May 24, 2018
Greetings!
Ask the Question
Why are the ages of some people in the Old Testament much older than “normal” life spans?
I don’t know about you, but I would NOT want to live to be 900 years old! Come to think of it, if every human lived that long, we would have had a major overpopulation problem!
In the Old Testament, particularly in the Pentateuch and historical books, genealogies list men’s ages 600-900 years. Of course, it’s best not to reveal a woman’s age – and so the only woman whose age is listed is Sarah who was a mere supercentenarian at 127 years. There are many possible explanations to th is.
We need to remember that these are faith narratives; they are …. see more

Have a question about faith, the Bible, the Church, our congregation?  Submit it here and look for a response in a future Tidings.
This Week:
Friday 5/25: OA at 9 am, Alanon at 7:30 pm
Saturday 5/26: Saturday Meals Program at 8 am, Kindermusik at 8 am
Sunday 5/27: Worship at 10 am, Fellowship Hour at 11:15 am, OA at 7 pm
Monday 5/28: AA for under 30s at 7 pm, AA at 8 pm
Wednesday 5/30: Be Still and Know 12 Step at 4 pm
Friday 6/1: OA at 9 am, Alanon at 7:30 pm
Saturday 6/2: Saturday Meals Program at 8 am, Kindermusik at 8 am
Sunday 6/3: Adult Ed. - Journey Through the Psalms at 8:30 am, Worship at 10 am, Fellowship Hour at 11:15 am, The Positively Green Team Meeting at 11:15 am, Memorial Service for Maria Balz at 2:30 pm, OA at 7:00 pm
Meet Our Newest Members!
Bonita “Bonnie” Bryant is a retired librarian who moved to the area from Albany, NY area to be closer to her son, Chris Bryant. She lives downtown and participates in weekly worship via our LiveStream.
 
Diana Coberly is a retired pastor in the United Church of Christ. She moved to this area from Iowa to be closer to her family. She lives at Bethlehem Woods.
 
Noah Gartner is a software professional who lives in Brookfield. He sings in the Chancel Choir, is married to Amanda Murphy, and is dad to Paul, who is finishing 9th grade, and Anne, who is finishing 6th grade.
 
Angela Harrison is retired and lives in Downers Grove. She moved back to the area from Arizona to be closer to her daughter. Angela grew up at St Peters UCC in Elmhurst.
 
Steve Lester is a former Zackley who found his way back to FCCLG after a long absence. He lives in Lisle and is a Tooling Engineering Manager. He is serving on the Ministry of Education and is co-leader of the youth groups.
 
Kerri Mummert is an employment recruiter. She lives in La Grange and is active in the Western Springs Community Theatre. Kerri and her husband are the parents of Brooke, who is finishing 2nd grade and sings with our Ring and Sing Choir.
 
Amanda Murphy is a musician and teacher who lives in Brookfield. She sings in the Chancel Choir and recently performed in a Harp-Soprano recital at FCCLG. She is married to Noah Gartner, and is mom to Paul and Anne.
 
Amanda Wood is a school secretary and lives in Brookfield. She is mom to Atticus, 2, and Philomena, 3 weeks. She is married to Kyle Wood. The family came to us through Messy Church.
 
Kyle Wood is an art teacher and lives in Brookfield. He is dad to Atticus and Philomena, and married to Amanda.
 
Akua Dutie (Nana) Yeboah recently moved to La Grange from Ghana to join her husband Felix.
 
Felix Yeboah lives in La Grange and works at Meadowbrook Manor. He is married to Nana and is dad to Abena.

What Makes your Heart Sing?
Ministry is the work of each of us. Where would you like to focus your time, energy, and passions to be a part of God's Revolutionary Love and Extravagant Grace?   Tell us here!  Our Volunteer Coordinator will link you with others with the same interests.
Please Update Your Membership Data! 
We are getting ready to print a new church directory. We've noticed that a great number of people have not checked into the online membership file to verify and correct information -- and to upload your photo! Since we'd like the directory to be as complete as possible, please check your email for a link to update your data. The Member Directory will be printed in early June. Please update your data today.  
Google Reviews
If you love FCCLG and want to help us reach out to others, write a Google Review. This is a fast and easy way to help us grow.  Click here to get there.
Adult Education - Journey Through The Psalms
Continue to Explore the Psalms with us on June 3rd . We meet at 8:30am in the Drawing Room. Join us for coffee, conversation, and Psalms!
Positively Green Team
The PGT meets on June 3rd at 11:15 in the Drawing Room. A guest from Faith in Place will join us to discuss the church’s environmental assessment, planting a butterfly garden, and the possibility of a La Grange solar farm. Please join us to share your ideas!
Green Tip of the month: Choose cloth over paper for spring cleaning. Cut up an old t-shirt to use as a rag. You were going to toss it out anyway, so why not save some money and our planet at the same time? For more Green Tips, see the IL EPA's website.
Music for All Ages
Summer Musicians of all ages are invited to play, sing or ring starting in June. The choir is off for the Summer, so we need you! Not a soloist, but want to lend your talents? Ryan will work to find an ensemble for you. Please contact Ryan Cox to sign-up.

