First Congregational Church
United Church of Christ

WEEKLY WINDOW
Coming soon to a Sunday bulletin near you will be “Weekly Window.”  No more Sunday bulletins stuffed to the gills with inserts about various church programs and opportunities.  Weekly Window will contain all that information and more each Sunday.  A big “thank you” goes out to Carole Kilmanas for all her hard work on this project.  Any announcement or information you or your ministry wish to be included in the Sunday bulletin must be submitted to Carole by Wednesday morning (kilmanas@sbcglobal.net or call the church office).  Thanks for your cooperation.  Look for the first edition of Weekly Window soon.  

FAITHWALK
Sunday, September 14 will be an exciting day at FCC.  We will officially “launch” our new program called FaithWalk: The Journey from Membership to Discipleship (see Paris Originals).  After worship we will gather in fellowship hall for lunch and a brief, but in-depth, presentation on the rationale, goals, and modus operandi of the program.  
FaithWalk is a comprehensive program designed to give you the foundations and tools you need for the journey of discipleship.  Each of the three classes focuses on a different aspect of the Christian life, but they need not be taken sequentially.  Come be a part of any or all of these offerings.  Dates for all sessions will be announced soon. 

FirstSteps: What’s It All About?
Perhaps you often avoid taking about the Bible or words such as “trinity” or “salvation” because you feel that you don’t know what they mean.  Or perhaps you have not wrestled with such terms and concepts since confirmation and would like to explore them again from an adult perspective.  Then FirstSteps is designed for you.  If you are looking to have your beliefs confirmed and your faith etched in stone, then this class is not for you.  But if you desire an examination of Christian basics from an open-minded, adult-oriented, challenging perspective then FirstSteps is the place for you.  All classes will meet on Sundays from 4:00 until 5:30 with the option to continue our discussion over dinner at a local restaurant.  Bring your ideas, beliefs, and even your doubts as we wrestle with these topics:
•    Basic Assumptions about faith
•    The Bible
•    God of creation and covenant
•    Jesus of the incarnation and
    resurrection
•    The continuing presence of the
    Holy Spirit
•    The Church at worship
•    The Church in the world
•    Eternal life and last things
•    The Christian life

DiscipleWay: A Christian’s Toolkit
Q: How do you get to Carnegie Hall?
A: Practice, practice, practice.
It may be an old joke, but it speaks the truth.  The way to become proficient in anything is to practice, practice, practice with the tools needed to do the job.  This class will introduce you to the practices of the Six Marks of Discipleship.  They are the “stuff” of a deeper relationship with God and a more fulfilling life of faith.  Join your fellow-travelers as you explore:
•    Why Discipleship?
•    Praying Daily
•    Worshiping Weekly
•    Reading the Bible
•    Serving in the church and beyond
•    Relating to others to encourage spiritual growth
•    Giving

LifeKeys: Discover Who You Are
Have you ever said…?
I don’t have any gifts.
My gifts are unimportant.
I’m missing the right gifts.
It’s too late to develop whatever gifts I have.
If so, LifeKeys can show you how gifted you are, how significant are your gifts, how you have just the right gifts for what God wants you to do, and how you can discover and hone your gifts.  Come and discover:
•    Life Gifts & Personality Type
•    Spiritual Gifts
•    Values
•    Passions
•    Life Choices

ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Resuming on September 7 is your chance to feed your body, mind, and spirit each Sunday morning at 9:15.  Breakfast will be served each week, and then you will have these opportunities for growing in your faith.  Childcare is available. 

In-depth Bible Study (Each Sunday) – Living Letters: An overview of Paul's writings.  Whether you love him or hate him, agree with him or disagree with him, no one can deny the Apostle Paul’s impact on Christian faith.  Approximately half of the New Testament was written by him or attributed to him, and many basic Christian beliefs were derived from his letters.  Yet, many questions remain.  Was he really a misogynist?  Did he condemn homosexuals?  Did he proclaim a portrait of Jesus different from the one we see in the Gospels?  Come wrestle with these and other questions throughout the month of September.  Also, each Sunday you will have the opportunity to vote on which biblical book we will study in-depth beginning in October. 

