October 11, 2018
Greetings!
This Week:
Friday 10/12: OA 9am, Spiritual Directors at 10am, Alanon at 7pm
Saturday 10/13: Saturday Meals Program at 8 am, Kindermusik at 8 am
Sunday 10/14: Confirmation Class at 8:15 am, Worship at 10 am, Fellowship Hour at 11:15 am, All Teams Meeting at 11:15 am, Ring & Sing/Treble Choir at 11:15 am, OA at 7 pm
Monday 10/15: AA at 7:30 pm
Wednesday 10/17: Be Still and Know 12 Step Meeting at 4pm, Carillon Handbell Choir at 7:30pm
Thursday 10/18: Chancel Choir Rehearsal at 7:30pm
Friday 10/19: OA at 9am, Alanon at 7pm
Saturday 10/20: Saturday Meals Program at 8am, Kindermusik at 8am
Sunday 10/21: Confirmation Class at 8:15 am, Reclaiming Jesus, Bible Study 8:30 am, Worship at 10 am, Fellowship Hour at 11:15 am, Ring & Sing/Treble Choir at 11:15 am, CROP Walk at 1pm, OA at 7 pm
Thank you from the Worship Team for your help making our celebration of World Communion festive, colorful and very tasty! Your donations of favorite breads and lending of fabrics and tapestries made the altar a beautiful symbol of our togetherness. We think we have a new tradition!
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 .
Crop Walk
This Sunday is the last day to make donations or sign up to walk at the table after church. After that, everything must be done online. Go here and choose the First Congregational LG team to sign up as a donor or walker. The three mile walk takes place at 12:30pm at the Presbyterian Church of Western Springs on Sunday, October 21. This year CROP money will go to the recent disasters in the United States and around the world. Please be generous.
Hooks and Needles
The knitting and crocheting ministry meets at 7pm on the 2 nd and 4 th Monday each month in the Family Room off the Chapel. The next meeting is October 22. Call Claudia Byrne at 708-205-1409 or email her if you have questions.
Trivia Night
Bring your team of up to 10 or join one on the fly to test your knowledge of random facts at Trivia Night on Saturday, October 27 th in the Founders Room. Doors open at 7 pm with questions starting at 7:30 pm. Participants must be 21 or older, know one random fun fact, and want to win prizes/raffles. Please note event is BYOB (some light snacks provided) and is $20 at the door. Let us know you’re coming or any questions about the event by contacting Mike Ries here .
Harvest Home
Whether you plan on dining, prepping, or serving – mark your calendars for this year’s Harvest Home Dinner on Wednesday, November 14 th . Ticket sales and volunteer sign ups will be available during Coffee Hour starting Sunday, October 21 st - Adults $10 & children $5.
Keller Farmstand Corn Maze Trip
Junior and Senior High youth: Sunday, October 28th we will meet at church at 1:00 pm for a trip to the Keller Farmstand. Admission to the Farmstand is $5 per person. In addition to the Corn Maze, the Farmstand has apple and pumpkin picking, apple cider donuts, fudge, and kettle corn available for sale.
RSVP to Amanda Ries here by October 24th. Permission slips are required if parent will not be attending and are available in the Church Office. Drivers are also needed - if you are willing, please contact Amanda.
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.  
Pumpkin Smash - Green Your Halloween
Drop off your retired jack-o'-lanterns on November 3 from 9 am to noon at 937 Barnsdale Road, La Grange Park. This pumpkin composting arranged by The La Grange Environmental Quality Commission and the La Grange Park Sustainability Commission.
Messy Church
The next Messy Church is November 4 from 4:30-6pm in the Dining Room. The theme Light Up the Darkness 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 here .
Music News
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

Choral Sermon
Rehearsal begins October 18 from 7:30-8:30pm for the December 9 service. It will feature the Pinkham Christmas Cantata (very fun to sing, with brass quartet) and a couple smaller pieces. All signers, high school age and older are welcome.

Christmas Musical
Christmas Musical rehearsal begins Saturday, November 3. This year we will be performing Radio J-O-Y "on location reporters to tell the happenings leading up to Jesus' birth. Traditional carols and new songs add to the festivities. All children K-8 are welcome. Invite your friends! Registration forms and schedule are available in the church office. Registrations are due 10/28. For more info contact Ryan Cox.

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. 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
We’ve had a great response to the Styrofoam waste collection! Please bring your clean Styrofoam packaging, cups, and food containers to the closet at the bottom of the 6 th Ave entrance stairs. The recycling center will only accept Styrofoam that is free of food and drink residue.
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.
Audrey Johnson, a longtime volunteer and friend of the Saturday Meals Program, who broke her leg and is now under a doctor’s care.
Renee Meier, who is dealing with cancer.
Prayers for Margaret Melkonian.
Kevin Morris, Jill Tobin’s cousin, who is hospitalized in critical condition.
Tom Pitman, who is recovering from a stroke.
For Vera Weiss to regain her strength and fight cancer.
Brian White, who awaits healing.
The people of Indonesia.
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.

If you would like to send your thoughts and prayers to someone listed above, please use one of the Touch Cards in your pew. Place the completed card in the offering plate and the office will address and mail it. Thank you for reaching out to others. We encourage you to let us know if you or someone you know is hospitalized or receiving medical treatment. Due to HIPAA privacy laws, we are not notified by hospitals or doctors. If you know someone who would like a visit from the church, please advise the minister or the office.