First Congregational Church
United Church of Christ

ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Christians are made, not born, so our 9:15 Sunday morning offerings are designed to help your journey toward being shaped in the image of Christ.  Remember, breakfast is served every Sunday morning, and childcare is always available.  Your opportunities in October are:
In-Depth Bible Study (Each Sunday) - We are winding up our study of Living Letters: An overview of Paul’s writings, and the class has been submitting their suggestions each week as to which book of the Bible we will study verse by verse, beginning on October 5.  At this writing the jury is still out, so there is time for you to put in your two cents’ worth.  No need for biblical expertise or prior knowledge.  Just bring your mind, your heart, and your desire to learn and grow. 

Stepping Stones (Oct. 12) Don’t miss the special seminar on “Forgiveness” offered on October 5 at 4:00 lead by our own Joan Schneider-Cooper (see page 7 for more information).  This month’s Stepping Stones session will continue the discussion begun at the seminar.  This is a subject that affects the mental health of each and every person.  Don’t miss it. 

Controversial Conversations with Carl (Oct. 26) – With the election only weeks away, Carl will be tackling the question, “Will Your Vote Count?”  Are our elections truly free and fair?  Add your opinion to the discussion before casting your ballot in November. 

FAITHWALK: THE JOURNEY FROM MEMBERSHIP TO DISCIPLESHIP
Interest in growing in the first two of the three modules in “FaithWalk,” but there is still plenty of room for you.  Please don’t miss out on these training classes designed by the FCC staff for everyone at FCC (and anybody you want to invite).  
FirstSteps: What’s It All About is a course in the basics of Christian faith.  Whether or not you were confirmed, this is an opportunity to explore Christianity’s foundational beliefs in an adult, open-minded, non-judgmental environment.  Classes will be led by Dr. Donehoo and Dr. John Cooper on September 28, October 12, November 2 & 9, December 7, January 11 & 25, February 8 & 15.  All sessions will begin at 4:00 and end at 5:30 with the option of continuing the discussion over dinner at the Elgin Public House.  An optional textbook is available for $20.  
DiscipleWay: A Christian’s Toolkit is thoughtful and experiential training in the six marks of discipleship — praying daily, worshipping weekly, reading the Bible, serving in and beyond the church, relating to others for spiritual growth, and giving.  Classes will be led by Pastors Donehoo and Bucher on September 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30, November 6, 13, & 20, December 4, January 8, 15, & 22.  All sessions will begin at 7:00 and end at 8:30.  An optional textbook is available for $10.  
LifeKeys: Discover Who You Are is an in-depth exploration of the life gifts, personality type, spiritual gifts, values, and passions which God wants to use in your discipleship journey.  Classes will be offered in January and February of 2009.  More details will be offered as the dates get closer.  

Dr. Donehoo recently vacated his position on the board of the Community Crisis Center.  Because of the historic relationship between The Center and FCC, Gretchen Vapner would like to have a representative from the church on the board.  If you are interested please see Dr. Donehoo for details.  

Pat Jocius spent several days at St. Joseph Hospital for tests.  She is home now and doing fine.  

Pam Widder had foot surgery at Glenbrook Hospital on September 2.  She has been home recuperating, but had to return for more surgery on September 24.  

Betty Butler had surgery to implant a pacemaker on September 10.  She is home and recuperating well.  

Dorothy Larson, Kathy Turnquist’s mother, passed away on September 3.  

JoAnn Mitchell, mother-in-law of Beth Mitchell, died on August 22.  Pastor Lois led a family memorial service a few weeks later.  

A memorial service for former member Janice Partridge will be held in the FCC chapel on October 11 at 3:00.  

Sandy Dalton is a great-grandmother again.  The baby is not yet named.  

Vernon McCue was born on August 25 to Vern McCue and Samantha Sell, and grandparents Bill and Deb Sell.  

FROG FRIDAY
Our first session of FROG Friday was a hopping success with lots of kids and youth helpers too.  

Our next FROG Friday will be on Friday, October 17th.  Once again, we will gather at 6p.m. for a pizza dinner, story, music, crafts and games.  We conclude at 8:30 p.m.  Please spread the word and invite your friends to join in the fun.

HAUNTED HOUSE
It’s Haunted House time for the Youth Group
The junior high and senior high youth group will venture off to the haunted house sponsored by the Turners on Friday, October 17th immediately following FROG Friday.  It will be a spooktacular evening.  Invite your friends to join us for this fun outing.   The cost will be about $10.  Sign-up on the bulletin board in the hall, or email Adam McCoy (adamtmccoy@comcast.net) to let him know you will be attending.  

