Church Life
ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATIONClass offerings will continue through May 17 before taking their summer hiatus. But it’s not too late to come and learn and grow in your faith. Join us on Sundays at 9:15 for breakfast and personal growth. Childcare is available.
In-depth Bible Study (Each Sunday) – We are winding up 1 Corin-hians, examining passages that pre-date Paul’s letter. Come and study with us as Paul takes his “parting shots” at the church in Corinth. Most of us are glad we don’t belong to that fellowship!
The Spirituality of Finance – (May 3) We’re excited to report that the group continues to see new faces! Our last meeting we continued discussion of the book Prosperity Pie – How to Relax About Money and Everything Else, and the many ways that it approaches money. We’re encouraging continued reading of it as a resource while we also explore other areas and topics. For our May 3rd meeting (during Fellowship Hour) we’re going to be discussing philosophies of money, and tips for budgeting. We’ll be meeting in the junior high room on the 2nd floor of the education wing. If you have questions, please call Mark or Mary Hartwig 847-608-1731. We hope that you’ll join us!
Stepping Stones (May 17) — Stepping Stones will be meeting on May 17 because of Mother’s Day. This month’s program will be, “Unemployed: What Now?” presented by Pat Segal and Adam McCoy.
Controversial Conversations with Carl (May 31) – This month’s topic will be “SAME SEX MARRIAGE — Does it pose a threat to society? Is it just in keeping with our beliefs about civil rights for all? Are Civil Unions a valid substitute? Come and express yourself on this timely topic on May 31st.
E-MAIL ADDRESSESRemember, if the church office does not have your email address, or if you aren’t sure we have it, or your email address has changed, please send it to Pat Calvin at
pat@fcc-elgin.org or go to the homepage of the church website and click the Join our Email List button located on the left top of the page and enter your information. If you have given us your email address and you are not receiving the new FCC “blast,” contact Pat to make sure we have your address entered correctly. A HUGE thank you goes out to Kevin and Letty Jocius for setting up the blast. It looks wonderful!
BUMPER STICKER THEOLOGY“Honk if you love Jesus.”
“In case of Rapture this car will be unmanned.”
“These colors don’t run.”
“Driver carries no cash. He is married.”
Have you ever seen these sayings on a bumper sticker? Have you ever pondered what sentiments like these say about the driver and about our society? Dr. Donehoo wants to explore some of the ideas expressed in these pop-culture icons and place them alongside biblical thinking in a summer sermon series called “Bumper Sticker Theology.” But he needs your help. If a bumper sticker saying has made you think, made you mad, made you laugh, or just caught your attention, please write it on Sunday’s Weekly Window insert and drop it in the offering plate. Or you can email it to him at paris@fcc-elgin.org, or call him at the church office (847-741-4045). Dr. Donehoo will address as many of them as possible during the summer.
Orval Volkening continues at St. Joseph Hospital due to several serious problems.
Dorothy Schock was twice hospitalized briefly at Sherman. She is home and doing fairly well.
Chris Danzi had surgery on April 9. She is home and recuperating well.
Beth Mitchell fell and broke her elbow. Rumor has it that she tumbled down the steps at home while carrying laundry. Beth assures us it was a skiing accident in Colorado.
Ron Carlson had reconstructive foot surgery on April 17. He is home and recuperating well.
Cathy Jurgens’ mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Former member
Donna Hostetler has been diagnosed with cancer. She is being treated at her home in Iowa.
Doug McDonald passed away on April 15. A memorial service, led by Pastors Paris and Lois, was held at FCC on April 19.
Mildred Banwart, Ron
Banwart’s mother, died on March 22nd.
Kaitlyn Zoerhoff, daughter of
Kristian and
Kirsten Zoerhoff, and granddaughter of
Roger Dieringer, was baptized in worship on April 19.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation will be held on Sunday, May 31st during the 10:15 worship service. Four young people will be confirming their faith during this service: Diana Castillo, Emerson Lewis, Taylor Powers and Bradley Rantz. Please plan to be present for this special service. Cards and notes of encouragement may be sent to them.
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 - Anna Mitchell, Alessandra Castillo, Diana Castillo, and Kyle Stauffacher
Damaris, women’s fellowship group will be dining out at Village Squire, 480 Randall Rd, So. Elgin, Thursday, May 28th 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.
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.
SYNAGOGUE TRIP
All are invited to join the Confirmation class for their visit to Congregation Kneseth Israel on Division Street in Elgin on Friday night May 15th. We will be attending their 7:30 prayer service. Following the service we will meet with Rabbi Kohn and learn more about the Jewish faith. We will meet at First Congregational at 7 pm and then go as a group to the synagogue. This is a great educational opportunity for all ages. Please let Lois know if you plan to join the group.
