First Congregational Church
United Church of Christ

The Cross Eyed Players, Christ Care Groups and Worship and Hospitality will continue our new tradition of providing brunch at 9:00 am on Easter Sunday, March 23rd.

If you would like to help or contribute please contact John Kauffman or Barb Burton.

ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Feed your body, mind, and spirit each Sunday morning at 9:15. Breakfast is served each week, and then there are these opportunities for growing in your faith. Childcare is available. Note there will be no classes on March 23, Easter Sunday.

In-depth Bible Study (Each Sunday) – Mark’s Gospel continues to challenge our notions of discipleship and what it means for us to follow Jesus. As Mark would say, “immediately” come and join the class. No biblical expertise necessary.

Stepping Stones (March 9) — This month the class will be viewing the video “Families Coping with Mental Illness.” Ten people, parents, spouses, siblings, discuss having a relative with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Who can benefit from the tape? Family members of people with serious mental illness will find the tape supportive and informative.

Controversial Conversations with Carl
(March 16) – Because of Easter, “CCC” will meet this month on the 3rd Sunday instead of the 4th. This month’s topic will be “Can we save federal entitlements?” Come and discuss the future of Social Security, Medicare, and all the rest.

TUESDAYS WITH JESUS
During this Lenten season you are invited to join us on Tuesday evenings for a time of study, reflection and growth.  It is not too late to join the group. Our sessions will continue on Tuesdays, February 26th, March 4th, 11th, and 18th  7:15 – 8:30p.m.   This year, two groups are meeting simultaneously.   A men’s group gathers in the Fellowship Hall while a women’s group gathers in the library.  Both groups are using a book called Disciple’s Joy: Six Practices for Spiritual Growth, written by Michael Foss (author of PowerSurge and Real Faith for Real Life: Six Marks of Discipleship).   The cost of the book is $12.00.    You can pick up a copy from the church office. 

Don’t miss these musical offerings remaining in the 2008 Jane Hampton Chipman Memorial Organ Recital Series
February 29 Marsha Webster
March 7 Phyllis Lange-Connelly
March 14 Gargoyle Brass
with Michael Surrat, organ.
Music from Rachmaninoff
Vespers (8:00 pm)*
March 20 St. Matthew Passion
by Heinrich Schütz
*Note time change for March 14 only. All other concerts will begin at 12 noon.

PILGRIMAGE TO ISRAEL
The deadline for the trip of a lifetime is fast approaching!  March 10 is the cutoff date for signing up for Paris’ and Penny’s trip to Israel, June 12-22.  Whether you’ve decided or go or can’t make up your mind, plan on coming to the FCC fellowship hall at 6:00pm on March 2 for pictures, details, trip information, and any questions you may have.  We will even sample some of the cuisine we will encounter in Israel.  See Paris or Penny for details, and/or a brochure, and/or a sign-up sheet.  If you have questions, please ask.  This is a trip unlike any other you will ever take.  

EMERGENCY MESSAGE MAILBOX
When the biggest snowfall of the year canceled Ash Wed-nesday services and other activities, many of us realized we had no way to alert FCC folks when emergencies force a last minute change in programming.  Therefore, we now have an “Emergency Message Mailbox.”  Here’s how it works: If activities must be canceled or changed at the last minute, the information will be available at extension 16 on the church phone system.  (You don’t need to memorize the number.  It will be a part of the outgoing message you will hear.)  Just call the church number (847-741-4045) and then dial extension 16.  A pre-recorded message will give you any information you need.  We hope this will keep us all informed — just in case.  

FOLK MUSIC SERVICE
Watch this space for information in next month’s newsletter about FCC’s 3rd annual folk music worship service, coming, April 27.  Join the ensem-ble, or come up with your own musical offering, or just sing and clap along.  Circle the date on your calendar now.  It promises to be a rollicking good time!  

Betty Ells had a brief stay at Northwestern Memorial Hospital over the first weekend in February.  She is now recuperating at home.  

Pat Lindquist had cataract surgery on February 14.  She is home and recuperating well.  

Sandy Dalton fell and broke her ankle in three places.  After surgery and a few days stay at St. Joseph Hospital she is now receiving physical therapy at home.  

On February 4 Mary Lou Whetstone retired from her job at Elgin Community College.  Congratulations!

Associate Pastor Lois Bucher celebrated the 10th anniversary of her ordination on February 1.  Thanks for sharing your gifts with us.  

March 9th Jesus –
      The Movie
We invite anyone interested to join the  Confirmation Class and their mentors for the viewing of the movie Jesus on Sunday afternoon March 9th.   This 90 minute movie uses the words of the Gospel of Luke as it tells the life of Jesus.  It is a great movie.  We will begin with a pizza lunch at noon and conclude between 2:15 and 2:30.  Please let Lois know if you=d like to join the group, so we order enough pizza.

The Damaris group will meet on Thursday, March 27th.  Please join us for dinner at 6:30 pm at the Village Square Restaurant, 480 S. Randall Rd. (Randall and Thornwood) So. Elgin.

SUNDAY SCHOOLS ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING OFFERING
The Sunday School children received fish banks on Sunday, February 17th.  These banks are to collect their offerings for One Great Hour of Sharing.  One Great Hour of Sharing is a disaster relief offering.  Whenever and wherever there is a need OGHS money goes to help with the problem both here in the U.S. and world-wide.  Children are encouraged to feed their banks with loose coins and bring them back on Sunday, March 30th.

