The church is the only society that exists for the benefit of those that are not its members. William Temple

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2 No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey You are welcome here! A SPECIAL WARM WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS! Thank you for joining us in worship! Please let us know a little more about you by taking a moment to sign the red friendship folders in the row next to you. If you should have a prayer concern or would like to meet with the Pastor, please indicate this next to your name. Thank you! Following worship, please join us in Fellowship Hall for an informal Continental Breakfast. Please note our worship services are online and televised, your participation in the service may be visible during these live ministries. If you do not want your child to be on screen, please refrain from sending them forward during the children s time or have them sit directly in front of the pews in the front. Nursery/childcare is available for children up to age 2 and is located just off the church Parlor. Nursery and Sunday School: The nursery is open today for infants through age 2. 3yr olds- 1 st grade will meet in the Chapel; grades 2 nd -4 th will meet in the Godly Play Library (Room 502). The church is the only society that exists for the benefit of those that are not its members. William Temple Instead of thinking those who don't share your passions are not 'real Christians,' recognize the beauty of diversity within the body of Christ. Instead of being angry with others for not feeling your urgency about an issue, give them time to come around -Holly Sprink I think if the church did what it is supposed to do we wouldn t have anyone sleeping on the streets. Michael W Smith Give other Christians permission to be different from you. You're not the only Christ-follower in the world, and neither are you the most committed. Your way of loving Jesus is neither the only way or the best. If you don't know that, your Christian world is way too small. Will Davis Jr. I asked the daunting question; If my church were to cease to exist today, would anyone notice we were gone? Would anyone even care to know, or even notice that the church is gone as the body of Christ has been so active in the community loving Jesus - Jonathan Hayashi God is still speaking 2

3 ANNOUNCEMENTS PRELUDE -Pastor Scott - Kono *SHARING THE PEACE *OPENING SONG #580 We Are Called to Be God s People -Jackson/Haydn *CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) -Pastor Scott God You create us to need one another, to be connected. Yet we spend so much of our time trying to go it alone. At the heart of Your kingdom is love, and in order for us to love we must allow one another in; we must try to share our time and lives with one another. In a world of division and upside down values, help us to unite in Christ. Help us to build bridges of reconciliation. Help us to honor Your creation, all of it. Help us to be visible and present followers of Jesus Way. Amen. PRESENTATION OF BIBLES to our 2 nd and 3 rd GRADERS - Sarah Forillo CHILDREN S SONG Jesus Loves Me (1st Verse) CHILDREN S MESSAGE -Pastor Scott The Lord s Prayer (read in unison) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen. CHILDREN S SONG Jesus loves me still today, Walking with me on my way, Wanting as a friend to give, Light and love to all who live. Jesus Loves Me (2nd verse) This week s Godly Play is the story of Jesus and Zaccheus. Scripture Text: Luke 19:1-10 SCRIPTURE READING 1 st Corinthians 12:12-31a Psalm 19:1-8 -Dena Provenzano 3

4 MUSIC MINISTRY House of Grace -Martin Chancel Choir SILENT MOMENT OF REFLECTION MESSAGE Why It Matters Pastor Scott PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Silent Prayer Prayer OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS TO GOD -Dena Provenzano Sharing Our Gifts with the Offertory Offertory Music If we are the Body -Casting Crowns The Band *Presentation of the Gifts with Praise (sung in unison) To God, all glorious heavenly light, To Christ revealed in earthly night, To God the Spirit now we raise, Our joyful song of thankful praise. *Prayer of Dedication -Dena Provenzano *CLOSING SONG #581 Called as Partners in Christ s Service (v1-3) -Huber *BENEDICTION Ancient Words -Deshazo POSTLUDE Greater -MercyMe The Band OUR TIME OF WORSHIP TOGETHER HAS ENDED. NOW MAY OUR CHRISTIAN SERVICE BEGIN! Today s Musicians Vocals: Kelley Calpin, Emily Durham, Anthony Berg Bass: Eric von Holst Percussion: Lily West Piano: Justin Kono Our Church App Download our new app on your iphone or Android NOW! Just search for our church name. The app will keep you connected real-time. 4