OFF TO THE WILDERNESS
The junior high and senior high youth groups will be going to the “wilderness” for a weekend of fun and group building on November 15th and 16th.  That is, the Wilderness Lodge in Wisconsin Dells.  We are excited that people have begun signing up to be a part of this fun fall weekend in the dells.  Our weekend will include lots of time at the indoor water park and fun and games in our condo.  We will be leaving Elgin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 15th and returning at about 4pm on Sunday, November 16th.

Damaris is a women’s fellowship group that meets each month to go to dinner together.  Damaris meets on the fourth Thursday of each month.  The October Damaris meeting will be on Thursday, October 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at Village Squire, 480 Randall Rd., So. Elgin.  For more information please contact Lee Ellsworth at (847) 888-1661.

DINE WITH NINE
Last Call!  Many people have responded to our call to join a Dine With Nine Group.  Groups will be formed in the next few weeks.  If you want to be in a group, but haven’t responded yet please call Lois (or drop off a form) to be added to a group.   Each group will consist of eight or nine adults.  The group takes turns meeting for dinner in each other’s homes.  We also have a restaurant dining group.  For the home groups, the hostess decides on the menu for the evening and lets the other guest know what to bring.  Following dinner there is time for games, discussion, movies, or whatever.  This is a great way to get to know the people you worship with each Sunday.  

FALL FEST
We have ordered a beautiful fall evening with a bright moon for our annual fall gathering at Randall Oaks Park.  This year Fall Fest will be held on Sunday, October 26th  at 4p.m.   We’ll gather at shelter one (the front shelter).  Our hayride will be leaving at 4:45.  Don’t be late because the hay wagon will leave promptly.    Following our hayride we’ll return to the shelter for a hot dog roast and picnic supper.  Everyone is asked to bring a dish to pass and their own beverage (pop, hot chocolate, etc).  We will provide water to drink.  In an effort to GO GREEN we are also requesting that everyone bring their own tableservice (plate, silverware, napkin and cup).  We’ll conclude our evening by roasting marshmallows around the campfire and joining together in a song circle with guitars, banjos and the like.  Maybe Paris will even entertain us with some of his silly campfire songs.  So, come and bring some friends for some great fall fun.   The cost is $7 per person with a maximum of $30 per family.  Please complete the registration form and turn it in as soon as possible.  Space is limited. 

Elgin’s annual Crop Walk will be held on Sunday, October 19th 1 - 3p.m.  This is for everyone in the church.  Once again there will be two different walking opportunities - one is a one mile walk and the second is  five miles. This year’s walks will be on the West side beginning at the Presbyterian church on Standish.  This is a great event for all ages.  We encourage families to walk with wagons and strollers.  The youth group will also be participating in this year’s event.  

So, how do you get involved?   It is simple.  Pick-up a CROP packet and gather some sponsors.  People can donate a lump sum or an amount per mile that you have walked.  Their donations are tax deductible.  Most people are willing to give $5 to help alleviate hunger.  Then plan to stay for lunch after church on October 19th (pizza lunch) and join us for the walk.

CROP, which is part of Church World Service, works to alleviate hunger here in Elgin as well as around the world.   This year 25% of the money that is collected will be used in our soup kettles and food pantries right here in Elgin. Church World Service is always one of the first groups to respond when there’s a disaster.  Those who are walking will be looking for people to sponsor them.  When asked, please consider giving some time and money to this worthwhile cause.

FOOD PANTRY
Sunday School Children to Support the Food Pantry

This fall the offerings that the children bring to their Sunday School classes will be donated to our Food Pantry.  With tight economic times the shelves in our food pantry are really empty.  The children are asked to bring food items as well as their weekly offerings.  For the month of October we are requesting protein items – canned meats (tuna, chicken, spam, peanut butter, etc.)  These items will be collected in the Sunday School classrooms.

RENOVATION UPDATE
What's happening now?  Our architect, Chuck Cassell, has begun the Construction Document Phase.  In this phase all the drawings and specifications needed to get building permits and to pursue competitive bids will be finished.  His goal is to have this completed in mid to late November.  He is also waiting for the Fire Marshall to confirm in writing his decisions concerning code compliance.  Gail Yauch is pursuing quotes on interest rates for our loan from a few more banks, making a total of 6 institutions he has spoken with.  While we cannot see any physical evidence that this renovation is happening, work is definitely progressing.  Please continue to include this effort and those who are working on it in your prayers.

