We are a family of Christians raising children in Christian faith. July/August 2018 Sponsored by Roberta Morand in memory of Mark

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1 St. John United Church of Christ 308 North Evergreen Avenue Arlington Heights, Illinois We are a family of Christians raising children in Christian faith. July/August 2018 Sponsored by Roberta Morand in memory of Mark From our Pastor Yes, school is out and many of us plan our vaca ons for the summer. Yes, because of all of this some of us miss church more than we normally would. And, yes, the summer is supposed to be a me to relax and enjoy the beau ful weather. But, don t forget that life at St. John is s ll ac ve and busy throughout the summer. There is s ll worship every Sunday morning, and many groups and ministries are planning for the fall and beyond. This summer will be busy at St. John: The Capital Campaign Commi ee con nues to work with architects and meet to prepare to present the finalized plans for much-needed and exci ng updates to our building. The focus of the campaign is the accessibility, efficiency, safety, comfort, and style of our facili es. We re excited to see the design plans. Planning is underway for a second worship service opportunity on Sunday evenings at 5pm which will begin in the fall. The hope is that this worship service will be helpful to those who were not able to be at church on Sunday morning. There will be more details to come on this soon.

2 The Spiritual Life Commi ee is working on some new signage and ways to be more visible to those who drive by, walk by, or see St. John from North School Park. We want to be more visible to the Arlington Heights community because we believe St. John has a lot to offer! There are many opportuni es for faith forma on and spiritual growth, including a summer Bible study, Faith Forma on Gatherings in June, July, and August, and as always, worship on Sunday mornings. Planning is underway for St. John s second Fall Fes val! For those of you that a ended last year, you ll remember what a fun and meaningful me it was to gather together, eat good food, hear great music, and celebrate St. John. Sunday School s ll is available for St. John s kids on Sunday mornings, with this year s theme being Building Faith. It involves Legos! Our Summer Sunday School Coordinator, Gabby Slonke, leads fun and exci ng gatherings for the kids. Thank you for all of those that volunteer to teach and help with Sunday School. Right now we re in a summer sermon series on Sunday mornings called Spirituality for the Rest of Us, where we re exploring what it means to be spiritual people and people of the Spirit, who live out our faith in the world. As I men oned above, St. John is busy throughout the summer. There are many ways to get involved and to be a part of all that s going on. We hope to see you soon! Pastor Michael

3 Did you know. In an effort to do our part, St. John now serves Fair Trade Coffee on most Sundays during our hospitality hour following the church service? We serve I Have a Bean coffee purchased through the Second Chance Coffee Company, a company formed to roast and distribute exceptional coffee while providing jobs to post prison people. Employment has proven to significantly reduce recidivism (the act of a person repeating an undesirable behavior after they have experienced negative consequences to that behavior). Second Chance is built on the premise that employment is one part of breaking that cycle and helping former inmates gain new, more productive lives! Just wanted you to know! Sunday Morning Volunteers Check the Sunday morning sign-up sheets on the kiosk in Fellowship Hall. We are looking for ushers, greeters, flower sponsors, and bulletin sponsors. If you are interested in signing up but would like to know more, please contact Dave Landeweer. Have you thought about checking in on Facebook when you are here on Sunday mornings to let your friends and family know where you worship? It is an easy way to let people know about St. John.

4 St. John Capital Campaign An informational meeting was held in Fellowship Hall after the Sunday Morning service on May 20. The Capital Campaign Committee and Pastor Michael gave a brief power point presentation to those present. Steps taken in the previous Capital Campaign that started in 2006 were discussed. It was followed by the Vision for the Campaign which is; Accessibility Efficiency Safety Comfort Style The list of possible projects was presented which include; Air conditioning Window replacement Lift for accessibility and ADA Lobby Sanctuary Sanctuary roof Remodel office and library New exterior signage Exterior landscaping The surveys that were received were overwhelmingly positive regarding moving forward with a capital campaign with the proposed recommendation aligned with the projects being considered by the Committee. Two proposals from architects have been received by the Committee and will be considered and reviewed with the purpose of hiring a consultant. In addition, a bank account has already been opened and deposits placed by a number of members for the purpose of starting a capital campaign. A total of approximately $45,000 has been designated for the capital campaign to date. One item that is still under consideration is the hiring of a consultant to assist the committee in running the campaign. After the presentation was completed, a survey was taken of the participants with the unanimous result being to proceed with a new Capital Campaign for St. John. The Committee would gladly receive additional members or receive offers of assistance as the campaign moves forward. Please contact Dave Landeweer or any other member of the committee if you are able to assist.

