who will listen and provide confidential, Christ-centered support to anyone going through a tough time in their life. If you or anyone you know could benefit from having a Stephen Minister, please contact Elizabeth Harris, 636-532-3486 or [email protected]. THE NEW YEAR IN THE LIBRARY Happy new year! This is the time of year when we all think about improving ourselves—losing weight, getting into shape, getting organized. But what about our relationship with Jesus? To help our spiritual growth, your library has added several outstanding new books: ♦♦ God is in Control—Charles Stanley’s powerful message is simply that you can recognize, appreciate, and rely on God’s sovereignty even when your whole world seems out of control. God is always at work for his beloved! ♦♦ Live Love Lead, Your Best is yet to Come—Brian Houston shares his lifetested experiences and the powerful biblical truths he’s learned that will enable you to live fully, love completely, and lead boldly—the hallmarks of Jesus’ time on earth. ♦♦ Simplify, Ten Practices to Unclutter Your Soul—By offering practical tips and spiritual insights to help you declutter your soul, Bill Hybels encourages you to stop doing what doesn’t matter and create a “God-first” schedule so you can experience purpose, fulfillment, connectedness, and joyful productivity. THE PIONEER PRESS 9 BONHOMME NURSE GOODBYE FROM NURSE KATHY My last day at Bonhomme was December 31. I am retiring for personal reasons of my husband and myself. I did, however want to say thank you to all of you as you have supported me in the role of the Parish Nurse. I have enjoyed the friendships and opportunities to meet with others in the congregation that have had some type of concern. I wish you all happy, healthy years ahead and my hope is that you will have someone take over this ministry quickly to serve all needs. Again, thank you for the warm welcome. I trust in the Lord to show me the way through retirement doing what pleases him. Blessings, Kathy Johnson, Parish Nurse WHO GETS GLAUCOMA? You’d Be Surprised Glaucoma most often occurs in adults over age 40, but it can also occur in young adults, children, and even infants. In AfricanAmericans, glaucoma occurs more frequently and at an earlier age and with greater loss of vision. So don’t put off having those “baby blues” checked out. It can save your vision. Make you appointment soon. If you wear contacts please remove them several hours prior to the test and take your eyeglasses to wear home. In my nursing years I have seen numerous patients who have lost their sight. Glaucoma is a prime cause for many blind persons in the United States. The problem is that glaucoma can develop over time and you won’t have an ache or pain to alert you. You are at an increased risk of glaucoma if you: ♦♦ Are of African-American, Irish, Russian, Japanese, Hispanic, Inuit, or Scandinavian descent ♦♦ Are over age 40 ♦♦ Have a family history of glaucoma ♦♦ Have poor vision ♦♦ Have diabetes ♦♦ Take certain steroid medications, such as prednisone ♦♦ Have had trauma to the eye or eyes There is only one way to determine if you have it. I know that an eye exam is expensive and time consuming. It is also hard to take money that you need for food, medicines or that new pair of shoes you love. It is also hard for older adults when retiree vision benefits may be decreased. And those vision specialists always want to dilate your eyes when you go in. This means you must have a driver or wait until the pupils return to normal before driving home. However, the simple test for glaucoma, which is a slight puff of air which flattens your cornea, is quick and not painful. Visit http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/glaucoma-directory for more information. Questions? Call your optometrist or the Parish Nurse. Blessings of good sight to you, Kathy Johnson, Parish Nurse BE PREPARED Make Sure You Plan Recently we had a talk on paperwork that is important to leave your loved ones. The Parish Nurse has several documents to make this task easier. There is a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Health Care Directive Form and another document called Five Wishes. ♦♦ The POA form is given by the Missouri Bar Association and is a great way to prepare for a time that you are not able to speak for yourself in health decisions. ♦♦ The Five Wishes booklet lets your family know who can make those decisions, the kinds of treatment you want, how comfortable you want to be, and many other personal things. Please stop by to pick these up, fill out, and have notarized. Make sure to give copies to your designee, doctor and family members. 