4/26/20 Announcements

April’s Collection -Charity Fund - (see information below) 

Wednesday 4/29 - Family Bible Study on James

Sunday 5/3 - Brothers’ Prayer Gathering at 8:00AM through Zoom - information on how to connect will be e-mailed out with the announcements next Sunday morning. 

VBS Cancelled - With so many unknowns over the next several weeks we have decided to cancel Vacation Bible School for this summer. It is disappointing, as we always look forward to VBS, and seeing God work in the lives of our kids. This decision was based on the uncertainty regarding CDC guidelines on gathering sizes in June and being mindful of the investment of time and materials put into preparing VBS each year. Please continue to be prayerful for the youth of our church and the many ways social distancing has affected their lives.

Prairie Choristers - The Prairie Choristers are planning to do some remote practices in preparation for a program when the quarantine has ended. If you would like to participate in singing with them. Please let Brother Phil know by sending him an email at plhodel@gmail.com. 

Family Singalong - If your family would be interested in recording a few Sunday School songs for our Family Singalong, please send your recording to Bro. Jonathan Hodel.

Charity Fund - The charity fund is used to support those in need of financial assistance both within our church and our community.  At times we may take up a special collection if there is a major event or crisis in our local community.  We also support local organizations like the food pantry, Heart House, Berean Ministries  (see featured summary below) on a regular basis.  With the changes we've made this year in opening the Operational Fund, the charity fund will be used solely for charitable purposes.  All of the other other costs for functions such as national brotherhood support and ministry and outreach activities will now come from the Operational Fund.You can make donations to the Charity Fund by sending your checks to Sis. Jenell Hodel or online (http://roanokeacchurch.org/pages/giving/).  

4/19/20 Announcements

April’s Collection -Charity Fund - (see information below) 

Wednesday 4/22 - Family Bible Study on James

Saturday 4/25 - The LifePoints Gospel Sing- There will be a virtual Gospel Sing on our website (www.midwestgospelsing.org). The video will feature a special performance by The Anderson Family, the testimony of a Timber Ridge resident and her sister, and an important message from one of our Board members. Donations can still be made online to support the costs of one unfunded resident at LifePoints. These are not the most ideal circumstances, but we are still excited to come together virtually during this time of social distancing! Thank you for continuing to remember LifePoints in your prayers.

Other Ways to Serve - Peoria Rescue Ministries - Urgent Need for Volunteers and Supplies -  For PRM to adequately care for and be able to isolate individuals with Covid-19 or Covid-like symptoms, we are opening Isolation Centers for our Men’s and Women’s shelter ministry.  But we need help to fully staff the Isolation Centers (see video link below). There is also a need for supplies (see website link)  Video Link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/j64ql4uy2gg8l9y/Video%20Apr%2002%2C%201%2038%2054%20PM.mp4?dl=0  Website Link -  https://www.peoriarescue.org/covid19-response

Charity Fund - The charity fund is used to support those in need of financial assistance both within our church and our community.  At times we may take up a special collection if there is a major event or crisis in our local community. We also support local organizations like the food pantry, Heart House, Berean Ministries  (see featured summary below) on a regular basis. With the changes we've made this year in opening the Operational Fund, the charity fund will be used solely for charitable purposes. All of the other other costs for functions such as national brotherhood support and ministry and outreach activities will now come from the Operational Fund.You can make donations to the Charity Fund by sending your checks to Sis. Jenell Hodel or online (http://roanokeacchurch.org/pages/giving/).  

Berean Prison Ministries - We distribute around 5-8000 bibles per year and send out 8-10,000 bible studies. We have volunteers in 45 - 50 jails, prisons, and juvenile centers in the midwest.  We also partner with prison ministries in Eastern Europe.

4/12/20 Announcements

April’s Collection -Charity Fund - (see information below) 

Nursing Home Update

• A Mutual Expression of Thanks- The staff at the Home has been working diligently caring for the elderly and have done an exceptional job adjusting to the numerous changes and demands.  On behalf of our church, several groups showed appreciation to the employees in a variety of ways. They were deeply touched and here is a note from them: On behalf of the staff here at the Home, we would like to thank each one of you for your service, kindness and thoughtfulness in the past several weeks. We have been touched by the hand written notes, making hundreds of masks, lasagna meals for our families and now Good Friday lunches for employees from our church family. All these kind things have been well received. It is amazing to not only feel the prayers, but the very generous way that our church family is providing for our Home and our staff. Thanks again for all you do, and please continue to pray protection over our residents  whom we are trying to keep healthy and content. Praising our risen Lord together while apart!
• Nursing Home Prayer Walk - Coming this week, will be a prayer walk that will include 5 signs on the north side and south side of the home. Each sign has a prayer point. If you are a walker or visiting your loved one from lobby window or their room window, it is hoped that these signs will be a reminder to keep praying for our Home. 

