O’Fallon United Church of Christ Volume XLV No. 8

August 21st, 2013 RALLY DAY by Pastor Martha

It is our annual tradition to have an outdoor worship service on the lawn for Rally Day, so come dressed comfortably on Sunday, September 8th and bring a lawn chair. (If it is raining or grounds are wet, the service will in the sanctuary.) Our worship service will be a celebration of creation, emphasizing our “green” efforts as a church family. As always, we will have a celebration of our educational ministry by dedicating our Sunday School staff. Superintendents Phil Reis and Carolyn Weber will present attendance awards to Sunday School students for the previous year. Bibles will be given to 3rd graders; please call the church office by September 1st if your child is in the 3rd grade, so Denise Carroll can personalize their Bibles with their name in calligraphy. Following the worship service, the Board of Christian Education will provide bagels, fruit and donuts in the fellowship hall. Come join us on the lawn and worship with our church family on Rally Day!

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The Mission of O’Fallon United Church of Christ “We are called by Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit to experience the stillspeaking God through worship and study of scriptures, and to respond to the cares of our neighbors near and far, for whom we seek justice and peace. We welcome the diversity of traditions, spiritual gifts and understandings among us. We encircle all with Christian love and support each other through all seasons of life. Whoever you are, wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” Financial Report For July 2013 2012 2013

$incr/decr

%

Monthly General Fund Income for July

$14,646

$14,021

($625)

-4%

Monthly Expenses for July

$18,013

$16,308

($1,705)

-9%

Year to Date General Fund Income vs. Expenses

($8,594)

($7,605)

$989

12%

Investment Account Summary 7/31/2013 *Main Scholarship Total

+

$170,388 38,068 $208,456

MEMORIALS FOR JULY 2013 Hilda Hamm

Vernon Hamm, Sr. Total: $20

AGAPE FUND - JULY 2013 11 Families Assisted = $550 Agape Contributions for July 2013 = $224

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PLEASE CLOSE THE DOORS BEHIND YOU Building & Grounds chair Alan Joseph and custodian Nick Bagby have worked hard to make sure the church elevator is working and the door is making contact so it may work properly. But there have been a high number of “user error” incidents in which the doors were not completely shut after people exited. This made the next person in line think the elevator was broken, so they had to wait while staff or Consistory resolved the problem by walking around outside or inside the building until they discovered the open door. All of the doors inside our building as well as on the street do not always close properly, especially with humidity they easily stick, so please remember: every single time you exit the elevator or any door at the church, take one very helpful moment to turn around and press on the door to make sure it is completely shut behind you! It is a matter of safety and security for our building, as well as functionality. Thank you. CONGREGATIONAL INVITATION by Caleb Walton

Please join me for my Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Saturday, August 24th. My project was to improve the Schaefer Character Garden courtyard and includes a mural designed by Robin Springer. The ceremony will be at 4:00 on August 24th at Marie Schaefer School (505 South Cherry Street). Cake, pie and ice cream will be served after the ceremony.

SUMMER OFFERINGS by Stewardship & Mission Summer provides a wonderful opportunity for vacations, special weekend activities with family and friends, rest and relaxation at the lake, camping, cruises and so on. Typically, worship attendance is lower during summer due to so many summertime activities and travels…but as with the rest of the year, expenses continue for the church. The Stewardship & Mission committee encourages people to remember to continue support for the church’s ministry even during the summer months, and thanks everyone for their faithful offerings and steady giving.