5 DO and DO NOT in the K I T C H E N Do Wipe up any spills or sticky stuff asap Use water-damp cloth to clean counters of crumbs For thorough cleaning, use special granite cleaner which is kept under the sink Use cutting boards rather than counters for cutting Use hot plates or pads for hot dishes Rinse sinks after use, dry for a shine To better clean sinks, use stainless steel wipes which are kept under the sink If you want really shiny sinks, after they are clean and dry, a few drops of baby oil or olive oil on a soft cloth will make them glisten Do NOT use acidic products (vinegar, lemon, etc) on counters. sprinkle oil on countertops. cut on granite counters place hot pans or plates on counters use steel wood pads on sinks or counters use cleansers such as Ajax or Comet leave steel or cast iron cookware in sinks

6 MISSION: ACCOMPLISHED! A great big thank you to everyone who helped make our Spring Mission Event for The Night Ministry a success. From the folks that helped assemble hygiene kits, to the cash and clothing donations, to the dessert donations, to the meal assembly, to the volunteers who donated coolers, to those who accompanied the food and youth to the Ministry Bus...it was an integrated effort, and all parts working together accomplished something GOOD. Here is a breakdown of how we helped some of Chicago's most vulnerable citizens: Hygiene Kits assembled and distributed: 200 Socks collected and distributed: 150 pair Meals assembled and distributed: 125+ Underwear collected and distributed: 100 mens and 56 women T-shirts collected and distributed: 4 Total cash collected: $ All donations went to food and materials (storage, prep) with the exception of a generous $500 donation. Since this money was not needed for any of our food or materials, it was passed to the Youth Ministry per the donor's request. Materials for the hygiene kits were donated as well. Those who participated in the meal distribution were educated further on The Night Ministry mission and were able to interact with those receiving meals at the the Humboldt Park location. Thank you to the youth who took time out of their busy schedules to help with this important part of the mission. Be on the lookout for your next mission...it will be another great opportunity to serve...should you accept!

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8 FIAT NEWS Gary Gephart FIAT (Faith in Action Team) continues to meet and support work being done by the Community Renewal Society (CRS). I went to Springfield on April 17 for the CRS Day of Faith. As always it was a full day with much learning and much frustration. As part of the CRS platform, we were specifically asking for three things: Support of FATE bill (Fair Access to Employment). This was to stop the current practice of asking for payment of outstanding fines, etc before they would process the application to have records sealed. Postscript happy to report this bill passed both the House and the Senate and is awaiting the Governor s signature. Support of Gun Dealer Licensing Act. To help stem some of the violence in the country by making standards of education and background checks routine. Postscript: A modified version of this bill was passed and is also awaiting the Governor s signature. Support for a constitutional amendment that would allow Illinois to go to a graduated income tax versus a flat tax. Postscript: this did not pass and deadline is now gone for another 2 years. These are all intended to stop the cycle of poverty by gaining access to education, jobs, and housing. Our FIAT members Mary Santi and I also attended a public hearing at Amundsen High School on June 5 regarding civilian oversight of the Chicago police department. There are various proposals, and the one supported by CRS is called GAPA Grassroots Alliance for Police Accountability. Although we do not live in Chicago, it is important to support our fellow neighbors in their struggles. There is much to learn that could assist us in Arlington Heights so we never get to the position that Chicago now finds itself. GAPA basically calls for democratically elected district councils which in turn would elect a Community Commission. This group would help select the Police Superintendent and assist in policy development. Our FIAT group is also active with the Northwest Suburban FIAT