5 PRAYER CONCERNS AND COMMUNITY JOYS Judy Dedina, Heskett Family at the death of Elaine Heskett, Vinny Provenzano, Stacey Poulter, Pam Wiemerslage, Avery Joy Whalen, daughter of Tiffany & Larry Whalen, John & Rebecca Jay, Ken Hall, father of John Hall, Janet Freels, Judy Rebeck, sister of Carl Lorek, and our Servicemen & women. GREETERS: Judy Murrison, Lorelei Collins & Dick Hill USHERS: Fred Borrowman, Eric Nelson, Dave Williams, Dick Hill HEAD USHER: Dirk Gutzke COUNTERS: Lisa & Mark Lockett (Lead Counter) Larry Ferries This week s continental breakfast will be served by Congregational Care This week s altar flowers: In celebration of Karla & Arthur s Birthdays, from Dirk & Peggy Gutzke Upcoming Announcements Bible Study: Gospel of Luke Ch. 7&8. Tuesday, January 29 th from 1:00-2:00pm & 6:30-7:30pm in the Parlor. Final Open and Affirming Bible Study: Sunday, February 17 th at 11am in the Church Parlor. Co-led by Pastor Scott and Pastor Kirk Moore. Paper contribution statements in the back of the church for those not on the list Giving Team Update - Stewardship & Leadership: As we head into our Annual Meeting to approve our 2019 budget, new structure and our Leaders, the Giving Team has been thrilled with the response to the "Beyond the Building" campaign to date. With a final push toward completion, as of 1/21/19, we had 134 pledges totaling $426,356 versus our goal of!40 and $438,000 respectively, an amazing achievement with outstanding pledges still to come in. Of the pledges received, 61 increased over last year (a whopping 8.39%), 48 stayed the same and 4 decreased, with the remaining 20 either being new or returning (pledged in 2017 but not 2018). The total overall increase in pledged dollars was 15% which has put us in a much better position in preparing a realistic growth budget. From a Leadership perspective, we are very pleased to have 7 exceptional volunteers step up to lead the committees under the new Council, who will also become part of the Council replacing the former Members at Large. We look forward to completing the committees and teams with members and supporters as we embark on our "calling" initiative. The final success of this campaign depends our our willingness and passion to not only provide financial support, but more importantly, your time and talents to these important committees and teams to help us support the vision of our church in spreading the gospel of Jesus through the helping of others. -The Giving Team Memorial Service: The memorial service for church member, Elaine Heskett will be held on Monday, January 28 th at Toon Funeral Home in Downers Grove. The visiting hours will be held from 11am-1pm and the service will take place at 1pm. 5

