Carolyn Lawrence, Interim Director of Youth Ministry
January 12, 2020
Services  at 9 and  10:30 am


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This Week at FCCGE
(Click the blue links to be taken to the article!)


1/9 - 7 pm Choir Rehearsal
1/10 - 9:30 am Moderators Meeting (off-site)
1/12 - 11:45 am Jr Hi OWL Leaders
1/12 - 11:45 am  Jr Hi Fellowship (off-site)
1/12 - NO 345 Fellowship
1/12 -  7 pm  Sr Hi Workcamp Meeting
1/14 - NO Prime Timers meeting
1/14 - NO Handbell Rehearsal
1/15 - 7:15 pm Music Makers Meeting
Bobby Jo Valentine Returns to FCCGE!
With Special Guest, Lily Clara
Saturday, February 22nd at 7 pm


Bobby Jo Valentine is a multi-faceted and sought-after speaker, songwriter and storyteller who grew up on the windy seaside of Northern California.  He's been called a hopeful, realist poet and a philosopher for the people. His songs are both earthbound and mystical, and speak to the gentle, everyday awakenings of an openhearted life.  Bobby has given a Ted Talk, has been awarded Song of the Year three times from West Coast Songwriter's Association, is an out gay advocate for equal rights for all, and has performed thousands of events around the globe.  His compelling, poetic storytelling and songs have built a growing following of listeners and supporters, and his most recent collections, Fox Eyes, Whale Heart, Maybe Stars, and his newest, Temporary Weather, are available everywhere music is offered online. Listen to one of Bobby Jo's songs.  Tickets go on sale soon for FCC's exclusive concert on Saturday, February 22nd!
Building Community

Gun Violence InitiativeGuninitiative
Jan. 12 -Feb. 12, 2020

Gun violence, sadly, is a part of what seems like the daily news.  How can we change things?  How can we make sense of what's happening?  How does our faith call us to respond?  
FCC will be working with Faith Lutheran and St. Mark's  knowing that together we can do more than on our own to explore, asking questions, and look at what next steps are.  This curriculum will be facilitated by members of all three churches and allow us to enter into deep conversations with one another around the issues of gun violence. This initiative will kick off on January 12th and conclude with a panel discussion at Glenbard West on February 12. For more information and to register, please click here.

Euchre 2020
Sat. Feb. 8th, 7-11 pm


Start sharpening your card-playing skills because it's time for our annual euchre tournament! We are gathering at Martha and Dan's for an evening of cards, food and friends. The winner goes home with a trophy!!! Sign up here or in the lobby by February 4th.


Farmers Market
Feb. 22nd, 9 am
Farmers
Faith in Place  empowers Illinois people of all faiths to be leaders in caring for the Earth, providing resources to educate, connect, and advocate for healthier communities and a big part of that is their local indoor farmers markets. Beginning Sunday, January 19th at 10 am, they will host one at  First Church of Lombard, J anuary 26th at 9 am at  St. Mark's  and Sat. February 22nd at 9 am at  FCCGE.  Get this fun and worthy shopping experience on your calendar!


EMT Presents "Sustainable Investing" with Nancy BellSustain
Tues. Jan. 14th 
 7 pm at FCC

See how your investment choices can make a difference in today's world in this free seminar from member and investment professional,  Nancy Bell. This event will be held in the Chapel (lower level).

Sending Off In Love
Sunday, Jan. 14th
 
Carolyn Lawrence has been a joy at FCCGE from her internship year in 2018 to this fall, serving as our Interim Director of Youth Ministry, running our Jr. High and 3-4-5 Fellowships.  Carolyn brought a warm smile and thoughtful heart to her time here with us, and we are so grateful!  Carolyn is off to exciting things as she begins to interview for a full-time internship position next year, and we know that whatever church she serves will be equally blessed by the many gifts she brings.  We are so grateful for you, Carolyn, and cannot wait to see the ways God will continue to move and work in your ministry!
Parent and Child Weekly Playdate 
Tuesdays 9:30-Noon  playdate

Need a relaxing morning out with your little one?  Come to FCCGE on Tuesday mornings for play and snacks.  Very casual.  Come for an hour, come for 10 minutes.  No need to sign up-just show up!  Questions? Contact Jessica .


Newcomers Information Session 
Jan. 12th at 11:45, ParlorNewcomers

For those interested in learning more about joining FCCGE and the United Church of Christ, there will be an informal gathering for newcomers Sunday, January 12, 11:45 am - 12:45 pm in the Parlor (childcare for all ages available in the nursery). Available joining dates following this session are January 26, March 29 (10:30 am). For further information, contact Rev. Seth Ethan Carey ( or 630-469-3096 ext. 12).
Soul Sisters  
January 19, 2019. 11:45 am in the Parlor(LL)Soulsisters

Would you like to meet other women at church?  Build some long-lasting relationships?  Or just be able to pick out a friendly face to sit next to on Sunday mornings?  Soul Sisters is a safe space for women to be their authentic selves, share, laugh, be social, support one another and have lunch.   We meet in the Parlor, 11:45 am, on the 1st & 3rd Sundays, through May.  Bring something to drink and a snack to share.  Our next meeting will be January 19.
OASIS LGBTQI Group
January 12, 6:30 pmOasis

OASIS is a Connection group for the local LGBTQI community on issues of faith. Hosted by FCCGE, we meet on the 2nd Sunday of the month from 6:30-8 pm in the Parlor. Discussions are be facilitated by Pam Trice, PsyD who is a professional counselor and a member of the LGBTQI community.