9 group which is active in finding a new location for another Permanent Supportive Housing complex. Heart s Place is breaking ground soon! We are now assisting our partners from the Northwest Suburban Task Force on Supportive Housing to solicit donations to create welcome baskets for the new residents. Please see our appeal letter elsewhere in the Journal. Our next meeting of the total suburban FIAT group will be held at St. John on Saturday August 18 from Meet our new CRS organizer Jesse Rojo. Please join us if you can! The smaller housing group meets the first Thursday of the month at 2:30 at the library. CRS is also having a Leadership Council meeting on Saturday June 30. Please see Mary or Gary if you would like to take part. F F G : J 15, 2018 The Politics of Jesus Was Jesus political? Most likely, yes. This is a tricky question, though, because the Gospels aren't always clear about Jesus' political views in an intensely political time. In Jesus' day, the Roman Empire had clashed with many of the peoples that it had conquered, especially Judea and the Jewish people. When we look closer at the Gospels, we find some evidence that Jesus had some distinct political views about what was happening around him. Many of us don't want to talk politics because it's a topic that easily leads to disagreements, but don't let that keep you away! Join us for a discussion about Jesus and his politics, and how that applies to our faith today.

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11 M W The Wheeling Township administers a hot meal program for residents of Wheeling Township. This program provides a nutritious mid-day hot meal, Monday through Friday. St. John will be volunteering to deliver these meals during the month of August. Please call the office to volunteer for a date and receive your volunteer application. You do not need to commit to the entire month. St. John volunteers can pick from one day to multiple days to deliver the meals. Volunteers pick up and deliver meals Monday through Friday between 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. S PADS P V N St. John is volunteering at St. Collette s this summer for PADS. The dates we will volunteer will be the first Saturday of the summer months July 7, August 4, September 1. We will need 3 kitchen servers/volunteers for each date. We will need volunteers to provide food for dinner. There will be a sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall, just as is done with the regular PADS program. This is an overnight program, it is on the first Saturday of the month, and we are committed to just July, August and September at St. Collette's. They are having people a night, so we will plan on 48 servings but I'll try to break it down so no one cooks more than 15 servings of anything (provided we have enough volunteers!). The address will be posted with the signup menu. Their kitchen set up is 5:30 p.m., with the serving volunteers out by 8-8:30 p.m., so it isn't a long commitment.

12 Sunday School Update I hope you all are enjoying the summer so far! The preschool through fifth grade summer Sunday School has been learning how to Build their Faith using Legos! So far, we have learned about the importance of names, why the cross is an important symbol in the church, and that we are all God s masterpieces. We have also read The Beautiful World That God Made by Rhonda Gowler Greene as a new way to think about the Creation story and learned about the Fruits of the Spirit through a matching game. All the children have been enjoying building with Legos at the end of each lesson as well! As always, we are looking for teachers to help Build our Faith this summer and during the school year. If you are interested in teaching Sunday School, please see myself, Pastor Michael, or sign up using our Signup Genius link ( stjohn). You can also me at gslonke@stjah.org. Thanks for helping raise our children in Christian Faith!

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14 July Birthdays 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 10th 12th 13th 15th 18th 19th 20th 21st 23rd 28th 29th 31st Hank Mueller, Steve Blye David Unumb, Mark Swenson, Malik Harb Linda Styzek, Charlotte Meyer Gail Cunningham, Jason Giambarberee, Steve Ward, Annina Cunningham Jim Breisch, Gary Cunningham, Lynn Parquette Gavin Gephart Lori Martin Cindy Giambarberee, Lil Wieczorek Genevieve Pump Jack Hanssen, Anni Rosendahl, Molly Tashmia, Kevin Kuhn Alice Mehlhop, Janelle Gephart, Glenn Ahrenholz, Linda Forey Danielle Hong Melissa Bennett, Juliana Temple, Kathy Campbell Ryan O Connor Jennifer Checuga Erin Kaiser Debra Vogel, Carin Zachar Mary Styzek, Alex Burkhardt, Pam O Connor David Lewis Do we have your birthday? Please call the office to be added to the birthday list.

