First Congregational Church
United Church of Christ

ADVENT VESPERS SERVICE
Are you already dreading the holiday rush and hassle?  Are you already wishing you could find some way to “keep Christ in Christmas”?  Then mark your calendars now for our fourth annual Advent Vespers Service on December 2 at 6:00.  This year’s service promises to be the best ever.  Along with readings appropriate to the Advent season, beautiful music will be provided by the Chancel Choir, the Handbell Choir, the Cherub Choir, the Joyful Noise, and the Fox River Trio.  More details will follow in next month’s Church Life but make plans now to attend this special service.  You’ll be glad you did.  

PILGRIMAGE TO ISRAEL
Paris and Penny Donehoo are hosting a trip to Israel and would like for you to go along.  In Jerusalem we will visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and take communion at the Garden Tomb.  In Bethlehem we will visit the Church of the Nativity and Shepherd’s Field where Luke says the angels announced Jesus’ birth.  We will travel to Jericho where the walls came a-tumblin’ down and take a swim in the Dead Sea.  We will take a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee and visit Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth.  We will also take a side trip to Petra in the country of Jordan and visit the ancient Nabatean city (remember the last scene in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade?).  Oh, and don’t forget Masada, Caesarea, Tel Aviv — we will see them all.  Tour price of $XXXX includes round trip air, overnights at 3 & 4 star hotels, entrance to all sites, fully qualified guides, air-conditioned motorcoaches, and two meals each day.  This is a trip unlike any other you will ever take.  See Paris or Penny for details and to sign up.  

Chuck Zimmerman was admitted to Sherman Hospital with cardiac problems.  He received a defibrillator and pacemaker. He is now home and recuperating well.  

Doug McDonald spent a week at Sherman West Court for antibiotic treatment.  He is now home and doing fine.  

Ron Whetstone had surgery at St. Joseph Hospital to repair an aortic aneurysm.  He is recuperating well and should be home soon.  

Anne Bird, Jennifer Phillips’ mother, had back surgery on October 24.  

Pam Widder had extensive foot surgery at Glenbrook Hospital. Though her recuperation will take some time, she is home and doing well.

George Albee passed away on October 6.  A funeral service, led by Dr. Donehoo, was held at FCC on October 10.  

Chrissa Formas and Jason Flaks were married at FCC on October 6.  

Cat Iverson and Jason Frega have announced their engagement.  Congratulations!  

PROPERTY NOTICE – PLEASE READ
Two years ago FCC put renovation plans on hold in order to attempt a purchase of the property east of our building on East Chicago Street.  The attempt was not successful and renovation plans were restarted.  It has recently come to our attention that said property will soon come on the market again.  The pastoral staff, moderator, vice-moderator, treasurer, and past moderator, met to discuss options and discerned that pursuing purchase of the property would not be wise at this time.  However, we welcome input from anyone in the congregation.  If you have thoughts or insights on this matter, please share them with pastors Paris or Lois, Jodi Stackowiak, Jeanne Rothlisberger, Gail Yauch, or Tom Powell.  

November 9, 2007

We are beginning to make plans for our annual Sunday School Christmas Program on Sunday, December 16th. We want all of the children to participate so please mark this date on your calendar now before it fills with other holiday activities.

As the month of December approaches the calendar quickly fills up and there isn’t time left to do the things that you really wanted to do.  So, we want you to mark your calendar right now for our annual Christmas Caroling event on Sunday, December 16th at 4:00 p.m.  We will gather at church at 4pm and car pool around Elgin to sing carols for some of our church members.  Our evening concludes with a sloppy joe dinner at church .  So, plan to join the fun.

We are encouraging the children to be present each week in Sunday School.  Their regular attendance makes it easier for them to learn about our faith without gaps in their learning.  We want to recognize these people for perfect attendance during the month of September: Maranda Lile, Savannah Lile, Grace Ann Aldred, Cassidy Sell, Ben Brictson, Kenzie Fahnestock, Max Aldred, Chris Leberecht, Diana Castillo, Phillip Brictson, and AJ Mitchell.
Congratulations!   We hope that more children will try to be present each week.  We will be recognizing perfect attendance for October in the next newsletter.
 
 

We hope that all of the women of the church have marked January 25th and 26th on their calendars for our second annual women’s retreat.  Last year’s retreat was such a great success that we decided to do it again.  We have been busy planning a variety of activities that will nurture your soul and pamper your body. This is a refreshing winter get-away weekend on Friday evening, January 25th and all day Saturday, January 26th.  It is sure to be a “sweet” weekend.  We sure hope that you will plan to join us. We’re sorry if you missed last year’s event, but you surely won’t want to miss this year’s retreat. Watch your bulletins for a brochure with all the details later in November.

