October 9th. CROSS AND FLAME NEWS First United Methodist Church of Evergreen Park 9358 S. Homan Avenue Evergreen Park, IL Vol. 21 No.

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1 CROSS AND FLAME NEWS First United Methodist Church of Evergreen Park 9358 S. Homan Avenue Evergreen Park, IL October 2017 Vol. 21 No. 10 October 9th Website:

2 CROSS AND FLAME NEWS FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF EVERGREEN PARK Jul October 2017 Vol 21 No.10 Saturday, October 14 th 5:00 7:00 p.m. Come enjoy spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, roll, drinks and dessert Tickets: $7 in advance $8 at the door $4 children 6 and under $25 family of 5 Tuesday, October 31 st 4:00 6:00 p.m. T hink of it as your one stop Halloween experience with cars laden with sweet confections or other Halloween surprises that also includes a safe place for the kids. We need people to set-up, take down, make and handout popcorn, supervise the games and most importantly: TRUNKS full of candy for the hundreds of children who will stop by!! A signup sheet will be in church in October. Please help if you can Sunday school is using a combination of the DVD s What s in the Bible? and Live BIG to examine Bible stories and lessons. Going along with these stories we will be in the Computer Lab to reinforce our lessons. Our theme this Fall is God is always with us. We also have fun with crafts and music. Join us!! Bible study Sunday mornings after coffee hour. Learn about Grace. What is it? What we should know about God s love for us! All adults and teens are welcome to learn. See Jan Paris for a book on A Grace-full Life: God s All-reaching, Soul-saving, Character-shaping, Never-ending Love. The authors are Jorge Acevedo and Wes Olds. Thank you to everyone who provided special music during the summer. If you are interested in participating in the music program, please see Amy Kazin. We are always looking for additional voices for Sundays, October 1 st and October 22. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays September 26 th and October 17th. If transportation is needed; please contact the church office (Monday-Friday) or Pastor Larry and a driver will be assigned to pick you up.

3 We are certainly living in tumultuous times. Almost daily the news media and social media are filled with dramatic confrontations. These confrontations, including the political, economic, racial, and international arenas, portray not merely bombastic language, but also violent physical conflicts. Sadly, we even see some of our religious leaders become engaged in such un-christ-like rhetoric and behavior. Let us consider our thoughts and words when we are confronted by such dangerous confrontations. First, let us maintain Mutual Respect. No matter how diametrically opposed we may feel toward another s point of view, we can and must look the other person in the eye and acknowledge that they too are a child of God. When we diminish the value of another we automatically devalue ourselves (and our point of view) in the eyes of the other. The opportunity for constructive dialogue depends on maintaining a level footing. Claiming moral high ground is the equivalent of beginning the conversation by slapping the other person in the face. Second, we do ourselves a big favor when we begin with Careful and Thoughtful Listening. It is a part of our fallen nature to tune-out the other person while we mentally prepare our own rebuttal, which is often no more than a frontal attack. Until we have carefully and thoughtfully listened to another person s point of view, we truly do not know what they are really saying. We need to practice the wisdom of There s always more to the story! In most cases the vitriolic rhetoric we perceive has some undergirding of a genuine sense of some injustice. When we listen we may be able to get to the real underlying issue. Only then can constructive dialogue begin. Third, we must engage with Humble and Respectful Dialogue. No matter how correct, moral, or justified we may feel we are better off to respond in humility and respectfulness. This is one way we turn the other cheek. Respond not in kind, but in kindness. True dialogue will often reveal the more to the story from the opposing point of view. Seldom is one person or position 100% right or wrong. When we are able to hear the other s point of view we may come to understand the source of their outrage. If we own our part of the issue, no matter how insignificant we may think it to be, we are far more likely to see the other person gain some clarity on their side of the issue. Finally, we will invite resolution through unilateral Acts of Love. In Luke 6:27-28 Jesus said 27 But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. The biblical example of making peace was God sending Jesus to a rebellious world. Like Jesus we may encounter stiff opposition before we observe a genuine change of heart and mind. Let us not become weary in well-doing, but take up the cross of Christ to show the world a true Christian Witness. Our second fund raiser for the HVAC replenishment fund was successful. Our total profit was $ We baked over 100 pies, whew!! This has now brought our repayment to the Endowment of over $ Thank you everyone for your support to the church. You are all a true gift to each of us. The third fund raiser will be the Spaghetti Dinner to be held on Saturday, October 14 th from 5:00 pm to 7:00pm. Look for further announcements on the cost. Lois Morris, Finance Chairperson Staff Parish is preparing for our Charge Conference on Wednesday, November 15th. We are looking at the budget, salaries, and the impact on our church looking forward. Reports will then be made to our conference. Each salaried position is assigned a liaison to ensure communication. We welcome input from all our membership.

