|
Feedback, corrections, or additions?
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 2, 2017
Grace to you and peace from Carly, called to be a prophet and teacher among, beside, and with the saints and sinners of La Grange and beyond.
Scripture teaches us that each person is created in the image of God; we have a responsibility to care for our brothers and sisters - especially those who are working hard to keep their heads above water.
Common sense tells us that all human beings get sick. But if a person is forced to work when they are sick due to fear they will lose their job or they will not be able to pay their rent, it diminishes their humanity and puts the public health at risk.
Our faith teaches us to share in the abundance of creation, and that all workers are to receive an honest wage for an honest day's work. In La Grange, the average family income is seven times greater than a minimum wage earner in La Grange. Should we not share our abundance with hard working people?
I am concerned about a local movement that would exclude the businesses in La Grange from the Cook County Minimum Wage and Paid Sick Days ordinances -- and any future regional ordinances dealing with the same issues. There has been very little publicity about this ordinance which will be voted on by the Village Trustees on March 13. Why would La Grange want to be known as a village that takes away rights from workers, the very people who help to make our village so enjoyable?
Will we choose profits or justice for hard working neighbors? Will some have to choose between putting food on the table or a roof over their heads and their jobs? Will a local employee be forced to choose between staying home with a sick child or with the flu and paying their bills? To ask our brothers and sisters to make such a choice is unfair to those who serve us food, who decorate and clean village streets, and who take care of our children. I don't want La Grange to be known for our lack of caring for everyone. Will you help to keep this from happening?
I'm putting on my Prophetic Cap and calling upon my sisters and brothers in faith to do the same. Will you join me in this struggle for justice? Will you make a stand for the Realm of God?
You can help in three ways:
- I invite you to join a postcard campaign. There will be postcards available in the Founder's Room and in the back of the Sanctuary to write to the Trustees and voice your opinion of this ordinance. These will be presented to the Trustees at the meeting on March 13.
- Contact each of the village Trustees and voice your opinions about this ordinance, and ask each where he stands on the issue. (Maybe remind him that there is an election on April 4). A list of the Trustees and their contact information available here.
- Join us as we gather to organize before the Village Trustees meeting. We will gather at 6:30 at First Congregational Church of La Grange. We will walk together to the Village Hall for the meeting.
Lenten Blessings,
Carly
|
|
Exploring Belonging
|
|
We know it when we've found a place where we feel at home, where we've made connections and built relationships. And when we've found that sweet spot we know we belong. In the language of faith, we say we are all part of the body of Christ and individually members of it. We share a common vision and work toward common goals, and it feels quite familiar. If you have this sense of belonging, come and explore the next step in the life of the congregation: covenanting to grow together in faith and work toward our common goals. This is a way to formalize your affiliation with First Congregational Church.
You are invited to attend three events that will take place in the coming weeks. These are informal and informational gatherings:
- Beginning Sunday, March 12 in the Dining Room following our Sunday morning worship, we will explore the work and ministries of the congregation and tour the church building.
- On Sunday, March 19 from 3 - 5:30, the journey will continue in small groups over hors d'oeuvre (location TBA) where we'll explore the vision and values of the community of faith.
- And on Saturday, April 1, we'll explore faith journeys over wine and cheese at the manse. Each of these gatherings will be an opportunity for your questions, your concerns, and your dreams for your ministry to be explored.
|
|
Children and Youth News
|
|
The Zackleys will be taking their annual trip to Edisto Island
March 25th-April 2nd! Information packets can be found outside of Sylvia's door and in the Founder's Room. The following are important dates to keep in mind:
√
Stock Sales: March 5, March 12, March 19
(10:00-Noon, Sanctuary/Founders Room)
√
Registration Due Date with deposit: Sunday, March 5
√
Final Participant Meeting: March 19th during Zackleys
√
Work Trip: March 25 (5 am) -April 2 (late afternoon)
(Departure and arrival in church parking lot)
√ April 23 Work Trip Sunday
|
|
Messy Church
|
|
Messy Church will be
on this Sunday, March 5th at 4:30. Our theme this month will be Lent.
Come and have a great time and grow in faith and in your love of others on the journey. See you there! Click here for the flyer!
4:30-5:15pm: Crafts and Stories
5:15-5:30pm: Celebration
5:30-6:00: Dinner
|
|
Ministry Opportunities
|
|
We are still in need of seven talented individuals in our leadership roster.
We need two members for the Ministry of Communication. This ministry promotes and publicizes the ministries and events the church in the community. They oversee church communications, including the church website, social media, The Tidings and church publicity. If you are creative, interested in reaching out, or good with graphic design, this is a good fit for you.
