First Congregational Church
United Church of Christ

On Easter Sunday plan on having breakfast with your family and your FCC family.  A sumptuous repast will be provided all morning by the Ministry of Worship and Hospitality, the Crafty Christians, and the Cross Eyed Players.  Serving begins at 7:30 and concludes at the start of the second service.  (Note: There will be no coffee hour on Easter Sunday.)  Thanks to all who will be preparing and serving this meal.  

FOLK MUSIC WORSHIP SERVICE
On April 26 the FCC sanctuary will resonate once again with the rhythms of guitars, banjos, harmonicas, tambourines, and voices lifted in simple yet profound melodies as we celebrate worship with the sounds of folk music.  Performers will include the Blue Tulip Wranglers, the Fox River Trio, and others from the church.  If you have a special song you would like to sing, contact Dr. Donehoo.  If you would be willing to be part of an ensemble of folk singers please contact Steve Stauffacher at 847-888-2800, or send him an email at stauff30@wideopenwest.com, or just call the church office.  Ask anyone who attended previous services and they will tell you this promises to be a “foot-stomping” good time.  Bring a friend!  

LIFEKEYS
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.  In addition, in these tough economic times, LifeKeys can help you explore career counseling that goes deeper than monetary issues.  All classes will begin at 7:00 on Monday evenings, April 20 – May 18.  The cost is $20 for the workbook, but scholarships are available, if needed.  For more information see Paris, Lois, Pat Lindquist, or John Kauffman.  Better yet, talk to anyone who has taken the course already.  They will tell you what a great experience it can be.

ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Class offerings continue to challenge and inspire us, and breakfast — served each week — is plentiful.  In April you have these opportunities to learn and grow in your faith..  Childcare is available. 

In-depth Bible Study (Each Sunday) – Which passage from 1 Corinthians is the most familiar?  Chapter 13, of course.  (It’s read at scores of weddings.)  Which passage from 1 Corinthians may be the most misunderstood?  Same answer.  Come find out what Paul is really talking about when he discusses love, spiritual gifts, and a host of other topics. 

The Spirituality of Finance – (April 5) Big news!  The meeting time has changed in hopes that it will allow more people to participate.  (But it’s still the 1st Sunday of the month).  On April 5th during Fellowship Hour; the group will meet in the library and work with the book “Prosperity Pie – How to Relax About Money and Everything Else”.  If you have questions, please call Mark or Mary Hartwig 847-608-1731.  Come join the group. 

Stepping Stones (April 2 & 30) — Due to Easter activities, Stepping Stones will be meeting on Thursday evenings in April.  On April 2 Drew Beck and Dan Malone will speak on the topic “Communicating with Significant Others.”  On April 30 the topic will be “Communicating with Your Children.”  Both meetings will be held in fellowship hall and should spark some lively discussions! 

Controversial Conversations with Carl (April 26) – By the time class meets Barak Obama will have been in office approximately 100 days.  What is your assessment?  What has he done and where is he leading the country in the future?

E-MAIL ADDRESSES
In order to save time and mailing costs, we want to use email as much as possible for all church correspondence.  To do that, of course, we need everyone’s email address.  If the church office does not have your email address, or you are not sure we have it, or your email address has changed, please send it to Pat Calvin at pat@fcc-elgin.org, or write it on the insert in Sunday’s Weekly Window.  Make sure we have each address we need to contact the people in your household.  

STILL SPEAKING MONEY
Watch this space for information about electronic giving to FCC.  Soon you will be able to have your regular offering, or renovation pledge, or any other gift automatically transferred from any account you choose.  This service is available through the United Church of Christ and will operate just like your online bill payments.  It will eliminate the cost and the time involved in processing checks, promote consistent giving, and make it easier to forecast cash flow.  FCC will have complete control over contribution information, and no one will be required to participate.  You can continue to give as you always have in the past, but this option will be available to you soon.  Stay tuned!

Margarete Schmoldt had hip replacement surgery at Delnor Hospital.  After a week of rehab at St. Joseph Hospital, she is home now and recuperating well.  

Debi Kottmeier had surgery at St. Alexius Hospital.  She is home and recuperating well.  

Dorothy Schock spent a week in Sherman Hospital for various problems.  She is home now and recuperating well.  

John Hopkins had cardiac surgery in Florida for placement of a stent.  He is home and recuperating well.  John says “thank you” for FCC’s prayers.  

Orval Volkening is in St. Joseph Hospital because of blood clots and kidney problems.  He is undergoing extensive tests.  

Former member James Deaton’s mother has been diagnosed with cancer.  