Stepping Stones (Sep. 14) — Marie McKee will be on hand with her West Highland Terrier named Rosey to discuss “Pet Therapy and Mental Health.”  Come for a unique and informative session. 

Controversial Conversations with Carl (Sep. 28) – “Failed Energy Policy” will be the hot topic of discussion this month.  Carl will have a packet of information available to guide the conversation.  Also, please note: Carl plans on being even MORE controversial this year!

MOTHER'S GROUP
Mother’s Group is starting on Thursday, September 4th.  This is a group for women with young children, ages infant through approximately 3rd grade.  Come and share ideas, listen, and laugh as we talk about the joys and sorrows of being a mother in this busy world.  Help us try and relate it to the roles of women in the Bible.  Child care is available for $3 per family.  A dinner to take home is provided.  
•    Time: 4:30-6:00 pm (Come when you can.  The door is always open.)
•    Where: FCC - in the library downstairs.
•    When: Starting Thursday, September 4th (We meet every other Thursday).
•    Questions: Penny Donehoo, 847-695-2694, pennyd@wowway.com.

Our  new Sunday School program year will kick on Sunday, September 7th at the 10:15 service.   Bring the family to worship and don’t forget to invite neighbors and friends to join you at church and Sunday School this year.  As in the past, after the children’s message the children will be dismissed to their Sunday School class. After the worship service children and families will gather outside to kick-off our new year.   The Ministry of Christian Education will be serving sundaes to celebrate another great year of Sunday School.  There will be yummy fixings to make super sundaes. 

RALLY DAY - ROAD RALLY
We’ve got an exciting afternoon planned for the whole church on Sunday, September 7th.  It all begins with a delicious build your own Taco Bar, followed by a make your own Sundae Bar.   After lunch we’ll begin our road rally adventure.  Each team will be given clues and a list of things they will need to gather.  It should all conclude by 4pm.  Bring a digital camera if you have one available.  There is NO experience necessary – this is guaranteed to be FUN for everyone.

Curt and Jennifer Phillips’ unborn baby developed serious problems.  They lost the baby on July 31.  

Former member Janice Partridge passed away in August.  A memorial service for her will be held at FCC on October 11.  

Ron and Karen Carlson are proud new grandparents.  Braden Robert Carlson arrived on July 25.  

Mike and Laura McMinn are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Erin Jean, to Jeremy Peterson.  They will be wed August 29, 2009.

We are very excited about our new Sunday School curriculum called Live Big.  The lessons will be presented in a way that will make the Bible stories come to life.  A video will be used during the storytelling time to enhance the lesson. In addition, discussions will help the children look for the wisdom they can take from the story to apply to their daily life.    Each Sunday the students will hear a different Bible story and then engage in drama, crafts, exploration or games.  Classes are provided for children ages 2 – High School.  For more information, or to volunteer for the program, please call Lois at 847-741-4045 extension 19.

We have a new High School Sunday School curriculum that was designed to be relevant to Senior High Students.  We hope that all High School youth will plan to be an active participant in the program this year.  Students will gather, following the sermon each Sunday (except Communion Sunday), for a lively discussion.
The schedule will be as follows:
1st Sun. of each month– stay in church for Communion (no class).
2nd Sun. of each month– leave after sermon for class in the youth room.  Class concludes at 11:45.
3rd Sun. of each month– leave after sermon and go with group for class discussion at Ravenheart (coffee and juice shop) one block from church.
4th Sun. of each month– leave after sermon for class in the youth room.  Class concludes at 11:45.

Many people have offered to help teach in our Sunday School program this year.  We are grateful for their time and dedication.  An organizational meeting will be held on Thursday, August 28th at 6:30 p.m. in the church library.  This meeting is for anyone who is planning to teach any part of our Sunday School program this year.   See you there!
  