15 August Birthdays 1st Pam Ahrendt, DJ Shurson 3rd John Franz, Megan Christ, Dennis Roesslein 4th Mike Wilson 7th Troy Brinson 10th Devin Checuga 11th Sharon Hanssen 12th Dave Landeweer 13th Roland Cooper 14th Tom Roche 15th Gene Pratt 17th Ty Shurson, Sophia Lindsey 18th Ryan Zachar 19 th Jonathan Landeweer, Lois Wardecki 20th Dorothy Albright, Diane Salazar 22nd Kimberly Lindsey, Bill Heiberger 25th Melanie Thoms 26th Bev Morath 27th Karen Johnson, Colleen Kave 28th Tom Riley, Jr. 30th Alex Herazy, John Vega Do we have your birthday? Please call the office to be added to the birthday list.

16 Special Gifts to St. John Dennis & Corrie Roesslein in memory of Joan Meier. Dennis & Corrie Roesslein in memory of Lorraine Carrington. Don & Pat Riemer in memory of Joan Meier. Barbara Jo Scott in honor of Don Riemer s 75th birthday. Tom & Nancy Riley in honor of Don Riemer s 75th birthday. Judy L Amoureux in honor of Don Riemer s 75th birthday. Jane Olszowka in honor of Don Riemer s 75th birthday. Paul & Lana Cochran in honor of Don Riemer s 75th birthday. Judy Kriston in honor of Don Riemer s 75th birthday. Gary Gephart in honor of Don Riemer s 75th birthday. Marion Rayner in honor of Don Riemer s 75th birthday. Paul & Cindy Giambarberee in honor of Don Riemer s 75th birthday. Alice Mehlhop in memory of Max Robinson. Don & Pat Riemer in memory of Joan Meyer. Paul & Lana Cochran in memory of Iona Collignon. Roberta Morand in memory of Iona Collignon. Paul & Lana Cochran in memory of Jean Mueller. Tom & Nancy Riley in memory of Jean Mueller. Judy L Amoureux in memory of Jean Mueller. Charlie & Carol Lewis in memory of Jean Mueller. Herb & Bev Morath in memory of Jean Mueller. Jim & Grace Breisch in memory of Jean Mueller. Jackie Nilson in memory of Jean Mueller. Don & Pat Riemer in memory of Jean Mueller. Mark & Sawanya Duwe in memory of Jean Mueller. Ralph & Candy Mcufferty in memory of Jean Mueller. Gloria Bulau in memory of Jean Mueller. New Addresses Annette Pippin c/o Fran Epstein 1404 Cohn Houston, TX 77007

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19 A heat index of 108, and where can you find St. John volunteers? At the Frontier Days beverage booth! Thank you to all our awesome beverage servers! We are grateful to you and happy you had a fun time!

20 Congratulations to Our Confirmands Emily Robinson Current School: South Middle School High School: Prospect High School Hobbies: Softball and Swimming Favorite Memories of Confirmation: The classes Lilly Disch Current School: Cooper Middle School High School: Buffalo Grove High School Hobbies: Art and Band Favorite Memories of Confirmation: Making memories and having laughs with others in my class Chloe Brinson Current School: Thomas Middle School High School: Buffalo Gove High School Hobbies: Violin and Dancing Favorite Memories of Confirmation: Making new friends