A memorial service will be held for former member Shirley Hokanson on April 26 at 1:00 in the FCC chapel.  

It’s not too early to begin thinking about Summer Church Camp.  The Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ has two camping facilities.  Pilgrim Park is located in Princeton, Illinois in the beautiful Illinois River valley area -- not too far from Starved Rock.  Tower Hill is located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan in Sawyer, Michigan.   Each camp is about a two hour drive from Elgin.  Camps are offered throughout the summer for all age groups.  Both camps offer a unique opportunity for children and adults to learn more about their faith as they play and learn with other campers. Camps are offered for children and youth age 5 through high school.  There are also camps for first-time campers that are only 2 night - 3 day camps called Tenderfoot.  In addition to camps for children, there are also camps for Grandparents and Grandchildren and also for Senior Adults. First Congregational offers a camp scholarship program to any camper attending one of our United Church of Christ camps.  We will pay up to 2 of the camp cost (not to exceed $100).  Please stop by Lois’ office and pick up a camp brochure.  If you’d like to know more about our camps please feel free to talk to one of our youth who have attended camp B Anna Mitchell, Alessandra Castillo, Diana Castillo, and Kyle Stauffacher

Maranda Lile, Savannah Lile, Andy Carrara, Bobby Carrara, Pablo Payne, and John Payne.

The Sunday School children  received special banks in February for One Great Hour of Sharing. These banks should be returned on  Palm Sunday, April 5th .  We hope that they are filled to the brim.  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. 

Frog Friday, is over for this school year.  We have found that April begins the busy season of baseball and soccer and school programs.  We will resume our meetings in the fall.

MORAL OBLIGATION SCHOLARSHIP LOAN PROGRAM
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.

CALLING ALL MISSION TRIPPERS
Mission Trip meeting on April 5th. .  Plans are well underway for our 2009 mission trip to Washington, DC.  This trip is open to all youth (7th grade or older) and adults.  If you have heard this mentioned in worship, but don’t really know what it is all about we invite you to join us for an information session after worship on April 5th.  This will be a short meeting for all those who have already signed up, or those who are interested in finding out what it entails.  Registrations and deposits should go to Cathy Jurgens.   If you have any questions please contact Lois.

Damaris, women’s fellowship group will be dining out at  Thursday, April 23rd at 6:30p.m.  We will meet at Green Jade Restaurant, 10 Tyler Creek Plaza (Big Timber & McLean.).  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.

On Easter Sunday, April 12th we will again serve brunch at 7:30 and between services at 9:00 am. There will be no coffee hour after worship. If you would like to contribute or participate in this wonderful tradition please contact a member of Worship and Hospitality (Barb Halfpenny, Sandy Dalton, Kirsten Pedersen, Liz Shaaf, Jan Banwart, Katy Powers, Jennifer Phillips, Jane Busby) or Christ Care (John Kauffman).

Thank you notes for this years Mission Grants Allocations have been coming in.  We have received formal acknowledgments from 14 of the 17 recipients.  These are on display on a bulletin board in the Narthex area.  Please find some time to stop and read the heartfelt thanks we have received.  Some of the remarks are included in this article.

“While parents are worried about making ends meet and keeping their jobs, they can still rely on the Club to ensure their children are in a safe, positive and affordable environment.”  Boys & Girls Club


“While many may not see the connection between a history museum and at-risk populations, we’re thankful you’re among those who do.

We are convinced that children and families made aware of Elgin’s history are more likely to understand, appreciate, and take ownership in our unique community.  Students who experience this unique resource are always surprised by the energy and talent of those who preceded them and then inspired to honor it-with heightened pride comes responsible citizenship.  Many of the families receiving help from the various other agencies you support will be made able to take advantage of the Museum-while others focus on health and welfare issues, we feel it our responsibility to educate the community-all factions-about Elgin’s rich heritage.”  Elgin Area Historical Society

“Little Angels is funded primarily through Medicaid.  With operating costs rising daily and no increase in funding from the State of Illinois since 1993, the budget is stretched to its very limit.  Without kindness and compassion from people like you, we could not offer our children and young adults the specialized medical and therapeutic services they truly need to lead healthy, fulfilled lives.”  The Little Angels Parents Association

“The day that we heard we had received your check was the same day the school district announced the canceling of all field trips in order to cut expenses.  This would have been a devastating blow to our program, but your check arrived and helped us to convince others that our field trips were viable and way too important to be cut.  Your support has kept our field approach on track and we are continuing to fully implement our plans to expose and immerse immigrant children and their families in experiences that show the best American has to offer.  