Helping Hands - If you are willing to help or if you need help or know of someone who needs help with getting groceries or medicine or any other physical needs, please contact:Joan Swartz 309-210-5794, Rita Schwind 309-645-2399, or Stacy Leman 309-241-0581

Praise and Thanks - The Leman family has arrived safely in the U.S. from PNG and they are now in quarantine in Indiana. 

Other Ways to Serve

• Saturday 4/25 - The LifePoints Gospel Sing- Although you will not be  able to travel to FivePoints to listen to it, we have an exciting alternative planned! At 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 25th, we will be releasing a virtual Gospel Sing on our website (www.midwestgospelsing.org). The video will feature a special performance by The Anderson Family, the testimony of a Timber Ridge resident and her sister, and an important message from one of our Board members. Donations can still be made online to support the costs of one unfunded resident at LifePoints. These are not the most ideal circumstances, but we are still excited to come together virtually during this time of social distancing! Thank you for continuing to remember LifePoints in your prayers.
• Job Opening at Heart House - they are seeking a social and community services professional to fill the full-time Program Manager position.  Bachelor's degree in social work or related profession and/or 3-5 years experience is preferred. This is a flexible salaried position with benefits.  Cover letter, resume and references can be mailed to Heart House, Attn: Brandi Gerber, 300 Reagan Drive, Eureka IL 61530 or email Brandi Gerber at brandi@heartlineandhearthouse.org. Are you interested or know of someone who is?  Send them our way! Program Manager Job Description 
• Peoria Rescue Ministries - Urgent Need for Volunteers and Supplies -  For PRM to adequately care for and be able to isolate individuals with Covid-19 or Covid-like symptoms, we are opening Isolation Centers for our Men’s and Women’s shelter ministry.  But we need help to fully staff the Isolation Centers (see video link below). There is also a need for supplies (see website link) 
• Video Link - https://www.dropbox.com/s/j64ql4uy2gg8l9y/Video%20Apr%2002%2C%201%2038%2054%20PM.mp4?dl=0 
• Website Link -  https://www.peoriarescue.org/covid19-response

Charity Fund - The charity fund is used to support those in need of financial assistance both within our church and our community.  At times we may take up a special collection if there is a major event or crisis in our local community. We also support local organizations like the food pantry and Heart House on a regular basis.  With the changes we've made this year in opening the Operational Fund, the charity fund will be used solely for charitable purposes. All of the other other costs for functions such as national brotherhood support and ministry and outreach activities will now come from the Operational Fund.You can make donations to the Charity Fund by sending your checks to Sis. Jenell Hodel or online (http://roanokeacchurch.org/pages/giving/).  

4/5/20 Announcements

April’s Collection -Charity Fund - The charity fund is used to support those in need of financial assistance both within our church and our community.  At times we may take up a special collection if there is a major event or crisis in our local community. We also support local organizations like the food pantry and Heart House on a regular basis.  With the changes we've made this year in opening the Operational Fund, the charity fund will be used solely for charitable purposes. All of the other other costs for functions such as national brotherhood support and ministry and outreach activities will now come from the Operational Fund.You can make donations to the Charity Fund by sending your checks to Sis. Jenell Hodel or online (http://roanokeacchurch.org/pages/giving/).  

Holy Week - Although we will not be able to gather together as a church family, you can listen to the services by phone, AC Central or watch on FaceBook. 

• Good Friday Service on 4/10 at 7:15
• Easter Sunday Service on 4/12 at 9:45

Saturday 4/25 - The LifePoints Gospel Sing- Although you will not be  able to travel to FivePoints to listen to it, we have an exciting alternative planned! At 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 25th, we will be releasing a virtual Gospel Sing on our website (www.midwestgospelsing.org). The video will feature a special performance by The Anderson Family, the testimony of a Timber Ridge resident and her sister, and an important message from one of our Board members. Donations can still be made online to support the costs of one unfunded resident at LifePoints. These are not the most ideal circumstances, but we are still excited to come together virtually during this time of social distancing! Thank you for continuing to remember LifePoints in your prayers.

Helping Hands - If you are willing to help or if you need help or know of someone who needs help with getting groceries or medicine or any other physical needs, please contact:Joan Swartz 309-210-5794, Rita Schwind 309-645-2399, or Stacy Leman 309-241-0581

Prayer

• The Leman family for safety as they make the long trip back to the U.S. from PNG on Wednesday
• Sis. Deb Fischer is being temporarily sent by OSF to work at a hospital in Chicago for several weeks. 
• The many lives that have been impacted by COVID-19 including those who have been laid o ff of work, young families with kids at home, those working in places that must remain open, health care workers, etc. 
• Our nursing home residents, their families and staff.