We need two members for the Ministry of Membership. This team oversees our hospitality and nurture of guests and creates a climate of church growth within the congregation. They help to orient and integrate new members. If you like to meet new people, enjoy being a host, or want to introduce others to the congregation, this is a great team to join.
We need two members for the Nominations Committee. This team matches the gifts and graces of members with the various offices and ministries of the church. It meets in November and December only. If you enjoy talking to people -- even if only by phone -- and you'd like to get to know the gifts and graces of others, this is a great match for you.
The Ministry of Education is in need of one member for a three year term. The Ministry of Education meets once a month. It is responsible for the education of the children, youth and adults of the church. It envisions, plans, coordinates and executes a stimulating program of Christian education, youth groups, Messy Church, and coordinates the Nursery during weekly worship.
Click here for the Updated Roster!
|
|
Welcome to FCCLG
|
|
A new AA group, Primary Purpose, began meeting at FCCLG on February 27th. They are a new AA group for young people - 30 and under. They meet Monday nights at 7:00 pm in Room 102/103. Click
here to take a look at their flyer.
|
|
Adult Education Opportunities
|
|
A Year of Opportunities and Learning
You are invited to join in on the conversations that stretch our faith and grow our understanding. Beginning in March, Sunday morning Adult Class will be discussing these topics.
Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time-
-March
5 - April 9
Class will begin at 8:15 am and go till 9:15am.
Marcus Borg invites us to address the yearning for
a fully contemporary faith that
welcomes
critical intelligence.
Participants will want to purchase or borrow from the library the 2015 edition of Marcus Borg's book with the same name. It is available
here
and
here
for purchase; there are 8 copies available through the public library system.
- March 5: Meeting Jesus Again
- March 12: What Manner of Man?
- March 19: Jesus, Compassion and Politics
- March 26: Jesus and Wisdom: Teacher of Alternative Wisdom
- April 2: Jesus, the Wisdom of God: Sophia Become Flesh
- April 9: Images of Jesus and Images of the Christian Life
|
|
Health Resources
|
|
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Resources
The FCCLG website now has mental health and substance abuse resources and services guides. Find the rotating messages near the top of the page and click on the purple one stating "Join the Voices for Recovery: Speak Up, Reach Out." This is a simple but comprehensive guide to obtain services. Please feel free to share this information. Brochures can be found in the Church Office and at the Sanctuary entrance.
|
|
Fellowship Opportunities
|
|
Book Club 
Evening Book Club will next meet on Thursday, March 9 at 7:30 pm in the chapel conference room. We will discuss "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline. Between 1854 and 1929 trains would carry orphaned and abandoned children from the east to new homes on the frontier. This novel is the story of upheaval, resilience and second chances.
Ready To Play Bridge? The church bridge group is beginning to play for the season. We always have room for more players. You are welcome no matter your level of play. We play once a month at a time mutually arranged between the two teams playing each other. If you have a partner, all the better. If not, we will see if we can find you a partner. If you are interested in playing, contact Doris Bryant, 708-352-3034 or
|
|
Service Opportunities
|
|
Please sign up for the following opportunities during Fellowship Hour in the Founders' Room. You can also call the church office at 708-352-0800! We'd be happy to sign you up!
Fellowship Hour
- Bring in treats of your choice and serve beverages and snacks after worship
Liturgists
-
Proclaim the scripture to the congregation during Sunday service
Flower Delivery
- Deliver the donated altar flowers to home-bound church members after worship
Ushers
- Arrive at 9:30 am, pass out programs, collect the offering
Greeters
-Arrive at 9:45 am, wear your name tag, smile!
Laundry Superheros
- Pick up the Saturday Meals Program laundry outside the kitchen after worship and return it clean before next Saturday
Nursery Attendants
-
Attend the Nursery during worship on Sunday
Audio Visual Technicians -- training available!
- Run the cameras as we transmit our services to Plymouth Place and then upload them to the web
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Saturday 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.
------------------------------------------------------------
FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS FOR MARCH
The donation baskets for the food pantry have be
en almost empt
y for several weeks. Please, don't forget to pick u
p an item or two for your neighbors in need when you go
sho
pping. We're collecting peanut butter and canned tuna for the Second Baptist
Food Pantry in March. If you forget what to buy, any nonperishable grocery item wo
uld be appreciated.
|
|
FCCLG Fundraising
|
|
The Stewardship Committee has proposed a Craft Fair in the Founders Room from 11:00 until 4:00 on Saturday, October 21st. We are suggesting a limit of 20 tables with an entry fee of $20 per table. Two tables will be reserved. One for the Zackleys for the sale of snacks near the kitchen and the other for the Church itself by the entry to distribute literature about the potential of Church uses within the Community (ie marketing).