The support of First Congregational United Church of Christ has been critical and timely in continuing to serve the educational needs of these immigrant families who, as foreigners and last to arrive, are often treated as the least among us.  In our opinion, it is a clear example of how God is at work.”  
U46 Newcomers Program

Our church has been truly blessed with the gift that Paul Jehle left us.  It is helping to make a difference for a number of groups and organizations who are reaching out to those in need.  As the Newcomers so aptly put it “…it is a clear example of how God is at work.”

Two 3 year positions on the Mission Grants Committee are available to interested members of the congregation.  These will begin in July of 2009 and run through June 2012.  The Committee meets as necessary from November to January to handle requests and allocations.  It also meets once in the spring to choose themes for the coming year.  Committee members need to be flexible during this time period in order to be prepared for the annual meeting approval of recommended allocations.  If you would like to be considered for this Committee please submit your name in writing to the Church Moderator, Jeanne Rothlisberger.

Join the EYSO Brass Choir and special guests Fulcrum Point New Music Project as they fill the FCC sanctuary with the sound of brass!  Saturday April 25th 2:30PM  Tickets can be purchased in advance from the ECC Box Office 847.622.0300 or on the day of the concert.  Tickets are $12 students, $16 seniors, and $21 adults.  The concert will be preceded by a free workshop at 12:00 that focuses on the concept of practicing.  Hope to see you there!  

Here are the basic details of our church picnic coming up in June! We are very excited to be planning a spectacular worship service outside and picnic after. Please plan on joining in on the fun and fellowship.

What: Church Picnic
When: Sunday, June 14 from
10 – 3 p.m. (set up at 9)
Where: Wing Park, Shelter #1
Details: Worship service, food and game information to come soon. Volunteers are always desired – please contact Letty Jocius if you are able to help. Thank you!

KITCHEN CLEAN OUT
Please note: Beginning the week of May 1st the “common” refrigerator and freezer will be cleaned once a month by the Worship and Hospitality Committee. Any items unlabeled may be discarded. Any items with past expiration dates will also be discarded.  Thank you
Barb Halfpenny

Camping is a great way to connect with God, nature and our Christian friends. Pilgrim Park has openings for a church family camping weekend August 28-30. Now for the details: we have 3 electrical hook-up spaces available and plenty of space for tents. Please note: If you are interested in camping, please let Letty Jocius know ASAP. We need to reserve the spots in order to keep them. Space is limited and deposit information is soon to come. It promises to be a fun time with food, fellowship and just hangin’ out! 

Easter Greetings everyone! HE IS RISEN, INDEED! I am pleased to announce that the choirs collected over $75 in pennies for the food pantry. Way to go choir! Also, special thanks to everyone who chipped in at coffee hour and the Chancel choir. We pray the money will be used for healthy staples for families in need. Praise God! God has blessed us with a giving, loving church – I am humbled and honored to be a member of this family. Thank you.
Your servant, Letty Jocius

Stepping Stones will be meeting twice in April.  We will be holding two meetings in conjunction with the Mother's Group.  The first meeting will be on Thursday, April 2  in Fellowship Hall.  The topic will be "Communicating with Significant Others.  Our presenters will be Drew Beck and Dan Malone.  They are both MSW and CADC.  Our second meeting will be on Thursday, April 30 in Fellowship Hall. The topic will be  "Communicating with Young Children."  We look forward to some lively discussions.
 
Due to Mother's Day,  we will meet on May 17 at 9:15 a.m. in the church library.  Our program is entitled, "Unemployed---What Now?"  The presenters will be Adam McCoy and Pat Segel.   This will be our final meeting before summer.   Please join us and learn steps that will educate, empower, enlighten, and encourage your life.
 

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it. Psalm 24.1

Do you know when Earth Day was started? Would you believe it was 39 years ago? I have to say, I didn’t realize that. I was certainly old enough to participate in the first event, so maybe that’s why I have a hard time believing how long it’s been. But I digress…

I wrote in the last newsletter that Stewardship was about much more than giving time, talents, and money to church. Well, this is a prime example. And it’s apparent that this is close to the hearts of many – if not all – of us at FCC. We showed the video “The Story of Stuff” during Fellowship Hour on March 1st (bringing the showing count to 4 with positive reaction each time), and the discussion pointed out the desires and frustrations that surround this topic.

If this describes you, whatever you do in this effort will not be wasted. Keep learning, keep working, and keep talking with others. It’s easy to forget how far we’ve come since this effort began, but it has become huge, and keeps on growing. And it’s a good thing: the stakes have not gotten any lower. Let me just encourage you to not do this totally on your own. You will find encouragement, empowerment, excitement, and relationship in pursuing this with like-minded others.