10 BONHOMME PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BONHOMME THANK YOU ADVENT THANKS The Worship Ministry wishes to thank the families who served to light the Advent Wreath and lead the readings in Traditional Worship this year. They are… Lisa and Jonny Munch, Grace, Mason, Lily, and Emma Jeanette and David Peevers, Abby and Maggie Cathleen and Jason Gotsch, Ben and Alex Cherry and Collin Ohms, Hannah and Abigail Jen and Gene Buist, Alexandra and Aiden Marilyn and Darin Blasiar, Adam and Andrew Erin and Cecil Compton, Cora Karen and Brad Roche Your participation made our Advent worship so meaningful, and we truly appreciate your contribution to our celebration of the season! Also, the Worship Ministry offers MANY THANKS to Cindy Wendt and her small group, who have decorated the Sanctuary every year for many years, and to Jane Hemberger and Jim Conley, for assembling and decorating the tree in the Sanctuary. This is a beautiful gift they provide for us and, as always, this year’s décor was splendid! THANK YOU FROM CIRCLE 6 A big thanks to all Bonhomme members, friends, and staff who helped with another successful Christmas Giving Tree project in 2015. On December 14, four agencies, Presbyterian Children Homes and Services; MO Department of Social Services (St. Louis County Foster Children); Kathy J. Weinman Women’s Shelter; and St. Martha’s Women’s Shelters, picked up a “mountain” of gifts. On December 16, gifts were delivered by Circle 6 members to Haven of Grace. This was truly a group effort by those who shopped, wrapped, sorted, bagged, and moved the gifts for needy children and women in our area. Many angels were at work sharing joy during this blessed season. JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 1 Deborah Blackmon Jonathan Blackmon Steve Ecker Avery Engelmeyer Kelli Glover Sally Hallums Bud Harmon Rachel Mesina Nancy Nease Stuart Wells 2 Beth Beattie Caryn Hill Jack Kershner 3 Amy Finlayson 4 Louis Lucas Diana Rawizza 7 Laurie Land Debbie McConnell Chris Morgan Matt Packwood Vanessa Reuter 8 Julie Hemberger Nancy Keefer Patricia McMillan Cynthia Miller Rita Peterson 9 Jeni Eigenseher Sue O’Neal 10 Jodee LeVin David Moenkhaus Janet Porch 11 Amy Stirrat 5 Dominique Padgette 6 Sunnye Hollingsworth William Matson 7 Karen Holman Glennon Hunn THE PIONEER PRESS 12 Beverly Blackman John Morse Earl Murray 13 Craig Baggett Jane DuMont 13 Karen Sanner Peggy Wilkinson 15 Judy Behrman Robin Bell Greg Fleissner Nicholas Lazenby Andy Luther Sam Powell 16 Kurt Stanford 17 Steve Harris John Milla Betty Moenkhaus Norma Ruck 18 Brooke Barry Darin Blasiar Joe Member John Steffen 19 Marilyn Blasiar Dan Holman Keith Michel Mary Beth Weatherby 20 Chrissy Bird Stanley Garst Franz Hildebrecht Jo Ellen Hunter Ruth Iversen Sina Miesner 21 Abigail Goedeke Jerry McCormac John McQuillan Crest Oelke Shirley Paterson 26 Beverly Nixon Jerry Palmer Greg Porto 27 Bill Dowell Jennifer Porto Erica Whyman 28 David Edwards 29 Emily Brooks Paris Disper David Lazenby Georgia Zutter 23 Derek Bell Janet Bourne Patricia Holmes 30 Laura Brunk Jane Glenn Dan Panzitta Ruth Van Der Tuin 24 Greg Kramer Gail Lambright Kristina McKay 31 Bob Baker Michelle Bawden Peter Hobson 22 Dave Black Gary Gagstetter 26 Mike Cox Carolyn English Jay Hotze III 11 WINTER—SPRING CLASSES FOR ADULTS: SUNDAY CLASSES TITLE LEADER(S) SUMMARY ROOM NOTES What Christians Believe, and Why Tom Pfizenmaier What does the Bible teach about who God is, who we are and our 3208 relationship? What does the Bible teach about the ordering of the creation, about sin and salvation? What does the Bible teach about how to live a flourishing life in this world? What does the Bible teach about human destiny and the end of history? And