Church Life
ASH WEDNESDAY - FEBRUARY 25Lent is a season of preparation for the death and resurrection of Jesus. During this time we are invited to take a 40 day faith journey to look inside our hearts. It invites us to see ourselves with compassion and truth — to see both our brokenness and our beauty, our failings and our faithfulness. Too often we want to arrive at Easter without having taken the journey through the Lenten season. When we do that we prevent ourselves from experiencing the growth that occurs along the way. This year won’t you commit yourselves to participate in the WHOLE journey? See you in church on Ash Wednesday!
Individual Communion and Ashes From 11:00 am until 1:00p.m. Dr. Donehoo will be in the chapel to serve communion, pray with you, and impose ashes (if you would like to receive them). You may come by yourself, as a couple, or as a family at any time during those hours.
Ash Wednesday Worship Service 7pmPlease join us for a special service of worship at 7p.m. in the chapel. This service will be a time of quiet reflection and an invitation to enter into a deeper journey of discipleship. It will include readings, candlelight, prayer, quiet music, silence, communion and imposition of ashes (for those who desire them). Please bring the whole family to this service so that we can all begin this journey through the Lenten season together.
ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATIONOur offerings on Sunday morning at 9:15 are plentiful and exciting. Along with breakfast — served each week — you have these opportunities in February to learn and grow in your faith. Childcare is available.
In-depth Bible Study (Each Sunday) – We are now into the heart of Paul’s letter and we are discovering that disciple-ship touches more than the “spiritual” side of life. Paul has no qualms about applying faith in Christ to every part of life — even those parts we might be embarrassed about. Come join the discussion. No biblical expertise is necessary.
The Spirituality of Finance – (February 1) This is a new class offered by Mark and Mary Hartwig (see details below). This month the group will discuss a video called “The Story of Stuff.” This is a timely offering for all of us in these troubled economic times.
Stepping Stones - (February 8) — “Mental Illness and Families of Faith” is the title of the film to be viewed and discussed. The film tells the stories of two families coping with mental illness in the family. It shows how the response of the faith community will influence the family’s ability to turn to that community for support in the future. Come and join the discussion.
Controversial Conversations with Carl (February 22) – Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, or indepen-dent, you can weigh in on this month’s topic “The Bush Legacy.” Don’t miss this chance to put in your two cents worth.
SPIRITUALITY OF FINANCEThis group will explore the joys, challenges, benefits, and blocks in trying to align our material wealth with our spiritual health. Through encouraging, non-judgmental discussion, we will look at how we relate to money and use it. We will meet monthly on the 1st Sunday of the month from 9:15AM to 10:00AM in the conference room. Our first session will be on February 1st and will feature the viewing and discussion of a video entitled “
The Story of Stuff.” Any questions? Call Mark or Mary Hartwig at 847-608-1731.
LIFEKEYS: DISCOVER WHO YOU AREHave 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 ChoicesThe class begins with a Friday night –Saturday morning retreat followed by sessions on February 12, 19, and 26. Cost: $20 for the workbook ($18 for optional book, $98 for optional overnight at Country Inn and Suites hotel). See Paris, Lois, Pat Lindquist, or John Kauffman for details.
Are you asking yourself: Is anything happening? Why no construction in the church building? Well, yes, things are happening. As construction plans go, we are right on target. The permits are being acquired — this is a feat in itself sometimes — and the contractors met during the week of the 12th to plot the timeline. At the Congregational Annual Meeting on the 25th, you will receive an update on the building itself as well as the funds needed to make this happen. The appeal team wants to keep the status of both facets (funds and construction) in front of the congregation. Keep checking out the Weekly Window in the bulletin and this newsletter for the most recent updates. The fulfillment of your pledges, and continued prayers are needed more than ever for this project. See you at the Annual Meeting!
LENTEN CONCERTSThe
2009 Jane Hampton Chipman Memorial Recital Series will see a few changes this year, but the music will be outstanding. Mark your calendar now for the first concert at noon on February 27 featuring our own Jon Warfel and Mr. Mark Baldin. More details will follow in the March issue of
Church Life.
WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?Much heat, and not much light, is expended these days over the volatile issue of immigration. The Coalition of Elgin Religious Leaders is sponsoring an event in hopes of fostering dialogue instead of debate, and generating civilized discussion. “Come to the Table…who is my neighbor?” will offer opportunities for thought-provoking reflections on immigration from differing points of view and an exploration of the role of faith on Sunday, February 8 at 2pm at Elgin Community College University & Business Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Dining Room 136. There will be roundtable discussions, light refreshments (from 1:30-2:00), and inspiring music. A donation of $5 is suggested, but not required. Child care will be provided. See Dr. Donehoo to sign up or get more information.
STEPPING STONESStepping Stones is a mental health ministry focused on recovery to educate, enlighten, empower and encourage individuals living with mental illness, their families and the community.
Who can come to Stepping Stones? Any one is welcome. Church membership is not required to attend Stepping Stones. Coming to a session means that you want to learn more about the topic of the month and get accurate information. You might come because someone you know or love has a mental illness or because there is a history of mental illness in your family. You are welcome and so are your friends and neighbors.
Our focus is on letting people know that a mental illness is just that, an illness, and recovery from a mental illness is possible whether this is a person’s first episode or their thirtieth episode.
Our topic in February is the video “Mental Illness and Families of Faith.” It tells the stories of two families coping with mental illness in the family. It shows how the response of the faith community will influence the family’s ability to turn to that community for support in the future. Come and join us. We would be delighted to have you.
Pat Henrys had colon resection surgery on January 18. She is currently recuperating at St. Joseph Hospital.
Carole Kilmanas had foot surgery on January 14. She recuperating at home.
Janet Banwart fell and broke her ankle. She is recuperating at home.
Shirley May Brynes is home from rehab after knee replacement surgery.
Alyssa Hargrave was scheduled to have foot surgery in December but had to postpone the procedure. She was able to have the surgery during the week of January 10. She is home and recuperating well.
Kathy Turnquist had surgery to repair problems from her broken arm last year. She is recuperating well at home.
Former member
Shirley Hokinson passed away on Christmas Day. A memorial service was held in Florida in January. The family is planning a memorial service for her Elgin friends some time in the Spring.
Annie Martin,
Jim Lewis’ sister, passed away on January 6.
Pam Widder received the good news that her foot is completely healed after surgery. The third time really was the charm!
was born on 1-19-09 to parents
Kirsten and Christian Zoerhoff and grandfather
Roger Dieringer.
Zoe Katherine Anderlick, daughter of
Joe and Whitney Anderlick, was baptized on January 11.
Carolyn Baus and her children Melissa, Karen, and Kyle were baptized on January 18.
Damaris, women’s fellowship group will be dining out at Olive Garden at Spring Hill Mall on Thursday, February 26th at 6:30p.m. This is an informal group. We would love to have you join us for dinner and conversation. If you have any questions about this group please contact Lois or Lee Ellsworth 847-888-1661
Our church is pleased to be able to offer Moral Obligation Scholarship Loans to church members who are taking college classes. These are interest free loans for any age student. Students are allowed to take out a loan of up to $500 per semester. These loans are then repaid to the church after graduation (or as soon as you stop taking classes). This repayment allows funds to be available for future students. With the high cost of education, this loan may not pay for a class, but it may help to cover book costs. For more detailed information and requirements please contact Lois or Pat Calvin.
Are you thinking about attending college, but haven’t made up your mind about where? Think about attending a United Church of Christ related college. There are many in the United States. One such college is Elmhurst located in Elmhurst, IL. Elmhurst ranks high among Midwest liberal arts colleges. Students who are members of the United Church of Christ may apply for a United Church of Christ Scholarship. Talk to Lois for more information.
SUPER BOWL OF CARINGOn Sunday, February 1st our church will be participating in the Souper Bowl of caring. Our youth will be taking up a special offering for the hungry in our community. On this Super Bowl Sunday people gather “Souper Bowl” offerings to be given to local soup kitchens. More than 8 million dollars was collected last year by 14,000 congregations across the USA. It all was donated to local food pantries. So bring your loose change and/or a dollar or two and we can make a difference.