6 YOUTH TEEN GROUP: Sunday, January 27 th : IGNITE High School Teen Discussion Group returns in the parlor at noon. Bring money for lunch. HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT COMING SOON!! PEOPLES S RESOURCE FOOD DRIVE: SOUPER BOWL OF CARING Saturday, February 2 nd, Volunteers needed from 12-2 pm at Jewel/Osco on Cass and Ogden in Westmont. Please contact Dena Provenzano if you are able to volunteer for our local food pantry food drive. denapro@comcast.net Hopes Front Door Donations: Hopes Front Door needs donations of toiletries, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, etc. Please put donations in the box near the West Doors. Thank you! BLOOD DRIVE THANK YOU: Thank you Ron Moravec and Sue Larsen, for your help at the January 15 th Blood Drive Event. Thanks also to Pat Lockett for her delicious cookies for our treat table. Last, but not least, we would like to thank all of our 17 successful donors for another successful event; MARK YOUR CALENDAR PLAN AHEAD: OUR NEXT BLOOD DRIVE IS APRIL 16, Women's Fellowship: We're going out for Breakfast! Friday, February 1 st at 9:30 AM. Honey-Jam Cafe Downers Grove 3000 Oak Grove Dr, Downers Grove, IL (630) honeyjamcafe.com It is nice to have some idea of how big a table to get. So, If you plan on coming please or call me at or peggy.gutzke@gmail.com FCC BOOK CLUB: The next meeting of the FCC Book Club is Wednesday, February 6 th at 6:30 PM in the Parlor. This month we are reading "A Piece of the World" by Christine Baker Kline. Please let me know if you want a copy of the book. I have several copies available. Contact me at or Lsmedia52@gmail.com. Hope to see you there. PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Saturday 2/09/ :00-11:00 am. Come one and all. The FCC Brothers are again hosting the Pancake Breakfast during the D.G. Ice Festival. We hope for winter weather. Cost: Adults $6.00, children (under 10) $3.00. Tickets available during Coffee Hour. Please contact Eric Nelson , nelson4dg@sbcglobal.net for additional information. Scout Sunday in February: B.S.A. Troop 55 will be collecting any old Athletic shoes. The drive will be held from February 1st 28th. The collection box will be placed near the west entrance of the church beginning February 1st. Help us meet our goal of collecting 270 pairs of shoes! If you have any questions, please contact Karen Gatewood, the Troop 55 Secretary/ Special projects, at

7 Christian Education: Teachers for Godly Play are still needed for pre-k to first graders (Chapel), 2nd-4th graders (Library), 5th and 6th (Youth room). We will need two volunteers per Sunday to be in the nursery. If you are interested in teaching within any of these areas, please contact Megan Ruschke at or 2019 Fellowship Dinner Gala: Christian Fellowship is hosting a dinner gala on Saturday, February 23 rd from 6-10 p.m. The event will be held at Carriage Greens Country Club in Darien. Dinner will be family style, and a cash bar will be available. The cost will be $50 per person. Please obtain a sign-up form from the Pilgrim or any of your friendly Fellowship Ministry Members. Checks can be made out to the church with Dinner Gala in memo section. Friends from outside the church are also welcome to attend. ADULT COLORING: Studies have shown that coloring reduces stress, anxiety and provides relaxation. In addition to those benefits, our Adult Coloring group also provides fellowship. Come join us on Tuesdays, 10 am to 12 pm in the Library. Even if you have not colored before you are welcome. We always have extra supplies for visitors! Mission Ministry: Consider joining our prison ministry team at the Illinois Youth Center (Warrenville)! Each Thursday evening, two members of our team teach a life skills class to help better prepare the youth for life outside the juvenile justice system. You can volunteer as often as you are able. Please contact Gaye Smith at eyesgirl@comcast.net or (630) for more information. Chancel Flowers: Did you know that the flowers displayed on the Chancel are donated by church members in joy, celebration or remembrance of a loved one? The cost to donate is $35.00 and there is a sign-up calendar on the bulletin board on the Sanctuary level, south entrance. When you donate a floral arrangement you are encouraged to take it home with you following service so that you may enjoy it. We do ask, that you return the vase, so that we can recycle them with the florist. Any questions, please see Linda Schranz or Barb Hammack. MANNA: Manna Cards! Manna Cards! There are three easy ways to purchase cards and increase income for our church ministries. You can purchase or order actual cards. You can also reload cards you have purchased and get ecards on your device. You can go to If you have any questions, please Laurie Olsen at glennlaurie@earthlink.net and Steve Johnson at sjoh413@gmail.com or come by the Manna Table during Coffee Hour. Conscious Bean Coffee: This is the direct trade coffee served during coffee hour that travels from San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala. We purchase the coffee for North Central College Enactus a student run organization. It is available during coffee hour in one pound bags or KCups. 7