The BASH will take place on Saturday, October 18, at Chris Danzi’s BARN at 722 Douglas in Elgin. Mark your calendars and watch for registration and tickets in the WEEKLY WINDOW. Of course there will also be tickets at the “door.” This fund raiser for the renovation fund will be a great time.  There will be a buffet, good food, hot cider, and more - a feast for the mind, eyes, and ears!!  Come see the Church Ladies, and the man on the street.  Come hear the Steel drummer, young singers, the Smothered Brothers, and the Fox River Trio.  What is the “One Liners Show,” and Who’s on First?  Come find out on October 18.

NEIGHBORS IN NEED - ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE
A responsibility that we have accepted as a “Five for Five” church is our annual Neighbors in Need offering, to be collected in our church on October 19. When we hear the word “change,” we may think of habits, ways of governing, and ways of changing our life style.

The Neighbors in Need offering is about change and making another world possible. Consider that throughout the UCC, among the millions of us who will offer what we can through the Neighbors in Need collection, we can help develop another world for the many who receive grants and assistance.

Remember too that change may mean what you have in your pocket right now, those coins and those singles that wander around in your pocket and maybe  your checkbook looking for ways to create change for those in need.

The Neighbors in Need offering provides a means whereby the church expresses a common commitment to justice and compassion throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

Two-thirds of Neighbors in Need supports program initiatives and direct grants offered by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries. Small but essential grants are made throughout the year to congregations and organizations engaged in community organizing, public policy advocacy, and direct service. Although grants are made to address a wide range of justice priorities, a significant portion of these grants are made to address issues of hunger and poverty. Does that seem familiar to you? Is that not like our Mission Grants program where we fund programs whose issues are hunger, children's’ programs and shelter? Neighbors in Need is a way to fund even more essential programs.

One-third of Neighbors in Need supports the work of the UCC's Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM), which is the voice for American Indians in the United Church of Christ. CAIM supports the work of local churches and their pastors, encourages youth and young adults, supports persons preparing for Christian ministry, empowers American Indians who are members of non-Indian congregations, and advocates for justice on issues affecting American Indian life.

Justice and Witness Ministries uses its portion of Neighbors in Need for program initiatives and grant-making, so that funds are directly supporting grassroots advocacy and outreach efforts.

Watch the WEEKLY WINDOW for further information. Also please use the enclosed envelope for your offering to help the Neighbors in Need.

Remember, that with what we offer, ANOTHER WORLD IS POSSIBLE!

STEPPING STONES
Embracing Forgiveness:  Letting go of your backpack of rocks and leaping into the arms of God

Along life’s journey, we suffer many wounds.  Some of these wounds are inflicted by people in our lives.  Other wounds are the result of disappointment and regret.  As we travel through life, we often carry our wounds like rocks in a backpack, lugging our pain with us wherever we go.  But life doesn’t have to be that way.  We have the choice of throwing away our backpacks of pain, forgiving others and forgiving ourselves.

Forgiveness is not easy, but is possible.  Please attend our workshop on Sunday, October 5, 2008 from 3:45-6:00 p.m. in FCC’s chapel.  Our own Joan Schneider-Cooper, LCSW, RDDP, will be the presenter.  Joan is a social worker at the Ecker Center. This workshop will walk you through the four phases of forgiveness, as developed by Robert Enright in his book, Forgiveness is a Choice:  A Step by Step Process for Resolving Anger and Restoring Hope.  The workshop will end with a healing service.   This program may help you in your search for inner peace.

We will then have a follow-up session on Sunday, October 12 at our regular monthly Stepping Stones meeting.  Please fill in the registration form in the Sunday Weekly Window.

SCRIP PROGRAM RAISES MONEY FOR RENOVATION
Our new Scrip program is taking on momentum as more families are taking advantage of the program each week.  We will continue to take orders every Sunday, so plan your purchases and help us TRANSFORM THE CHURCH!

Here is how the program works:

You purchase gift cards at FCC Elgin at face value
You exchange your money for gift cards.  If you give us $10, you get $10 back in gift cards.  Your gift card is no different than using cash.  All you have really done is convert your money from one form (cash) to a gift card. Truly, there is no out of pocket cost to you.
The retailers give FCC a rebate on the money you spent!
For each gift card you purchase, the retailer gives a portion back to FCC.  There are over 600 participating retailers.  Everything from groceries and gas to home improvement centers, hotels, department stores, and restaurants…. And everything in between! Different retailers give a different rebate, but they all give something.