HEART BRUNCHPlease mark February 15th on your calendar for our Heart Brunch. This is a fund-raiser to support our mission trip to Washington, D.C. during the summer of 2009. There will be egg casseroles, fruit, and also fresh bread and scrumptious coffee cakes. So, plan to join us for brunch and help support our mission trip.
Jr. High and Sr. High Youth Retreat February 6th -8th The youth will be leaving church at 6:00 on Friday, February 8th for our youth retreat to Pilgrim Park in Princeton, IL. This year we are asking that participants eat dinner before we leave. This will help us get to Pilgrim Park earlier. This is a great winter get-away and group building weekend. There are all kinds of activities planned including times of discussion and reflection, movies, games, and outside activities. It is always a fun-filled weekend. We will return on Sunday, February 8th between 3 and 4 pm. The cost of this trip is $50 which includes lodging for 2 nights and meals on Saturday and Sunday. Registration money for this event should be given to Cathy Jurgens as soon as possible. Youth should bring: a Bible, a sleeping bag, pillow, towel, toiletries, winter clothing for being outside, a snack to share and a bottle of pop (NO high caffeine drinks – including Mountain Dew, Red Bull, Jolt, etc.).
After FROG FridayCome and help with FROG Friday on February 20th and then stay for games and a movie afterward at church. Pick-up will be at 11p.m. Bring a snack to share and a bottle of pop.
Mary Poppins – May 2nd. We have reserved a block of tickets for the Broadway in Chicago performance of Mary Poppins, on Saturday, May 2nd at 2pm. We have a special rate of $50 per ticket for balcony seating. This is much more reasonable than purchasing your tickets through Ticketmaster. So, check your calendars and plan to join us. We will travel together by train and probably dine out in Chicago after the performance. We need to purchase a minimum of 20 tickets to get this price, so let Lois know if you are interested.
Frog Friday, our youth group for those in kindergarten through 6th grade will be held on Friday, February 20th 6p.m. - 8:30p.m. The cost is $5 per person if you haven’t already paid for the winter sessions. FROG Friday includes dinner, craft, story, music, and games. Our FROGs have been having a hopping good time. Come join us and bring a friend.
PERFECT ATTENDANCE FOR DECEMBERWe 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 December: Greta Franke, Nathan Leith, Maranda Lile, Simon Lopez, Aidan Garcia, Savannah Lile, Andy Carrara, Grace Ann Aldred, Abby Garcia, Rachel Ruf, Ben Brictson, Kenzie Fahnestock, Matt Halfpenny, Emilie Kottmeier, Bailey Stark, Bobby Carrara, Abby Kottmeier, Chris Leberecht, Kyle Stauffacher, Jack McCracken, Dianna Castillo, and Emerson Lewis Congratulations! We hope that more children will try to be present each week. We will be recognizing perfect attendance for January in the next newsletter.
A Happy and Blessed 2009!
The Children’s Choirs are up and running in the new year. We are always looking for more kids to join – it’s easy and fun! We’re still rehearsing in the choir room from 11:30 to 12 pm. Lent and Easter are a little later this year and I am planning on having the kids sing for the Ash Wednesday service on February 25 at 7 p.m. Please encourage your child to join choir. Music is a wonderful gift and really, how cute is it to hear your kids singing songs about Jesus! Call me if you have any questions (847/464-2195).
See you soon,
Letty
We would like to thank everyone who attended our January 11, 2009 meeting. There was good discussion of ideas and ways to improve and help focus our mental health ministry at FCC. Some of you submitted your suggestions in writing, and we appreciated your help in creating a focal point for 2009. Remember you don't have to have a mental illness to participate in Stepping Stones. We are a place to share, listen to others speak, provide supportive suggestions and respect each others’ privacy. What is said in Stepping Stones meetings stays in Stepping Stones meetings!!
Our February 8 and March 8 regular meetings are in the Library at 9:15, with an extended discussion during coffee hour if needed. We are going to use some of the ideas from Pathways to Promise. This is an interfaith resource center that offers information to promote a caring ministry for people with mental illness and their families. This organization provides helpful information about mental illness and resources for help and support. We can let our loved ones know we care, and that they may move to "Sunshine from Darkness."