Several Church members have already shown an interest in securing a table to display and sell craft items. Your help is needed to sponsor a table, to identify someone you know who does craft work, to be a workmate in setting up and taking down tables as well as marketing the event. If interested in more details or suggestions contact Dave Bryant at
(708) 352-3034 or by
email or any of the Committee members.
The outreach within the Community includes schools (Red Sled, LTHS) youth groups (Scouts), seniors (Bethlehem Woods, Plymouth Place, Aging Care Connections), commercial outlets (Bead Shop, Chamber of Commerce), local agencies (Park Districts, Libraries), fraternal groups (VFW, American Legion). You may have more to add or know someone within a particular group of a potential buyer of a table. Please help support the Craft Fair!
Trivia Night
In case you missed out on the fun of our first trivia night - you have another chance to show what you know. The evening of fun will be on Saturday, March 11 at 7pm in the Dining Room. Gather a team of 8 and register by emailing
Mike Ries
. Entrance fee is $20 per person. The event is BYOB and snacks will be provided by Ministry of Stewardship. Click
here for the flyer!
-----------------------------------------------------------
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 UCC as your charity. Consider making your purchases through Amazon which donates 0.5% of your purchase back to FCCLG. Thank you for supporting us!
Text Giving
Text
FCCLG100 to
73256 to give using your text messaging. Click the link and complete your gift. Standard text messaging rates may apply.
|
|
|
|
One Great Hour Offering
One Great Hour of Sharing is on March 26 this year. This is a special Mission offering of the United Church of Christ.
By making a donation you will help fund the UCC's ministries both locally and globally. These ministries assist the refugees and people displaced in the war-affected countries throughout the world, which we hear about daily. IT also assists those who have been hit by disasters, in Florida & North Carolina, Flint's water crisis, & California's floods. And the international assistance goes to training and housing those who are displaced and rebuilding their homes, villages, and livelihoods.
Please give generously to help those in need!
Hooks and Needles
Hooks and Needles meets in the Family Room off the Chapel on all but the first Monday of the month at 7:00 pm.
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. Email Linda Lauterbach at
lslauterbach@gmail.com or call the church office at 708-352-0800 if you need a code to get into the building.
|
|
|
|
Interfaith Career Network
First 100 Days of Your Job Search
Looking to change jobs? Find yourself in transition? Join us on Thursday, March 16, 7-9 pm at St. John of the Cross Parish Center, 5005 S. Wolf Road in Western Springs. Our speaker, Michelle Nacker, former ICN job seeker and current Product Management professional, will detail key actions you can take from day 1 to day 100 and beyond. Michelle speaks from her heart because she knows what transition is like emotionally and professionally. She will share tips on how to build your network in the community and on social media; what days are better to reach out to potential employers and some basic steps to help organize your search. Everyone will learn something from Michelle!
ICN meetings are open to everyone and there is no cost to attend.
Interfaith Career Network (ICN) offers job support through various programs throughout the month. For further information, please visit our website at
www.interfaithcareernetwork.org
.
|
|
|
|
Prayer is at the heart of our relationship with God. Please lift these friends, family, and members in your prayers.
The family and friends of longtime member Joyce Allen, who died on January 11th. *Memorial Service for Joyce Allen will be held on April 22nd in the Sanctuary.
Emil and Maria Balz who are recovering at home.
Erin Markus-Bryant's nephew Emmett, who is suffering from kidney failure.
Renee Bryant's friend Melissa, diagnosed with breast cancer.
Prayers for Viola Clayton for a speedy recovery. She needs strength and good mobility.
Angie Crees, Olivia Hein's sister.
The family and friends of Jeanne Hayden, who died on February 16th. Services will be held here at FCCLG on March 4th at 11:00 am.
Lincoln Johnson, born premature and in the NICU in critical condition.
Ron Kloss, Janet Bednar's father who is recovering from complications of a fall and surgery.
Prayers for Joe Lucas who is in the hospital struggling with health issues.
Mourning the loss of Delaney O'Connell, ten year old girl who died in a ski accident on January 3rd.
Petra Palmer's granddaughter's friend Summer who is having chemotherapy for leukemia.
Rev. Jennifer Mills-Knutsen, Carly's friend, who is recovering from a mastectomy half a world from home, and whose father died February 5th.
Thoughts and prayers for Charlene Tobin that she may find relief and healing.
The family and friends of Marybelle Wright, who died on January 4th.
Those living in fear and without hope.
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
| |
|