MARY POPPINS TRIPAll those who purchased tickets for the May 2nd performance of Mary Poppins should plan to meet at the National Street Metra station to take the 10:57 get us into Chicago at 12:09 and give us time to leisurely make our way to the theater. Following the play we will eat at Maggiano’s Restaurant before making our way back to the train. If you have any questions please contact Lois.
MISSION TRIP UPDATEWe have 30 youth and adults signed up to join us in doing mission work in Washington, DC during the week of July 2nd – July 12th. We will be leaving the evening of July 2nd by Amtrak train and arriving in Washington, DC on July 3rd. We have a Capitol tour planned for the 4th of July and are still trying to confirm tickets for a White House Tour. Our work week will begin on Monday, July 5th. We will be working in various soup kettles, homeless shelters, day care facilities, food panties and drop-in centers that serve the homeless community throughout our nation’s capital. During our free time we will be taking in all the sites and activities available.
CALLING ALL MISSION TRIPPERS
Following our fundraising luncheon on Sunday, May 17th we will hold a group building activity. This is a required event for all those who are going on the trip. We will be doing some get acquainted activities as well as viewing a movie together to help us prepare for our tour of the Holocaust Museum. Please contact Lois or Cathy Jurgens if you have any questions.
MISSION TRIP FUNDRAISEROur final mission trip luncheon will be held on Sunday, May 17th immediately following worship. This will be a salad luncheon featuring a variety of salads and breads. Your donation of $5 per person helps to make our mission trip possible. Thanks for all of your support.
Our Sunday School classes will end on May 17th. We have had a wonderful year. If you’ve had a child in Sunday School this year please take a moment to say thank you to the teachers.
A BIG thank you to our dedicated teaching staff!Preschool teachers: Meg Pfister, Deb Treacy, and Jennifer Sobolak
Kindergarten/1st: Evelyn Johnson,
3rd & 4th/ 5th and 6th Storytelling: Shannon Lile, Sue Ruf, and Kathleen Mau
7th & 8th: Beth Mitchell,
Sr. High: Brian Stark and Linda Taylor
Godly Play: Deb Leberecht
Drama: Michael Blackwood and Adam McCoy
Exploration: Deb Sell and Lori Cararra
Crafts: Laura McMinn and Kathleen Mau
Director of Christian Education: Jan Embree
Ministry of Christian Ed:Michael Blackwood, Colleen Stauffacher, Evelyn Johnson, Shannon Lile, Wendy Hargrave, Deb Leberecht, Deb Sell, Jennifer Swan, JoAnn Brictson, Krista Leith, Lois Bucher and Jan Embree
FROG FridayCarol Olson, Cathy Jurgens, Deb Sell, Helen McClure, Adam McCoy, Jim Lewis, Kathleen Mau, Lois Bucher, and Jan Embree.
Helpers: Nick Kemmler, Alex Halfpenny, Emerson Lewis, Phillip Brictson.
Vacation Bible School June 21st – June 25thPreparations are underway for an exciting adventure with VBS this summer. We will be holding VBS at Wing Park this year instead of Trout Park. We will be at shelter #1 (the one that is closest to the playground).
A big change will be that VBS is going to be held during the evening. We will meet from 6pm – 8pm. We hope that this will make it more convenient for working parents to get their children to VBS. Mark your calendars now. We will begin on Sunday evening June 21st (Father’s Day) and meet through Thursday evening, July 25th. We will conclude our week with a celebration pool party at the Wing Park pool from 8:00 -10:00 pm on Thursday, July 25th. Although we would like to have children participate in the whole event we hope that you will still sign your child up if you have a conflict with one of the dates.
Our theme for the week will be Camp E.D.G.E (Experience and Discover God everywhere)! We’ll spend the week trekking to discover more about God. This program has something to offer all ages. Everyone will enjoy hearing Bible stories, playing games, singing those catchy songs, and making crafts. The older children will enjoy their camp-like experience which will include time for nature study, hikes, games and storytelling. Please make this week a priority for your family. So spread the word. Tell your friends that you want them to join you for a week at Camp E.D.G.E. this summer.
Of course we always need more volunteers so let Lois know if you are available to help with any aspect of the program. If you are interested in helping please join us for our planning meeting on Tuesday, May 12th at 6:30pm in the conference room.
We will be recognizing graduates on June 7th during our 10:15 worship service. Please call the church office and let us know if you have a high school, junior college, technical school, college, or advanced degree graduate in your family.