21 Letters to St. John Dear St. John Members and Friends, Thank you to everyone who sent prayers or cards or offered words of sympathy on the passing of Janet s mother. Having such a caring church family is a great comfort to us. Janet, Dave, Steve and Jonathan Landeweer Dear St. John Members and Friends, I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to Lana Cochran, Kathie Schultz, Janet Landeweer, and Lori Martin for being in the office while I was away. I am glad to be back and have really appreciated all your awesome notes and cards! Thank you so much! It is wonderful to be back and so nice to know things were being handled in the office. It was a great comfort knowing I had the prayers of the congregation while I was recovering. I have really missed everyone here. St. John is full of the best people! Amanda Spence Dear St. John Members and Friends, Oh behalf of The Night Ministry, I would like to thank St. John UCC for your generous in-kind gift of food, hygiene items, socks, and clothing. You play a significant role in our mission to provide housing, health care, and human connection to individuals and families who are struggling with poverty or homelessness. Because of you, homeless youth and children have a supportive place to live. Gratefully, Paul W. Hamann

22 Dear St. John Members and Friends, Our sincere appreciation for your continued food donations during the year! Your generosity allows us - Lutheran Church of the Cross Food Pantry - to come to the aid of many folks in need in our area who count on us to help stretch their food budgets and fee their families. As of the beginning of May we have serviced 1,655 households which translates to helping feed nearly 5,000 indivitduals! We are especially thankful to Barbara Jo Scott who takes time out of her day to bring the donations to us on such a regular basis! Many, many thanks to all and my God Bless! Loir Becker, Julie Malin, Debbie Paddack LCC Pantry Co-Directors Walker Reach, Consultant Thank you to everyone who donated supplies and helped with Vacation Bible Camp this year. The kids had a great week!

23 St. John United Church of Christ 308 N. Evergreen Ave. Arlington Heights, IL Fax: Office Hours: 9:00 a.m.-noon, Monday - Friday Pastor s Day off: Friday Rev. Michael D. Jones, pastor mjones@stjah.org Cell: Kate Alexander, Seminary Intern Amanda Spence, Administrative Assistant Erin Velez, Director of Children s and Youth Ministries Dr. J. Paul Cochran, Organist Linda Styzek, Pianist Alberto Mantovano, Choir Director Carin Zachar, Bell Director The congregation of St. John United Church of Christ rejoices that our community of faith is strengthened by diversity. We declare ourselves to be an open and affirming congregation, extending God s extravagant welcome to all people regardless of culture, economic status, age, sex, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, marital status, or physical/mental condition. We invite everyone to join our journey of faith and participate fully in the life of our congregation.

24 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Outdoor Communion Worship 9:30am 2 3 Spiritual Life Committee 7pm 4 5 Thursday Work Crew 9am/St. John Crafters 1pm/ Capital Campaign Meeting 7pm 6 7 St. John PADS 5:30 p.m. 8 Worship & Sunday School 9:30am Summer Bible Study 7:15 p.m. 12 Thursday Work Crew 9am Cards 1pm Communion Worship & Sunday School 9:30am Mission Trip Commissioning Faith Formation Gathering 11am 16 Book Club 2pm 17 Stewardship 7pm 18 Summer Bible Study 7:15 p.m. 19 Thursday Work Crew 9am St. John Crafters 1pm Senior High Mission Trip 22 Worship & Sunday School 9:30am Summer Bible Study 7:15 p.m. 26 Thursday Work Crew 9am Cards 1pm Senior High Mission Trip 29 Worship & Sunday School 9:30am Mission Trip Presentation St. John United Church of Christ 308 N. Evergreen Ave. Arlington Heights, IL

25 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 Thursday Work Crew 9am/St. John Crafters 1pm/Capital Campaign Mtg. 7pm 3 4 St. John PADS 5:30 p.m. 5 Communion Worship & Sunday School 9:30am 6 Deadline for planbook 7 National Night Out 5:30pm Spiritual Life Committee 7pm 8 9 Thursday Work Crew 9am Cards 1pm Fall Fest Planning 7pm Worship & Sunday School 9:30am Thursday Work Crew 9am St. John Crafters 1pm Communion Worship & Sunday School 9:30am Faith Formation Gathering 11am 20 Book Club 2pm 21 Stewardship 7pm Thursday Work Crew 9am Cards 1pm Worship & Sunday School 9:30am Thursday Work Crew 9am Cards 1pm 31 St. John United Church of Christ 308 N. Evergreen Ave. Arlington Heights, IL