Our topic in February is the video "Mental Illness and Families of Faith." It tells the stories of two families coping with mental illness in the family. It shows how the response of the faith community will influence the family's ability to turn to that community for support in the future. Please join us.
Dear First Congregational Church:
On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff and clients of the Community Crisis Center at George Van De Voorde Place thank you very much for your donation of clothing on 12/22/08. Your contribution allows us to continue providing critical services to individuals and families in need.
As we celebrate our 33rd anniversary we realize how fortunate we are to be associated with individuals, organizations and businesses that partner with us to meet the needs of individuals and families in crisis; together we can make a difference in the lives of others. Again, on behalf of many, thank you for your kindness and generosity. Your help is essential for us to be “Always Home”.
Sincerely,
Gretchen S. Vapnar
Executive Director
Dear Friends and Family,
In September we moved to Sycamore where our family lives. We have an apartment in The Grand Victorian –a retirement residence – no shopping – no cooking – a life of leisure. Lovely! We look forward to hearing from you.
Love and Best Wishes,
Mary and Vic
1440 Somonauk St Apt 203
Sycamore, IL 60178
815-895-2759
Dear Church Family,
Thank you so much for all you did to help me thru David’s passing!
Thank you for the cards, gifts, serving the luncheon, for coming and being with us. It was so appreciated.
You are the best, my dear extended family.
Helen McClure
Thank you so much for coming to our house
and caroling. We really appreciate it. Also
the dish of Christmas cookies.
Fred Hummel
To the Pastor and Congregational UCC of
Elgin,
It is our pleasure to write and thank you for your generous gift $2,365.00 to support the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.
The activities and mission priorities of this offering are vital to our local and wider church mission.
Please do not hesitate to call upon us for assistance in promoting the Wider Church Mission of the UCC. It is, after all, our mission!
The Illinois Conference Wider Church Team
Dear First Congregational Church,
The Pantry Board thanks you very much for your contribution(s) and we are sure the recipients of the food we distribute would thank you if they could.
Although the figures for the year are not all in, we know that in 2008 we served 3432 families for a total of 11,907 individuals. You can give yourselves a pat on the back! Obviously, your contributions helped make that possible.
We hope we can count on your help for what looks as though it may be a more difficult year for needy people.
Again we thank you very much!
The Pantry Board
01 Sandy Dalton
01 Taylor Stark
04 Liz Sharf
06 Pat Segel
06 Kathleen Mau
09 Sandra Taenzer
10 Orval Volkening
14 Kristian Zoerhoff
14 Zachary Brictson
16 Betty Butler
16 Diane Mason
16 Jeffery Vesely
17 Thomas Leith
19 Kyle Ehret
22 Brian Stark
23 Mary Stark
26 Gene McGinnis
26 Olivia Munson
28 Ruth Munson
01 Debi Kottmeier &
Carolyn Baus
08 Deb Sell
15 Walt & Carole Kilmanas
22 Heather Arnold
01 Shirley May Byrnes
08 Lee Ellsworth
15 Tracy Grote
22 Penny Donehoo
01 Wendy Hargrave
08 Mark & Mary Hartwig
15 Jean Hempstead
22 Pat Henrys
01 Glenna Preradovic, Linda Taylor
08 Jennifer & Curt Phillips
15 Karen Carlson, Lee Ellsworth
22 Janet Banwart, Jennifer Bero
01 Taylor Stark &
Emerson Lewis
08 Cassidy Sell &
Emilie Kottmeier
15 Grace Ann Aldred &
Abby Garcia
22 Kenzie Fahnestock &
Abby Kottmeier
01 Jodie Stackowiak, Kirsten Pedersen, Laura McMinn, Cherie Murphy, & Sandy Dalton
08 Chase Sund, Anna Mitchell, Mary Taylor, Grant Powell, & Alessandra Castillo
15 Walt & Carole Kilmanas, Ron Banwart, Ron & Karen Carlson
22 Jim Schock, Deborah Treacy, Chuck Zimmerman, Sandy Dalton
The United Church of Christ.