The Illinois State Historical Society sponsors an Illinois Sesquicentennial Award honoring historic churches, synagogues, meeting houses, and congregations organized in the Prairie State 150 or more years ago. This year the Historical Society honored 58 churches in Illinois, which were established prior to 1864. All of the congregations were founded during or prior to the Civil War. This was a time when the issue of slavery divided many congregations and gave birth to many others. Our church was one of 58 churches honored with this distinction at a luncheon on Saturday, July 27.
Building Security Update by Rev. Jennie Churchman
The dust is flying again around the church. Just when we thought we were done with construction, a few projects are now underway. The new sign out front is coming along nicely. And inside the building, there are a few changes as well. In case you’re wondering, here’s what is going on.
As you may remember, we have been working on plans to secure our building during the school day. Now that the plans are becoming a reality, I thought you might like to know what that means for your day-to-day church use during the week. The Parish Hall doors and new back door will remain unlocked during business hours like normal. That will not change. If you want to come to the church office and those are the doors you normally use, keep on doing what you’ve been doing.
The change comes in with the handicap accessible door between the Education and Parish Hall buildings. That door will be secured during school/business hours. If you need to enter the church building through that door because of accessibility issues, there will be an intercom that will connect you directly to Heidi. Just push the talk button, and she will be able to let you into the building.
Another change is a new interior door that will be installed between the Education and Parish Hall buildings. You may have noticed that the doorway has been widened to accommodate the new door. During the school day, if you are coming from the Education building toward the church office, just push the door open. If, however, you are coming from the office and want to get into the Education Building during the school day, you will need an access key fob to operate the door. Board and staff members will be issued a fob. If you do not have one, Heidi or I will be happy to let you into the Education Building.
You may be wondering why the fuss, why all the changes? The changes will keep the Nursery School portion of our building secure during the school day. It is simply a precaution in this era when parents expect their children to be cared for in controlled-access buildings. Of all the schools, preschools, and day care centers in Eureka, we are the last to install such a system.
Of course there will be wrinkles as we all get used to the new system, but I think the transition will go very smoothly on the whole. If you have any questions or concerns, please call me or come by. One more note: all of the above pertains to school/business hours only. You will not see a change on Sundays because the building will be open as normal. We are aiming to be finished with this work by the time the Nursery School begins for the fall.
Sacrifice, by Rev. Jennie Churchman
When I was in college, I had the honor of visiting Normandy, France where the Allied landing took place on June 6, 1944. I’ve been thinking about that lately, as our own Wendy Rush is traveling there this week. It was one of the most moving experiences of my entire life. First we went to the Visitor’s Center at Arromanches. While the exhibits were helpful and meaningful, what was truly amazing were the remains of the artificial harbor created for the Allied ships still out there in the water. They are ghostly but impressive reminders of the enormous war effort.
After touring the Visitor’s Center, we made our way up the hillside to the bunkers used by the German machine gunners. What you’ve always seen in movies is true. The Germans had all the advantages—except for surprise, of course. The bunkers have a commanding view of the entire beachfront. I ran my hand through the tracks on the floor where the guns could swivel for a near-180º assault. How did anyone survive the landing?
By far, the most sacred part of the day was our visit to the Normandy American Cemetery. This piece of earth overlooking Omaha Beach is officially American soil. The French people gave it to the United States in gratitude for our role in liberating their country from the Nazis. It felt different just walking through the gates. Of course at first we were fixated on the little touches of home—we were twenty-year-old kids, after all. After spending a week in Paris with six more to go in France, this little piece of America was a welcome respite. The American flag was flying, the guides spoke English, the signs were in English, the water fountain worked, and the bathrooms were American-style. (I don’t mean to be shallow here, but oh, the bliss!) I think our teacher was a little disappointed in our attitude at first, but she needn’t have worried. The power of that place soon turned our goofing off into silent reverence.
The cemetery looks much like a smaller version of Arlington National Cemetery. Rows and rows of white crosses, with an occasional Star of David to mark the graves of Jewish servicemen. We just walked and walked down the rows—not talking, just reading the grave markers, one after another after another. I remember thinking, “These men died here. Just below from where we are standing. This cliff may have been the last thing they saw.” The experience took my breath away. I have always found cemeteries to be such peaceful places; the Normandy American Cemetery is no different in that respect. But what makes it stand apart is the blood—blood spilled on that very soil, blood spilled for the deliverance of millions. After awhile, I couldn’t even walk anymore. The power of that place stopped me, stilled me. I just stood there with the sea breezes flowing past me.
I just stood there looking out over the English Channel in humbled awe. The courage. The determination. The sacrifice. May we be worthy.
Adult Elective Class May 2013
Sunday School News:
The 2012-2013 Adult Elective Series concludes this month with an overview of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Eureka Christian Church. Rev. Jennie will lead three sessions on May 5, 12, and 26 covering basic beliefs of the Christian Church and what it means to be a member of Eureka Christian Church. In the May 26 session, special guest and Church Historian Eileen Baker will share a few stories about our church, and we’ll also take a “tour” of our church building to take a closer look at the meaningful symbols and historical treasures all around. This class will be perfect for any visitors and new members to our church family.
Women’s Retreat 2013
The theme of this year’s retreat is “The Circle of Life: The Heart’s Journey Through the Seasons” The dates are January 11-13, and we will be exploring the joys and challenges brought by each season of our spiritual lives. Your registration fee includes lodging, meals, snacks, retreat supplies, and a signed copy of the book The Circle of Life: The Heart’s Journey Through the Seasons by Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr. Registration forms are available at the church and on the website. The registration deadline is December 2.
http://eurekachristian.org/main/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/2013-womens-retreat.pdf
2012-2013 Adult Elective Series information
2012 Youth Retreat, November 9-11
October Youth Group news
Tuckpointing work in progress
W
e are continuing a major project to preserve the exterior of our church building. Using the services of the Restoration Division of Otto Baum, Inc, we expect to accomplish several objectives.
First, a foundation crack has been repaired on the west side of the Education Building. This will solidify the foundation at this point and prevent water from entering to rust the reinforcing rods.
Secondly, a number of cracked bricks will be replaced. The worst of these cracks and loose mortar are found on the Education Building. One such area is shown under repair in the photo.
Thirdly, the entire exterior will be cleaned. The bricks and limestone have accumulated a layer of dirt, some of which is an encrustation of lichens. See the photo of the cross after cleaning. Finally, the building will receive a coat of water repellant. This will prolong the beneficial effects of the repair and cleaning. This work will continue on into September, and will complete the process started about two years ago on some of the most critical areas.
Submitted by Steve Colburn
Electrical service upgrade completed!
In order to power the new elevator, the electrical service to the building had to be upgraded. This entailed shutting off power to the church for two days, and pulling a new cable from across Main St. The crew took advantage of the spring break while there were no children at Davenport or ECNS, and successfully hooked up the new service. We’re one big step closer to the day when our Parish Hall will be accessible to all!
