Church

2018 Deacons Report for annual mtg Feb 10 2019

 members are Janice White, Cindy Boyenga, Bob Boyenga
Acolytes were Nadia and Levi Near.
We began  the year 2018 organizing a committee and date for the July 175th 
Church Anniversary.  The committee, along with many helpers in the church,   were Cindy and Bob Boyenga  ,Sharon Schnell, Pat Summers, Linda Ramsdell, Mary and Doug Wagner, Janice White, Edie and Larry Cater,Nancy Lohse, Sharon Brown, Sandy and Roger Wittenauer, Donna Wellman  and Pastor Jack Briggs .
Establish a prechurch social  half hour  called Holy Grounds with members signing up as hostesses first Sundays of the month. Monthly 2nd Sunday potluck dinners continued  Sept through May
Established a guest book for the church entry way.
  Quarterly communion at church plus quarterly communion at the Franklin Grove Nsg Center along with social visit and refreshments provided by our church members.
We participated in the Memorial Day  service at Woodside Cemetery with Civil War historian speaker,Trevor Steinbach honoring our 162 veterans  and Dr Sarah Ann Chadwick of the Civil war
 As a special event prior to the 175th celebration ,In March,  Mike Jahns presented an interesting  historical program on the history of Lee Center during the time the church's initially began . Approx 75 people attended throughout the afternoon,  and potluck dinner was provided.
We celebrated Mothers day handing out lovely carnations and Fathers day with special bags home made cookies  along with special recognition during service. 
We hosted a community Lenten Services,  including Easter sunrise service and breakfast, Thanksgiving Maundy Thursday evening service,  and enjoyed a  Christmas musical program by the Dixon Music Club in December at our church.
Extra Easter Sunday service lilies donated to  Amboy Park via Lyons Club planting in memory of Cliff Walters.
 
 
On July 15th, we celebrated our 175th anniversary of the Lee Center First Congregational UCC, Approximately 150 guests attended from the area plus Texas, Arkansas ,Iowa, Florida and Illinois. Visiting pastors were Sandra Meneau and Prairie Western Assn District Superintendent Kathy Lawes
 Congratulatory letters from Pastors Colleen Lawrence,and James Elliott.
The service  included  a 10 minute tribute to VBS with decorated trike rider Taylor Near and audience participation in singing  several VBS Songs.I might add outside were serval bicycles decorated ridden to Church by the children as well. Pastor led us in song and worship service. the message was about faith an legacy. .Rev Kathy Lawes spoke reminding us how far our church has come over the years and how alive and well our church is today. Special music by our anniversary singers, was "I love they kingdom Lord "A special commemorative hand quilted banner was made by Edie Cater and the words "175 Years Faithful Service"were monogrammed.Floral arrangements were donated by Janice White and her grand daughter Katy Selmi,an entry floral swag by Hazel and Mile Luvgren,  plus two arrangements  sent by the Presbyterian and St Pauls churches of Franklin Grove. Following the service was a dinner outside under large tent. Garth Dallam furnished his cooler van to keep items cool until serving. The children enjoyed blowing bubbles in the church lawn as adults later viewed the historical displays in the annex. We  organized different sections of interest. A bridal/baptism/confirmation room, military display, church history, hymn  book collection of the many years of our church used, Lee Center Historical information, Lee center ladies cookbook folders for our guests along with  church registry and historical information .Also for monitor and larger monitor recent church purchase for use in  services.  viewing with thumb drive,  of our  previous members and activities over the years.
In the afternoon we enjoyed an amazing musical program  by members of the Rock Valley Barbershop Singers. 
In October we  honored Pastor appreciation day during the service  and had a luncheon in Pastor Briggs honor.
We also celebrated Sharon Schnells 55th anniversary providing music as acting director. Hazel Luvgren led the church in a music themed service .Sharon began her faithful service providing music  in 1963 assisting Emma Ullrich and in 1968 became officially our music director. a photo of Sharon  signed by church members was provided along with flowers from her family and a lovely cake  by Marilyn Kemmerer, and  taco luncheon  following the service.
Initiated a Christian book and music resource library in the pastors study.

submitted by Cindy Boyenga