There are probably endless great resources on this topic, but here are four interesting Web sites for starters:
www.nccecojustice.org/grbuildingsteps.html
www.churchesgogreen.org
www.greenfaith.org
www.sustainable.org

Big news! The meeting time has changed in hopes that it will allow more people to participate. (But it’s still the 1st Sunday of the month). Our next meeting will be April 5th during Fellowship Hour; we’ll be meeting in the library.

We’re working with the book “Prosperity Pie – How to Relax About Money and Everything Else”. If you have questions, please call Mark or Mary Hartwig 847-608-1731.

We hope that you’ll join us!

3-01    Hazel Smith
3-04    Olivia Grote
3-05    Dolores Zimmerman
3-05    Jerry Turnquist
3-05    Rachel Ruf
3-09    Carol Olson
3-12    Stacie Widder
3-13    Mary Lou Whetstone
3-13    Mary Ellen Flaks
3-16    Penny Donehoo
3-17    Kruz Peterson
3-18    Roger Dieringer
3-18    Kristopher Hewitt
3-18    Cassie Kemmler
3-20    Marjorie Bye
3-20    Savannah Lile
3-21    Phillip Brictson
3-22    Rae Ellen Gerber
3-23    Michael Halfpenny
3-25    Peter Mikulak
3-30    William Schmoldt
3-30    Janet Diaz
3-31    Cregen McMinn

4-01    Al Taenzer
4-01    Anna Halfpenny
4-01    Kylie Lynn Ekstrom
4-02    Patrick Arnold
4-06    James Lewis
4-07    Debra Leberecht
4-07    Cassidy Sell
4-08    Betty Brown
4-08    Charles Zimmerman
4-09    Beth Mitchell
4-10    Glenn Murphy
4-11    Brad Widder
4-11    Cy Kerber
4-12    Chloe Steffen
4-13    Minerva Pollnow
4-15    Marilyn Kauffman
4-16    Liz Schaaf
4-16    Ann Schneck
4-16    Curt Perrin
4-18    Kimberly Sanderson
4-19    Susan Lovingood
4-20    Tom Powell
4-20    Nicole Lewellyn
4-21    Doug McDonald
4-21    Jennifer Phillips
4-22    Pam Widder
4-22    Diana Castillo
4-23    Maranda Lile
4-24    Shannon Lile
4-25    John Schneck
4-26    Pat Jocius
4-27    Jon Warfel
4-27    Samantha Kottmeier
4-28    Ben Banwart
4-28    David Gerber
4-28    Dennis Turnquist
4-28    Wyatt Sanderson
4-28    Ethan Sanderson
4-29    Mary Sitar
4-29    Ron Reuter

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your cards and kind words of condolence on the resent passing of my mother and for your get well wishes for the recent shoulder surgery.

Walt Kilmanas


Dear Friends,

We would like to thank you for your thoughts, prayers and phone calls through the many months of Jim's illness. So much kindness has been given us. Our pastors, Paris, Lois and Pat, our thoughtful reception committee and everyone who come to the memorial service, who visited and phoned and have comforted us since, thank you so very much.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Ellsworth Mitchell and family, Alison Ellsworth Krich and family, Janet Ellsworth Diaz and family and Leola Ellsworth   

5th    Cassidy Sell, Rachel Ruf
12th    Lauren Powers, Drew Rantz
19th    Grace Anne Aldred, Abby Garcia
26th    Emilie Kottmeier, Abby Kottmeier

 5th     Barb Burton
12th    John & Marilyn Kauffman
19th    Sandy Dalton & Jane Busby
26th    Lorri Powell

05    Charlie & Lauren Rantz
12    Tom & Lorri Powell
19    Ron & Liz Schaaf
20    Sandy Dalton and Janet Banwart

5th    Penny Donehoo, Jennifer Bero
12th     Shirley May Byrnes
19th    Karen Carlson, Lee Ellsworth
26th    Janet Banwart

5th  Steve Stauffacher
12th Jennifer Philips
19th Lorri Powell
26th Dennis Hewitt

5th     Jodie Stackowiak, Kirsten Pedersen, Laura McMinn, Cherie Murphy, and Sandy Dalton
12th     Chase Sund, Anna Mitchell, Mary Taylor, and Grant Powell
19th     Walt Kilmanas, Ron Banwart, Lorri Powell, Ron & Karen Carlson
26th     Jim Schock, Deborah Treacy, Chuck Zimmerman, and Sandy Dalton

5th     Mike & Lori Kemmler & Family
12th Kindergarten Class
19th Frank & Debi Kottmeier
26th Debra & Dennis Leberecht