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October 13, 2016
Peace, grace, and hope to each of you in LaGrange and beyond, from Carly, called to be the purveyor of God's Good News.
I've been listening to all the political rhetoric and reflecting upon the sad state of affairs in this culture. There is such division - and it would seem two very different realities or views of what the world looks like. How we view the world depends upon the stories we have come to believe about ourselves and others. Some people operate out of narratives of scarcity and fear. Others operate from narratives of abundance and hope.
Narratives of scarcity and fear tell us that our lives are doomed to failure because there is not enough to go around; adversaries surround us who aim to take all the resources from us. Narratives of scarcity and fear project a great deal of suspicion of others, hatred, and violence. These narratives call us to separate ourselves from others for our own safety, or at least keep those who do not look like us, think like us, act like us, or believe like us as far away and subservient as possible.
Narratives of abundance and hope tell us that we already have the power and resources to fix problems that have long plagued us. We just need to decide to do it. These narratives project acceptance and inclusion, loving-kindness, and peaceful and open discussions.
Molly Baskette summarized this well:
"Fear says "there's not enough, there's never enough, we have to tighten our belts, flat line all spending, circle the wagons." Hope says, 'there is more than enough, right now. We have the means to make an enormous difference in the lives of our own people and many, many people we have not yet met.' We will feel oh-so-good if we stake our claim as just and generous partners in that dream, and God will do amazing things through us."
What are the stories we listen to and tell others? What are the consequences of those narratives in our lives and the lives of our communities? Are there untried ways we can change the narratives around us? Are there other stories that don't get told for which we need to listen?
Abundance and hope are the narratives of our Faith tradition. Hope is not optimism; it's not assuming that everything's going to be fine and we can just sit back and sing Kum Bah Yah.
Hope, for me, is a sense of uncertainty, of coming to terms with the fact that we don't know what will happen, and that there's maybe room for us to change the course of things. We may have to let go of the certainty we seem to love more than hope, and know that we don't know what's going to happen.
Let's walk into the future with hope. Let's assume that God's abundance will be enough. Let us reject the narratives of fear and scarcity and trust in God's promises.
With great gratitude for each of you, I am full of hope in God's future among us.
Carly
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Trivia Night
Pop Quiz: Do you have what it takes to be the first ever FCCLG Trivia Champions?
Join us in the Dining Room on Friday, October 14th to see who will take home bragging rights. Doors open at 7:00pm. Each table will consist of a team of 10 players and if you don't have a team, that is no problem! We will find a team for you to join!
$20 per person at the door. BYOB and BYOS(nacks). There will be different raffles held throughout the night, so be sure to arrive early to get your tickets situated before the games begin!
For questions and to reserve your team's table, please contact Mike Ries at 708-308-0426.
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ZACKLEY'S AND YZALS TRIP TO THE KELLER'S FARMSTAND'S CORN MAZE!
When: October 23rd meeting at the church at 1:15pm to leave by 1:30pm to drive there
Where: Keller's Farmstand
2500 Johnson Rd.
Oswego, IL 60543
(630) 219-8194
http://www.kellersfarmstand.com/locations/oswego-farmstand/
Families are welcome! We will need drivers to get us there so if you can drive please let Sylvia, Brian Kasnick or Jenni Geist know so we can make sure we have enough seats for everyone! Church will pay for entrance but please bring money for any food or souvenirs. Pumpkin and apple picking are offered as well as homemade cider donuts, kettle corn, and fudge which are all sold in the concession stand. All those who are not attending with their parent must bring a permission slip.
ZACKLEY'S LOCK-IN AND BAKE SALE
The Zackleys want to provide your baked good for Thanksgiving! Our annual Bake Sale Lock-In will be taking place
November 19th through the 20th! Sales will begin
October 23rd after church during the coffee hour. The lovingly made baked goods will be available for pick up on November 20th. The lock-in is open to all students 9th-12th grade. Permission slips available outside of Sylvia's door.
SUNDAY SCHOOL / YOUTH REGISTRATION
Sunday School has resumed! We need people to fill teacher and shepherd positions. Please sign up through Access, on the clipboard during Fellowship Hour, or contact Sylvia at
[email protected]. If you have children birth through 12th grade please fill out a Sunday School Registration
form so we can keep up to date records!
FALL YOUTH SCHEDULE
To make these the best programming we can we need volunteers! If you are able to help plan or just be at these events please let Sylvia know!
First Sunday of the month:
Confirmation: 2:30-4:30pm Drawing Room
Messy Church: 4:30-6:30pm (Dinner at 5:45pm)
Zackleys: (High School) (Welcome to join Messy Church!)
6:30
Second Sunday:
Yzals 6:30pm (6-8th grade)
Third Sunday:
Zackleys 6:30pm
Fourth Sunday:
Yzals and Zackleys service/outing
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Children and Youth Music Opportunities
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BARITONES AND BRUNCH
Come to FCCLG on
November 12 at 10:30am for Baritones and Brunch. This is the next event in the alliterative concert series and it will feature Ryan and some of his baritone friends singing their favorite songs, arias and sacred pieces. These concerts have been highlights in our church's musical life - you will not want to miss this one! Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students and will be available starting October 16th. Proceeds will go towards the Instrument Repair Fund to help with organ repairs. Your support is greatly appreciated. For more info, please contact Ryan Cox.
