First Congregational Church
United Church of Christ

ADULT EDUCATION

From April 18 through May 23 adults at FCC continue to have these opportunities for spiritual and personal growth. Each class begins at 9:15 . Child care will be provided.

 

Faith on Foot

Neighborhood Church Tour

Find out why Elgin is called a "City of Churches " as we explore some of the many sanctuaries surrounding the First Congregational Church. The first session will begin with a leisurely walk of the neighborhood followed by weekly visits to the interiors of some of our neighboring sanctuaries. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some stairs.

Facilitator:  Jerry Turnquist

Book Study:

A New Religious America by Diana Eck

Bill Moyers says: "This is a book I recommend to everyone I see." The author, a leading religious scholar, shows how a "Christian Country" has become the world's most religiously diverse nation. She says that religious diversity is now a Main Street phenomenon that many Americans are unaware of. An important question this book study will explore is: Can Americans of all faiths and beliefs share a positive and enriching diversity within our country and the world?

Facilitator: Paris Donehoo

April 01    Al Taenzer
April 04    Cassidy Sell
April 07    Debra Leberecht
April 08    Charles Zimmerman
April 09    Gretchen Hochberger
April 09    Beth Mitchell
April 10    Glen Murphy
April 10    Rowena Swan
April 11    Bradley Widder
April 11    Kameron Breunlin
April 11    Katy Martin
April 16    Ann Schneck
April 16    Patricia Yauch
April 16    Susan Lovingood
April 20    Tom Powell
April 21    Doug McDonald
April 22    Pamela Widder
April 23    Maranda Lile
April 24    Shannon Lile
April 25    John Schneck
April 28    Benjamin Banwart

• Bob Lohse was admitted to Sherman Hospital for tests. He is home and recuperating well. Violet continues to receive physical therapy at Manor Care Health Services.
• Jean Hempstead's cousin, Mary, has been in a coma for several weeks. She is slowly regaining consciousness.
• Elaine Munch, mother of Sue Perrin, grandmother of Shannon Lisle and Angela Garcia , has been in and out of the hospital for tests. She continues to struggle with health issues.
• Dorothy Larson, mother of Kathy Turnquist, had triple by-pass surgery and an infection in her leg. She has been transferred from the hospital to a convalescence center for therapy.
• Former member Cliff Hokanson had hip replacement surgery in Florida.

With Sympathy

• Roman Castillo's father passed away. Funeral services were held in Mexico.
• Lois Bucher's aunt, Caroline Bucher, passed away.
• Mary Hartwig's uncle, Ed, passed away.
• Marianna Cirrincione, aunt of Penny Donehoo, passed away.

Simon Andrew, son of Sally and Sal Lopez, was baptized at the 10:15 service on March 14.

Jean Stettner has not been feeling well; please remember her in your prayers.

Buy Stock In Our Mission Trip

Want to buy some stock that will really increase in value?? We are selling stock to support our mission trip to Michigan . Stock Certificates will be sold for $10 each. This money will help defray our travel expenses. As a stockholder you will have the opportunity to participate in the mission work we will be doing through Habitat for Humanity in Ludington , Michigan . Following our trip we will hold a stockholders dinner on Sunday, July 25 th and share the video and stories of our work.

Summer Mission Trip Plans

There are only 3 months left until this summer's Mission Work Trip and plans are coming together for the trip to Ludington , Michigan and Monroe County Habitat for Humanity. For all those interested in attending, a mandatory meeting will be held after the second service on April 18th in the Church Library.  A $50 deposit is required to hold your spot and can be made at the April 18th meeting. Any questions? See Pastor Lois or Mr. Brian.

P.A.D.S.

March 10, 2004

Dr. Paris Donohoo

First Congregational Church of Elgin
256 E. Chicago St .
Elgin , IL . 60120

As we approach the end of the first quarter of 2004,1 cannot help but reflect on how blessed this mission has been over the past few months. The outpouring of community support has been nothing short of phenomenal. However, there are a few groups whose efforts have served as stellar examples of what a few caring individuals can accomplish. The folks at the First Congregational Church have certainly proved that potential and I wanted to express my personal gratitude to all who were responsible for opening the church's doors to our emergency shelter program during the month of February.

Over the past several months we have made many steps forward in our effort to move folks from homelessness to self sufficiency. Partnerships with the Community Crisis Center and Ecker Center have resulted in improved communications between agencies, more efficient use of resources and the ability to follow individual progress and failures more closely. A summit initiative has brought major social service providers together four times in the past five months to discuss common problems, gaps in the system and possible solutions. And best of all, on December 31, 2003 the long awaited check to purchase property for a permanent shelter site finally arrived.

As you can tell, we are extremely optimistic that 2004 will be a year of progress toward meeting the needs of the poorest of the poor in the Elgin area. However, without the support of the Elgin faith community, none of this would be possible. Please express my heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the February effort. Music director, JonWarfel, was particularly patient and accommodating and we are truly grateful for his support.