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WURSTMART CRAFT SALE October 17th, 2013 YOUR HELP IS NEEDED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ANNUAL CRAFT SALE

It’s not too early to start planning and working. We need donated items of all kinds and types. Holidays items for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas; Kitchen, both pretty and practical; Bath Baby; Children, Pets -- Clothing; Home Decor or anything you can imagine!!! These can be any type of craft: stitching, quilting, painting, jewelry, sewing, crochet, knitting, woodworking, stained glass or ??? We also have a food area, which includes small baked items such as fruit breads and candies. ALL PROCEEDS GO TO THE CHURCH’S GENERAL FUND. Please consider how you can help. Some of the church organizations are planning to make it a joint project. Get a group of friends together and come up with that special item! If you have any questions, need help, or even need storage for your finished project, please call a committee person. Craft committee: Lois Schmidt Janice Lillie Kay Pearce Bonnie Lapka

632-5867 632-4942 632-8657 632-4496

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M.A.T.T.E.R.S. by Lena Bauer Mission for September: OUCC

The church is our faith home, and we want to support our church family. We think it’s important to teach the children that there are many forms of stewardship. During our September gathering, we will be crafting items to donate to the Wurstmarkt craft store. If you’d like to help, and you have any of these items sitting around the house, we’d love to take them off your hands: empty Pringles’s cans, empty tuna/chicken cans, full sheets of scrapbook paper (at least 8 ½ by 11), fabric ribbon, and cute buttons. Thank you for supporting the Violence Prevention Center in July. Jackie Aregood did a great job helping the kids to understand that bullies aren’t always children, and the VPC helps people who have been bullied. Remember that kids who end up at the VPC often leave their home with nothing, so the center is always in need of backpacks and school supplies. ADULT CONFIRMATION Since there will not be a viable number of 8th graders for a class, there will be no youth Confirmation program in the coming year, as per Board of Christian Education recommendation. A combined class of 9th/8th graders will be held next year to make it a more beneficial experience. If there is an interest, Pastor Martha will teach an 8 week Adult Confirmation class on Sundays (tbd) from 8:30am-9:30am. Please let her know if you are interested in attending an Adult Confirmation class.

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MARY AND MARTHA SOCIETY by Pat Garner It's that time of year again, the kids are going back to school. Everyone is getting new supplies and book bags. But not all families can afford to get their kids supplies, so every year around this time the Mary & Martha Society collects school supplies and donates them to Kindercottage. Every little box of crayons and notebooks are greatly appreciated by the kids and parents alike. All kids like having new things at the beginning of the year, so we are happy to help out. The September meeting for the Mary & Martha Society will be Thursday, September 5th at 7pm. We will have child care for those that need it. Along with collecting school supplies for Kindercottage, we will be working on some crafts to donate to the craft fair at the Wurstmarkt in October. FAMILY WORSHIP SUNDAYS Due to the lack of summer teacher volunteers, there will be no Sunday School for children until Rally Day, September 8th.

REGULAR HOURS FOR THE CHURCH OFFICE After Labor Day (church office closed), we will resume regular office hours on Tuesday, September 3rd. The office is open 8:30am-3:30pm Monday through Friday. Administrative Assistant Tarrah works Monday 8:30am-12:30pm; Tuesday through Thursday 8:30am-3:30pm. Bookkeeper Colleen works Mondays and Fridays 8:30am-3:30pm. Weekend custodian Nick has the church open from 8:00am-11:00am on Saturdays, unless otherwise noted. Pastor Martha’s day off continues to be on Friday, as always. In the event of a pastoral emergency, she may be reached at home.

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by Tarrah Vaupel We had a GREAT youth meeting on Sunday, August 18th! There was MUCH enthusiasm and great ideas shared about our Youth Worship service this fall. Here is the remaining schedule for 2013: September 8th September 22nd October 6th October 13th October 20th October 26th November 2nd or 3rd November 17th December 1st December 23rd

Rally Day Ice Cream event Youth Meeting & planning for 2014 Youth Meeting at church Youth worship rehearsal Youth worship Youth to St. Louis Haunted House Youth group to The Bridge Youth Meeting at church Youth group go Christmas Caroling at Cedarhurst & Cambridge House Party at Kindercottage & Youth Christmas luncheon

We are looking at the possibility of adding a trip to go to the movies between now and Rally Day (September 8th). Stay tuned to the youth newsletters for more information. Karen and I have gone to great lengths to ensure that the youth calendar doesn’t conflict with any School District activities (O’Fallon Districts 203, 90 and Shiloh District 85). If you know of any changes to any of the district calendars or of any events NOT published yet, please let us know well in advance so we can look at other options. As always, if any youth, parents or church members have any questions, comments or concerns about our youth program; I make every effort to invite, welcome and encourage their opinions/feedback on Sunday mornings, at each youth meeting, and in most of the weekly newsletters.