how does Jesus stand at the center of all these questions? Come and find out. This course is intended to help you put it all together. January through May The Postmodern Path to Faith Don Everts We all know that as Christians we are called to introduce the 3205 people around us to Jesus. But how exactly do you do that? Turns out that in our “postmodern” age people are still becoming Christians (yeah!) and the better we understand how they do that, the more natural and fruitful we can be in helping our friends journey along that path to Jesus (yeah!). Come learn what brand new Christians have taught us about “the five thresholds of postmodern conversion” and how that knowledge can help us introduce the people around us to Jesus. January through February God’s Mission of Reconciliation 2.0 Don Everts and Amy Narishkin In light of recent events in Ferguson and elsewhere our nation 3205 is wrestling with the realities surrounding race in America. As Christians we may wonder if we can do anything, if there is any hope, if God’s Word can shed any light in this area. The Bible is clear that the gospel has the power to “break down the dividing walls of hostility” between we humans. So if the gospel has the power to help us realize reconciliation in our own lives, how can we fully avail ourselves of that gospel power—in our hearts, our relationships, and even in our culture? In this 2.0 class, we continue the discussion we began in the fall. April through May Future Prophecy in the Bible Tom Hobson What does the Bible tell us about the future? This class will cover Quilt Room passages containing future prophecy in the Old Testament, (Chapel Gospels, Epistles, and Revelation. No timetables or roadmaps Wing) here, but substantial clues to watch for! January through February The Book of Jeremiah Study the life of Jeremiah the prophet who, from his youth to old 3226 Curt Ruhlman and Ross Jenkins age, delivered the Word of God to the people of Israel at the most terrifying time in their troubled history. January through February The Gospel According to John Kurt Johnson The “Gospel According to John” is unique and distinctively different 3224 from the three Synoptic Gospels. (It makes the compelling case that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. It explains that we must believe to be saved. It presents many events and teachings not included in the Synoptic Gospels. It does not include many events and teachings included in all three Synoptic Gospels.) We will conduct an in‑depth study of the “Gospel According to John” including insights from three noted Biblical scholars, D.A. Carson, Leon Morris, and John Calvin. January through May Old Testament Overview Jim Graham and Wayne McCollum This ongoing class features continuing studies in the Bible and 2106 theology and application. The fall term will continue our study of the unfolding history of the Israelites. January through May Equipping Conversations AmyRuth Bartlett If you are interested in leading a small group or growing in your Community ability to encourage friends as they journey through the ups and Room downs of life and faith, join us. This biblically based seminar helps you understand others by gaining a biblical understanding of your own heart. It includes lectures and an interactive small group experience, plus reflective time to practically apply principles to one real-life friendship. This will help you better understand yourself as well as invite others into a deeper relationship in Christ. This class, due to the nature of our work together, will require weekly attendance and will not allow for new members after the third week. January through May WINTER—SPRING CLASSES FOR ADULTS: MID–WEEK CLASSES TITLE LEADER(S) SUMMARY ROOM Pastor’s Bible Study Tom Pfizenmaier This class will be an in depth verse by verse expository 3208 study of the Gospel of Luke and its relevance to our lives today. Come find out Luke’s unique contribution to our knowledge of who Jesus is and why he came. Tuesday 6:30-7:30 a.m. Healing Prayer Wendy Everts and Jenn Whyman Have you ever read about the healings in the new 3208 testament and wondered why we don’t see that happening today? Chances