These are truly troubled times for the body of Christ. We are all being sorely tested by both the government and public opinion. It is a blessing to us to know that His arms are still reaching out at First Congregational Church. Thank you again for the use of your building.

Sincerely,

Dennis Hewitt

Executive Director

SISTER TO SISTER

Our Sister to Sister group will not meet in April because our regular meeting night falls on Maundy Thursday. We hope that all of the women of the church (as well as everyone else) will come for our Maundy Thursday worship at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary.

DAMARIS

The Damaris Women's Fellowship Group will be meeting on April 22 nd at the Café Magdalena, 17 Douglas Ave. We'll gather at 6:30 pm and have dinner and conversation. It is a nice relaxing evening. Call Lee Ellsworth at 847-888-1661 for more information.

Class of 2004

Zachary Brictson, Katelyn Hargrave, Lindsay Iverson and Olivia Munson, will be Confirmed on May 23 rd at the 10:15 service. Please mark your calendars and save this special date.

Church Camp

It's time to think about how the children will spend their summer vacation. We'd like to suggest that you consider a week away at one of the camps sponsored by our church. Brochures about camps are available from Lois. There are camps for all ages ? Kindergarten?through senior adult. Our church offers scholarships to help defray the cost of camp because we know that these are important opportunities for folks to learn more about their faith. Our scholarships are for ½ of the registration fee up to $100.00.

The first deadline for camp registration is May 1st . To attend camp for the cheapest rates Camp registrations must be in by May 1 st . We have many former campers that will be returning to camp again this year and who would be willing to talk about their camp experience to anyone who is questioning whether camp is something that they would like to try this summer.

If you want to be connected with one of these resource people or have any questions about the wonderful camping opportunities offered through our Illinois Conference Outdoor Ministry program please talk to Lois.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

The fishing net will be out to collect the fish for One Great Hour of Sharing on Sunday, March 28 th . Please remember to fill your fish with loose coins (and dollar bills too.) Your money will go to help people all over the world who are in need. If you didn't get a fish some will be available at church on Sunday.

The church school will gather in the Storytelling I room before worship on Sunday, April 4 th . We will be parading into worship that day leading our choir in the procession of palms. Please arrive early enough to participate in this parade.

Parents please plan to bring your child/children to our Holy Week Observances. These are important opportunities for them to learn more about their faith. We'll begin with Palm Sunday on April 4 th and our journey will continue through out the week as we walk with Jesus through these last days. On Maundy Thursday, April 8 th , we will be taking Holy Communion around a table sitting in groups of 12 like Jesus did with his disciples. This is a great opportunity for your child to participate in Holy Communion. It will include readings and extinguishing candles. The Choir will present a wonderful concert at noon on Good Friday. Finally our week will conclude with our Easter celebrations at 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. , there will be family worship services (no Sunday School.) Please be sure to make room for these worship opportunities.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

We are making plans now for our Vacation Bible School . It will be held the week of June 14 th at Wing Park . We are hoping to double our enrollment once again this year, so invite your neighbors and friends to join us for this great outdoor adventure. There will be something for preschoolers through 6 th graders. Our program is called "Son Games" to coincide with the Summer Olympic theme. It should be a fun week of learning and games. The older kids will be involved in camp-like activities. Mark your calendar and save the date. Watch for registrations materials to arrive in the next few weeks.

FROG Friday is over for this school year. The April date falls on Good Friday so we are encouraging families to come and worship together during Holy Week (see the article about that included in this issue.) We averaged 25-30 children participants each session this year.

Thank you to all those who helped to make FROG Fridays possible. First of all, we couldn't do it without the organizational work of Jan Embree. Jan prepares all the craft materials, sets up for our dinner and for all of our activities. She has everything ready to go when everyone else arrives. We also appreciate the support of the Starks. Brian Stark (Mr Brian) lead games almost every session and Mary Stark is often our music leader. Carol Olson came faithfully each session to help wherever she was needed. Many other parents volunteered to pitch in and help for a session or two. Finally, a VERY BIG THANK YOU to all the youth who faithfully helped with crafts, games and music. One of the highlights of this program is the participation of our older youth with the younger children. It is great to see the young children look up to our junior high and senior high youth as role models.

SLOPPY JOE LUNCH

TURNED OUT NEATLY

With nearly 100 people attending the Sloppy Joe Lunch on March 14, over $600 was raised toward our Mission Trip fund. Thanks to all those who attended and especially to Pat Henrys for designing and setting up the St. Patrick's Day décor and baking some delicious desserts for a special auction! Don't miss the next fundraiser ? our Prime Time Dinner in May!

PRIME TIME DINNER

The much anticipated Prime Time Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, May 15 at FCC. Some great musical entertainment is being finalized and a delicious "sit down" dinner is in the works. Details will be revealed on April 8, when tickets will be available. Only 110 tickets will be sold for this event. Don't miss it! Tickets are $10 per person and WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR. This will be our final fundraiser for the Summer Mission Trip to Ludington , MI in June.