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HELP YOUR SCHOOL BE “GREENER” by The Youth Group Do you see resources wasted at school? Here are a few things that you can look for and talk to school administrators about changing/addressing! •

Talk to your school administration about adopting energy-saving practices

•

Encourage your School to become an ENERGY STAR partner

•

Educate your friends and younger siblings about energy efficiency

•

Create a club that takes action around saving energy

•

Encourage your school to put all computers in energy-saving sleep mode

•

Explain energy-efficient lighting to your class

•

Have teachers and students unplug chargers when devices are finished charging

•

Teach your class how to save energy and money on the family utility bill

•

Encourage your school to fix leaky faucets and toilets to save gallons of water

•

Set up a carpool to school

•

Host a lights-out day at your school, and then have people pledge to do the same at home

•

Encourage your school to install motion sensor lights

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WOMEN’S GUILD by Debbie Fohne Past Presidents luncheon will be at Bella Milano’s on Thursday, September 12th at 11:30am. Happy Birthday: Sharon Wilmsmeyer and Lorraine Smith (July) Next meeting– September 12th at Bella Milano’s at 11:30am SUNDAY MORNING REFRESHMENTS Thank you to all the volunteers who bring in the fruit for Sunday morning refreshment time. Below is the schedule for 2013. We would like to welcome BOCE to the list! If your group is not on the schedule and you would like to participate or you would like to bring something as an individuate please contact Emily Walton. August - MATTERS September - BOCE October - BOCL November - Consistory December - Music Ministry January 2014 - Adult Sunday School WORSHIP VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE If you would like to sign up as a worship volunteer please contact the church office at 632-3496 or via email at [email protected]. Thank you all in advance for your service in worship! Please check the schedule posted in the church (various locations) at your convenience. Date

Greeter/Usher

August 25th

September 1st

September 8th

September 15th

Mike & Sherri Seibert

Layreader

Sound/Projection

Refreshment Host

Chris Greenberg

Ryan Pritchett

Lisa Flowers

Carolyn Weber

Phil Reis

Volunteers needed to hand out bulletins for Rally Day Outdoor Worship. Volunteer needed to staff sound/projection system in case of inclement weather. Bob & Betty Kueker

Kelly Neighbors

Alan Joseph

Flo Jeffreys

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NEW OUCC FUNDRAISING PROGRAM by Lois Brasel The last order in July netted $217.74 in profit with 20 families ordering. Total profit to date for the 5 orders we have placed is $1,394.13. Thank you so much to all the families that have been participating in this fundraiser. I have heard from several of you that you still do not understand the scrip fundraising program. Simply put you order gift cards at face value from the church and in turn the church receives a percentage from the gift cards that you purchase. Let me give you an example of an order that a family has completed in the past.

