Sometimes people don t want to hear the truth because they don t want their illusions destroyed. -Friedrich Nietzsch

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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 should not wish 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 3. 4yr olds- 4th grade Summer Sunday School will meet in the Chapel on level 2. Older children are invited to remain in worship. Sometimes people don t want to hear the truth because they don t want their illusions destroyed. -Friedrich Nietzsch A judicious silence is always better than truth spoken without charity. -Francis de Sales During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act. -George Orwell Don t be afraid of being outnumbered. Eagles fly alone. Pigeons flock together. -Unknown Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long Psalm 25:5 God is still speaking 2

3 ANNOUNCEMENTS PRELUDE Pastor Scott Kelley Calpin *SHARING THE PEACE *OPENING SONG #48 Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise (1,2,4) -Smith/Welsh Melody CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) Pastor Karen In a time of social media storms, fake news, and 24/7 opinions often stated as fact It is often hard to find truth. In our own journey of faith, our desires to fit in a place; to put on a good face We sometimes do not deal with the hard truths about ourselves. Holy Spirit, Spirit of truth Search us and know us. Speak truth to us. Help each of us to be honest before You and one another. Living in the truth is not easy, but we know You have yet more truth and light to break forth in this time, in this place, and in this people. Amen. 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 (2nd verse) Jesus loves me still today, Walking with me on my way, Wanting as a friend to give, Light and love to all who live. SCRIPTURE READING John 8:31-45 Philippians 4:4-9 Jim Nichols 3

4 MINISTRY OF MUSIC Help Me Find It -Sidewalk Prophets The Band SILENT MOMENT OF REFLECTION MESSAGE The Quest For Truth Pastor Scott SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION - Pastor Karen and Pastor Scott This table reminds us of the open invitation and grace of God. We come carrying the weight of life, our fears, our flaws, our failures, and our sins. We leave filled, forgiven. At this table we are reminded that we are sons and daughters of the living God, kissed by grace, forgiven in ways that leave us amazed. We are called to do likewise. This table is open to all who seek the Bread of Life for the journey and the cup of God s salvation in Christ. As Christ invites the world to come, taste and see the goodness of God, so we too offer a table open to all God s children no exceptions! Welcome to the table God has prepared! Invitation to the Table Prayer of Confession Assurance of God s Grace Words of Institution Pastor Karen Pastor Scott Pastor Scott Special Music Here and Now -Baloche The Band Prayer of Thanksgiving Pastor Karen OFFERING OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS TO GOD Pastor Karen Sharing Our Gifts with the Offertory Offertory Music You Say -Daigle 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 Pastor Karen *CLOSING SONG # 492 Spirit of the Living God -Iverson *BENEDICTION Ancient Words -Deshazo POSTLUDE I Will Bless The Lord At All Times -Pace 4

5 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 Drums: Alex Williams Statements In an effort to save the church money on postage and supplies, we would like to request your permission to send your contribution statements via . Please bookkeeper@uccdg.org to authorize the ing of your statement and which you prefer they be sent too. Thank you! 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. During this Summer Vacation Season, please remember to stay current with your financial commitment to our church and its programs. PRAYER CONCERNS AND COMMUNITY JOYS Carlson family, Bryson-son of Zoe Kupka, Cheryl Comeford, Karen Zyche, Judysister of Carl Lorek, Dorothy Allen-WI, Vern Cleveland GREETERS: Karen & Nick Costanzi, Andy Dahle USHERS: Linda Schranz, Kim Nagy, Larry Ferries, Sandy Gales HEAD USHER: Bob Orsula COUNTERS: Skyla Hall, Paul Zimmerman (Lead Counter) Jim Finucane This week s continental breakfast will be served by Worship & Arts. This week s altar flowers are in loving memory of Char & Els Steinhauer from Sandy Gales. Upcoming Announcements Sunday, September 9th at 9:30am: Offsite Rally Day-Katherine Legge Memorial Park. Picnic and games to follow, rain or shine, bring a chair or blanket Tuesday, September 11th Bible Study at the Public Library meeting room A at 1pm. We will host a study about environmental stewardship, five-5 consecutive weeks through October 9th. An evening class will be held by Jan Hessler (TBD) September 12th 5:30pm Mentor meeting for Confirmands September 22nd - Family Night at the Currans -parents with young children 5th grade to infant please come join us at 4826 Stanley Ave DG, 5:30pm to 8pm New Members Class Sunday Sept 23rd New Member Sunday September 30 th 5