8 Greater Chicago Food Depository Wednesday Night Repack: Join church members each Wednesday evening from 6:00 9:00 pm for a food repack session. The Greater Chicago Food Depository is located at 4100 W. Ann Lurie Place, which is just off the Stevenson Expressway at Pulaski Road. For more information, contact David Hersemann at dah5@comcast.net or Laurel Carlson at lacduke@comcast.net. UCCDG and GCFD Our 2018 Impact was Immense! The final results are in and the tallies are complete! Congregation members and friends attended 40 of the 50 Wednesday Night Repacks in 2018; averaging 5 or 6 people more than half the time. With such great attendance we provided 565 service hours which are credited at $5,00 each. This means that we raised $2,825 in credits for the Benton House, San Lucas, and Mount Olive food pantries! Because they buy their food at 7 cents a pound, this means they can purchase 40,357 pounds of food from our credits, which is equal to 33,630 meals! Thank you to all of our long time volunteers as well as the friendly new faces that have joined us this year! Amazon Smile: When you Amazon will make a donation to First Congregational United Church of Christ. We're excited to announce another bonus donation opportunity for First Congregational United Church of Christ. Through January 31, 2019, AmazonSmile will donate 15% the purchase price of new print magazine subscriptions. Through January 31, 2019, AmazonSmile will donate 15% the purchase price of new print magazine subscriptions. Visit for details. 8

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10 SAVE THE DATE! TRIVIA NIGHT!! Friday evening, April 12th, 2019! For our summer youth mission trip to Miami. More info to follow! 10

11 Coming Up This Week SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, :30 AM - 9:15 AM Jr Choir Rehearsal-Coffee House 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Worship Service-Sanctuary Annual Meeting 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM Bells Rehearsal 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Parent Education Program 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM College Planning Workshop/ Parlor- RESCHEDULE 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Teens - Parlor 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Community Christian of Downers Grove MONDAY, JANUARY 28, :00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Martial Arts Parlor 6:00 PM PADS Guest Arrive -Fellowship Hall TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, :00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House 10:00 AM Adult Coloring Group-Library 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Bible Study 3:00 PM Administrative Deadline for Bulletin 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Bible Study WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, :00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Bible Study (at members' homes) 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM FCLC Jumpbunch Parlor 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Greater Chicago Food Depository Wednesday Night Repack 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Grounds Of Hope-Coffee House 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Teens-Library/Youth Room 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Alanon meeting-coffee House THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, :00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House 7:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal-Music Room 7:00 PM Scouts-Fellowship Hall FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, :00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Martial Arts Parlor 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Fellowship Board Ballroom Lessons-Fellowship Hall 8:15 PM Two Way Street Concert-Coffee House SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2019 Holy Land Trip 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Martial Arts Parlor 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM All Bridge Saints-Fellowship Hall/Kitchen 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Sing Around-Coffee House 11

12 An Open and Affirming Congregation 1047 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, IL OUR CHURCH STAFF The Rev. Scott Oberle, Senior Pastor... Cathy Sanders, Minister of Pastoral Care and Visitation... Rev. Karen Nachtigall, Pastoral Ministry Kelley Calpin, Director of Music Ministries... Maria Carini, Assistant Director of Music Ministries... Dena Provenzano, Director of Youth Ministries... Sarah Forillo, Sunday School Coordinator... Rachel Carreras, Administrative Secretary... Kimberly Rutter, Bookkeeper... Carl Lorek, Custodian/Maintenance Supervisor... Kim Choate, Director, First Congregational Learning Center... Dave Humphreys, Two Way Street Coffee House... Bill Hammack, A-V Specialist... Len Potter, Broadcasting Ministries... Justin Kono, Director of Praise Band... The Rev. Dr. Robert D. Schieler, Pastor Emeritus Our church staff is available Monday Thursday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Fridays by appointment. Office Phone: Office FCUCC@UCCDG.org In pastoral emergencies, Pastor Scott can be reached at Visit our weekly Sunday Service on channel 6 each Sunday at 11:30am or view the service online at Website: First Congregational Learning Center FCLC Website: Facebook: twitter.com/ uccdg facebook.com/uccdg Donate 12