August 6, 2020
Greetings!

Greetings!
 
Council needs your input!

Your church leaders are doing their best to find the safest way to go back to church and also to listen to what members of the congregation would like to happen. Please help them out by completing this survey. HERE is the link. We'd like your responses no later than August 23.
Join Us in Virtual Worship
Click here at 10 a.m. on Sunday to watch the service or follow these instructions to watch through your Roku Device.

Made possible by the estate of Ginny Palansky and maintained by your gifts, offerings, and pledges.
Welcome, Jessica!
Please welcome our video editor and producer Jessica. She will edit and prepare all the video clips that make up the broadcast of Sunday service.

“Hello everyone, my name is Jessica Angel and I am a rising senior studying Political Science and Geographic Information Systems at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to be the congregation’s new video producer and I cannot wait to get started!”
Adult Education
Beginning on August 28, we will be studying "The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East" by Sandy Tolan. This book is even handed as it alternates between the points of view of a Jewish family and a Palestinian family, and their respective nations. Please sign up with Linda Lauterbach, lslauterbach@gmail.com, to get the reading assignments, Zoom invitations and supplemental material. We meet on Friday afternoon at 2 pm. The study will last for 5 weeks. The book is available at the library and online booksellers.
Book Club
Have you been caught up in the Hamilton craze? Looking for a good read and some social interaction? We've got just the thing! My Dear Hamilton by S. Dray & L Kamoie picks up where the play leaves off - Hamilton's wife, Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, a revolutionary woman who, like her new nation, struggled to define herself in the wake of war, betrayal, and tragedy. Based on letters and original sources, it transports the reader back in time to the pain and complications of the birth of a new nation. It's a hefty read (600+ pages) so we've allowed some reading time. Our next Zoom meeting is planned for Thursday, 9/10, at 7 p.m. Please contact Kathy Donaldson (Kathygdonaldson@gmail.com) for a Zoom invite if you're new to the group. Hope you can join us!
Food Pantry
The Ministry of Missions continues to collect donations for the Second Baptist Church’s food pantry. In July, we suggest canned vegetables and tuna. Other nonperishable items are also accepted. Please leave your donations in the bin on Bobbie Nunez’s front porch at 507 S. Spring, La Grange. Thanks!
Interfaith Community Partner Fall Fundraiser
Please go here for details.
Successful School Supply Collection
Our collection of notebooks and markers for the LeaderShop’s annual School Supply Drive has ended. Thanks to you, we exceeded our goal! Our goal was to collect 100 sets of markers and 250 notebooks. You donated 164 sets of markers, 262 notebooks, and other assorted supplies. A big thank you to all! You have helped students get a good start on this challenging school year!
Summer Read 2020
The Ministry of Missions invites you to participate in the La Grange Summer Read 2020 (see flyer)). During the month of August, you are asked to read Ibram X. Kendi's How to Be an Antiracist. Virtual discussions of the book will take place in September. The discussions will provide an opportunity for those who share a concern about systemic racism to connect and also will provide suggestions for concrete action.
Green Team
Styrofoam Recycling
While the Styrofoam drop-off in Western Springs is shut down because of the coronavirus, you can drop off Styrofoam at Laurie Braun’s house, across the street from the church, at 115 S. 6th Avenue, La Grange. Please separate food containers from block-type foam and place in separate bags or boxes. Remember that all Styrofoam should be clean and that foam peanuts and popcorn are not accepted.
Message from Missions
Thanks to your generosity, this ministry is able to provide monetary help to many agencies, including Pillars and BEDS, both of which are providing needed services during the coronavirus pandemic.
 
Need Help?
The coronavirus pandemic is hard on everyone; for some, it can create an emotional crisis. Pillars Community Health is maintaining a COVID-19 Coping Help Line at 708-995-3898.
Music News
First Conservatory
First Conservatory teachers continue to teach high quality lessons and new students are always welcome. Both online and in-person lessons in the First Congregational Church building are offered to all ages and ability levels. We offer lessons on piano, voice, violin, viola, cello, bass, trumpet, clarinet, oboe, saxophone and others upon request. Click here for more info and to set up a first lesson. 


Friends of Music
Our church is fortunate to have a vibrant music program with volunteers as the cornerstone. Augmenting our volunteers with guest players and singers for special services is made possible through the Friends of Music fund. Choral Sermons, Easter and Christmas Eve musicians, as well as regular Sunday morning guests would not be possible without these gifts. The 2020 giving drive has begun and brochures are being mailed. If you do not receive one, or would like to learn more, please ask Ryan Cox.
A Note From Carly
Thank you, Saints! So many of you have reached out to me while I've been sick and isolated. I appreciate each and all of you. Your cards, calls, texts, FB Messages, Zoom chats, and emails have been food to my soul. You have pastored to your pastor and I am grateful. I continue to gain strength, but I'm not back to full strength yet. However, COVID19 will NOT beat me! Please, wash your hands, wear your masks, and keep your distance so that we can all gather together on the other side of this virus.
Blessings, Carly
Week at a Glance: August 6 to August 16
Friday (August 7)
9 am: Overeaters Anonymous
Sunday (August 9)
10 am: Worship (www.fcclg.org/videos)
10:45 am: Virtual Coffee Hour (Zoom)
Monday (August 10)
7:30 pm: Alcoholics Anonymous
Friday (August 14)
9 am: Overeaters Anonymous
Sunday (August 16)
10 am: Worship (www.fcclg.org/videos)
7 pm: Overeaters Anonymous
 Prayer is at the heart of our relationship with God. Please lift these friends, family, and members in your prayers.
The Bain family at the death of Carol Bain.
The family of Emil Balz.
The family of James Brewer (father of Michael, Kim and Megan) who passed away on June 25th.
Laura Brown and her family, lost her brother Erik, probably due to COVID-19. She also lost her sister Lou Ann to cerebral hemorrhage two days later.
The family of Don Caruso, Jennifer Sabella’s husband, who passed away on June 23rd.
George J Casson, a Saturday Meals Program Saint, died July 22nd.
Jim and Vi Clayton.
The family of Jane Heil, Nancy Heil’s mother, who died on July 24th.
The family of Ron Kloss, Janet Bednar’s and Jim Kloss’ father.
Stephanie McCollough.
The friends and family of Dottie McCormick, who died on June 6th.
Margaret Melkonian, at home.
Mary Anne Nesslar, who is undergoing rehabilitation at Plymouth Place after knee replacement surgery.
Martha Ririe, recovering at home.
Sister Marlene Schemmel, Congregation of St. Joseph, as she battles kidney cancer.
Bob Taylor, who is fighting stage IV liver cancer that has spread.
The family of Richard Tobin.
Eric Wodicka, boyfriend of Erin Swan (Chris and Renee Bryant’s daughter) who was diagnosed and hospitalized with leukemia.
Those killed, the injured, and their families in acts of violence.
Those at the border.
Those living in fear and without hope, and those who use fear to control others.
Those in the path of COVID-19. 

If you would like to add your loved one to the touch list with their permission, email your concern to info@fcclg.org, or text it to 708-294-3997.