Tiny Toe
s Music is a newer addition to the music offerings housed at FCCLG. Tiny Toes is this area's organization offering Music Together classes. The Fall session starts soon! To enroll, visit
www.tinytoesmusic.com
Tiny Toes classes:
- Are for children ages birth to kindergarten and their parents and caregivers.
- Build on your child's natural enthusiasm for music and movement.
- Provide you and your child with the basic musical skills needed to enjoy and participate in musical activities.
- 45 minutes of PURE FUN with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers every week!
Ring 'n Sing
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Music for grades 1-8! We sing. And we ring. Sometimes at the same time. Join the fun! Rehearsals continue after worship from 11:15-11:45am. This program is great for introducing new families to our great youth programming.
Treble Choir:
An extension of Ring n' Sing, this ensemble is designed for children in 3rd grade and up. The focus is on voice development, music reading and singing more challenging music. Rehearsals continue Sunday 11:45am to 12:15pm.
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Taste Of Egypt
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This weekend there will be a Taste of Egypt at the St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church on 79th Street West of County Line Road. Free parking, free admission, yummy Egyptian foods, camel rides, petting zoo for kids and tours of the newly built church. Great for families and
church youth groups.
When: Saturday Oct. 15 11:00 am to 7:00 pm and
Sunday Oct. 16 noon to 5:00 pm
Where: 455 79th Street, Burr Ridge
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Called To Act With Justice
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You are invited to hear internationally known author and speaker, Dr. Mark Braverman, an American Jew and Program Director for Kairos USA, as he reminds Christians and Jews alike that it is not anti-Semitic to stand up for the Palestinian people and for a truly democratic society for Israel.
Bringing Peace to Palestine and Israel - What is the Church's role? Monday, October 17 at 7:00pm
St. Francis Xavier Church
124 N. Spring Ave., La Grange
Sponsored by St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and Grace Lutheran Church of La Grange
Click here for the flyer!
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Messy Church
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Messy Church will be
this Sunday, November 6th at 4:30. Our theme this month will be Love Your World!
Come and have a great time and support our youth. See you there! Click here for our flyer!
4:30-5:15pm: Crafts and Stories
5:15-5:30pm: Celebration
5:30-6:00: Dinner
6:00-7:00: Yzal/Zackleys
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FCCLG Building Project Updates
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Air Conditioning Project
We are nearing the completion of the air conditioning units in the sanctuary and Founder's room. The cool air supplies and and air returns have been cut into the sanctuary walls. In the next week, final work will be done on the units to complete the project. I think I can safely say that the project will be 100% complete by the end of October.
Founder's Room Carpet Replacement
The new carpet for the Founder's Room has been ordered and will be delivered at the end of October. We will coordinate the installation with other projects being executed in the Founder's Room.
Founder's Room Ceiling Repair
The repair and painting of the Founder's Room ceiling has been completed.
Founder's Room Kitchen Upgrade
Contractors have been chosen to do electrical and carpentry work for the Founder's Room kitchen upgrade. We are now in the process of obtaining the permit to do the work. The goal is to have this completed for an upcoming wedding and reception on December 2.
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A Missions Note...
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We recently received the following note from
Zach Wolgemuth, Executive, UCC Disaster Ministries.
I wanted to send a brief note letting you know that through our partners UCC Disaster Ministries has connections in Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica. I've been in touch with partners and we are expecting devastating effects from this powerful storm but the full extent of the impact is yet unknown.
My request from each of you is that you please keep everyone in Matthew's path in your prayers and you continue to help us with sharing information about needs and our response.
Thank You!
I have no doubt we will be responding to Matthew so it is safe to say that we will be accepting financial support.
Supporters interested in giving should give to the International Emergency Relief Fund. Support can be designated for "Hurricane Matthew"
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Mission Trip Opportunity:
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Oct 31 @ 8:00 am - Nov 5 @ 5:00 pm Church World Service Disaster Center & Heifer Ranch. Get more information and register
here.
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Wine Tasting For BEDS Plus!
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Click here for the full
Flyer!
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Save the Date - November 6th!
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Our Community Thanksgiving Service will be
SUNDAY, November 6 at 7 pm at Grace Lutheran Church.
Location:
200 N Catherine Ave, La Grange
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Harvest Home
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You are invited to UCC's annual Harvest Home dinner on
Weds, November 16 at 6:30 pm. in the dining room. Bring your family and friends, and enjoy a delicious turkey dinner! Tickets are available during fellowship time or in the office: Adults $8.00, Children 4-12 $4.00, under 4 free. There are volunteer opportunities for kitchen workers and servers. Check out the sign-up sheet during Fellowship Hour.