6 The Ministry of Mission, Justice, and Witness invites you to attend a Dupage United assembly with the candidates for Dupage County Sheriff. Dupage United is a strictly nonpartisan affiliate of the Industrialized Areas Foundation (IAF), a Congregation-based Community Organizing Network recognized by the UCC. The Ministry of Mission, Justice, and Witness has been exploring the possibility of First Congregational United Church of Christ joining Dupage United as a member organization. The assembly will take place Sunday, October 7th from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm at Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard. The main focus is bringing the candidates closer to Dupage United's issues and getting public commitments from them on those issues. This is not an open town-hall meeting, but members of our church will be allowed to attend as guests. Come see Democracy in action, learn more about the Dupage County Sheriff Candidates, and see what Dupage United is all about! Seats at this event will be limited. Anyone interested in attending the assembly needs to contact David Burke to sign up (davidburke1029@gmail.com, ) For more info on IAF and Congregation-based Community Organizing Networks, click here: For More information on Dupage United, click here: FCC Brothers Social Events: We are full speed ahead. We re on a roll. Thursday, September 20th at 7:30 am meet us at The Baked Apple for breakfast. At 9:00 am we ll be back at church to help with the Garage Sale. Sunday, October 14th at 12 noon at Emmett s we will meet to watch the Bears play Miami. Men, (working or retired) please join us as we rejuvenate FCC Brothers. For more info, contact Eric Nelson at nelson4dg@sbcglobal.net, or (630) Pads-Would you like to help the homeless and hungry of DuPage County right here in our church? This is our 33rd year of participating in this important program. We provide three meals and a place to do laundry, shower, and sleep on Monday nights through Tuesday morning. Our church provides the facilities from October through May. During the month of October we are also responsible for both food and volunteers to fill all the shifts. Other churches fill the remaining months. There was a sign up sheet in the Pilgrim which can be turned into the church or come see me after the service to sign up in Fellowship Hall. Donations for the purchase of food are also appreciated. For more information contact Char Wild or charwild@comcast.net. TEEN YOUTH GROUP NEWS: Sunday, September 9th: High School Senior Mission Trip Meeting, 11 am in the Parlor. All seniors will begin to plan the next youth mission trip. Also, Sunday, September 9th: noon-1:30 pm, All juniors, seniors and parents are invited to meet with the College Planning Team. They will cover a college checklist for all juniors and seniors. Please meet in the Parlor. Christian Education is beginning to recruit our volunteers that we will need for Sunday School this year. This fall, we will continue with Godly Play for the pre-k to first graders in the Chapel, as well as for the 2nd-4th graders in the church library (this has changed from the 6th floor classroom). Additionally, 5th and 6th grade will continue to meet in the youth room. Their curriculum has changed slightly as they will rotate between two different sets of curricula. 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 lockett.megan24@gmail.com Ladies of the Morning & Evening: All ladies are welcome to join any of our gatherings. Date: Friday, September 7, What: Breakfast and plan our meetings for the coming year. 6

