First Congregational Church
United Church of Christ

FOLK MUSIC WORSHIP SERVICE
On April 22 the FCC sanctuary will resonate once again with the rhythms of guitars, banjos, harmonicas, tambourines, and voices lifted in simple yet profound melodies as we celebrate worship with the sounds of folk music. Beth Iverson and her sisters will be there along with other performers from the church. Anyone from FCC willing to be part of an ensemble of folk singers is welcome to join in leading worship that day. (There will likely be only one rehearsal prior to the 22nd.) Please contact Steve Stauffacher, or send him an email at stauff30@wideopenwest.com, or just call the church office. This is a service you don’t want to miss. Bring a friend!

BREAKFAST WITH THE BIBLE
Bring your family at 9:00 am for an assortment of juice, fruit, milk, cereals, pastries, and coffee, and then stay for a time of spiritual and personal growth as we study together. Child care is available after your children have eaten breakfast. Join us this month for these options:
The Long-Winded Savior: Studies in the Gospel of John. We’ve seen Lazarus raised from the dead and Jesus anointed by Mary for his burial. Could the crucifixion and resurrection be far away? Come find out why, in John’s Gospel, Jesus says, “No one takes my life from me; I lay it down willingly.” Join us in the fellowship hall each Sunday.
Help! I Need Somebody! This month’s mental health emphasis will xxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx. Join us on April XX.

NEW SOUND SYSTEM
As most of you know, we have completed the installation of the long-awaited sound system, including individual headphones for those with hearing impairments.
    This new system is in memory of Dan Darling, Doris Gary, Jean Hove, George Hove, Ruth Huntley, Betty Jones, Virginia Kellerman, Virginia Koop, Robert Leach, Leigh O’Connor, John Pollnow, and Randall Warfel.
    The Memorial Committee thanks those families for directing funds to the church to make this new sound system possible.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
On February 25th and March 18th these new members were received into our church family:

Aletta Kamperschroer
Elgin 60123
Sponsor: Kevin Jocius

Jonathan and Dianne Knight
Hampshire, IL 60140
Sponsor: Karen and Ron Carlson
Jonathan is a native of Western Groves, Missouri near St. Louis.  He is a graduate of Earlham College and Eden Theological Seminary.  An ordained UCC minister, Jonathan currently serves as Acting Association Minister for the Fox Valley Association of the Illinois Conference of the UCC.  He enjoys “modern” music, playing guitar, antiques, woodworking, and computers.  Dianne was born in Harrisburg, PA and raised in Syracuse, NY.  A graduate of Ohio University and Washington University in St. Louis, Dianne is employed by Batavia Public Schools as a Special Education teacher.  She enjoys reading, exercising, and gardening.  Jonathan and Dianne have three children: Joshua (27), Kyle (25), and Elizabeth (22).  

Gerald Powers
Elgin, IL 60124
Sponsor: Mike Powers
Gerald is an Elgin native.  After attending U-46 schools he received degrees from Northwestern, Northern Illinois, and Loyola universities.  He is employed in School District #303 as a Political Science teacher at St. Charles East High School.  Gerald has one son, Max (10), and enjoys film, sports, travel, politics, golf, and baseball.  “I have found the people in this congregation warm,” he says.  

Bill Schnell
Elgin, IL 60120
Sponsor: xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Bill is our own Lois Bucher’s cousin and spent his early years in Northbrook.  After graduation from Glenbrook High School he received degrees from Bowling Green State University, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois.  Now in his retirement years, Bill continues to work with choirs at Glenbrook North High School.  An accomplished organist, he most recently served as organist at Glenview Community Church.  He was featured as the guest soloist for our Lenten Organ concert on March 16.  Bill says, “I am hoping to expand my horizons here in Elgin in terms of music activities.”  

Henry and Marilyn Speer
Elgin, IL 60124
Sponsor: Dorothy Cook
Henry (or “Hank”) was born and raised in Chicago and graduated from Carl Schurz High School.  Now that he is retired from General Motors Acceptance Corp. he has time to pursue his interests in bridge, music, and golf.  Marilyn also grew up in Chicago.  Now in her retirement years she too enjoys playing bridge.

Doug McDonald had hip replacement surgery at Sherman Hospital.  He is currently receiving rehab at St. Joseph Hospital.  

John Schneck was admitted to St. Joseph Hospital for rehab and was scheduled to be released on March 8.  However, he developed an infection and is currently receiving treatment.  

Dorothy Schock had surgery on March 12 at Sherman Hospital to remove an aneurism on her left arm.  She is home and recuperating well.  


Margaret Schmoldt had a consultation with a doctor from Rush-St. Luke’s Presbyterian Hospital.  A new medication and different approach to treatment holds promise for her recovery.  

Helen McClure had back surgery at Delnor Hospital on February 26.  After a stay at St. Joseph Hospital for rehab she is home and recuperating well.  

Doug Mackinney developed complications from what was supposed to be routine rotator cuff surgery on February 28.  He had to be transferred to Delnor Hospital where blood clots were discovered in his lung.  He is home now and taking things easy.  

Both Sandy Dalton and Minerva Pollnow are grateful for good results from recent medical tests.  

Karie Widder and Greg Jiacomin were united in marriage on March 2.  Pastor Lois performed the ceremony.  

Curt and Jennifer Phillips are expecting their first child in September.  Congratulations!