First Conservatory: Music lessons taught by excellent teachers are offered throughout the week at First Congregational Church. Children and adults alike are welcome! Instruments taught include piano, voice, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, violin, viola, cello, and bass. Other instruments could be made available with interest. Click here to visit the website.

Tiny Toes Music: Babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers also have a great opportunity in our building. Tiny Toes Music is the local offering for Music Together, known internationally for educating little ones and their guardians together. Click here for the website.
Messy Church
Due to lack of volunteers, Messy Church is cancelled for June.  
H ooks and Needles
The next meeting will be on Monday, June 4th in the Family Room off the Chapel. After that the summer meetings will be in our homes. The knitting and crocheting ministry meets at 7pm on the 4th Monday of the month, June through August. Please call Claudia Byrne at 708-205-1409 or email if you have any questions.
Summer schedule
  • June 25: Barbara Hultman - 4739 South Johnson Avenue Western Springs, IL 60558
  • July 23: Margaret Melkonian - 437 South Brainard Avenue La Grange, IL 60525
  • August 27: Mary Forester - 315 North La Grange Road Apt. 138 La Grange Park, IL 60526
Nurturing Spirits
Missions Book Discussion Group
Our next meeting will be June 4 at 7:30pm in the Drawing Room. We will explore issues of racism in our book Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann.
Summer Musical Camp
Rescue in the Night! -- Featuring Lions! Daniel! and God! coming to Music Camp 2018. This awesome opportunity to sing, play, learn, and have fun will be July 23rd-July 27th from 2-6 p.m. Performances will be July 27th at 7pm and July 29th at 10am. See Ryan Cox, or email him for registration information. Click on the image for the flyer !
UCC Summer Camps 2018
Illinois Conference UCC Outdoor Minitries sponsored events. Beyond Belief! The Universe of God! Contact 815-447-2390 or visit the website for more information. Click here for the full flyer.
Adult Work Trip Organizational Meeting on June 3
If you're interested in joining the work trip to Texas, please put June 3 on your calendar. Hurricanes Harvey and Irma wreaked havoc in Jefferson County, TX. We hope to have 12 adults representing our church's love in Texas on  October 20 - 27, 2018 . For more information on what we'll be doing,  click here . An organizational meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 3 in the Drawing Room. We will start planning for the trip, organizing some excitement within the congregation, and exploring travel options. 
Food Pantry
In May we’re collecting peanut butter, jelly and crackers for the Second Baptist Food Pantry. Please help fill our baskets located at the entrances of the Sanctuary and Chapel! Looking forward to June, we will collect canned meat and beans, or any shelf-stable items. Thank you!
C an’t Get To Sunday Services?  
You can watch them live on Sunday at 10 a.m. on the web.  Click here   to see Sunday worship streamed live and to view past worship services as well.  Or follow these instructions on how to watch through your Roku Device. Contact the church office to have the worship bulletin emailed to you on Fridays. This ministry is brought to you by the estate of Ginny Palansky, and maintained by your gifts, offerings, and pledges.
Attracting Friends Retaining Members Nurturing Spirits 
Developing Partners
Give to FCCLG when you shop on Amazon! Click the logo for our Amazon Smile page.
  Prayer is at the heart of our relationship with God. Please lift these friends, family, and members in your prayers.
Thoughts and prayers for the family and friends of Maria Balz, who died on May 19th.
Fred Bell, who is recovering from leukemia.
Prayers for Jerry Byrne, as he recovers after knee replacement surgery.
Prayers for the Clayton family.
Ann Fish, as she recovers from surgery.
The family and friends of Mary Hendrickson, who died April 24th.
Renee Meier, who is dealing with cancer.
Prayers for Margaret Melkonian.
Prayers for Betty Ost’s friend Walt, who is facing surgery.
Petra Palmer’s granddaughter’s friend Summer who is having chemotherapy for leukemia.
Thoughts and prayers for the family and friends of Billy Payne, who died on April 15 th .
Prayers for Tom Pitman, who is living with cancer.
Prayers for Steve Roper, as he recovers from open heart surgery.
For Vera Weiss to regain her strength and fight cancer.
Brian White, who awaits healing.
Those living in fear and without hope, and those who use fear to control others.
Prayers for those killed, the injured, and their families in acts of violence in Texas.