You will receive 7 gift cards for $550 in total. Exactly what you order is exactly what you get but the church earns a profit of $19.25. If you haven't ordered before please consider joining in on helping your church without having to do anything but plan, plan, plan your gift card purchases. For those of you that have ordered before get your friends and family in on the fundraising. This is not limited to just the church family. Just make sure that the checks are written to the O'Fallon United Church of Christ. I know it is hard to believe but Christmas is just around the corner. Why not consider starting to purchase your Christmas gifts through the scrip program. Giving gift cards to others during the holiday's are always a hit. Also consider doing your Christmas shopping by gift cards that you have purchased through the churches script program. If you start buying now you will be prepared and not panicking during the holiday season. For your scrip card planning purposes the following is a schedule of due dates (all Sunday’s) All scrip orders are due immediately following church. August 25th, scrip cards in no later than Thursday, August 29th September 22nd, scrip cards in no later than Thursday, September 26th October 20th, scrip cards in no later than Thursday, October 24th November 17th, scrip cards in no later than Thursday, November 21st December 8th, scrip cards in no later than Thursday, December 12th Don't forget to place your scrip order for the Papa Murphy's pizza fundraiser being sponsored by the Mary and Martha Society on September 11th. Papa Murphy's is currently offering 8% rebate on scrip cards. If you have any questions please contact Lois Brasel (632-5256) or the church office. Order forms are in the Narthex and in the church office in the scrip mailbox. Start planning now!

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Kid’s Stuff

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart." Jeremiah 1:5a

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BOOK CLUB by Pastor Martha

Thanks to Betty Kueker for hosting our last Book Club. We had a good time with 11 attending. The next Book Club gathering is scheduled for Tuesday, October 8th at 6:30pm. Kelly Neighbors has agreed to host at her home (312 N. 44th St. in Belleville). I will send a reminder email and ask for RSVP a week prior. The group chose the following selections: “Loving Frank” by Nancy Horan (recommended by Emily Walton; 377 pages) Book Description: It's a rare treasure to find a historically imagined novel that is at once fully versed in the facts and unafraid of weaving those truths into a story that dares to explore the unanswered questions. Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Cheney's love story is--as many early reviews of Loving Frank have noted--little-known and often dismissed as scandal. In Nancy Horan's skillful hands, however, what you get is two fully realized people, entirely, irrepressibly, in love. Together, Frank and Mamah are a wholly modern portrait, and while you can easily imagine them in the here and now, it's their presence in the world of early 20th century America that shades how authentic and, ultimately, tragic their story is. Mamah's bright, earnest spirit is particularly tender in the context of her time and place, which afforded her little opportunity to realize the intellectual life for which she yearned. Loving Frank is a remarkable literary achievement, tenderly acute and even-handed in even the most heartbreaking moments. “The Silent Wife” by A.S.A. Harrison (336 pages) Book Description: Jodi and Todd are at a bad place in their marriage. Much is at stake, including the affluent life they lead in their beautiful waterfront condo in Chicago, as she, the killer, and he, the victim, rush haplessly toward the main event. He is a committed cheater. She lives and breathes denial. He exists in dual worlds. She likes to settle scores. He decides to play for keeps. She has nothing left to lose. Told in alternating voices, The Silent Wife is about a marriage in the throes of dissolution, a couple headed for catastrophe, concessions that can’t be made, and promises that won’t be kept.

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CONVERSATIONS FROM THE UPPER ROOM FALL BIBLE STUDY TO BEGIN--ALL ARE WELCOME Conversations From The Upper Room will begin a new study on Sunday, September 15 at 8:30 a.m. All are welcome and childcare is provided. This fall we will be reading Barbara J. Essex's newest book entitled Girlfriends: Exploring Women's Relationships In The Bible. The description follows: With her straightforward style, accessible writing, and well-organized study and reflection materials, Essex continues to make Bible study FUN. Girlfriends explores women's friendships and relationships the good, bad and just plain b$%6#y by exploring ways in which women interact in the Bible. Essex finds unique connections in popular culture to provide interesting perspectives, new insight, and contemporary interpretation to help better understand the nature of our relationships. This study opens up new avenues for understanding and living through relationships, affirmed or abused, and provokes deeper exploration of faith and life. Just like any good friendship, conversation is at the essence. Popular culture provides talking points and helps us to see ourselves in the biblical story. For additional information, please contact Lisa Thompson-Gibson at [email protected] or 514-2764. We hope to see you for all or part of the study! NURSERY SCHEDULE There will be no “Conversations from the Upper Room” upstairs Bible Study class on September 1st and 8th, so the nursery attendants will only be available for worship time. If you need nursery attendants for the Mary & Martha meeting on Thursday, September 7th please call the church office or Carolyn Weber by Wednesday, September 6th so nursery attendants can be notified