FROG FRIDAY
Calling all children ages kindergarten – 6th grade!  Hop on down to church on the third Friday night of each month (Sept 19, Oct 17, Nov 21, Jan16, Feb 20. & Mar 20) for our FROG (Friends Relying on God) children’s youth group.  We begin each session at 6:00 p.m. with a pizza dinner and then follow dinner with singing, story, games and crafts.  Our evening concludes at 8:30 p.m.  It is a great time for the children of the church to play, learn, and grow together.  It provides an opportunity for parents to go out for a nice quiet dinner.   We do ask that parents volunteer one Friday night during the year.  Please complete the registration form and return it to the church office so we can plan accordingly. The cost remains $15 for the fall semester (Sept., Oct. and Nov.) if paid at one time.  The cost if paid on a month by month basis will be $7.00 per time.  Please contact Lois if you have any questions or you’d be willing to volunteer to help with this program. 

DAMARIS
Thursday, September 25th

Damaris is a women’s group that meets on the fourth Thursday of every month to go out for dinner and conversation.  Our September meeting will be on Thursday, September 25th, 6:30 p.m. at Golden Corral, 601 S. Randall Rd. Elgin (near Lowes.)  Please call Lee Ellsworth (847-888-1661) if you need directions or a ride.

CROP WALK
Please mark your calendars now for Elgin’s CROP walk on Sunday, October 19th.  This walk benefits the hunger programs of Church World Service.  Watch for more information in the next issue of Church Life, but save the date now.

 Fall Kick-Off on Sunday, Sept 7th 12 – 4p.m. Join us for our ALL church Road Rally (scavenger hunt).  We’ll start with a delicious TACO bar and sundaes for dessert.  Then we’ll split up in teams and follow clues around town to find the treasure.  Come on out and bring your friends, we’re going to show the adults of the church how to have fun on a Road Rally. 

FROG FRIDAY and CONGO RIVER
Calling all Jr. High and Sr. High youth  to join us for a youth outing after  FROG Friday on Friday, September 19th .  We will leave church at 8:30 p.m. and go to Congo River in Hoffman Estates for some exciting miniature golfing.  Bring along money for golfing and any snacks you care to purchase.

Chime Choir is gearing up for another productive season.  Fourth graders and older are invited to join us for rehearsals in the Sanctuary on Tuesdays at 6:00 – 6:45 p.m.  This is a wonderful opportunity to learn how to read music and enrich our worship experience.  If interested, please sign up on the sheet that will be outside the church office or talk to one of the directors.

The first rehearsal will take place on Tuesday, September 9th at 6:00 p.m.  If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask one of us.

Mary Ellen Flaks – (847)695-7306
Jeanne Rothlisberger – (847)464-5856
Mary Lou Whetstone – (847)741-2087
 
 

Help Transform the Church without spending any additional money!

It’s true!  You can help the Transforming the Church campaign while you are purchasing your groceries, clothes, appliances, vacations and much more – without spending any additional money!

Here is how it works.  Starting in September, FCC will be selling a large variety of gift certificates.  Each vendor gives a certain percentage back to the church.  You order and pay one week, your gift certificates will be available for pickup the next week. 

Are you an envelope budgeter?  This program is great for you.  Do you like to start your Christmas shopping early and do a bit each week to ease the expense?  This is a great program for you.  Do you give gift cards as gifts?  This is a great program for you.  Do you wish you could give more to the Transforming the Church campaign but just don’t have any more to give?  This program is for you!!!!!

Having used a program like this before, it really works best if you plan ahead for your weekly expenses.  For instance, if you spend $100 at the grocery store, $50 on gas, and $20 on dining out, all you have to do is purchase gift cards for your store preferences and you get the benefits of helping the church, and sticking to your budget.  It is a win-win situation. 

Watch for more information around church, and in the newsletter.  For more information, call Janet Aldred at (630) 715-7494.

Calendars are still available for the Calendar Raffle which will begin the first Sunday in 2009.  We will be awarding winners a total of $1350 over the course of the year.  Buy yours now so you can be eligible for some of that prize money!  They make excellent gifts.  You may not realize it, but the church can make a profit of over $10,000 if we sell all 500 of the calendars!  That is significant money.  But we need your help.  We need you to get your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and relatives involved in buying the calendars.  We will have bundles of 10 calendars ready for you to sign out beginning in late August.  Sign out a bundle, get others to purchase them, and turn in the stubs and money or turn in the calendars if you are unable to sell them.  Please help.