(Friends Relying on God) Friday
    Our first two Frog Fridays of the year have been a “hopping success.”   We meet on the third Friday of every month. Our next meeting will be on November 16th.  Our time together begins at 6pm with a pizza dinner.  The evening always includes story, songs, games, and crafts. It concludes at 8:30 p.m.  The cost is $5 per session.  Please invite your friends to come and participate.

Nov. 4 Chris Leberecht
            Brad Rantz
Nov. 11 Taylor Stark
              Emerson Lewis
Nov. 18 Lauren Powers
              Drew Rantz
Nov. 25 Cassidy Sell
              Emilie Kottmeier

Senior high youth and young adults (18 -25) are invited to Find Your Fit: LifeKeys 4 Teens and Young Adults. This is a weekend retreat at Country Inn and Suites in Elgin. It will be held on Friday night, November 2nd (6:30 pm) and all day Saturday, November 3rd (until 4:30). Find Your Fit is an exciting program designed to help youth and young adults look at their lives through five different lenses: Talents, Personality Type, Spiritual Gifts, Values and Passions. As you begin to make career choices, life choices and enter the work world, it is our hope that this program will give you the tools you need to help you make your life most fulfilling. The cost for the entire event is only $35for church members and $50 for non-church members. The cost goes up $20 for registrations after October 28th, so sign-up TODAY!

Damaris is a women’s fellowship group that meets each month to go out to dinner together.  We normally meet on the fourth Thursday of every month.  However, the November meeting will be on the 3rd Thursday (November 15th) because Thanksgiving falls on the fourth Thursday.  We will meet at 6:30 p.m. For more information or for a ride please call Lois (741-4045).

All third graders are invited and encouraged to come to Bible Blast 2007 on Friday, November 9th at 6:30 p.m. Please eat dinner at home before you come.  This special evening will include learning activities and games to help these young people discover the treasures within their Bibles.  Please RSVP to Lois (847-741-4045 ext 19) to let us know that you plan to attend.
    The third graders will be receiving Bible as a gift from their First Congregational Church family on Sunday, November 18th during the 10:15 worship service.

11/04    Charlie Rantz
             Janet Banwart
11/11    Glenna Pravadovic
             Penny Donehoo
11/18    Shirley May Byrnes
             Janet Banwart
11/25    Charlie Rantz
             Lee Ellsworth

The following volunteers are listed for the month of November:

11/04    Charlie and Lauren Rantz
11/11    Ron and Liz Schaaf
11/18    Gail and Pat Yauch
11-25    Janet Banwart

Anyone interested in calling on our First time visitors please call Ann Schneck at 847-741-5088 or the church office.    

11-02    Howard Bakken
11-03    Linda Dahl
11-04    Ceceilia Snider
11-05    Jennifer Bero
11-08    Denise Farley
11-10    Norbert Kurth
11-11    Elly Hopkins
11-12    Adam McCoy
11-13    Kenzie Fahnestock
11-14    Rosella Menke
11-14    Marjorie Irion
11-17    Sue Trojanowski
11-17    Michael Barbezat
11-18    Jean Hempstead
11-19    Virginia Flentge
11-19    Jeanne Rothlisberger
11-23    Judith Leith
11-24    Jordan Sund
11-27    Robert Steffen
11-27    Bailey Stark
11-30    James Breunlin

It takes a Village, No Child left Behind, Kids First, are all familiar sayings to most of us. While they ring true, their meaning gets lost in media hype and day to day struggles with work, home and school.

We all have opportunities to volunteer in various areas of our life & community. Some we do out of duty or obligation, maybe even for selfish interests. We here at FCC now have an opportunity to volunteer simply for the joy of it. Coleman Elementary School would like to partner with members of our congregation in a Partners in Reading Program. This program has been very successful in other Elgin schools and Churches. Reading with a child is simply a joyful and satisfying experience. There is no shouldering of responsibility, no public recognition, no obligation to do more – it is simply fun and satisfying.

Ask Brian Stark or any of the other educators in our Church about the data available supporting significant improvement in elementary age children’s reading with one on one support. As both a participant and the mother of a recipient of reading partners I can attest to the benefits for all parties.

Please consider reading with a child and bringing a smile to your day.

Please contact Brian Stark for more information on how you can help enrich your life by working with a child.

Barbara Burton Halfpenny

    What's not fair? Medical insurance coverage for persons with a mental illness. It's not fair! Did you know that under the present system, many patients are denied access to mental health care? Insurance companies can do any or all of the following:
1.    Offer less coverage for a mental illness
2.    Require higher co-payments
3.    Allow fewer physician visits per year
4.    Allow less days per hospital stay
    Under new legislation called The Mental Health Parity Act of 2007, treatment limitations and cost-sharing requirements for mental health services must be equal to the coverage offered for medical and surgical services.
    Join Stepping Stones on Sunday, November 11 from 9:15-10:00 for a lively discussion of this timely topic. Senator Michael Noland will be our guest speaker. Grab a cup of coffee and join us in the library. Remember as always, Stepping Stones is open to friends, family and members of the Elgin community.

