Ivanhoe News. (adapted from the 14 th Century Persian poet, Hafiz) Peace, Pastor Kris + Volume 177, Issue 18 August 2015.

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1 Ivanhoe News Volume 177, Issue 18 August 2015 Everything Points to God Forget every idea of right and wrong Any classroom ever taught you Because an empty heart, a tormented mind, Unkindness, jealousy and fear Are always the testimony You have been completely fooled! Turn your back on those Who would imprison your wondrous spirit With deceit and lies. Come, join the honest company Of the King s beggars Those gamblers, scoundrels and divine clowns Who need Divine Love every day. Come, join the courageous Who have no choice But to bet their entire world That indeed, Indeed, God is Real. I will lead you into the Circle Of the Beloved s cunning thieves, Those playful royal rogues The ones you can trust for true guidance Who can aid you In this Blessed Calamity of life. Beloved, Look at the Perfect One At the Circle s Center: He Spins and Whirls like a Golden Compass, Beyond all that is Rational, To show this dear world That Everything, Everything in Existence Does point to God. (adapted from the 14 th Century Persian poet, Hafiz) Peace, Pastor Kris + General Synod 30 United Church of Christ The theme of the 30 th General Synod (National Meeting held every two years) of the United Church of Christ was: Unexpected Places. Keynote speakers, worship services, and even some resolutions lifted up this theme of looking for God s still speaking voice and still moving Spirit. Here are some highlights and summaries from a busy week: June in Cleveland, OH. Keynote Speakers: Ms. Connie Schultz: On Saturday morning, Cleveland-based journalist Connie Schultz reminded us that Christianity is about fixing yourself and helping others, not the other way around. She also encouraged us to be committed to sharing our stories and listening to one another, and in doing so to see more clearly the Author of all of our stories. Rev. Paul Raushenbush: Religion editor for the Huffington Post, Rev. Raushenbush urged us to fight for the soul of the Church, acknowledging that too often injustices have been perpetrated in the name of our Christian faith. He also called us to the mission field of social media: The Internet is too important, too wonderful, and too dangerous for the Church to sit it out. Ms. Winona LaDuke: An environmental activist and writer, she called us to face our addiction to fossil fuels, noting that like addicts we justify our use and engage in extreme behaviors to attain the product. She listed a number of those extreme behaviors that are damaging our earth and our society as a whole. Continued on next page Ivanhoe News 1

2 Business: Rev. Geoffrey Black is stepping down as General Minister and President of the UCC. We elected the Rev. John Dorhauer as our new GMP. He spoke to us of a vision in which we: give permission and grace to take risks, even if we fail; work together to clarify and define our mission, and fulfill that vision with zeal. We did not pass a proposal from the new unified Board to restructure the Collegium (the four national officers of the UCC) among other changes. The changes do seem necessary for accountability and moving forward, but many delegates felt there was not enough communication prior to voting. I assume it will be passed in a different form in two years. There were twelve resolutions debated and voted upon. I was assigned to this committee: WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged) Congregation for Mental Health Resolution It calls upon churches to work for greater inclusion and service to people with mental health concerns both in our own communities and in society. For more information about these resolutions, visit and search synod 3,134 (740 Voting Delegates + 75 Associate Delegates visitors) of us gathered for this important business of the church. There was great worship and workshops, a variety of speakers, an Exhibit Hall, and many reunions with friends, colleagues, and pastors. I think the most important part is always the connections, reconnections, and hope for the future of the UCC - which is also my favorite memory - the feeling of being the UNITED Church of Christ. Pet Blessing Our annual service offering blessings for those special creatures in our lives will be part of an outdoor worship service on September 6 at 10 am. Retreat at Tower Hill in Sawyer, Michigan August Starting Time: Arrive when you can - either Friday night or early Saturday morning Ending Time: After Sunday morning worship and lunch Approximate cost: $125 for 2 nights lodging and 5 meals, but bring money for going out if we do Excursions / Free Time: the area offers lots to do for your free time - antiquing, golf, and the Beach! Registration: link on church website or call church office There will be worship, Bible Study, plenty of Free Time and lots of fun! The drive from the church is about 130 miles, 2 hours and 15 minutes. Tower Hill rests on the shore of Lake Michigan. Men s Social Group The Men's Social Group will meet at 11:30 am Tuesday, August 18, at Austin's in Libertyville. Austin's is located at 481 Peterson Road, across the street from the Illinois Driver's License site. The restaurant s phone number is Please contact Ken Kelting if you are attending and/or need transportation. Ivanhoe News 2