A QUICK EXAMPLE:

If  HALF of the families represented in our directory (I counted 198 pages in mine!) each purchased $50 in gasoline gift cards from our program each week (BP, Exxon, Jewel, Marathon, Mobil, Shell, Speedway, or SuperAmerica are all available), our church would earn:

$100 per week  X  50 weeks   = $5000 each year just for purchases that we would have made anyway!

Wouldn’t you rather see that money go to our church rather than the profits of the big oil companies?  I would!  And that is if we just purchased gasoline! Think of how much we could earn for the church if we planned our other regular purchases, like groceries, dinners out, Christmas gifts and vacations using this program!

How to participate:

Sundays at Fellowship Hour:  See Janet Aldred or Jennifer Phillips in Fellowship Hall each Sunday during Fellowship Hour.  All purchases made on Sunday are available for pickup in Fellowship Hall the following Sunday.

On-Line/Anytime:  You can place your order on-line at www.shopwithscrip.com.  There is a registration process and you need an email address to sign up.  You can choose to pay by check, or pay by electronic payment from your account.  If you plan to pay by check, your check must be received at church by Sunday morning, or your order will be held.  If you plan to pay on-line, there is a 72 hour processing delay on your 1st order.  After that, it is immediate.  All orders processed on-line will be held and combined with the weekly order on Sunday, and will be available for pickup the following Sunday.  There is a slight surcharge of  39 Cents per electronic payment.

PLEASE NOTE:  To shop on line you need to be registered/attached to our church account.   Our code is  263DCBAB17851.  

Need a list of vendors that participate?  You can find it online at our church website;  you can find it on-line and do searches by categories at www.shopwithscrip.com;  you can pick up a copy on Sunday from Janet or Jennifer.

Any inquiries and questions can be directed to Janet Aldred (630) 715-7494 janet@jqdesigns.com.

MEALS ON WHEELS
It sure is easier to deliver Meals in August than in the cold months.  We had perfect weather, and perfect teams for the whole two weeks.  Those who helped are:
St. Joseph-Provena
    Susan and Lynn Humbracht,
    Carl and Mary Ellen Flaks,
    Ron and Mary Lou Whetstone,
    Diane Menke,
    Bonnie Turk,
    Hank and Marilyn Speer,
    Jeanne and Larry Rothlisberger,
    Gail Yauch and Tom Powell.
Sherman    
    Mich and Mary Barbezat,
    Lee Ellsworth, Beth Mitchell,
    Diane Menke, Bonnie Turk,
    Dolores and Chuck Zimmerman
 
Many thanks to all these willing volunteers.

 

Dear FCC Family,

What a beautiful send-off.  Paris’ kindwords, the lovely flowers, the beautiful cake, and the many warm wishes.  But most of all the many years of your friendship and love.

This is not good-bye but see you later.

With our Love,
J.C. and Mary Vickers

Friends at FCC,

Thanks again for all your support for P.A.D.S.

Don Buckly
Board Member

Pastor Donehoo and Congregation of First Congregational Church of Elgin,

We write this note to thank you for your continuous and generous support of One Great Hour of Sharing.

This offering continually enables three areas of compassionate ministries:
•    Disaster preparedness here and abroad;
•    International sustainable development;
•    Refugee assistance and advocacy.
Your prayers and financial support created a
web of caring across the world.

Our ministry team is willing to share this good news and help regarding our Wider Church.

Thank you and God bless you.

Illinois conference Wider Church Task Force
Barb and Don Schmidt
847-697-6240

FCC DIRECTORY ADDRESS CHANGE FORM
Keep our directory current! If you are a new member or were not included in the first printing of the directory, or need to update your information, please complete the information and return this form in the offering plate or to Pat in the office before Wednesday, October 15. You may also submit this information by clicking here.

Name(s)_____________________________

Address_____________________________

City______________________State___
Zip__________Phone__________________

I would like a photo taken which will appear in the directory

___ Yes      ___ No

Thank you, your help is appreciated!

FRUIT SALE
Think of apples so juicy the juice runs down your chin as you eat them.  Or think of oranges and grapefruit so sweet you forget you are eating fruit.  Sounds good, doesn't it?  Our second annual Fruit Sale is beginning, so you can make your thoughts a reality.  We will be accepting orders for Navel and juice oranges, red grapefruit, tangelos, Red Delicious apples, Golden Delicious apples, and Granny Smith apples until November 9.  All items come in two sizes, 20 pounds or 40 pounds and prices range from $25 to $45, including two sizes of gift boxes.  
 