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In the Church Family… RECENTLY HOSPITALIZED: Christy Eckert PLEASE KEEP OTHERS IN PRAYERS: Bob Burgdorf Norris & Dorothy Beckman Arline Kassing Joe Harrison (Bill’s father) Henrietta Bossler LeAnn Bearden (Jan Stein’s daughter) Others we know who are in a time of illness/recovery but do not wish to have their name published. Please remember: if you would like a visit made to a hospitalized church member, please be sure to contact the church office (632-3496; [email protected]) and let us know they are hospitalized. We have no way of knowing about hospitalizations in St. Louis and the information from Belleville hospitals is not always timely or accurate. The best method is for the family (or friend) to communicate directly with us. Some prefer privacy, and request that their hospitalization is not announced or printed, but visits can still be made with confidentiality. PRAYER CHAIN: If you have someone’s name to add to the Prayer Chain, call Mary Ellen Battoe (206-4096) or Wilma Holliday (632-3348). CONDOLENCES Esther Ann Harris passed to life eternal on July 10, 2013. Pastor Martha officiated funeral on July 12th at Wolfersberger. Condolences are extended to husband Bill and family. Robert Eugene Morton passed to life eternal on July 15, 2013. Pastor Martha officiated funeral on July 18th at Schildknecht. Condolences are extended to wife Cindy and family. Jewell Dean Schaefer passed to life eternal on December 27, 2012 in California. Pastor Martha officiated a memorial on July 20th in the sanctuary. Condolences are extended to family members. Rosetta Marie Morton passed to life eternal on August 5, 2013. Pastor Martha officiated funeral on August 9th at Schildknecht. Condolences are extended to family members.

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O’FALLON FOOD PANTRY Here are some suggestions for donations to the O’Fallon Food Pantry. All donations can be left in blue tub marked “Food Pantry” by the white freezer.

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August

September

Pasta Sides

Diapers

Peanut butter

Baby Food

Jelly

Boxed Cereal

Chips

Canned Fruit

Bread

Spaghetti & Sauce

Thank you to everyone who sent get well cards to me and for all your prayers. ~ Dorothy Beckman Dear church family, Thank you for my scholarship to go to DuBois church camp. ~ Austin Klemp Greetings Everyone! We’ve been having so much fun - even with the weather being hot! I hope you are cool and enjoying the summer, too! Although I don’t know each individual by name who is supporting our program, I do know the church supports us in every way. Thanks to all and stay cool. Blessings, Brenda Crisp Dear OUCC church family and Scholarship Committee: Thank you for the scholarship. I am attending the University of Illinois at Chicago and if all goes as planned, will finish college in 3 years and then hopefully on to law school. Thank you all for your support. ~ Zac Sterling We delivered our last Feed My Lambs lunches on Wednesday, August 7th...150 of them. We want to thank everyone who participated in any way; donating food items or money, preparing lunches, delivering lunches, driving the van. Your help was greatly appreciated by us and the kids who received the lunches. We hope we can count on your support next summer as well. Gratefully, Betty and Sandy

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\

MUSIC NOTES by Dr. Phil Wilhelm Summer Music Series The music series is winding down. Thanks for all the positive support of our musicians. With a few cancelled fundraisers the Special Music fund is still a little short. Feel free to add something to your weekly offering to support this fund. August 25 – David Lewis, horn September 8 – Rally Day Musical Groups All of the musical groups will begin back up in September. A detailed schedule was sent to all current members. If you are interested in joining, please contact Dr. Phil Chancel Choir – Rehearses 8:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings (starting Sept. 22) Bell Choir – Rehearses after church on Sunday mornings (starting Sept. 8) Praise Band – Rehearses at 8 a.m. on the 2nd Sunday of the month Cherub Choir, Children’s Choir and Orff Ensemble will also begin soon. They will begin rehearsing at the end of Sunday School on September 15 (1 week after Rally Day).