Storage space at FCC is at a premium.  The old coal bin space has been used as a depository for old, broken, unused or obsolete items.  This space can be better used.  The Ministry of the Building will be cleaning out the area on the first weekend in December.  Persons or groups wishing to save items in this area must tag them or remove them to another area by December 1, 2007.

If you have any questions please call Paul Turk at 847-697-0711.

Dear Friends,

My thanks to our Pastors and church members for their visits, flowers, and prayers during my recent heart problems.  Your concern, coupled with the excellent care of the doctors and staff at Sherman Hospital cardiac care unit have brought me back to good health.  It is just a matter of continuing my healing processes.

You all are a fine extended family.
Thank you

Chuck Zimmerman

My sincere thanks for the wonderful celebration on Sunday, October 7, World Communion Sunday.  What a privilege and an honor it was to stand at the Lord’s table and serve you.  I knew how much I was looking forward to that particular day but I did not realize how important it was to the congregation as well.  The people, the music, the food, the flowers, the gracious hospitality to our guest, it could not have been nicer.

Thank you all.
Rev. Pat Lindquist

The Wider Church Ministry Team of the Conference Council of the Illinois Conference wishes to Thank You for your generous donation towards projects of One Great Hour of Sharing 23007.

Rev. C. Roberts

PIZZA DAY
On Tuesday, December 11 give yourself a break after a long day of work or school and before you hit the mall to shop for those Christmas gifts; order dinner from Danny’s Pizza. They have dinners (individual and family-size), sandwiches, pasta, and of course their delicious pizza. When you call (847-742-5400) between 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. just mention 1st Congregational Church and the church will receive a percentage of your order total. The proceeds will benefit the renovation. Coupons will be available each Sunday to pass out to your friends and neighbors. Have a family reunion, have a block party, have fun!

The Creative Fundraising Group wants to say a huge thank you to Sandy Dalton for making this possible.

JOIN US FOR A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Celebrate the magic of Chicago’s favorite holiday tradition – A Christmas Carol – at the Goodman Theater.

   In this beloved story, miser
Ebenezer Scrooge is taught the true meaning of Christmas by a series of ghosts who show him his past, present and future.

Date:  Saturday, December 1st
Time:  2 p.m. (We’ll leave Elgin at 12    
           noon)
Place:  The Goodman Theater in
            Chicago
Ticket Price:  $55 (plus possible $3
            surcharge)

Following the play we will dine out at Greek Town at the Greek Islands Restaurant.

 Since its debut in 1978, millions of Chicagoans - adults and children alike - have been thrilled by this timeless tale of Scrooge and his voyage into Christmas past, present, and future.

The deadline for purchasing tickets in Sunday, November 4th

Please reserve ______seats for me/us.   I have enclosed $55 per ticket.  I realize that I may also be assessed a $3 service charge from the theater.
_____I plan to dine out in Greek Town with the group.
_____I am willing to drive to Chicago and I can take ___ number of  people in my car.

Name ________________________________

tel. #_____________email _______\
 
 

As I sat in the pew during the 10:15 service on October 21st and heard Paul Grote genuinely speak from his heart about what First Congregational Church meant to him and his family, I thought how many other lives have been mirrored in the story that Paul told?  In case you weren’t there, I’ll briefly fill you in.   Paul was raised in a family that went to church, but when he grew up he stopped going.  Paul’s wife, Tracy, grew up in an unchurched home  When Paul and Tracy had children and moved to Elgin, they searched for a church.  After visiting several others, they came to FCC and they liked what they found.  Besides the friendliness of the congregation, they realized that it was ok to ask questions about the Bible, about the basic tenets of Christianity and not be judged or made to feel inadequate.  He said he and his family have grown so much as Christians.  If that isn’t what we’re all about here, I don’t know what is.  I cannot imagine what Paul and the countless others of us would have done had this church not been here.  

As Paris says, “Grace may be free, but it isn’t cheap.”  We as Christians have an obligation to give back to the One who has given us everything.  We also have an obligation to the next Paul and Tracy Grote who come through our doors looking for, and ultimately finding, what they did caring, non-judgmental place where it’s ok not to have all the answers; where it’s ok to ask questions; where it’s ok to grow in your faith and be the Christian God wants you to be.

When your stewardship letter and estimate of giving card arrives next week, I would like every one to prayerfully consider what this church means to them.  Are we simply paying “lip service” to our faith?  Or are we truly disciples of Jesus Christ and willing to make a commitment to ensure that this church remains a beacon in the night for those who are lost, who don’t have the answers, and  who are too embarrassed to even ask the  questions.

Think about it; pray about it.

Christ’s peace,
Patti Scroggins