Please continue to support Danny’s Pizza Day, the third Tuesday of each month.

As always, your help and your suggestions are welcome.  The meetings are the fourth Monday at 7:00 pm in Fellowship Hall.  The next meeting will be August 25.  Contact Jeanne Rothlisberger for more information.

JOYFUL NOISE and CHERUB CHOIR BEGINS SEPTEMBER 14th!
Make a joyful noise!
Good news! Joyful Noise and Cherub choir rehearsals start September 14th! We’ll meet following 10:15 worship for 30 minutes. All children from ages 4-8th grade are invited to join in the fun, music and mayhem! This year, we’ll bring in different instruments and fun songs to enhance worship. Please call Letty Jocius at 847 464 2195 if you have any questions or feel free to email at gesegnet18@gmail.com. See you on the 14th!

Karen’s Corner Begins New Season
On Sunday, September 7th, Karen’s Corner will again be set up in the church library for people to come and shop from 9 am to 12:30 pm.  Baby gifts, fall items, picture frames, jewelry, books, and many miscellaneous items will be available.  There will also be a table set up of gently used/recycled gifts for your purchase.  All profits go to the church renovation fund.  See you there!

From: Nadine Ziegeldorf
Program Development Officer
Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation
Hi John,
    As you might be aware through Tiffany (John and Marilyn Kauffman’s niece) we have set up a fantastic shelter for the original children in the Link program, this is the first time in a very long time that the children have a place they can call home. With the amazing support from Tiffany and the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Elgin, IL we have been able to buy equipment and slowly develop the shelter into a great place for the children. With your support we are able to keep the shelter operating providing supervision, support and guidance for the children, good nutritional meals and, of course, a roof over their heads.
    The original 6 children have each had their own individual journeys. Two of them have been offered scholarships at an English Language learning centre here in Hanoi and are doing exceptionally well.  The youngest of the group is actively engaged in learning at the Blue Dragon Centre and is still making a plan for his future, but he is safe, off the streets and away from harm. One has returned to mainstream education and continues his studies when the new school year starts in September.  Unfortunately two were arrested and are currently in reform centre.  Even though they were both part of the Blue Dragon program at the time of their arrest, they were taken in for petty crimes committed before we met them.  We continue to support them in reform school with regular correspondence and visits from our psychologists and other children, and our hope is that they will rejoin the program on their release.
    The program numbers have increased and the shelter is currently supporting 13 young children in need and this includes street children, runaways, and children escaping extreme poverty and hardships within the families.
    Both the Link and the shelter are making an enormous difference to the children and we thank you for your truly generous gift that allows us to do this work.
Many kind regards,
Nadine

ACOLYTES FOR SEPTEMBER
7th  Kenzie Fahnestock, Abby Kottmeier
14th  Bailey Stark, Matthew Halfpenny
21st  Taylor Stark, Emerson Lewis
28th  Cassidy Sell, Emilie Kottmeier

FIRST FACES FOR SEPTEMBER
07th    Tom Powell
14th     Ron & Liz Schaaf
21st     Janet Banwart
            Sandy Dalton
28th     Stewart Crockett

COFFEE HOUR FOR SEPTEMBER
07th    Penny Donehoo
14th     Janet Aldred
21st     Laura McMinn
28th     Dennis & Mary Hewitt

READERS FOR SEPTEMBER
07th    Lee Ellsworth
14th     Tracy Grote
21st     Penny Donehoo
28th     Jeanne Rothlisberger

07th     Linda Eder
14th    Lee Ellsworth
21st    Rob & Tracie Fahnestock
28th    Sandy Dalton

07th    Lee Ellsworth & Karen Carlson
14th    Glenna Preradovic & Penny Donehoo
21st    Janet Banwart & Jennifer Bero
28th    Lee Ellsworth