YOUTH GROUP ACTIVITIES
April 04: 1st Sunday (Palm Sunday) - Senior High Students attend Worship Service. No class.
April 11: Easter Sunday
April 18: Senior High Breakfast
Sneak Out and Work Trip

Meeting
Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra Brass Choir Conductor, Jason Flaks, with special guests Sotto Voce Tuba/Euphonium Quartet Saturday April 17 th 4:00 P.M. FCC Sanctuary Tickets available at the door $10 adults $8 Students/Seniors

Top Ten Reasons to Volunteer for Coffee Hour

10. It's fun! Not work!

9. Try something new.

8. Show off an old recipe.

7.Try out a new recipe.

6. You can pick the date.

5. Socialize with others.

4. "Partner" with a new friend.

3. Service to others.

2. Minimal time commitment.

1. Contribute to Church Fellowship

The Fellowship and Hospitality Committee is in need of volunteers. We would like to ask each member to consider serving at least once a year as a greeter, reader, communion server or coffee hour server. It provides everyone an opportunity to participate in church beyond worship service, and adds variety.

The members of the Worship and Hospitality Committee are ready and willing to provide resources and support to anyone who will volunteer.

THANK YOU!

Thank You To:

My FCC family, Pastor Lois, Beth Mltchell, Deb Sell, Deb Leberecht, Jennifer Garbe, Jan Embree, and Lori Kemmler

I have the utmost privilege to serve on the Ministry of Christian Education. It is a lot of fun.

Due to a work schedule change, this wonderful group of ladies have changed their schedules so we could find a new meeting night. Now I can still be involved with this ministry!!

I just want you to know another great aspect of our life here at FCC!

With great thanks,
Laura McMinn

Spring Forward

April 4th, 2004
Please remember to Spring Forward one hour on Saturday, April 3 rd , or you'll miss our Palm Sunday Worship Service.

The Russians are coming again!

to

First Congregational Church in Elgin

LYRA

A Musical Treat From St. Petersburg Russia !

 

We are offering a free concert for the community

on Sunday, May 23, 2002 at 7pm .

 

Those of us who were fortunate enough to hear LYRA during their visit two years ago were entranced by the beauty and quality of their singing. Those of us who were lucky enough to spend time with the singers the rest of that weekend were entranced by their beauty and quality, as individuals. They were warm, curious, and intent on engaging each of us on a personal level.

FCC is hosting them again this year. We're looking for a few families who are willing to house one or two of the performers for Sunday and Monday evenings (May 23 and 24). There are no married couples in the group of six this year.

Please call Mary Vickers at 847-888-1464 if you are interested in sharing your home with one or two of the singers. (Note: Lyra is planning on having their own van this time.)

Lyra is a community of professional musicians, most postgraduates of Saint-Petersburg Conservatoire. In the summer, an ensemble of six of their members travels to the United States to perform a wide range of Russian sacred music and folk songs. They perform a variety of music including:

• Ancient songs of the Orthodox Church
• Works of little-known, but remarkable composers of the XVII-XX centuries
• Famous masters such as, Bortnjansky, Chesnokov, Gretchaninov, Stravinsky and others.
• Secular songs of Russian classics, such as Taneev, Tchaikovsky, Rakhmaninov.

"LYRA" has performed throughout Russia and in Western Europe ( Germany , Switzerland , Holland , Great Britain and Sweden ).

Help us welcome Lyra back to Elgin and let's welcome the community into our church!

P.A.D.S. of Elgin

Spring Cleaning Charity Auction

 

AUCTION
DATE: Saturday April 3, 2004
Time:10:OOAM Location: 1601 Weld Road ( Elgin ) VFW

For more information please call
Telephone 847-608-9744
donations will be accepted from 7:30 AM until 9:45 AM
the morning of the Auction

• Items being donated must be in good condition
• Anyone donating a vehicle must bring a clear title
• All items must be removed the day of the auction
• Please no clothes

Auctioneer: RemmerSchuetz Auction Service Food Available

P.A.D.S. of Elgin, Inc is a 501 ( c ) 3 nonprofit organization

FOX VALLEY WING RIDERS GARAGE SALE

FRIDAY, APRIL 16 AND SATURDAY APRIL 17
8 A.M. TO 4 P.M.

TO BENEFIT THE ELGIN PADS
EMERGENCY HOMELESS SHELTER

LOCATION: EPWORTH METHODIST CHURCH
RANDALL RD. AND HIGHLAND AVE.
ELGIN

DONATIONS ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED AND MAY BE DROPPED OFF THE THURSDAY EVENING PRIOR OR BY PREVIOUS ARRANGEMENT.

Call Dennis Hewitt at 847-608-9744 or 847-980-6130 for details.