4 Our first dinner to be served will be Saturday, October 21 st. We will meet at 3:00pm to prepare the meal and then serve at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Oak Lawn. I am looking for 6-7 people to serve the meal. We will be trying to split up the work between preparing and serving so that the full load does not fall on just a few. Please consider doing one of these jobs (or you are welcome to do both). Your help will be very much appreciated. Lois Morris, Coordinator THANK YOU to everyone who came out for Rally Day on Sunday, September 10 th! A fun time was had by all as we donned our green and celebrated Half way to St. Patrick s Day with a potluck, games and fellowship. The youth had our first official meeting Sunday, September 24 th where we celebrated our August and September birthdays. James Zable s birthday was August 11 th, Emily and Lindsey Pakan s birthday was September 4 th, MacKenzie Kazin s birthday was September 10 th and Austin Neary s birthday was September 30 th. Happy Birthday to these amazing youth! We have started the year getting to know each other and establishing our code of conduct, dreaming big while planning out our youth room renovation as well as researching some new and fun mission and outreach ideas. The youth will be working with UMW to sponsor our Annual Trunk N Treat which will be held on Halloween (Tuesday, October 31 st ). This is a HUGE outreach event for our community and many hands and donations are needed to make this event a success. If you are interested in helping out or donating, please talk with myself or Joyce Petersen. Weekly meetings are held Sundays after church (end time 1pm). Youth 6 th grade through high school are always welcome! Love in Christ, Roberta Vogeltanz, Youth Leader UMW had our first meeting after our summer break on Thursday, September 21 st. The Annual Meeting for Chicago Southern District UMW was held on Saturday, September 23 rd (9:15am 12:30pm) at Maple Park UMC in Chicago. Our next upcoming event is the UMW Annual Celebration on Saturday, October 28 th (9am 3pm) at Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville. If you are interested in attending the Annual Celebration, please contact Marilyn Steenwyk. UMW will be working with the youth group to sponsor our Annual Trunk N Treat which will be held on Halloween (Tuesday, October 31st). This is a HUGE outreach event for our community and many hands and donations are needed to make this event a success. If you are interested in helping out or donating, please talk with myself or Joyce Petersen. Save the date - Mission U Winter Event, January 19-21, Camp Reynoldswood, Learning Together for the Transformation of the World - Living as a Covenant Community - Climate Justice - Missionary Conferences of the U.S. Registration Deadline: January 6, 2018 For more information, contact: Marilyn Steenwyk, or (cell) or RMML9347@ATT.NET. Scholarships are available If you are interested in what UMW is up to or want to come check us out, please feel free to come to any of our meetings (held the 3 rd Thursday of EVERY month at 7pm in Iowa back of the sanctuary) or ask any UMW member for more information. We would be thrilled to have you join us! Love in Christ, Roberta Vogeltanz, President