We meet the 2nd Sunday of every month, 6:30-8 pm in the Parlor (lower level) Contact Pam Trice.
Bored? 
Going Stir-Crazy with the Kids? We've got the Solution!Escape
Saturday, Jan. 25 10-12 pm

Join us for a special winter Saturday playgroup! There's guaranteed fun, snacks and LOTS of playing! No need to sign-up-just come as you are and get ready to relax, munch and talk with other parents/caregivers.
Tuesday Morning Study GroupTuesstudy
Jan. 14th and 28th, 8 am

Join us for lively conversation in the Main Lobby on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month. More information coming soon. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, January 14. Any questions, contact Brian Hamilton.



Film Discussion GroupFilm
Tues. Jan. 14th at 6:30 pm


"The genius of "Rashomon" is that all of the flashbacks are both true and false. True, in that they present an accurate portrait of what each witness thinks happened. False, because as Kurosawa observes in his autobiography, 'Human beings are unable to be honest with themselves about themselves. They cannot talk about themselves without embellishing.'"
On Tuesday, January 14 at 6:30pm in the Starlight Cinema at church we'll view Rashomon by Akira Kurosawa (1951, b/w, in Japanese with subtitles).  Contact Alan Bayert.

Ebert Review    

Rosenbaum Review
Helping Others
Write for Rights with the Social Justice Group
Monday, January 20, 7 to 8:30 pm, All-Purpose Room

The Social Justice Community Group is again participating in Amnesty International's Write for Rights campaign. Write for Rights is the largest annual human rights event in the world.   All materials provided: sample letters, instructions, case information, stationery, postage, and treats to sustain you. This year, in addition to traditional letter writing, it is also possible to send social media messages. If you are interested in sending social media messages, please bring your device. Learn more here and here.  RSVP to Jim Stuhlmacher or Ida Hagman.
Consider Stephen Ministry

Stephen Ministry, a special ministry of specially trained caring and loving individuals is here to help walk with you through difficult times. This can be loss of a loved one, loss of a job, adjusting to life changes or anything weighing heavily on you. Member Maggie Fredricks is one of our Stephen Ministers and  here she shares why she is part of this devoted group.


Legacy Sunday
January 12th, 
9 and 10:30 amLegacySunday

As part of Legacy Sunday we are showcasing the Endowment Fund. Since 1988 the Endowment Fund has offered an opportunity to make an enduring commitment to the service, outreach, mission and love of First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn.  Read more.


Music
Jr. High Singers (Grades 6-8) 

Sign up now to sing in worship on Sun, Feb 2! Only 2 rehearsals on Thursdays, Jan 23 and Jan 30 @ 6:00-6:45pm. Contact Michele Hecht.



Join Choir for Cantata Sunday
 March 22 

The choir will begin learning Mendelssohn's Psalm 42 for Cantata Sunday with orchestra after Christmas.  Rehearsals on Thursdays, 7-9pm, starting January 9.   Contact Michele Hecht.
Christmas Eve Magic
  "Tomorrow Shall Be
My Dancing Day" 
 Treble Choir
"Silent Night" 
Hecht Quartet

"Ukrainian Bell Carol" 
Handbells
"The Three Kings"
Combined Choir
"Salvation Is Created" 
 Baritone Choir
"O Holy Night" 
Ben Hecht, tenor

Families, Youth and Children
7th and 8th Grade and Sr Hi  Our Whole Lives Human Sexuality Ministry
Register for the 
February 27-29th Retreat Now!

Our Whole Lives is the UCC's Comprehensive curriculum on human sexuality.  Rather than approaching human sexuality from a place of shame- or guilt-  we instead view it as an awesome gift.  One that demands we ask questions- what values do we want to dedicate our life toward-  and how do those values influence our WHOLE lives- our friendships-  our romantic relationships- how we view our bodies.  In a world that gives continually conflicting messages-  let's give our young people another message- one built on respect- mutuality- and LOVE!
Please find general information about this ministry here at our church as well details for this year's 7th & 8th grade Our Whole Lives retreat and ministry here and details and sign up for Sr Hi hereRegistration deadline is February 1st.
Winter Youth Dates



Sunday, January 12 - NO 345 Fellowship
Sunday, January 12  - 11:45 amJr Hi Youth Fellowship - Laser tag!
Sunday, January 12 - 7:00 pmSr Hi Youth Fellowship - work camp meeting  
Now until February 1st - both 7th & 8th Grade as well as Sr Hi Our Whole Lives retreat registrations are LIVE online on the church website
Saturday, January 18 - Jr Hi & Sr Hi Youth Fellowship at Feed My Starving Children - meet at the church at 1:20 pm and return around 4:40 pm
Sunday, January 19 - 3-4:30 pm - 345 Fellowship - Justice & Faith 
Sunday, January 19 - NO Jr Hi Youth Fellowship due to FMSC outing on the 18th
Sunday, January 19 - NO Sr Hi Youth Fellowship due to FMSC outing on the 18th
Quick Links
$9550 donated so far!
First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn | | info@fccge.org | http://www.fccge.org
535 Forest Avenue
Glen, IL 60137
630.469.3096