MISSION GRANT COMMITTEE VACANCIES
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.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARINGOne, Two, Thanks to You
Members and friends of First Congregational UCC helped to make One Great Hour of Sharing a great success during the Lenten Season. According to the latest accounting, we gave $2,270.plus $173. from our Sunday School class in world-wide outreach to brothers and sisters in desperate need. Thank you for every gift!!!
But the title of this article says ONE, TWO---What's that all about? You may have heard that we are a "five-for-five" congregation. That means we give basic support to OCWM (Our Church's Wider Mission) through our weekly offerings and then add to that through four special offerings during the year. So, we are already contributing to OCWM (#1) and we have just been generously involved in OGHS (#2) One, two, thanks to YOU!!!
- Your Mission Committee
STRENGTHEN THE CHURCHSpread the Love
The Festival of Pentecost, to be celebrated this year on May 31, has become the day when the United Church of Christ receives a special mission offering to Strengthen the Church. The Local Church Ministries arm of the UCC uses this money to help start new churches and invigorate existing congregations, nurture lay and pastoral leadership, build youth and young adult programs and support the "God is Still Speaking" ministry of extravagant welcome for all.
During the month of May, you will see several flyers with the theme "SPREAD THE LOVE" to acquaint you with the work of this mission offering. We encourage your generous response. Let's make sure that others have a chance to experience what we have found here at FCC!!!
- Your Mission Committee
MODERATOR'S MOMENT
Greetings! I wanted to give you an update on developments in the Soup Kettle program here. Pat Calvin, who graciously and capably led this program for the past 8 months, has decided to step down from that position. I thank her for her leadership and commitment to keep this program going and growing. Please join me in thanking Pat when you see her next in person or perhaps send your thoughts via phone or email. She helped us stay involved in this necessary community program.
Mary Hill has stepped forward to accept the leadership of our Soup Kettle and will begin on April 29. I am grateful for her willing and enthusiastic acceptance of this role. Her conscientious support of this program and her capable guidance will keep us providing food for those in our community who are in need. It will no doubt provide her with lots of stories, too! Please join me in thanking Mary for her commitment to this program and to our church.
We want to support Mary in this endeavor through our prayers and through our presence. Please accept the challenge that Janet Aldred offered to us earlier in the year to volunteer at least one Wednesday in the year for either the 4:00 – 5:30 work period, or the 5:15 – 7:00 period. Contact Janet and she will schedule you.
I am asking you to renew your commitment to pray for our church on a daily basis. Let’s remember to pray for our pastors, Paris and Lois, as they work together to move our congregation from members to disciples. Let’s remember to pray for our Ministries and programs. And please pray for the renovation as it enters the phase where we can all see evidence that it is happening.
Thank you for your caring support of FCC – its staff, its members, its programs.
Jeanne Rothlisberger, Moderator
Week 1: Finally, after all the millions of meetings and minutes, it's happening! Every good project begins with demolition (Yea, this is my favorite part) The asbestos abatement people come in to remove the stuff that will affect the new toilet rooms. This is the northeast side of the building. The project starts on the north side and will move around the building in stages.
Have you seen the brick wall mock up on the west side, next to the west side entrance? Take a look, Chuck Cassell, ( architect extraordinaire), has chosen the brick, mortar, and sill stone. He did a great job matching hundred year old stuff that doesn't exist anymore. You should know that Chuck has put in a huge amount of time and energy into this project already. He has attended countless meetings with the city, city commissions, contractors and congregations. He has done a lot, a lot, a lot, to protect us and the integrity of our building. Feel free to bow and kiss his ring when you see him.
Ed Palakie, a good friend of mine, is the mason foreman on our job. He put up the sample and his crew will be in soon to take down and put up walls for the new windows. Our new windows are "Marvin" products and are energy efficient and will have metal casings that should be maintenance free ( that idea was courtesy of Lois).
Bill Wilson is "the guy" from Shales-McNutt. He is the co-coordinator of all the work and all the trades. Dave is "on-the-job-guy" from Shales-McNutt. He has the key and starts early. Since dumpsters (our and theirs), materials, scaffolding and men will be using the back parking lot, we think it best to close it off for the duration of this project. USE THE CITY PARKING LOTS Poor Paris, he hates this part, be nice to him. Soup Kettle can still happen, the workers and guests will need to use the front door and come through the long way. Food deliveries will also still happen. The trades are great about working around all of our activities. For now, THE BACK ENTRANCE IS EMERGENCY EXIT ONLY. Get to know and love the front entrance, it's friendly, warm and in a few months will have a new look.