are, you haven’t been in the right place to see it! Turns out that the Kingdom of God is now and healing still happens when we give space for God to work. Would you like to learn about it? Would you like to try it? We will have class twice a week (Tuesday a.m. and Wednesday p.m.) so pick the best time that works for you. We will be watching a video series by Francis MacNutt (a long‑ time believer in healing), process the information, and then pray for each other. Tuesday 9:30-11:30 a.m Women’s Bible Study Jane Kostelc In–depth Scripture‑based discussion. Wednesday 6:30-8:30 p.m. Healing Prayer Wendy Everts and Jenn Whyman (See class description above. Same class is offered 3208 Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings.) Wednesday 6:15-8:15 p.m. Book of Hebrews Dana Altermatt We will be studying the book of Hebrews with the Steffen Hall guidance of Lisa Harper. Lisa is described as a hilarious storyteller and theological scholar. She will guide us to see God is not far away, but an up-close Redeemer who draws near to us. Hebrews will help us make the connection between God the Father and God the Son and remind us Jesus is supreme, compassionate, empathetic and loving. Childcare is provided by reservation by calling the Church Office at 636-532-3486. If any questions, please contact Dana Altermatt at 314-378-9227. Thursday 9:30-11:30 a.m, January 7 AlphaLive! Don Everts AlphaLive! is a practical introduction to Christianity. Steffen Hall Over dinner, a talk, and dessert, skeptics and seekers have a place to honestly wrestle with their questions, and Christians get reinvigorated by revisiting the core of their faith. Thursday 6-8:30 p.m., January 7 through February 25 Mark Study Wendy Everts Mark Study is a fun, interactive, thoughtful way of 2107 studying the life of Jesus and growing as one of his disciples. This study is friendly for people who have never studied the Bible and is a great next step after Alpha or as a short‑term small group. Dinner and childcare are provided. Call the Church Office to register. Thursday 6-8:30 p.m., January 7 through February 25 Alpha Marriage Course Andy and Kim Seers, Don and Wendy Everts Grow your marriage by taking your spouse on a date Steffen Hall night with depth! The Marriage Course is a series of seven sessions designed to help any married couple grow their marriage—whether it is struggling or strong. Thursday 6-8:30 p.m., April 7 through May 19 study with much Community Room NOTES THE PIONEER PRESS PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT CHESTERFIELD, MO 14820 Conway Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63017 636-532-3486 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Postmaster: Send Address Changes To: Pioneer Press, 14820 Conway Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017 Pioneer Press (UPS: 431950) Is Published Monthly by Bonhomme Church Dated Material - Please Do Not Hold PLEASE JOIN US FOR WORSHIP SERMON SCHEDULE MUSIC IN TRADITIONAL MUSIC Sermon Series: Who Am I? January 3: I am Beloved (not unloved) Don Everts (Traditional) Tom Pfizenmaier (Contemporary) January 3 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Lynn Packwood: “He Loved Me” Sermon Series: Who Am I? January 10: I am Fallen (not fine) Don Everts (Traditional) Andy Seers (Contemporary) January 17: I am Free (not trapped) Don Everts (Traditional) Tom Pfizenmaier (Contemporary) January 24: I am Useful (not useless) Tom Pfizenmaier (Traditional) Don Everts (Contemporary) January 31: I am Part of the Family (not alone) Tom Pfizenmaier (Traditional) Don Everts (Contemporary) January 10 8:30 a.m. Karen Roche, organist 11 a.m. Chancel Choir: “Our Song Shall Rise to Thee” January 17 Bonhomme Bells will play at both services 8:30 a.m. Chancel Choir: “Our Song Shall Rise to Thee” 11 a.m. Karen Roche, organist January 24 8:30 a.m. Karen Roche, organist 11 a.m. Chancel Choir: “By Our Love” January 31 8:30 a.m. Chancel Choir: “By Our Love” 11 a.m. Karen Roche, organist TRADITIONAL SERVICE IN THE SANCTUARY Sundays at 8:30 and 11 a.m. SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES 9:45 a.m. CONTEMPORARY SERVICE IN STEFFEN HALL Sundays at 11 a.m.