7 When: 9:30 AM-Where: Baked Apple Pancake House, 1224 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515, (630) baked-apple.com. We'll be planning our schedule. Bring your calendars and suggestions of places to eat. It would be appreciated if you could let me know if you can come. Peggy Gutzke H- 630/ Save Thursday and Friday, September 20 & 21 to help organize and price items for the All Church Garage Sale. OUR ANNUAL CHURCH GARAGE SALE is happening Saturday, September 22 from 8:00am to 3:00pm, and then Sunday, 9/23 from 10:30-1:00 it s our ½ price or $5/bag sale! Presale for volunteers is Fri 9/21 from 4-6pm (with no 20% markup for volunteers!) and other church members may shop from 6-8pm (with a customary 20% markup). We need many volunteers from 9/16 through 9/23! Sign-up sheets will be available in Fellowship Hall on Sundays beginning August 19th and on the church s website plus on our new app, under Current Events. Please sign up for a shift or more! This sale benefits our church, its ministries, and the wider community as well. Donations of furniture, household items, electronics, toys, games, sporting goods, baby items, books, music/video, tools, collectibles, jewelry, holiday & craft items, etc. (no clothing) in saleable condition may be dropped off on Sunday, 9/16 from 3-6pm and Mon, Tues & Wed (9/17, 18 & 19) from 3-8pm at the west entrance of the church, where volunteers will assist you. Questions? Contact Gail Clark at gclark214@comcast.net or (Cell). Thank you! Garage Sale News Flash! Detox your jewelry box : Our annual garage sale is coming up on September 22. Our jewelry department has been quite successful in the last two years, we raised $2,000-that is ¼ of the total garage sale income of $8,000. The early collecting, sorting, cleaning and pricing helps us achieve this goal. Starting this Sunday you will see us with our basket at the west entrance staircase. Pop your jewelry donation into a plastic baggie and drop it into the basket. We accept all jewelry; broken, bits, pieces, single earrings, home crafted. We ll find a home for it. Questions, contact Trudi Connick at Securing our Building During the Summer: During summer hours our Building & Grounds ministry has had some frequent conversations as to how we secure the building when our weeknight schedule changes during summer months. In response we will keep the west doors locked each evening until after Labor Day Weekend when regular programming resumes. We ask that if you have a meeting all ministry/committee leaders use your key cards for entry. Thank you for your cooperation in securing our church building. ADULT COLORING: Studies have shown that coloring reduces stress and anxiety, and provides relaxation. In addition to those benefits, our Adult Coloring group also provides fellowship - and we will be coloring all throughout the summer in our new location in the Church Library on the 5th level. Come join us on Tuesdays, 10AM to 12NOON. Even if you have not colored before, or don't have pencils or books, you are welcome. We always have extra supplies for visitors! We look forward to seeing you and sharing the benefits of Adult Coloring. Mission Ministry: Calling all volunteers - join 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 would like, but you don t need to be there every week. Our spring semester has begun. If you are interested in this rewarding volunteer opportunity, please contact Amy Curran at amyccurran@gmail.com or for more information. 7

8 Amazon Smile: When you Amazon will make a donation to First Congregational United Church of Christ. Chancel Flowers: Did you know that the flowers displayed on the Chancel are donated by church members? Everyone is invited to donate flowers 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 its purpose. We do ask, however, 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 for purchase actual cards, you can reload cards you have purchased and you can now get ecards on your device. You can go to Questions? 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 to our church. We purchase the coffee for North Central College Enactus a student run organization. You can purchase this coffee for your own use during coffee hour. It is available in one pound bags or KCups. New flavored coffees are now available. Come learn more! 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. 8

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11 Coming Up This Week SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, :00 AM TOWER HILL 24 HR YOUTH TRIP & \LOCK IN 9:30 AM - 10:30 PM Sunday School 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Worship Service-Sanctuary 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Blood Pressure checks-parlor MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2018 LABOR DAY-Office Closed TOWER HILL 24 HR YOUTH TRIP & \LOCK IN 6:00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Martial Arts Chapel 6:30 PM - 8:15 PM HFD Budget Assistance program - 603/604 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, :00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House 10:00 AM Adult Coloring Group-Library 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Technology Committee meeting-504 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, :00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Bible Study (at members' homes) 11:00 AM Church Staff Meeting-Library 12:00 PM Administrative Deadline for Bulletin 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Greater Chicago Food Depository Night Repack 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Book Club-Parlor 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM Troop 55 Committee meeting-503 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM Alanon meeting-coffee House THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, :00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM FCLC Jumpbunch Parlor 7:00 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal-Music Room 7:00 PM Scouts-Fellowship Hall FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, :00 AM Acceptance Group of Alcoholics Anonymous-Coffee House 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Martial Arts Chapel 8:15 PM Two Way Street Concert-Coffee House SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, :00 AM - 1:00 PM Martial Arts Parlor 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM All Bridge Saints-Youth Room 6:00 PM Chancel Choir Dinner-Fellowship Hall 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 to the Minister of Music... Dena Provenzano, Director of Youth Ministries... Acting Director of Family Ministries... Open Position Leslie McFarland, 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, Band Director... 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