3 Board of Deacons Barry Johnson, Chair NEW MEMBERS Richard Bragaw 3093 Epstein Circle Mundelein, IL / Steve and Sue MacFarlan 3192 EpsteinCircle Mundelein, IL / Coming soon Angela our and Stewardship Jamie Pogue theme for September is: 1419 Trust Heron in the Dr. Promise Antioch, IL "For surely I know the 224/ plans I have for you...to give you a future with jlpb75@yahoo.com hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). Michael and Russelle Rankin North Owens Road Mundelein, IL / Michael@buildpcm.com Board of Trustees Peter Fruehan, Chair Submitted by Ginger Leopold Work around the church is getting done, sometimes slowly but always progressing. The planting at the back door entrance has been completed. Quotes are being taken for putting in replacement windows at the pre-school and also possibly in the fellowship hall. Elevator Update The work has been on hold due to a licensing problem. This should be completed in a week or so. The burning of all the gathered sticks and other material has been completed for this spring. Volunteers are still needed to help plant and work in the Peace Garden. If you love digging in the dirt, getting a little dirty and the fellowship of others come join us. A special THANK YOU to all those people who helped with the annual church clean-up. There are still a few things which need to be completed, so if you wish to help, please talk to Peter. Knit and Crochet Group The Knit and Crochet Group would like to thank the congregation for their support of the recent book sale. We appreciate your book donations and your purchases. The library is always open. You may either borrow or purchase books. All books are still $1.00. You may also support the mission of the Knit and Crochet Group by donating yarn. Ivanhoe News 3

4 Happy August Birthdays Wellness Ministry Traci Smith Thank you to all who attended the Advance Care Planning workshop on June 22. Our marketing efforts are paying off 11 people came including one that saw our event in the Daily Herald! Our next workshop will be: August David DeGross August 3 Aimee Schaap August 4 Diane Thompson August 5 Richard Bragaw August 7 David Bunting August 8 Rip Patterson August 9 Jill Callahan August 9 Diane Hackett August 11 Dave Salituro August 11 Bill Leider August 13 Linda Patterson August 16 Ryan Callahan August 20 Pat Osborn August 21 Marli Bishoff Volpe August 21 Sonny Redding August 23 Peter Fruehan August 24 Sue Butler August 26 Michele McCall August 26 Leah Chayer August 27 Gary Brautigam August 31 Benefits of Home Care and Hospice: Home: Where You Want to Be August 24, 2015, 7 pm Empower yourself to make informed health care choices! Jodi Ozols from Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital will present the Advocate At Home Program, which includes nursing and hospice care, home medical equipment and infusion, pharmacy services, respiratory and rehabilitative therapies and more. The topics for the rest of the year are as follows: 10/26 Communication Skills - the Art of Listening Our spring yoga class was so well received we just kicked off a summer session on July 7 with 8 students. Looking forward to seeing more of you there! If you have suggestions for topics you would like to see in 2016, please send to Traci Smith at tlynnuscell@gmail.com. A service of Memorial and Thanksgiving for the life of Francis Swanson will be held Saturday August 15 at 2 pm Francis would have turned 95 on August 14 Ivanhoe News 4

5 Board of Christian Education Sandee Dwire, Director Vacation Bible School July Ivanhoe News 5

6 AUGUST Ivanhoe News SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 Cubs Game 6:00pm Yoga 6:30pm Board of Deacons 7:30pm Yoga 6:30pm Board of Trustees 7:30pm Men s Social Group Council 7:00pm Men s Service Club 8:30am The Crib 6:00am PADS 21 Retreat Tower Hill Women s Guild 9:30am 22 Retreat Tower Hill 23 Retreat Tower Hill