First Presbyterian
First Presbyterian Church, Effingham, will host the following activities:
All services will be held inside the church building, located at 600 W. Temple Ave., Effingham. Online services are available through Facebook: The First Presbyterian Church Effingham IL.
Monday, June 16: Narcotics Anonymous, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, June 17: Praise Team Practice, 5 p.m.
Wednesday, June 18: Bible Study on Exodus and Leviticus, 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 19: Card Writing Party, 10 a.m.
Friday, June 20: Men’s Bible Study, 7 a.m., Kirby Foods
Sunday, June 22: Worship Service, 9:30 a.m.; Youth Group, 6 p.m.
The church has an Outdoor Food Pantry available 24/7 called The Blessing Box. Take what you need, leave what you can.
Cash donations may be sent to First Presbyterian Church, 600 W. Temple Ave., Effingham, IL 62401 with a notation for “Blessing Box” or text to 1stPresEff$ (dollar amount) to 73256 or there is an Amazon Wish List “Blessing Box Shopping List.”
Effingham Episcopal Fellowship
On Wednesday, June 18, the Effingham Episcopal Fellowship will celebrate a Holy Eucharist at the Chapel at the Cross, 1900 Pike Avenue, Effingham, at 6:30 p.m.
The celebrant for that evening’s service will be The Right Rev. Brian K. Burgess, the 12th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Springfield. After announcements, pianist Becky Lustig will begin the service by playing an opening hymn. Bishop Burgess will deliver the Salutation followed by the Collect chosen for this day.
Lector Danny Shuler will then begin the Biblical readings with a section from the Book of Proverbs (8:1-4, 22-31). The Book of Proverbs is a small library of teaching materials of different origins and dates. It is a compilation of moral and religious instruction. In this reading, Lady Wisdom explains her relationship to the Lord.
Shuler will then lead the congregation in reciting Psalm 8. This psalm is another of the psalms of David and constitutes a splendid response to the speech of Lady Wisdom in Proverbs 8. It is a hymn celebrating God’s glory and man’s God-given dignity.
The New Testament reading comes from Paul’s Letter to the Romans. The Apostle Paul uses these verses of chapter 5 (vs. 1-5) of his letter to reflect on the life of a person who has accepted Jesus as the Messiah. Here Paul considers how it feels to be right with God.
Bishop Burgess will deliver the Gospel according to John (16: 12-15). Jesus tells His disciples that the “Spirit of Truth” or the Greek word “paraclete” will come to them. This “paraclete” or helper will learn the honorable truth, straight from the source, and pass it along to believers.
Afterwards, Bishop Burgess will share a sermon based on the readings chosen for the day. The congregation will then acclaim their Christian beliefs by reciting The Nicene Creed followed by the Prayers of the People, then the Confession of Sin.
After sharing the Peace of the Lord and celebrating the Offertory, preparations for Holy Communion will continue the service. Bishop Burgess will be assisted in the celebration by Father David Knox of Mattoon and Father Michael Clark of Mt. Carmel).
The Episcopal Church welcomes any baptized Christian to receive common in services, and all are welcome to attend the hour-long service, baptized or not.