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LOST & FOUND Hello everyone. We have a few items here at the church that have lost their owners. Please take a moment to read over this list and see if any of these items are missing you: 1– Silver hoop earring 1– Plastic heart ring (child’s) 1– Nikon camera lens cap 1– Black & tan sheer scarf with floral pattern 1– Turquoise, navy tasseled wool scarf 7– Umbrellas (most are navy and black; one is royal blue and white striped; one resembles a Burberry pattern) 1– Aeropostale hoodie with grey fleece lining in the hood (size M) 1– Navy Rams hoodie; logo on the back (size M) 1– Arizona Jean Company light washed denim jacket (size M) 1– Navy and grey winter coat with hood (size Youth L 12/14) Please pick up your items by the end of August. After that time, the items will be donated and/or disposed of. Please contact the church office for more information.

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BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT Congratulations to Christy and D.J. Eckert on the birth of their daughter, Cora Lynn Eckert on August 15th, 2013 at 7:45am. Cora weighed 7lbs. 1 oz and was 19.5 inches long. We rejoice with her parents, her grandparents, Janet and Dennis Smith and family. Welcome baby Cora!

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DEADLINES FOR BULLETIN AND NEWS The deadline for the worship bulletin insert is Tuesday at noon each week, for brief information submitted about our own church activities for the bulletin insert (space is extremely limited). Info goes to the church office: [email protected]. Deadline for the church newsletter is noon on the 2nd Wednesday of every month; info goes to the church office. Longer articles and flyers about our church activities are accepted for the newsletter.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR •

• • • •

th

Sunday, August 25 : Rev. David Gerth, guest preacher; Pastor Martha, liturgist; 50th anniversary celebration for Rev. Jack and Joy Aregood during refreshment time th Sunday, August 25 : Scrip orders due Saturday, August 31st and Monday, September 2nd : Church closed for Labor Day holiday Sunday, September 8th: 9:45am Rally Day worship on the lawn Wednesday, September 11th: Papa Murphy’s fundraiser, sponsored by Mary & Martha Society

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID O’Fallon, IL 62269 Permit No. 24

Pastor: Music Director: Dr. Phil Wilhelm, 791-6440, [email protected] Rev. Dr. Martha Thierheimer, 628-0401 Custodians: Julie Totten, 632.4474, Nick Bagby [email protected] Youth Director: Tarrah Vaupel 558-9841, [email protected] Consistory President: Phil Reis, [email protected] Assistant Youth Director: Karen Rivers 589-3040, Bookkeeper: Colleen Gass 632-3496 [email protected] Office Administrative Assistant: Tarrah Vaupel 632-3496 Visitor Editor: Tarrah Vaupel 632-3496

206 West Adams Street (Corner of Cherry & Adams), O’Fallon, IL 62269 Phone: 632-3496 Fax: 632-3488 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: ofallonucc.org Church Office hours: Tarrah Vaupel (Secretary): Summer Hours Tuesday thru Thursday 8:30am-3:30pm Colleen Gass (Bookkeeper): Summer Hours Monday 8:30am-3:30pm (Saturday Custodial hours: 8:00am - 11:00am)

O’Fallon United Church of Christ

The Visitor is published once a month for members and friends of the O’Fallon United Church of Christ. Items for the next issue of The Visitor should be at the church office or e-mailed to: [email protected] no later than noon on Wednesday, September 11th, 2013

Financials Mary & Martha Society Youth News Women’s Guild Kids Stuff In our Church Family Music Notes Mark your calendar

Inside this issue:

Return Service Requested

O’Fallon United Church of Christ 206 W. Adams Street O’Fallon, IL 62269 618.632.3496