March 7th PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE

The last FROG Friday of the year will be held on Friday, March 7th at 6p.m. We are meeting on the first Friday instead of the third because of Good Friday.  We=ll begin as always with a pizza supper and then have a sing-a-long, story, games, and crafts.  FROG Friday is for all kindergartners - sixth graders.  The junior high and high school youth serve as group leaders for this program.  Come and bring a friend.  It is a lot of fun!  The cost is $5 for dinner and craft.

Attention YOUTH  - After FROG Friday

Come and help with FROG Friday on March 7th and then stay for Laser tag.  Pick-up will be at 11p.m.   Watch for an email to give you the details about cost.  

This year the youth will be participating in the National Youth Event of the United Church of Christ at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tennessee – July 24 – July 28th.   We will be there with thousands of youth from all over the United States.  There will be music, worship, games, workshops, service opportunities, Bible studies and much more, all geared just for senior high youth and their leaders.  We want every junior high and high school youth to experience this exciting event.  The cost for the event will be $300 which includes all travel expenses as well as food and lodging.  We are asking for a deposit of  $150 by April 6th.  (As always, scholarships are available.  DO NOT let cost prevent you from participating!) Cathy Jurgens will be collecting the deposits.  Save your space now.  It will be awesome! 

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 January: Aiden Garcia, Abby Garcia, Cassidy Sell,  Ben Brictson, Phillip Brictson, Keaton Fahnestock, A. J. Mitchell, Chris Taylor, and Dennis Turnquist Congratulations!  We hope that more children will try to be present each week.  We will be recognizing perfect attendance for February in the next newsletter.

March 2    Lauren Powers, Drew Rantz

March 9    Cassidy Sell, Emilie Kottmeier

March 16    Grace Anne Aldred, Abby Garcia

March 23    EASTER Kenzie Fahnestock, Abby Kottmeier

March 30    Bailey Stark, Matthew Halfpenny

   We are sponsoring a Danny's Pizza Night on the third Tuesday of each month.  You can order between 11 AM and 11 PM and a percentage of your order total will be given to the church IF you turn in the coupon OR tell them it is for the church.  What a delicious way to raise funds!  Get your friends and neighbors involved, too.  The more who order, the more money we receive.  Remember, Danny's Pizza Night the third Tuesday of each month.
 
     Watch this space for information about upcoming events:  possible spring annuals sale, ebay auction, July dinner theater, rummage sale, and MORE!  Get involved.  We need your help.  Our meetings are the fourth Monday of every month.  You don't have to attend the meetings to volunteer for a project, just let Jeanne Rothlisberger or Pattti Scroggins know.  We hope to see you Monday, February 25 at 7:00.
 

STEPPING STONES
March 2008

A very informative session is planned for our March gathering of Stepping Stones.  We will be viewing a video, “Families Coping with Mental Illness.”  Ten people, parents, spouses, siblings, discuss having a relative with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.  

Who can benefit from the tape?  Family member of people with serious mental illness will find the tape supportive and informative.  Mental health professionals have used this tape to gain important insights into what families face.

As always, Stepping Stones meets in the library on the second Sunday of the month from 9:15 - 10:00.  Friends and friends from the community are always welcome to join us.  If you have any questions you can contact Rev. Pat Lindquist or Mary Hartwig.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR TAXES
This year you have a very special opportunity to get your taxes done and help raise money for the church  renovation at the same time!  Members and friends of First Congregational UCC who have a simple straight-forward tax return have a unique opportunity to get your taxes done and benefit the church at the same time.  Erik Lindquist will be at FCC on Saturday,  March 1 and Saturday, March 8 from 3:00 - 6:00 PM to prepare your return.  Other times can be arranged by appointment.  Erik has 4 years experience as a trained tax preparer.

The rate for a standard return which includes 3 forms is $80.00.  There is an additional fee of $10.00 for each additional form.  Out of that cost, the church will receive $20.00 from each return processed.  To schedule a time, sign up on the sheet outside of the chapel.  Sessions will be held in the library.  Any questions call Pat Lindquist at 847-841-1436.  

We welcome new volunteers for this program of calling on First Time Visitors to our church and bring them information packets about FCC programs.  Time commitment – about one hour every other month.  

Talk to Paris or Ann Schneck (847-741-5088) for more details if interested.

March 2    Tom Powell
March 9    Charlie and Lauren Rantz
March 16    Ron and Liz Schaaf
March 23    Janet Banwart and Sandy Dalton
March 30    Stewart Crockett

Dear Church Family

Thank you for your many prayers and well wishes that I received during all my hospital visits and illnesses. I couldn’t have done it without you.

Sincerely,
Betty Ells

March 01    Hazel Smith
March 05    Dolores Zimmerman
March 05    Jerry Turnquist
March 05    Rachel Ruf
March 09    Carol Olson
March 12    Stacie Widder
March 13    Mary Lou Whetstone
March 13    Mary Ellen Flaks
March 16    Peggy Donehoo
March 16    Penny Donehoo
March 18    Roger Dieringer
March 18    Kristopher Hewitt
March 18    Cassie Kemmler
March 20     Marjorie Bye
March 20    Savannah Lile
March 21    Philip Brictson
March 22    Rae Ellen Gerber
March 23    Michael Halfpenny
March 30    William Schmoldt
March 30    Janet Diaz
March 31    Cregen McMinn