Beth Mitchell
STEPPING STONESStepping Stones, in conjunction with the Mother's Group, had a lively discussion entitled "Communicating with Significant Others" on April 2.. We came to the definite conclusion that "Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus!" Our next meeting with the Mother's Group will be on Thursday, April 30, 2009 in Fellowship Hall from 5:45-6:45 p.m. "Communicating with Young Children" is our topic. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Due to Mother's Day, Stepping Stones will be meeting on Sunday, May 17, 2009 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, who are a wonderful part of our congregation. Please join us and learn steps that will help you meet life's challenges with positive faith. This will be our final meeting before summer. Over the summer our committee will be meeting and considering possible changes with Stepping Stones format for the fall.
SPIRITUALITY OF FINANCE“Stewardship is everything I do after I say I believe.” St. Francis of Assisi
Covenant and PracticeAs for me, I am establishing my covenant with you and your descendants after you. Genesis 9:9
Remember the phrase, “It’s the economy, stupid!”? Well, that’s sure on everyone’s mind these days, and understandably so. But I’ve heard many people state that it wasn’t the technical skills of financial gunslingers that caused this mess; it was their greed. Such greed breaks down the relationships that maintain our social fabric. Laws can’t prevent or fix such a situation. To fix this situation will require rebuilding the trust that is the basis of relationships.
At FCC we make a point of stating that we’re a covenant community. We don’t have too many laws and rules about being part of the community. We rely on transformative grace as communicated to us by Jesus to draw us together and keep us at this task.
This isn’t always easy. The UCC Statement of Faith states that “God calls us into [community] to accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be servants in the service of the whole human family…” This takes practice. Just like athletes, performers, and anyone who wants to acquire a skill, those who are deliberate about their spiritual journeys usually find one or more practices that are helpful along the way.
The UCC has the slogan that “God is still speaking,” and I think it’s really true. In the past month I’ve come across two very different sources that link money with a spiritual practice. Do
you have any practices? Any
spiritual practices? A spiritual practice of
stewardship? God speaks to us through each other. Let’s have some conversation about how God might be speaking to us on the subject of stewardship as a spiritual practice.
For the cyber-interested:
http://www.financialintegrity.org/http://www.soulofmoney.org/http://www.storyofstuff.com/ 
To our FCC family:
John and I would like to thank you for the prayers, support and many kindnesses given to us during my recent surgery and recuperation. We are blessed to be part of such a caring congregation.
Joan Schneider-Cooper
5-01 Maggie Powers
5-02 Alessandra Castillo
5-04 Elizabeth Taylor
5-04 Ryan Munson
5-04 Sydney Schmitendorf
5-05 Destannie Tippett
5-05 Adin Swan
5-07 Patrick Lile
5-08 Jeannie Burger
5-09 Robert Taylor
5-13 Maurice Munch
5-14 Dennis Hewitt
5-15 John Kauffman
5-16 Lori Kemmler
5-16 George Bero
5-16 Cherie Murphy
5-16 Madisen Erickson
5-18 Amanda Reuter
5-19 Lorri Powell
5-19 Jodie Stackowiak
5-21 Glenna Preradovic
5-22 Margarete Schmoldt
5-23 Melanie Szlapinski
5-24 Kyle Stauffacher
5-25 Ron Carlson
5-25 James Deaton
5-25 Thor Taylor
5-27 Mary Hewitt
5-28 Brianne Murphy
5-31 Larry Rothlisberger
5-31 Alex Halfpenny
5-31 Emerson Lewis
05-03 Cassidy Sell & Rachel Ruf
05-10 Lauren Powers & Drew Rantz
05-17 Grace Ann Aldred & Abby Garcia
05-24 Kenzie Fahnestock & Abby Kottmeier
05-31 Anna Halfpenny & Savannah Lile
5-03 Janet Banwart
5-10 Jen Phillips
5-17 Heather Arnold
5-24 Deb Sell
5-30 Dennis & Mary Hewitt
5-03 Stewart Crockett
5-10 Paul & Tracy Grote
5-17 Charlie & Lauren Rantz
5-24 Tom & Lorri Powell
5-31 Kevin & Letty Jocius
5-03 Walt Kilmanas
5-10 Kevin Jocius
5-17 Brian Stark
5-24 Jennifer Green
5-31 Dolores Zimmerman
5-03 Thomas & Judith Leith
5-10 Jim, Susan, & Emerson Lewis
5-17 Shannon & Patrick Lile
5-24 Pat Lindquist
5-31 Sally & Simon Lopez
5-03 Jennifer & Curt Phillips
5-10 Linda Taylor & Penny Donehoo
5-17 Karen Carlson & Janet Banwart
5-24 Lee Ellsworth & Glenna Preradovic
5-31 Shirley May Byrnes & Janet Banwart
The United Church of Christ.