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What Can We Do About Racism?
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Race Relations is the topic of a nine week study which is being discussed in Debby Irving's book,
Waking Up White and Finding Myself In the Story of Race.
Adult Education meets at 8:30 each Sunday morning in the Drawing Room and goes till November 20th.
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Carly's Community Office Hours!
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The Return of Community Office Hours. Carly will be holding "office" from 4 to 6 p.m. on the first through fourth Thursdays at Owl and Lark Juice and Coffee Bar at 41 South La Grange Road in La Grange. This is an intentional effort to be available for church members and friends, as well as a community presence. Drop in and visit!
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Let's explore what it means to belong, to sense that you're at home in the community of faith. Three gatherings are planned for those who have been worshiping and participating in the ministries of the congregation and who would like to explore a deeper relationship.
- Sunday, October 23, at 4:30 p.m. the journey will continue over dessert in small groups over dessert the church manse where we'll explore the vision and values of the church.
- Saturday, November 5 at 4:30 p.m., we'll explore faith journeys over wine and cheese at the manse.
- During morning worship on November 13th, participants will have an opportunity to formalize their relationship with FCCLG.
This is an exploration only with no obligation or strings attached. There is no cost to participate, but registration is appreciated. Sign up in the Fellowship Hour following worship, or
online.
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Unleashing the Ministry Chicago Metropolitan Association and Fox Valley Association will gather on
October 15 at St. Paul's UCC of Palatine for our Fall Meeting. The theme will be Unleashing the Ministry.
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Sign up here to receive the UCC Daily Devotional in your inbox!
Into the Mystic: Listen to podcasts of the UCC General Minister, John Dorhauer, here.
Disaster Ministry Learn about the UCC's efforts and what you can do
here!
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Check your calendar and think about those special dates this year you could celebrate with altar flowers! To reserve a Sunday, sign up at Fellowship Hour or contact the office. Dates are first-come, first-serve, so reserve early!
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Amazon Smile
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Here's an easy way to give back to FCCLG! When you shop on Amazon, use smile.amazon.com and choose First Congregational Church of La Grange as your charity. Amazon then donates 0.5% of your purchase back to FCCLG.
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Serving at FCCLG
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- Bring in treats of your choice and serve beverages and snacks after worship
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Proclaim the scripture to the congregation during Sunday service
- Deliver the donated altar flowers to home-bound church members after worship
- Arrive at 9:30 am, pass out programs, collect the offering
Greeters
-Arrive at 9:45 am, wear your name tag, smile!
- Pick up the Saturday Meals Program laundry outside the kitchen after worship and return it clean before next Saturday
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Attend the Nursery during worship on Sunday
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Saturday Meals Needs Your Help!
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The Saturd
 ay Meals Program is a ministry of our congregation that serves anyone who would like to share a hot meal.
There are two shifts of volunteer service available each Saturday:
Breakfast set up and serving is from 8 to 10 a.m. Breakfast volunteers cut and plate pastries, serve hot food to guests in a buffet line, run the dishwasher, make sandwiches and pack brown bag suppers for distribution after lunch.
Lunch set up and serving is from 10:45 to 1 p.m. Lunch volunteers plate desserts, serve hot foods to guests in a buffet line, run the dishwasher, and wipe down tables and chairs following the meal.
Email Volunteer Coordinator JoAnne Konkle for information.
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Hooks and Needles meets in the Family Room off the Chapel on all but the first Monday of the month.
We make blankets for Project Linus and Still Missed along with prayer shawls, baby blankets and prayer squares for the church. Please join us in this valuable ministry. Beginners are welcome; we would love to teach you to knit or crochet. Call Linda Lauterbach or the church office if you need a code to get into the building.
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St. Barbara's Food Pantry Collection
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Thank you to those of you who donate faithfully; even one item makes a difference. This month, donations of canned tuna, canned soup, and laundry detergent are especially appreciated.
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Prayer is at the heart of our relationship with God. Please lift these friends, family, and members in your prayers.
Charlotte Ansted, who was born very early and is being treated in the NICU.
Emil and Maria Balz who are recovering at home.
Prayers for Erin Markus-Bryant's nephew Emmett, who is suffering from kidney failure.
Prayers for Renee Bryant's friend Melissa, who was just diagnosed with breast cancer.
The family of Cheryl Buchignani, who's father died on October 9th.
The residents of Edisto Island, where we take our annual work trip. They were hit by Hurricane Matthew.
Bert Happel, Jim Happel's brother.
Linda Lauterbach's friend Sophia, her husband, and 22 month old son; Sophia has a brain tumor.
Thank you for all the prayers for Bobbie Nunez's new granddaughter Sienna, who is out of the hospital and doing well.
Petra Palmer's granddaughter's friend Summer who is having chemotherapy for leukemia.
Thoughts and prayers for the Palmers' neighbor's brother, wife and newborn son, who need to gain strength and weight.
Jennifer Powers as she deals with health issues.
Victims of hatred and terror; and those who are seduced in to believing violence is the only option.
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