Praise and Thanks - Many of the residents at the Nursing Home express their appreciation to the church family during this time of isolation for your prayers.  

Other Ways to Serve

Job Opening at Heart House - they are seeking a social and community services professional to fill the full-time Program Manager position.  Bachelor's degree in social work or related profession and/or 3-5 years experience is preferred. This is a flexible salaried position with benefits.  Cover letter, resume and references can be mailed to Heart House, Attn: Brandi Gerber, 300 Reagan Drive, Eureka IL 61530 or email Brandi Gerber at brandi@heartlineandhearthouse.org. Are you interested or know of someone who is?  Send them our way!  Program Manager Job Description 

3/29/20 Announcements

March’s Collection -LifePoints - You can make donations to LifePoints by sending your checks to Sis. Jenell Hodel or online (http://roanokeacchurch.org/pages/giving/).  

All Church Activities have been Cancelled - None of the Easter activities/programs (including the Sunday School Program) will be rescheduled. The following church events have been postponed and will be rescheduled for a later date:

• Cemetery Cleanup 
• Communion 

Holy Week - Although we will not be able to gather together as a church family, plans are being made for how we can still honor Jesus’ last week, which includes Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter.  You can listen to the services by phone, AC Central or watch on FaceBook. 

• Palm Sunday Service on 4/5 at 9:45
• Good Friday Service on 4/10 at 7:15
• Easter Sunday Service on 4/12 at 9:45

Saturday 4/25 - The LifePoints Gospel Sing- Although you will not be  able to travel to FivePoints to listen to it, we have an exciting alternative planned! At 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 25th, we will be releasing a virtual Gospel Sing on our website (www.midwestgospelsing.org). The video will feature a special performance by The Anderson Family, the testimony of a Timber Ridge resident and her sister, and an important message from one of our Board members. Donations can still be made online to support the costs of one unfunded resident at LifePoints. These are not the most ideal circumstances, but we are still excited to come together virtually during this time of social distancing! Thank you for continuing to remember LifePoints in your prayers.

Helping Hands - If you need help or know of someone who needs help with getting groceries or medicine or any other physical need, please contact:Joan Swartz 309-210-5794, Rita Schwind 309-645-2399, or Stacy Leman 309-241-0581

Bro. Matt Feucht’s Temporary Leave from Minister Duties - Bro. Matt is taking a temporary leave from his minister responsibilities due to his increased workload at Skylines.  He is thankful for everyone’s prayers and understanding during this time and he looks forward to when he is able to once again serve the Roanoke church.

Updates from the Mission Field

• Bro. Fred and Sis. Jodi Leman and Family - “Things have changed very rapidly for us here, as they have for you all as well! A few days ago Australia shut its borders, which means no more international flights from AU. Today we learned that the only other option for international travel (Singapore) from PNG is closing tomorrow. So there are currently no options for anyone on Centre to get out of the country anymore. Australians are still able to get back in and Wycliffe AU has asked that all Australians come back, it is not mandatory but most Australians are going back to their homes. We have not been told anything by Wycliffe US or SIL International about mandatory returns to our home countries. And now there are no options anyway. On Tuesday, the PNG government is going to be putting a ban on all domestic travel inside PNG. We are doing all the flying we can tomorrow to try to get the highest priority people back to Ukarumpa. We feel very peaceful about where we are at and that we are in God's hands! There are some possible situations that could arise here in PNG that we would really appreciate prayers for. In general terms, pray that the spread of COVID19 would not be blamed on expats living here. Pray that nationals opinion and view of expats would remain positive. We are in turn praying for you all back home!” 
• Sis. Rachel Fehr- “This sure is a crazy and uncertain time! Yet exciting in the shaking the Lord is doing to the entire world. The UAE is closing in like the rest of the world. All flights in and out of the country are cancelled for at least the next two weeks, we are not to leave home except in necessity, and we now have an 8pm curfew. Our school has gone to home-based learning so it has been challenging figuring out how to create lessons online to reach my student's needs. I SO miss the interactions I had with students and staff on a daily basis, yet working on what that looks like online. The body has been encouraging here as the church sends out online sermons and has weekly prayer online meetings. It truly is incredible the difference followers have in trust, assurance, and ultimate peace of a GOOD and LOVING sovereign Father. Amidst the uncertainty of the times, John and I are still going forward with plans to get married in the UAE, Lord willing! If the Lord grants us to do so, we will have a reception in Roanoke on July 25th the church is invited to. We hold plans loosely, yet confident in the Lord's good hand wherever and whenever it may lead.”