We earned quite a bit of money for the Renovation last year and hope to do even better this year.  Think about the holidays ahead.  Place your order soon and take an order sheet with you to let your neighbors and coworkers in on this delicious opportunity.  Look for a table during Coffee Hour, or contact Shannon Lile.  Remember:  orders and money need to be collected by November 9.  Turn everything in to Shannon or to the table in Fellowship Hall, NOT to the church office or offering plate.  Thanks for your help.
 

listen to all of our members who have shared their faith journeys with the rest of us through their “Faith Focus” stories, I think about all of the journeys that have been enhanced by coming through our sanctuary as well as my own.  

As many of you know I was raised Catholic in a family where my Mom & Dad sent my brother and me to church but rarely attended themselves.  It wasn’t because they didn’t believe; it just wasn’t a priority for them.  My brother went until his 2nd year in high school and then he stopped going too. I went by myself for a while and after I graduated from high school I stopped attending regularly also.  I had an epiphany when I wanted to get married and went to the church I had attended since childhood and due to their doctrine, they refused to perform the ceremony because my fiancé was divorced.  At that time I realized that I no longer wanted to be a member of a church whose basic tenents excluded people rather than embraced them, so I stopped going to church.  

Fast forward eight years; I am in my early thirties, married, helping to raise three step daughters, working.  I knew something was missing.  I never stopped believing, I never stopped praying, and I KNEW God was “tugging” at my sleeve.   Through a friend I came to FCC and never looked back.  I want this church to be a “coming home” for all of the others who, like me, are searching for a church home.

This church is truly a warm, wonderful fellowship of people who care, and there are so many wonderful things happening here.  It is truly an exciting time to be a disciple in this place.

Our annual stewardship campaign begins October 19th. In order to keep all of this going, we need your support.  I certainly realize that these are troubling times financially, but if we all do what we can and trust in God, I know we will be alright!

Christ’s peace,
Patti Scroggins

9-03    Kathryn Dearth
9-03    Mary Hill
9-03    Kirsten Pedersen
9-03    James Schock
9-05    Rachille Neville
9-06    Dennis Leberecht
9-07    Susan Lewis
9-08    Richard Phillips
9-09    Curt Phillips
9-09    Max Aldred
9-09    Jordan Kawa
9-10    Bonnie Morrow
9-11    Robert Lohse
9-13    Patricia Henrys
9-14    Doug MacKinney
9-14    Sue Perrin
9-14    Andrew Banwart
9-17    Steve Aldred
9-20    Chris Mau
9-22    Mary Hartwig
9-23    Danikka Preradovic
9-27    Deborah Treacy
9-27    Dale Ells
9-28    Jan Embree

10-01    Deborah Sell
10-03    Taylor Powers
10-09    Chris Leberecht
10-10    Grant Powell
10-12    Barbara Halfpenny
10-14    Lauren Powers
10-15    Erin McMinn
10-17    Janet Aldred
10-19     Vaughn Pedersen
10-21     Connie Reuter
10-22     David Widder
10-22     Mark Brictson
10-22     Rob Stackowiak
10-23     Alyssa Steffen
10-24     Aiden Garcia
10-27     Molly Brictson
10-27     Lucas Brictson
10-28     Matt Halfpenny
10-29     Marion Danner
10-30     Grace Ann Aldred
10-31     Michael Stackowiak

05    Grace Ann Aldred, Abby Garcia
12    Kenzie Fahnestock, Abby Kottmeier
19    Bailey Stark, Matthew Halfpenny
26    Taylor Stark, Emerson Lewis

05    Barb Burton
12    John & Marilyn Kauffman
19    Sandy Dalton & Jane Busby
26    Lorri Powell

05    Angela Garcia
12    Matthew Gerber
19    Jennifer Green
26    Paul & Tracy Grote

05    Jodie Stackowiak, Laura McMinn
    Kirsten Pedersen, Cherie Murphy, and
    Sandy Dalton
12    Chase Sund, Anna Mitchell,
    Mary Taylor, Grant Powell, and
    Alessandra Castillo
19    Walt & Carole Kilmanas
    Ron & Karen Carlson, and
    Sandy Dalton
26    Jim Schock, Deborah Treacy,
    Sandy Dalton, & Chuck Zimmerman

05    Janet Banwart
12    Ron Schaaf
19    John Cooper
26    Paul Grote

05    Glenna Preradovic, Penny Donehoo
12    Jennifer Phillips & Curt Phillips
19     Shirley May Byrnes, Karen Carlson
26     Lee Ellsworth, Janet Banwart

05    John & Elly Hopkins
12    Paul & Tracy Grote
19    Pat Henrys
26    Tom Powell