September 27, 2018
Greetings!
This Week:
Friday 9/28: OA at 9 am, Alanon at 7:30 pm
Saturday 9/29: Saturday Meals Program at 8 am, Kindermusik at 8 am
Sunday 9/30: Confirmation Class at 8:15 am, Reclaiming Jesus, Bible Study at 8:30 am, Worship at 10 am, Fellowship Hour at 11:15 am, Ring & Sing/Treble Choir at 11:15 am, Event Host/Officiant Training at 11:30 am, Mentor Orientation at 1:00 pm, OA at 7 pm
Monday 10/1: Finance Committee Meeting at 7:00 pm, AA at 7:30 pm
Wednesday 10/3: Be Still and Know 12 Step at 4 pm, Carillon Handbell Choir at 7:30 pm
Friday 10/5: OA at 9 am, Alanon at 7:30 pm
Saturday 10/6: Saturday Meals Program at 8 am, Kindermusik at 8 am, Chancel Choir at 10:00 am
Sunday 10/7: Worship at 10 am, Fellowship Hour at 11:15 am, Ring & Sing/Treble Choir at 11:15 am, Mentor Orientation at 11:15 am, Messy Church at 4:30 pm, OA at 7 pm
Neighbors In Need Offering
On October 7 there will be a special offering to support our Neighbors in Need. This annual offering by the UCC goes to support the ministries of justice and compassion throughout the USA. Two-thirds of the offering is used to fund local and national justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects. Some of the issues that are advocated by the Justice and Witness Ministries and will be helped by your donation are the federal budget, immigration, health care, hate crimes, civil liberties, and environmental justice. One-third of the offering goes to assist the UCC’s Council for American Indian Ministries. Neighbors in Need helps make A Just World for All possible and it needs your support! Contributions to Neighbors in Need can be made online at anytime here . Thank you for your generosity!
Adult Bible Study - Reclaiming Jesus
We live in tough times. Politicians, the media, the right, the left, the apathetic, and the lukewarm are all using "Jesus" as a battering ram for their own cause. What does it mean to be a Christian today? How do we rectify what is being called "Christian" in the public square with what we believe to be Christian? You are invited to (good, fair trade) coffee and donuts in the Drawing Room at 8:30 on Sunday mornings to discuss what it means to be a person of faith in today's world. This 9 week Bible Study was developed as a resource to empower progressive people to reclaim the faith in this difficult time. Check out the statement here .
Evening Book Club
Evening Book Club will discuss Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War by Tony Horwitz on October 4th at 7:30pm. Mr. Horwitz reports on modern attitudes on the Civil War and how it is discussed and taught, as well as attitudes about race. All are invited to the Family Room off the Chapel to join us for this timely discussion and light snacks.
Messy Church
The next Messy Church will be October 7th from 4:30-6pm in the Dining Room. The theme of Journeys will be explored through hands-on activities, message, music, and food. If you are willing to assist with Messy Church or have questions, please contact Amanda Ries.
World Communion Bread Baking
World Communion is celebrated on October 7 and the Worship Team would like to assemble a beautiful display for the altar of breads to be eaten at coffee hour. If you have a favorite loaf to bake or bring, please contact Janet Bednar or the church office by Monday, October 1 so we can get a rough count. Bring your loaves on October 7 by 9:45am to the altar. Loaves should be whole and can be raised, flat, sweet, savory, round, braided - anything goes!  
H ooks and Needles
The knitting and crocheting ministry meets at 7pm on the second and fourth Monday each month in the Family Room off the Chapel. The next meeting is October 8th. Please call Claudia Byrne at 708-205-1409 or email her if you have questions.
Nurturing Spirits
CROP Walk
The La Grange Area CROP Walk takes place on October 21. Sign up begins today in the Founders’ Room. Stop by the CROP table to sign up as a walker or give a donation. The 3-mile walk starts at 12:30 on Sunday, October 21, beginning at the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs on Wolf Road. A shorter walk is designed for families with young children. This year’s mission, Veggies, Eggs and a Side of Hope , will provide chickens and vegetable seeds to the food insecure in West Timor and Timor Leste.
Dead Bugs
Do you remember when your windshield was covered in dead bugs and moths "would pack a car's headlight beams like snowflakes in a blizzard?” Whether this is a distant memory or not, join our discussion of The Moth Snowstorm by Michael McCarthy on October 29 th at 7:30 pm in the Drawing Room. The Moth Snowstorm is a one-of-a-kind environmental work that combines memoir, anecdotes, and hard facts to make a case for preserving an ever-dwindling natural world.  
Wedding Officiants and Event Coordinators Needed
We have a significant increase in the number of inquiries about weddings, memorials, and other events in our church. For all non-member events with more than 75 people expected, we require a member-host to be present to answer questions and provide direction. And, while couples may bring their own wedding officiant, some couples prefer to have someone “from the church” officiate. The state of Illinois does not require marriage officiants to be licensed or registered. So we are looking for a few good people to offer this service. If you’d like to participate in weddings as an officiant, as a wedding coordinator, or as a coordinator for other events, register for this informational even t on September 30 following worship in the Drawing Room. 
Music News
Intergenerational Choir for World Communion Sunday
We will celebrate communion on October 7th with music from around the world. Rehearse on Saturday, October 6, at 10am in the choir room. All singers 3rd grade and up are welcome. Singing parents are welcome to bring younger children to the rehearsal. Our little ones will have shakers and hand claps to add to the festivities. Sign-up with Ryan .

Music Program Rehearsals Start Dates
If you’d like to join an ensemble, contact Ryan Cox to be added to the mailing list for any of these programs:
Chancel Choir rehearsal continues on Thursdays at 7:30pm
Carillon Handbell Choir rehearsal continues on Wednesdays at 7:30pm
Ring and Sing/Treble Choir rehearsal continues Sundays at 11:15am

Tiny Toes Music
Tiny Toes Music continues its partnership with First Conservatory and is the local offering of the nationally recognized program, Music Together. This program is for children 0-6 and their guardians and meets at First Congregational on Wednesday mornings beginning September 19. More info and registration here.
Food Pantry
In October we will collect canned soups and stews. Any shelf-stable items are welcome, and thank you for your generosity!
Positively Green Team
Styrofoam Recycling
The Positively Green Team offers the opportunity to properly dispose of their styrofoam waste for recycling. Bring your clean styrofoam packaging, cups, and food containers to the closet at the bottom of the stairs near the 6th Avenue entrance.
Altar Flowers
Is there a special date coming up? There are a few Sundays still open in the coming months to donate altar flowers. Check the calendar in the Founders’ Room or visit the office and sign up today!
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
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  Prayer is at the heart of our relationship with God. Please lift these friends, family, and members in your prayers.
Emil Balz.
Prayers for the Clayton family.
Mary Clair, infant niece of Kevin Cunningham.
Prayers of comfort for Nancy Heil’s mother, Jane Heil, and their family at the loss of Nancy’s father.
Renee Meier, who is dealing with cancer.
Prayers for Margaret Melkonian.
Kevin Morris, Jill Tobin's cousin, who is hospitalized in critical condition.
For Vera Weiss to regain her strength and fight cancer.
Brian White, who awaits healing.
Those recovering from Hurricane Florence, including our friends on Edisto Island.
Those living in fear and without hope, and those who use fear to control others.
Those killed, the injured, and their families in acts of violence.
Children at the border.