5 2 Tiffany Williams 18 Ardith Inman 27 Drew De Decker 30 Jessica Goshorn 11 Jason Kazin 20 Maura Lyons Katrina Del Rosario Linda McMahen Tracy Sacharian 21 Tom Steiskal 29 Russ Kramer 31 Matt Panush 13 Anna Mae Marshall 22 John Jack Wallace Bill Runowski Brianna Mooney 16 Derek DeDecker 26 Rev. Larry Paris Birthday Sunday October 22, join us and celebrate! We continue to remember the sick, the infirm, and all those recommended to our prayers. Surprise someone with a card or letter! Make a call to let them know we are thinking of them. If there are others who should be listed, please contact the church office HOMEBOUND: Bill and Shirley Melvin; 9233 S. Hamlin, Evergreen Park, IL Wanda Holcomb; Eagle Ridge Drive, Orland Park, IL Ruth Fuss, S. Sawyer, Evergreen Park, IL Joe and Eleonore Zettek; 9755 S. Utica, Evergreen Park, IL Maureen Moore; The Cottages of New Lenox, 1023 S. Cedar Rd. New Lenox, IL Ralene Lyons; 27 W 301 Virginia Street, Winfield, IL Wilbur and Arlene Zielke; Foxwoods Drive, Oak Lawn, IL Leta Ambors; Sunrise Senior Living, S. LaGrange, Palos Park, IL Anna Marshall; 9661 S. Karlov Avenue, Apt. 204, Oak Lawn, IL The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) brings God s hope, healing and renewal to people whose lives have been disrupted by war, conflict or natural disaster. UMCOR provides humanitarian relief and disaster response to people in more than 80 countries, including the United States. After the flood waters have receded, wounds have been tended, basic needs met, and the world's attention has faded, The United Methodist Church continues to be present by providing ongoing assistance. UMCOR provides survivors not only temporary relief, but also long-term education, training, and support. While UMCOR cooperates with other aid organizations, the most important partners in the work of recovery are those being served. If you are interested in donating; please make check payable to First United Methodist Church. In the memo line indicate Advance and place in an offering envelope and write Hurricane. And place in the Sunday offering plate. This October we are encouraging our men to participate in the Lay Servant Ministries program of the UMC. This was once called Lay Speaking, which seems to limit the scope to pulpit supply. While that is still a part of it, Lay Servant Ministries covers a wide range of ministry in the church including liturgist, Small Group leadership, visitation, and etc. We are blessed to have several of our people taking up this work. You will see some new faces in ministry in our congregation in the days to come. When you see a new person engaged in the work of the church please be quick to acknowledge their participation. Also, consider becoming a participant yourself. This is certainly not limited by gender, age, or previous experience. It does not mean you will necessarily be doing public speaking. It does mean you are taking seriously the call to serve in the church and community. For additional information please contact Pastor Larry The Girl Scouts will be meeting on Wednesday's in October from 6:30-7:30.October 4th, 18th and 25th.

6 . Trustees: Wednesday, October 4, 10 a.m. SPRC: Thursday, October 5, 7:00 p.m. Lay Leader: Wednesday, October 11, 7:00 pm Youth Council: Thursday, October 12, 7:00 p.m. Finance: Wednesday, October 18, 7:00 p.m. UMW: Thursday, October 19, 7:00 p.m. Church Council: Wednesday October 25, 7:00 p.m. WEEKLY: Sunday Worship 10:15 am Nursery 10:15 am Sunday School 10:30 am UMYF 11:45 am Adult Bible Study noon Boy Scouts: Tuesday, 7:00 pm Coffee & Tea: Wednesday, 10:00 am (Parsonage) Girl Scouts: Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts: Friday, 7:00 p.m. United Methodist Men: Saturday, 5:00 pm SEMI-MONTHLY: Music: Tuesday, 7:00 pm (9/26 and 10/17) MONTHLY: Prayer Shawl: Saturday, October 28th at 10:00 am October 1 Wayne and Ruth Hastings, Bill Moore, and Demi and Lydia Rupisan October 1... Bill Moore October 8... MacKenzie Kazin October Jason Kazin October Fred Kendrick October Grace Fuentebella October 1... Jan Paris October 8... Lisa Henderson October Fiona Lindenbusch October Ardith Inman October UMYF October 1... Fiona Lindenbusch, Lois Morris October 8... Janet Fettig, Jean Hector October Ardith Inman October David LaCognata October UMW Chito Del Rosario Family October 1, Team 1 - Ardith Inman, Marilyn Steenwyk October 8, Team 2 - Nicole Zable, Janet Garrett,... Bill Runowski October 15, Team 3 Louis Steenwyk, Judi DeWaters October 22, Team 4 Jeffrey Fuentebella, Lois Morris, Joyce Petersen October 29, Team 4 Jeffrey Fuentebella, Lois Morris, Joyce Petersen Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m. meeting will be preceded by Staff Parish Relations Committee at 6:30 pm. Topics: Leadership Nominations and Election, Clergy Compensation, Ministry Recommendation and additional business. ALL Church members are invited to attend. Report forms due on line November 1. The Evergreen Park Recreation Department Candlelight Theatre presents a folk musical based on Edgar Lee Masters' classic novel "Spoon River Anthology". Two performances only; Saturday, September 30 at 7pm, and Sunday October 1 at 3pm. All performances in the Auditorium in the Evergreen Park Senior Center, 9547 S. Homan Avenue. Tickets are available at the Community Center (3450 W. 97th Street). Will happen on Thursday, October 19 from 9am-11am. This shred booth is sponsored by South Division Credit Union. Limit 3 boxes each. The Farmers Market itself is open every Thursday from 7am-1pm at Yukich Field, 89th and Kedzie. Wednesday, October 4 at the Village Hall from 6:45am-11am Provided by Walgreens, no upfront cost. Insurance accepted: Blue Cross, Medicare Part B and Medicaid (bring your insurance card with you)